Food & Drink Archives - Page 28 of 71

Sway Reinvents Traditional Thai Food With Modern Twist

September 29, 2017 by Amanda Sayers Leave a Comment

Communal dining is a unique experience at Sway (Credit: Jody Horton)

Sweet, spicy, and aromatic–only a few words that come to mind when I think about dining at Sway.
Before I left the restaurant for the first time, I was already picking out what I wanted to try
next. It was that good.

Starting with Thai favorites, the chefs at Sway enhance the menu by incorporating locally-sourced ingredients and Western techniques into their cooking. Sway stands out to those who favor tradition, as well as those who crave something unique. Since opening its doors in 2012, Sway’s ingenuity has made the restaurant a staple in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. [Read more…]

Batch Brings Kolaches and Over 400 Beers to Manor Road

September 25, 2017 by Vi Chetan 1 Comment

Fresh-baked kolaches at Batch on Manor Road

Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches opened its doors in early August 2017, filling the Manor neighborhood with the delicious smell of fresh-baked kolaches. Many Austinites take kolaches as seriously as breakfast tacos. The soft, puffy, sweet dough comes stuffed with a variety of fillings, ranging from fruit to meat. Though many argue the savory-filled ones should be called “klobasniky” (Czech for “little sausages”), it’s a mere technicality that falls away at the first bite. [Read more…]

3 Food and Drink Hot Spots at The Yard in South Austin

September 22, 2017 by Joleen Jernigan 3 Comments

Silos at Still Austin Whiskey Co. hold regional grains for whiskey production (Credit: @dananddog)

What endears Austin to its people? I suggest it’s outdoor spaces and creativity, tied together with a steadfast devotion to community. The Yard, south Austin’s revitalized community of makers, embodies these Austin virtues.

This is the first installment in a series of articles about The Yard, a seductively made-over industrial district. Spend an entertaining day-into-evening at The Yard, discovering these stellar spots. [Read more…]

Burnet Road Eats Puts Spotlight on North Austin Foodie District

September 21, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Inside The Peached Tortilla on Burnet

Burnet Road Eats is a dinner series that highlights local dining spots on Burnet Road. On the first Wednesday of the month, each participating restaurant offers a food and drink combination for $10. Burnet Road has been catching up with SoCo and Lamar. The north Austin neighborhood is giving its southern counterparts a run for their money when it comes to dining and entertainment.

Daniela Marcone, owner of Andiamo, is the creator of the Burnet Road Eats series. With 13 years of operating Andiamo in north Austin, the evolution of the dining culture is apparent to Marcone. By creating the event series, she hopes to shine a light on quality local restaurants like The Peached Tortilla and Bufalina Due, as well as Andiamo.

Back in Europe, Marcone would go on tapas tasting adventures with friends. By keeping portions small, she hopes Burnet Road Eats participants can do the same. The pairings offered by participating restaurants are true to each location’s style and cuisine.
[Read more…]

Russian House Through the Eyes of a Russian Transplant in Austin

September 19, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

I distinctly remember the first time I stumbled across Russian House. Still new to Austin, I was walking around downtown when I spotted the familiar khokhloma pattern on the side of a building. Above the name Russian House on the outside side, smaller letters read, “Na Zdorovye.” “Noooo,” I thought to myself, “No, no, no, no, noooo…Et tu, Brute?”

I was surprised to find a Russian restaurant in downtown Austin, but even more surprised to find a Russian restaurant using the term Na Zdorovye. You see, “na zdorovye” is what foreigners believe Russians say as “cheers.” But no native Russian has ever said that while drinking.

The misconception probably finds its roots in the fact that “na zdorovye” is indeed used in some eastern European countries. But if you want to drink like a real Russian, learning one phrase and saying it over and over is not enough, my friends. Here’s what you need to do. [Read more…]

Feel the Love in Every Taco at Rosita’s Al Pastor

September 18, 2017 by Jonas White Leave a Comment

Rosita’s Al Pastor food trailer on East Riverside

In an episode of the hit TV show “Master of None,” Dev (Aziz Ansari) finds himself craving tacos. He proceeds to spend hours researching where to go for tacos that are worthy of his time, money, and taste buds. Taco-related paralysis by analysis is a true hardship for those of us in Austin, a city with practically unlimited taco options.

I propose a solution: the next time you get stuck in a “where can I get the perfect taco” predicament, put your trust in a food trailer that has been satisfying Austinites’ taco cravings for over 30 years: Rosita’s Al Pastor. [Read more…]

Little-known Foxhole Culinary Tavern Serves Up Texas Flair in North Austin

September 15, 2017 by Amanda Sayers Leave a Comment

Menu items at Foxhole Culinary Tavern in north Austin

There are several hidden food gems waiting in north Austin for those who take the time to find them. Foxhole Culinary Tavern is no exception. The restaurant’s unassuming façade is often overlooked by passing drivers, who might think it’s just another chain restaurant. Don’t let appearances fool you. The cozy atmosphere inside and the creative, Texas-inspired menu turn first-timers into regulars.

The owners of Foxhole, Trey and Ryan Wolslager, recognized the northern part of Austin was lacking in quality restaurants. They were tired of driving into central Austin to find good dining. [Read more…]

5 Bagel Joints in Austin That Are Anything But Basic

September 13, 2017 by Danielle Fritz Leave a Comment

Bagel and schmear or sandwich? There are plenty of options in Austin! (Credit: Wholy Bagel)

Bagel and schmear or sandwich style? There are plenty of options in Austin (Credit: Wholy Bagel)

I used to think bagels were boring and flavorless. But then I moved to Austin, where nothing is boring! Bacon on bagels, nova lox, whitefish salad, craft cream cheese….What will local bagel artisans think of next?

When you’re craving carbs and a schmear, be sure to check out one of these five best places in the Austin area to get your bagel fix.

[Read more…]

Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day With 3 Austin Standouts

September 13, 2017 by Dustin Vegas Leave a Comment

I shouldn’t have to tell you what day is coming up. Everybody knows Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day.

If you’re anything like me, this holiday holds a patriotic place in your heart. Every year, I celebrate the red meat, white buns, and blue cheese that makes this day great. (I actually prefer cheddar, but that doesn’t fit the theme.)

On a personal note, here are my top three favorite cheeseburgers in Austin. If your favorite didn’t make the list, make sure you tell me about it in a comment. I’ll happily do the “research” required to amend my error.

1/ Jacoby’s Mercantile

Cheeseburger at Jacoby's in Austin — Jacoby’s half-pound burger is one of the restaurant’s most popular meals (Credit: Rachel Jordan)

Jacoby’s Mercantile is a farm fresh restaurant serving southern classics in a upscale rustic environment. Authentic to Austin, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, while taking the fancy up a notch. While Jacoby’s has many delicious items on the menu (I highly recommend the mac and cheese), I want to focus on the mouth-watering burger.

[Read more…]

Austin’s Top Chefs: Stephen Bonin of Geraldine’s

September 12, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

The hook on the restaurant website says, “Begin with an elevator ride to the fourth floor—that’s when the Geraldine’s buzz starts to kick in.” As I walk into Hotel Van Zandt off Rainey Street and those elevator doors close behind me, I do indeed start feeling the vibe. The vibe of fancy life.

When the elevator doors open, I find myself in a dimly lit space that makes me forget it’s lunch time and I am here for an interview. I wish I could sit at the bar and say something like, “Pour me some whiskey, sugar” to the bartender. Not that I like whiskey or have ever said anything so glamorous in my life.

The Geraldine’s menu includes items that may sound intimidating: corn yaki cake with tonkatsu sauce and bonito salad; bourbon glazed cauliflower with pistachio gremolata; and Akaushi steak frites.

So it’s surprising to meet Stephen Bonin, the man behind these creations, and realize he’s one of the most down-to-earth, humble chefs I’ve ever [Read more…]

1/ Jacoby’s Mercantile

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