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The Carillon: Ring The Bells

June 26, 2013 by

Austin’s culinary scene has been booming in recent years, with a number of focused, motivated chefs bringing new perspectives in fine dining to grateful eaters. Chef Josh Watkins’ tenure at The Carillon began in 2008, after he returned to Texas and worked alongside famed chef David Bull at the Driskill Grill. Watkins appeared alongside Bull on TV show Iron Chef America, where he showed off his impressive skills, and not long after he was recruited to open the Carillon. Every aspect of this restaurant is top-notch. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, the décor is classy and comfortable, and the food is some of the best you’ll find in town. Frequent diners rave about the incredible spinach salad with house bacon and poached egg yolk, as well as the duck leg confit with root vegetables and white bean cassoulet. They also offer both three-course and six-course tasting menus, which come highly recommended.

The Carillon
1900 University Avenue
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 404-3655
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-carillon-austin-2

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Weird is Welcome at Bouldin Creek Cafe

June 12, 2013 by

Bouldin Creek Cafe started as a coffee house and has grown into a funky vegetarian restaurant and community destination. Austin vegetarians – and omnivores – praise this cafe for flavorful, fresh meals. It’s a popular spot for breakfast and features good vegetarian substitutes for breakfast meats – including their house-made “facon” or fake bacon. Regulars love their veggie burger that you can top with several homemade sauces like chipotle-pecan pesto. All the food is made to order, but you can enjoy a book, magazine, or game from their shelves while you wait.  There is nice outdoor seating — and bring Fido along, Bouldin Creek is dog friendly. The cafe tries to be as environmentally conscious as possible and is decorated with repurposed items like mason jar soap dispensers and bike rim light fixtures. This eclectic and free-spirited place has a welcoming, community-like atmosphere and you’ll soon become family.

Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-1601
www.yelp.com/biz/bouldin-creek-coffee-house-and-cafe-austin

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Oysters Al Fresco at Perla’s on South Congress

May 28, 2013 by

One of Austin’s best seafood restaurants, Perla’s boasts elegant al fresco dining on their large oak-shaded patio or sophisticated yet casual dining inside, including a large oyster bar and open kitchen. Their signature is over 15 varieties of fresh oysters flown in from both coasts, daily. In addition to oysters, the menu offers simple grilled fish and steak. Try the crispy Texas red snapper or their bouillabaisse — both are highly recommended. Sides are a la carte, and large enough to share — try the griddle cakes with creme fraiche and chives. For dessert, the butterscotch pot de creme is the perfect ending to your meal.  

Prices reflect the sophisticated menu, making this a good spot for special celebrations. Happy hour features $.50 off oysters and $2 off beverages from Monday – Friday, 3-6 p.m.  Reservations are recommended. 

Perla's
1400 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 291-7300
www.yelp.com/biz/perlas-austin

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Magnolia Cafe: An Austin Institution

May 22, 2013 by

If you’re looking for a laid back meal at midnight, head to Magnolia Cafe, just moments from Ladera Apartment Homes.  Open 24 hours, this Austin institution serves up tasty diner food in a funky and fun atmosphere.  You’ll enjoy Magnolia’s at any time of the day, but the large menu lets you satisfy your late night cravings.  It’s completely normal to mix your meals here – start with their famous “Mag Mud” chip dip with black beans, queso, avocado and pico, then head onto gingerbread pancakes or migas scrambled with their spicy “love” butter of garlic and serrano chilies.  Burgers and sandwiches round out their menu, along with specialty entrees like Pasta Caspian with grilled chicken, Mediterranean veggies in garlic white wine butter sauce over linguine. You can find just about anything anytime here. Check it out!

Magnolia Cafe
1920 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-0000
www.yelp.com/biz/magnolia-cafe-austin-2

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Olivia: Understated & Sophisticated

May 14, 2013 by

Owned by Chef James Holmes, Olivia has been named one of the “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America” by Bon Appétit magazine.

The menu changes regularly to feature fresh and seasonal ingredients, but is known for its distinctive flavor combinations of sweet and savory.  Consider the Olivia Salad with pecans, ginger, pumpkin, and a pomegranate vinaigrette.  Perfectly braised chops are a regular feature on the menu, whether lamb, pork, or veal.  For dessert, try the duck egg creme brûlée.  Olivia features a fantastic wine list, and the friendly waitstaff is happy to make a recommendation.  Stop in for a classy brunch and try the South Austin Omelet with lamb chorizzo and salsa.  If you are feeling indulgent, try their six and ten-course tasting menus.  Stone walls and warm wood accents make the modern architecture stand out. Inside, the ambiance is romantic and sophisticated — perfect for an intimate date. 

Olivia
2043 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-2700
www.yelp.com/biz/olivia-austin

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Fresh French Cuisine at Lenoir

April 29, 2013 by

South Austin's Lenoir serves fresh French cuisine with an eye on the community.

The restaurant offers a “CSR” (community supported restaurant) membership to encourage community building through ethical and delicious food. Their sense of community is reflected in the intimate dining room that features a 10-person community table. This is farm-to-table, ethically sourced cuisine, fresh, vibrant and seasonal. The menu changes weekly; be prepared to taste uncommon meats like rabbit and antelope. The prixe-fixe option allows you to order any three courses; choose from field, land, sea, and sweets.  The portions are small, so you can enjoy a variety of tastes without feeling stuffed. Reservations are recommended — if you arrive early, wait outside in the beautiful courtyard.

Lenoir
1807 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 215-9778
www.yelp.com/biz/lenoir-austin

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J Mueller BBQ: Hit The Pit

April 22, 2013 by

Texas is one of the country’s big destinations for barbecue, with a beef-centric menu and some serious slow-cooked flavor. The Hill Country is rife with barbecue joints, but locals will almost unanimously recommend J Mueller in Austin. Owner John Mueller hails from a barbecue dynasty in Taylor, Texas – his grandfather Louie’s restaurant is internationally known as one of the temples of Texas ‘cue. It took a lot for John to set out on his own, but he quickly found success in Austin. His business has had some ups and downs since then, but since opening the new location in Austin’s Bouldin Creek neighborhood, things have been looking up for Mueller. And for good reason – this is incredible barbecue, perfectly tender and flavorful. The brisket here is the meal of choice, and it’s done up as well as you can possibly do it. Beef ribs and sausage are also quite good. Note that this place has become a little more popular since it was profiled on Anthony Bourdain’s TV show.

J Mueller BBQ
1502 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 229-7366
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jmueller-bbq-austin

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Beer Reigns at Black Sheep Lodge

April 15, 2013 by

South Austin's Black Sheep Lodge offers for good pub food, fun atmosphere, and cheap drinks.  There are bar specials every night of the week — including $2 cans like Lone Star and PBR tallboys on Friday and Saturday. You can catch the game on Sunday on one of their 20 TVs, while enjoying $2 off pitchers with friends. There are 26 beers on tap and over 100 bottles to choose from. Although beer is the heart of this establishment, don’t overlook the food — the menu features burgers and sandwiches with better taste and cheaper prices than most pub grub. Regulars love the “Little Stinkers Sliders” — garlic and beef patties topped with gorgonzola butter and mixed greens. If you’re in the mood to snack, the cheese curds are highly recommended, as are the fried pickles. The large outdoor patio is dog friendly.

Black Sheep Lodge
2108 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 707-2744
www.yelp.com/biz/black-sheep-lodge-austin

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Man Bites Dog: Not Your Typical Hot Dog Stand!

March 20, 2013 by

Warning: this is not your typical hot dog stand! 

Man Bites Dog is South Austin’s hot dog hot spot, where signature franks are 1/5th of a pound.  The ingredients are fresh and flavorful, and you won’t find any boring buns here — they’re fluffy, sweet brioche that hold up the the mountains of toppings. The menu features inventive wieners like the Danger Dog — bacon wrapped, topped with jalapeños, hot sauce, and cotija cheese.  And, its not only beef franks on the menu; the Bruschetta Dog, for example, is made with Italian chicken sausage. These dogs are a full meal at a great price. (Smaller dogs are available for those that want a lighter snack.) There are even vegetarian franks, vegan chili, and gluten-free buns.

Man Bites Dog
3005 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 215-0422
www.yelp.com/biz/man-bites-dog-austin-4

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Wholly Cow: Grab a Great Burger

March 13, 2013 by

Nestled inside the ZEN Food Mart Convenience Store, Wholly Cow Burgers is a purveyor of food that uses local, organic, and hormone & chemical free grass-fed beef. It's a high quality ingredient that, along with the local, organic produce used here, makes for some really wonderful food. The menu consists of several burger combinations as well as some classic beef and chicken sandwiches like the reuben and club. There are vegetarian options, too! Wholly Cow is also open for breakfast, where you'll find a nice selection of breakfast tacos in addition to french toast and some great breakfast sandwiches. A great thing about the location is that the store where it's located also has other great items like fresh fruit and produce, and a wide selection of wine and beer. That's quality and convenience!

Wholly Cow
3010 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 394-8156
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wholly-cow-austin

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