ChrisStein's Profile
PhoNatic
We've been a number of times now. I like it. I think calling it Solid Pho like ieathereforiam did is a good description. Is there a better bowl of pho in town? Probably. I might give that nod to Pho Hoang on Rutland. But Phonatic is pretty good, with a really nice selection of Pho, Bun and some other interesting soups. they are in a neighborhood which up until now didn;t have much vietnamese options, so that's good. And the interior is clean and comfortable. All in all a good go to spot when you don't feel like gooding or if its one of those rare cold rainy days in Austin and you crave a hot bowl of soup.
Gordon's Bringing Kitchen Nightmares To Austin: Here's Who Needs His Help
Parts of Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmare's show involve Gordon interacting with locals about the restaurant, and walking around the neighborhood of the restaurant. El Greco is situated in a much more pedestrian friendly, and photogenic neighborhood than many other Austin restaurants. I would guess that location is as much a factor as the actual restaurant itself.
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El Greco
3016 Guadalupe, Austin, TX
Fricano's Second Location!!!!
http://austin.eater.com/archives/2011/08/02/fricanos-is-opening-a-second-location-in-west-campus.php
Wedding Catering Dilemma
We used Primizie for our wedding and they were fantastic. But of course we wanted regional italian rustic food, and that it pretty much what they offered. But they were super easy to work with and very professional and organized.
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Primizie
1050 E 11th St, Austin, TX
Hard Hat Report Vol 7
Its seemed like I literally just ate at Sandwich joint then I was biking past it yesterday and I did a double take. They got the sandwich joint folks out of there fast and got the Lucky J's in there quick.
I am also really looking forward to Man Bites Dog.
Viva La Burnett!
Hard Hat Report Vol 6
Are you saying that East Side Pies just opened a new location literally one block from House Pizzeria???
Eating At The Noble Pig In Austin
Just went there for lunch today. I had the BLT, and I am not trying to be really melodramatic, but it was a freaking awesome BLT. the thick cut house smoked bacon was so flavorful. It was dripping with yummy grease and juice. That mixed with the perfectly applied mayonaise. Nice leaves of lettuce, and an actual flavorful ripe (maybe local?) tomato. I got it on wheat bread, and the bread was slightly griddled. this was a really thoughtfully put together, delicious sandwich. Of course the sides of freshly pickled veggies and the ruffled chips were nice, but the sandwich was in a totally different universe. It really was that good. And I honestly don't think or say that about too many meals I've had.
Non-traditional "Austiny" venue for wedding ceremony and reception
We also had Primizie cater our wedding and they were awesome. I totally agree with everything Tom says about Primizie.
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Primizie
1050 E 11th St, Austin, TX
Non-traditional "Austiny" venue for wedding ceremony and reception
We had our reception at Z-Tejas on west 6th. They have a completely separate carriage house for receptions so your are not mixing with the other restaurant goers. Then we got married at Umlauf Sculpture Gardens. the Z Tejas reception was nice, but the Umlauf wedding was incredible. Just a beautiful pavillion and great grounds.
Need input on La Sombra Bar and Grill
Planning on a double date this weekend with friends. Looking at La Sombra. Anyone have any experience there yet? They just opened a few weeks ago on Burnett near 47th Street.
Ched's
I used their free Sandwich coupon a long time ago when they opened, and I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, and that is exactly what I got. A plain old regular grilled cheese sandwich. LIke the one you could make in your kitchen in 2 minutes with two pieces of wonder bread and some american cheese.
Anybody check out Samba?
Its actually called La Sombra Bar and Grill. here is the only real web info I could get on it . . .
http://communitymatters.biz/2010/06/19/tastes-of-la-sombra-bar-grill/
Cheko's on Koenig Lane
We've gone quite a few times. Its nothing to write home about. Their chicken mole one time was really awesome, the next time bah. They do have a green hot sauce which is very remniscent of the Dona Sauce from TacoDeli thats really good. But overall, its on the fair to middling range of the local tex-mex joints in this town, of which there are thousands.
Vietnamese sandwich in Austin?
i used to be a Tam Deli die hard, but Baguette House as me converted. They have so many more options, and their Bread is out of this world. You know they make good bread when they have a steady line of people going and out simply buying just the long baguettes. Try all the options they're all good. The number #1 is great and their vegetarian option is great too.
Gonzales Food Market -- Good BBQ
we took a trip to Port A, and on the way down to Port A we stopped at Luling City Market and then on the way back we stopped at Gonzales Food Market. Had Brisket and Ribs at both, here's the comparisons:
1) Brisket - I liked the brisket better at Gonzales. it had a better "coating" flavor and better crust. Both were pretty good but not as good as the last time I went to Black's.
2) Ribs - I have to say I think Gonzales might have won out on this one as well. They used a smaller rib (it wasn't quite a baby back, but it was definitely not a spare rib). I like the smaller rib better than the big spare ribs at City Market. Again, the gonzales ribs had a better coating and crust. But of course I wish i had a bottle of the City Market sauce to put on them.
On a side note, I also liked that Gonzales had a nice assortment of sides like green beans, hash browns and since we had our 4 year old son with us it was great that they had Mac N Cheese as one of the sides too,
Has anyone tried Salvation Pizza?
We ate there about 2 weeks ago. My dad, stepmom, my wife and I. And surprisingly we all thought it was really good. Good thin crust, with the right amount of cheese (i.e. not a big greasy gloppy mess). Nice sauce. We got three different kinds, can;'t remember. Maybe a Jalapeno, Mushroom Sausage, and something else. Plus a plain cheese for the kids. I really like it. Nice atmospere as well. Located in one of those old 30's Hyde Park houses. Service was a bit lacking. But the guy apologized about it repeatedly.
Sambets?
Co-workers and I go there about once a month. Its good. Fresh ingredients, good Po Boys. Also they usually have a gumbo, a chowder, a bisque, or a etouffee. Those are always good too.
Some folks complain that its a tad overpriced for what is essentially a soup and a sandwich. but I like it, plus they usually have an assortment of hot sauces on the tables and generally I find at least one I have never tried before which is cool.
Fuegos
Three of us from work just got back, we have been before (before they closed temporalily). We loved this place before they closed and i am here to report that they are just as good. Two of us got the Al Pastor burrito with everything. Huge, fresh, tasty. the red and green sauce are awesome. Third person got three tacos al pastor. he didn't say anything at all during meal, which means he probably like them. We'll be back.
I Miss Sea Island Shrimp House.. :(
Please note that the Captain's is not the Captain's anymore, it goes by a new name. I have not been in there since it changed hands, so I am not sure how much of the menu has changed.
Titaya's Thai: Where does it rank in the Thai game?
Some of the Thai experts on this board please go to Exotic Thai on the corner of Lamar and Braker. it just opened up in the new Asian strip mall they built right there. Co-worker and I went there last week and thought it was awesome. But this is only compared to my experiences at Thai Kitchen and Madam Mans. So, someone else let me know what they think.
Delicious New Thai Restaurant
Just had lunch at Exotic Thai, which is in the new Asian Strip Mall on the corner of Lamar and Braker.
Food was fresh, tasty and delicious.
I got a shrimp and squid spicy basil dish, which was incredible. Co-worker got Basil Chicken which he raved about as well.
Some of the dishes being ordered at table next to us looked fantastic. They have a large menu, lunch specials are either $6.50 with chicken or $7.50 with seafood. Comes with a soup.
Restaurant is brand new and very bright and open, the entire front wall is glass.
I will be back!
Fuegos
I've eaten there a few times. Its pretty good. Highlights
1) The al pastor burrito
2) the Fuego Burger
3) The Fish tacos
Ranking/Recommending Austin-Area Farmer's Markets
I agree that the triangle farmer's market is probably the best venue, while it might not have the most stands, options, and produce. The venue is great, large grassy areas, a band playing, and a fountain for the kids to play in. Much better than roasting in a parking lot at Sunset Valley. I have to say that Auntie Nita's is indeed awesome. Their relish is fantastic.
Gabbi's
Went there with co-worker yesterday. I got the Jalapeno Burger, can't remember which one he got. We both thought the burgers were really good. Nice square bun, fresh slices of tomato and onion and pickle, nice seasoning on the fries and on the patty. Guy next to us got the chili dog and it looked huge. I don't know what all the talk is in these previous posts, $6.95 for a burger this size and fries is quite reasonable.
Cork City, Ireland - Dinner Options
I will be in Cork City, Ireland for business next week.
Looking for dinner choices, definitely want to eat some seafood and of course local Irish cooking.
Best places to go with young children
To be more detailed on Culry's responses:
1) Amy's Ice Cream on Burnett is also Phil's Ice House, so you can get a burger, Ice cream and there is a play ground right there in the parking lot
2) Whole Foods downtown has a playground up on the second floor
3) Central Market is a huge gourmet shopping market, they have a giant patio/deck/playground out back. And on most nights they have live music out there.
4) Zilker Park as a great playground
5) Brentwood Tavern on Burnett has pub grub and a great playground
Grills under $500, Ducane or Blue Ember?
I totally second the recommendation for the Vermont Castings. I've had it over three years now and its great!
