txgrl99's Profile
my New Orleans trip report (late March 2012)
You're right about Commander's. One Mother's Day when I was there Sandra Bullock was there too. You'd never know it by the way they treated us (except one waiter telling us who the nice/bitchy celebrities are - which was fun!).
Put on yer reading glasses! It's Kukubura's trip report! (Mr. B's, Commander's, Gal's, Dante's, Dizzy's, Green Goddess, more...)
I had a really lovely dinner at MiLa in October. It doesn't get the attention of some of the other restaurants (I think maybe because of the hotel-esque interior design), but they serve excellent food and are worth checking out.
Braise...oh my...
Thanks, amysue! That is really kind of you. How is the best way for us to exchange info?
Braise...oh my...
I just got back from using our Groupon at Braise and had an overall nice experience. Two of us started with the sausage and grits, which were extremely flavorful. I did not find the grits to be watery at all, so maybe they changed them up? My sister and BIL had the sashimi. I didn't try it, but it looked lovely and they liked it quite a bit (we're big fans of Uchi, so we're not completely clueless about sashimi.). I had the pumpkin bisque for a second. It was strong, but rich and really lovely. I can't say too much about the entree. I've been fighting a mad case of food poisoning and had pretty much reached my maximum capacity at that point. Still, I liked my brussell sprouts and mushrooms well enough to take them home. Everyone else devoured their entrees. Desserts were the only weak spot. I thought neither the pineapple upside down cake nor the chocolate chip bread pudding were very inspired or unique. Service was competent, and I didn't feel any groupon stigma. Was it Uchi or Parkside? No. Is it a place I'll try again when I want a casual tasty meal? Absolutely. All four of us agreed we'd definitely go back. I'm sorry you had a bad experience amysue, and I'm grateful we didn't repeat.
Funniest Thing a Server Said to You
I asked a server in Austin about a bottle of wine, and she said, "Let me get.....the wine guy. He has a special name." We couldn't decide if she was high or drunk, but for what it was worth, the sommelier was quite competent. Regardless, we all lost our minds laughing.
Taxi worthy restaurants? Help with trip planning!
I think you should 100% make it to Green Goddess. If you're a food person, I really think you'll love it. I haven't been to Bayona in several years, but I really liked it (just so many places to go), and haven't really heard anyone who's had a bad experience there.
Taxi worthy restaurants? Help with trip planning!
I'm a planner too, so I'm sure my husband can relate to your husband! The neighborhood Willie Mae's is in isn't good, but I felt plenty safe. There are lots of other tourists and locals coming there to eat, so you'll be in good company. I'm not sure how long it will take you to get take out. Are you sure they do it? You might call to double check. I'd eat there if I could, mainly because fried chicken is better when it's hot. I'd hate for you to miss out on decliciousness because it got cold. The staff is very friendly and welcoming, and it's a fun place to be. If you get there at a11, you won't have to wait too long at all. I'd probably go during the day if I had a choice. Plus if you get there a little early, you won't have to wait.
Put on yer reading glasses! It's Kukubura's trip report! (Mr. B's, Commander's, Gal's, Dante's, Dizzy's, Green Goddess, more...)
Thank you for the fabulous review. It was almost as good as being there (and makes me really want to be there). I'm so glad you liked Green Goddess. I am a huge fan, and adore Chef Chris. He's so passionate about the food. It's a gem. Agree about needed to try Coquette. I really love it, too. Now I have a few more places to try!
Taxi worthy restaurants? Help with trip planning!
I'm in the "think Willie Mae's is worth a cross country trip" group. I've only been there once, but I've pretty much given up eating fried chicken any where else. We've already decided to make it a must-stop, and we visit twice a year. I adore Green Goddess and have had some of my all-time favorite meals there, but you need to know what to expect. It's outdoors, so except for about 4 weeks a year, it's either too hot or too cold. You could possibly have dirty glasswear (I actually had to send a glass back due to excess lipstick, and I'm not picky), mis-matched silverwear and a rickety table. Plus some of the best food anywhere, served by an incredibly charming chef (he is not of the pretty-boy John Besch variety - not to insult John Besh who I love) who is crazy about good food and really knows wine. I think it's a charming little heaven on earth. I was set to eat there on my 40th birthday, but they were closed. See, the chef got Saints tickets. And since that since of spontenity and love of football are two of the things I adore about the city, I just had to laugh and let it go. It seems to be a place that polarizes people, though, at least if you judge by the Yelp reviews (and I generally try not to).
Galatoire's is very traditional and lovely. Just know that going in. I've only eaten dinner there, so I can't say about when to get there for lunch.
I think Commander's, also traditional, is excellent. If you can get a seat in the Garden Room, try to do that. It's beautiful. It is also fantastic for Sunday brunch. I'd probably eat brunch instead of lunch, but that's just me.
I haven't eaten at any of your other choices, but I've had great po-boys at Parkway, and fabulous meals at Coquette and MiLa.
Have a great trip!
Some reviews of a week of dining out
This is a wonderful review. Thanks so much for taking the time to post.
Foodie Suggestions for Lahaina Restaurants
Thank you all so much. Mr. Hunt, I know we have similar tastes from the NOLA board, so I really appreciate your input. I made reservations at Merriman's for the hubs' birthday. Mama's is open New Year's Day, so we are headed there for lunch. I checked the driving directions, and it's about an hour. I grew up in the sticks, so that doesn't seem to bad to me. We tend to drink less wine with lunch (except in NOLA, : ), so we should be good. Mahalo to everyone for your input!
Foodie Suggestions for Lahaina Restaurants
These are amazing suggestions. Thank you so much!!
Foodie Suggestions for Lahaina Restaurants
The hubs and I are headed to Lahaina Dec 29 - Jan 5. We love great food at all price points, but are interested in the best of what the area has to offer. We will have a car, and are happy to drive. So far, we are going to Feast at Lele for NYE (more for the experience than the food; I have moderate to low expectations about the food); I'm thinking Banyon Tree for the hubs' birthday, and maybe Mama's for dinner the day we're leaving (our flight isn't until 11:30 or so that evening - would 5:30 reservations be too early/late? Is that not a good idea?).
I'd appreciate any comments on the above, and would welcome any comments on places (at all price ranges) that we shouldn't miss.
Thanks!
24 hrs in Austin, Eastside Cafe, Perla, Enoteca Vespaio
I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. It looks like you made som excellent stops.
Solo Dining near the Mansion at Judges' Hill
La Tasca is a great new addition to the trailer scene, and it isn't too far from you. It is on 415 Jessie St, just off Barton Springs. They have wonderful Spanish tapas and a great sangria set up. You can pick up some wine at Thom's Market (just in front of it) and enjoy with the sangria. I agree that dining at the bar of Uchi or Uchiko would be great, too.
Court of the Two Sisters
I went about a year ago as well, as a friend was paying and desperately wanted to go. It was terrible. Even with someone else paying I wished I was someplace else. It is a very pretty setting, though.
Uchi recs
Most things I eat at Uchi are raw, so I'm probably not much help, but I'll give it a whirl. I'm a huge fan of the hamchi nabe (formerly kona kompachi), too, and it would qualify as cooked. You might want to try a shag roll (tempura fried) as well. I love the hama chili and the machi cure, plus the hotate nigiri pieces.
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Uchi Restaurant
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Anniversary Dinner for (out of the loop) foodies
I can't say enough good things about Uchiko. Food is always outstanding, and service is some of the best I've had anywhere. It is absolutely worth the money, in my opinion. A lot of people like Foreign and Domestic, but I've had two bad meals there (one was so abysmal that we went to Uchiko afterwards) and won't be back.
Need Help for May Trip
Thanks! Do you prefer Tommy's to Irene's? I've heard good things about Irene's, but it seems like there is always a significant wait, even if you have reservations.
Need Help for May Trip
The Patois menu looks great. Unfortunately, they're all booked up for Sunday brunch. Darn. I might try Brennan's or Ralph's.
Need Help for May Trip
Thanks for the recs! Question about Stella. How dressy is it for dinner? Our traveling companion (it's his birthday) only wants to pack jeans, so it may keep us from some of the nicer places. As an aside, I was happy to see you on the Hawaii board. I'll be traveling to Maui in December and it was nice to see a family "face" whose recommendations I trust.
Need Help for May Trip
Hello again everybody! We are lucky enough to be traveling to New Orleans again in May. I'm experiencing restaurant overload, and am having trouble deciding where to go. We will be there Sat-Tues. So far, we have lunch at Coquette (my favorite), dinner at Emeril's, and a dinner at Green Goddess. I'm also thinking about lunch at Lilette on Monday? We could use a Sunday brunch location, and lunch and dinner on Monday. I've been to (and liked) Bayona, MiLa, Galatoire's, August (although had a bad experience last time and won't be back), Brigtsen's and Cochon. It's been a while since my visit to MiLa, and would consider going back, but am open to new suggestions. Is there some NOLA gem I'm missing? Thanks so much!
Dinner Suggestions
Okay, I've read the boards, but I could still use a little help. Four ladies will be staying in the Cosmopolitan this weekend. We are booking Jaleo for one of our meals, but need recommendations for the second. Nice is good, but we're also looking for a fun vibe (not too formal). They didn't give me much time to research, and I'm overwhelmed by the options. Thanks in advance for your help!
Best restaurant for special BD dinner
I would consider Hudson's on the Bend. It is a lovely restaurant with excellent food and service, plus a nice ambiance and some unusual (game) dishes. I have always been a fan of Aquarelle for nice occasions, but hesitate to recommend it because it's been some time since I've been there. Perhaps someone else that has been there more recently can comment.
SXSW 2011 dining recap from a Dallas visitor
Thanks for the great report. It sounds like you had a fantastic trip and some good eats!
