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Mother’s Cafe: Sink Your Teeth Into a Bueno Burger

August 25, 2015 by

Long before vegetarianism and veganism went mainstream, Mother's Cafe was already on board. It opened in Austin back in 1980 with a completely meat-free menu. Plant-based eating may be commonplace today, but back then, this eatery was blazing a new trail.

Perhaps that's why it's continued to thrive in the years since; vegetarians and vegans know that they can count on a fresh, carefully prepared meal here. Even if you're a meat-eater, you'll still be able to appreciate the fact that Mother's uses healthy ingredients such as non-GMO canola oil and offers purified water (which chefs also use when cooking). Locals suggest you try the Bueno burger, which showcases a patty made of veggies, grains, seeds, and tofu tucked inside a vegan whole-wheat sesame bun with tomato, pickle, red onion, and lettuce. Add vegan cheese or guacamole for some extra flavor. The artichoke enchiladas are a big hit, too, so opt for these if you're craving something spicy.

Mother's Cafe
4215 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-3994
motherscafeaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-cafe-and-garden-austin

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Have You Tried the Chile Relleno at Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant?

August 21, 2015 by

There are ample opportunities to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in Austin, but Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant is a local favorite that’s certainly worth checking out. This casual eatery offers sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos made with high quality meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and they come in a variety of different styles. If you’re looking for something more filling, you might enjoy the combination platters or a traditional entree (don't skip the chile relleno!), or if you’re feeling a bit less adventurous, opt for a juicy hamburger or chicken tender platter.

Mesa Rosa offers large portions for reasonable prices, and the daily lunch specials make it even more affordable. Pair your meal with an icy margarita or the famous Austin Iced Tea, and be sure to stop by during the festive weekday happy hour.

Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant
10700 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 335-3335
www.mesarosa.com

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Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine: From the Sushi Bar to the Sake Bar

August 11, 2015 by

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine offers a creative, inventive take on classic Japanese cuisine, blending the best of both old and new culinary techniques.

For lunch and dinner, you’ll find delicious sashimi options, unique maki rolls, and even rice-free sushi dishes for those who are cutting carbs, and each one is almost to pretty to eat! (Because Beluga encourages a “shared table” style of dining, guests are encouraged to order a number of small plates to share amongst the table in order to experience every dish.) Beluga also features a full bar of wines, beers, and spirits, as well as traditional Japanese sake to make your experience feel truly authentic.

Visit Beluga for the two-for-one weekday sushi lunch special, then return for the post-work happy hour discounts!

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine
661 Louis Henna Blvd
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 255-6454
www.belugasushi.net

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24 Diner: Austin Comfort Food

July 24, 2015 by

24 Diner offers classic American fare with a modern twist in a fun, laid-back Austin atmosphere. The inspired menu, plus a great beer, wine and cocktail selection turn up the volume on the ordinary diner experience. Partygoers love the fact that they stay open round the clock right in the heart of central Austin.

24's all day breakfast menu means you can sidle up to Eggs, Sausage and Waffles at any hour. Burger and sandwich options include a French Dip with gruyere & horseradish, Chicken Salad with spicy pepper relish and a Bacon Avocado Burger with smoked aioli. Entrees include Meatloaf with sweet onion gravy, Pork Chops with sage butter, Roast Chicken with shallot jus, Vegetable Plate with lemon vinaigrette, and No-Bean Chili with cornbread.

Austin's 24 Diner is open daily.

24 Diner
600 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-5400
www.24diner.com
www.yelp.com/biz/24-diner-austin

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Cocktails and Crab-Crusted Steak at Austin’s CRAVE

July 14, 2015 by

Local, seasonal ingredients form an important part of the menu at CRAVE in Austin. Although not every ingredient comes from a local source, CRAVE's chefs incorporate locally sourced ingredients whenever they can.

CRAVE's menu of options includes some upscale, creative dishes, like crab-crusted filet mignon and egg rolls stuffed with chicken and avocado. Those are two of regular customers' favorites, but they're by no means the only things to enjoy here. The menu is expansive, encompassing a huge array of dishes, from pizza and pasta to pan-roasted sea bass, fried chicken and waffles, and even spicy lamb burgers. There's also a sushi menu, a huge list of specialty and cooked rolls, and the equally impressive cocktail list. Visitors can complement the upscale fare with a ginger pear martini, blackberry sage tea, agave margarita, or a sweet glass of sangria.

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

CRAVE
340 E. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 469-0000
www.cravetexas.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crave-austin-4

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Austin Java: Much More Than Just Coffee

July 3, 2015 by

Spicy peanut soup. Eggs Benedict. Breakfast tacos. Not exactly the type of fare you'd expect to find at a coffee house. And yet, Austin Java's various locations throughout its namesake city serve them all—and to rave reviews from customers.

Despite its title, Austin Java is actually much more than a mere cafe. Yes, it does serve locally-roasted coffee. But it also offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and breakfast is served all day. That's probably to the delight of those regulars who love the breakfast tacos, which are stuffed with everything from honey-cured ham or chorizo to veggies or black beans. Some other morning favorites include migas, a spicy take on the traditional omelet, and thick-sliced farmers' French toast.

Later in the day, enjoy a different savory dish like the crawfish quesadillas or pasta primavera. Other lunch and dinner options encompass salads, various meat-laden pastas, and house soups.

Austin Java
1206 Parkway
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 476-1829
www.austinjava.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-java-austin

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Troy Restaurant: Don’t Hum-Miss Out on This Mediterranean Eatery

June 19, 2015 by

The delicious combination of Turkish and Mediterranean fare is a treat that you won’t find just anywhere, which is exactly what makes Troy Restaurant such a gem in North Austin. Its bright red walls and modern decor create a unique backdrop for your traditional Mediterranean meal, but the long, shared tables and natural light make the entire experience feel friendly and relaxing.

Troy Restaurant’s sampler plates are arguably the best way to get a true feel for the menu, as they include an assortment of meats, rice, and salad, as well as unlimited tea and an authentic Turkish dessert at the end of the meal. Made-from-scratch hummus and Turkish coffee are made true to Turkish tradition, and the prices are affordable, as well.

Stop by for the lively Thursday night karaoke or a quiet weekend lunch and you’ll likely see why so many locals love Troy!

Troy Restaurant
8105 Mesa Drive
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 897-2860
www.facebook.com/troy.restaurantaustin
www.yelp.com/biz/troy-austin

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Savor Sweet Corn Sorbet at Uchiko

June 16, 2015 by

The gourmet Japanese creations that Uchiko's chefs craft for dessert almost outshine the inventive fare they serve for the main course, at least according to online reviews. Fans rave about the sweet corn sorbet, an entirely unique sweet that comes with polenta custard, caramel salt, and just a dash of lemon. The fried milk garners wide acclaim, too, a mix of chocolate milk, toasted milk, and iced milk sherbet. Olive gelato, tobacco cream, and seasonal sorbets round out the selection of treats.

Before you get to the sweets, though, you should indulge in an entree or a few small plates. They're inspired by Japanese cuisine, but feature farm-fresh fare. Try the cook-it-yourself Wagyu beef or Atlantic salmon served with dinosaur kale, Asian pear, and yuzu. Uchiko also dishes out inventive sushi and maki rolls, like the Ham and Eggs makimono with katsu pork belly, yolk custard, and espelette.

Uchiko
4200 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 916-4808
uchiaustin.com/uchiko
www.yelp.com/biz/uchiko-austin

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Sonora Hot Dogs: Get the Frank Con Todo

June 12, 2015 by

Sonora Hot Dogs may look like a mere food truck at first glance—and that assessment isn't entirely wrong. But the Sonoran-style hot dogs, fully loaded burritos, and gooey quesadillas that come from its kitchen on wheels are a few notches above your typical fast food. The gourmet versions of American comfort food have won the acclaim of local publications like Eater Austin and even the food critics from nationwide restaurant encyclopedia Zagat.

Regulars highly recommend getting the Sonoran-style hot dog "con todo," topped with everything from mustard and mayo to crispy strips of bacon. Sonora also offers a meat-free veggie dog version zig-zagged with Vegenaise. You can also opt for an overstuffed carne asada burrito, which features not only the grilled steak, but also mashed avocado and freshly made pico de gallo. Get the carne asada as a quesadilla if you're craving cheese.

Sonora Hot Dogs
5715 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 994-8982
www.tlocs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sonora-hot-dogs-austin

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Fork and Vine: New American Fare with Austin Flair

June 9, 2015 by

The "Austin-inspired" dishes at Fork and Vine are almost too pretty to eat—almost. Head chef Camden Stuerzenberger plates his New American cuisine beautifully, but it tastes even better than it looks. Case in point: the pretzel bread pudding. Smothered with mustard-caramel sauce and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, the pretzel bread pudding walks the line between dinner and dessert.

Before you indulge in something sweet, try one of Chef Camden's entrees or a few tapas. The small plates include PEI mussels in guajillo chile broth, wood-fired veggies with shrimp and Thai curry, or house-made chips with eclectic dips. Full entrees range from wild grouper with pickled shrimp to a massive 36-ounce cowboy ribeye steak, served with crunchy onions and bleu cheese butter. Any of the eats pair well with a pint from the expansive beer list or a glass from the equally impressive wine list.

Fork and Vine
3010 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 489-7000
forkvine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fork-and-vine-austin

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