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Truluck’s: Fete a Special Occasion Over Steak and Seafood

September 22, 2016 by

The next time you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider making a reservation at Truluck’s. This upscale steak and seafood restaurant in Austin has a festive feel, from its light-covered marquee and beautiful stone patio to its romantic, old-fashioned interior. The eatery is very large and features a dark wooden bar and spacious tables that can accommodate the whole family.

On the menu, Truluck’s offers premium cuts of steak, Florida stone crab, and Chilean seabass, and its extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails pair perfectly with any entree. Appetizers like the famous smoking shrimp cocktail start the meal off right, while the dessert martinis and extravagant cakes conclude every meal on a sweet note.

Truluck’s serves dinner seven days a week. Happy hour is held between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. daily.

Truluck’s
10225 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 794-8300
www.trulucks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/trulucks-austin-2

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El Pollo Regio: Mesquite Charcoal Grilled Chicken With Humble Beginnings

September 9, 2016 by

El Pollo Regio came from humble beginnings before growing into a chain of 49 locations, including several in Austin. Opened by Juan Jorge Bazaldua in a special trailer with a mesquite charcoal grill, El Pollo Regio features the founder’s popular marinated chicken. You can order the whole chicken, which comes with rice, beans, and tortillas. You’ll also the chicken in such menu options as the chicken tostada, chicken soup, and chicken poblano mole. The menu also lists grilled carne asada and flour tacos.

If you want to share the popular, authentic Mexican dishes with your friends, El Pollo Regio provides catering services. Nostalgic fans of the restaurant can take it a step further and pay homage by traveling to Oklahoma City, where the original trailer is still in use at one of the branches.

El Pollo Regio
1110 B. East William Canonn Drive
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 215-0235
www.elpolloregio.net
www.yelp.com/biz/el-regio-austin

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Cool Off With Fruity Shaved Ice at The Purple Tongue

September 1, 2016 by

“Keep Austin Weird” is a mantra among locals in this Texas oasis, and the Purple Tongue is a great example of what they mean. This roving food truck offers a unique menu of hot dogs and shaved ice, and it’s won a dedicated following. If all you know about shaved ice is carnival stands pouring artificially-flavored sugary syrup, you’re in for a real surprise here. They make all of their syrups with fresh fruits and other ingredients.

Some favorite offerings include the strawberry banana, which might be the most popular, but also praised is the grapefruit mojito. The flavor menu is extensive, featuring classics like cherry and grape and more advanced flavors like dark chocolate and chai tea. You can get your ice topped with whipped cream, caramel, sweetened condensed milk, you name it. If you’re hungry, their dogs are well-regarded – locally-made bratwurst on a fresh roll slathered with mustard and onions will hit the spot.

The Purple Tongue
1012 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 413-7329
www.facebook.com/ThePurpleTongue.ATX
www.yelp.com/biz/the-purple-tongue-austin-2

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Turf N’ Surf Po-Boy: Don’t Miss the Mahi Mahi

August 25, 2016 by

It'd be accurate to call Ralph Gilmore a jack of all trades. He's worked beneath the hoods of ailing cars; he's constructed and sold customized bikes; he's designed modern living spaces. But he took on an entirely new type of venture in the early 2000s when he debuted Turf N' Surf Po-Boy, a food trailer that eventually spawned a more permanent kitchen (and sidewalk order window) on Lavaca Street.

You can choose to have your food one of three ways: as a po'boy, tacos, or a salad, Then just pick your fixings. The mahi mahi is a popular option, whether or not you go for a po'boy or taco. But you can also go for blackened ribeye with horseradish cream buffalo chicken with bleu cheese, or grilled veggies (known as The Hipster). You can also opt for a basket of fried shrimp, catfish, oysters, or even crawfish. On the side, order one of the popular costars from the menu: the cilantro fries or the jalapeno hush puppies.

Turf N' Surf Po-Boy
407 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 276-2763
www.lavacastreet.com/turf-n-surf
www.yelp.com/biz/turf-n-surf-po-boy-austin

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Franklin Barbecue: Possibly Austin’s Most Buzzed-About Barbecue

August 4, 2016 by

If you’re searching for great barbecue in the South Austin area, simply drop what you’re doing and head to Franklin Barbecue. This old-fashioned barbecue joint uses family cooking traditions passed down from generation to generation, but its brick and mortar location is the ideal blend of Austin’s signature eclectic decor and a sleek, modern flair.

The menu is very small, but each dish is so expertly prepared that you won’t even think of anything else. Plates and sandwiches made with chopped beef, pulled pork, sausage, and other smoked meats are served with your choice of pinto beans, slaw, or potato salad, and Franklin Barbecue has sold out of its famous pulled pork every day since its opening in 2009.

Hailed as one of the top barbecue restaurants in the country by Bon Appetit, the New York Times, Southern Living, and many other esteemed publications, Franklin Barbecue is an absolute must-try Austin restaurant.

Franklin Barbecue
900 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
www.franklinbarbecue.com
www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-barbecue-austin

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Tadashi: Upscale Sushi and Japanese Fare

July 28, 2016 by

With dim lighting, contemporary furnishings, and fresh sushi, Tadashi is a unique experience for all of your senses. This authentic Japanese restaurant is located in an upscale plaza near a movie theater and other restaurants, and its interior features a spacious sushi bar, a wall of wine, and a comfortable outdoor patio filled with sleek tables and bold red chairs.

Tadashi takes great interest in using only the highest quality ingredients in every dish, and the restaurant even flies in hard-to-find types of fish from all over the world. Each roll is beautifully prepared and features artistic garnishes arranged on the plate, and the menu also lists other Japanese small plates and entrees for those who don’t prefer sushi. Tadashi offers a full wine, beer, and sake menu for of-age guests, and the welcoming staff is always available to recommend a good pairing.

Tadashi
12820 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-3200
www.home.tadashiaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tadashi-bee-cave

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Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill: Modern American Food and Drink

June 23, 2016 by

The Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill was revamped in time to open its doors in 2003. This Austin establishment offers modern American food and libations in a laid back atmosphere.

The bar serves classic cocktails, including house-made moonshine and hard lemonade as part of the extensive full bar menu. Start your meal with the corndog shrimp, the creamy and hot bacon dip, or a steaming bowl of spicy chicken tortilla soup. Overstuffed sandwiches and salads are loaded with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The platters are known to be hearty and feature Southern favorites such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, large, classic cowboy flat-iron steaks and baby back ribs smothered in the restaurant's secret barbecue sauce.

If you’re interested in letting Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill host your next event, check out the banquet facilities that are available for private parties.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
303 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 236-9599
www.moonshinegrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/moonshine-patio-bar-and-grill-austin

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Explore the Flavors of Authentic Thai Cuisine at Madam Mam’s

June 2, 2016 by

Born in Bangkok, Madam Mam learned Royal- and family-style Thai cuisine in her grandmother’s kitchen. She grew up to run restaurants and be a food critic in her native country before coming to Austin in 2001.

Here, she combines family-style cuisine in a slick but comfortable atmosphere, boasting the closest thing to Thai home cooking this side of the Pacific. Ex-pats tend to agree, calling Madam Mam’s a taste of home, with no concessions or compromises for American palates. Natives love it too; they praise the huge menu across the board, saying that the classic noodle dishes and curries give them a new perspective on Thai cooking.

Prices are decent considering the quality and portion size, and there are frequent specials. Take-out is available.

Madam Mam’s
2700 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 371-9930
www.madammam.com
www.yelp.com/biz/madam-mams-austin-2

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Expect Farm-to-Table Dining at Ajo Restaurant in Round Rock

May 26, 2016 by

“A hidden gem in the heart of downtown Round Rock.” That’s how one local patron describes Ajo Restaurant, a family-owned and -operated restaurant serving farm-to-table fare in Round Rock. The restaurant has a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere, with soft blues music playing in the background. It’s definitely ideal for your next date night.

It’s easy to tell that each item on Ajo’s menu has been well planned. The Asian-style ribs with ponzu sauce, peanuts, and celery carrots are a perfect starter to your meal. As for the entree, the red snapper is a crowd favorite. The snapper has lobster sauce, crispy fried kale, and toasted almonds. Don’t leave without trying the bread pudding for dessert, which is a decadent combo of white chocolate, black cherries, and vanilla ice cream.

Ajo Restaurant
121 East Main Street
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 992-2335
www.ajorestaurant.com

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Expect Farm-to-Table Fare at Wink in Austin

May 5, 2016 by

Wink Restaurant is a fun, fresh and creative eatery in Austin that is consistently voted one of the top restaurants in the city. The kitchen operates on a farm-to-table system, sourcing almost all of its seasonal ingredients from local farms and suppliers in order to create dishes that are distinctly Austin.

The menu at Wink changes just about every day, and it often includes unique combinations such as grilled quail with coconut and lamb sausage and chilled poached flounder with white bean salad. There are also always a few options for vegetarian guests. At the bar, Wink focuses on wines from across Texas and around the world, and you’ll even find additional seating in this more casual area of the restaurant.

The next time you want to celebrate an occasion, have a hearty meal, a decadent dessert, and a perfect wine pairing at this beloved eatery.

Wink
1014 N. Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wink-austin

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