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Enjoy Upscale, Authentic Cajun Fare at Gumbo’s Steak and Seafood

March 3, 2016 by

New Orleans is eight hours away. Maybe you’ve been there, maybe not. If there are Cajuns in the audience, we apologize, but a quick primer for the uninitiated: Hurricanes get you a little (ahem) tipsy, “rat toes” are fried jalapenos stuffed with seafood, and gator tail is exactly what it sounds like. Got that?

Gumbo’s brings you upscale Cajun fare in the style of New Orleans legends like Antoine’s or Galatoire’s. All the classics are here: fried crawfish tails, blackened fish, remoulade, etouffee, oysters, fried green tomatoes, and a lobster bisque that puts Easterners to shame. It’s pricey — dinner entrees average $25 — but most locals love it and it beats the long drive. Lunch, brunch, and dinner are available.

Check Gumbo’s website for hours, events, and specials.

Gumbo’s Steak and Seafood
12823 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-2711
www.gumbosbeecave.com
www.yelp.com/biz/gumbos-steak-and-seafood-bee-cave

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Taste Curries, ‘Go Green’ at New India Cuisine in Austin

February 25, 2016 by

New India Cuisine on South Congress offers up homemade Indian food with an American twist. New India takes pride in using natural ingredients that are free from artificial colorings and MSG. Another bragging point: New India is the only restaurant in America that serves Malvani and Gomantak curries. There are also plenty of vegan and gluten free options, as well as delicious yeast-free naan.

Inside this cozy restaurant, you can select from traditional dishes like the gingery tikka masala or go for a quesadilla made with Indian seasonings. For drinks, New India is now serving craft beers and organic wines. There are also some yogurt based drinks that come in flavors like mango and cumin.

There's plenty of parking, but if you take your bicycle or walk here, the management will give you a dollar off your meal. It's the staff's way of encouraging people to go green.

New India Cuisine
2304 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-9727
www.newindia.us
www.yelp.com/biz/new-india-cuisine-austin

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Black Sheep Lodge: A Popular South Austin Bar and Grill

January 28, 2016 by

Twenty large-screen HD TVs, pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and free Wi-Fi are a few of the reasons to stop by South Austin's Black Sheep Lodge. A hefty beer selection, both on tap and bottled, plus cocktails and wine are also part of the appeal of this popular sports bar and eatery. When you need a nosh, settle in with some Fried Pickles with ranch dressing, Smoked Chipotle Wings, Beer-Battered Fried Cheese Curds or Chips & Salsa. If your hunger requires something more substantial, order yourself a Black Sheep Burger, a Carnitas Sandwich with slow-roasted pork & coleslaw, a Chile Cheese Dog, or a Portabella Cheesesteak Philly. Sit inside or rustle up a spot outside on their dog-friendly patio and watch the action on South Lamar. Black Sheep Lodge is open every day.

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

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

November 27, 2015 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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Don’t Miss the Ainsworth at Fricano’s Deli

October 29, 2015 by

The Ainsworth doesn't refer to a single sandwich at Fricano's Deli, but rather a concept. It's new each day. That's thanks to the creative sandwich makers at Fricano's who improvise the Ainsworth on a daily basis. Using whatever fresh ingredients they have on-hand that day, they pile a brand new sandwich into existence—maybe one that's never been on the menu before.

So it should come as no surprise that the Ainsworth is a popular item to order when you visit Fricano's Deli, but it's far from your only option. Another customer favorite is the spicy Reuben, a twist on the classic with the addition of pepperoncini peppers, pepperjack cheese, red onion, and "Rocket sauce." No matter which sandwich you choose, you can't go wrong with any of the spreads slathered inside. They range from a garlicky pesto to an Italian olive tapenade to roasted red pepper hummus.

Fricano's Deli
2405 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 482-3322
www.fricanosdeli.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fricanos-deli-austin-15

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Expect Local Fare and Craft Beers at Snack Bar

October 8, 2015 by

Right off South Congress is Snack Bar, an intimate eatery serving up some delicious organic, local fare. Self-described as "indie", Snack Bar proudly boasts an authentic Austin vibe, from the local food to the Texas craft beers.

Here, meats and eggs are hormone free, humanely treated, and raised on pastures. The menu is healthy and offers plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Try the fried eggs with leek, cabbage, shrimp, and bacon, or go for the bagel topped with salmon, cream cheese, and dill. Other entrees include the avocado quinoa with pineapples and banana peppers, braised lamb with couscous and dates, and the goat tostadas with avocado and pico de gallo.

Wash everything down with local craft beers from Lone Star and Fireman's #4 to Wytchmaker and Scratchin' Hippo. Regulars love the relaxing atmosphere, outdoor fire, and the dog-friendly policy at Snack Bar.

Snack Bar
1224 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-2626
www.snackbaraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/snack-bar-austin

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Santa Catarina: Unique and Delicious Mexican Fare in Austin

September 24, 2015 by

Everyone has been to a traditional Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant, few have experienced a place like Santa Catarina – a boutique gourmet Mexican restaurant that prides itself on offering a rare assortment of authentic dishes from the interior. When you pull up to a strip mall you may not believe that you are about to embark on one of the best meals you have had but just keep walking in the door and you will see. The tortillas are made fresh daily in house and where most restaurants offer a chili relleno they go above and beyond to offer multiple options stuffed with local Gulf seafood, corn Mexican truffles and sauteed vegetables. The regulars come here for the food but stay for the fresh specialty drinks made in house from scratch including fresh grapefruit, agave nectar, and homemade sangria, all rich in flavor. This spot is worth the drive for adventurous diners.

Santa Catarina
1310 Ranch Rd 620 S
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 300-0946
www.yelp.com/biz/santa-catarina-restaurant-lakeway

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Luke’s Inside Out: Dine Al Fresco at This Upscale Food Truck

September 3, 2015 by

In a city well-known for food trucks, Luke’s Inside Out stands out in the crowd. The small, green truck is permanently located next to Gibson Bar, a hip craft beer bar with a young, eclectic crowd.

Luke’s Inside Out serves gourmet, French-inspired sandwiches with truly decadent toppings, including a brisket banh mi, eight-ounce sirloin burger, and Szechuan fried chicken. Luke’s also features a menu of shareables that will hold you over until your sandwich is served. Though these shared plates include your usual salads and fries, the appetizer menu also features fish fingers with sesame slaw, a cheese plate with fresh herbs, and many daily specials.

On Sundays, Luke’s offers an all-you-can-eat brunch for $12 from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. If you’ve never tasted the tater tot casserole or Szechuan chicken and waffles with brie, the Sunday brunch is not to be missed.

Luke’s Inside Out
1109 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 589-8883
www.lukesinsideout.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lukes-inside-out-austin

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Stop Into Jason’s Deli for a Fast and Healthy Lunch in Austin

August 27, 2015 by

A chain restaurant with a presence in more than half of the nation's states, Jason's Deli proudly proclaims that it was the first eatery of its kind to ban artificial trans fats and high fructose corn syrup from its menu. So when you sink a fork, spoon, or tooth into Jason's Deli's organic salads, piping-hot soups, and loaded sandwiches, you can feel reasonably certain that your meal is in line with your healthy lifestyle.

The fast-casual restaurant's vibe is similarly wholesome; the chain appeals to families with its relaxed atmosphere and robust kids' menu. Little ones 12 and under can choose from well-balanced meals that include antibiotic-free chicken nuggets, grilled cheese on multigrain bread, and bowtie pasta with meatballs. A side of organic carrot sticks or apple slices helps ensure Junior gets his fair share of fruits and veggies.

Note that Jason's Deli also serves a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Jason's Deli
3300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 328-0200
www.jasonsdeli.com/restaurants/tx/austin/plaza-de-las-lomas-deli

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Tasty Mexican Cuisine in Austin at El Alma

August 6, 2015 by

This upscale Mexican restaurant is named after chef Alma Alcocer, who was born in Mexico City and attended the legendary Le Cordon Bleu academy in Paris for culinary training. After her studies, she moved to Austin where she paired with restaurant magnate Carlos Rivero to open El Alma in 2012. The restaurant’s location is unique and charming; it’s built into a limestone hillside with a delightful outdoor patio.

Of course, the food is the biggest reason to take a trip here. Some of the menu’s most-loved dishes include the duck emmoladas—mole-covered enchiladas stuffed with healthy portions of tender, flavorful duck—as well as the shrimp chelada, a dish of seafood cooked in citrus, ceviche-style, and topped with beer.

Visit El Alma's website to learn more about this Austin restaurant!

El Alma
1025 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 609-8923
www.elalmacafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/el-alma-austin-2

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