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Oysters. Either you love them or you can’t get over the idea of swallowing a raw mollusk, which is not an easy thing to overcome for some.
If you’ve only ever tried Gulf oysters, give Atlantic oysters a shot at one of the Austin oyster bars listed in this article. [Read more…]
Baked by Amy’s on Hwy 183 in northwest Austin
Erin Fellows, Head Baker and Managing Partner at Baked by Amy’s
Prepare to be smitten with Erin Fellows. Her crystal blue eyes and button nose are framed by blond locks of shoulder length hair, resembling the adorable animated Cindy Lou from Whoville, the knee-high girl with charms even the Grinch couldn’t resist!
But Erin has something Cindy Lou lacks. She can bake! To smell divine, some women spritz themselves with liquid botanicals. Erin’s presence is followed by the fragrant mixture of buttercream and chocolate. [Read more…]
Veggie Spring Rolls at Tam Deli in North Austin
Choosing where to go for lunch can be a challenge given the amount of options (or lack thereof) in North Austin. Something fast? A place where you can sit outside? Maybe something you’ve never tried.
Some of the best lunch spots in town can be found north of 2222. If you’re looking for a place to visit for lunch today or sometime soon, give these 5 North Austin lunch spots a shot. [Read more…]
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…]
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…]
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.
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]