Food Archives - Page 36 Of 50

OPA! Experience a Greek Cafe That Defies Labels

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Erin May

South Lamar spotted through the archway of OPA! on a rainy day in Austin

My title may say this café defies labels, but perhaps it’s more accurate to say that OPA! on South Lamar invites many descriptions – wine bar, café, restaurant, student study haven, happy hour spot and casual hangout.

Stone walls outline an extensive front porch perfect for basking in the Saturday sun with a discounted cocktail. Deep in the café, however, are rich wooden tables, couches and red paneled walls where both heavy studiers and intimate chatters can find a haven.

Meanwhile, solo visitors perch at the coffee bar under strings of hanging pots and cups, watching the barkeep sling drinks and take orders with practiced skill. [Read more…]

Delysia Chocolatier: You Had Me at Habanero

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar

Delysia Chocolatier Wine Collection

Delysia Chocolatier owner Nicole Patel

Even the best department stores lack the ability to bottle and sell a quality most only dream of obtaining: grace. Nicole Patel, proprietor of Delysia Chocolatier, wears it with ease. Her posture is perpetually poised, leaving me to wonder if she were a dancer in her childhood. Her smile is enhanced by warm expressive doe eyes framed by fluid dark shoulder length hair. Both these physical features mimic her passion: chocolate.

Walking into this petite store front and culinary center, the sweet scent of chocolate greets you with a warm welcome. Crisp shades of grey, white and black on the walls offer a nice contrast to the entry’s focal point: a crimson red wall that pops with vibrancy spelling out the establishment’s name, Delysia Chocolatier. Gazing upward, you’ll find [Read more…]

Austin Feeds Biscuit Envy With These 3 Delicious Choices

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Cris Mueller

Red’s Porch savory Cheese Biscuits (Credit: Red’s Porch)

Call it a comeback, a fashionable re-entry, a timely coming of age. No matter what you call it, biscuits are blazing in Austin’s culinary spotlight.

With a multitude of flakey and layered, baked delights to choose from, my current favorites will only make a small dent in the plethora of biscuits the world is offering for the tasting. Nonetheless, here are three delicious choices in town. [Read more…]

5 Austin Businesses Boldly Reinventing the General Store

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Natalie Parra-Novosad

There’s a new trend in Austin, with businesses playing convenience store, restaurant, bar and neighborhood hangout all in one (Credit: gina pina via Flickr CC)

Where can you go to buy locally sourced groceries, hang out with friends, have a fresh cup of espresso, grab a beer, hear good music and eat breakfast, lunch or dinner all under the same roof?

As you try to imagine what sort of establishment might be able to pull all that off, you’re probably thinking it has to be a large location or national chain. Well in Austin, that’s just not the case. Turns out, we have quite a few places that bring all these things together in a one-stop-shop for the surrounding community. You’ve probably heard of a couple of them, like Whip In and Quickie Pickie.

These types of stores/restaurants seem to be becoming a trend in Austin. They’re the result of a conglomeration of concepts from around the world like the American general store, the Indian dhaba, the Spanish bodeguita and others, but with a distinctive Austin vibe. [Read more…]

6 Half Price Happy Hours in Austin

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa

It’s official. On February 2nd, Armadillo Bob predicted that spring is right around the corner! This means we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy happy hours out on the patio before the scorching summer arrives.

But you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy drinks and appetizers after work. Here is a list of 6 half price happy hours in Austin.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen: This One’s for You, South Austin

Jack Allen's Kitchen Half Price Happy Hour

Half-priced Spinach Gorgonzola Ravioli (left) and Mango Habanero Rita (right) (Credit: Jack Allen’s Kitchen)

Does Spinach Gorgonzola Ravioli sound good to you? How about smoked beef rib quesadillas or BLT sliders? What if I told you these are all half price during happy hour at both Jack Allen’s Kitchen locations? You’ll also enjoy daily drink specials. [Read more…]

5 East Austin Openings Including First U.S. Sour Mash Brewery

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Natalie Parra-Novosad

East Austin is at the forefront of Austin’s explosive growth, and that includes the bar and restaurant scene. Residents, startups and long time neighborhood businesses are coming together in an effort to try to control and plan the somewhat chaotic development.

This is a list of new east Austin restaurants and a trailblazing brewery that have recently opened or are about to open in early 2015. Prepare your palettes, ladies and gentlemen. Here’s what’s on the menu for late winter/early spring in east Austin. [Read more…]

Sawyer and Co. Occupies Legendary Space from Austin Past

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Matthew Champion

Sawyer and Co. in East Austin

If you’re looking for a comfortable place to go, with good cooking and outstanding retro design where you’ll be treated like family, look no further than Austin’s own Sawyer and Co.

Every detail from the mid-century decor down to the cheesy grits will make you feel as though you’ve found your home away from home.

Sawyer and Co. sits in the space where the legendary Arkie’s Grill existed for over 65 years as an East Austin mainstay. When Arkie’s closed down in 2012 [Read more…]

5 Stops for Year Round Tamales in Austin

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Edwin Ochoa

Tamales are a staple in many households during the holidays in Central Texas, but why let the calendar limit what time of year you can enjoy them? This article rounds up 5 Austin tamales spots that sell delicious bundles of comfort and joy year round.

Tamale House East: Tried and True

L-R: bean and cheese, chicken and pork tamales from Tamale House East

As the name informs, you’ll find this tamale favorite on Austin’s east side. The chicken tamale is delicious, but Tamale House East’s bean and cheese is the winner. [Read more…]

Way South Austin Welcomes Indian Roller Boutique Roadhouse

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Edgar Barguiarena

Indian Roller takes great pride in growing many of the ingredients for their seasonal cocktails on site

You can never quite pinpoint the day a new bar district emerges in Austin. You typically have one bar open up in a new area doing, things a little differently, then a second one opens up nearby with a similar feel and you begin to reach a tipping point. Indian Roller Boutique Roadhouse has become Way South Austin’s tipping point. [Read more…]

Taste a Different Side of Austin: Cold Brews and Chocolatiers

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Cris Mueller

Wayward Chocolat ganache pieces, created in Austin (Credit: CourtPie Photography)

Indulgence is a welcomed notion for any food lover, and today I indulged in two flavors known to regularly bring a smile to my face…chocolate and coffee.

I selected three local cold brew coffees and four local chocolatiers and hit the kitchen with an open palate, a patient photographer and trusty beverage consultant Darren Mykowsky.

After tasting each of the uniquely different locally drawn chocolates, my esteemed brood of tasting professionals (a kitchen full of buddies) and I divvied up the chocolate remains and paired each with its rightful cold brew cocktail partner. Let’s get caffeinated! [Read more…]

Jack Allen’s Kitchen: This One’s for You, South Austin

Tamale House East: Tried and True

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