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The Backspace: Gastropub Goodness

February 6, 2013 by

The Backspace is a great little gastro-pub is helmed by revered Austin chef Shawn Cirkiel. His small, Italian-themed menu is eclectic, giving diners some yummy options for antipasti, pizzas and desserts to pair with wine, beer and cocktails. Order yourself a fruity chardonnay or rich cabernet sauvignon alongside an antipasti like Lamb & Pork Meatballs with stewed tomatoes, Baked Ricotta with lemon poached tomato, Farm Greens Salad with pecorino romano, or Brussel Sprouts & Fontina. The pizza selection includes the classic Margherita with mozzarella, basil & tomato, the Bianco with arugula, mozzarella & ricotta and the Roasted Mushroom with ricotta, tomato, capers & thyme. Delectable desserts include Hazelnut Chocolate Budino, Salted Caramel Panna Cotta and Ricotta Cheesecake. Open Monday through Sunday from 5p.m until 11p.m.

The Backspace
507 San Jacinto St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-9899
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-backspace-austin

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Olivia: Understated & Sophisticated

January 29, 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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Stubb’s: Legendary BBQ and Live Music

January 16, 2013 by

The legendary Stubb’s Bar-B-Q was originally opened in Lubbock, Texas, under the careful supervision of barbecue king Christopher B. Stubblefield. His insanely good slow-cooked meats quickly became a favorite food for central Texas’s burgeoning music scene, and eventually live music became a part of the Stubb's experience. Some of the biggest names in Lone Star rock and country played on his stage, and when the business moved to Austin it prospered even more. Stubb’s is now one of the hottest spots in Austin, continuing the tradition of bbq and great live music. Regulars rave that the beef brisket here can go toe-to-toe with any ‘cue in the world, and the sides, especially the rich macaroni and cheese, are out of sight. Live music most nights of the week features local and national bands, and the Sunday gospel brunch is truly awesome. Live gospel music, traditional Southern brunch foods like migas and fried catfish, and a great crowd will have you coming back for seconds.

Stubb’s
801 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 480-8341

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Holy Cacao Is For Chocolate Lovers

January 9, 2013 by

Holy Cacao is Austin's sweetest food truck, a chocolate lover’s dream featuring cake balls, shakes and chocolate drinks. Their version of cake balls are unique; the fresh cake is crumbled and mixed with frosting shaped into a ball and is then dipped into chocolate to form a shell.  There are several flavors to choose from including red velvet and carrot cake. The trailer also serves cake shakes that whirl their cake into traditional vanilla or chocolate shakes.  Holy Cocao is also known for their flavorful chocolate drinks – either hot or frozen – made with 65% chocolate for a creamy and rich treat. Their Mexican Chocolate is pleasantly spiced with ancho chile, cinnamon and cayenne. If you're a chocolate lover, or need a gift for someone who is, head to Holy Cocao for a sweet treat. 

Holy Cacao (in South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery)
1311 S 1st St
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 851-2253
www.yelp.com/biz/holy-cacao-austin

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“Chillax” at Shady Grove

December 24, 2012 by

Nestled in a grove of pecan trees, Shady Grove has offered American comfort food favorites since 1992. Regulars love their beefy chili — anything on the menu that features this signature creation is a guaranteed hit. The chili cheese fries, Frito pie and chicken fried steak topped with green chili sauce are also perennial favorites. If you want lighter fare, there are several salads as well as the popular vegetarian “hippie” sandwich which layers grilled veggies, mozzarella, and pesto onto homemade bread. Old-fashioned stone work complete with a fireplace makes Shady Grove a great place to stay a while and savor your food. Their outdoor patio is spacious and every Thursday they host “Unplugged at the Grove” which features Austin’s musical talent.  Don't miss the mixed drinks, either …
 

Shady Grove
1624 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-9991
www.yelp.com/biz/shady-grove-austin

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Mulberry: Wine and Dine

December 18, 2012 by

Located in the heart of Austin's downtown, Mulberry is a restaurant and wine bar that offers New American cuisine in an intimate setting. The warm and cozy atmosphere are incredibly inviting, and the extremely knowledgeable staff will make you feel confident that you're in good hands throughout your visit. The wine list contains over 150 bottles and has an impressive selection of wines by the glass, all with a focus on the world's most esteemed wine regions. Draft beer is also available. In addition to cheese and charcuterie plates, Mulberry's food menu also contains a number of salad and sandwich options as well as some enticing larger plates. These is mouth-watering cuisine, not food as an afterthought as at many wine bars. For a delicious, wine-filled outing in a great setting, you'd do well to consider Mulberry.

Mulberry
360 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0297
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mulberry-austin
 

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The Peached Tortilla: Discover Mobile Delicacies

December 4, 2012 by

A food truck full of personality, The Peached Tortilla is an incredible fusion of cuisines that makes for a truly unique dining experience. Drawing on Asian and Mexican influences, the food here is full of compelling combinations that will delight your taste buds. The menu has tacos and burritos loaded imaginatively with things like Pad Thai, Chinese bbq, and Szechuan-style vegetables. You can also choose among several delectable sliders. Add some parmesan or sweet-potato fries into the mix, with dipping sauces like peach mint and truffle mayo, and you've got some incredible gourmet goodness. Visit the truck's website to help track down this deliciousness, or stop by its Twitter page!

The Peached Tortilla
(512) 761-3241
http://twitter.com/peachedtortilla
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-peached-tortilla-austin
 

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Wink: A Flirtatious and Delicious Bite

November 27, 2012 by

If you’re looking for a relaxing fine dining experience, Austin’s Wink might be right up your alley. Although the food prepared by chefs Mark Paul and Stewart Scruggs is incredibly vivid, flavorful cuisine that can go toe-to-toe with any restaurant in Austin, Wink works hard to keep its menu accessible and comfortable as well. This philosophy has paid off, as local foodies have nothing but raves about the place. Focusing on using only the best sustainably sourced ingredients, signature dishes include the fantastic sweetbreads, truffled macaroni & cheese, and the flavorful, moist duck breast. The dining room is small— really small—so be warned, you might make some new friends. The service is so welcoming that you won’t even notice the slightly cramped surroundings a bite or two into your meal. Stop into the adjoining wine bar for reasonably priced appetizers and wine from the restaurant’s impressive cellar.

Wink
1014 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-8868

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Wholly Cow: Grab a Great Burger

November 20, 2012 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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The Carillon: Ring The Bells

November 13, 2012 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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