thebodytx's Profile
Dinner for two -- $100 or less. Thoughts?
Fabi and Rosi, http://fabiandrosi.com/menu.html
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Fabi and Rosi
509 Hearn St, Austin, TX
I know it's been discussed before, but... Ramen?
Surprised nobody has mentioned before, but the go-to place for traditional Japanese food in Austin (including ramen) is Musashino, http://www.musashinosushi.com/.
Lunch is the best time to go; it's not crowded and the prices are reasonable. At dinner it's crowded with sushi aficionados.
Best Fried Fish Sandwich in Town?
I've always gone to the Thistle Cafe to satisfy a fish sandwich craving. Just double checked the web site, http://www.thistlecafe.com/, and discovered that their Davenport Village location is closed. Haven't been to the new location yet, and probably won't be; it's a long way to drive for a fish sandwich.
Haddington's - Any Comments?
Hmmm, three of us went for lunch the other day, specifically for the fish and chips. Fish itself was pretty good, but a little heavy on the batter; and 3 oz of fish wasn't quite enough to satisfy. And there were no chips; but two things probably best described as deep fried potato pancakes. Didn't like them at all. We checked the menu and, sure enough, the dish was listed as "fish and frips" or something weird like that. So there was some warning that we weren't going to get fish and chips. So basically we paid $15 each for lunch for 3 oz of somewhat heavily battered fish.
Tom Yum soup in Austin (or other delicious cures for the common cold)?
Try the Tom Yum and Tom Kha soups at Chon Som, Wells Branch/Surrender Ave.
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Chon Som
2013 Wells Branch Pkwy, Austin, TX 78728
Annabelle's on Spicewood
Spouse and I stopped by tonight. Annabelle's describes itself as "casual dining". It is iknformal, but it does supply decent silverware and cloth napkins. I had a Lemon-Dill salmon that was better than many of the places around town. And the price, $9.99, causes it to win the value race. The most expensive dish they offer is Filet Mignon, for $12.99.
Spouse had the Spicy BBQ salmon ($10.99), grilled salmon with a touch of BBQ drizzled over it. She was intrigued by the flavor. My salmon was served with brown rice (excellent) and peas (excellent). Hers was served with roasted potatoes (just okay) and steamed asparagus (good).. A shared dessert, Fruit Parfait, was pedestrian. And, in concert with most other restaurants in Austin, they don't know how to make and serve hot tea.
No beer/wine license; didn't think to ask about their attitude on BYOB.
My spouse picked up the check and announced that we'd be coming back, because she can't cook at home for the price. The menu is not extensive, but I'm looking forward to trying some of the other dishes.
TRIO
It used to be that Happy Hour was in the upstairs lounge and downstairs (TRIO) was for dining. There's still a Happy Hour upstairs, but the TRIO bar has become a draw for a Happy Hour crowd. Thus, indoors becomes impossible; really high noise level, and servers running ragged trying to keep up.
So, during Happy Hour period, which seems to be 4-9pm, go outside to the patio. There it's quiet, pleasant, and there are numerous servers to cater to you. All in all a wonderful experience.
If you can only dine in the 4-9pm ranger and must be indoors go someplace else.
In n Out in Austin?
I rarely eat tries out in restaurants; at best they're pretty tasteless and at worst (Hyde Park?) uneatable. I do order fries at Daily Grill; they are freshly cooked, perfectly salted shoestring fries and pretty much irresistible.
Hard Hat Report Vol 5
Texas Monthly magazine (September issue) has an upbeat review of La Sombra in their "New and Noteworthy" restaurant section. Sorry, can't post a link since the September issue doesn't seem to have made it to their web site yet.
What are your favorite ethnic markets?
I stop by MT Supermarket at least once a week; lots of variety and decent prices. However I find that I have to carefully inspect the produce and check expiration dates; they do not seem to be very rigorous in purging stuff "past its prime". For example, they always have Japanese yams, which my wife loves. But on about half the visits the yams either have or are about to go bad.
For Japanese markets, try Asahi Imports, 6105 Burnet Road. They stock very little produce and no fresh meats/fish, but have anything else you need for Japanese cuisine.
Austin Burger Smackdown!
It's a decent burger, but not enough to make the trip from NW Austin for. It's basically a counter, with some limited seating. The problems:
* Only some street parking
* Seating consists of a few stools at the counter and a few picnic tables under cover.
* Appearance is "Austin chic"; that is, somewhat shabby and causing a guilty thought of "when was the last Health Inspector visit" to cross your mind.
* Somewhat difficult to find. The address may be the mailing address, but the shop and sign actually is on the cross street.
Worth trying. I would go back when I'm on my way out of downtown; especially if Counter Cafe is jammed.
Justine's Has Serious A/C Issues!
Gonna have to try this place. I carry a jacket in the trunk of my car in the summer, just to put on in most of the restaurants in Austin. Needless to say, I try to go to places with outdoor patios,
Jeffrey's V. Fabi and Rosi for 30th Bday Dinner
That's interesting; my experience was just the opposite.
Jeffrey's for Valentine's Day; lights turned up high, lots of traffic around the table, no sense of intimacy.
F+R for anniversary; lights at comfortable level, no traffic except an unobtrusive waiter, and a sense of having the place of ourselves. I was quite surprised while leaving to note that it was almost full.
Best Places to eat at The Domain
Cru has a limited menu but some rather nice dishes. I particularly liked the lamb chops I had the other night.
Weekday Breakfast
Or the Counter Cafe at 626 N. Lamar, and watch them prepare your Eggs Benedict.
Ski Shores...Dismal Visit
Was there Sunday. Parking lot was full, and most of the tables were full. The waiter showed up within 30 seconds of sitting down, and was never more than a minute away the whole time I was there. Also there were extra waiters circulating, filling water cups and topping off iced teas.
My burger was excellent; though I agree it was probably $1.50 more than I remember. The fries were gross, but then I hate fries coated with suspicious substances. The waiter asked for my order so quickly that I didn't realize I had a choice between fries and cole slaw, and he didn't offer; my only real quibble.
Hopefully their service will even out after they get through the first few weeks.
Where Can I Find Flat Disc Coffee Filters?
http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Filters-Percolators-3-5-Inch-100-Count/dp/B0000CF8T1/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1271934607&sr=1-13
Gloria's Restaurant in The Domain Is Open
Was back again on Wednesday,. after my previous visit a week ago. Realized that I should have mentioned the noise level on my previous visit. Restaurant was probably 3/4 full. Noise level was quite high; not enough to prevent conversation, but almost.
On my latest visit I was part of a group of 12. Service continued to be unbelievably attentive, with several waiters rushing in with water, tea, cola etc whenever they spotted a partially empty glass.
For the group aspect: (1) NO automatic gratuity, (2) SPLIT checks. Overall, a great place to take a group.
Gloria's Restaurant in The Domain Is Open
Wife and I made it to Gloria's Friday night. We've never been to the other locations so all we had to go on was marfaboy's review.
Loved the black bean dip, and the red salsa was certainly acceptable.
Wife had chicken soup and a tamale special plate, followed by flan. She quite enjoyed the food and is asking when we can go back.
I had a Salvadoran plate called "Mar y Tierra", which I greatly enjoyed and recommend.
Cost was $49 before tip (no alcohol). In spite of being open only a week, and not being advertised, the restaurant was 7/8ths full. The noise level was a little too much for my taste, though conversation was possible. I agree with marfaboy that it has a real future as a Happy Hour location; so I can't wait for warmer weather and the opening of the deck, where I hope the noise level is reduced.
Kolache Shoppe
I can't tell the difference between the sausage kolaches from Hruska's and the ones from DONUT 7 at 11005 Burned Road. Of course that probably says more about me than the kolaches.
N.B. DONUT 7 is open from 5am - Noon.
R I P part II
Another article in the Statesman yesterday. Ski Shores is definitely gone. But the space has been leased for another restaurant; no details on what kind.
Best BBQ?
There's a new book out about Central Texas BBQ, "Republic of Barbecue", Elizabeth Engelhardt et al. UT Press. About $15 from Amazon. Quite an interesting read; a series of interviews with the reigning BBQ families (owners and operators of famous Central Texas BBQ places). With quite a lot of interesting stuff about BBQ served up. No attempt is made to critique the restuarants. You'll find many ideas for new places to try in reading the book.
Austin Burger Smackdown!
Counter Cafe hamburger was ranked #2 in Texas a few months ago, in a Texas Monthly survey of the state's hamburger offerings. As a reult, it is disdained by most chowhounds.
Tamales for Christmas Party
Good luck. I tried to buy them at the "Tamale House" on Airport Blvd a while back and they acted as if I was crazy. Their recommendation, "Find somebody's grandmother." I ended up buying them from HEB; while not great, acceptable at a picnic.
Annual Trip (at the holidays) please vet my list!
Suggest you:
* Add Fabi & Rosi to your list. Quite good, especially if you like Swiss cuisine
* Hit TRIO for their $39 prixe fixe holiday menu
* Head for Ronnie's (http://www.ronniesrealfood.com), though this requires planning
Suggestions for new Meeting Place?
Now that Hangtown Grill is closed our club will have to find a new place for our monthly meetings. Criteria, in order of priority, are:
a) Separate/private meeting area (2 hour meeting)
b) must be able to purchase and pay individually (no wait service)
c) good selection of food, not too expensive,
d) relatively central to north central location.
Usual attendance is 25-30 members; everyone orders food. And many order alcoholic beverages, if available.
Any suggestions gratefully accepted.
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Hangtown Grill
701 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Hangtown on Burnet closing...
Yes, closed as of 10/31/2009. Too bad; the walled-off section made a good meeting room for 20-30 people.
Okonomiyaki ?
I showed my Japanese wife (born in Kobe and 30 years living in Japan) the menu from Osaka Soul and she was appalled. Cheese on okonomiyaki; never! I showed her the Wiki entry with an illustration of an Osaka okonomiyaki with cheese and she said it must be for tourists.
FWIW, her okonomiyaki dinner parties for friends are quite popular. She assembles the ingredients (see Asahi Imports) and has each person cook his/her own. After one lesson many have gone on to preparing it themselves at home.
