austinethos's Profile
Recommendations in Fredericksburg?
I haven't been in about two years, but I do remember enjoying Cuvee (http://www.cuveewine.net/)
It has a really cool atmosphere (nice main dining area, a lounge upstairs, and a private basement room.
Also, the owner Len, was very nice, and apparently knows a thing or two about wine.
vin bistro
Here is the inside scoop, we'll see if this post gets moderated.
It all started with a slow decline/change in the staff. The executive chef, Chris Lusk, left earlier this year to move back to New Orleans after he was offered the head spot at a Brennan Family restaurant. [Lusk was previously a sous chef at Commander's Palace]. New exec chefs were hired - Joseph, from LA who decided not to stay; and then Chris (of Finn and Porter) who left after menu disagreements with the owners.
Then, there was a gradual exit of many of the service staff. Most all of the servers left, taking their wine and food knowledge with them. They have moved on to places like Kenichi, Cafe Josie, Botticelli's, and Asti. Jay, the bar manager, is now GM at 219 West. Adam, the GM, is now the GM at Malaga.
Also, one of the part owners, Heath, sold his share to another investor, exiting the Vin Bistro family as well.
While I don't know the financials of the closing, I could guess that the loss of trained labor had an effect on their plans, both for remodeled new location and the previously planned expansion downtown.
Restaurants are a very difficult business to suceed in, and often times some perceptibally small factors become more important than owners/investors realized.
I wish the former Vin Bistro family the best though in their new pursuits.
Trio
Any reports on dessert at Trio?
It's annoying that all the menus online are "samples".
Late Night Dinner in Austin?
If you get this reply in time, consider Parkside at 6th and San Antonio. I believe it's open until 2am.
Otherwise try burgers at Jackalope or Casino El Camino (both bars downtown on 6th)
http://www.parkside-austin.com/
Castle Hill Cafe closing
If I remember correctly, I think they were owned by the same couple, but then lost that connection after they divorced.
Am I close to being right?
Over dressed...
For the occasion, cuisine, and the dress, I'd recommend Trio at the Four seasons or Aquarelle. I would think you can't go wrong.
And, sadly, I might also agree with Eddie V's. Although we can argue about the merits of the food, you would fit in with such schnazzy attire.
The Driskill would be an option based on attire and desire, but the food might not be up to par/value yet.
Steaks in Restaurants - USDA Prime or CAB
From experience, most restaurants serve choice steaks. Aged prime, or even just prime, run too high of a food cost and most people can't tell the difference. It's usually a better bet just to go to a place that cuts their own meat and knows how to cook it right.
As for sources of kobe/wagyu around this area, there is Harrell Ranch -that Allen Brothers, Thomas Keller, and other source from. I remember hearing though, that Perry's toll road cut through their ranch and they had to relocate, and thus lost their certified organic status.
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A83643
http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=124267&addvid=26337
I have also heard about Yama Beef, too.
http://www.yama-beef.com/articles-news/about-us.htm
Now Open - Sago (In the Triangle)
I just ate there this past week with a friend, and I had a good experience. I live rather close by - long walking, easy biking, or short driving distance - and I'm glad another option is available. Also, why are there so many mentions of Mandola's in this post? Ok, it's in the same area, but they have nothing to do with Sago.
I went for late lunch (meaning I have not had their dinner menu and prices). I ordered the pork gorditas, and liked them enough to go back and recommend the place to friends for a try. The chips and salsa were great - especially since I like thicker chips rather than the ultra thin ones. Perhaps they have changed the salsa recipes thanks to others posts or feedback - and I loved especially the green one. It was not at all traditional Mexican verde salsa, but if you expect that go to a traditional Mexican restaurant, not a "modern" one like they say they are. It was a bit creamier with more depth of flavor.
As for service, we were there in the late afternoon, and we had no problem being seated or attended to. The server, a cute Asian/Irish had good input on what she liked and was attentive at the right times. The restaurant was rather empty, but it was around 4pm admittedly.
I also loved their corn soup and the honey rice. I would go back for that alone.
As with any culinary encounter, consider what that particular restaurant is good at (here, it's "modern mexican"), and then choose menu items accordingly. I am sure, to their fault, they included certain main stream Mexican (or Austin mexican) items with some twist. No, you aren't going to have the best traditional taco in Austin. We in Austin have an appreciation for real, non-english speaking, cheap, mexican food. You are not here for that. These guys started Portabla. They have an appreciation for the same food, but hope to expand the palate and atmosphere for our tastes.
I'll go back, order something different, and then report. Until then, it's definitely worth checking out.
Linguini with white clam sauce?
I'm rather sure Asti in Hyde Park is also serving this dish.
Best Desserts
Yeah, Uchi is closed on Monday anyway.
Other places to consider:
-Wink (as you mentioned)
-Jeffrey's (have the Intemperance)
-Starlite
-Eastside Cafe
-Lamberts
-Castle Hill Cafe
-Bess
Best Dimsum in town
I'll second Shanghai. All my Asian friends prefer there over pretty much everywhere else.
Best Desserts
I am still in love with the options at Uchi. They have their solid desserts from their normal menu, and a few from their daily one as well. I loved their creme caramel with brown butter sorbet and ginger consomme. I also liked the pepper sorbet and the mini valrhona chocolate torte with wasabi fondant and pistachio ice cream.
Finding honeycomb in Austin...
Hey fellow foodies. I have a 911 situation.
I have a dessert in mind for Easter dinner at a friend's place, and an ingredient I need is honeycomb - not honey or honey with some comb in it, but actual honeycomb.
I have called Central Market (central), Whole Foods (main), Wheatsville, and SunHarvest (south). Negative on all of those...
Do you know of any places that would definitely or probably have it?
Chocolate
I did ask people at Whole Foods - several people actually. The one up north (Gateway) has a very limited selection.
Also, I would hope that certain stores would carry more bulk options, since you can easily go through 2-3 lbs in one day making truffles for friends and family. I would hate to pay for good chocolate by the single bar. Perhaps this is a reason why it's good to shop online.
Chocolate
I went on a chocolate search around town to a few easily accessible places - Whole Foods, HEB, Central, Grapevine, Specs, etc.
The general standards in the industry are El Rey and Callebaut, and for good reason. I will say that from a bakers point of view, Callebaut is the gold standard.
However, I was specifically sent on a mission by someone to find something else besides those two. I tried Whole foods. Nothing. Apparently they are caught up into other issues rather than variety of good chocolate. They didn't even have Scharfen Berger.
So, I ended up going to my default market three bloks from home - Central Market. Why did I even try anywhere else? Not only did they actually have SB, El Rey, Valhrona, and Callebaut in bulk chunks/bars (much more affordable, for those that use lots of chocolate), but they also had two non-standard brands.
Cutting to the point, go to Central Market and buy the Caro dark chocolate. At the original central location, the display is located near the cheese counter. The chocolate has a deep flavor with a slight bit of spice that just intensifies the chocolate. No waxiness at all, unlike other brands. Importantly, it maintains the flavor throughout baking, not losing that intense flavor like those 68% cocoa levels of Valhrona or El Rey.
New New Italian Options in Austin, Which Ones Stack Up?
Has anyone tried Bellagio in the past couple of months since they got their new exec. chef?
BYOB restaurants
Just a note - any restaurant that also serves liquor by law cannot allow BYOB.
If a restaurant does not have a full bar, then it is up to their discretion to allow guests to bring their own wine. Common courtesy is to never bring a bottle they have on their list, to leave some type of tip for your wine on top of the corkage fee, and to offer a small taste to the waiter or wine director if you want.
Malaga in Austin - Spanish Tapas, SW style
I heard Malaga is closing for relocation. The owner of Cedar Street bought the location, but rumor is that Malaga will reappear at a later date.
What to order at Sunflower
It has been a good 3 months since I have been, but I just loved their sea bass dish, especially for around $13.
Imperia?
I think it was supposed to have a soft opening this Wednesday, but plans pushed it back a few days. I'd just check the website and give them a call to find out... and let us know too!
Bellagio, What's Up with That?
Singlemalt - sorry, but it's common that restaurants don't extend specials to the dining room. If they said bar or patio, they mean bar or patio.
However, Bellagio just got a new exec chef who should be really good. As with any chef change, the new menu should be ready there in about 1-2 months.
Capitol Brasserie Redux?
The new restaurant will be Imperia, an upscale Asian restaurant run by the owners of Cuba Libre and the ex-manager of Kenichi.
They hired a chef from a top restaurant in Vegas, and they should be opening in about a month.
http://www.imperia-austin.com/?D=D
Best Desserts?
What restaurants in town have the best desserts? I'd like to hear about restaurants that also have good main courses, since I'd feel bad about just going for the sweets, as our party would be occupying a table, etc.
I'm not the biggest sushi fan, but I hear the pastry chef at Uchi is AMAZING.
Any feedback from places that would be considered top 20 restaurants (Driskill, Four Seasons, Wink, Zoot, Mirabelle, Cafe Josie, Castle Hill, Fino, Vin, Starlite, etc...)
Austin - Sunday dinner?
Many of the good restaurants in town are closed on Sunday. The list is toooo long to name.
South Congress Cafe is a good option.
