hnewburn's Profile
Group dining at Firefly? Other better choices?
I ate with a small party at Firefly on my last trip and it was a nice break from 6 days in the hotel.
I've got 12 people to feed somewhere relatively close to the MGM on a Saturday night. They offer a pretty good deal at Firefly including an open bar (obviously limited selection) for 2 hours. Anybody been there with a large group? I'm paying so I don't want to go nuts, but show them a good time.
Any other ideas y'all might be able to share?
Teji's gets a facelift
If you haven't been to the best Indian place in the Austin area, you're missing out. Head up to 620 / 35 area next to RR high school.
For those that have been, you need to go back. I walked in and literally walked out thinking I was in the wrong place. Going back in, they've made it a serious eatery now. Really pleasing deep red/browns, nice lighting. New tables/chairs, cheesy artwork and the TV is still there. The grocery store's been rearranged a little and is a bit more cramped but the trade-off is worth it.
Menu is still fantastic with the saag, lamb and goat dishes being my favorite. The grilled meats can get a bit dry but still very good. They've added butter chicken wings which my wife craves. They're pretty good.
We mostly do to-go for convenience, but nice to see these guys step up into the big time.
Stop in at the bookstore next door. Wonderful people and cool little shop. Also, grab a to-go sandwich from Hoody's a couple of doors down, just cause they're good people making good food.
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Teji's
1205 Round Rock Ave, Round Rock, TX 78681
Dublin Visit
I saw this http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/748667 from a year ago. This list still good?
Looking for local seafood, mixed grill, wild game, a good breakfast and anything I shouldn't miss. Traveling with my wife and very adventurous 11 year old eater.
Suggestions for low carb / keto / Atkins mid-Town?
I seem to keep ending up here on biz, usually stay in Times Square or 52nd/Lex area just for convenience.
Found the Farmer's Rotisseria, the sausage and Cracklins were fantastic, a plate of each was just $10 total and I left food on the plate.
I've ate enough burgers (though still want to try Shake Shack)
I've tried several Chinese places that have been fine, but just looking for alternatives that aren't rice, bread or potato based...
Appreciate any pointers.
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Farmers Rotisserie
673 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Deckhand Oyster Bar
Found this place in the old Fazolli's location on Parker, SW of the 1325 / I-35 intersection.
The interior leaves a lot to be desired, but it had a nice vibe and a good crowd even at 3:30 on a Saturday afternoon. They have some Thai dishes throw in with seafood (owners are Thai/Laotian). It's a family-run business, our waitress, Candle, is the owners daughter.
The oysters were from Galveston and top quality. Really well done work with them, a nice bright cocktail sauce and good horseradish.
They have a cooked oyster dish similar to Pacific Star's Ranchero oysters, which were pretty good.
They had fried bacon-wrapped shrimp & jalapeno that were very heavily seasoned, but enjoyably so.
My son had the green-lipped mussels that had been broiled with sauce and cheese. Flavorful, but the sides advertised weren't served with it, though we didn't need them.
My wife's crawfish pirogue was OK, very heavy on the mushrooms and a bit salty, but she enjoyed it.
I had a crawfish po-boy, it's essentially served on garlic toast with a well executed remoulade sauce. I'd order it again but go for the fried oysters instead.
The beer is served in ice frosted mugs only 4 taps, but they also have Chang (Thai) beer, which is a favorite of mine and hard to find.
A few misses, but for a hot Saturday afternoon, cold oysters, colder beer and a decent sandwich made for a fantastic selection.
Family oriented restaurants with good food and music?
Also a bit far out, but worth the drive is Walburg restaurant. Forget the food inside, get sausages outside, great beer selection, the Walburg boys band and dance the night away with the kiddos.
Butter chicken poutine
Had it, wasn't great. They use a frozen cajun fry, mozzarella and just the butter chicken sauce, not butter chicken. I'd pass on this one. Not much from there was good.
Blue Oak Grill - How to Avoid an RIP for a place that doesn't deserve it?
Had meatloaf when I went this week, it was very tasty, had a bit of gristle, but otherwise very good. However, the tortilla chicken soup was just fantastic. I'm not much of a soup person, but since it was cold, I ordered it and could have just had a couple of bowls of it for my meal.
Blue Oak Grill - How to Avoid an RIP for a place that doesn't deserve it?
You'll come for the free cornbread and stay for the rest of the food. The cornbread is killer, almost fried in honey and butter and served in a small cast iron skillet.
The food is here is fantastic. Helluva chicken fried steak and fantastic burger. Nice selection of salads, soups and seafood that looked excellent. The sides are phenomenal, the green beans were my favorite, but mashed potatoes, mac & cheese and broccoli rice casserole were big hits.
The only problem - It's behind a bunch of restaurants at 3406 & I-35. Johnny Carriono's, Sawgrass, Cracker Barrel are all full and this place is dead. These guys are doing all the right things and need some Chow Love.
Service was good, not great, and a couple of nits - not enough bacon, a hard egg on the burger (which they said I just can order the egg runny next time) but we are definitely headed back.
I know it's far north for most of you, but it's worth the trip. Head up and bring a friend.
Tacos, tacos, tacos
Carter shared some Taco More love (on Parkfield near Lamar / Rutland). I also need share El Jarocho in Georgetown. They make their own corn tortillas in house and have killer barbacoa and carnitas. They're on 2243, 2 blocks west of I-35. Worth a trip if you're ever way up north. A stack of tortillas to go is worth it.
Tacos, tacos, tacos
Carter! We have got to lunch. Just was at Taco More yesterday. Only place I know in town serving alambres. And their goat just rocks.
Any great places open on Christmas day?
Fortune will be doing Dim Sum and some special dishes. If I was in town, that's where I'd be headed.
Looking for a source for a fresh ham with skin on?
yep. They even have a whole leg occasionally.
Looking for a source for a fresh ham with skin on?
They are at my HEB in Georgetown, I'd assume other HEB's could get them.
I NEED a french dip sandwich in austin
My best bet is the lamb with au jus at Fado's. Very crusty baguette, fantastic lamb, satisfied my cravings.
Tavern 51 [Pittsburgh]
In town for the game and found this little gem. We'll be headed back.
Small bar / eatery, family owned. Cash only. Really nice people. Doing something different with their menu. Had a flat iron steak special that looked good, but we honestly never made it past the appetizer menu.
Was going to get a steak sandwich which the people next to me at the bar were eating, but we ended up with the rice poppers - risotto with finely minced jalapeno then fried. Even the ranch that it's served with works. Cheesy, crispy, creamy goodness, hits all the right notes. I think it demands pancetta or bacon, but then everything does.
The bacon wrapped pretzel log with cheese was just OK for me, but my brother liked it. The mustard it was served with wasn't overpowering, which is often a problem.
Finally, stuffed banana (frying) peppers with tomato sauce. A great ground beef with cheese another layer of gooey mozzarella and some parmesan on top, broiled and covered in a nice light tomato sauce. Really excellent.
Sounds strange, but with the exception of the pretzel, reminded me of the kind of food I got in Rome at bars there. Do yourself a favor and check this place out.
Texas Monthly BBQ Festival
Was at the BBQ Festival at the Long Center on Sunday. Tickets were $14 if you ordered them beforehand and it was essentially an all you can eat BBQ extravaganza.
Very well done setup. Out on the big patio, with bathrooms and A/C inside, two big tents with lots of seating at long tables and fans, as well as the big swamp cooler fans in between the booths. 19 BBQ Vendors there (Shoepf's Old Time BBQ was absent due to the hurricane damage). A handful of other people (Shiner, Huntsville Visitors Center, Seaworld, et al. were there) and a couple of cooking demos I didn't see. Beer and full bar available, there were several containers of ice water available which was nice. Really great bands playing.
Got there at 12:30 (lasted from 12-5) , easy parking in the garage. Got a reusable HEB bag with a program, paper fan, tasting card and a couple of other things.
A few of my notes:
Stanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q - Best pork ribs there. Baby back ribs that are eaty, smoky, very tender, slightly sweet and peppery. Everything a pork rib should be. Crew was having a great time.
Bertram Bar B Que - Just fantastic all-pork sausage, almost like a great bratwurst, mellow not overly flavor. Only thing I bought to take home with me they were so good. Very good brisket as well.
Giddings Meat Market - Nothing memorable
Taylor Cafe - Excellent pork ribs, really thick, meaty spare ribs, not usually a fan, but I'd get into these.
Smitty's Market - Good sausage, toughest brisket that I had there and not flavorful, pork ribs were OK, brought pickles, crackers and cheese as well.
Hashknife Barbeque - Nice meaty beef ribs, nothing else memorable
Casstevens Cahs & Carry - Good beef ribs, nic texture, not overly greasy/oily good meat selection.
Buzzie's Bar-B-Q - Nothing exciting
Wild Blue BBQ - Everyone was talking about their corn pudding, akin to cornbread. Good stuff. Pork ribs were nice and tender, served mini chopped-beef sandwiches that definitely needed sauce.
Lamberts - Great pulled pork, brought escabeche as well. Good brisket, ribs OK.
TC's Ponderosa - Pineapple banana pudding and spicy saltine crackers were more memorable than the BBQ.
Baby J's Bar-B-Que & Fish - Had pulled pork, but not much to it, rest was forgettable
Snow's - Great Sausage - OK Brisket (remember it being better there)
Skipped Vincek's, I was way too full.
Others that were there that I didn't try (just no way to eat any more ) - Louie Mueller's (were essentially serving whole beef ribs / BBQ plates), Coleman's BBQ, Cooper's, Cousin's Barbecue and Kruez. I'd been to most of these before, but just way too much food.
I will absolutely go next year, just plan better to make room for more. Everyone was having a great time, sharing at tables. comparing tasting notes, wondering why Luling, Blacks and the Salt Lick weren't there. I hope somebody made money or at least broke even, it was a great experience. At 2:45 when we left, it was still going strong.
Next year, I'll bring some foil to keep leftovers, plan to stay longer, split plates of food and pace myself.
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Smitty's Market
208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Tamales for Christmas Party
Thx for the note. I hadn't heard about them until I saw them pop up on a Yelp geo-search, I will definitely try it.
Looking for a birthday experience for a 9 year old foody.
Yep, you can get a full meal. Bit pot of cheese or broth, meats and vegetables. The dessert fondue is particularly fun - chocolate fondue with marshmallows and fruit. Not a fantastic meal, but a lot of fun for the kid, he's asked to go back a few times.
Looking for a birthday experience for a 9 year old foody.
My 9 year-old foodie's favorite Austin restaurants
Uichi for anything (havent' been to Uichiko yet)
Habana for mofungo
Beluga in Round Rock for Sushi
Torchy's Tacos
Tacodeli (especially from the Farmer's Market)
Flip Happy Crepes - Nutella Crepes
The Melting Pot - Cheesy goodness
Hey Cupcake
Chuy's
Fortune Chinese for Dim Sum
Korea Garden for Bulgogi
He's been to China, Turkey, UK, Mexico, a few other places and is up for lots of stuff.
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Flip Happy Crepes
400 Jessie St, Austin, TX 78704
Korea Garden
6519 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Tacodeli
12001 N Mo Pac Expy, Austin, TX 78758
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Melting Pot
13343 N Highway 183 Ste 350, Austin, TX 78750
best bakery for a birthday cake?
Ann's Kitchen on Spicewood Springs. http://www.annskitchen.com/ Great stuff.
One dinner in Austin and Lambert's is booked up...
I had a helluva meal with friends at Eddie V's over the weekend. The tomahawk steak in particular was a big win, as was Chilean sea bass, soft shell crab and the squid.
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Eddie V's Edgewater Grill
301 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Flamin' Grill and Kabob House in Round Rock
Stopped by Flamin' Grill and Kabob House in Round Rock today.
Pros - Food was generally good. Large menu, huge piles of naan bread, great $20 weekend special of various kebabs. Management / service was great. It's halal (hard to find up north, much less in RR)
Cons - Cubed beef was stringy, very slow to get food cooked. Gratis order of fries was awful, salad with plates was underwhelming.
Went with my wife and son today and got the $20 weekend family platter, which was a great value. Two big platters of food. Mostly enjoyed all the food, the ground beef kebabs and tandoori chicken were standouts. The chicken kabob was OK, the beef was a bit tough, but still good. The salad was just some iceberg lettuce with croutons.
They had three kinds of sauces - Garlic (like a roasted garlic yogurt), spicy yogurt and tzatziki. The spicy yogurt was excellent. In addition, they have 30+ bottles of assorted hot sauces.
We'll definitely go back to try the lamb, goat and even the burgers looked pretty good. Place was empty on Sunday.
Austin airport
Harlen's BBQ is good. If you want a Round Rock Donut, you can grab one at the store by gate 14.
Mangia's make decent stuffed pizza.
Greengate Farms Pork
Stopped by Greengate Farms last week. Excellent selection of squash, zucchini, cucumber, melons, etc. Had hoped to find some good squash blossoms, but they were mostly gone.
On the way out, I saw the freezer and grabbed a big pork chop. I about had a fit when I found out it was $8/lb. for the pork chop, but nice 1.5" thick chop.
I cooked that chop tonight, turns out it was 2 chops. I added a little herb/salt seasoning and gave them about 8 minutes on the grill. It was stunning. Far and away the best piece of non-bacon pork I've had in years. Just amazing.
The pork chops with blue cheese stuffed burgers, portabellas for "buns", grilled Greengate zucchini, and cheese stuffed dulce peppers made for an excellent meal.
Go support these guys for making great food. Great to buy from right out of the middle of the field where the stand is.
3 carts
Neck beards and fedoras, young chubby girls with lip piercings and tattoos they'll regret. The hipsters were overrunning the place. I like the description of tattoos and piercings for the Gap crowd. Pretty apt.
The food was just OK for me there, but stopped on a Thur night on my way back from the airport and was perturbed with how long it took. Beets were underdone, Pork belly was good, not great, but to each his own.
Outdoor Kitchens? (and grilling goodness)
I use both gas and charcoal. In the past two weeks, when I've cooked outside probably 10 times and every time it was gas, primarily due to limited time. Plus, as my small charcoal grill has become more seasoned (okay, dirty?) I find that I'm getting a lot of the flavor I've had from charcoal.
Outdoor Kitchens? (and grilling goodness)
Thanks for the info. I've got a big offset smoker that I love, but when I want to fire it up, it takes a bit of work but I can put in 40-50 pounds of meat. So my seal-a-meal gets a workout.
I do want to checkout the generic version of one, Sam's has one for a few hundred bucks, don't know what I'd be missing out on if the ceramic is nearly the same and the lid holds up right.
Outdoor Kitchens? (and grilling goodness)
Take a look at the Weber Q grills. I use one just about every day, I use the Q200 on a stand as the workhorse of my cooking. Cast iron grates, even heating, fairly portable. Downsides - burner holes clog easily (I use it way too much) and if you don't use a large propane tank, it uses the off-size camping propane bottles which are hard to find.
You can get a Weber Q100 (http://preview.tinyurl.com/29g5wfd ) Faster than a hibachi, relatively cheap, solidly built very portable and take it anywhere in your apt complex or a a park.
On the outdoor kitchen front, I'm getting some flagstone laid down, a pergola cover starting to look at BBQ islands. Costco's got a monster, don't know if the grill is any good, but I guess with Costco I can get it replaced if I need to. I'm stunned by the cost of the inset grills, often pricing out at $4K.
I'd like to get a big green egg (or generic) and a gas grill, but the cost may end up with a charcoal smoker added on the side or building out the frame.
Outdoor Kitchens? (and grilling goodness)
Let's see if this gets bounced...
Anyone have any suggestions on help for an outdoor kitchen? I've got a tiny galley kitchen but a good size backyard, so rather than pay 30K+ to refurbish a kitchen, I'd like to spend half of that and do a nice one outdoors. Anyone done it? Any professionals to recommend?
Costco, Central Market and Johnny G's have become my stops for Grilling season. The mini bell peppers from Costco have been fantastic. Stuff them with ground sausage from Johnny G's, wtih some cheese and sundried tomato, or grill them empty, peel the skins, then stuff them with soft cheese.
Also picked up some wonderful golden cauliflower from Central Market. Trimmed it, rubbed it with butter, seasoned it with Penzey's Foxpoint and some smoked seasoned salt, then wrapped it in foil and left it on the grill for 40 minutes. Have a new favorite summertime vegetable.
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Central Market
4477 S Lamar Blvd Ste 100, Austin, TX 78745
