BayouBoy's Profile
Nuno's
I was also very surprised by Nuno's. I've been twice now and had a positive experience both times. The first time I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. Without getting wrapped up in the authenticity and all the nuances of a proper pulled pork sandwich, let me just say it was really tasty. I will be ordering it again. I ordered it with the onion rings which I thought were very good. I was told that the onion rings came with a special sauce so I gave it a go. Personally, I did not care for this sauce. It tasted like there may have been too much lea & perrins. I couldn't put a finger on it. On my second visit I tried a sandwich called the Redneck Philly or something to that effect. It was brisket, smoked sausage, poblano peppers, jalapeno's,and cheese. While this was a very enticing description I felt it was heavy on the smoked sausage and should have had more brisket. I even told the cook that and he said he would probably agree and may change it up. Next on my list to try is something they call the Dragon Rib. It's ONE beef rib, but it's rather large. The cook pulled one out of the back for me to look at. I'm very happy that I live close to this place especially since they have a full bar and Don Luis did not. They had a band playing outside on the deck that was pretty good on my last visit. The owner and staff were all very friendly.
Reuben Sandwich anyone?
I haven't posted anything in a long time but I feel I must echo the comments made by El General. While I'm no expert, I do LOVE a good reuben. The reuben sandwich at Spec's deli was undoubtedly the best I've had to date. I've gone back many times specifically for this sandwich and it is preventing me from trying other items on the menu because I can't resist ordering it.
Bloody Mary's in Austin?
Feeling the need for a few more beverages after last night's dinner party I found myself sitting at the bar at the Longbranch Inn. While the Stella's were quenching my thirst I suddenly found myself really craving one of the bloody mary's the bartender was making. Although not completely made from scratch they did use one of my favorite mixes and added some fresh squeezed lime juice along with a few other ingredients. A little spice on the rim of the glass was nice as well. While pickled green beans are my favorite addition to a bloody mary, the stuffed olives did just fine. I must say it was pretty darn good. Any recommendations on where else to go for a good bloody mary in Austin?
Cajun Cracklins and Boudin?
To address the original question...I'm sad to report that I've never had good boudin or cracklins in Austin. I anxiously await the day that I do. When looking for good cracklin's I'm looking for pork skin with a decent amount of attached fat (being a key factor), that is cubed and fried on site, lightly salted and served fresh and hot. If it is served to me in a brown paper bag with large grease stains, that is even better.
Several good sources for boudin were mentioned outside of the Austin area. Poche's has great boudin. Boudin King in Jennings has great boudin. My top three for best boudin on the planet would be Don's Specialty Meats in Carencro, LA, Bourque's Super Store in Port Barre, LA, and The Best Stop in Scott, LA. A quick search on the internet will turn up a few great sites on boudin comparisons.
As for Sambets....If you know what to order it can be a tasty meal. But, I will not call it legitimate cajun food. Rudeboy's description was pretty much spot on. Their boudin poboy is pretty tasty though. It's actually more of a boudin spread. I thought the muffaletta was pretty good too. My two cents.
Where is the best fried catfish within 25 miles of Austin?
I thought I'd mention Dot's in Pflugerville. I haven't had the fried catfish but it looks great, it's a huge serving, and if it is on par with the rest of their food it's gotta be worth trying.
Casey's New Orleans Sno-Balls
I can never convince myself to get anything but the blackberry with cream. It is one of the best things on the planet.
chicken and rice stews ? spicy would be great
For a little Cajun flare, do a search for "CHICKEN FRICASSEE" Add a little Tabasco Sauce and you're set.
Shopping for Spices, Sauces, etc.
Don't forget to pick up a bottle of Cajun Power Garlic Sauce! Mmmm. Looks like the rest are pretty much covered above. You can grab almost all of these at any major grocery store in the area. The Zatarain's Creole Mustard is a must have.
