http://www.chow.com/boards/61 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:08:18 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/559414#4066277 The how just isn't very good. They put red chili peppers on it and call it a fusion. Most of the rolls have cream cheese in them because it's a cheap filler. If they were to really do something extraordinary with their culinary, I'd be intrigued too. Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:40:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/559414#4066277 http://www.chow.com/topics/550247#3973532 To get this started and satisfy the Chowhound rules, I started a yahoo group. austindiners@yahoo.com Send me an email at amykragan@yahoo.com if you want to be added to the group. We'll start our planning there. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:51:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/550247#3973532 http://www.chow.com/topics/376932#2348502 Whether you're new to Chowhound or a longtime poster, please be sure you've seen our Posting Etiquette at http://www.chowhound.com/topics/367605 -- it is also linked from the footer of each page. Thank you! Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:22:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/376932#2348502 http://www.chow.com/topics/573341#4184616 NXNW Restaurant and Brewery, 10010 Capital of TX Hwy N, has two areas that should suit - the private Cascade Room which holds up to 40 persons, and the Pavilion which accommodates up to 80 (but the latter is a bit weather dependent). The food is good and reasonable, and they usually brew something special for the holidays, but, if not, what's not to like Bavarian Hefeweizen? Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:27:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573341#4184616 http://www.chow.com/topics/522847#4184596 Not an eatery but a very good recent cookbook is "My Bombay Kitchen" by Niloufer Ichaporia King and is exclusively on Parsi cooking. Patra Ni Machi (Pomfret or other flatfish stuffed with a coriander/mint cocunt chutney steamed in banana leaves) and and other classics are well covered. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:18:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/522847#4184596 http://www.chow.com/topics/573154#4184590 I'm partial to local chocolatier Cocoa Puro's Kakawa Cocoa Beans - "five flavors of chocolate in one bite." You can buy retail at various spots around town, but you can also order direct at http://www.cocoapuro.com/ One considered review here: http://www.thenibble.com/zine/archives/cocoa-puro.asp Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:17:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573154#4184590 http://www.chow.com/topics/573198#4184567 Sarah's Mediterranean Grill and Market at 5222 Burnet has them. They also have gigantic cans of roasted eggplants so you could make Baba Ganouj too if you wanted to. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:10:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573198#4184567 http://www.chow.com/topics/572849#4184555 It's not local, but the Orchards of Concklin will deliver award-winning apple cider doughnuts to your door - http://www.theorchardsofconcklin.com/bakery.html Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:06:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572849#4184555 http://www.chow.com/topics/538957#4184455 Stephanieh,I'm still waiting for your James Clavell length opus on French Fries.There's clearly a market for it.Next time you and the spousal unit are down south head on over to Railroad Barbecue in Manchaca http://www.rrbbq.com/locations.html These,along with Mike's Pub downtown have two of the best versions in the area Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:27:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/538957#4184455 http://www.chow.com/topics/573301#4184434 Din Ho serves whole roasted pigs to go.It's a great pleasure to watch them walk the pig out,on a board covered with aluminum foil.They then tent the pig near the cash register while the patron is paying. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:18:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573301#4184434 http://www.chow.com/topics/566334#4184182 I like the taste of Chango's tacos & burritos but seriously 3 tiny tacos with maybe a tablespoon of filling will set you back $12. Not. Worth. It. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:41:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/566334#4184182 http://www.chow.com/topics/558555#4183955 The recent acquisition of a new (used!) Piaggio LT150 has freed me from the confines of campus and is making me salivate in previously unexplored ways. I'm vowing to get to all these places (Angie's, Mike's, the Korean places up on Lamar, Swad, the Riverside taco strip) that I could never squeeze into an hour lunch break. So after walking out into a still-cool morning, I scooted to Garza high to pick up a friend and then hightailed it to Galloway's. As tempted as I was by the beef enchilada casserole, I was here for meat and two and so received a stunningly elegantly plated dish of greens, red beans, a scoop of rice and a perfectly tanned hunk of a boneless country style pork rib. Oh-and a knob of corn bread. First, the greens-doused with sport pepper sauce, they were honest; supple, bitter, tasting of green and the pot. The beans, next, were like the best ranch style beans you ever tasted; rich with cumin and chili and pork fat. And then there was the rib. Dry rubbed, a good dark crust that is all I ever want off of smoked meat, a delicate squeeze of barbecue sauce that didn't smother the rib but just accented it. About three bites in, I struck a vein of pork fat that was swoonworthy; everything leapt into balance, the room brightened, doors opened and closed. It was everything scrumptiouschef had promised it would be, and it was all I could do to put myself back on the bike and go back to work. AND halfway through the meal, Mr. Galloway himself swung by the table, and in the gentlest voice I've ever heard, asked if everything was allright over here. Yes, sir. Sir, yes, sir. Thanks, Austin, thanks, scrumptiouschef, thanks, new scooter, thanks, chowhound, and thank you, Mr. Galloway. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:55:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/558555#4183955 http://www.chow.com/topics/561169#4183844 Walked by the former Moe's location on the drag today and there were construction workers in there...constructing. No word what's going in there yet. I bet it's a chain, though. Will report again as info develops. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:23:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561169#4183844 http://www.chow.com/topics/570090#4183807 Wow, You got back to Top Notch just in the nick of time there Chef. Considering the unfortunate passing of the restaurant's owner last week, it's doubtful that they will be open anytime soon. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:11:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570090#4183807 http://www.chow.com/topics/523765#4183783 It's called El Primo and it's in the parking lot of the Pecan Mart at S. 1st and Live Oak. I wanted to be excited about a taco truck in the neighborhood that wasn't Torchy's but what I've tried has been underwhelming, as scrumptiouschef said. There are nights, though, when I'd give anything to trade places with the guy in there in the dark, with that old staticky tv. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:05:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/523765#4183783 http://www.chow.com/topics/572437#4183638 Chinatown also has them in their desserts cart during dim sum. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:26:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572437#4183638 http://www.chow.com/topics/348318#4183477 Mentioned in another thread, this is a great resource on happy hours - broken down by weekday: http://www.austinonadime.blogspot.com/ Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:46:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/348318#4183477 http://www.chow.com/topics/432837#4183301 That's the way Luxe Sweets is. I'll have to search the Austin forum to see who has checked them out. They also so Macrons (located under their "French" tab). Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:57:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/432837#4183301 http://www.chow.com/topics/573263#4183175 Anybody know of a local source for pinquito beans? I don't wanna pay shipping for a 4 buck bag of beans! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:25:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573263#4183175 http://www.chow.com/topics/571603#4182822 just happened to be on the culver's website the other day. they offer four types of "Concrete Cakes". mmm...custard cake. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:29:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571603#4182822 http://www.chow.com/topics/572895#4182680 Here's a good thread on Austin burgers, although, it kind of goes off on a couple tangents and the discussion on Phil's almost comes to blows... http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/497354 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:46:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572895#4182680 http://www.chow.com/topics/93085#4181851 Walking into Gene's the other day the joint smelled like Janitor in a Drum.The hot fat and soul aroma was gone,gone and gone.I ordered my standard 6 wings with fries and garlic bread.It was the first time I ever had bad food at Gene's.The garlic bread has been replaced with toast,cooked bright and early and stored under a ceiling fan.The chicken had been repeatedly frozen,thawed and frozen.It was tough and gross.The fries were the same commercial style but cold and lifeless.My water glass smelled like ammonia.I miss Gene. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:02:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/93085#4181851 http://www.chow.com/topics/357553#4181030 I don't think I've ever had that. I'll give it a try next time I'm there. Thanks for the tip! Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:22:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/357553#4181030 http://www.chow.com/topics/412016#4180889 I completely agree with your assessment of Vinosity. We've been going there for quite some time and have had numerous in depth conversations with Myrna, the owner. She is actually quite lovely, extremely knowledgeable and very funny. I love the current chef, too. We had some wonderful cheese with drunk cherries, pork meatballs, half a hen with celery root, and rich, tasty chocolate truffles. I find the wines to be very fairly priced and often unusual. I bought the single best sparkling Moscato of my life there, from a very small winery in Italy. In my experience, she works hard to find unusal wines with interesting grapes. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:40:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/412016#4180889 http://www.chow.com/topics/436835#4180680 Same as always. James got the tuna sandwich and I had the seafood enchiladas. They've raised their prices across the board a couple of bucks per entree. Both dishes were as I remember them and perfectly fine dishes. It just doesn't have the atmosphere to justify the prices. It's always been one of those places for us that just eeked by the cost/value/quality radar for us. The price increase makes them just that side of worth the drive. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:38:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/436835#4180680 http://www.chow.com/topics/566264#4180063 I have never been to the original Hey Cupcake but my Dad brought a few over for me and my kids this weekend (Burnet location). I love the outside appearance of that shop. Very cute and fun. Who can resist a beautiful cupcake with sprinkles spinning on the roof of a building? I know folks have trashed this place in other threads but I have to say that the cupcakes were pretty good. While it's not the best frosting I've ever tasted, the cupcake was tasty and my kids loved it. I'd like to know if it's made from scratch or a box mix. I don't know that I'd buy cupcakes, on a regular basis because i think nothing beats making them at home, but if I wanted a treat or a gift for a friend - Hey Cupcake fits the bill. What makes this place so cool in my eyes is that it's homegrown and fun. Anyone that can manage to borrow or invest money/time in this place, in these economic times certainly gets my respect. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:42:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/566264#4180063 http://www.chow.com/topics/572189#4180032 My kids were really upset to hear about Top Notch. I live in that neighborhood as well and they walk there with friends on the weekends. The Standish family is nothing short of classic, hard working, old-school Austin. We will miss them dearly. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:32:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572189#4180032 http://www.chow.com/topics/572910#4179985 I'm all about hunting and fishing to fill up to freezer during lean times. Problem is, the vast majority of huntable land in Texas is privately owned. Without a legal lease, you'd be poaching. Public land is open to humters only during highly controlled hunts designed to control animal populations that animal predators can't manage. To address your last idea, it's illegal to eat roadkill. The folks in charge don't want every looney tune with a car chasing trophy bucks up and down the highway, trying for a kill. When you do finally find that perfect piece of land to lease and hunt, you're going to find that the meat you harvest is some of the most expensive in the world. And if you are foolish enough to try to poach for meat to fill your freezer, you'll be unpleasantly shocked at the fines and penalties the game warden lays out for you. In addition to the monetary fines, you could easily loose your firearm and your vehicle. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:21:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572910#4179985 http://www.chow.com/topics/572271#4179917 While I've also been waiting for another sports bar to open in the area, I can't see this one lasting very long. The concept seems more suited for downtown, especially with the prices they are wanting to charge for a "sports" bar. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:52:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572271#4179917 http://www.chow.com/topics/570475#4179714 I'm kind of spoiled because I used to share a house and kitchen with a guy from India--I've never ever eaten Indian food in a restaurant in Austin that came close to what he and his friends made. The difference: they were buying their spices fresh (or roasting/grinding them on the spot more like it) from MGM Oriental foods (now Mr. Mati has more competition than back in the day). There's one place in Dallas and one in Houston that comes close. In fact, the only restaurant I know of in Austin that uses spices that are *this* fresh is Fonda San Miguel. Now if someone knows of an Indian restaurant with this level of attention to spice, please let us all know. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:48:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570475#4179714 http://www.chow.com/topics/570882#4179519 I believe I saw on their sign the other day that the 620 Cafe & Bakery in Round Rock will be open on Thanksgiving as well. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:26:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570882#4179519 http://www.chow.com/topics/519753#4179429 I have posted a few fried pickle reviews over on my blog. Using Chowhound, and a couple other food sites, I have compiled a list of places in Austin that serve them both spears and chips which I plan to hit up. If there are any others that I am missing that you know of, please let me know! http://abraham.dizandat.com/2008/11/fried-pickle-roundup/ Cheers! Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:52:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/519753#4179429 http://www.chow.com/topics/570388#4179042 If your looking for moderately priced Tex-Mex check out Jardin Corona. They have huge margaritas with a nice kick and some of the best Chiips and Salsa in town. Try the mango margarita if you go for the flavored kind. As far as the food it has overall been great. I have only had a couple items that were misses: fajitas and pumpkin seed chicken. The Chipotle enchiladas and the spinach enchiladas were great though. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:26:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570388#4179042 http://www.chow.com/topics/572679#4179008 While I am just a general food fan with only limited time in various kitchens as a cook I do think Austin has a lot to offer. I second a lot of the comments about the Italian food lacking here. But I think there are some up and coming places that are trying. Also like others have stated Mexican and Tex-Mex are well represented although I disagree about them being in certain areas. They are all over the place. I haven't had time to try all the "Highly Acclaimed" Austin restaurants but still have my favorites amongst the every-man restaurants. Uchi is obviously the most talked about place in town but you can't miss on the all Austin places like Flip Happy Crepes, Magnolia Cafe, Kerby Lane, Hey Cupcake, Polvos, Trudys, Chez Zee (for Brunch), El Chile, and East Side Cafe...just to name a few. As for blogs/websites there is always Chowhound, Citysearch, and Yelp. I think the Chronicle food section as well as the Austin360 website offer a lot of incite into the Austin food world. A few blogs: http://www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com/index.html http://www.dininginaustinblog.com/ http://tacojournalism.blogspot.com/ http://austinreview.blogspot.com/ (My own meager attempt at food journalism) Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:07:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572679#4179008 http://www.chow.com/topics/511886#4178058 Sounds like a real cool guy! I bet he is even better at cooking now. Do you sail on a schooner in Lago Vista? =) Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:52:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/511886#4178058 http://www.chow.com/topics/572289#4177868 Thank you for the good info hookem90210. Just curious what is your favorite BBQ place in Central Texas? Also I saw they have a Stubbs BBQ close by. I love the marinades but is the resturant worth visiting? Thanks again, Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:01:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572289#4177868 http://www.chow.com/topics/572539#4177172 This restaurant has received media attention because of the Carlos Santana connection but what makes it interesting to me is that the former chef from Fonda San Miguel is one of the principals running this new chain. I'm interested in trying it but they just opened this week so I'll wait a few weeks for management to get adjusted to Austin. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:09:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572539#4177172 http://www.chow.com/topics/564465#4176569 Nab,I was pretty surprised too.These were good[while hot]faux homemade but not the real McCoy as served at Railroad Barbecue in Manchaca for instance.Limpness is a good thing near the end of the feed.It speaks to the potato being freshly cut.After an hour these fries were still stiff as a board. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:03:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564465#4176569 http://www.chow.com/topics/510796#4175953 I've eaten here twice now in the last month, and I must say, this food is damn good. Maybe they've fixed some of their problems? I didn't notice much wrong with the place, and they were doing a good business. Last night a friend and I headed over (she hadn't been, and I had only gotten take-out) and split the following: Grilled Baby Octopus: That's pretty much exactly what it sounds like. They tasted kind of like smoked oysters, but saltier, very much like a "seawater" flavor. I could only eat a few, but that has to do with the strength of the flavor. I like them and they were obviously prepared well (extremely tender). I suggest splitting this with a few people because 1 or 2 will do you right. Pork Gyro: El Greco is not shy about pointing out that they make their own gyro meat. And they have every right to be proud, that pork is tender and flavorful. Some of the slightly charred bits around the edges just taste even better. This is not the "gyro meat roll" that most places offer, but roasted pork with gyro spices. Good tzaziki, not overpowering, and some of the lightest, freshest pita I have ever had. Moussaka: Wow, I usually find moussaka drenched in tomato sauce, but not this time. The menu describes it as "two layers of eggplant, sliced potato, ground beef and tomato sauce, topped with a layer of bechamel, baked till golden brown." And that is true. What it fails to mention is how fluffy and light that bechamel is, or how this is the ultimate comfort food. I don't know what else to say about the moussaka except that it was really REALLY good. Galaktoboureko (Greek baked custard): This was SO good. Dense semolina custard baked inside phyllo dough and drizzled with honey. Served cold. Two bites will send you into a diabetic coma, but what a great way to go. The custard, which is just barely sweet, is a nice foil to the sweet honey on top, and the texture is perfect. I will definitely be going back. I kind of want to try everything else they have. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:50:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/510796#4175953 http://www.chow.com/topics/543040#4175616 I tried Chen's Noodle House last night and I really recommend the food & experience to anyone who enjoys Asian culture. First of all, this is NOT a fancy restaurant - this is a Noodle House You order at the counter and they bring you the food. There's maybe 10 small tables in the restaurant and about 10 items on the menu - that's it (the only beverages are the free water and hot tea). My favorite dish so far has been the wonton soup. The wontons are tender, light and full of flavor - not the doughy things you get at most chinese restaurants these days. The broth is much lighter than any of the other soups and as one of the other posters mentioned there's some tasty seaweed in the broth. I really enjoyed the Green Onion Pancakes - these are light and delicate pancakes, similar to a an Indian Paratha (sp). Very nice appetizer. The Combination soup is a real highlight and this is a very hearty meal - the broth has a slightly gelatinous consistency; there's a generous serving of noodles, diced veggies and meat. Very nice flavor, but I wish it was just a little spicier. This is a hearty meal - you will not leave hungry. The stir fried noodles were very good as well - great ginger flavor. This is another hearty meal. I watched the cook cut the noodles - that was really cool. The noodle dough looks like a gray brick and it's on a piece of wood. The cook takes a knife (or some sharp implement) and quickly shaves off the noodles into a boiling pot of water. It almost looks like he was whittling a stick. Just looking back into the kitchen (you can see the entire kitchen when you order your food) was cool - you know this is authentic food, There were huge broiled legs of lamb laying on the table waiting to be cutup. One of the prep cooks (probably the owner's brother) was peeling/slicing massive quantities of raw ginger. I strongly recommend this place to all hounds - the prices are cheap (most items were below $7). Enjoy Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:15:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/543040#4175616 http://www.chow.com/topics/569365#4175073 Melting Pot is kinda pricey, but lots of fun. It's great for a more alternative to the normal dining experience. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:07:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/569365#4175073 http://www.chow.com/topics/569871#4175071 I have tried and reviewed. The idea is great, I am not sure the execution follows through with the concept though. Yes they are good cookies but around $2 a cookie is just a little much. Check out the rest of my thoughts on my blog: www.austinreview.blogspot.com Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:06:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/569871#4175071 http://www.chow.com/topics/93088#4175067 Ok, well I tried to read through this whole thread but it is long! I want to throw out Bill Miller BBQ's CFS. Yeah its kind of a fast food type place but it stays crispy and not soggy and is a pretty good deal for the price. Any other experiences with this? Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:04:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/93088#4175067 http://www.chow.com/topics/572380#4175061 Ok, so if you want some cheap, fast, and fresh BBQ..check out Bill Miller BBQ, it's famous in San Antonio and offers a great alternative to the high priced BBQ joints around Austin. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:59:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572380#4175061 http://www.chow.com/topics/553857#4174717 Blasphemy? To put it mildly.I've wrestled with the decision and decided to let you stay on the board.It was a close call.Please review some of my other favorites and weigh in with opinions that closely mirror mine and everything will be ok. I'm not sure if it's actually a chowhound favorite but I know a few hounds whose opinion I value who think it's the real deal.Glad your man and your friend had a positive experience. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:29:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/553857#4174717 http://www.chow.com/topics/571964#4174683 Lammes Texas Chewy Pralines are very good. We sent some to my Mom for Mother's Day and she was generous enough to save one for me to try when I visited. However, these aren't the traditional New Orleans style praline. They are much more like a Turtle (by other candy producers). The nice thing is the caramel is soft and melty, not stick-to-your-teeth chewy. For the more traditional style praline, I can't be much help. I've had some really good ones around here, but all of them have been from little Mexican restaurants that sell them at the counter as you leave. Good luck! Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:10:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571964#4174683 http://www.chow.com/topics/564125#4174533 Runny - that's exactly what was wrong with the sauce - thank you. Regarding the filling beef vs. cheese, I checked w/ the hubby and that's what he thinks but now we're not so sure. I shouldn't have waited so long before posting our results. :-) The more I think about it, I think you're right, it was probably cheese and my mind was just stuck on the issue with the imperfect chili. This was a cool place because in addition to a very decent meal, we bowled two games. I am a terrible bowler, but it was fun. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:08:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564125#4174533 http://www.chow.com/topics/570837#4173962 I had a whole other interpretation I'll throw in. Just above the "clean Mexican cuisine" note, there's a mention of "fresh food with clean flavors". I thought of things that "cleanse the palate" or are refreshing, eg citrus. Then they mentioned a cucumber lime martini, which would sort of be the epitome of crisp, clean flavor. IMO. Maybe that's not what they meant at all. I've only been to Manuel's for happy hour, but I love the chicken mole appetizer. And that, using my definition, would not be a "clean" flavor. But, still very delicious. (And not "dirty" either). Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:02:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570837#4173962 http://www.chow.com/topics/571770#4173034 In that area I would recommend either Manuels (there is a recent thread with a very positive review, I have always liked their food a lot and they have a great 1/2 price appetizer happy hour deal) or Iron Cactus. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:12:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571770#4173034 http://www.chow.com/topics/508569#4172671 Taste of 1890 Ranch is this Sat. 10-6. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:15:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/508569#4172671