http://www.chow.com/boards/61 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:22:38 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/665143#5164563 Wow - $1.47 per lb of fresh, free range is a much better deal. Thank you for the info..... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:42:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665143#5164563 http://www.chow.com/topics/662389#5164482 I had to go to Callahan's for some chicken feed today, and I took the opportunity to check out their large canning section. They do have pickling lime in stock. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:08:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662389#5164482 http://www.chow.com/topics/661470#5164241 I hope you are all healed up now, but I love this thread. Next sore throat, I'm headed to Madam Mam's, but I also wanted to give a shout out for Lily's Sandwich Cafe's Bun Bo Hue. Unlike HEA, which did nothing for me, I got a big spicy blast of meaty, slickery noodly goodness with a perfect amount of heat - augmented by their wicked chile paste. Congealed pork blood was yummy, other cuts of pork were great too, and the whole slurpy spicy experience was heaven. Their sandwiches, however, do not float my boat. I will say that I am intrigued by their duck noodle soup, so perhaps they should change their name to Lily's Soup Cafe? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:58:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661470#5164241 http://www.chow.com/topics/650243#5164081 If you love waiting hours for poor service and overly salted so-so French fare, this is your place. We really wanted to love Justine's but were sorely disappointed. Went with some friends a couple of weekends ago to enjoy this fabulous east-side find that everyone keeps raving about. We already expected a long wait, but just knew it would all be "worth it". Yes, we waited for 2 hours for a table for four. That would have been fine if 1) they capitalized on the expansive outdoor area with additional seating for waiting parties, and 2) we could actually get a drink to enjoy while waiting. The bar was so crowded it was impossible to get the bartender's attention, and the cocktail waitress outside was so busy we were lucky to get 2 drinks in the 2 hour period. Despite these hangups, our spirits were still high once we scored our table inside. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there. Service was slow and the waiter made it clear he didn't have time or interest in answering questions. The wine list was uninteresting and not one I would consider "well selected". Mussels were the featured special so we ordered them as an appetizer for the table. They tasted absolutely terrible and were tiny. For a group of friends who never leave a mussel shell empty, there was a lot left on the table. Had it not been for the fact that we were famished, we would have sent the dish back. For entrees, two of us ordered the snapper, one the steak and frites, and one the scallops. There is a finesse in simple French cuisine that involves balance of seasoning and well-prepared proteins. While I appreciate the concept that Justine's is attempting, the execution failed miserably! The first thing each of us noticed is that everything was significantly oversalted and all the sauces, seasonings, and flavor in the proteins were completely lost. It was as if the chef did not possess the ability to taste salt at all. In retrospect, I wish we had sent everything back. At that point, we were all so disappointed and disgusted that we were ready to get out of there. We appreciate a good French bistro (the couple we were with had just returned from France), but the lack of quality of the food here is appalling. If you enjoy delicious, simple and straight-forward European cuisine as we do, don't waste your time here. Instead, try Chez Nous, or for a less expensive but equally tasty simple european meal, Fabi and Rosi. Thank God for good company, otherwise the evening would have been a total bust. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:26:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650243#5164081 http://www.chow.com/topics/665258#5163888 I was just at the one in Dallas Thursday night. It was better than average chain food. It seems to lean towards what I would call "New Mexico" mexican. Adobe Pie etc. I did have a wicked good blue margarita (they call it something else I think) I think it's different than Cantina Laredo's Food so for me it wouldn't be a comparison to them. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:26:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665258#5163888 http://www.chow.com/topics/665444#5163703 I've been thinking of trying one of the Italian restaurants in Georgetown... I know about Amante's, Tony & Luigi's, and Nonna's. Are any of these worth the short drive? If there's a filled pasta on the menu, that would be what I'd order... tortellini, ravioli, manicotti... I love those. I lean towards cream sauces or pestos, but I like marinara when done well. My husband would be more likely to order an Italian sausage and peppers dish or a frutti de mare dish. Neither of us would care about an all meat dish, like osso bucco, at least not while it's still warm in Austin. Any comments on the atmosphere would be nice as well. I like to know how much I have to dress up (and prefer not to have to). But, for Italian, I also don't care to eat in a big ol' cheeseball joint with marble columns (and yes, I said that like the SNL skit). In other words, let me know if these places used Reale's decorator. Don't ask me how, but the pink walls do affect the flavor of the food. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:29:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665444#5163703 http://www.chow.com/topics/665349#5163636 Primizie serves housemade pasta, too. I've only tried it in the lasagna, but it was really good. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:58:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665349#5163636 http://www.chow.com/topics/665173#5162334 As of a year ago I thought the Driskill happy Hour had the best and most interesting food for the price. Half price at HH. http://www.driskillgrill.com/pdfs/bar-menu.pdf Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:55:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665173#5162334 http://www.chow.com/topics/600850#5162331 sbhlaw, from what dairy are you getting your raw milk? Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:51:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/600850#5162331 http://www.chow.com/topics/665307#5162324 Anyone been here? Can you suggest a dish? I'm not really into the raw/living foods thing, but I got a coupon for this place, so I might as well go see what the fuss is about. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:47:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665307#5162324 http://www.chow.com/topics/589248#5161389 Having lived in Costa Rica for the last four years, I'm uncertain as to why you would seek out the local food, such as it is. All you need to do is boil black beans with virtually no seasoning, cook rice with virtually no seasoning and fry plantanos "maduros" in kitchen oil and you've got about 90% of the national flavor profile without having to pay much for it. Cook a protein product until it is virtually unrecognizable, throw on some tired iceberg lettuce and you've got the full "casada". Don't forget that "national treaure" Salsa Lizano... And oh, yeah, don't forget that "national treasure", Salsa Lizano... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:25:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/589248#5161389 http://www.chow.com/topics/596301#5161140 Paggi House is supposed to have a really nice patio, too. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:11:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/596301#5161140 http://www.chow.com/topics/664762#5161083 I'll second this one. Pretty good deals on food and a great setting next to the lake. The weather lately makes it a great place to hang out. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:55:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664762#5161083 http://www.chow.com/topics/431193#5160374 I am a fromagier in Fredricksburg TX and I often do cheese and wine tastings. Every Sat. the shop I work at has some kind of event going on. This weekend (11-7-09) I will be making cheese hor d'ors and using different wines to go with these. It is not as extravagant as Artisinal, but it is generally fun and informative. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:44:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/431193#5160374 http://www.chow.com/topics/664950#5159535 This place is a gem. Arpeggio has fantastic food at great prices (I couldn't believe my eyes when I picked up the giant greek pizza), but I've always found the dine-in service lacking. They've recently cleaned up the decor even beyond the major face-lift from a couple of years ago, but the poor service makes me think of it as a take-out only kind of place. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:54:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664950#5159535 http://www.chow.com/topics/654430#5159321 You would think so - however, when I spotted them, THEY didn't recognize them as something they stocked and/or ordered. Anyhow, I wasn't in a huge hurry to get a new screen, as my actual shot-pulling device was working acceptably at the time. Now that it's not, I'll probably seek them more actively. Portland, huh? Sad to hear it's disappointing food-wise, but I'll leave that as my derailment contribution :) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:26:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654430#5159321 http://www.chow.com/topics/664917#5159056 Sea Dragon has a massive assortment of Vietnamese dishes on their menu, beyond the usual pho, bun, and banh mi that is plentiful in Austin. I have not tried it, but I often hear good things about Sea Dragon. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:57:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664917#5159056 http://www.chow.com/topics/621083#5158922 I visited Tanalee's a couple fo weeks ago...we had a birthday tea party for my Mom. This is a precious shabby chic, whimsical little "dollhouse". Tanalee is a sweetheart and sees to your every need and desire. The table is set with a collection of teacups/saucers, pretty linens...there are several choices of "afternoon tea" we enjoyed the $30 pp party and it was sumptuous. I give the experience a 4 star...we had a fabulous time! Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:14:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/621083#5158922 http://www.chow.com/topics/663504#5158636 I want that too...where? Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:45:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663504#5158636 http://www.chow.com/topics/664333#5157786 you should take him to Texadelphia ;-) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:18:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664333#5157786 http://www.chow.com/topics/663144#5156831 I crave In-and-Out all the time. In fact saw reference to it last night on CSI L.A. and it made me want grab a flight to the west coast! There are lots of opinions on here about Austin's burger scene and for the money the closest to I&O for me is the Little Red Wagon in Round Rock... Hwy 79 east just past Sunrise Drive. Try the double double combo for only $5.73 with tax. Don't take it out as you need to eat in the joint to enjoy the atmosphere! Happy Burger Hunting... -CTX Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:20:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663144#5156831 http://www.chow.com/topics/608816#5156342 Against my better judgement, I stopped at Mighty Fine last night since I had been running errands in that shopping center. I ordered my standard burger (bacon cheeseburger with ketchup only), fries, and an iced tea. $11.34 for what's maybe $7-$8 at Whataburger. The fries are excellent, as long as you eat them hot. In fact, they were so good as to not need ketchup. Once they cool off (which is quickly), they lose most of their luster and are surprisingly reminiscient of the Durkee shoestring potatoes out of the can. The burger was incredibly, remarkably pedestrian. The bun was standard. The meat itself was barely seasoned and had a different, almost shredded texture. Cheese had the flavor of a Kraft Single. And the bacon was disappointing. Neither crip nor flavorful. If it had been from a fast food joint, I wouldn't mind going back. But for over $10 for a burger, fries, and drink, it had best be remarkable. Sadly, this was average at best. Mighty Fine is mighty average. Great marketing, though.... What's with the current trend of new burger places anyways....? Mighty Fine, P. Terry's, Hat Creek, etc.... All are somewhat interchangable and none approach the gold standard that is, and will likely remain, Mike's Pub. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:07:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/608816#5156342 http://www.chow.com/topics/664724#5155814 If you see the limited edition Kelloggs Gingerbread Pop Tarts anywhere please post. I have not seen them at Target or Walmart. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:25:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664724#5155814 http://www.chow.com/topics/663500#5155415 Hao Hao has a location on William Cannon and Manchaca. Vietnamese: Dong Nai at Ben White and Lamar. Pho Hoang has another location at Rutland and Burnet (Closer than Round Rock but not South Austin) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:34:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663500#5155415 http://www.chow.com/topics/664408#5154667 These Trio $40 meals have been excellent all year. The happy hour at their bar makes the noise pretty bad as others have pointed out. I recommend going after 7:45 so that the crowds have died down. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664408#5154667 http://www.chow.com/topics/664492#5153658 They do have it at lunch. I think it was $12. Don't know if they would let you sub it on the bento box specials Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:30:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664492#5153658 http://www.chow.com/topics/659655#5153631 Hi barbinaustin & All I can supply the Lavender Oil and honey.Please contact with me: dofonhk@gmail.com Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:22:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659655#5153631 http://www.chow.com/topics/661063#5153347 They are closed for the season now. But I had the seafood eggs benedict served over a crab cake with a cajun cream sauce with shrimp and crawfish. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:34:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661063#5153347 http://www.chow.com/topics/664178#5153035 My wife and I ordered a pizza from Brooklyn Pie RR location last Friday nite, it was pretty horrible, I don't know what went wrong, we paid about 30 for a pie, it tasted worst than the school cafe pizza, please do not associate the word BROOKLYN with their pizza, or you'll end up greatly disappointed. Don't trust me? go get one and judge for yourself! Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:58:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664178#5153035 http://www.chow.com/topics/657050#5153027 Agree about Sam's - they are one of the few BBQ joints in town with mutton. And I'd rather drive through Taco Bell than eat at Magnolia. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:56:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657050#5153027 http://www.chow.com/topics/664414#5152640 Most of the places in the domain take reservations. North is good for Italian and I love their scallops. Eddie V's in the Arboreteum for steaks & seafood Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:06:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664414#5152640 http://www.chow.com/topics/664316#5152571 agreed. on both counts. the dry aged ribeye is as good as the bbq is bad. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:47:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664316#5152571 http://www.chow.com/topics/552110#5152550 Thanks, Alan! Never heard of Bona Dea Bread before. Interested to try her out. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:41:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/552110#5152550 http://www.chow.com/topics/657326#5151993 Not open for lunch, apparently. I was there Friday and it was closed. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:03:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657326#5151993 http://www.chow.com/topics/455972#5151649 Zoot is actually the groupon today- $30 for a 5 course tasting menu (normally $55). A great deal. Click on the link below- and if Austin doesn't come up, you can change the city at the top of the page. http://groupon.com/r/uu137043 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:06:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/455972#5151649 http://www.chow.com/topics/463600#5151340 For anyone interested in buying raw milk, I just got this message from my share coordinator. There is a council meeting this Wednesday, and the last portion of the meeting will be dedicated to presentations about expanding access to raw milk in Texas. Come show your support by being present in the room, and hear one of the country's leading experts on raw milk. Here is the link. http://farmandranchfreedom.org/content/raw-milk-regs Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:22:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/463600#5151340 http://www.chow.com/topics/663850#5150802 I *think* that Mandola's has a private room that you can reserve. Not 100% positive about it, and don't see it on their website, but might be worth a call to the restaurant. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:18:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663850#5150802 http://www.chow.com/topics/663124#5149411 I like Hyde Park Bar and Grill and Eastside Cafe. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:58:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663124#5149411 http://www.chow.com/topics/663959#5148716 I love the Habana on South Congress. I haven't had a bad meal there. It's rarely crowded and easy to park. The best thing is the fried potato ball, I'm not sure what it is called. It's meat surrounded by cheesy mashed potatoes then fried. Delicious. I don't know what everything is called, but I love the roasted pork and the stewed chicken. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:35:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663959#5148716 http://www.chow.com/topics/663573#5146458 Yes, closed as of 10/31/2009. Too bad; the walled-off section made a good meeting room for 20-30 people. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:18:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663573#5146458 http://www.chow.com/topics/663797#5146035 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/657326 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:38:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663797#5146035 http://www.chow.com/topics/624217#5143335 I went by Grapevine Mkt. today as i heard there were deals to be found. Liquor was 25% off, but was really picked over, mostly just a little of the high end stuff and the rotgut. Wine and beer were picked over even more. I can't remember the discount on beer and wine. It was either 10 or 15%. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:16:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/624217#5143335 http://www.chow.com/topics/663453#5143180 I've had a pretty good individual apple pie at Roaring Fortk at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel. Not sure on the chocolate part but I bet they have a menu online. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:33:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663453#5143180 http://www.chow.com/topics/632296#5142473 there's a sign up outside the construction fence now. BTW, this is the old tien hong for those challenged by addresses. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:40:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632296#5142473 http://www.chow.com/topics/663137#5140300 I'll echo the Asia Cafe recommendation. I was the original poster over three years ago, and the posts keep on coming. I've eaten many times at what once was the best Sichuan in the BA, China Village in Albany (yes, in Albany) and Asia Cafe gets close on some dishes, misses on others, and doesn't have quite the level of execution China Village used to have (the chef has changed 2-3 times since the peak in 2004-2005), but Asia Cafe is at least a great substitute and, until I moved away from Austin (again), it was worth at least one weekly visit, and I often was there 4-5 times a week, sometimes twice in one day!!!! Work through the menu. Avoid the obvious nods to non-Chinese clientele, and stay with the Sichuan standards, and you'll eat quite well. It's addictive. And mail me some water boiled beef (they call it spicy beef, it's the beef equivalent of the spicy fish referenced in another post). Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:40:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663137#5140300 http://www.chow.com/topics/660710#5139903 I've been to the trailer all of once and I wasn't very impressed. Nothing special about the burger, a little on the bland side, and IMHO cost a lot for the quality. The fries were good and a friend had a shake that was tasty too. Granted I prefer thick patties, but I enjoy a good burger of any sorts. This place ain't all that. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:37:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660710#5139903 http://www.chow.com/topics/660900#5139883 Nutty Brown Cafe and listen the the Java Jazz Band. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:30:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660900#5139883 http://www.chow.com/topics/660064#5139855 There is a Mexican Market that is fairly new in the strip center at S. 1st and Stassney. They have very good meats for sale and the restaurant inside is very good. There is another Mexican Restaurant in the same center down in the corner on the first floor. (This is the strip center that is blue and anchored by Time Warner). I can't think of there name but they have excellent beef caldo and if you ask for it, they serve a avacado based salsa that is very good. One of my favorite places. Friday nights at the Manchaca Fire Hall is all you can eat Fried Catfish. Very good. Clarance has his own recipe for the corn meal. I haven't been there in a while but the Westgate Bowling Alley had a really good burger and fries. I don't think that they open until 4. Railroad BBQ in Manchaca is pretty good too. Cherry Creek Catfish across from Crockett on Manchaca has good fried catfish. I also like the Casa Garcia's at William Cannon and Manchaca. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:19:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660064#5139855