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Playful Elegance at Tomodachi Sushi

February 13, 2013 by

Tomodachi Sushi in north Austin is a hip little restaurant that offers both traditional Japanese and fusion dishes, making it a great place to please sushi novices and pros. “Tomo” is the creation of husband and wife Steve Riad and Tina Son. With 18 years of experience, Chef Riad uses fresh seafood imported from the best world fish markets, such as the Tsukiji fish market in Japan, to craft inspired and flavorful food.  Tina Son’s degree in design influences the artful presentation of food, and hip decor.  If you’re in the mood for classic sushi and sashimi, the menu has over 30 seafood options to choose from. They also offer hot and cold sake, and Japanese beer.

Tomodachi Sushi
4101 W. Parmer Lane
Austin, TX 78727
(512) 821-9472
www.yelp.com/biz/tomo-sushi-austin

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Casual Homemade Italian Food at Mezzaluna

January 29, 2013 by

Mezzaluna Italian Grill is a homey little italian restaurant in Austin's Wells Branch neighborhood, just a few minutes from Hardrock Canyon.

Diners love the oven-fresh bread that starts the meal. Salads are fresh and served with homemade dressings – try the blue cheese vinaigrette. If one of their daily specials doesn’t peak your interest, the huge seafood ravioli is a go-to choice. Meat dishes are ultra-tender and the Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana – a veal cutlet wrapped with prosciutto in a lemon sage sauce – is highly recommended. 

Pizzas have fun gourmet toppings like goat cheese, grilled asparagus, and smoked salmon. Many wines are available by the glass – including several from Texas wineries – as well as a small selection of craft beers. The atmosphere is quiet and comfortable, perfect for a casual yet romantic date.

Mezzaluna Italian Grill
14735 Bratton Lane
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-1444
www.yelp.com/biz/mezzaluna-italian-grill-austin-2

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Gumbo’s of Round Rock: Petit France

January 16, 2013 by

Enjoy amazing Cajun in surroundings worthy of the colorful characters who made the cuisine famous. Gumbo’s is located in an atmospheric stone house built in 1848; surrounded by lush gardens, during its time as a stagecoach inn it played host to people like John Wesley Hardin, the fastest gun in the West. It’s since been remade into an upscale Cajun eatery that recalls the old Bayou maison of your imagination, with low lights, coolly decadent artwork, and a breezy patio that resembles the green courtyards of Fauborg Marigny. The gumbo is often called the best in Austin, and we think it’s a contender; we’ve also heard it favorably compared to the famous Galatoire’s. Crab cakes are outstanding, meaty, and rich, with hints of cayenne, thyme, sweet basil, and bay leaf in every bite. As they say in New Orleans, Gumbo’s is a place where lunch hours become lunch afternoons, but with a generous drinks list, competitive prices, and live music on the patio every Friday and Saturday night, you just might stay all night, too.

Gumbo’s of Round Rock
901 Round Rock Avenue
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 671-7925

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Black Star Co-Op: Good For Your Conscience

January 9, 2013 by

At Black Star Co-Op Pub and Brewery, you can enjoy tasty pub food without worrying your conscience. This north Austin brewpub is founded on ethics; sustainable, local ingredients, fair employment with a livable wage, and democratic management. Their menu is simple and offers traditional pub grub with just as many options for vegetarians as meat-lovers.  For example, in addition to offering traditional fish and chips made from locally sourced Texas redfish, they also offer fried portobello and chips.  Try their burger made from ethically raised meat that is ground in-house.  Customers love their crispy fries!  You don’t need to be a member to enjoy dinner at Black Star.  Although the co-op title might be intimidating, the staff is friendly and there are signs to guide you through; order your dinner in one line, beer in another, and you choose and clear your own table. Livable wages for staff make tipping unnecessary.
 

Black Star Co-Op Pub and Brewery
7020 Easy Wind Dr
Ste 100
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 452-2337
www.yelp.com/biz/black-star-co-op-pub-and-brewery-austin

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Fabi and Rosi: Explore Culinary Europe, Here in Austin

December 24, 2012 by

Modern European cuisine is the specialty of Fabi and Rosi, a wonderful restaurant that's been making waves since its opening in 2009. Inside a beautiful, crisp setting you'll find new takes on classic European fare. Dishes like braised lamb gnocchi and a golden beet risotto are just a taste of the tasty combinations that you can find here on any given day. Fabi and Rosi prides itself on sourcing its ingredients locally, and the dishes here are full of seasonal and natural items from the area. This includes a garden in the back, and restaurant-owned chickens that produce all of the kitchen's eggs! Stop by for dinner, or experiment with the nice happy hour offered here, but make sure to check it out. Fabi and Rosi has a unique menu of tasty European cuisine that will satisfy the senses.

Fabi and Rosi
509 Hearn Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 236-0642
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fabi-rosi-austin
 

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Enchiladas y Mas: Down-Home Tex-Mex Cuisine

December 18, 2012 by

Enchiladas y Mas is a cozy little spot that serves up some of Austin’s favorite Tex-Mex food.  Since 1994 this family-owned restaurant has relied on their family recipes to fill bellies and and put smiles on customers’ faces. They love the saying ‘never trust a skinny cook’ — leave your calorie counter at home and get ready to indulge in cheese smothered goodness.  Regulars love the spicy salsa and guacamole.  Entrees are generously portioned and don’t hide the meat.  Their specialties are enchiladas and fajitas — which have won many awards, including best fajitas from the Austin American-Statesman. This recognition can make for a busy restaurant, but the food is worth the wait. You can pass the time enjoying a margarita or Mexican beer at the bar. Remember, the art is in the food …
 

Enchiladas y Mas
1911 W Anderson Ln
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7100
www.yelp.com/biz/enchiladas-y-mas-austin

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Enoteca Vespaio: Fine Italian Cuisine in Austin

November 27, 2012 by

Lovers of fine Italian have a new favorite spot in Austin—Enoteca Vespaio. The original Vespaio is one of the city’s favorite fine dining establishments, and if you’re looking for a more casual meal, the new Enoteca is perfect. This simple, stylish bistro-style café offers the same high-quality food as its big brother at lower prices. Regulars rave about the Sunday brunch, featuring amazingly luxurious Italian crepes, French toast made with buttery brioche rolls, and more. Other days of the week greet early risers with delicious espresso and a wide variety of fine baked goods. Lunchers rave about the Panini—these pressed sandwiches have become a staple in recent years, but Vespaio stands above the pack with high-quality ingredients assembled in some unique combinations. Their pizza also comes highly recommended. Regular diners recommend ordering from the daily special menu whenever possible, as some of the restaurant’s best dishes aren’t always available.

Enoteca Vespaio
1610 S Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-7672

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El Mesón: Savor Exceptional Mexican Cuisine

November 20, 2012 by

With an accessible menu of authentic and traditional Mexican dishes, El Mesón is a great spot to dine out without breaking the bank. The food here is as authentic as it comes, with many of the dishes springing from old family recipes. Incredible incarnations of classic Mexican dishes like moles and fajitas are lovingly prepared and sent out in very filling portions. If you're coming in hungry, make sure that you start out with some chips and the unbelievable guacamole. Of course, any regular will also tell you that El Mesón will make you one of the best breakfast tacos you've ever had. El Mesón is one of those places where any time is the right time to come. Make sure that you try the food of this incredible gem, and experience its amazing Mexican creations for yourself.

El Mesón
5808 Burleson Road
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 416-0749
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-meson-austin
 

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Via 313: Dare To Be Square

November 13, 2012 by

The interesting thing about pizza is how many regional styles there are. New York has their thin crusts, Chicago the deep dish, but Detroit? And not only that, Detroit-style pizza in Texas? It’s real. Via 313 (with that number being the area code of the Detroit metropolitan area) was opened by two brothers from Michigan in a small trailer in East Austin with the intention of showing the town a new style of pizza pies. Detroit-style pizza is made in a square pan like a classic Sicilian, but with a little twist – it’s “upside down.” To make it, you start with dough, then add meat, cheese, and other toppings, and then finally finish with the sauce on top before throwing it in the oven. It seems ridiculous, but it works, and Via 313 has built a dedicated clientele who love it. Their topping combinations are delicious, their crust is perfect. Well worth the trip.

Via 313
1111B E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 939-1927
http://www.yelp.com/biz/via-313-pizza-austin

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Driskill Grill: Austin Farm to Table Fare

October 16, 2012 by

One of Austin’s most prestigious restaurants, the Driskill Grill – located within the Driskill Hotel – is an award-winning New American restaurant that serves up innovative and exciting food to a clientele of appreciative diners. The establishment has pulled in multiple Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine, as well as solid Zagat ratings year after year. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Jonathan Gelman, the kitchen produces exceptional menus that dazzle diners. If you don’t feel like deciding, put yourself in the chef’s capable hands with his nightly three-course “farm to table” prix fixe menu, which never disappoints. Eaters who feel like dining a la carte have an excellent selection of dishes, with some favorites including the prime aged filet mignon with smoked cheddar grits, roasted wild mushrooms and glazed onions, as well as the Hawaiian ahi poke.

Driskill Grill
604 Brazos Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 391-7162
http://www.yelp.com/biz/driskill-grill-austin

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