Food & Drink Archives - Page 53 Of 74

La Patisserie: Scrumptious Piece of Paris in Austin

April 15, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar 3 Comments

A tray of decadent French macarons at La Patisserie in Austin

“When I’m having a bad day, I go to work.” Welcome to the sugar coated world of Soraiya Nagree, owner and pastry chef at Austin’s La Patisserie.

A darling little cottage sits surrounded by a sprinkling of flowers and colorful umbrella canopies that offer shade for outdoor café tables. While the scene is inviting and tempts passerbys to stop and relax, it’s the dainty pastel confections inside that will entice their return.

Maybe it was the soft melody of Edith Piaf in the background. Maybe it was the pale shade of pink that enrobed four golden layers of cake behind glass. Or it could have been the decadent chandeliers that dripped with sparkling crystals. But one thing was certain, the day I walked into La Patisserie, I was transported. No passport, luggage or language tutorial needed. The only requirement: a little self- indulgence. [Read more…]

4 Reasons to Visit Twisted X Brewing in Dripping Springs

April 3, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

View from the outside of Twisted X Brewing and tasting room
(Credit: Peary Photography courtesy of Twisted X Brewing)

The Austin area is home to about 20 craft breweries and counting. One of them is located in Dripping Springs, an area where you will find some of the best craft breweries in Texas.

Twisted X Brewing Co. sets itself apart by making great Tex-Mex beers and housing an impressive tasting room. Their beers are approachable, unique and straight up delicious.

Here are 4 reasons why you should pay them a visit soon. [Read more…]

The Wheel Is East Austin’s Newest Neighborhood Bar

April 2, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler Leave a Comment

General Manager Ayron Vandergriff The Wheel

General Manager Ayron Vandergriff behind the bar at The Wheel (Credit: The Wheel)

At first drive-by, you might think The Wheel is a bike shop. Or, upon hearing the name, surmise that it’s a country western themed franchise.

However, when you actually stop to walk inside this new eastside neighborhood bar, what you find is a shot of “Cheers” camaraderie served in the aura of Breaking Away, with just a touch of Grateful Dead chill.

Owned and Centered in Austin

On a recent sunny afternoon, general manager Ayron Vandergriff readied The Wheel for its daily 4 PM opening while owner Max Moreland sat at the bar, his office. [Read more…]

5 Places to Find Authentic Mexican Food in Austin

March 25, 2015 by Natalie Parra-Novosad 17 Comments

Tacos de lengua y pastor at Taco More in Austin

Many people come to Austin to partake in the food scene. A big part of what draws outsiders in and keeps them coming back for more is the influence of Mexican food, or more aptly stated, Tex Mex. Austin food has gained fame thanks to the likes of Torchy’s, Chuy’s and Trudy’s. Breakfast tacos seem to grow on trees.

But as we indulge in mountains of chips, queso and cheese-smothered enchiladas with frozen margaritas to wash it all down, we tend to forget about the real Mexican food that inspired Tex Mex to begin with.

So what makes authentic Mexican food authentic? Mexico is a large and gastronomically diverse country with flavors and modes of preparation varying greatly from the mountains of Monterrey to the Southern tip of Chiapas, so it can be difficult to pinpoint one or two ingredients that make up the real thing.

Nonetheless, the difference can be determined by the tastes that result from the combination of [Read more…]

Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Co. Opens in Cedar Park

March 23, 2015 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company Stage for Live Music

Stage at Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company hosts live music

Coffee. Beer. Good vibes. This is the mantra of Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Co. and I stand behind it.

As I walked up to the brewpub on an overcast morning, I could smell beer brewing in the breeze. It was early, so I got a latte, but you can bet I’ll be back for a beer soon. Cedar Park needs a place like this and I’m happy it’s finally here.

The heart and soul of Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company lies in owners Chad Misner and Jon Lamb, along with part owner and head brewer Zack Gardner and coffee connoisseur Jered Hill. I was able to meet all these friendly guys on this breezy morning, and they were happy to show me around less than a week after opening. They take pride in being locally owned and owner-operated, and do business with one simple mission: Do good. Be positive. Have fun. [Read more…]

3 Prix Fixe Dining Options in Austin’s Clarksville Neighborhood

March 20, 2015 by Adrienne Albregts Leave a Comment

Monday Steak Frites Night takes place on Josephine House’s back patio

Updated July 25, 2016

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, Clarksville sits on the western outskirts of downtown. Commonly referred to as “quaint” and “charming,” this area is rich in history and style.

But what I like best about Clarksville: I practically don’t have to make any decisions when it comes to food. There are a handful of great restaurants that offer multi-course, prix fixe dining events on designated nights every week. [Read more…]

Austin Food Bloggers Embrace Cultural Ties to Food

March 18, 2015 by Cris Mueller 4 Comments

Are you connected to the faces of your family’s oldest recipes? Find out who was sitting at your table, fork in hand. Credit: Annette Priest

As the food stratosphere continues to change at a national level, Austin’s food blogging scene is closing the generational gap with culturally significant plates served in the home kitchen. Three Austin food bloggers, Kay Marley-Dilworth, Amy Kritzer and Sahar Arafat-Ray have embraced their heritages (Mexican, Jewish and Palestinian, respectively) by bringing family recipes back to the table.

An image that ignites a food memory, a taste that transports you back to your childhood or a familiar aroma that reminds you of a cooking experience from years past. Sadly, sensory driven food memories of family kitchens have been lost as current generations prefer pre-packaged meals over home cooking.

Kay, Amy and Sahar shared similar food loving stories at SXSW SouthBites this week. They may convince you to get you back into your grandmother’s cookbook. [Read more…]

The Peached Tortilla: Path from Food Truck to Brick and Mortar

March 16, 2015 by Cris Mueller Leave a Comment

The Peached Tortilla food truck (Credit: Megan Heller)

This past weekend, SXSW Southbites gathered four of the brightest, most inventive and hard-working individuals among food truck royalty to talk about more than just their food. The panel was about the legacy their brands will leave behind and what goes on behind the curtain when you’re talking food trucks.

Eric Silverstein, founder of The Peached Tortilla, was Austin’s local voice. He shared candid details about his path from street food to brick and mortar, and his story is one of the most interesting I’ve heard in recent years. [Read more…]

OPA! Experience a Greek Cafe That Defies Labels

March 16, 2015 by Erin May Leave a Comment

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

March 3, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

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…]

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