If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you know that Cajun food can be presented two different ways. There’s the quick and tasty plates of shellfish and oyster po’ boy style, and then there’s the upscale, French-influenced dining that brings out some of the most intense and nuanced flavors that the cuisine has to offer. The French Quarter Grille in Austin ably bridges the gap between those two styles, presenting excellent Cajun and Creole food at good prices in a classy atmosphere. Start your meal with an order of the crawfish beignets – these small French donuts are stuffed with spicy, tender seafood and come with a light jalapeno tartar sauce for dipping. Entrees are diverse and universally good, with some favorites including the exceptional blackened catfish gumbo, the pecan-crusted trout, and the blackened ribeye Ponchartrain, which updates surf & turf with a perfectly-seared steak topped with shrimp, crab and crawfish in a mushroom brandy cream sauce.

French Quarter Grille
13000 N. IH 35
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 832-9090
http://www.yelp.com/biz/french-quarter-grille-austin

Shipley Do-Nuts has been serving sweet confections for over 76 years, and this location in Round Rock is known for always have fresh products. If you like to start your day with a sweet, Shipley’s has delectable sweet doughnuts of all kinds. If you prefer savory, they also serve kolaches – regulars recommend the sausage and cheese. This bakeshop is airy and the staff are friendly. Kids enjoy watching the doughnut making process through an inside window looks into the kitchen. There’s even a drive through if you’re in a hurry.

Shipley Do-Nuts
3250 Palm Valley Boulevard
Round Rock, TX 78665
(512) 218-0231
www.shipleydonuts.ws
www.yelp.com/biz/shipley-do-nuts-round-rock

Spring is finally here! Wishing you a season of sunshine and warmth.