Lambert's ☆☆☆

Lambert's Downtown Barbecue

401 w. 2nd st

Austin, TX 78701

(512) 494-1500

Lambert's is fancy-schmancy BBQ in downtown Austin.  Stephen and I happen to love going there – it’s really close to our house, the food is well-prepared, and it is creative.  However, if you’re looking for classic, stick-to-your ribs, Texan BBQ, this is not the place for you.  Even so, I would recommend checking it out at least once.  

The restaurant is housed in the Historic Schneider Brothers Building that was saved from demolition during one of Austin’s recent building crazes.  The interior is very well down, all-most hipsterish.  It has exposed brick walls, long, green banquettes, and an old-timey bar.  There’s also a small, live-music venue upstairs that has food service as well.  Overall, it's a design coup.

Another thing that sets this BBQ joint apart is its wine list, or the fact that it even has one.  It has a great selection by the glass, as well as by the bottle.  Plus they also will have special wines on offer periodically – I had a great Viader recently.  The cocktail list is inventive as well and involves the usual suspects – fresh fruit to muddle, hand made mixers and quality liquors.  And of course there is a well-rounded, somewhat Texas-focused beer list.  This is a nice place to grab a drink.

BBQ is more of an inspiration than even a guide for a lot of the menu.  It has great starters and salads – the deviled eggs are fantastic and the achiote seared chickpeas and goat cheese are unexpected and a healthy/filling alternative.  I will say that while I love the fried green tomatoes at Uchi, they are not that great at Lambert's.  I would avoid.  The main course section of the menu has undergone some revisions over the last few years.  There are now two sections – oak smoked and oak grilled.  I really like the brisket – brown sugar and coffee rub – and the jalapeno hot links.  If you want to have lighter fare, the fresh market fish is always excellent and the cold smoked bandera quail is consistent as well.  Lambert's does have that irritating habit of not providing enough veggies with their mains, and so there is a “family style sides” section.  I usually will get the spinach or the collard greens, though you haven’t lived until you tried the green chili cheese grits.  Quite frankly, I’m usually too stuffed for dessert, but I have managed to eat the fried pear pie, and it was nice but not stunning.

I really love going to Lambert’s for brunch.  It’s one of these all you can eat affairs.  They have an amazing house-smoked salmon, and usually also offer a spicy, egg hash, as well as other breakfast regulars, BBQ staples, and lovely desserts.  It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth it.  

Head down to Lambert's to check out a little variety in your BBQ.  The restaurant is fun just to see – it’s quite well-designed.  The food is inventive and well-prepared and you could always just grab a drink and listen to some of Austin’s famous live music.  Not a bad way to spend an evening….  ☆☆☆

Aquarelle ☆☆☆

Aquarelle

606 Rio Grande Street

Austin, TX 78701-2718

(512) 479-8117

Aquarelle has been providing a classic, French, fine dining experience to the Austin public for more than a decade.  The restaurant is located in a quaint, little, yellow house on a side street from the main thoroughfare, sixth street.  The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed - an ideal date spot as well as a great spot to go for happy hour.  

The wine list is by no means expansive.  It is decently edited with a strong focus on French wines (though you can find wine from other locales such as Argentina and the USA).  They do make a consistent effort to offer well-priced wines.  The most expensive one on the list, the last time I ate there, was around $100.  This commitment to general affordability has forced them to be a bit more daring in their selection.  My last time in, we sampled a nice Chénas – a lesser-known Beaujolais made from the Gamay grape.  You would be hard pressed to find this wine in any retail shop – it’s nice to treat yourself to something unusual when you go out!

As I mentioned, the food is pretty classical French, but it does vary to incorporate ingredients that are more locally abundant.  If you have the time and inclination the set menus – the Menu Rapide and Menu Marché – are good options.  The courses are different from the a la carte menu and seem to be more seasonally focused.  In addition to the set menus, there is an a la carte menu which is not too huge.  It is divided simply into starters, mains and desserts.  We recently went there and had the Menu Marché.  Highlights included the Herbed Laura Chenel Goat Cheese in Butter Puff Pastry, which was excellent, and the Pan-Seared Day Boat Scallops, which included a potato pancake and a smoked salmon-jalapeno mousse.  I really enjoyed their profiteroles as well.  Everything is lightly and delicately prepared, with a nice seasonal focus.  Though I've been generally pleased with every dish I've had, I've never been wowed.  It's all good, just not fantastic.  Still it's a excellent place for a nice night out.  

If you're looking for elegant, yet unpretentious, french fare with a seasonal focus in downtown Austin, check out Aquarelle.  You're in for a pleasant experience.  ☆☆☆

Somnio's Cafe

Somnio's Cafe

1807 South First Street

Austin, TX 78704

512-442-2500

Somnio's Cafe is a little restaurant that's just down the block from my house.  It's been open for over 2 years now, but, until recently, I was never intrigued to venture over for a meal.  Stephen and I ate there last night and I'm pleased to report that, along with Thai Fresh, Enoteca and Torchy's, this place is going to become a regular.  Somnio's claims to offer eclectic, South Austin cuisine with a vegetarian edge - the restaurant definitely delivers.  

The restaurant is housed in this little house on a busy part of South First - I have to admit, the outside is part of the reason I wasn't intrigued.  It just didn't look good.  The inside continues with the South Austin vibe - as my husband said, it looks like they went to town at Goodwill.  Nothing matches - chairs, tables, plates, lighting fixtures, etc. - however, the overall look is one of slightly worn, comfyness.  It's not a place for a fancy date, but a great spot for tasty food in a low-key environment.

They do not have a liquor license and so are BYOB, which is awesome.  They charge a $2 per person corkage fee.  Stephen and I enjoyed a 2007 Melville Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara that we'd been meaning to drink for a while.  Lovely!

The menu is another part of the reason I wasn't initially interested in Somnio's.  It just looks too vegetarian/health food.  I'm glad I overlooked my instincts in this case as I found everything I ate to be really tasty and flavorful.  We ordered a hummus plate to start - lots of coarse hummus, feta cheese, carrots and olives with pita - filling and garlicky in a good way.  Then, I had to order one of their salads - the Sissy.  It was my favorite thing of the evening - spring mix, apples, jalapenos, pecans, avocado and a light vinaigrette.  We each had a taco.  I sampled the famed Nynavae tacos - mushroom fritters (like really good hush puppies) with a cabbage slaw - and Stephen had the orange pork tacos (a great non- vegetarian option!) -  succulent shredded pork, spinach and feta.  They definitely have a way with tacos.  We will be ordering those again. 

We were too stuffed for dessert, but I was not intrigued anyhow - vegan brownie.  I'm sorry, that just sounds bad.  

Besides their regular menu, they have a daily specials page that tempted.  I will definitely be trying in the future.  Check out this little hole in the wall on South First - it's worth it!   

La Sombra

La Sombra

4800 Burnet Road

Austin, TX 78756

512 458-1100

I got to check out La Sombra, a new venture on Burnet, this past Friday with my friends Lindsey and Jed. This restaurant occupies the old Sampaio location and offers up similar, Latin American fare.  The space is also intended to be a bar/lounge of some sorts... I'm interested to see if the location is a good spot for such a venture.

La Sombra definitely has a sleek, if not terribly Latin American, ambiance.  There is a large outdoor seating area which looks to be very pleasant.  If I go back sometime in the late fall I will try to sit out there.  The one weird thing about the space is the division between the lounge/bar area and the dining area.  The room is split roughly evenly between the two areas - are they expecting that much bar action given the locale?  

The restaurant had only opened 4 days prior, so we were unsure what to expect.  We found the place to be pleasant enough, if oddly configured.  I had a glass of wine from the short Spanish/Latin list - an Argentine semillon from Salta.  My friends sampled their sangrias, which were ok apparently but not astounding.  They also have a bar list of the expected Latin American drinks - pisco sours, caipirinhas, etc.  

For food, I wanted to try as much as possible.  Unfortunately, they only had a limited opening week menu.  We sampled their guacamole (not unusual, but nice corn cakes accompanied) and their chicharrones for starters.  The chicharrones were actually large slices of pork belly, not pork rinds, a nice surprise.  For my main course,  I ordered both the mushroom ceviche and the ceviche of the day, as well as two of the empanadas.  I enjoyed the mushroom ceviche, which was more a medley of marinated, mixed mushrooms.  Their fish ceviche was sufficient, but uninspiring.  It needed some kick.  The empanadas were well done with interesting flavors; I really liked the chicken (the olives in the beef were a bit much).  Lindsey and Jed split the salad special of the day - grilled shrimp with candied habaneros - as well  as the parilla gaucho - a grilled steak dish with two chimichurris.  They really liked the steak as well as the chimichurris - I think the red ended up being the favorite.  

We were too stuffed for dessert, but they have a decent menu.  Apparently they are also open for brunch; maybe something to check out in the future.  Overall, if this restaurant was off south first, I probably would dine there more often.  As it is, it's not inspiring enough to make me want to go back often.  

Uchi ☆☆☆☆☆ & Uchiko☆☆☆☆

Uchi

801 South Lamar

Austin, TX 78704

512 916-4808

Uchi is one of the best (if not the best) restaurants in town.  I've been frequenting Uchi since the beginning of 2005 when it was still just a new restaurant in small house on South Lamar.  Since then it, along with chef Tyson Cole, has received critical acclaim from national food magazines (F&W Best New Chef nod in 2005) and along the way gotten ridiculously popular.  I can remember fondly the days when it was easy to wander into the restaurant at 8 on a Tuesday night and you would be seated in a somewhat quiet booth almost immediately.  Now, most nights you can arrive at 6 with a party of 2 and be told that it's at least a 2 hour wait.  Sadly, I would say that the wait is almost always worth it - the food is simply fantastic.  Who knew exquisite Japanese-based cuisine would be created in the middle of Central Texas?

As I mentioned, Uchi is in a little house that looks like it dates from the '40s; though the house is older, the decor and design inside are thoroughly modern (another Michael Hsu creation).  There is a bamboo-framed, gravel-floored outdoor area with low, black lounge chairs and tables.  I've spent a pleasant hour waiting outside, sipping sake, for a table to free up.  The inside is dominated by an intense red, flowered wall-paper under a sky-blue ceiling.   There is a small sushi bar to the right where you can see the chefs at their work.  The rest of the decor is dark wood.  All together, it is modern, comfortable but unusual.

If you go to Uchi, you should definitely try the sake.  There are quite a few options by the glass - I love the Shining Prince.  They also have small microbrews by the half-bottle.  Pricey but worth it.  Uchi also has a fantastic wine list.  It offers quite a few by the glass options, as well as some interesting bottles.  The sommelier, June Rodil, was named Texas Best Sommelier in 2009.  I especially remember trying a truly intriguing wine - Coenobium from Lazio.  It's rich, unctuous and golden with lovely citrus notes.  I haven't seen it on too many other wine lists...  That's what I like, there are predictable and satisfying pics like the rose sparkler Bouvet, but there are little gems like the Coenobium too.

Thus far, I've been writing about the pluses.  Here's a big negative.  The hostesses and some of the wait staff.  I go to Uchi a lot.  I love the food, the vibe and the drinks.  Plus it's really really close to my house.  I go frequently enough that the valets ask me if other members of the "Smith Clan" are joining shortly as well.  (Some moved to Uchiko and even recognized us there -  and I've only been there 3 times).   You would think that the hostesses and the wait staff would as well.  Not at all.  I've been asked if it's my first time at Uchi by an irritating cast of hostesses for the last 5 years.  There is one right now that is truly rude.  The wait staff aren't rude, but they are absent minded as well.  There are a few stellar waiters, but they are few and far between.  It's one flaw, but it's a big one in the Uchi dining experience.  I mean, dinner at Uchi is by no means cheap.  You expect to be treated a little bit better...

Anyhow, on to the good stuff - the food.  Uchi serves up amazing Japanese-based, adventuresome cuisine.  You can definitely get a nice cup of miso soup and a bowl of steam edamame, but you can also just as easily get foie gras sushi and maguro sashimi with goat cheese and apples.  Uchi borrows tastes from many cuisines, but the food is underscored by precise, Japanese techniques.  The menu is divided into Cool and Hot Tastings (ceviche, sashimi, hot rocks, etc.), Yakimono (small grilled dishes) and Tempura, Greens, Soups, Sushi (tons of amazing pieces), and Makimono (extremely creative sushi rolls).  There is also a dessert section and a specials page.  I tend to order off of the specials page every time I go.  They always list the freshest seafood for sushi there as well as seasonal/avant-garde dishes they are offering for the evening. Also, the pastry chef, Philip Speer, is fantastic.  He creates these other-worldly, molecular-gastronomy based desserts out of both normal and unusual ingredients.  He tends to have a new dessert special every week and I always get it.  A typical order for my husband and I goes as follows:  2 miso soups (1 with mushrooms, 1 without), an Uchi Salad (the romaine leaves are used like chips that you dip in the creamy jalopeno-edamame dressing), an order of Japanse Pumpkin Tempura, the Tsukiji Selection (6 pieces of sushi; 2 each of their freshest fish), some additional pieces including Madai (Black Snapper) and Hotate (Scallop - Crazy good), and a dish or two off of the specials page.  It's light, delicious and an adventure every time. 

I've eaten at some pretty amazing places over the years all over the globe, and the food here is fantastic.  It's amazing that it's right here in Austin and in my own back yard to boot.  I just wish the staff, mostly the hostesses, were nicer.... ☆☆☆☆☆

Uchiko

4200 North Lamar

Austin, TX 78756

512 916-4808

This summer, Tyson Cole and his crew decided to open a new restaurant off of the success of Uchi.  This new restaurant - Uchiko - is located on North Lamar.  It is a larger space that is able to accommodate reservations for dinner (yeah!).  Overall, the food is supposed to be similar to Uchi, but a bit more rustic and fushiony - they bill it as Japanese farmhouse cuisine.  I've been a couple of times already.  I think it will turn out to be a nice option for northern diners, but it has not displaced Uchi in my mind.

Instead of being in a small house, Uchiko is housed in a shopping center.  The interior of the restaurant is reminiscent of Uchi, but it is much more utilitarian and rough/rustic (Michael Hsu again).  There is no wallpaper in Uchiko.  Instead there are red-bricked walls, rougher-hewn tables, and neutral tones.  The bar area is much larger and they have a sweet wine cellar - it's walk in!  Overall, I'm neither amazed at the decor, nor blown away by it.

The drinks menu is a bit larger than Uchi's.  They have a lot of white wine options in particular.  There seems to be some crossover, but it's not complete.  I had an albarino there that is not on Uchi's menu.  Also, they have a slightly different sake menu.  I've had fun sampling some new ones - I really like the one called Northern Skies.  Finally, Uchiko serves up a few wine or sake based mixed cocktails.  I had the Larkin which consisted of bubbly, lemon and grilled thyme.  Nice.

Everytime I've been, the waitstaff has gotten more and more organized.  They are generally pleasant and are super eager to tell you all about the interesting ingredients on the menu - Skyr!  Icelandic Yogurt, can you believe it! Also, the hostesses seem really nice, might just be because it's brand new, but, hopefully not...

The food is similar to Uchi's, but it has more unusual ingredients in more robust dishes.  I actually had already sampled many of Uchiko's dishes prior to dining there - they were road-tested on the Uchi special's page.  In general, the menu set up is similar - Cool and Hot Tastings, Greens, Grill, Agemono (fried dishes like tempura), Sushi & Sashimi, Makimono and Dessert.  Thus far, I really like the Cobia Crudo (Cool Tasting- cobia, pickled cucumbers, jalapeno), Coconut Crepe (filled with shrimp and aromatics - a Southeast Asian delight), Boquerones Sushi (white anchovy - trust me, it's good), the Toledo roll (tuna, chorizo, avocado, grilled garlic and almonds) and the Jiiro roll (salmon, avocado, preserved lemon and skyr yogurt), and the Sweet Corn Sorbet dessert (it was a favorite special dessert at Uchi - polenta custard, sweet corn ice cream, caramel...).  I'm sure the menus will evolve into being more independent over time.  

Right now, I would check out Uchiko if you're in the area, want to have a reservation or have a large party, and want a more filling meal.  They are still working out some kinks, but it's a very pleasant dining experience.  I'm interested to see how these two very similar restaurants will coexist.....   ☆☆☆☆

East Side Show Room ☆☆☆

East Side Show Room

100 East 6th Street

Austin, TX 78702

(512) 826-3414

East Side Show Room is an eclectic/funky restaurant on the east side of town.  It serves up unexpectedly well-prepared, homey, locavore food to a small set of tables on a daily basis.  In addition, it has a great bar that crafts intriguing cocktails while delivering consistent classics.  If you're over on the east side and feel like some tasty food in a relaxed and unusual atmosphere, this is the place for you.  

I read in an early review that the decor had a very post-apocalyptic feel and now, every time we go, my husband Stephen remarks upon how accurate the description was.   The space is in a little old store-front.  Walking through the old glass-paned doors you immediately see the bar, which is a mesh of metal and wood and odd piping.  The coolest feature is the draft beer dispenser!  The dining area is small with an oddball assortment of mismatched tables and chairs.  There are knick-knacks all over the place and they have a lot of artwork hanging up on the wall from various artists.  All-together, an experience.  

The wine list and even the beer list are tiny.  This place is not about the vino; it's about mixed drinks.  They have quite the list of old-timey classics like the Sazerac and the Manhattan.  However, they also have an interesting selection of new creations with the requisite fresh ginger, or blackberry or thyme syrup to make them unique.  I've never been just for a drink, but I get the feeling it would be a very pleasant experience.

I go for the food.  As I said, the place does not scream gourmet, however, I've had some creative, excellent dishes.  They are not completely consistent, but I've had enough good to definitely want to go back for more.  They have a cheese plate and a charcuterie plate  and a few salads and tartares.  These are all ok, but not stunning.  Where they excel is with their main courses.  I've had quite a range, from a middle-eastern inflected bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes) to a non-traditional but delectable coq au vin (tomato in the sauce - not classic but nice) to a perfectly prepared grilled pork-chop with blackberries.  There isn't a clear direction to the food.  It seems like the cook what inspires them from day to day and, probably, what is available from the farmer's market.  I will say that all of the dishes are substantial.  This is more of a cold weather dining spot than warm...

Overall, I think East Side Show Room is a fun and unusual restaurant that is expanding the Austin dining scene in new directions.  This is not a luxe place, but a spot to go when you feel relaxed and what a great drink.  The bonus is that you also can get some good food!  ☆☆☆

Paggi House ☆☆☆☆

Paggi House 

200 Lee Barton Drive

Austin, TX 78704-1059

(512) 473-3700

Paggi House is one of the best located restaurants in Austin.  Luckily enough, the building and outdoor space have been designed to perfectly take advantage of the stellar views.  The food and drinks in addition make this one of the best happy hour/fine dining date spots in the city.  If you feel like relaxing with a nice cocktail or glass of wine, nibbling on some lightly prepared snacks all while taking in the Austin skyline, this is the place for you.

The restaurant is actually housed in one of the oldest buildings in Austin.  The architect/design team did a great job of combining this historic landmark with frankly, quite urban updates.  The restaurant’s foot-print is much larger than the original building.  There’s a fantastic patio area out in the front with loungy couches as well as dining tables.  In the back of the restaurant is a bar space replete with a deep-stone bar.  The bar area is quasi-indoors with a translucent roof and open passageways.  The interior of the small, original building has a luxe feel with black leather chairs, crisp white table cloths and a changing roster of artwork on the walls.  The space offers many different types of mini-venues if you will – a happy hour spot on the patio out front, a true bar scene out back and a fine-dining interior. 

The wine menu is quite extensive and generally well-edited.  They have a good European and American presence, but don’t have a lot of wild cards.  The most unusual wine I’ve had there was a rose sparkler from the Loire valley made, at least partially, from cabernet franc.  Otherwise, I tend to have a nice nebbiolo from Piedmont or a lovely pinot from California.  They do have a wines by the glass menu, which is on the higher end, but satisfies.  The cocktails are interesting – Blood Orange Margaritas, Strawberry Mojitos and classic Mint Juleps.  I definitely recommend this place for happy hour – they have half-price specials!

The food is definitely American, but with the now-pervasive locavore bent.  Their ingredients are well-sourced and they are proud to tell you about them.  They don’t seem to suffer with the same recent obsession with offal that other places have demonstrated and they don’t try to overly challenge you with their food.  If there was something that might set them apart from other similar restaurants (Olivia, Parkside, Wink…), it would be their seafood focus.  I personally love all of their fish entrees – they are excellently prepared.  Their Mero Sea Bass, Alaskan Halibut and Hawaiian Ahi are all pan-seared to perfection and served with excellent veggie and sauce accompaniments. I tend to love their delicately dressed salads and tend to always get them, but when I’m enticed away, it’s usually for their seafood appetizers.  I recently had their Lobster and Endive Salad and it was fantastic – succulent lobster with sweet beets in a lovely butter sauce.  I will say that my husband, Stephen, is hooked on their Lamb Rack which is crusted with pine nuts and served with goat cheese whipped potatoes.  He hasn’t changed his order since he first had it!  Please be forewarned, though, this place is pricey!  The average entrée is $29… 

Overall, I would recommend Paggi House just for the view and atmosphere.  It is quite well situated.  It’s a bonus that it serves up well-prepared dishes accompanied by delicious drinks.  If you haven’t been yet, I would either go on my next fancy date or happy hour outing so you can take advantage of the summer weather. ☆☆☆☆

Favorite Tex-Mex Spots in Austin

Austin has a fair number of Tex-Mex spots.  Below, a few of my favorites...

Maudies

2608 West 7th Street

Austin, TX 78703

512 474-7271

The original Maudies was the first restaurant I ate at in Austin back in the late '90s.  At that time it was a definite hole in the wall replete with Elvis decor (confusing to a transplanted New Yorker... Elvis & Tex-Mex???)  and spicy fresh salsa.  Alas, times have changed.  The spot is just as popular as ever, but it has expanded significantly.  The fajitas are still excellent, but they seem to have changed the salsa recipe (much to my dismay).  It's still tasty, just not fantastic.  I would recommend for a lazy weekend fajita and margarita fix!  ☆☆☆

Manuels

310 Congress Avenue

Austin, TX 78701

512 472-7555

Manuels occupies a space on Congress Avenue.  When we first started going there more than a decade ago, it was somewhat of a lonely outpost.  With the revitalization downtown it has certainly gained good company.  The design of the restaurant has a downtown edge to it - black leather banquettes, high ceilings, a touch of neon.  It is also a bit more of a refined Tex-Mex or really just Mexican food experience.  They have great seafood entrees, enchiladas and chile con queso (it's made with real cheese!!!).  Takes reservations and good for a fancier date... ☆☆☆

Gueros

1412 South Congress Avenue

Austin, TX 78704

512 462-9925

I discovered Gueros during college.  My best friend and I, upon our return to Austin, would always immediately hit Gueros.  Located on South Congress, it has a great, hipster SoCo vibe.  It's in this old brick building and the inside has this airy but vintage edge.  There are fantastic pictures of old Texas and Mexico decorating the walls.  The food is good.  I like going for their a la carte tacos because I usually fill up on chips and salsa before hand (the salsa verde is tangy and pretty spicy - not for the faint of heart but delish).  Luckily the margaritas are tasty as well because you will likely be sipping on one waiting for a table.  They don't take reservations and the wait can be long.... ☆☆☆

Polvos

2004 South 1st Street

Austin, TX 78704-5142

(512) 441-5446

I became acquainted with Polvo's when I moved to the Bouldin Creek area.  Located on South First, Polvo's has the super funky edge that epitomizes much of 78704.  It has a nice outdoor seating area that people seem to wait in long lines for.  It styles itself as being more interior Mexican, but I still find it significantly Tex-Mexish to give it that label.  The food, in my estimation, is ok.  I really like the salsa bar - they have 6-8 different salsas on offer.  If you're feeling like a more low-key, but definitely Austin Tex-Mex experience, I'd check this place out.  ☆☆

Garrido's

360 Nueces Street

Austin, TX 78701

512 320-8226

Garrido's is a new Tex-Mex restaurant located on the first floor of the Austin 360 building.  It has a great outdoor porch area over-looking shoal creek.  The interior is very nicely done with a haute-Mexican, almost elegant feel.  The food is on the lighter side (the portions aren't huge either).  They have great tacos, which you can mix and match.  I like the Mojo de Ajo Shrimp and the Mahi Mahi BLT versions.  I confess, I haven't gotten much beyond the taco portion of the menu.  Probably one other standout is their wine list - they have one and it's actually pretty well-edited.  I enjoyed a nice glass of an Argentine Torrontes recently.  I would definitely recommend.  ☆☆☆

The Steeping Room ☆☆☆☆

The Steeping Room

11410 Century Oaks Terrace

Austin, TX 78758

512 977-8337

The Steeping Room is a sweet little tea shop/cafe in the Domain - it has an amazing selection of teas.  I try to eat there on the weekends when I'm in town - I get a little caffeine fix before I head out for my shopping errands.  You can sit indoors (the space is small, a little austere, but still comfy) or outdoors under shady umbrellas.  The people watching is great. If you're in the area I would highly recommend checking them out for brunch or lunch. 

The Steeping Room has an amazing selection of tea.  They must have anywhere from 75 to a 100 available depending on the day.  I am a green tea addict and love to sample all of the different offerings, though I've discovered my true love is a light Japanese option called Gyokuro Kin "Also know as “Precious Dew Pearl,” Gyokuro is a very famous tea in Japan. Partially shade grown to enhance the green color, flavor, and healthful properties. A very elegant tea with natural sweetness."  Once your order their tea, they will steep them to perfection for you.  Also, if you dine in and can't finish your pot, they will gladly get you a to go cup.  (They serve coffee and some soft drinks as well).  The other fun areas of their drinks menu are their "Tea-Tails" and Freezes.  I like getting their Mojteato on hot days - mint, green tea, lime, agave syrup and sparkling water.  If I'm looking for something more filling, I get the Matcha Freeze - green tea, banana, milk and ice.  As long as you are in the mood for tea, they have the beverage for you!

The Steeping Room is also a fantastic little cafe serving "tea-inspired" cuisine.  They offer what I think of as English-tea and Asian-tea styled foods.  All the options have the highest-quality ingredients, are healthy and just darn tasty.  You could, for example, order tea sandwiches (they have quite a few varieties, my favorites are the salmon gravlax, malaysian pork and lemon edamame) with a scone, clotted cream and jelly on the side to go with a fragant earl grey tea.  Or you could go in a wholly different direction, order the napa rolls (soft spring rolls stuffed with veggies, noodles and either chicken or tofu) with a matcha dusted brownie for dessert to have with your Lu Shan Clouds and Mist (a great Chinese green tea).  Or, you could skip the whole lunch thing and go straight for breakfast first thing in the morning.  They have great home made granola served with White Mountain's excellent bulgarian style yogurt.  If you're more classic, try the Morning Meal - eggs your way, bacon or soysage, toast and fruit.  They also have amazing baked goods.  I mean, I love their pine nut plum scone and it takes sheer willpower not to order one of their cupcakes from the display case every time I'm there. 

Next time you're at the Domain, stop by the Steeping Room.  Even if you don't eat there, get a tea to go and just see if you can walk away from the baked goods case empty-handed.... Delish! ☆☆☆☆       

Foreign & Domestic, Food & Drink ☆☆☆

Foreign & Domestic, Food & Drink

306 E. 53rd St

Austin, TX 78751

512 459-1010

Foreign & Domestic opened this summer offering homey yet refined cuisine in a relaxed, hipster-ish vibe.  The restaurant is located north of campus in the middle of a sedate neighborhood.  The brain child of culinary heavyweights husband and wife, Ned and Jodi Elliot, this spot holds much promise. Thus far it seems to be hitting some of the right notes, however, there are some inconsistencies.  I'm interested to see how it evolves... until then, it just gets three stars.

The space is in a renovated garage and is pretty small.  There are probably 20 tables in the place.  It has a very utilitarian feel, but it is light and airy due to the many windows.  There is a counter, and counter seating, in the back behind which all of the cooking action happens.  It's not often that you are so up close and personal with the people actually preparing your food - it seems like a brave move.   They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait if you get there after 7:30 at night.  They have a little seating area to the side with lime green chairs.  You can sip on a beverage while you wait for your table.

The drink menu is very brief.   There are about 3 red and 3 white wines by the glass, a lonely rose and 1 or 2 sparkling options.  They are all very price conscious and are good examples of some more funky regions - the finger lakes, for example.  I had a nice Gruner Veltliner last time I was there and another diner sampled the rose.  There are about as many beer options, though noticeably no options from Austin, or even Texas.  They also offer one or two mixed drinks which come with the expected unexpected mixers - sparkling wine with rhubarb and black pepper was well designed. 

The food menu is not huge - it is divided into Snacks & Nibbles & Chomps and Plates.  I've had a chance to sample quite a few of both.  Some are very well put together, others the preparation and flavor combinations seem a bit off, or too heavy.  I enjoyed the Green Gazpacho a lot; it had a nice piquant flavor.  Stephen, however, ordered the beef tongue and was quite disappointed.  It was cooked to death and the accompaniments - watercress, horseradish and yogurt - did not seem to set it off well.  Their salads are very nice, I've had both a butter lettuce combination and a grilled peach and artichoke combination.  They are light, toothsome affairs.  I also really like their popovers, but I'm a bit of a popover nut.  The plates seem to be a bit more well thought out.  We really like the Ripper - bacon wrapped sausage with fried pickles, toast and other fixings - but it is not diet food at all.  I also like their vegetarian option - it didn't feel like an afterthought.  Finally, the desserts continue the homey vibe but there are only 4 of them.  They are large, with interesting ingredients and nice texture contrasts.  I really enjoyed the Coconut Sundae.  

Overall though, the presentation seems a bit uneven.  Some things are great, some poor and some seem just a bit confused.  I think it will even out as the restaurant comes into itself.  Looking forward to eating there as it does!  ☆☆☆

East End Wines

East End Wines

1209 Rosewood Avenue

Austin, TX 78702

512 904-9056

This is a new wine shop appropriately located on the east side of town in the revitalized 11th street area.  The shop itself is a cute, little renovated house.  I ventured in on a quiet Saturday recently to check out the selection.  The interior is quite and lined with floor to ceiling shelves of wine.  They have representation from all the main regions - USA, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, etc.  Generally, the wine is in a reasonable price range - I would say they probably average $20-$25, with a healthy portion in the $10-$20 range.  A good strategy for the recession.... I definitely had quite a few of the wines in my own collection, and had tasted many more.  They definitely seem to be going for authenticity - you could fine a mourvedre based Bandol, a classic Spatlese as well as pinot from Tasmania!  The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.  If it was more convenient to where I live I would go more often.  I would recommend checking out.  

Mulberry ☆☆

Mulberry 

360 Nueces Street #20

512 320-0297

Mulberry is a small wine bar offering some tasty snacks that is located in the first level of the Austin 360 building.  I'd recommend it if you're looking for something light to eat with a nice, but not complicated, glass of wine.  

The tiny space tries to take full advantage of the location - the outdoor seating area is larger than the indoor to capitalize on the pleasant view of Austin Music Hall and the Shoal Creek trail.  It is quite pleasant to sit outdoors in the evening, almost any time of year, and take in the passersby and the scenery.  The interior space has a very NYC vibe - it's dark browns and marble and raised ceilings.  It is of course designed by Michael Hsu (what hasn't that man designed in the Austin restaurant world???).  

The wine list used to be longer... It now consists of about 8-10 options for red and white and 2-3 options for rose and sparkling.  As I mentioned above, they are all tasty wines, but not super complicated.  They are wines you would buy for yourself on a Tuesday evening to have with a nice dinner at home.  For example, on a recent evening, Stephen and I had glasses of Naia's Verdejo (from Rueda).  Totally a wine I have in my fridge at home.  It's a good deal!  The wine by the bottle list is more extensive, though I confess, whenever I go to wine bars I hardly ever order a bottle of wine.  For me, their whole purpose is to allow me to sample a bunch of stuff, not linger over one....

The food is tasty, if not remarkable.  It tries to be of the moment and so offers some avant-garde dishes that don't perform that well (check out the watermelon salad - chunks of watermelon on some green goo).  It does do some basics very well - paninis, crostinis and the cheese and charcuterie plates.  Stephen enjoyed a very good prosciutto, mozzarella and pesto version last night; I had some lovely, simple spinach and a little tomato and mozzarella salad.  And when it comes to the cheese plates, they do not scrimp on the amount the give you, which is nice.  None of the dishes really grabs me as a "need to have".  

Overall, the concept is executed decently.  This wine bar is not super-pretentious and offers food and wine in the same vein.  It's a nice place to relax in the evenings.  ☆☆

The New SoLa Bar Scene

Austin's South Lamar has experienced a Bar renaissance over the last year.  What used to be a long stretch of car repair shops and oddball stores, now contains a bevy of relaxed watering holes.  Below five newcomers that are making SoLa a great place to eat and drink after hours....

Red's Porch

3508 South Lamar 

512 440-7337

If it weren't for the over-sized street sign, average passersby would never know Red's Porch existed.  Tucked behind a banking center, the multi-story venue has perfect and stunning views of the greenbelt.  Red's has a relaxed vibe and offers mainly beer (the list is expansive), mixed drinks and a limited wine list.  It also has a great bar menu full of southern-edged comfort food classics such as Onion Rings, Wings, Po-Boys and Tacos (not to mention chicken-fried chicken).  Check it out if you're looking for a great way to unwind after work (just get there early - the place fills up fast!)

Black Sheep Lodge 

2108 South Lamar 

512 707-2744

This beer cum grill - joint is squeezed into the middle of a shopping mall (parking can be a bit of a pain).  It has a bit of a rough urban edge with a small porch out front and an interior designed for informal gatherings (lots of stools and small tables).  The beer selection is excellent - when I've gone I've come across beers I've never even heard of and I've heard of a lot of beers.  They also have a menu offering a pretty complete selection of noshes - I hear the burgers are some of the best in town.  Overall, this is a great place to grab a beer, watch a game and catch up with friends.  

Opa! Coffee and Wine Bar

2050 South Lamar 

512 326-8742

Recently rechristened, this wine bar is fun but a little confused about its identity.  The space seems to serve as an outdoor biergarten of sorts (replete with live music), as a wine bar inside, as well as a coffee shop and a purveyor of Greek foods.   I'm curious to see how it evolves.  The space is pretty-ish with a large tree-covered patio in front and a ramshackle interior (with hastily stuck up Greek god busts, etc.) I enjoyed checking out the wine selection, which is extensive and inexpensive.  Rather than produce some kind of wine list, the wines are lined up along the bar.  Patrons have to wander around the bar looking at all of the bottles to make a decision.  This is not so bad as long as the space is not crowded.  Check out the Greek wine selection and relax into the comfy, coffee shop-esque seats inside.  

The Highball

1142 South Lamar 

512 383-8309

The Highball is the largest SoLa addition.  It is a multi-purpose facility that has been mobbed by hipsters since the first day it opened.  Think retro bowling lanes, skeeball, karaoke and then add a well-stocked bar and gourmet-ish menu and you have the Highball.  The interior is very reminiscent of a '50s diner replete with plush banquets. The bar selection is fantastic.  They make some amazing mixed drinks with fresh fruit and mixers - I love the Thai One On and the Roseberry Fizz.  They have the representative beer and wine menu as well.  The food is pretty tasty - they've already tweaked it a bit since opening.  I thought the spicy quail wings were fun and the onion wings were well-prepared.  I'm dying to try their Thanksgiving Sandwich when I'm really hungry.  Overall, this is a fun place to go if you're looking for drinks and entertainment - just remember to reserve a bowling lane, they book up far in advance.  

The Gibson

1109 South Lamar 

512 386-1345

The Gibson is the newest addition to the SoLa scene.  It is housed in an imposing, all-black, building, which is pretty minimalist, but actually airy inside.  There are plenty of comfy booths to slide into.  They have a decent beer list and make the usual mixed drinks.  Oddly enough, they do not yet seem to offer wines by the glass, so you have to order half or full bottles.  The selection is slim.  The atmosphere is pretty relaxed, but it can get a bit loud at times.  The really cool part is the food trailer - that's right, they too have their very own Austin airstream.  This trailer churns out some pretty interest fare - you can go healthy, but it is mostly of the artery-clogging variety - they have a burger on a doughnut!  All in all, it's a fun place to hang out and grab a beer before heading onto other things for the evening.  

Antonelli's Cheese Shop

Antonelli's Cheese Shop

4220 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751

(512) 531-9610

I stopped by Antonelli's Cheese Shop today to check the place out.  I'd read a few articles about the place and the story intrigued me - a young couple with no background in the cheese world, set out to learn about it and subsequently opened a little shop on Hyde Park, offering some of the finest cheeses around. 

For anyone that knows me, or has read parts of this blog, you will not be surprised to hear that I'm a tad bit obsessed with cheese.  I'd put it somewhere behind wine, but in front of cooking.  I've gleefully made pilgrimages to Murray's Cheese Shop in NYC, Pure Luck Farm in Driftwood (to actually learn how to make cheese for three days), and Cowgirl Creamery in San Francisco.  I know a little something about cheese.

I'm happy to report that this little, spare store has a small, but well-edited selection.  I spied the usuals - Humboldt Fog, Pure Luck, Epoisse, St. Felicien, Comte, etc. - however there were some new ones.  I checked out the Tarentaise, a semi-hard, golden cheese from Vermont, as well as the Red Hawk from Cowgirl Creamery (an old washed-rind fave) and a really intriguing Blu di Bufala, a blue cheese made from buffalo's milk (boy does it pack a punch).  They have a strong USA representation, with a lot of California and Vermont.  The couple was working behind the counter.  They were both very sweet and helpful when it came to the cheese.    

Antonelli's also offers salumi carrying the heavyweights - Fra'Mani, Creminelli, etc., as well as little cheese accompaniments - nuts, olives, chocolate.  Altogether, it was a very pleasant place.  I'm hopeful that they will do well.  Their website is a little sparse, but they state that they will begin hosting tastings which I would definitely love to check out.  Great little addition to the Austin gourmet food scene.