Fine Dining In Austin

[mcattaneo23]

I am looking for a job in the Austin area and was wondering what the area had to offer in the fine dining arena. I have heard of Wink, but have not had too much luck in my search for others. I am looking for very high-end, even cutting edge cuisine. Thanks in advance for the help!!

[Kent Wang]

I was disappointed by Wink when I went. Not only was the food sub-par in general, it was also hardly cutting edge. Seared dayboat scallop on risotto, followed by foie gras, followed by venison is a fairly conservative menu.

I think the Driskill Grill (New American) and Uchi (Japanese) are the two most innovative high-end restaurants in town. Hudson's on the Bend is also very high-end, specializing in game. Those three restaurants all offer very unique cooking worthy of their high prices.

[greensNbeans]

Wink and Zoot are both great restaurants with exceptional culinarians and good wine lists - as far as "cutting edge" cuisine your best bet is going to see ol' Chef David Bull at the Driskell...my 2 cents

[mcattaneo23]

Thanks for the great input, I guess all I gotta do find a way to get a job at these places!!!

[Kent Wang]

I don't know how easy it is to break into these restaurants, but I was told by Chase (can't remember last name), the current owner of Portabla, who used to work at the Driskill that they only have four chefs there. I did know of a guy who just walked into Aquarelle (best French in my opinion, Austin Chronicle restaurant of the year 2005, not too daring) with no experience and was given a line cook job. Hope this info helps.

[joiei]

Have you thought about maybe going in and talking to the chefs. Volunteer to do a stage for a week first to see if you really want to work in that kitchen. I am sure the Driskoll has a Human Resources department, call them and ask if they have any openings in Culinary.

[BigboyDan]

There is no "fine dining" in Austin - yoohoo! - it's Austin. Go to Le Reve in San Antonio.