Food Archives - Page 39 of 47

Battle of the Brunches Round 1: South Congress Cafe

April 23, 2014 by Samantha Champion 3 Comments

South Congress Cafe is located at 1600 S Congress Avenue. (Photo credit: South Congress Cafe)

Today marks the beginning of a six-part series entitled Battle of the Brunches, where a handful of the hundreds of brunch-serving spots in town will be evaluated based on the rigid criteria of deliciousness, enjoyableness, and overall awesomeness.

All six spots have been previously determined to be well above average, so think of my series as more of a brunch bucket list than a head-to-head bloodbath, if you will. I just really liked the image of quiche and frittata going at it in some underground fight club.

To kick us off, I’m honing in on what seems to be one of the most beloved brunch spots in Austin: South Congress Cafe. Nestled neatly among other ’04 favorites such as Vespaio, Uncommon Objects and Home Slice, South Congress Cafe has been serving some of the best food south of the river since 2003. Owned by the same folks as Trudy’s, South Congress is like the Tex-Mex joint’s hipper, more sophisticated sister. [Read more…]

Walton’s Fancy and Staple Refreshes with Food and Flowers on West 6th

April 14, 2014 by Matthew Champion 1 Comment

Many don’t know it, but Walton’s Fancy and Staple has been around the Austin area in some form or fashion for 45 years now. It began in 1969 with a focus purely on flowers and plants, as Walton’s Florist and Nursery in the neighboring city of West Lake Hills.

Walton's Fancy and Staple on West Sixth Street

Walton’s Fancy and Staple at 609 West Sixth Street

In 2009, the owners of Bess Bistro (hi, Sandy!) moved the business across the street from them on West Sixth Street, and renamed it Walton’s Fancy and Staple. They kept the floral aspect of the company intact, while adding an expert team of bakers and a top-notch delicatessen. [Read more…]

Always Oktoberfest at Sixth Street’s Easy Tiger

April 10, 2014 by Lizzy Newsome Leave a Comment

Easy Tiger on 6th Street in Austin

There is a sweeter smell wafting down the alleyways of Dirty Sixth. The aroma is sweet enough to tempt the most finicky of eaters, and may even make established Austinites question their preconceived notions about our city’s most notorious street.

While 6th Street’s strongest associations may be cheap liquor and cover bands, hidden restaurant gems have been here for years. A more recent addition to the list is Easy Tiger, a somewhat unexpected mix between bakery and bar that has quickly become a local favorite.

I’ll take the yummy one!

[Read more…]

Lunch Break? 7 Local Options Around 7 Dollars

March 26, 2014 by Samantha Champion 2 Comments

Looking for cheap lunch spots in Austin? You’ve come to the right place (Photo credit: The Jalopy on Facebook)

Every afternoon around 1 PM, I tell myself “today is the LAST day” I’m going to buy my lunch this week…that from now on, I’m strictly a brown-bag girl. I daydream about planning my meals over the weekend and grocery shopping in advance.

The next morning around 7 AM, I decide that ten more minutes of sleep is so insanely critical that I will most definitely die a slow and painful death if I get up any second earlier than is absolutely necessary in order to make it to work on time-ish. I bargain with myself. I even second-guess showering. I’m not exactly a morning person.

This scenario repeats itself at least four times a week, leaving me with no other choice than to head out in search of yet another cheap lunch option that doesn’t involve any sort of pink slime. Enter my list of some of my favorite affordable Austin lunch spots where you can find a relatively quick midday meal for around $7 (because $5 is just ridiculous, but $9 lunches seem so Manhattan). [Read more…]

Best Breakfast Off the Beaten Path in Austin

March 17, 2014 by Matthew Champion 5 Comments

There are a lot of choices in our great city, even when it comes to breakfast. At times, the plethora of options may seem overwhelming, but don’t just settle on the corporate chain closest to your home. There are plenty of local, homegrown businesses serving up the most important meal of the day in a serious way.

You’ve probably grown familiar with the mainstays that are usually popular for good reason. But sometimes you need to step off the sidewalk and roam in the street for awhile, if you get my drift. Below are a few of my recommendations for a solid breakfast in Austin, at places you may not have been before.

Red River Cafe

I’ve been eating at this place for nearly ten years now. I was a little hesitant to include it for selfish reasons. There’s never a wait; it’s quiet and there’s usually a booth available. Two giant eggs – sunny side up – hang on each side of the faded and dated building as you approach. When you walk in, there’s a bench on your left with a hefty pile of newspapers to choose from. I usually linger for a good twenty to thirty minutes after I finish my meal here to catch up on current events.

Red River Cafe exterior (Photo credit: walkyourdogaustin.com)

[Read more…]

Top SXSW Food Picks: Practice Your Stance While Waiting in Line

March 7, 2014 by Cris Mueller Leave a Comment

Photo credit: TastyTouring via Flickr CC

With our beloved SXSW upon us, I thought it apropos to shoot you straight with three must-haves for the festival: comfortable shoes for your daily trek, a foldable tote to hold your new collection of swag and t-shirts and, most importantly, arrive sporting a comfortable waistline to allow flex while you feast.

In Austin, one thing we do well is practice patience for gastro fare. Below is my officially unofficial list of lines Austinites most love to wait in! [Read more…]

The Queen of Pies Wears the Crown at Home Slice Pizza

February 25, 2014 by Cris Mueller 1 Comment

Home Slice’s Queen of Pies (Photo credit: WallyG via Flicker CC)

I approached the mustachioed, pig-tailed little lady who sits atop 1415 South Congress Avenue. High above the cozy and fragrant Home Slice, the “Queen of Pies” reigns with authority and a slice of home for many Austinites.

There’s no escaping the wafting, nearly visible garlic and tomato bouquet that emerges from the doors, sills, and kitchen vents of the 9-year-old pizza venue that introduced New York style pizza to Central Texans. Jeff Mettler, Executive General Manager at Home Slice Pizza and More Home Slice, said it all began with a mission to “create an Austin institution based on the original, unfailing goodness that is authentic NY Style pizza.”

And so began what is hands-down one of my favorite dining experiences to date, with a member of pizza royalty. Mind the gap during my venture of craft beer, upside-down pie, and layers of flaky dough, for the raw storytelling proves true to the experience one is intended to have at Home Slice. [Read more…]

Best Austin Craft Beer Joints: Pinthouse Pizza

February 24, 2014 by Edgar Barguiarena 1 Comment

L-R: Electric Jellyfish and his big brother, the Nomura Double IPA (Credit: Bill Tucker)

The craft beer scene in Austin is blowing up. For every new brewery that opens, there are at least three bars that pop up, eager to serve you the best local beers that Austin has to offer. Continuing the tradition that Eric started with his Best Burger Joint in Austin series, I’m profiling and reviewing the best craft beer joints in Austin, with the occasional stop or two at bars that have room for improvement. I’ll take into consideration everything from beer selection to ambiance to overall value, and everything in between.

Please join me as I try to catalog your favorite watering holes in Austin, and let me know what you think in a comment below.

First Impressions: Pinthouse Pizza

Pinthouse Pizza has quickly become a staple in the Austin beer scene, though they’ve only graced the Burnet strip for the last year and a half. This review is timely, since the infamous Odell Microbrewery from Ft. Collins, Colorado is throwing a launch party at Pinthouse this month. What some people don’t know is that Odell’s former head brewer, Joe Mohrfeld, is the cofounder of Pinthouse. What better time to revisit one of Austin’s great brewpubs, as Mohnfeld returns to his roots. [Read more…]

Chez Zee Serves Up Brunch, Delicious Desserts and a Taste of Romance

February 13, 2014 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Chez Zee is located at 5406 Balcones Dr.

This guest blog article is by Cindy Plata.

The very first time I visited Chez Zee, I was attending a baby shower brunch. Although I thought it was a little strange to attend a baby shower at a restaurant, I quickly realized that if a baby shower was going to be at a restaurant, Chez Zee would definitely be the place to host it. There was an immediate feeling of warmth and happiness in the air, and the beautiful decorations throughout the restaurant only added to the already pleasant atmosphere. Even though my first visit was six years ago, Chez Zee continues to be one of my top choices for any and all occasions.

Love Is in the Air (Literally)

The atmosphere inside Chez Zee is one of my favorite things about the whole place. The restaurant is dimly lit and sets a romantic – but not uncomfortable – tone, so everyone feels welcome. There is a gorgeous, hard-to-miss red piano sitting in the front of the space, and they have a live piano player on Friday and Saturday nights, Sundays for brunch, and also Monday night for dinner. [Read more…]

Best Austin Sweet Spots for Valentine’s Day Delight

January 27, 2014 by Cris Mueller 5 Comments

I begin every new year celebrating the tradition of keeping my Christmas tree in its rightful place until the celebration of St. Valentine. All over Austin, the 13 days preceding Valentine’s Day tend to be a slightly convoluted time of date-seeking and scouring for the perfect sweet treat.

After five consecutive years of single and somewhat satisfying February holidays, I thought it apropos to share some of my favorite and culturally different Austin dessert favorites. Take advantage of my tips for pre-purchase yummies or picnicking on the day of St. Valentine!

Cupprimo: The Classic Cupcake Dessert Date

Cupprimo’s Blue Velvet

8650 Spicewood Springs Rd.

Bring your classic valentine to Cupprimo for a traditional and classic Blue Velvet. Think Joe Black, Holly-Golightly with a kick of Fred Estaire. If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with this modern Austin blue, old-fashioned take on a wedding cake mix of vanilla almond and sour cream topped with fresh cream cheese icing. It’s my number one choice Valentine go-to for your sweet-loving honey.

Amy Brown of Cupprimo says, “We have so many fans that actually fall into the category of ambassadors, advocates and downright cupcake lunatics…So we decided 2014 would be the year that we find all different kinds of ways to create more raving fans and honor the ones that we have.” (#ravingfan) [Read more…]

Red River Cafe

First Impressions: Pinthouse Pizza

Love Is in the Air (Literally)

Cupprimo: The Classic Cupcake Dessert Date

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