TRIO: Fine New American Fare

Austin diners looking for a high-quality meal have been flocking to Trio in the Four Seasons Hotel for years, knowing that a meal here is a delight. Chef de Cuisine Grant McDonald brings a fascinating life experience to the kitchen here, from a boyhood in Norway eating farm to table to a chemistry major at McGill University, McDonald’s diverse influences show up in the beautifully-composed menu, which boasts dishes like awesome Gulf ceviche as an appetizer. Entrees are equally impressive, with diners raving about the perfectly-cooked flatiron steak, the rack of lamb cooked in rosemary, garlic and house-made mustard, and the gulf redfish with corn and pumpkin. The wine list is very good as well, pairing excellently with the flavors on the menu. The Sunday brunch buffet packs the restaurant to the rafters with an incredible selection of tasty options, including unforgettable made-to-order eggs Benedict, stuffed French toast, pastries, muesli and more.

TRIO
Four Seasons Hotel
98 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 685-8300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trio-austin-2

French Quarter Grille: Enjoy Cajun Cuisine

With fantastic cajun cuisine, the French Quarter Grille is a friendly spot that's great for casual fine-dining. This cozy space serves up a menu full of incredible gulf specialties. Incredible incarnations of classics like etoufée and gumbo along with inspired culinary creations like pecan-crusted trout and crawfish beignets. Pastas and salads are also available. Save some room for dessert, too, to sample incredible fare like a croissant bread pudding or an orange crème brûlée. The lunch menu has a number of these great choices, and some classic po-boy sandwiches, too! Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and service is professional and helpful. French Quarter Grille is Cajun cooking at its finest.

French Quarter Grille
13000 N. IH-35
Suite 600
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 832-9090
http://www.yelp.com/biz/french-quarter-grille-austin

Torchy’s Tacos: Tacos Perfected

If you haven’t ever had an elaborate taco, it can be hard to imagine that such a thing exists. After all, how interesting can a dish that comprises nothing but a bit of meat, a handful of veggies, and some grated cheese be? Check out Torchy’s Tacos in Austin to see the true potential of the taco. For its signature taco, Torchy’s has taken a tip from New Mexico and crafted the Green Chile Pork: roasted pork carnitas with green chiles, dressed in fresh queso sauce and topped with cilantro, onions, and lime. Or check out Torchy’s Tacos's monthly specials. One recent favorite was the American (their proudest taco yet, they say), with crispy fried chicken, pineapple coleslaw, jack cheese, pico de gallo salsa, and cilantro, drizzled with chipotle ranch sauce.

Torchy’s Tacos
5119 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 382-0823

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