Food & Drink Archives - Page 34 of 71

The Search for Authentic French Croissants in Austin

January 6, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova 5 Comments

Am I the only one infatuated by all things French? Even placing the word “French” in front of a noun makes it sound better. Think of bread, for example…

I would love to wake up in Paris one morning, get dressed to look simple but chic like a true Parisian, then run to the bakery and have a croissant with a cup of coffee. Oh, stereotypes!

How close can I get to my dream while living in Austin? I can definitely find bakeries that make croissants. The only question is: how authentic are those croissants? Out of this question the idea for a croissant crawl was born: one day, four bakeries, four croissants. The winner takes all. [Read more…]

8 Resolution-Friendly Restaurants in Austin for a Busy 2017

January 5, 2017 by Eliza Weeks 1 Comment

Each year from November to January we embark on an annual journey of indulgence. We revel in the company of friends and family. We bask in waves of nostalgia as songs, traditions and memories from years past wash over us. We willingly loosen our belts a notch, making room for a parade of seasonal delicacies.

But come January, we’re jarred from this holiday haze. As if a switch has flipped in our brains, we begin a desperate search for a reset button. In truth, there’s no magic bullet to instantly shedding the weight or cravings from two months of holiday cheer. Nor is there time to search for one as we confront that mound of unanswered work emails.

That’s why we live in Austin, a foodie city that understands that healthy needs to be good as well as easy. I’ve put together some of my favorite resolution-friendly restaurants for healthy but satisfying meals on the go. [Read more…]

Best Spots to Sit & Sip a Glass of Wine in Austin

January 3, 2017 by Jessica Pino 9 Comments

I’m a recovering wine snob. Years ago, I only drank high-end bottles with other wine snob friends. We would eat cheese while sipping, sniffing and discussing wines. Then I moved to Italy, where delicious wines cost as little as $5.

And then it hit me.

It’s not about this varietal or that vintage, or even what pairs best with what. It’s simpler than that. Much like any alcoholic beverage of choice, you drink it because you like it. And the reason you drink is to celebrate friends, family, careers or life events.

Here are some top-notch spots to sit and sip a glass of wine in Austin with your closest friends, family or colleagues. They aren’t necessarily the most high-end in town, but they’ve got soul. [Read more…]

The Beer Plant Invents Creative Gastropub Fare for Vegans in Austin

January 3, 2017 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

A beautiful bounty of food at The Beer Plant in Austin
Photo credit: Jessica Attie

“Have you tried that vegan place?” isn’t an uncommon question in Austin. But when a friend of mine asked me to join her at our city’s newest plant-based gastropub, I knew I was in for something noteworthy.

The Beer Plant, located in Tarrytown next to Austin Pets Alive!, pulls together the attributes veggie-eating Austinites adore most: good food, a nice vibe and tasty drinks. [Read more…]

Lazarus Brewing Company Comes to Eastside With Pints, Pups and Tacos

December 30, 2016 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Credit: Lazarus Brewing Company

Guest article by Judy Rae Merhar

At the intersection of East Sixth Street and Chicon, you’ll notice a spruced-up teal structure with a navy crest logo reading Lazarus Brewing Company. A barrage of open garage doors allow melodies to drift onto the street. Next to me is a parked pickup with a friendly golden lab wagging its tail from the truck bed. The scene appears like an open invitation to explore this new Austin brewery, and so it is.

[Read more…]

7 Austin Desserts to Try Before Your New Year’s Resolution Kicks In

December 19, 2016 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Austin is full of delicious desserts to try before your New Year’s Resolution kicks in (Credit: Bill Tucker)

What will your New Year’s resolution be? If you’re like 95 percent of the world, losing weight will be high on the list. Pack the gym, cut the carbs, dust off the Shake-Weight. It’s time to get fit.

But not now! It’s the holiday season, so why not live it up before cupcakes, pies and ice cream become strictly forbidden? Here are seven Austin desserts to try before your New Year’s resolution kicks in. [Read more…]

Old Thousand Introduces Bold Chinese Fusion to Austin’s East Side

December 14, 2016 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Expect to be as full and happy as this Buddha statue after eating at Old Thousand (Credit: Sam Zavieh)

When you enter Old Thousand’s dining room, you know you’re in store for something a little bit different. Bright, Asian-inspired floral wallpaper adorns the walls and a handmade 40-foot heritage oak bar spans one side of the room with a large gold Buddha on it. The space is comfortable and casual, but with a unique flair.

The atmosphere sets the tone, but the restaurant puts equal emphasis on eating in and dining out. So if you’re in the mood to enjoy the quiet atmosphere surrounding your own sofa, you can still enjoy delicious dishes from one of East Austin’s newest eateries. [Read more…]

How to Experience the Real Dry Creek Cafe, Austin Treasure Since 1953

December 12, 2016 by Ashley Alkek Leave a Comment

Welcome to Dry Creek Cafe

Have you ever walked into a bar and felt like you knew everyone in the place? In Texas-style homage to the beloved television show “Cheers,” I happily introduce Dry Creek Cafe & Boat Dock.

This cozy oasis in the hills of Austin was built in 1953 with nothing around but some houses, the creek below and Mount Bonnell right up the road. The rich history of the place was just beginning when owner Buddy Reynolds bought Dry Creek Cafe from his mother in 1984, roughly the same time Texas changed the drinking age from 18 to 21. It was important to Reynolds to keep it running, as he spent most of his childhood helping his mother, Sarah, create this special place for the community. Sarah is a legend at Dry Creek Cafe, operating the bar until she was in her 90’s. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a sassy “Sarah” story now and then from behind the bar.

If you’re new, here’s how to have the ultimate time at Dry Creek Cafe. [Read more…]

Multi-Regional Italian Cuisine Hits Downtown Austin at Red Ash Italia

December 2, 2016 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Peering into the kitchen at Red Ash Italia in downtown Austin (Credit: Susannah Haddad)

Tex-Mex and steakhouses may be the Texas standard, but when it comes to Austin’s growing culinary scene there are many cuisines challenging that tradition. Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines across America, yet in Austin we lack authentic options.

Only in the last five to ten years have we seen an increase in authentic Italian pizza locally, but Italian food is much more than just pizza. Finally, Red Ash Italia offers dishes that highlight both northern and southern Italian styles of cooking. Here’s what awaits you when you visit Austin’s Red Ash Italia. [Read more…]

Taste Emotional Italian Food at Chef Curren’s Italic Restaurant

November 30, 2016 by Yulia Dyukova 2 Comments

Inside Italic on West Sixth Street

Do you know an easy way to find out how good the food is in a restaurant? Order a dish made of vegetables. When you order a pasta with meat sauce that has been slow-cooked for hours, or a pizza with cheese bubbling on top, you know it’s going to be good. But if a chef can turn zucchini into a dish even a carnivore would adore and make roasted carrots burst with flavor, rest assured you are in the right place. [Read more…]

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