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Ng BMT: Banh Mi and More in Austin

April 28, 2016 by

Although its name sounds like a secret code that only Austin locals understand, Ng BMT is actually a Vietnamese sandwich spot located within the Hong Kong Supermarket. This unique sandwich cafe-meets-bakery serves traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches on fresh-baked baguettes.

Each banh mi is available with your choice of peppered shrimp, tofu, pork, or other meats to accommodate both meat eaters and vegetarian guests. Diners new to the banh mi might enjoy the pork banh mi, which sandwiches slices of marinated pork within a warm baguette with creamy mayo, pickled carrots, cilantro, and, for a little spicy kick, jalapeno peppers! Counter the heat with the chilled sweet tofu dessert.

Ng BMT is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Regulars note that the prices at Ng BMT are easy on the wallet, so you can grab a cheap lunch that’s bit out of the ordinary.

Ng BMT
8557 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 931-1088
www.ngbmt.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ng-bmt-austin

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Follow Up Your Sandwich With Shaved Ice at the Sweet-n-Cheezy Food Truck

April 14, 2016 by

When that lunchtime hunger strikes during the workday in Round Rock, head over to the Sweet-n-Cheezy food truck for the perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. The recognizable orange truck serves patty melt-style sandwiches with names like The Hungry Hippo and the Razorback, and they’re all piled high with premium meats and deliciously melted cheeses between two slices of thick, grilled Texas toast.

The signature sandwich is the namesake Sweet-n-Cheezy, a unique combination of fresh strawberries with melted brie cheese and raspberry jam on pistachio cranberry bread. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more traditional, you’ll also find perfectly grilled burgers that taste even better when paired with the truck’s soft, fluffy shaved ice.

The Sweet-n-Cheezy truck is closed from Monday to Wednesday.

Sweet-n-Cheezy
5430 US Highway 79
Round Rock, TX 78665
(512) 887-4540
www.sweet-n-cheezy.com

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Fonda San Miguel: An Austin Favorite for Mexican Fare Since 1975

March 24, 2016 by

With modern art, bold flavors, and a beautiful ambiance, Fonda San Miguel has been an Austin dining institution since 1975.

Recognized as one of the finest authentic Mexican restaurants in the country, Fonda San Miguel relies on fresh, sometimes rare ingredients and authentic Mexican recipes to create its raved-about fare. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu; however, regulars direct particular praise toward the camarones en crema de chipotle, which envelops shrimp in a creamy chipotle sauce. Fonda San Miguel is also known for its inviting atmosphere, as it is classic and has an authentic Mexican feel.

The restaurant is open seven days a week. Don't skip the Sunday brunch, served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.!

Fonda San Miguel
2330 W North Loop Blvd
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 459-4121
www.fondasanmiguel.com

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Verde’s Mexican Parrilla: Try the Pollo Palomino

February 25, 2016 by

A funky mix of exposed brick and polished wood creates an industrial aesthetic at Verde's Mexican Parrilla. It's certainly not what you'd expect of a standard Mexican restaurant, but it works well with the chefs' gourmet take on classic south-of-the-border eats. In addition to quesadillas and tacos, the kitchen team crafts upscale fare from fresh ingredients, worthy of a fine dining establishment (despite Verde's relatively laid-back vibe).

Regulars highly recommend the signature bone-in pork chop. It's equal parts sweet and spicy thanks to a honey-chipotle glaze on top. The pollo palomino, another house specialty, also impresses patrons. It showcases a tender breast of grilled chicken smothered with gooey cheese, poblano peppers, and a creamy poblano sauce. Pair your main with a side such as cilantro-lime rice, roasted corn and chipotle aioli, or poblano cream mashed potatoes.

Verde's Mexican Parrilla
2200 Interstate 35 Frontage Road
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 255-6587
www.verdesmexicanrr.com
www.yelp.com/biz/verdes-mexican-parrilla-round-rock

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Find a Farm-to-Table Brunch This Weekend at Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Austin

January 28, 2016 by

Whether you’re picking the perfect spot for a family dinner or a new eatery for brunch this weekend, Jack Allen’s Kitchen is always a great choice. This upscale American restaurant boasts a farm-to-table menu of creative takes on old-fashioned favorites, including shrimp and mango tacos, achiote macaroni cheese, and the famous 13-Spice Chicken Pasta. For brunch, Jack Allen’s Kitchen offers homemade strudel, fried chicken with jalapeno gravy, and fun new takes on deviled eggs. Not only are the ingredients sourced fresh from local farms, many of them are even grown on-site in the restaurant’s organic garden!

The ambiance inside is fun and welcoming, but it’s still classy enough to make your meal feel special. With a great menu of libations to complement the food, Jack Allen’s Kitchen is a perfect spot to relax and kick back after a long work week.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen
2500 Hoppe Trail
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 215-0372
www.jackallenskitchen.com

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Jack Allen’s Kitchen: Local Ingredients in Every Bite of Inspired Southern Cuisine

December 23, 2015 by

In a perpetually sunny state like Texas, farmers have ample opportunities to plant and harvest thriving crops. That's why, when looking for fresh ingredients for their dishes, the chefs at Jack Allen's Kitchen never stray beyond the boundaries of Texas. All of their ingredients come from nearby—you can even browse a comprehensive roster of the farmers, artisans, and other purveyors who provide food for Jack Allen's on its website.

The fresh, locally sourced ingredients make for a colorful and tasty meal any time of day, any day of the week, but customers say that one meal outshines the others, and that's Sunday brunch. Eaters show up in droves for the fully loaded buffet, which features everything from chicken-fried chicken to layered enchilada casserole. You can also request biscuits and gravy, silver dollar pancakes, or local eggs from the kitchen. No matter what you choose to eat for brunch, wash it down with a bloody Mary, mimosa with freshly squeezed OJ, or a glass of Jack Allen's "famous" pomegranate sangria.

Jack Allen's Kitchen
2500 Hoppe Trail
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 215-0372
www.jackallenskitchen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jack-allens-kitchen-round-rock

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Austin Java: Much More Than Just Coffee

December 3, 2015 by

Spicy peanut soup. Eggs Benedict. Breakfast tacos. Not exactly the type of fare you'd expect to find at a coffee house. And yet, Austin Java's various locations throughout its namesake city serve them all—and to rave reviews from customers.

Despite its title, Austin Java is actually much more than a mere cafe. Yes, it does serve locally-roasted coffee. But it also offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and breakfast is served all day. That's probably to the delight of those regulars who love the breakfast tacos, which are stuffed with everything from honey-cured ham or chorizo to veggies or black beans. Some other morning favorites include migas, a spicy take on the traditional omelet, and thick-sliced farmers' French toast.

Later in the day, enjoy a different savory dish like the crawfish quesadillas or pasta primavera. Other lunch and dinner options encompass salads, various meat-laden pastas, and house soups.

Austin Java
1206 Parkway
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 476-1829
www.austinjava.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-java-austin

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The Blind Squirrel Makes a Mean (Gourmet) Sandwich

November 27, 2015 by

"Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while." So goes the adage upon which The Blind Squirrel's founders built their trendy sandwich shop. That's not to say the eatery's popularity stems from sheer luck, but rather that some of its successes could be due to a lucky break—meaning its owners never let themselves get comfortable. They constantly step up their sandwich game, ensuring that The Blind Squirrel stays way ahead of the competition. Hence the gourmet ingredients that fill its gourmet sandwiches.

Meats roasted, grilled, or smoked in-house; sauces and soups crafted from scratch; sides made fresh right in the kitchen. These are the components that create a well-rounded meal at The Blind Squirrel, typically with a sandwich as the focal point. The Godfather reigns as the most popular sammy, stuffed with NY strip steak, crimini mushrooms, and slices of sweet onion, plus fresh mozzarella, roasted garlic aioli, and garlic butter sauce. The Quacker is a close second, however, with its tea-smoked pulled duck, carrots and daikon, Napa cabbage, red onion, and hoison sauce. It's served stuffed inside a roti taco shell topped with duck cracklings.

The Blind Squirrel
1105 S. Mays Street
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 244-6888
www.blindsquirrelsandwiches.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-blind-squirrel-round-rock

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Enjoy Freshly Made Pastries and Pretzels at Easy Tiger

November 5, 2015 by

The sweet aroma of freshly baked breads engulfs you when you pass through the doors of Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden in downtown Austin. The comforting, warm ambiance invites you to relax and stay while you enjoy the made-from-scratch menu.

The extensive coffee and tea list includes espresso, chai lattes, hot teas, and a variety of water, soda, and juice choices. Don't miss one of Easy Tiger's melt-in-your-mouth pastries, danish, cookies, and croissants. Snacks and sandwiches include beef jerky and pretzels, as well as house-smoked pastrami, turkey breast, and muffulettas. The restaurant also offers a variety of charcuterie boards and house-made sausages.

Easy Tiger has a full bar and the cocktail, beer, and reserves menu is extensive.

Easy Tiger
709 E. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 614-4972
www.easytigeraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/easy-tiger-austin

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Chinos Burrito Texian Grill: You’ve Never Had a Taco Quite Like This

October 29, 2015 by

Chinese and Mexican food are typically two mutually exclusive styles of cuisine, but not at Chinos Burrito Texian Grill. Here, they coalesce into a single delicious tapestry of distinct, yet complementary flavors. Take the tacos, for instance. Chinos menu allows you to build your own tacos using typical Mexican ingredients (think chicken, beef, fish), but regular customers recommend getting creative. Many of them order their tacos stuffed with bulgogi beef instead. Teriyaki chicken, ground curry beef, and tofu are also options. Then you can pair your bulgogi beef with steamed rice, kimchi, and maybe some cilantro—or outfit your typical chicken taco with lettuce and cheese.

No matter how you decide to build your taco, burrito, bowl, or salad (they can all be made with the same ingredients), you should take some time carefully picking your salsa or sauce. This is what will really determine the flavor of your meal. You can always opt for classics like hot or mild salsa, but the avocado ranch comes highly recommended. Korean ssamjang might be your best bet if you've decided to create an Asian-inspired dish. Chinos also offers classic Asian dishes, from General Tso's chicken to pad Thai, rolled into burritos.

Chinos Burrito Texian Grill
2051 Gattis School Road
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 386-1373
www.chinosburrito.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chinos-burrito-texian-grill-round-rock

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