Trip to Austin - long report

[digga]

This Bostonian hound brought to Austin by her partner who went to UT for grad school and hadn't been back in many years. B wanted to take me to all the places he used to eat at, so not the most chowish choices, but no matter where we went, we had a great time (except for the bad weather!).

Thurs - Our first meal was lunch at El Arroyo brought back lots of memories for B. He loved his mixed fajitas. I went with a veggie ditch bowl which was fine. Then, out to the Oasis to check out Lake Travis (B was BUMMED OUT about the water levels - they've dropped a ton). That place is INSANE - now I know who buys all that s^%t in the SkyMall magazine...it's the Oasis keeping them in business! We were then headed to the Wilco show out in Cedar Park so we researched a little and came up with the Dig Pub, which was great! Tucked away in a strip mall-ish area, we sat at the bar and had great service from the co-owner. Had some fantastic beers from 512, I had a nice pour of a jumilla (I think). Being from Boston, we are always amazed that everywhere else in the U.S., happy hour exists! Cheese plate was nice, esp a smoked gouda. My pressed "amore" sandwich (fontina, tapanade, and tomato) was delicious.

Fri - Chilly and rainy...booo! But a delicious breakfast at Bouldin Creek cheered us up. B had the "El Tipico" plate (eggs, potato hash brown patty, veggies, tortillas) and I had the "Slacker's Banquet" (beans, brown rice, topped with tomato, onion, jalapenos). I was glad to get the vegan cornbread - the meal was delicious and warming! We drove out to San Antonio for a couple of hours just so I could see it (no meals) on our way out to the Salt Lick. We got there early (~6pm) but there was already a loud, cheerful crowd. (Don't forget to bring your own beer! We found Newcastle at some gas station on the way.) B had the brisket-brisket-sausage plate and I went veggie (potato salad, good cole slaw, beans). Pickles were really good, bread is forgettable. B gave me a nibble of brisket - mmmm. This vegetarian was smiling! We split the warm pecan pie. The scene was touristy, but it sure was fun!

Sat - Late breakfast/early lunch at Guero's since we were checking out South Congress before heading to the Colorado-UT game. He had migas (tortillas fell apart) and I had the Mexican chicken soup, which hit the spot on another cold day. We met our friends at Jaime's where I tried the ceviche, which was good. After the game, we headed over to South Congress again hoping to find a snack and had slices from Home Slice. My margherita slice was pretty good! B said it was much better than his pepperoni. Mexican Vanilla ice cream from Amy's cheered him up.

Sun - We were going to Dallas to see U2 on Monday. We wanted to catch a few innings of the ALDS LAA v. Sox. The only Boston bar we came up with was Little Woodrow's but they don't serve food. Hungry and cold, we ended up at Wahoo's. I know it's a chain, but it hit the spot - cheerful inside, great service from what seemed like 10 different surfer dudes and dudettes and they gladly tuned one TV into the Sox game. Grilled fish tacos were tasty and were an exact replica of San Diego style. B had one fish taco and a fish burrito - holy cow, that was one huge meal. Pyramid hefeweisen to wash it all down. Later in Dallas, disappointed about the Sox and Pats losses, we went in search of food and Sunday Night football. We walked around the West End area and then found Ten Sport Bar, right near our hotel, was fine. It was filled with people (man, Dallas sure is pretty desolate on a Sunday night...at least in our part of town). Food was serviceable (big bowls of chili and gumbo).

Mon - Not much to report. We went to the State Fair! Wow - it was BIG! Weather was lousy again. I had roasted corn on the cob, B had a corndog and we shared a hand-rolled pretzel. Had a quick meal at the West End Pub before heading out to Arlington for the U2 show.

Tues - Yet another cold rainy day in TX! We went back to Austin. B wanted one last meal at the original Chuy's. I had veggie enchiladas (why do I order them? I'm not crazy about enchiladas in general and these were just okay). B had the (HUGE) steak burrito with Hatch green chile sauce - I had several bites of that. Wow! Now I know why people out here who are from the SW/TX area long for Hatch green chile. I regretted not trying the green chile stew. Oh well..next time for sure! And now, of course, the sun starts coming out, big time! At the airport, B grabs one last Salt Lick BBQ brisket sandwich to eat on the plane. I am too full to eat anything more.

We will be back to delve a bit more into the Austin dining (and music) scene! Thanks for a great time, Austin!

[scrumptiouschef]

While the thought of vegan cornbread fills me with a shrinking horror I do like Bouldin Creek.Haven't eaten there in years but the owner's a sweet lady and you don't get your morning cup with a snarl.

It's always heartwarming to see a vegetarian join the right thinking.Haven't been to Salt Lick in years but they are one of the few barbecue joints that pays any attention at all to their side dishes.

Chuy's makes me sad but I know I'm in the minority as it's hugely popular.Next time you're down this way and need some Tex Mex hit La Reyna on South First Street up.They've been putting out some good food since the early 70's.You'll eat well and they treat you like family.

Thanks for the detailed report and y'all hurry back.