MattC02's Profile
Best Thing YOU Ever Ate, Austin
Foie Gras Nigiri at Uchi. Sweet and salty at the same time with a little bit of crunch from crispy quinoa. One of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. Get it as a dessert!
RIP V
Yeah...my first clue they wouldn't make it as a deli was when I asked if they could make a Rachel instead of a Rueben and they had no idea what I was talking about (for those don't know the deli-lingo, that's basically a rueben made with turkey instead of corned beef or pastrami and cole slaw instead of saurkraut - any deli has it on the menu). They went ahead and made it for me, and then someone from the kitchen came out to tell me "what a great idea...maybe we should put it on the menu." LOL
At least the sandwich was pretty good tho...but then when they changed to Manny's Kitchen and added things like pot stickers and tuna tataki to the deli menu I knew they were likely done for...
Opening: Lucy's Fried Chicken
So I've also been twice now, and I really want to like this place because it seems fairly unique and fun. I like that they have indoor and outdoor seating, and a good selection of local brew on tap. My thoughts:
The Chicken: Very inconsistent on both my visits. We had a few of us, so we ordered the bucket both times (once you get past two people who want chicken the bucket is the best deal). When you get a perfectly cooked piece it is oh so good - crispy, well seasoned batter and chicken, and moist. Worth going back for. But, we found that in the same batch we would have crispy pieces and some that were super soggy. Also, some of the pieces were cut into frankenpieces where we couldn't readily identify if it was breast, thigh, etc. On my second visit, one of the pieces was actually so large where it should have been cut up - it was undercooked inside.
Other items tried:
Fried Deviled Eggs - same batter as the chicken, and with a dipping sauce. We all enjoyed them the best of everything.
Crab Boil Potato Salad - ok. not much crab boil flavor, but a nice side to have
Cole Slaw - not great
Corn muffins - the muffins were fine, but the tequila lime butter makes em better
So, overall I hope they work out the inconsitencies...may or may not go back a third time...it's also fairly pricey I think. $50 plus tip for chicken for 3, plus two sides and two beers.
Dock and Roll
I was there too on their last day...Lobster roll and tots! Both were very good. I think it is interesting you can also get your lobster roll "Connecticut style" (warm, no mayo), "Long Island style" (add celery and onion), or "Rhode Island style" (w/lettuce and tomato). Hopefully purists from wherever they are can deal :). I didn't opt for any of these styles since it was my first time trying and wanted it how they typically prepare. Lee also talked me into the Thai Tea - day glo orange in color, but home brewed and a nice taste. Hopefully they stay in the area...and I hope folks go support them when they start up again...I'll surely go back and try some other items as well. The lobster roll is $12, but their other sandwiches look to be in the $5 range.
Trappistes Rochefort 8 and 10 set to release in Austin
Just found the 6, 8 and 10 at Whole Foods Downtown...they had all 3...although supply looked to be dwindling...
Whole Foods - Lunchtime Best Kept Secrets and Deals?
I've seen lately "lunch slider" bags to-go on display. They contain a slider roll with some sort of salad (egg, tuna, chicken) on it, homemade potato chips, and then a container of some sort of side sald (mine had cucumber and corn in a vinagrette or something). Under 5 bucks. The container with the side salad was fairly good sized...
Hard Hat Report Vol 8
Eleven Plates just opened sunday in Davenport Village near Westlake and 360. This area needs some good restaurants, so I hope the food is good and it does well. If anyone tries it feel free to start a thread...
Best place to eat foie gras
So I had the foie gras nigiri at Uchi over the weekend. It was pan seared, glazed with a fish caramel or something, and had a few crispy quinoa in there. The waitstaff were super excited I ordered it, and when the runner from the kitchen brought it out she exclaimed "I'm so excited for you!"
It was really amazing. Probably on my list of top ten bites. Unfortunately, that's all it was for $9...but totally worth it. I can see how someone said they often order it for dessert. So good. Sweet and salty umami heaven.
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Uchi Restaurant
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Cheddar cheese with Texas BBQ: what's the deal? [moved from Austin board]
I've seen the hunks of cheddar at Rudy's too and thought it odd (yeah...I sometimes hit up Rudy's...they can't all be visits to Franklin's)...so glad someone asked the question!
Need opinions on 4-day BBQ-plus plan
Some may argue, but Tam Deli rocks the Bahn Mi in my opinion. I've had several there, and never disappointed. Their other dishes, including the shrimp and yam fritters and the dessert cream puffs are awesome too. No real great Dim Sum in Austin...so good swap in my opinion.
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Tam Deli & Cafe
8222 N Lamar Blvd Ste D33, Austin, TX 78753
Favorite Wine Bars?
Yes! I do like Mulberry and forgot about them. I had an amazing pork belly and lentil dish from them once that I still remember.
Favorite Wine Bars?
Hope this haven't been coverered already but didn't see much in search...I'm looking to try out a new wine bar...any ideas? I'm very well acquainted with the Wink Wine Bar, Vino Vino and The Grove. Just looking for someplace new with a good variety of wine by the glass and yummy food to go with it. What are your favorites that we should try?
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Vino Vino
4119 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX
Good2Go - Anyone Been?
It's the to-go only version of The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen that serves up pre-packaged and fresh made items. Curious if anyone hs been there and has any comments or review?
http://good2goaustin.com
Haddington's - Any Comments?
I just wish Alamo could bring in someone to elevate the quality of their food as well!
Business lunch near Bee Caves & 360?
Unfortunately, I don't think there are a lot of Chow worthy options right in that area. The only one that I can think of that is right there is The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen. But, what usually makes that place nice is to sit outside under their huge pecan tree, and it is getting a bit warm for that...and if they are dressed for business may not be a good option. Inside is fine, but pretty casual and not necessarily known for amazing service. Not sure about the resrvation either. But good wine options and food can be decent, although often inconsistent. You can check the menu online.
Otherwise it is a lot of casual and chain fare in the area. If you want to travel a bit farther you can head West on Bee Caves out to the Galleria area and there may be some other choices (Buenos Aires Cafe possibly). Heading the other way there is Bistro 88...but at that point you are nearing downtown.
Others may offer up some better options...
Which Phil's Ice House better for kids??
I've only been to the Burnet location, but we love the burgers there. I rank it is one of the best I've had in Austin. I also love that we can get a mix of sweet potato fries and regular.
Whole Foods - Lunchtime Best Kept Secrets and Deals?
The sandwich bar at Whole Foods is now doing a half sandwich of your choice from the display and a small salad for $5.99. A pretty good deal since half a sandwich on some of them is quite enough. They seem to have a different salad selection each day too...today there was pecan/feta, a quinoa looking one, a pasta salad, etc. plus, you can get your sandwich grilled/pressed.
POSOLE!!!!
I work near Corazon on 5th near Lamar...they have an excellent Posole. Don't know if it is authentic or not...or what makes good posole...but I like it. Good amount of hominy and pieces of pork in it...let me know what you all think...
Hard Hat Report Vol 6
Looks like they are demolishing what looks likes the remnants of some chain on Bee Caves and Walsh Tarton behind the Taco Bell...anyone know what's going in?
Whole Foods - Lunchtime Best Kept Secrets and Deals?
Today I tried a Longhorn sandwich from sandwich bar. Not a steal for $6.49 necessarily, but could have easily shared it with someone as it was big enough to split. Quite good - rare roast beef, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, carmelized onions and spinach (I think it was spinach) on ciabatta...then grilled/pressed.
Whole Foods - Lunchtime Best Kept Secrets and Deals?
I've been a fan of the shrimp and chicken Jambalaya at the Seafood soups/stews section...that and a roll is pretty filling. But...can't seem to want it as much now that it is summer!
Whole Foods - Lunchtime Best Kept Secrets and Deals?
I do like their mac and cheese...but only have had it as a side. Didn't think of making it the main meal, but sounds like a good idea paired with something like a yogurt, fruit, etc. Thanks!
A Salad
Not in the area you are looking for, but the Interior Mexican Salad with Chicken at Corazon (on 5th near Lamar) is really, really good. A really yummy dressing, and also served with a couple of small blue corn empanadas. one of my favorite salds in the city.
Jerky anyone?
Thanks for the update...I still haven't brought myself to actually stop yet either! Jalapeno Turkey does indeed sound good though...
Whole Foods - Lunchtime Best Kept Secrets and Deals?
I work right by the downtown Flagship Whole Foods, so by default it is often the office cafeteria - so many choices across the board! The downside is that the bill can easily start adding up for daily lunches (The "Whole Paycheck" monker is easily warranted). In addition, despite the options I often finding myself getting some of the same things (hit the sushi bar, salad bar, tacos, etc) So, while I know I can go and get that $9.00 sushi package, or pay $11.99 for a piece of salmon with two sides at the prepared foods counter, what I really want to know are what are your best kept secrets at Whole Foods? Things to order not necessarily advertised? Great finds for a lunch meal you may not have noticed? What are some of the best deals to be had (I already overdose on the awesome and huge 2 for $5.00 taco bar deal).
Help me out Chowhounds!
Tony Bourdain is coming to Austin: Where should his handlers send him?
Actually, Scripps, who owns Food Network, HGTV and others just bought Travel Channel...so they are his boss once again...so you never know!
The Texas Cuban Pressed Sandwich Trailer
Oooh very excited to try this one. We moved from Miami back in January, and my wife has been Jonesing for something like this!
