nancythenice's Profile
Dinner After Graduation
I would be glad to hear suggestions for celebration dinner for 6 on Saturday night after son's law school graduation. He would like to go to Vespaio, but I don't want to risk it with no possibility of reservations. Don't really want a steak house. Has anyone had a good experience at Shoreline Grill lately? I would like it to go to a place with comfortable seating, good service and not too loud. Also thought of Roaring Fork or Louie's. Surely there is something else out there that hasn't come to mind. Thanks!
Matt's El Rancho
People certainly have different opinons on Mexican food don't they! I don't think Matt's is a tourist trap. Go on Sunday night and you will see politicos, power brokers, and half of west Austin. Try the chicken enchiladas verdes - have them put sour cream, raisens, nuts and onion slices on top, like they put on the chile relleno. Add a margarita - made with real lime juice. Superb. The chile relleno is my husband's favorite. I also like the fish Matt Martinez, and we like the chips - not the usual cardboard poured out of a sack. I personally would never choose Chuy's food over Matt's. No - Matt's is not haute cuisine - but it is reliable, fresh, and to me, much more varied and flavorful than Chuys - which seems to me to be lots of brown glop covered with cheese. And Matts is an old time Austin institution. It was here long, long before Chuy's. We used to eat at the old location -where the Four Seasons is now.
Chicago Chowhound in Town for 4 Nights: First Time in Austin
I know that people develop their own personal ties with their favorite TexMex - and so others will disagree with me - but I see absolutely no reason to go to Chuys. Its just not that good. Everything is brown and tastes pretty much the same. I love TexMex - and think someone should write a book comparing "The Number One Plate" at all the best - but Chuys wouldn't be in the book. You can do much better. If you love pork in Mexican dishes, you could try Las Palomas - not Tex. Mex., a little nicer atmosphere,interesting fish dishes, chile relleno, soups, and pork dishes too. The musicians that play on Weds nights are fabulous. Often, famous people drop in and play with them. Mariachis on Friday. Best grilled shrimp is at Polvos - but it has gotten so loud and crowded, we don't go anymore. We loved it before it was "discovered" by the young and hip.
Austin’s The Roaring Fork: What Am I Missing?
You said it reminded you of a chain restaurant, and in fact, I think it is. Last time I was there the music was load and horrible. I complained and the waiter said they had just been visited by the out of town corporate owners, who had told them to change the music to what we were hearing. He said they all hated it too, and would change it back when they thought they could get away with it. We go sometimes for a business lunch, because we work downtown, the service is pretty good, and you often see some notables in there. I enjoy the tortilla soup. Its different. They bring a pile of chicken, avacado and other stuff piled in a little lump in a bowl, then at the table they pour the broth over it. Also love those little cornbread muffins. A long time ago, they were always on the table. Now you only get them at lunch if you ask. I assume another corporate policy.
Chows in Summit County, CO
We always go to Jalapeno's when in Breck. Kind of far from Copper, but you need to get over and see Breck at least once - its such a cute town. Jalapeno's is right on the river, a very unassuming, family run place, lots of locals. Fresh food and some interesting home made salsas. In Frisco, the Butterhorn Bakery for breakfast or lunch is a must. Homemade salads, soups, sandwiches and french toast that will make your eyes bug out. The Blue Spruce in Frisco can be nice for a more upscale dinner. It is an interesting old building right on the main street.
New Years Eve in Breckenridge, CO
My choice wfor the best/nice restaurant in Breck would be Southridge Seafood Grill. Great food - and not just seafood. Very popular bar with the local in-crowd. Definitely make a reservation. I thought Briar Rose was expensive and not that great.
Chicago Chowhound in Town for 4 Nights: First Time in Austin
Personally, I prefer Manuels Sunday brunch to that at La Fonda San Miguel - they do jazz at the downtown Manuel's location. Another option for Mexican food that is interior, rather than Tex Mex - is Curra's Grill, two locations. For Tex Mex (a cuisine of its own and not to be missed) I agree with Matt's El Rancho (margaritas made with real lime juice, order the Bob Armstrong dip to start). And thinking of breakfast, or brunch, Trudy's has the best Migas going (you can order it anytime of day or night, with fajitas if you want - be sure to get both kinds of hot sauce), except for maybe Maudie's. The Maudie's location on Loop 360 would be in the same neck of the woods as Barton Creek, has a great view and would be great anytime. Their tortilla soup is INCREDIBLE - a big bowl with fresh vegetables, cilantro etc. You really must try chicken fried steak if you want to do the full Texas thing. I would suggest Hoover's Home Cooking on Manor Road. Trudies does pretty good chicken fried too- with fabulous cheesy mashed potatoes. Other options for more upscale dinners with a definite Texas twang to the food - Castle Hill or Zee Tejas (nice room and view at the Arboretum location, more funky at the original on W. Sixth.) One last thought. A book was published a couple of months ago called "The Fearless Critic - Austin Restaurant Guide." Done by a real foodie - over 300 reviews. Fun to read and lots of good ideas. Well - I have gotten hungry just thinking about all this. Hope you enjoy Austin!
Can anyone recommend an incredible restaurant for a Birthday dinner?
I second Wallse. I found the service amazingly professional and attentive - sort of old world. And the food was superb, as well as the wine.
AUSTIN Happy Hours
I agree on Kyoto for a great deal on sushi. I have never been asked to purchase two drinks at McCormick and Schmick's at happy hour - have frequently had the burger and a beer or soda with no problem.
AUSTIN Happy Hours
McCormick and Schmick in the Frost Bank Building at Congress and 4th, does an incredible cheeseburger and fries for $2 during happy hour. Its a deal for an early dinner. Also spinach artichoke dip that is good and a selection of other items, all very reasonable. The bar area isn't very big - and they won't serve you the bar menu anywhere else in the restaurant. Happy hour ends at 6pm.
Even better is Manuel's, on Congress between 3rd and 4th. All their appetizers are half price during happy hour (4-7pm). The food is high quality and different. Hongas guisados, gorditas, quesadillas, queso (not just melted velveeta but queso blanco), guacamole, and of course nachos. Premium tequila, great margaritas. I like the atmosphere as well. Not too noisy, booths and tables. You can relax, talk.
Markets in Austin
I thought of a few other suggestions. There is Mandolos (sp?)Italian market at the triangle on upper Guadalupe. I haven't been there yet but friends are big fans - they have a bakery as well as gourmet italian specialties. Then there is Phoenicia - with locations on south Lamar, and Burnet road. It is middle eastern food. They have a bakery, do take out falafel and pitas, they have a selection of specialty groceries, cheeses, olives, baklava etc. When I wanted to recreate some of the food we had in Turkey, I was able to find many of the ingredients there. Finally, I noticed a Russian market just off Anderson. Don't know anything about it but maybe someone else does.
Markets in Austin
I recommend a visit to Grapevine Market on Anderson at Mopac. They have a grand selection of wines and also stock gourmet foods. Last Saturday afternoon you could have tasted six or so wines, with knowledgeable personnel explaining them. You could have sampled chocolates hand made in Austin, a wonderful brie with pesto that Grapevine makes, their fresh baked beer bread etc. They even have a small luncheon menu and tables. A fun experience.
Balthazar Recs
Recently had the fettucini in a wonderful sauce with mushrooms. Yum. And the salad with beets and nuts was also delicious. For desert, we tried the meringue with berries, which was different and good. Everyone else seemed to be eating oysters.
Anyone Tried Nuevo Leon (Austin)?
Is it related to the Nuevo Leon restaurant that is in East Austin? If so, my opinion is that there is no reason to go out of your way to eat there. No better than many mexican food places, and certainly not one of the best.
Trip Report and Thanks to Chowhounds
I will remember the suggestion for the Met - hope I get back soon. By the way - making guacamole tableside seems to be quite the thing in NYC. It isn't done in Austin. Is it just a rationale for charging $15 for what is basically a $5 dish? I should say that at Fred's on the UWS the guacamole was delicious, and reasonable, and not made tableside.
[Austin] Which restaurant do you patronize the most?
Manuel's or Las Manitas for workday lunch.
El Rancho for comfort food tex/mex. (been eating there since 1974 - don't look at the menu - just order the favs. - chile relleno, green enchiladas, Bob Armstrong and margaritas)
Tres Amigos on Loop 360 (for easy, fast, cheap with kids.)
Huts - (burgers and onion rings)
Trip Report and Thanks to Chowhounds
I returned last night from a week in NYC with my 21 year old son - his first trip to the city. Thanks to many chowhounds, we ate some wonderful food. Staying in Chelsea, I was delighted to find several chowhound recommendations within a couple of blocks. We tried four and I would highly recommend all to anyone visiting the city - they were not expensive or touristy, didn't require reservations, the food was high quality and at least two provided very unique cuisine. We began with the Havana restaurant on 8th Ave. at 19th for the cuban sandwiches and a side of plaintains (sweet, fried, just like a remembered from cuban restaurants I frequented on the UWS in the 1970's - YUM). We sat at the counter, and the person on the next stool had a wonderful looking stew of some sort over yellow rice. He said it was "Goat" - it smelled delicious. The next day we ate across the street at the thai restaurant - Spice. Fresh ingredients, well prepared - nothing too startling on the menu but so good that if I lived nearby, I would definitely go back. Another day, we had brunch at the Bright cafe at 8th ave. and about 21st - totally unique. We are from Texas, so we tried the trio of salsa dips and chips, and loved them. That place would do well in Austin. Final Chelsea stop was the Bagel place on 8th, (Murray's?)- on Thanksgiving morning. The bagels were still warm from the oven and the people were lovely. In Chinatown, we had lunch at a chowhound recommendation, 6 or 9 Charleston??? Square. Everyone else there was chinese. They were doing dim sum, even though it was a Tuesday. Wish we had been able to understand more of what they were offering, but what we tried was great - and it was a unique experience. Based on reading chowhound discussions, I made a reservation at Balthazar for Sunday evening - the food was good, the wine great and the scene was fun after an afternoon of Soho shopping. My son enjoyed the spinach pasta. The meringue and berry dessert was very special. The next night we ate at Rosa Mexicana in Union Square. As described, it was a beatiful space, and even though I am a margarita purist, I loved their pomegranite version. On Thanksgiving eve, we went to see the balloons being inflated, and had dinner at Fred's on Amsterdam,on chowhound advice. It was perfect - a wonderful host and warm atmosphere, delicious food(they willingly replaced the shrimp in the pasta dish my son ordered), crammed with families - we were lucky we got there early. Thanksgiving dinner was at Wallsea in the West Village. This was actually recommended by a foodie friend. It was fantastic. My son had the most beautiful, tender venison steak you have ever seen and loved the chestnut soup. I thought the salad was particularly special. Our only disappointments were the pizza at Two Boots in Grand Central (OK, but nothing special, but it was easy and convenient); the pie place at Grand Central (only selling whole pies because of Thanksgiving); and lunch at the Metropolitan Museum (fresh and decent and of course convenient, but really seemed expensive for a cafeteria!) Overall - we had a great time, and I was able to show my son some of the wonderful culinary experiences available in NYC, thanks to all the great information provided by chowhounds! Hope I can return the favor to anyone heading to Austin.
cuban or cuban/chinese
Thanks. I can't remember the name of the place, but maybe we will go for a walk up Broadway and see what looks interesting. Glad to hear its not that different. Having read about all the new development in the area around 96th, I thought surely it had changed. The description of the food in Queens is wonderful - but we probably won't venture there. I just read the menu for the restaurant "Hell's Kitchen" - was surprised that they feature plaintains in several dishes. Here in Austin, Texas, no one cooks with plaintains much.
cuban or cuban/chinese
Any recommendations for good fried plaintains (not the crispy kind like potatoe chips, but the wonderful ones that are browned on the outside, and soft and sweet on the inside) and picadillo? Years ago when I lived on the UWS (and I mean the 70's - so I am sure it is not still there) there was a great place on BWAY at about 108th. The picadillo was a spicy stew of ground beef, with nuts, green olives and raisins. I will be visiting over Thanskgiving and would love to find a facsimile - preferably chelsea, w village, theater district, or UWS - although if you have a favorite elsewhere, I would love to hear about it.
balthazar - how long to allow for dinner
It is my 21 year old son and myself. His first trip to NYC. One of the nights we are there, I want to take him to the Chinatown area to wander and eat. Maybe that would be a better choice for Sunday before the late show? The other things I am considering: we have tickets to a show near Union Square on Monday night - and because we are from Texas and he has been on the east coast for a couple of months, and deprived of Mexican food, I thought we might do Rosa Mexicana that night. He probably needs a guacamole fix. I definitely want to do Chinatown - and then a good Italian place, which for him means, no seafood and more standard fare. He also loves Thai food. We will go to watch the balloon inflate on Weds, before Spamalot - and I thought we would do something quick and casual on UWS - like pizza - he just has to experience NYC pizza! Or maybe we can do that for lunch. Wish I knew of a great Cuban/Chinese place. Years ago when I lived in NYC (we are talking early 70's - so LONG ago) there was a wonderful spot on upper broadway at about 108th, the best plaintains in the world! We are doing Thanksgiving lunch in Chelsea area, where we are staying. So much great food ! So little time!
balthazar - how long to allow for dinner
We have a reservation at Balthazar for a Sunday evening at 6pm - then we are going to see the Christmas show at Radio City at 9:30pm. Balthazar had nothing later and I wonder if there is going to be a long gap between dinner and the show, with nothing to do on a Sunday night. How much time should I allow for the dinner - we have never been there before? If I can switch Balthazar to another night - maybe we should wander through Chinatown that night instead. Any thoughts?
