Tremor

I just had to add this "follow-up" to the Round Rock Donuts issue. This past weekend, I went there to pick up a dozen. As I was waiting in line for the drive-through, I noticed a stack of boxes out back that were labeled, "Liquid EGG Product". The plot continues to thicken...

I ate at Rounders for the 3rd time (since hearing about Rounders on this thread) this past weekend, and it's my new personal favorite. Although always subject to change, my current pizza haunts are, in order of preference: Rounders Saccones Niki's (in Dobie Mall) Gino's (in Round Rock) Guess I'm going to have to give Reales another chance, since so many of y'all like that place. Back for more research...

Thanks, y'all.

What I did was put a tail on Dale Cohrs. He was wearing a long trench coat and a slouch hat. He met a shady-looking character in a dark alley. Money changed hands, and then I saw it; a small vial of super-concentrated yellow coloring... Actually, the son of the man who started making them in 1926 is still alive and living in Granger (in his 70's now). I emailed him. I was surprised to learn that the food coloring was started by his father, R.R. Moehring. The color originally came from the egg yolks (the color in a good yard egg is generally a deep yellow-orange), but whenever the eggs he used weren't as deeply colored, the customers would complain that the donuts didn't TASTE as good. Of course, there was nothing wrong with the taste. Mr. Moehring found a yellow-orange food coloring that matched a good yolk and started using that for consistency. Complaints about the "taste" stopped. He also said that the color today is way deeper than the "originals". The current owners, the Cohrs (since 1978, I think) are the sixth owners of that business. And, no sweet potatoes.

Hey, thanks, RedQueen. I'll do my best to help you keep them in business!

I don't think so. But, I'll see if I can find out for sure...

Back when Mr. Moehring started making Round Rock Donuts, I imagine the color really did come from the yard eggs. However, these days, I see no way they could even buy all the yard eggs it would require to pop out as many donuts as they do each day. Plus, if the color was still from the egg yolks, you wouldn't have the consistency of color that is present. Just a speculation, but I'll bet they use food coloring.

Outlaw Cook by John Thorne. Mr. Parsons, thank you for your in-depth answers throughout this thread. It's been VERY interesting reading!

The Raw Deal is long gone. That was an Eddie Wilson creation. They opened the second one called Another Raw Deal, but I believe that was after Eddie had sold his interest. That's long gone, also. Taco Flats was a gem. Closed at least 20 years ago, I think. (Getting old and the gray matter is fading.) bhoward, Virginia's was wonderful. I hated to see her close, but age will do that to a person. Some of the places around Austin I really miss (all in the "funky" category, Richard): Spelman's. (I might be wrong on the spelling.) A place I used to go to in the early 80's. FANTASTIC burgers. It was on either west 5th or 6th. Curve Inn. This was a little bar on a curve (duh) just north of Taylor, on Hwy 79 (the REAL 79, not the bypass). One of the best "restaurant" burgers I've ever had in my life. The lot is still vacant. Nick's Great Pizza. A place I ate at almost every week for more years than I remember. It was on 2222 near 620. The best pizza I've ever had. Super thin, perfectly crispy crust, with an incomparible sauce. Nick sold his couple of acres for over half a million, and he retired in his 50's. The building was razed, and the lot is still vacant after years and years. Elena's. A place in Round Rock (where the Red Barn Burgers is now). Ron and Elena had a Mexican restaurant for a very few years. I ate breakfast there once or twice every week, sometimes more. They had one of the best homemade hot sauces I've ever had. When I would walk in, Ron would fill up a new "sqeeze-bottle" for me, knowing I would use almost the whole thing on my breakfast of migas or heuvos rancheros. I would always leave with tears in my eyes (from the heat), but spiritually satisfied. The Stallion. Enough said. BB's. A Mexican restaurant on south 1st, not too far north of Oltorf. Man, I really miss that place. He tried to go "upscale" by moving to a building on west 7th. Didn't last too long after that. Circle H BBQ. This was on the corner of 620 and 183, back when both were little more than country roads. Ah, well, enough reminiscing for tonight.

Unsweetened, iced Hibiscus tea is wonderful. However, y'all are getting too fancy. Good ol' strong Southern sweet tea (made with the "commoner" blend of Pekoe and Orange Pekoe) works just fine. Can't beat it.

I go to the north store. And I'm almost CERTAIN I saw a couple of people wearing Birkenstocks the last time I was there!

As a "woman of size," I always felt uncomfortable shopping in WF among the hairy, sandled set. But in CM, I'm not the only fatty perusing the imported cheeses, I'll tell you that. You mean "full-figured", don't you, Jaymes? Just more there to love... One thing I find that helps when shopping at Whole Foods; I put on my Birkenstocks and go "incognito". They never suspect that I'm actually a member of the vast right-wing conspiracy.

I think you're right, foodie. Do you also remember how the service improved remarkably at Whole Foods after Central Market opened? Prior to that, the self-righteous snootiness was palpable in the WF stores.

Actually, NYTX, that's about all the Statesman is good for.

Pogo, YOU DA MAN!! While second-hand smoke is annoying, and it's best to breath "clean air", there is NO evidence that it's any worse than breathing air in Los Angeles or New York City. The same Nazi attitude that infests NYC has infiltrated the Austin area, and it's destroying businesses here, too. I didn't realize you were such a scientist. (You may remember me from "somewhere else" as Bushie.)

Obviously too late for suzi, but Jaymes, since you know the area, what are your thoughts about "Two Georges"? It's been recommended to me, but I wanted your opinion. (Or, by the way, anyone else's opinion.)

Thanks, jess, looks like I'll have to try Smitty's. I just KNEW that those beans were going to be the downfall of Kruez when I saw them. Ice cream, too. Next thing ya know, they'll start serving quiche.

Wow, Dan, you brought back some memories there. Interesting info on the establishment dates, too! I agree, Eddie Wilson had a major impact on the character of Austin. I used to go to the Armadillo every time I visited here in the 70's, and it was that "Austin attitude" that made me move here. Of course, they shut the damn thing down not long after . (Still got my t-shirt, though.) I loved the Raw Deal, and if I'm not mistaken, wasn't Another Raw Deal in the same building as the original Z-Tejas? And of course, we wouldn't have the original Threadgill's preserved if it wasn't for Eddie. I miss The Stallion the most from your list. I just had a bunch of good times there. Also, do you remember a place called Spelman's? I loved the burgers. Oh, and let me know what you think about Varani's. It's brand new, and next to a small gas station/convenience store complex. I tried it just on a whim and was blown away at how good it is (I didn't expect much). The crust is very thin, although not as crispy as I would like, but the sauce and cheese are great. They cut the round pizza into squares, the way I grew up eating it in Missouri. I'll be curious to hear your review.

Dan, it's all a personal thing. That what makes these discussions great. Had my tongue in cheek the whole time. When I first moved to Austin in 1980, I lived over near Reagan High, and I walked down to The Pit there right off Berkman practically every day. You could buy a couple of slices of brisket, then pig out on the free onions, pickles, and white bread (every bite dipped in their sauce) until you were full. In fact, I blame myself for them going out of business at that location. Oh, re: Hill's. I definitely think Eddie Wilson's paying attention. He was on Sammy & Bob's one morning discussing the Austin Music Channel. It broke down to Bob and Eddie making snipes at each other's restaurants. Don't know if you heard it, but I was laughing my little behind off.

Thanks, Jaymes, I will. It's been at least 6 months. I always get the shoulder instead of the brisket, though. Is that still good? BTW: Have you tried Smitty's? I haven't, because I took the "brother's side" in the feud, but I hear I'm missing out. What's your opinion?

No, no, BigboyDan, you've got it all wrong. Please allow me to correct your errors: Chicken-fried steak: Tough call. Bluebonnet is good. I also like Hill’s Café. BBQ: Louie Mueller’s in Taylor, Kruez in Lockhart, Charles in Smithville. Hamburger: Ok, Dirty's Enchiladas: Jorge Specials, Jorge Arredondo’s, Round Rock Queso: Curra’s Tamales: Ok, Rosie's. Also try Baldera’s in Round Rock. Tacos: Old Fashion Tacos, Nueva Leon (now on 6th). Migas: Guero’s, Joe’s Bakery, or Curra’s. French fries: Rocky Hill Ranch, Smithville. Milkshake: Nau's, Ok. I like Hut’s, too. Ice Cream: Can’t argue with Amy's. Fried Chicken: None in Austin Pizza: My brand new favorite; Varani’s (between Hutto & Pflugerville). Steak: Alpenhof, Austin Land and Cattle (not Texas L&C), Ray’s for fun. Cheese Steak: None (ya want cheezstake, go ta Philly). Po Boy: Antones (Haven’t found a real one; I’ll trust ya on that one.) Breads: Plenty of good bakeries; Central Market as good as any. Cookies: My wife makes the best. Seafood: Nowhere (Sadly, I’ll have to grant you that.) Stick with sushi. (However, I haven't tried T&S recommended by Jaymes.) Catfish: Catfish Barge (Burnet, Tx) ??? (Thanks, I’ll try it.) Frito pie: Ok, Capitol Bowl. Chili: My house. Fine dining and fru-fru: Plenty of fine dining. Who wants fru-fru? I like Main Street Grill in Round Rock. Wedding? You kidding? I wouldn’t make that mistake again! (Just joking! I love my wife.)

My most humble apologies! Yep, that one went right over my head. Chalk it up to me being the new kid on the block.

Yes, claire797, Dan's the one. Dan Ciola's family owned restaurants back east, and many of his recipes are from his family. He's a very gregarious, friendly fellow. I only "know" him from eating at his restaurant, but he strikes me as very passionate about his place. I'll bet with a friend like Rob Balon, you never run out of ideas for places to eat!

Thank you, Jaymes. Hope y'all aren't TOO classy. I was reading about the get-together, and it sounds like a great thing. I'm leaving Thursday for a good friend's family reunion in Oklahoma, an annual event I refer to as "Okiefest". I know I'm entering "enemy territory" , but his family's a great bunch of people. I appreciate the invitation and the welcome you extended. I'll be at the next one!

Hello. This is my first post; I joined the site yesterday after hearing of it the day before. I've spent some time reading many of your posts, and I like what I see (looks like there are plenty of good old-fashioned smartasses who post here, so hopefully I'll fit right in ). I live in Round Rock, and have lived in the Austin area since 1980. My girth attests to the number of restaurants I've tried, and there are so many more to go. Anyway, if I may add a restaurant suggestion that I didn't see (buy may have missed): Ciola's in Lakeway. My wife and I have eaten there a few times, and also attended a "Big Night" dinner there the first part of April. (They did the whole meal from the movie, and it was great fun.) It's owned by a "real Italian", as he will tell you any chance he gets, and we love the food (his lasagne is really great). Sounds like there are many Austin-area Italian food aficionados in this forum, so I'd be interested in other opinions. I'm also looking forward to joining the "conversation".