chowinginaustin's Profile
Working on my Austin Food Itinerary of Must-Eats
That is a tough question...too broad...However, I would say Sunflower Cafe in North Austin. It is a dive Vietnamese restaurant in a strip mall. But hands down the best vietnamese food! The shaken beef, vietnamese crepe, garlic noodle prawns...all made from heaven. You aren't going there for the ambiance, just the food. It may be out of your way as you seem to be sticking around downtown. Took my parents there, they are major foodies and they still haven't found a place to compare it to back home which is a much bigger foodie town than austin.
Working on my Austin Food Itinerary of Must-Eats
Not sure if the burger talked above is from red's or galloway...but I would save your stomach for tastier eats than Red's. Love the atmosphere. Have spent several happy hours there drinking but the food is meh...Definitely NOT a must eat. Get the beet fries at East Side King. I don't usually care for beets but they rock!!
Looking for a good Carne Asada Burrito
I dont think you will be sorry with fuegos...authentic Mexican and Californian http://www.fuegosauthentic.com/ourmenu.aspx
They have the best fish tacos! Out of site! We have had the jumbo burrito with al pastor (so good) but they have carne asada as well. It's definitely a must try! Hubbers and I have never had a bad meal here!
2008...The year that was...? Your favorite Austin food source this year.What was it? Who did the best job feeding you? What was your favorite Austin food trend this year? Your least favorite? Talk about Austin's food scene of 2008.
Most Frequented place of the year:
Without a doubt, Sunflower. Keeping it simple, hubbers and I love the sunflower pho. The broth and everything in it is delightful. I use to think Pho Saigon had the market but we don’t even go there anymore because we love sunflower so much. Their Vietnamese Crepe is made from heaven. The spring rolls always so fresh. Every time we try something new it is never a disappointment.
Surprise of the year:
The Driskill for Christmas brunch. It was one of the most fabulous brunches I have had in a long time. I have never been to the Driskill and would really like to go back to at least have a drink in the bar and soak up the ambiance. The hotel is beautiful.
Disappointment:
Mars closing. I loved that restaurant. I will miss the Thai bouillabaisse.
Other Disappointment:
There are so many new spots in austin I would love to try...but now we are on the post holiday diets in my house...BOO!
Fuego's in dire straits!
Went friday night....Good as always. We love the artichoke app and I am in love with the fish tacos, with their salsas. My other half favors the shrimp/caesar wrap. Wonderful flavors.
Casino El Camino
Oh, I hate to say it since I really wanted to love this place based on the reviews. However, the bun absolutely ruined it for me. I mean seriously crappy cheap bun. I felt like I was eating sawdust with my burger. The fries were great, but hey they were swimming in cheese and chilies, of course they were good!
Tecate on Tap in Las Vegas?
Ok, so this may seem like an odd request...The BF and I are heading to Vegas this month to make it official. We will be spending a few days in Sin City. One of our favorite Mexican beers is Tecate. We live in Austin and no one has it on tap here. We stumbled upon a Mexican restaurant in California while visiting family, who to our pleasant surprise had Tecate on Tap. We were in heaven! I would love to find myself saddled up to a bar in Vegas with my favorite person in the whole world, throwing back a few cold ones of our favorite beers, ON TAP!!
Help Vegas Hounds!! Romantic Dinner in Vegas
Getting married in las vegas next month. I have started to browse the southwest board to find a romantic dinner setting for our wedding meal. It is just the two of us so we do not need to worry about accommodating anyone else. We are also foodies, so a combination of romance and a wow meal is what we are looking for. Right now I am leaning towards the Swan Court. I have seen good reviews as far as a romantic setting and a memorable meal. I also think the celebration menu with wine pairing is a great deal. Bar Charlie looks amazing for the experience but I really do not want to be rolling in to my suite on my wedding night. We do not want to be stuffed to the gills.
Any insight would be great! Thanks in advance! I am more overwhelmed trying to pick out restaurants to eat at then where we are getting married!
Where Could This Possibly Be? (Begins with a "Z")
Well from what I understand, its kind of a hot spot on the weekends. So at least it will be a fun atmosphere.
5 Days in Austin...HELP US PLAN!
http://www.capmetro.org/riding/routes_400.asp
the dillo line is free during the week. Kind of a cool way to see the city. I imagine you could scout out a lot of great spots to eat at near the line.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives?
I just had a well mannered dirty martini at cheesecake factory with blue cheese stuffed olives, YUMMY!! The best way to eat these puppies!
Hummus made Here
I cannot think of the brand but costco carries a line of hummus in two flavors, with pine nuts or chipotle. The Chipotle is soooo good! We stock it in our house every week. It is so additive!
Casino El Camino
The BF and I have been salivating at the thought of the serrano pepper burger and the fries with the chile verde. Cannot wait to have a super weak moment and go try this place after watching the show!
Horrible Experience at Austin Java
Had a bad day at Austin Java. The BF and I decided to stop by the barton springs location with our Pooch after running Townlake, convenient and dog friendly. I ordered eggs benedict with the sauce on the side. The first let down was the fact that they were out of coffee on one side the entire time we were there. I asked to have it refilled and they suggested going to the other side of the building for a refill. But this is a coffee house!! Anyways, my benedict came with the sauce on it and on the side, while I was searching for coffee. So the BF didnt know it was not how I requested it. I was miffed and disappointed, but didnt want to send it back. I tried to scrape off the runny sauce. But at this point I was really disappointed in the whole experience. We don't go out to breakfast very often so I can confidently say that when we endulge in the future, Austin Java will not be on our list.
Ode to the Krazy Drink at Short & Sweet
After being a steady customer to Pho Saigon in the China Center the BF and I decided it was time to try the Bubble Tea's next door at the short and sweet cafe. This was a first for me and we opted for the milk tea with pearls. I have to say it was delicious and refreshing. I loved the flavor and the texture of this interesting drink. But the options were a bit overwhelming from the fruit drinks to the teas. Can anyone suggest a must try tea for next time? As we will be going back!
Places to buy Pies
I had the most amazing piece of chocolate pie at the monument cafe in georgetown. I mean I still dream about it. All of their desserts sounded delightful. And our waitress did indicate that you can call in and purchase whole pies.
Bastille Day
Anyone caught wind of any restaurants doing any kind of special bastille day events?
Dad wants BBQ and TexMex
Okay, so my dad is coming in to town next month and he wants BBQ, Tex Mex, and anything with local flair.
My question is, is it absolutely necessary to travel out of town to get the best bbq? My dad thinks a true testament to good bbq are how the ribs taste. So I know there have been a lot of threads on BBQ but I will ask anyways, can I stay local or where do I need to go to find the best ribs?
Also, what would be a favorite tex mex?
And lastly, favorite local dives?
Cafe Blue Texas
It is a completely outdoor restaurant overlooking the marina. Always seems to catch a nice breeze. Not sure what your requirements are but I would think that would help from getting overly smokey.
Tugs BBQ
they have a decent turkey sandwich and chopped beef sandwich...granted I have always be drinking out on the lake when I have had one...taking that in to consideration, I think it is a good option when you dont have any...
What Austin-y gift would you send someone?
I love rudy's bbq sauce...and so does my dad...I always bring a bottle home with me when I visit.
N. Lamar: Mojarra Feliz and Mariscos Tampico
I think you may have hit it on an off night. The BF and I went there after a write up in the chronicle, specifically for the campechana. This seemed to be their specialty and almost every table in the place had some kind of seafood cocktail order. It did not disappoint. Also a major plus in my book, tecate and modelo for 2.25, if I recall correctly. We went back just for the price of beer alone! We also had the feliz special. There is something very delightful about eating a whole fried fish. For some reason it does not seem as unhealthy then breaded/fried fish. (I know I am kidding myself) I really enjoyed the crunch of the outside with the moist fish on the inside. We shared the plate as it is a lot of food. We have gone back and will go back again.
East Side Recs?
You are thinking of Primizie...and it is amazing! I had the best dinner there with my BF. I have been wanting to go back but am currently trying to shed some winter weight :( . So unfortunately it is not on the radar. But I highly recommend this place. It knocked my socks off...which is hard to do since I am italian.
Suggestion for a family birthday dinner on the water
Cafe Bleu on Lake Travis...a little more upscale food on the water...
Best Austin Cookie
A salty oat cookie from Quack's off of Duval around the corner of Hyde Park Grill...
Italian suggestions - baby in tow
I think the place is called Canoli Joe's...the italian buffet spot.
Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival 2008
Went last year and would not return...there is really no place to sit...and the lines were super long to get crawfish...which we didn't even get. It was really hot as well and very little shade. It is a festival though, so lots and I mean lots of good people watching...
Phara's on North Loop / old Ararat location
Okay, I am going to put my two cents in...It looks like the negative posts from last week have been removed. Based upon those I had no intention of trying Phara's. The BF and I went to the parlor on Friday to grab a pizza and while we were waiting we decided to take a look at Para's. It actually looks like a really neat place to have a lazy dinner with friends. The outdoor area looks really inviting and is very festive. The menu looks good as well. A lot of good appetizers/salads (reasonably priced) and entrees right in line with most restaurant prices. I was disappointed in myself for not wanting to at least give it a try as last friday was the last night I was going to be able to eat with my favorite dining partner for a while. I actually hope they get on their feet and do well....
Now Open - Sago (In the Triangle)
I agree, very rude on her part. The BF and I are usually never in a hurry when we eat out and let the waiters know so they don't hover over us. But to have a patron do the same would be completely irritating. I was finishing a beer at the saucer one night and there was a guy leaning on my chair, practically in my lap. My BF had stood up thinking I was done (but I had a couple more sips). I could tell this guy was really put out to have to wait two more seconds before diving in to my chair.
