When I'm looking for an eating reference, I read Texas Monthly. I've been "depending" upon them for 35 years. They have a list in the back and it's organized by city. They review the top dollar places and the common places.
I still remember going to the Rio Grande Valley in 1982 and eating at their recommendation in Reynosa, Mexico. The "especial de casa" was about 4 plates worth of food that included typical Tex-Mex border fare, as well as mashed potatoes and gravy and onion rings!!! the Texas Monthly review is how I found La Fogata in San Antonio.
Through the years, Texas Monthly has done articles on Best BBQ in Texas 3 times. I have a separate post on Texas BBQ and much of it was because of their information. They also did Country Cafes - and between 1985 and 1989 I ate at about 20 of them. My favorite was Schoenneman's in Brenham. While the name has changed, there's still a cafe there and they were glad I came by on a recent trip to Blue Bell ... but that's another posting.
In 2009, Texas Monthly did and article on the Top 50 Hamburgers in Texas. The info is below. I've only eaten at a few of these places (indicated with ***), and will try to eat at more - time and health permitting!
Enjoy!
From Texas Monthly ...
The list is ranked in order of our preference from one to fifty, with the name of the restaurant first. The exact burger we sampled is listed–if you haven’t had it, go try it before you leave a comment. The same place may offer burger variations that range from great to good to yuck. Trust us on this–we ate at more than 250 places to choose the top 50.
1. The Grape, Dallas, Classic Cheeseburger
2. Counter Cafe, Austin, Counter Burger
3. Alamo Springs Cafe, Fredericksburg, Cheeseburger (with green chiles on a jalapeno-cheese bun)
4. Toro Burger Bar, El Paso, Toro Burger
5. The Cove, San Antonio, Texas Burger
6. The Porch, Dallas, The Stodg
7. Perini Ranch Steakhouse, Buffalo Gap, Hamburger Steak on a Bun
8. Dutch’s, Fort Worth, Bacon and Bleu Cheese Burger
9. Beck’s Prime***, Houston, Bacon Cheeseburger
10. Orlando’s, Lubbock, Cheeseburger in Paradise
11. White Buffalo Bar, Gage Hotel Marathon, Buffalo Burger
12. Cover 3, Austin, Chop-House Burger (with cheese and bacon)
13. Burger Fresh, Conroe, 1/2 Pound Burger
14. Burger Tex II, Austin, Burgogi Burger
15. Twisted Root Burger Co., Dallas, Hamburger
16. Max’s Wine Dive, Austin and Houston, Kobe Beef Burger
17. Love Shack, Fort Worth, Dirty Love Burger
18. Fatty’s Burgers & More, San Antonio, Ref Burger
19. MoMak’s Backyard Malts & Burgers, San Antonio, MoMak Classic Burger
20. Kelly’s Eastside, Plano, Southwestern Burger
21. Big’z Burger Joint, San Antonio, Big’z Famous No. 1
22. Chicken Oil Co., Bryan, Snuffy Burger
23. Cafe Michael Burger, Galveston, Tiki Burger
24. Burgers, Fries and Cherry Pies, Midland, The French Connection Burger
25. Mockingbird Bistro, Houston, American Kobe Beef Burger
26. Parkside, Austin, Cheeseburger
27. Black Sheep Lodge, Austin, Black Buffalo Burger
28. Miss Hattie’s Cafe and Saloon, San Angelo, Miss Hattie Burger
29. Mel’s Country Cafe, Tomball, Double Hamburger
30. Roaring Fork, Austin, Half Ass Burger (also in San Antonio)
31. Gene’s Tasty Burger, Wichita Falls, Frisco Burger
32. Cliff Cafe, Dallas, Brie and Granny Smith Burger
33. Bracken Store Cafe, San Antonio, Bean and Frito Burger
34. Sam’s Deli Diner, Houston, Hamburger
35. Dry Creek Cafe, Houston, The Regular (with asadero cheese)
36. Hamburger Store, Jefferson, Build-Your-Own Burger
37. Mighty Fine, Austin, Hamburger
38. Roadhouse, Bastrop, Jalapeno Cream Cheese Burger
39. Lankford Grocery and Market, Houston, Old-Fashioned Hamburger
40. Classics Burgers and “Moore,” Kerrville, Cheeseburger
41. Koffee Kup Family Restaurant, Hico, Jalapeno Cream Cheese Burger
42. Hruska’s Store and Bakery***, Ellinger, Cheeseburger
43. Rosco’s Burger Inn***, El Paso, Rosco Burger
44. Port Aransas Brewing Company, Port Aransas, Stopher Burger
45. Goode Company Hamburgers and Taqueria***, Houston, Mesquite Burger
46. Snuffer’s Restaurant and Bar, Dallas, Green Chile Swissburger
47. Fred’s Texas Cafe, Fort Worth, Diablo Burger
48. Speedy’s Burger, Houston, Hamburguesa Mexicana
49. Gourmet Burger Grill, San Antonio, Hamburger
50. Jakes, Dallas, #1 Jakes Special
page dedication - to Lynn, who asked for a good place to eat when he was in El Paso
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Eating in Chicago
Headed for the Windy City? Here's my food suggestions for Chicago:
My favorite places to eat are Giordano's and Gino's ... I can eat
there two or three times each trip and NEVER have the same thing.
My favorite is Giordano's ... several locations .. and I now get my Chicago Italian fix when I go to Florida.
http://www.giordanos.com/main.php
They have a good selection of Italian cuisine in addition to the pizza.
Gino's ... aka Gino's East
http://featuredfoods.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/a-store/c-GinoAns_East.shtml?E+scstore+ginos
They also serve thin crust pizza and you can get pizza by the slice
For "hamborgerz" and history, there's nothing like the Billy Goat Tavern ... which originated "The Curse" on the Chicago Cubs. The original is downtown and there are other locations.
http://www.billygoattavern.com/locations.html
And what's a trip to Chicago without a hot dog (or two)??? There's a
real Chi Town treat!!! My recommendations are:
Superdawg ... it's MY favorite ... great atmosphere
http://www.superdawg.com/
Another with a great history is Demon Dogs but when I was looking at the web, they don't have a dedicated site - several locations - but can't tell which ones are open. If you see one, enjoy.
http://www.hollyeats.com/DemonDog.htm
Portillo's is another great hot dog spot (and they have several locations ... and the family has other restaurants)
http://www.portillos.com/
if you're out towards Evanston there's Bill's Drive In for hot dogs.
If you're by Wrigley Field, there are several places ...
Cubby Bear and Murphy's Bleachers are bars ... activity will vary depending upon the baseball schedule. Both are legends!
Harry Caray's Tavern, Dugout Bar and Grill, and Vines on Clark offer bar and grill type food and unique atmosphere.
Here's a note for Astros fans not used to the concept ... you CAN carry in food (and drinks) to Wrigley Field!
Finally ... recommendations from trusted palates ...
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse ... a little pricey but a good value. Very good steak! Lots of baseball memorabilia!
http://www.diningchicago.com/2008/show_banner.php?restID=270
there's also the Weber Grill. You know the grills in the backyard? This a restaurant where they just cook on the kettles ... YUM
http://www.webergrillrestaurant.com/
if you like beer ... Goose Island is a local brew ... they have brew pubs ...
http://www.gooseisland.com/pages/home/56.php
Those are the places I've been to and eaten or have a good recommendation from my BFF Neal (he takes great trips) and my sister (who goes there often).
Lots of good food to choose from in Chicago ... let me know how your trip went and where you ate.
dedications: to Jeanie - glad you had great seats and the Astros won for you!!! to Josh and Ellen - enjoy!!!
My favorite places to eat are Giordano's and Gino's ... I can eat
there two or three times each trip and NEVER have the same thing.
My favorite is Giordano's ... several locations .. and I now get my Chicago Italian fix when I go to Florida.
http://www.giordanos.com/main.php
They have a good selection of Italian cuisine in addition to the pizza.
Gino's ... aka Gino's East
http://featuredfoods.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/a-store/c-GinoAns_East.shtml?E+scstore+ginos
They also serve thin crust pizza and you can get pizza by the slice
For "hamborgerz" and history, there's nothing like the Billy Goat Tavern ... which originated "The Curse" on the Chicago Cubs. The original is downtown and there are other locations.
http://www.billygoattavern.com/locations.html
And what's a trip to Chicago without a hot dog (or two)??? There's a
real Chi Town treat!!! My recommendations are:
Superdawg ... it's MY favorite ... great atmosphere
http://www.superdawg.com/
Another with a great history is Demon Dogs but when I was looking at the web, they don't have a dedicated site - several locations - but can't tell which ones are open. If you see one, enjoy.
http://www.hollyeats.com/DemonDog.htm
Portillo's is another great hot dog spot (and they have several locations ... and the family has other restaurants)
http://www.portillos.com/
if you're out towards Evanston there's Bill's Drive In for hot dogs.
If you're by Wrigley Field, there are several places ...
Cubby Bear and Murphy's Bleachers are bars ... activity will vary depending upon the baseball schedule. Both are legends!
Harry Caray's Tavern, Dugout Bar and Grill, and Vines on Clark offer bar and grill type food and unique atmosphere.
Here's a note for Astros fans not used to the concept ... you CAN carry in food (and drinks) to Wrigley Field!
Finally ... recommendations from trusted palates ...
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse ... a little pricey but a good value. Very good steak! Lots of baseball memorabilia!
http://www.diningchicago.com/2008/show_banner.php?restID=270
there's also the Weber Grill. You know the grills in the backyard? This a restaurant where they just cook on the kettles ... YUM
http://www.webergrillrestaurant.com/
if you like beer ... Goose Island is a local brew ... they have brew pubs ...
http://www.gooseisland.com/pages/home/56.php
Those are the places I've been to and eaten or have a good recommendation from my BFF Neal (he takes great trips) and my sister (who goes there often).
Lots of good food to choose from in Chicago ... let me know how your trip went and where you ate.
dedications: to Jeanie - glad you had great seats and the Astros won for you!!! to Josh and Ellen - enjoy!!!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Eating in San Antonio
Every Texan has two homes ... their own and San Antonio. The Alamo City attracts people from across the country and around the world for meetings and seminars (they have the HUGE Henry B. Gonzalez center, as well as business headquarters and Army and Air Force bases), but people from all over the Lone Star State go there for vacations, playcations, and a general good time. That's one reason you see so many smiling faces in San Antonio
When you think of San Antonio, you think of The River Walk and Mexican food.
The oldest place with the best food is Casa Rio. I ate here the first time I visited in 1972, and I keep coming back, not as often as in the past, but still once in a while. My favorites are the enchiladas. You can eat inside, but it's fun to sit on the patio along the river. Yes, everyone will look at your plate, so take your time eating - and clean up your plate!
Also on the River Walk is the Original Mexican Restaurant. They have the usual Mexican fare here, but they have something no one else has - Kangaroo Court Cheesecake. The KC was a great dining place for years well known for their desserts. Many lamented their closing. But they live on at the Original Mexican Restaurant.
A trolley or cab ride away from the river is El Mercado - The Market. You'll find two San Antonio traditions here ... Mi Tierra and La Margarita. Mi Tierra has the basics and is open 24 hours - serving breakfast and late nite munchies. One of the reasons to visit is their bakery (Panderia in Spanish). There's all kinds of goodies - I like the candied fruits and empanadas.
http://www.mitierracafe.com/default.html
La Margarita bills itself as "Restaurant and Oyster Bar." It is the home of fajitas, one of the first restaurants in San Antonio to serve them. They have many traditional recipes, as well as strolling musicians. My favorite musical "incident" happened here ... the mariachi band sang "the Yellow Rose of Texas" in Spanish for a group of Japanese tourists.
http://www.lamargarita.com/
BOTH places will have long lines at peak times (like Friday and Saturday nights), so be patient.
The Cortez Family also has the little Mexican Restaurant there to the side of Market Square - it's not as flashy and serves more fish dishes. It's a good place to eat as well.
Over in the covered market will be a couple of places to eat. I've always wanted to try them but haven't. There really aren't too many bad places to eat in San Antonio. If they can't compete, they close!
The one thing you WILL see in this area are a number of locals eating. My friends from San Antonio tell me most of them went to Mi Tierra on prom nite, or prom morning after.
Away from The Mercado and River Walk, my favorite Mexican places include El Jarro de Arturo (north side on San Pedro past the Airport)), La Fogata (near down town), Martha's (on the 410 near the airport and two other locations), and Taco Garage (on Broadway near 410).
http://www.eljarro.com/
http://www.lafogata.com/main/index.php
http://www.tacogarage.com/
Just once in your life, eat at the top of the Tower of the Americas. If nothing else, have an appetizer, dessert, coffee or drink. It violates my "don't eat at chain restaurant" rule, especially in a great food town like San Antonio, but this is one of the best views in Texas.
http://www.toweroftheamericas.com/
San Antonio was also a cattle town and a German town.
My favorite place is Schilo's. It's a German Deli and cafe ... open Monday thru Saturday. They close early (like 8pm). It has home made root beer and daily lunch specials. The very first time I ate there is was a VERY cold day. They said their split pea soup would warm me up. I don't care for green peas, and I couldn't imagine I'd like them split in a soup, but when in Rome (or San Antonio) ... yummmmm. Lots of ham in it - served with lots of rye bread ... it's delicious! I plan my San Antonio eating around Schilo's lunch specials! It's reviewed and recommended by Frommer, Zagat, Mobil, AAA, Yahoo Travel, Urban Sppon, Guy Fieri ... and now me! one word - go. Two words - go often!!!
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sanantonio/D12649.html
The Little Rhein Steak House on the Rive Walk is a good place to get a steak. Great Steaks and a great view. A romantic splurge.
http://www.littlerheinsteakhouse.com/
Across from The Alamo is the G-M Steak House. They have a great steak and eggs breakfast! The food is nothing too exciting, but decent and cheap.
In the King William District, I like two places ...
The Guenther House serves breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. It's part of the Pioneer Flour Mills, which Texans will recognize. As you might expect, eat their biscuits!
http://www.guentherhouse.com/
For quirky, fun and good, there's the Madhatter Tea House and Cafe. Don't be fooled by the name. There's more than sandwiches (and tea). Order at the counter and find a table. There's a Saturday and Sunday brunch. Relax and enjoy. Save room for dessert!
http://www.madhatterstea.com/menu/
There's lots of places to get a drink, but none more famous than The Menger Hotel. Teddy Roosevelt recruited his rough riders in the lobby. There's a brunch in The Colonial Room Monday thru Saturday.
... a couple of off beat places ...
The Fourth Street Cafe. It's run by the First Baptist Church of San Antonio and only open Tuesday thru Friday 11 -2. They serve one of the best Chicken Friend Steaks you'll eat! Your purchase supports their food ministry to SAT’s homeless.
http://www.fbcsa.org/templates/cusfbcsa/details.asp?id=34507&PID=354546
the other "BEST PLACE" for CFS is Lulu's. It's also the place for the two pound cinnamon roll. Yummmmmm! My parents found this place a few years back and were surprised I hadn't made it there sooner. Truth is, I'd been at Mi Tierra and other panderias around town. Their CFS is great and comes with homemade sides. It's enough food for two. And that two pound cinnamon roll - it;s good for the entire group.
http://www.luluscafeinsa.com/
I hesitate to eat at national chain places when traveling. But I will recommend Hard Rock Cafe. To me, it's as much "museum" as "place to eat." It has a good location in SAT, so go. You'll probably see this post in "things to do - San Antonio" as well.
I haven't mentioned eating at The Quarry - which has developed over the years, or up in Boerne, or out west Castroville. I'll save that for other posts. If you're going thee before it gets written, send me a request. After all, it's how this blog got started.
Finally ... I lament the closing of a couple of faves. One was The Pig Stand. I got to eat at two San Antonio locations. They are credited as the inventors of onion rings. God bless them for that! The other was Truffel's on New Braunfels Ave. When my dad had an extended assignment from his company in the mid-1980's, we'd visit him on weekends and eat there on Sunday mornings. We would check out the dessert tray first and actually ATE dessert first, then had custom omelets, sliced ham and prime rib, and all kinds of sides. One thing you can be certain - if my dad and I were eating together, we weren't wasting tummy space on salads!
page dedication ... to my daughter, who loves the food of San Antonio; my parents, who helped me discover the fun and food; Terry, who twice said "I'm full" ... and to Lisa, happy 21st birthday!
When you think of San Antonio, you think of The River Walk and Mexican food.
The oldest place with the best food is Casa Rio. I ate here the first time I visited in 1972, and I keep coming back, not as often as in the past, but still once in a while. My favorites are the enchiladas. You can eat inside, but it's fun to sit on the patio along the river. Yes, everyone will look at your plate, so take your time eating - and clean up your plate!
Also on the River Walk is the Original Mexican Restaurant. They have the usual Mexican fare here, but they have something no one else has - Kangaroo Court Cheesecake. The KC was a great dining place for years well known for their desserts. Many lamented their closing. But they live on at the Original Mexican Restaurant.
A trolley or cab ride away from the river is El Mercado - The Market. You'll find two San Antonio traditions here ... Mi Tierra and La Margarita. Mi Tierra has the basics and is open 24 hours - serving breakfast and late nite munchies. One of the reasons to visit is their bakery (Panderia in Spanish). There's all kinds of goodies - I like the candied fruits and empanadas.
http://www.mitierracafe.com/default.html
La Margarita bills itself as "Restaurant and Oyster Bar." It is the home of fajitas, one of the first restaurants in San Antonio to serve them. They have many traditional recipes, as well as strolling musicians. My favorite musical "incident" happened here ... the mariachi band sang "the Yellow Rose of Texas" in Spanish for a group of Japanese tourists.
http://www.lamargarita.com/
BOTH places will have long lines at peak times (like Friday and Saturday nights), so be patient.
The Cortez Family also has the little Mexican Restaurant there to the side of Market Square - it's not as flashy and serves more fish dishes. It's a good place to eat as well.
Over in the covered market will be a couple of places to eat. I've always wanted to try them but haven't. There really aren't too many bad places to eat in San Antonio. If they can't compete, they close!
The one thing you WILL see in this area are a number of locals eating. My friends from San Antonio tell me most of them went to Mi Tierra on prom nite, or prom morning after.
Away from The Mercado and River Walk, my favorite Mexican places include El Jarro de Arturo (north side on San Pedro past the Airport)), La Fogata (near down town), Martha's (on the 410 near the airport and two other locations), and Taco Garage (on Broadway near 410).
http://www.eljarro.com/
http://www.lafogata.com/main/index.php
http://www.tacogarage.com/
Just once in your life, eat at the top of the Tower of the Americas. If nothing else, have an appetizer, dessert, coffee or drink. It violates my "don't eat at chain restaurant" rule, especially in a great food town like San Antonio, but this is one of the best views in Texas.
http://www.toweroftheamericas.com/
San Antonio was also a cattle town and a German town.
My favorite place is Schilo's. It's a German Deli and cafe ... open Monday thru Saturday. They close early (like 8pm). It has home made root beer and daily lunch specials. The very first time I ate there is was a VERY cold day. They said their split pea soup would warm me up. I don't care for green peas, and I couldn't imagine I'd like them split in a soup, but when in Rome (or San Antonio) ... yummmmm. Lots of ham in it - served with lots of rye bread ... it's delicious! I plan my San Antonio eating around Schilo's lunch specials! It's reviewed and recommended by Frommer, Zagat, Mobil, AAA, Yahoo Travel, Urban Sppon, Guy Fieri ... and now me! one word - go. Two words - go often!!!
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sanantonio/D12649.html
The Little Rhein Steak House on the Rive Walk is a good place to get a steak. Great Steaks and a great view. A romantic splurge.
http://www.littlerheinsteakhouse.com/
Across from The Alamo is the G-M Steak House. They have a great steak and eggs breakfast! The food is nothing too exciting, but decent and cheap.
In the King William District, I like two places ...
The Guenther House serves breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. It's part of the Pioneer Flour Mills, which Texans will recognize. As you might expect, eat their biscuits!
http://www.guentherhouse.com/
For quirky, fun and good, there's the Madhatter Tea House and Cafe. Don't be fooled by the name. There's more than sandwiches (and tea). Order at the counter and find a table. There's a Saturday and Sunday brunch. Relax and enjoy. Save room for dessert!
http://www.madhatterstea.com/menu/
There's lots of places to get a drink, but none more famous than The Menger Hotel. Teddy Roosevelt recruited his rough riders in the lobby. There's a brunch in The Colonial Room Monday thru Saturday.
... a couple of off beat places ...
The Fourth Street Cafe. It's run by the First Baptist Church of San Antonio and only open Tuesday thru Friday 11 -2. They serve one of the best Chicken Friend Steaks you'll eat! Your purchase supports their food ministry to SAT’s homeless.
http://www.fbcsa.org/templates/cusfbcsa/details.asp?id=34507&PID=354546
the other "BEST PLACE" for CFS is Lulu's. It's also the place for the two pound cinnamon roll. Yummmmmm! My parents found this place a few years back and were surprised I hadn't made it there sooner. Truth is, I'd been at Mi Tierra and other panderias around town. Their CFS is great and comes with homemade sides. It's enough food for two. And that two pound cinnamon roll - it;s good for the entire group.
http://www.luluscafeinsa.com/
I hesitate to eat at national chain places when traveling. But I will recommend Hard Rock Cafe. To me, it's as much "museum" as "place to eat." It has a good location in SAT, so go. You'll probably see this post in "things to do - San Antonio" as well.
I haven't mentioned eating at The Quarry - which has developed over the years, or up in Boerne, or out west Castroville. I'll save that for other posts. If you're going thee before it gets written, send me a request. After all, it's how this blog got started.
Finally ... I lament the closing of a couple of faves. One was The Pig Stand. I got to eat at two San Antonio locations. They are credited as the inventors of onion rings. God bless them for that! The other was Truffel's on New Braunfels Ave. When my dad had an extended assignment from his company in the mid-1980's, we'd visit him on weekends and eat there on Sunday mornings. We would check out the dessert tray first and actually ATE dessert first, then had custom omelets, sliced ham and prime rib, and all kinds of sides. One thing you can be certain - if my dad and I were eating together, we weren't wasting tummy space on salads!
page dedication ... to my daughter, who loves the food of San Antonio; my parents, who helped me discover the fun and food; Terry, who twice said "I'm full" ... and to Lisa, happy 21st birthday!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Eating in Austin
As much is Austin is a football town, Austin is a food town! And the Capital of the Lone Star State is perhaps the best topic to be blog entry numero uno.
My connection began in 1974, the moment I arrived at Sam Houston State University. My roommate graduated from John H. Reagan High School in Austin and took it upon himself to teach this Yankee about all things Texan. He learned me about Friday Night Lights, CFS, bar-b-que being both a NOUN and a VERB, and other great things for which I am eternally grateful - like Gary P Nunn, Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey, and, of course, Willie, Waylon, and the boys. I think of him every single time I enter Travis County and start humming "I wanna go home with the armadillos ... "
And the music brings us to the food ...
My favorite place to eat is Threadgill's - both the original place on N Lamar and the place I like best on Barton Springs at Riverside. Both have great a place in Texas history. Take a moment ot read about them on their web site ...
http://www.threadgills.com/
Biggest reason I like them - no matter who goes with you, everyone in your party will find something they like. Texas country favorites are on the list (Chicken Fried Steak, Pecan Crusted Chicken) as well as burgers, meatloaf, and grilled items. There's even Liver and Onions which I hear are good but NO amount of money will ever get me to eat. There's also all kinds of sides - 28 choices. Now, I'm a meat and potatoes guy - but mostly MEAT. But they have GREAT vegetables. My faves are the San Antonio Squash, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Texas Black-Eyed Pea Caviar, and Garlic Cheese Grits Threadgill's offers a 3-choice or 5-choice plate. And while they don't ADVERTISE all you can eat, you do get refills on your sides (within reason). They have great portions, good prices.
My next favorite place is Mandola's Italian Market. They have two locations, the original on N Lamar at Guadalupe in The Triangle, and the new one out on Bee Cave Road. His twin son's run the locations and Damian is a frequent visitor. I went to college with Damian Mandola (co-founder of Carrabba's) and that surely might prejudice this recommendation were it not for the good food ... and the happy responses from others! It's a casual atmosphere. They have good Italian food (to go and sit down, as well as menu and table service). There's meats and food in the Deli. An then there's DESSERTS!!! Cakes, cookies, gelato - yum! All homemade and fresh. The varieties change with demand. Lots of choices and sampling is encouraged!!! You can tell this is authentic Italian ... photos of the Virgin Mother, the Holy Father, Damian's mama Rosa, and Frank Sinatra greet you as you enter he Bee Cave location. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia winks at you on the way to the restroom (you'll need a chair to read the letter). There's a lighted Bocce court out back. Wine is served by the glass or you can buy a bottle. Portions are generous. We got a "small" gelato, asked for two flavors, and had enough to share (had I wanted).
http://www.mandolasitalianmarket.com/
Across the parking lot from Mandola's Italian Market on Lamar is Flying Saucer ... aka - BEEEEEEEER! 75 taps from all over the world, including Austin and the Hill Country. On the other end of the strip center on Bee Cave is Spec's - Spirits and Fine Food (one of several Austin locations). Enjoy ... and enjoy responsibly.
I HAD to eat at Bess Bistro the first time because it's owned by Sandra Bullock. I'll come back because of the food. They offer half price appetizers (they're called "morsels" on the menu) for happy hour (2:30 - 6:30 M-F), daily specials, and brunch on Sunday. They have a wonderful atmosphere - nice but not pretentious.
I had the Smoked Bacon Mussels for $5. There were 18 in a great tomato bisque with a bacon ragout. But the pan grilled garlic-butter ciabatta bread ... OMG!!! The bread MADE the meal. Okay - everything else was well crafted, and who expects 18 mussels in an appetizer? It was dinner for me on a Friday evening. They "only" had 4 beers taps and I was thinking - sure, B, M, C and SB (Shiner Bock) ... but NO - Independence's Austin Amber, Abita's Purple Haze, Victory's Hop Devil IPA and (512)'s Pecan Porter. Yummmmmm! Great choices. BTW - I missed Sandra by 18 hours. According to my sources, so did most other in the restaurant as she sat unassumingly at a table with baby Louis, her hair pulled back, no make-up, and blue jeans.
Went back for a second trip to Bess. This time, it was a date, and could there be ANY more pressure on a guy? We had (shared) the Caramelized Onion and Wild Mushroom Tart with petite mache salad (burgundy shallot vinagrette) and the Creole Shrimp Bess - 7 Jumbo/Extra Jumbo Gulf shrimp (about the size of your thumb and 16 - 24 per pound category) with grilled ciabatta. One of the chefs, Janelle, came out and chatted. To me, THAT is some kinda' pressure - to be willing to face your customers. She's from Lubbock, spent time in the US Navy (where she acquired her love and knowledge for seafood), and is doing what she LOVES. She had nothing to fear as everything was perfectly prepared. The waiter was punctual and informative; the maitre de stopped by several times, as well. Next trip - will it be for happy hour morsels or something on the newly revised menu???
http://www.bessbistro.com/
A surprise find was the Texas Embassy on 6th Street - Cuban food! The traditional Cuban sandwich was spot on to Tampa ... 16 beers on tap at $4 per pint was great. It's touted as a gathering spot for games - there's a back porch and upstairs. I was there with Neal Scott for the World Cup (USA - England 6/12/10). We sat at the bar and had a 50-inch TV within easy eye sight. I loved the restroom doors - y'all better pay attention when running to the bath rooms!!!
http://www.texasembassyaustin.com/
Austin is a BBQ town. Uncle Billy's Brew and 'Cue on Barton Springs and Stubbs are two places I've eaten. They do well with whatever you like. I'm a sausage guy. Uncle Billy's has moist and tender BBQ, generous portions, plentiful fried okra ... and very tasty home-brewed beer. There's a Honky-Tonk Happy Hour sat and Sunday 2-6 ... and it what Austin is all about. one word - Go!!!
http://www.unclebillysaustin.com/
Stubb's is close to the downtown action, just a few steps off Sixth Street. It's been ages since I was there but the line down Red River on a recent Friday night shows there's something worth waiting for inside ... like fried green tomatoes, smoked duck quesadillas, and Texas onion rings!
http://www.stubbsaustin.com
Take a drive out FM 1826 towards Driftwood (at Camp Ben McCullough) is Salt Lick BBQ. It's a wonderful place with spacious grounds and live music most nights. Expect a wait at prime times. It's cash only and BYOB. The meats are good but I pretty well stuff myself with their slaw.
http://www.saltlickbbq.com/
There's also a little blue stand, BBQ Heaven, on the corner of 7th Street and Red River that has GREAT food and you can see it being cooked on the pit outside. Nothing fancy ... but honest, hard-working folks making great food at a great price ... $3 and $4 sandwiches.
Austin also has lots of good Mexican food. The tried and true is Matt's El Rancho. If you drive to the east side of I-35 into the Hispanic areas, there are lots of good places.
http://www.mattselrancho.com/
Once place I'd never visited in previous trips was The Oasis. It has the best sunsets in Texas, and it was lovely the night I was there. We had great guacamole and good queso on chips which were way too thick and mass produced (I like my chips thin and crispy). I asked a friend what was good on the menu and he said it was all down hill from there. I've heard the same comments from friends in the two weeks after my visit. The hamburger I had was edible but not memorable. But the sunset ... awesome ... bring your camera!!! Learn to use your manual setting or you'll miss out on spectacular pix!!!!
http://www.oasis-austin.com/
Again - the opines here are my own. Yes, LOTS of places I've missed and many I wanna try - Artz Ribs, House Park BBQ, Hey Cupcake, Taco Hut and more. I haven't been compensated in any way from any of the above establishments.
Hey, wanna save some $$$'s on eating in Austin??? Some SERIOUS $$$$$$$$$$'s ... ???????
Here's a site that'll help you lots (it did for me!!!)
http://www.frugalfeaster.com/
This post dedicated to: Lisa, who was headed to Austin and asked for food info (and under deadline pressure I wrote and wrote) ... and Jeanie, for putting me up and putting up with me.
My connection began in 1974, the moment I arrived at Sam Houston State University. My roommate graduated from John H. Reagan High School in Austin and took it upon himself to teach this Yankee about all things Texan. He learned me about Friday Night Lights, CFS, bar-b-que being both a NOUN and a VERB, and other great things for which I am eternally grateful - like Gary P Nunn, Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey, and, of course, Willie, Waylon, and the boys. I think of him every single time I enter Travis County and start humming "I wanna go home with the armadillos ... "
And the music brings us to the food ...
My favorite place to eat is Threadgill's - both the original place on N Lamar and the place I like best on Barton Springs at Riverside. Both have great a place in Texas history. Take a moment ot read about them on their web site ...
http://www.threadgills.com/
Biggest reason I like them - no matter who goes with you, everyone in your party will find something they like. Texas country favorites are on the list (Chicken Fried Steak, Pecan Crusted Chicken) as well as burgers, meatloaf, and grilled items. There's even Liver and Onions which I hear are good but NO amount of money will ever get me to eat. There's also all kinds of sides - 28 choices. Now, I'm a meat and potatoes guy - but mostly MEAT. But they have GREAT vegetables. My faves are the San Antonio Squash, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Texas Black-Eyed Pea Caviar, and Garlic Cheese Grits Threadgill's offers a 3-choice or 5-choice plate. And while they don't ADVERTISE all you can eat, you do get refills on your sides (within reason). They have great portions, good prices.
My next favorite place is Mandola's Italian Market. They have two locations, the original on N Lamar at Guadalupe in The Triangle, and the new one out on Bee Cave Road. His twin son's run the locations and Damian is a frequent visitor. I went to college with Damian Mandola (co-founder of Carrabba's) and that surely might prejudice this recommendation were it not for the good food ... and the happy responses from others! It's a casual atmosphere. They have good Italian food (to go and sit down, as well as menu and table service). There's meats and food in the Deli. An then there's DESSERTS!!! Cakes, cookies, gelato - yum! All homemade and fresh. The varieties change with demand. Lots of choices and sampling is encouraged!!! You can tell this is authentic Italian ... photos of the Virgin Mother, the Holy Father, Damian's mama Rosa, and Frank Sinatra greet you as you enter he Bee Cave location. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia winks at you on the way to the restroom (you'll need a chair to read the letter). There's a lighted Bocce court out back. Wine is served by the glass or you can buy a bottle. Portions are generous. We got a "small" gelato, asked for two flavors, and had enough to share (had I wanted).
http://www.mandolasitalianmarket.com/
Across the parking lot from Mandola's Italian Market on Lamar is Flying Saucer ... aka - BEEEEEEEER! 75 taps from all over the world, including Austin and the Hill Country. On the other end of the strip center on Bee Cave is Spec's - Spirits and Fine Food (one of several Austin locations). Enjoy ... and enjoy responsibly.
I HAD to eat at Bess Bistro the first time because it's owned by Sandra Bullock. I'll come back because of the food. They offer half price appetizers (they're called "morsels" on the menu) for happy hour (2:30 - 6:30 M-F), daily specials, and brunch on Sunday. They have a wonderful atmosphere - nice but not pretentious.
I had the Smoked Bacon Mussels for $5. There were 18 in a great tomato bisque with a bacon ragout. But the pan grilled garlic-butter ciabatta bread ... OMG!!! The bread MADE the meal. Okay - everything else was well crafted, and who expects 18 mussels in an appetizer? It was dinner for me on a Friday evening. They "only" had 4 beers taps and I was thinking - sure, B, M, C and SB (Shiner Bock) ... but NO - Independence's Austin Amber, Abita's Purple Haze, Victory's Hop Devil IPA and (512)'s Pecan Porter. Yummmmmm! Great choices. BTW - I missed Sandra by 18 hours. According to my sources, so did most other in the restaurant as she sat unassumingly at a table with baby Louis, her hair pulled back, no make-up, and blue jeans.
Went back for a second trip to Bess. This time, it was a date, and could there be ANY more pressure on a guy? We had (shared) the Caramelized Onion and Wild Mushroom Tart with petite mache salad (burgundy shallot vinagrette) and the Creole Shrimp Bess - 7 Jumbo/Extra Jumbo Gulf shrimp (about the size of your thumb and 16 - 24 per pound category) with grilled ciabatta. One of the chefs, Janelle, came out and chatted. To me, THAT is some kinda' pressure - to be willing to face your customers. She's from Lubbock, spent time in the US Navy (where she acquired her love and knowledge for seafood), and is doing what she LOVES. She had nothing to fear as everything was perfectly prepared. The waiter was punctual and informative; the maitre de stopped by several times, as well. Next trip - will it be for happy hour morsels or something on the newly revised menu???
http://www.bessbistro.com/
A surprise find was the Texas Embassy on 6th Street - Cuban food! The traditional Cuban sandwich was spot on to Tampa ... 16 beers on tap at $4 per pint was great. It's touted as a gathering spot for games - there's a back porch and upstairs. I was there with Neal Scott for the World Cup (USA - England 6/12/10). We sat at the bar and had a 50-inch TV within easy eye sight. I loved the restroom doors - y'all better pay attention when running to the bath rooms!!!
http://www.texasembassyaustin.com/
Austin is a BBQ town. Uncle Billy's Brew and 'Cue on Barton Springs and Stubbs are two places I've eaten. They do well with whatever you like. I'm a sausage guy. Uncle Billy's has moist and tender BBQ, generous portions, plentiful fried okra ... and very tasty home-brewed beer. There's a Honky-Tonk Happy Hour sat and Sunday 2-6 ... and it what Austin is all about. one word - Go!!!
http://www.unclebillysaustin.com/
Stubb's is close to the downtown action, just a few steps off Sixth Street. It's been ages since I was there but the line down Red River on a recent Friday night shows there's something worth waiting for inside ... like fried green tomatoes, smoked duck quesadillas, and Texas onion rings!
http://www.stubbsaustin.com
Take a drive out FM 1826 towards Driftwood (at Camp Ben McCullough) is Salt Lick BBQ. It's a wonderful place with spacious grounds and live music most nights. Expect a wait at prime times. It's cash only and BYOB. The meats are good but I pretty well stuff myself with their slaw.
http://www.saltlickbbq.com/
There's also a little blue stand, BBQ Heaven, on the corner of 7th Street and Red River that has GREAT food and you can see it being cooked on the pit outside. Nothing fancy ... but honest, hard-working folks making great food at a great price ... $3 and $4 sandwiches.
Austin also has lots of good Mexican food. The tried and true is Matt's El Rancho. If you drive to the east side of I-35 into the Hispanic areas, there are lots of good places.
http://www.mattselrancho.com/
Once place I'd never visited in previous trips was The Oasis. It has the best sunsets in Texas, and it was lovely the night I was there. We had great guacamole and good queso on chips which were way too thick and mass produced (I like my chips thin and crispy). I asked a friend what was good on the menu and he said it was all down hill from there. I've heard the same comments from friends in the two weeks after my visit. The hamburger I had was edible but not memorable. But the sunset ... awesome ... bring your camera!!! Learn to use your manual setting or you'll miss out on spectacular pix!!!!
http://www.oasis-austin.com/
Again - the opines here are my own. Yes, LOTS of places I've missed and many I wanna try - Artz Ribs, House Park BBQ, Hey Cupcake, Taco Hut and more. I haven't been compensated in any way from any of the above establishments.
Hey, wanna save some $$$'s on eating in Austin??? Some SERIOUS $$$$$$$$$$'s ... ???????
Here's a site that'll help you lots (it did for me!!!)
http://www.frugalfeaster.com/
This post dedicated to: Lisa, who was headed to Austin and asked for food info (and under deadline pressure I wrote and wrote) ... and Jeanie, for putting me up and putting up with me.
Welcome
Thanks for reading my little spot of cyberspace. No trees were harmed in the making of this blog, but a few atoms will be greatly disturbed.
As the title says - it's about Pix, Plates, and Places. I asked for names. Held a contest. Finally came up with two names on my own and this was the one selected by an unscientific vote of 5 people - they all agreed on this one. I value their opinions since three of them were my students and the other two are great graphic designers and wonderful female thinkers.
Why am I doing this? Simply put, people ask me ... What's a good camera to buy? Where's a good place to eat in (insert town here)? What should I see in (again, name a town)?
David Brinkley once wrote a book "Everyone's Entitled to My Opinion." I'm glad to share mine.
Confucius once said "A man who learns from a mistake is wise. A man who learns from his own mistake is TEN TIMES as wise!" We don't have time to learn from our own mistakes, or to eat bad food, drink bad wine (or beer or tequila), or make too many wrong turns. I hope to help in those respects.
This blog will contain my own personal opinions and observations. If you're reading this, chances are you might know me. If you respect my opinion and think I have good taste in eating, then great. If you want the advice of others, that's fine, too. I'll post links to blogs I read and places where I learn. I think the WWW is an awesome place!
As I've admitted, I don't have a passport, so don't ask about things in Europe or Asia.
Taking pictures is about developing skills, it ain't all about the camera. I'll post my thoughts and advice ... and I'll gladly answer questions, hold classes, and even provide tech support over the phone.
That'll have to do for a welcome for now.
Ohhhhh ... I saw a post that said "pressure is writing emails and sending emails to friends who are copy editors." I soooooo disagree. Pressure is writing a blog and knowing your mother, your former college professor, your HS journalism teacher, your sister, your niece (who got a perfect score on her ACT writing segment and is going to an Ivy League school), and several of your former students are reading what you write. Now THAT, my friend ... THAT is pressure!!!!!
thanks again for reading ... thanks, too, if'n you chuckled.
As the title says - it's about Pix, Plates, and Places. I asked for names. Held a contest. Finally came up with two names on my own and this was the one selected by an unscientific vote of 5 people - they all agreed on this one. I value their opinions since three of them were my students and the other two are great graphic designers and wonderful female thinkers.
Why am I doing this? Simply put, people ask me ... What's a good camera to buy? Where's a good place to eat in (insert town here)? What should I see in (again, name a town)?
David Brinkley once wrote a book "Everyone's Entitled to My Opinion." I'm glad to share mine.
Confucius once said "A man who learns from a mistake is wise. A man who learns from his own mistake is TEN TIMES as wise!" We don't have time to learn from our own mistakes, or to eat bad food, drink bad wine (or beer or tequila), or make too many wrong turns. I hope to help in those respects.
This blog will contain my own personal opinions and observations. If you're reading this, chances are you might know me. If you respect my opinion and think I have good taste in eating, then great. If you want the advice of others, that's fine, too. I'll post links to blogs I read and places where I learn. I think the WWW is an awesome place!
As I've admitted, I don't have a passport, so don't ask about things in Europe or Asia.
Taking pictures is about developing skills, it ain't all about the camera. I'll post my thoughts and advice ... and I'll gladly answer questions, hold classes, and even provide tech support over the phone.
That'll have to do for a welcome for now.
Ohhhhh ... I saw a post that said "pressure is writing emails and sending emails to friends who are copy editors." I soooooo disagree. Pressure is writing a blog and knowing your mother, your former college professor, your HS journalism teacher, your sister, your niece (who got a perfect score on her ACT writing segment and is going to an Ivy League school), and several of your former students are reading what you write. Now THAT, my friend ... THAT is pressure!!!!!
thanks again for reading ... thanks, too, if'n you chuckled.
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