coolranch

Just a tip, buy the Benriner at an Asian market. I got mine for $16.00, and also got a grater w/three different blades for $4. I've seen the Benriner going for $25-30 at "gourmet" shops like Williams Sonoma, etc.

Great lists! I've been in Austin for about 20 years (most of my life) and have been very excited about the restaurants that are here now. Gastrotex--Sarovar is very good, though I haven't been there in about a year. My best friend is Indian and she recommended it to me--we used to each lunch there quite often. The Clay Pit is also worth checking out--if only for the naan. Jaymes--have you tried the mojitos at Saba? I haven't tried one there, but it seems to be their signature drink. They are having a tasting as part of Taste of the Nation. Saba Mojito Tasting NYT--Starlite won't disappoint. I've been there a couple times and both meals were memorable. Their menu changes often, but a few of my favorites are the black bean soup and sear tuna apps, and the tenderloin entree. Wine list is short, but they pick off the beaten path--found some gems. Flemmings is also very good, they can be a little over the top with their presentation/service, but the wine list has many interesting choices--beyond the usual cal cabs--and the beef is consistently good. Curra’s is a favorite of ours, too. The seviche is worth checking out. My favorites, in no particular order, and sure I forgot one: Starlite Wink Fonda San Miguel Ranch 616 Asti Hyde Park Grill Musashino-best sushi, but we love DK at Seoul, too. Hai Ky--pho, pho, pho On my list to try: Habana Madras Mirabelle Bellagio

A bartender friend of mine makes a fig-infused sake. He keeps one of those big jars w/the spigot. I'm not sure of the measurements, but once the figs soak for a day or so, he heats a snifter glass with the steam from his espresso machine and serves it in the warm glass as a digestif. It's good and has a warm-raisiny taste. He also infuses vodka with dried apples for an apple martini that tastes like apple struedel instead of that overly sweet lime green concoction that is so popular.

I grilled some CRS salmon this past weekend w/a glaze of mayo/grainy mustard/toasted mustard seeds/fresh dill and a bit of brown sugar quite good If I come across more, I'll probably just grill it w/a little olive oil s&p and a fresh lemon mmmm

Grey Goose is my vodka of choice--I prefer it neat, out of the freezer, too---or if it's not chilled, STIRRED w/ice for a martini. But, when with my Russian friends, I usually go with Stoli (and cranberry juice). We do have a vodka distillery here in Texas: Tito's Handmade vodka,that's not too offensive.

Ambience definitely affects the dining experience. My main pet peeve lately is small tables too close together-it's an epidemic. I don't want to be forced to eavesdrop on my neighbor's conversation. I was once seated too closed to a roaring fireplace. They were kind enough to move us before we melted. Good service, however, is the most important to me. It can make up for lack of ambience in most cases, but bad service casts a dark shadow on the whole experience no matter how good the food/ambience is.

I love to drink Campari and grapefruit juice in the summer. The first time I ordered it at my local bar, the bartender had never heard of it. He always remembered my after that--the campari and grapfruit juice girl.