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Bagel and schmear or sandwich style? There are plenty of options in Austin (Credit: Wholy Bagel)
I used to think bagels were boring and flavorless. But then I moved to Austin, where nothing is boring! Bacon on bagels, nova lox, whitefish salad, craft cream cheese….What will local bagel artisans think of next?
When you’re craving carbs and a schmear, be sure to check out one of these five best places in the Austin area to get your bagel fix.
I shouldn’t have to tell you what day is coming up. Everybody knows Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day.
If you’re anything like me, this holiday holds a patriotic place in your heart. Every year, I celebrate the red meat, white buns, and blue cheese that makes this day great. (I actually prefer cheddar, but that doesn’t fit the theme.)
On a personal note, here are my top three favorite cheeseburgers in Austin. If your favorite didn’t make the list, make sure you tell me about it in a comment. I’ll happily do the “research” required to amend my error.
Jacoby’s Mercantile is a farm fresh restaurant serving southern classics in a upscale rustic environment. Authentic to Austin, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, while taking the fancy up a notch. While Jacoby’s has many delicious items on the menu (I highly recommend the mac and cheese), I want to focus on the mouth-watering burger.
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The hook on the restaurant website says, “Begin with an elevator ride to the fourth floor—that’s when the Geraldine’s buzz starts to kick in.” As I walk into Hotel Van Zandt off Rainey Street and those elevator doors close behind me, I do indeed start feeling the vibe. The vibe of fancy life.
When the elevator doors open, I find myself in a dimly lit space that makes me forget it’s lunch time and I am here for an interview. I wish I could sit at the bar and say something like, “Pour me some whiskey, sugar” to the bartender. Not that I like whiskey or have ever said anything so glamorous in my life.
The Geraldine’s menu includes items that may sound intimidating: corn yaki cake with tonkatsu sauce and bonito salad; bourbon glazed cauliflower with pistachio gremolata; and Akaushi steak frites.
So it’s surprising to meet Stephen Bonin, the man behind these creations, and realize he’s one of the most down-to-earth, humble chefs I’ve ever [Read more…]
Asian-inspired tipples and morsels are on the menu at Ah Sing Den
After a seven-year run, East Side Showroom bid adieu last July, after owners Trudy and Mickie Spencer announced plans to revamp the bar and lounge completely. A few weeks later, an Asian-inspired concept called Ah Sing Den rose from the metaphorical ashes, in East Side Showroom’s place on East Sixth Street.
The Spencers’ vision for Ah Sing Den came from the venue’s namesake, an opium den in East London that was famous in the Victorian era. In the den, it was said both Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle found creative inspiration. I was invited to stop by recently to sample Ah Sing Den’s new menu and find some inspiration of my own. [Read more…]
Beignets and coffee at épicerie (Credit: épicerie Cafe and Grocery)
Guest article by Archana Vemulapalli
For those of you with a sweet tooth here in Austin, you already know there are plenty of places for fresh bites to satisfy those cravings. But what you may not know is that Austin’s local businesses offer international desserts for the times when you want to indulge in something different. Get ready to travel around the world without having to leave Austin city limits.
Regal Ravioli is one of many Italian food trucks in Austin
People say Austin doesn’t have a diverse food scene, but I say you just have to know where to look. While the capital city may not have a version of New York’s Little Italy, pasta, pizza, and authentic Italian desserts can still be found scattered throughout our streets. So, when you find yourself craving the warm, comforting goodness that only a certain boot-shaped country can provide, give these five Italian food trucks in Austin a try. [Read more…]
The east side of Austin has a dining spot for every meal of the day
The East Sixth business district has grown over the years. It’s still authentically rough around the edges, but new buildings and businesses are popping up all the time. If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like me, East Sixth Street should be added to your list of areas to explore. It’s quite walkable, and the ever-changing lineup of eateries will keep you busy all year long.
For a fun-filled foodie adventure that begins first thing in the morning and lasts all day long, follow this itinerary of seven East Sixth Street restaurants and cafes.
Burrito en Fuego at Chuy’s makes true Hatch lovers cry tears of joy (Credit: Chuy’s)
Mention Hatch green chiles to Austin residents, and you’ll likely witness a Homer Simpson-esque lolling back of heads, replete with drool.
Austin LOVES its Hatch green chiles and reveres the annual Hatch season—a time of treating our taste buds to some real heat, to accompany the 100-degree+ weather we face in August. Rejoice, for these five locally-based companies embrace the potent peppers from New Mexico, too. If you have a fever and the only cure is more green chiles, then you’re in luck! [Read more…]
Snow’s holy trinity: brisket, jalapeño sausage, and pork steak
Guest article by Cristopher Rubio
I had been craving Snow’s BBQ for a couple months, the eatery ranked number one among Texas Monthly’s “Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas.” So a few Saturdays ago, I convinced my in-laws, Mayra and Jorge, to join me for a visit. The following is a running diary of an excellent day spent with excellent people, eating some of the best barbecue in the state. [Read more…]
Coffee and donuts with an upscale yet unpretentious vibe, await you at Bougie’s Donuts (Credit: Bill Tucker)
At some point in life, you have to take a leap of faith. Jump off the ledge and dive into the great unknown. Sometimes it’s a tiny tumble. Other times, it’s a 50-mile plunge.
Bougie’s Donuts is the result of one man’s drop into uncharted waters. With fresh flavor, outstanding coffee, and a heart for the surrounding community, one of the newest players in Austin’s dessert scene is a stand-out winner. [Read more…]