Alan Sudo's Profile
salty sow
Unfortunately, my limited experience at the Salty Sow was the same as the OP - several of the dishes were missteps, but there were a few hits. We didn't actually dine there, but instead had several drinks and a selection of small plates out on the patio, so take that into account when reading my review.
First, the service was outstanding! Friendly, knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing. Way to go, front of the house!
There are plenty of poultry, fish and beef dishes. Given the name, I was surprised at how small a role pork actually plays on the menu. And the early buzz that this would feature dishes made from "snout to tail" was wrong. No organ meats, nothing more adventurous than pork belly or cheek.
The Turkey Leg entree looked fantastic, and was highly recommended by friends dining at another table.
Of our apps and small dishes:
The oyster boudin fritters were a highlight - fried balls of boudin with a mild chipotle dipping sauce, but could have used a little more oyster.
The roasted beets - a well executed dish, but one you can find all over town.
Crispy Brussel Sprout leaves - nice dish, with the flavor of the greens perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the raisins and the slight tang of the pecorino cheese.
I would get any of the above again.
The duck fat fries - no one at our table felt these were anything special, and the majority sat uneaten after the first few trial bites.
The Giant Lima Beans side and the Collard Greens side were both a little too bland and uninspired. You can get either of these veggies done much better across the street at Hoover's.
The Poached Salmon in a jar was just poorly conceived and was sent back after just a nibble.
The house cocktails were also uneven.
The Salty Sow'r is a whiskey sour made with tamarind - well balanced and delicious, a real winner.
The curly tail or twisted tail or something like that is mescal, blood orange, Serrano peppers and a touch of cilantro. The serranos were too hot for a few at my table, but I was addicted to this drink. Wonderful - I will return to Salty Sow for this drink alone.
There was also a drink made with fruit juice with flowers and blueberries frozen in the ice cube whose name escapes me. Poorly executed, it was too sweet and tasted more like a cheap vodka shot you might find served in a test tube at a sixth street disco.
Another drink with cucumber and herbs was overwhelmed by an over the top presentation. After finishing the drink, the glass was literally a third of the way full of chunks of cucumber and green leaves. We joked that it should have been listed a salad instead of a cocktail.
Bottom line, Salty Sow has promise, but they also have a lot of work to do. I'll give them some time and another chance, but it will be hard not to drive right past them and down the street to Contigo.
Foiled by Fonda San Miguel again.
One suggestion for a wonderful meal near the venue (One World Theater?) would be just down Bee Caves Road at Gumbo's.
Fine dining worthy of the celebration. Lot's of (cooked) seafood choices for Mom, many with flavors bold enough to satisfy Hubby. Parking near the restaurant to ease any worry of getting parents in and out (although I assume you would be using valets if you dine downtown anyway).
It's not the most innovative option in Austin, but it's a solid choice given the details of your particular group.
Crispy Tacos?
Yes, Wolf is correct that Amaya's does not serve puffy tacos and that should be made clear for any future 'hounds searching for puffies. In my mind I was thinking of simularities of textures and pliability, but what I wrote didn't do enough to emphasize the differences. Still, Amaya's serves great old school, yellow cheese Tex-Mex.
Crispy Tacos?
Amaya's does play fast and loose with their definition of "crispy". They're actually a thick corn tortilla fried to order, almost like SA puffy tacos. I wouldn't describe them a "mushy" but they are moist and slightly pliable, not hard and dry like a chulupa.
As disappointed as I have been with Chuy's recently, I may have to go try the crispy tacos based on your rec.
Crispy Tacos?
Amaya's may be the best old school Tex-Mex in the city. Their crispy tacos have the traditional picadillo filling (seasoned hamburger meat) and the fresh fried shells are outstanding. I agree that it's hard for a picadillo filling to compete with a carnitas filling, but if you want old school, go to Amaya's.
Kome?
I have to disagree with Popvulture's assessment of Kome as "the usual sushi". Sure, they have rolls available with cream cheese or pickled jalapenos, but if you look beyond the "Longhorn roll" or the "Texas Turf and Surf Roll", you find discover a treasure trove of well executed dishes.
Look for dishes popular in Japan but harder to find in the US such as the steamed Monkfish liver, the Madai ceviche with mango and salmon or the Kanpyo Maki roll made with shavings from a sweetened dried gourd.
One highlight of the menu is the Ika-yaki, a whole squid grilled and beautifully presented with grated ginger. Other choices that separate Kome from the crowd include a Kimchi pickled Sea Bass, the octopus dumplings, and a Camembert cheese tempura.
Hard Hat Vol IX
Southern Hospitality has set a date for the grand opening of their new location, and it's just 2 weeks away. According to their website, they will be open June 1st.
With the new location come new operating hours - 11AM to 9PM. That's right, we can soon enjoy Southern Hospitality for dinner as well as lunch.
From the website: "This spot is formerly 'Souper Salad' in Just off (I35) near Highland Mall and Galaxy 10 Movie Theater Behind The Burlington Coat Factory"
Best food truck in Austin?
Let's see, the link has Austin's BEST food trailers listed as #1 Shorty's Hamburgers, #2 Ms. P's, #3 Banananrchy, #4 Tenderland and #5 Gourdoughs.
That's not even close. Maybe they meant Austin's greasiest food trailers?
Don't get me wrong, I do love me some fried pork sandwiches at Tenderland. They are huge, tasty and really hit the spot when I'm craving fried stuff, but none of these places represent the best in Austin today.
In fact, it's hard to name "the best", but any such discussion should at least include a few names from the following list. If you don't hear any of these trailers mentioned, keep on moving on.
East Side Kings, Three Little Pigs, Pachamama's Peruvian, Lulu B's, The Peached Tortilla, Conscious Cravings, Coolhaus, Way South Philly, La Boite Cafe, Rosita's Al Pastor, El Taco Rico, Verts, Dock and Roll, Spartan Pizza, the Best Wurst, G'Raj Mahal, Osmos Kitchen, Reggie's.
La Condesa's whole roasted suckling pig?
I know that Elaine from Eastside Cafe roasts a whole pig for a charity event every year and does a fantastic job of it. Maybe she also caters? Check with Elaine's Pork and Pies.
A google search turns up "Austin's coolest pig roasting team" at austinpigroast.com as well as a Bolder, Colorado BBQ outfit that apparently delivers whole roast pigs in Austin - Flatirons Barbecue.
Also, it's not too hard to do yourself if you have the time. I've done a 90lb fellow in a temporary cinder block pit and it was delicious. Just Google Cuban Whole Roast pig for directions.
Picturing casual gourmet, fresh seafood and veggies, creative, good
I've enjoyed the Ruby Trout at Eastside Cafe, grilled and served with a shitake mushroom and ginger cream, but I have a hard time passing up their sesame catfish with garlic aioli. The shrimp and goat cheese quesadilla appetizer is another personal favorite.
You will not find veggies any fresher. Eastside Cafe was a pioneer of Austin's urban gardening scene, and have a 1/2 block organic garden right behind the restaurant.
http://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com
They have a small but well choosen wine list, and comfortable dining rooms inside a historic old house.
Dog friendly?
These threads will get you started.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/741280
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/527954
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/455583
Need a place for book club
I agree that European Bistro is your best bet.
Other possibilities are the Hill Country Pierogi trailer on 11th Street across from Longbranch Saloon. It's a food that kinda spans the whole of eastern Europe including Poland, Hungary and Russia. They also have cabbage rolls on Friday and Saturday.
Sasha's Gourmet Russian Market in Allandale used to have a cafe, but I hear it was downsized out. It's still a great place for Russian wines and treats.
Nine Cuisines, One Dish Each
Thanks! These are all dishes I have eaten recently and now find myself craving - I'm sure the list will change next month.
Nine Cuisines, One Dish Each
1. Italian: Pizza capricciosa - mozzarella, ham, olives, tomato, mushrooms, artichokes, oil
2. Indian: Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani - chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon, saffron, coriander and more, then layered with basmati rice and baked.
3. Mexican: Tacos Dorados De Barbacoa Adobada, or cow's head marinated in a spicy red salsa and baked until falling apart. Corn tortillas are then stuffed with this meat and grilled. Served with a mound of grilled jalapenos and onions.
4. Chinese: Salt and Pepper shrimp - the classic Cantonese dish
5. Thai: Green Papaya Salad - shredded papaya tossed with the 4 fundamental Thai flavors: sour lime, hot chili, salty fish sauce, and sweet palm sugar.
6. French: Chocolate Croissant
7. American: Santa Fe style green chili cheeseburger
8. Middle Eastern: biber dolması - Turkish green peppers stuffed with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, onion, parsley and garlic.
9. Eastern European/Russian: Zrazy - thinly sliced sirloin stuffed with smoked pork belly, breadcrumbs, mushrooms, pickles and mustard, braised in beer or red wine and served with a cold cucumber salad with dill and yogurt dressing.
Chowhound Dinner Group
Just google "yahoo groups" and go to that page. Look for the "Find a Group" box and enter "Austin Chowhounds"
Voila
Clay Pit
Sorry blueclaw666, but this comment seems a little dickish.
I didn't notice hounds getting as personal with you after your recent recommendations of P.F.Chang's, Hooters and Torchy's Tacos.
Clay Pit
This is funny as I was just eating dinner with Indian friends who were complaining about Americans flocking to Indian restaurants which over season their food. They say it's nearly impossible to find any subtly in Indian food in Texas. I can understand what they mean as I too prefer highly spiced foods (like Shalimar on N Burnet).
That doesn't mean that a more balanced approached to Indian spice is any less authentic or tasty. In fact, if you ask around, a lot of Indians living in Austin will go the Clay Pit every time friends and family visit. They love it as a well executed, new approach to traditional foods and techniques.
elpaninaro, if you enjoy the food, please keep going and thank you for sharing. You might also enjoy the mild options of several dishes at New India on South Congress (suggested by the couple I mention above). Be sure to ask as some dishes do not offer a mild option.
Fried or Grilled Tacos
I have been following comments about a certain fast food chain in another thread (http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839069 ) with more than a little amusement. I admit to innocent experimentation with the fried tacos at Jack in the Box as a young man, but must warn you that they might be a "gateway taco" to the hard stuff.
Specifically, the "Tacos Dorados De Barbacoa Adobada" at Taqueria Los Altos. Corn tortillas are filled with flavorful chili and spice marinated barbacoa and then grilled. The heat releases a red-orange mixture of grease and spice that soaks into the corn shell, giving it a deep fried quality. Served with a mound of grilled jalapenos and onions on the side, it’s very greasy and seriously delicious.
Besides these, danny_w mentions the Tacos Garcia at Jorges. Anyone else know of great grilled or fried tacos in Austin?
He's Baaack! Where have you seen Bourdain in town?
He's posting up a storm. So far, he's hit El Taco Rico for a breakfast of Enchiladas con Guilota and what looks like barbacoa, and a crawdad boil for lunch.
I know he has his fans here in Austin. He was seen having drinks with the band Ume at Hotel Vegas about 5 minutes ago - free show with lots of great music.
Looking for a "Meat and Three" around the Austin area.
Arkie's Grill has meat and three!
It's only open weekdays, and only until 3PM.
Feedback on Austin Food Itinerary
I would move Flip Happy to the sweets category - they have excellent dessert crepes and it frees you up to add weekend brunch at Eastside Cafe (a wonderful non-buffet Austin experience - ask to dine inside and avoid the garden room).
I would also accept the Green Pastures suggestion :)
For dinners, consider adding Justine's and/or Contigo. You could also go to Hoover's for the Chicken Fried Chicken dinner - a classic Texas meal you are not likely to find in DC.
Also, here's a link to some recent Fredericksburg suggestions http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/816495
Hard Hat Vol IX
Hey AmySue that's not a bad area for food. While I haven't spent as much time there lately as I used to, you can see if these places are still up to par.
(The famous and hound-worthy) Mi Ranchito is in the convenience store at the corner of William Cannon and Pleasant Valley;
Some of the best catfish in town can be found at Cherry Creek Catfish on Manchaca and Stassney, and just north of that is the Bakehouse with an extensive and eclectic lunch menu.
Casa Garcia's is old school Tex-Mex with homemade tortillas at the southeast corner of William Cannon and Manchaca;
Chuy's Panderia has good tortas and baked goods on William Cannon between South Congress and I-35 (in the Gold's Gym shopping center);
That same shopping center has good Thai at Thai Kitchen, and the sub shop used to be pretty good, but it's been years since I ate there.
You might also check out D.K. Seoul Restaurant and Sushi on S. 1st between William Cannon and Stassney. Umi Sushi in the Fiesta shopping center (I-35 and Stassney) used to have a good happy hour with cheap Kirin on tap.
Hope that helps...
"Supper" Barbecue?
Sam's known for their mutton, which is superior. The rest of the menu is not going to curl your toes, but it's passable. Not to damn it with faint praise, but it's better than places like Stubb's or Pok-e-jo's.
It's certainly a fun spot to eat late night - after midnight, you can feel the ghosts in that building.
Is it smoked or barbecue meat ?
Interesting how the word continues to evolve and change by region.
I did a little research and found that the word barbeque itself is one of many words related to ranching adapted and transformed from their northern Mexican versions (just like the Tex-Mex cowboy AKA "vaquero" became "buckaroo").
It didn't actually start with the Mexicans, but with the pre-Columbian Arawak indians located throughout the Caribbean. It was the Arawaks who used the green and fire resistant flexible limbs of the hanging branches of the giant Bearded Fig Tree (Los Barbadoes) to cook meats and fish over an open fire while first marinating their foods in tropical herbs and spices found naturally throughout the southern islands. Unlike latter variations, the original and most authentic "Barbacoa" used herbs and spices, such as island prepared "cassareep" (derived from the root of the cassava plant), not only to enhance the natural flavors of meats, fish and vegetables, but preserve their cooked foods from prematurely spoiling in the heat of the tropics.
The Arawak Indians called their preparations "Barbacoa," accordingly. The term spread to Mexico, where barbacoa generally refers to meats or a whole sheep slow-cooked over an open fire, or more traditionally, in a hole dug in the ground.
Barbacoa was later adopted into the cuisine of the southwestern United States by way of Texas, which had formerly been a part of northern Mexico. The word transformed in time to "barbecue".
Hard Hat Vol IX
@Optimista - Yes, Elaine Martin and Dorsey Barger are the co-owners of East Side Cafe
Olive and June opening night
Great - don't sell yourself short - your pictures are wonderful. Based on your reply I'm looking forward to checking it out. The grilled Japanese pumpkin in particular looks worth the trip. :)
Olive and June opening night
Would the seafood linguine actually be enough for a meal?
It looks pretty tiny in the picture - portioned more like a side dish. A single parsley leaf and pine nut is enough to cover up a good third of the Beef involtini, and the tiny fried raviolis look to weigh in at about $2.50 per square inch.
It all looks very tasty and could well be worth the $, but based on your pictures it's not what I would call filling or moderately priced.
Hard Hat Vol IX
Elaine's Pork & Pie could be interesting.
According to a sign onsite, it's taking over the Pitchforks and Tablespoons shop in the parking lot of East Side Cafe. The sign promises pulled pork and homemade pie to eat there or take with you.
A quick internet search comes up with a notice in the Austin Chronicle that offers more detail:
"The menu for Elaine's will include pulled-pork sandwiches, sticky buns, and a rotating selection of sweet and savory whole pies, pie by the slice, fried pies, handheld pies, and quiches."
Elaine has become well known for roasting whole pigs for charity events over the years, and she knows her pork. Fingers crossed on this one.
Barbecue Trip Report (Long)
That sucks Amysue. I have a brother with a birthday on Christmas and always felt he got shafted. Maybe you can persude the hubby to give you a "coupon" for a night out at a specific later date? Make sure it's a specific date, so there can be no procrastinating :)
