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Stop Into Chisos Grill for Southwestern-Style Comfort Food and Spirits

March 6, 2014 by

Chisos Grill’s logo is a monumental West Texas rock formation set against a cool desert moon. With a scene like that, it’s easy to picture cowboys sharing food by the campfire — grits, smoky meats, crawfish, tortilla soup, and tequila. That’s what you get at Hill Country Galleria: all-natural, Texas-raised, Southwestern-style comfort food.

Burgers, pulled pork, and queso get high marks from diners, and while the menu might not be as authentic as it claims, it’s reliably tasty stop at the mall. Do some down-home drinking, too; the bar sports 30 beers, 25 wines, and 20 spirits, all made in Texas and memorably deployed by a crackerjack bar staff. Nearly everything is gluten-free, and there’s happy hour every day.

Check Chisos Grill’s site for specials and live music details.

Chisos Grill
12921 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-7353
http://www.chisosgrill.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chisos-grill-bee-cave

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Blue Bamboo: Vietnamese Thai Fusion Cuisine

February 27, 2014 by

Blue Bamboo believes in quality ingredients and fresh dishes. Start your meal with their trademark crispy egg rolls, or try the satay, a traditional Thai skewer of beef, chicken, or tofu served with honey cucumber sauce. Blue Bamboo features numerous noodle and rice-based entrée options. Regulars rave about the sizzling chicken, a specialty entrée of stir fried chicken and veggies in a honey-lime ginger sauce.

Other options include wok-tossed filet mignon, Thai basil chicken, and red curry with vegetables, pineapple, and your choice of meat or tofu. Round out your order with a cup of pho soup on a cool night. For an all-in-one dessert and after dinner pick-me-up, try the Vietnamese iced-coffee made with sweetened condensed milk.

Blue Bamboo is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you’d rather stay in than dine-out, order takeout and grab your food to-go.

Blue Bamboo
12918 Shops Parkway, Suite 300
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-8889
http://bluebamboo71.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-bamboo-bee-cave

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Maudie’s Hill Country: Authentic Tex-Mex Food Flavor

February 6, 2014 by

Over the years, Maudie’s has won awards for its Tex-Mex dishes and fresh-squeezed margaritas. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can kick-start your day with a Tex-Mex feast. Maudie’s uses ingredients like organic eggs and all-natural sausage so you can fuel your day right. Don’t worry if you have a late-afternoon hankering for huevos rancheros, because Maudie’s serves breakfast all day. For lunch and dinner, expect staples like tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas with a Maudie’s twist.

For its health-conscious customers, Maudie’s offers whole wheat tortillas and a “skinny” menu section with mouth-watering selections like chipotle chicken fajitas and skinny Sheryl’s enchiladas with pulled chicken, tomatillo sauce, grilled zucchini, and rice. Maudie’s also features numerous vegetarian dishes and an entire menu of gluten-free options. On nice nights, guests can enjoy the outdoor patio’s pleasant atmosphere.

Maudie’s Hill Country
12506 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-1116
http://www.maudies.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/maudies-restaurant-bee-cave

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Mimi’s Café: French-Inspired Bites at Hill Country Galleria

January 30, 2014 by

“What makes a perfect bite?”

Mimi’s answer is a bit sweet, a bit savory — a surprising combination of tastes and textures. No one does this better than the French, of course, so Mimi’s brings you a variety of French-inspired soups, sandwiches, and snacks. From goat cheese to orange zest, ingredients are sourced from France where possible, sauces are made in small batches, and chefs are trained in traditional techniques.

Locals like much of the retooled menu, singling out the croissants, pies, and desserts for special praise. Service is decent, and while there’s something for everyone here, diners point out that dishes are variably successful depending on your taste. There’s a full bar and reservations are recommended for nights and weekends.

Check Mimi’s site for menu details and location information.

Mimi’s Café
12316 Galleria Circle
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-9731
http://www.mimiscafe.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mimis-cafe-bee-cave

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

January 8, 2014 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
http://www.madammam.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/madam-mams-austin-2

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Chappy’s Pit BBQ: No Frills BBQ in Austin

December 31, 2013 by

When you’re traveling west out of Austin along Highway 290, be on the look out for Chappy’s Pit BBQ. This no frills trailer offers a straightforward menu of brisket, pork, ribs, and sausage as a plate or sandwich. Customers agree the meat is flavorful, tender, and just as delicious without the homemade BBQ sauce. Favorite sides include baked beans, cucumber and tomato salad, and corn on the cob. Chappy's Pit BBQ may not be a full service restaurant but they do accept debit cards and cash. Sure, the trailer may not look like much, but it houses what might just be one of the tastiest barbecue you'll find around Austin.
 
Chappy's Pit BBQ
6837 Highway 290 West

Austin, TX 78735
(512) 481-2227
www.facebook.com/pages/Chappys-Pit-BBQ/172990876150290
www.yelp.com/biz/chappys-bbq-austin

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Artisan Bistro Austin: Authentic French Cuisine

December 12, 2013 by

For a great meal without the fuss of heading downtown, try Artisan Bistro Austin in Lakeway, just a short drive from Sendera Barton Creek. Don’t let the location fool you; this little restaurant offers authentic French cuisine in a charming ambiance. Brick walls, dim chandeliers, and simple French country décor aren’t the only “eye-candy”. Everything from escargot to macaroons is beautifully presented, not to mention delicious! If you’ve never had escargot, Artisan does them right with a herbed butter sauce. Another menu favorite is the duck confit, but don’t overlook any specials, including cheese and charcuterie offerings. If you're in the area for lunch, treat yourself to a classic Jambon Beurre, a ham and butter sandwich on a baguette. Save room for dessert, Artisan offers everything you’d expect of a French bakery like flaky bread, buttery croissants, delicate custards, and flavorful tarts. You can stop in to pick up baked goods anytime.

Artisan Bistro Austin
900 RR 620 S

Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 263-8728
www.artisanbistroaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/artisan-bistro-austin-lakeway

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The Emerald Restaurant: Authentic Irish Cuisine in Austin

December 4, 2013 by

Celebrate a special occasion with an authentic meal at The Emerald Restaurant in Austin, Texas. The restaurant's 1927 cottage setting is decorated with Irish lace and china. The quaint ambiance transports you across the Atlantic and makes you feel like you're dining in someone’s home. Many customers enjoy the three course meals for two. “The Kinsale” is especially popular which includes the famous potato soup, a tenderloin steak with a Madeira mushroom sauce, and Irish Whiskey cake. Plan for a leisurely pace meal, as everything is made from scratch and cooked to order. The Emerald can seem pricey, but keep your eye out for discount deals and coupons. Reservations are required at this elegant West Austin restaurant.
 
The Emerald Restaurant
13614 W Highway 71
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 963-4272
www.irishemeraldrestaurant.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/emerald-restaurant-austin

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VERTS: An Austin Classic

November 27, 2013 by

Next time you find yourself in the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave, grab a bite at VERTS. This Austin-area chain was started by a UT alumni and offers healthy, tasty meals. If you love kebabs and Mediterranean cuisine, you'll love the Berlin-style Gyro called a "doner kebap." The sandwich starts with a pita-like bread, baked daily, and is topped with your choice of meat, grilled on a vertical spit and sliced to order. Add on locally sourced veggies and yogurt based sauce. A favorite combo is the beef and lamb, with the garlic sauce. No matter how you top it, all sandwiches are under 550 calories and just $7. There is even a veggie loaded option for vegetarians. The snack size will satisfy most appetites, but they are so delicious, those that order a regular finish it all. VERTS also serves several bottle and tap beers, which you can have European style, meaning mixed with Sprite or Coke. 
It may sound strange, but it's a popular option!

VERTS
12800 Galleria Circle
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 369-3918
www.vertskebap.com
www.yelp.com/biz/verts-austin-11

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Make Leaf Your Go-To Spot for a Salad Lunch

October 9, 2013 by

If you work in downtown Austin, grab a healthy lunch from Leaf, a custom salad cafe. The salad bar is stocked with a wide variety of sustainable ingredients and dressings are made from scratch. You can choose from one of the "Big 12" signature salads, or create your own. Although service can be spotty, the staff builds your salad to order, and the results are always delicious. If the list of salad add-ins overwhelms you, try the Strawberry Fields signature salad with baby spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and candied pecans tossed with a Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Prices are very reasonable at $10 for a portion that customers regularly describe as enormous. Become a "Loyal Leafer" and get a free salad after you buy five. Dine in the casual cafe or get your meal to-go.

Leaf
419 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-5323
http://www.leafsalad.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/leaf-austin-2

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