Food & Drink Archives - Page 68 Of 80

The Queen of Pies Wears the Crown at Home Slice Pizza

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Cris Mueller

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

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Edgar Barguiarena

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

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Guest Blogger

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…]

Emerald Tavern: Part Tabletop Gaming Hangout, Part Beer and Coffee Bar

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Robert Luke

Emerald Tavern is located at 9012 Research Blvd.

In the last few years, the North Cross area of town has become more and more exciting and lively. One of the newest additions to the neighborhood is Emerald Tavern. It’s not just another coffee shop and bar because it’s also a store and hangout for tabletop gamers.

Opened in October 2013, Emerald Tavern features a unique and relaxing atmosphere for gamers and anyone else who wants to sit down and have a drink. Owners Marshall Geyer and Erich Weidner “really wanted to recreate something that we do every weekend that we love: games, beer, food, coffee. Something we would do with our friends,” explained Geyer. “There are a lot of game stores in town. There are a lot of places to go drink in town. But there aren’t a lot of places that are friendly to do both at the same time.”

The atmosphere at Emerald Tavern is quite comforting as you walk in. It’s decorated in an English tavern style with a beer selection to your left and a game selection to your right, while being audibly blanketed with music from your favorite film and video game scores. [Read more…]

Best Austin Sweet Spots for Valentine’s Day Delight

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Cris Mueller

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…]

Hopfields Is French for Yummy

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Lizzy Newsome

Hidden at the end of a rather stark commercial building sits one of the shiniest hidden gems in the treasury of Austin dining spots. There are many choices for lovers of food and libation in Austin, but Hopfields is the only bar I have discovered so far that manages to please the pickiest eaters, as well as the most discerning craft beer fans.

As an eager drinker of brews both local and distant, the copper wall of taps is a welcome sight. It can be overwhelming to the uninitiated, but the bartenders here are helpful experts. Let them know your tastes and they will make recommendations accordingly. If beer isn’t your thing, Hopfields also has a lovely selection of Ciders, with a rotating tap as well. There is a very complete wine list – and a list of clever sounding wine cocktails. Enough to tempt even the most stoic beer-drinker away from their old standard. [Read more…]

Hillside Farmacy: Farm to Table Food Fringed by 1950s Pharmacy Decor

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Brittany Highland

Hillside Farmacy is located on E. 11th Street in Austin

For those who don’t live on the Eastside or frequent it often, Hillside Farmacy is an Austin establishment you could easily miss. If this is true of you, it’s a shame.

This farm to table eatery, known for oysters, weekend brunch and delicious sandwiches, happens to display some of my favorite restaurant decor in town. In the 1950’s, the building housed The Hillside Drugstore. Today, the restaurant plays upon its history with original cabinetry and antique pharmacy displays I loved at first sight.

[Read more…]

Tasty Mediterranean Cuisine Abounds at Pars Deli in North Austin

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Cris Mueller

Photo courtesy of Pars Deli

Amidst the traffic and slew of strip malls that occupy Burnet Road sits a glimmering oasis of Mediterranean fare. Sam Roostaie offers diners the essence of his native Iranian cuisine at Pars Deli, located at 8820 Burnet Rd, Suite 502.

Since the time of their opening in 2000, Pars Mediterranean Supermarket & Deli has relied solely on word of mouth advertising, boosted by accolades and stellar reviews from local press.

By understanding the value of a great review and the passion and integrity put into his cooking, Roostaie is able to welcome guests, fourteen years later, as if they were visitors at his own home. “I don’t eat fried food, and I won’t sell fried food” said Roostaie. The authentically Persian and Greek recipes that make up the vast menu at Pars are guided by appreciation for a healthy lifestyle and a great deal of taste testing. Recipes at Pars are rich with fresh [Read more…]

Austin’s Best Downtown Happy Hours Ready to Wet Your Whistle

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Lizzy Newsome

According to Wikipedia, the origins of “Happy Hour” are shrouded in mystery, but we are grateful nonetheless. Just as mysteriously, finding the perfect happy hour can be difficult in a city full of watering holes, but the well informed won’t have to travel far.

Believe it or not, some of the city’s more affordable cocktail hours happen to be in the heart of downtown, conveniently close by to that afternoon meeting of yours. Maybe happy hour should even be combined with the meeting?

The following four locales are a great place to start any evening, but this list is just the tip of the happy hour iceberg. [Read more…]

Dolce Neve: All Natural and Authentic Gelato Shop Opens in S. Austin

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Brittany Highland

Dolce Neve at 1713 South 1st St.

Made-from-scratch, authentic gelato is coming to South Austin this week. Owners Marco, Francesca and Leo were born in Italy, and they remember going to the gelato shop as children. “It was the best part of the day,” Marco recalls nostalgically.

All three had successful jobs and first-class educations when they decided to pursue the frozen treat that reminded them of home. A management consultant in New York City, Marco realized “he didn’t like what he was doing anymore.” When he told his sister Francesca, who was working on a Ph.D in Finance, she was in the same boat. “I wasn’t happy either.” [Read more…]

First Impressions: Pinthouse Pizza

Love Is in the Air (Literally)

Cupprimo: The Classic Cupcake Dessert Date

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