Food Media & News Digest: Texas 2006-2007

[Kent Wang]

January 26, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Revelatory Vegan. Marveling at Nu Age Cafe's ambitious but uneven menu. by Kate Thornberry

Review of unique upscale vegan cafe.

"I imagine that most people's experiences at the Nu Age will be similar to my own; some dishes fantastic, and others so-so. But what a treat it is to have a place like this in town."

Austin Chronicle

Food-o-File by Virginia B. Wood

Major changes for this year's Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival.

Austin American-Statesman

Fino by Dale Rice

Review of new upscale pan-Mediterranean restaurant opened by Asti owners.

"That atmosphere might be outstanding, but it's the food, service and teamwork that are the ultimate keys to a restaurant's success, and those ingredients are mixing so well that Fino might be the best three-star restaurant in Austin."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

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[Kent Wang]

February 4, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Crown Jewel. Bombay Bistro is the newest Indian venture in town. Is it already the best? by Mick Vann

Review of Indian restaurant serving a variety of unique dishes.

"Needless to say, our Indonesia-dwelling friends were suitably impressed, and offered a favorable judgment. Bombay Bistro is a restaurant that is sure to please anyone with any interest in the widely varied cuisines of the Indian subcontinent."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

[Kent Wang]

February 17, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Plated Safe. A young chef shines, but with a menu short on surprises by Virginia B. Wood

Review of friendly neighborhood cafe.

"It's a pleasant spot with an accomplished and professional staff, well deserving of its neighborhood popularity. I'm eager to monitor young chef Raiford's development. He's well-trained and talented: Who knows what he'll accomplish with some years of seasoning to develop his own personal culinary signature?"

Austin Chronicle

Liquid Assets. Little Brewery, Big Flavors by Wes Marshall

Review of Austin-based Independence Brewery's offerings.

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

Edited February 17, 2006 by Kent Wang (log)

[Kent Wang]

March 10, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Good to Go. Taco Bell is for suckers. This town's taquerias are for SXSWers. by Mick Vann

Primer on taco history and roundup of local taquerias.

"The taco is the ideal consumable for SXSW. It's fast, inexpensive, highly representative of place, and packed with flavor. Tacos are available in breakfast, dinner, and late-night varieties, and there are even types considered to be hangover cures. Fillings are available to accommodate carnivores, fish-eaters, the chicken or egg crowd, and even the vegan set. Fancy dress isn't required, and they're available citywide at all hours."

Austin-American Statesman

Mesa Ranch. Taste of West Texas, just west of MoPac by Dale Rice

Review of Texas ranch-house style restaurant.

"My only regret: Mesa Ranch had run out of the fried cactus appetizer just before we were seated. It had been so highly recommended by several regulars while we were waiting in the bar that I've put the restaurant high on my "go-back" list. It should be on your "go-to" list as well. "

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

[Kent Wang]

March 17, 2006

Austin-American Statesman

Málaga. Sit, sip wine and linger awhile by Moira Muldoon

Review of downtown tapas bar.

"Smack-dab in the middle of the Warehouse District, Málaga is a wine and tapas bar. Not that it stints on a full bar ... But with 50 wines by the glass (many priced at $5 and $6) and 300 wines by the bottle, the issue of the grape tends to be the more interesting choice. During happy hour, select wines can be paired with select tapas for $6 (happy hour runs from 5 to 7 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays)."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

[Kent Wang]

March 23, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Veggie Heaven. A visit to Angel Valley Organic Farm. by MM Pack

The nitty-gritty of running a local farm.

"Just about the last place you might expect to see a lush, self-sufficient, certified organic farm would be among the scrubby hills and limestone cliffs of Jonestown, Texas. But you will: Angel Valley Organic Farm lies in an honest-to-goodness little valley nestled in the arid, hardscrabble slopes just west of Austin, not far from the shores of Lake Travis."

Austin-American Statesman

Taverna Pizzeria and Risotteria by Dale Rice

Review of new downtown Italian bistro.

"Taverna, the first dining spot in the new Second Street district, is now ensconced on a prominent corner of that quarter. If this upscale Italian eatery is any indication, the future looks rosy for the classy retail zone clustered around City Hall."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

[Kent Wang]

May 26, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Food-o-file by Virginia B. Wood

News about town.

"BOBaritaville. At least 25 area restaurants, bars, and hotels will participate in the margarita competition, and a panel of judges (including some Chronicle Food writers) will select the best margarita in Austin through blind taste-tests."

Austin Chronicle

Not Too Peachy by Virginia B. Wood

Bad news about Central Texas peaches.

Austin-American Statesman

Second bananas by Kitty Crider

Interviews with sous chefs from Four Seasons, Driskill and Hudson's.

"Sure these sous chefs play around, but in the kitchen, they're a serious part of their restaurants' successes. Meet three Austinites who hold that No. 2 spot at top local restaurants and who make time to have fun as well."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

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[Kent Wang]

June 1, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Oaxacan Tamaleo by Mick Vann

Lower-range alternative to Fonda San Miguel for interior Mexican.

"Every dish we have tried has been dynamic and full-flavored, and overflowing with authentic Oaxacan taste. Based on price and portion size, it's the best interior Mexican meal deal in town, and once you meet Leo and Billy, you'll understand the source of the love they put into their food."

Austin-American Statesman

Southern Comfort by Randy Harriman

Brief history and overview of SoCo.

"The overall verdict: SoCo straight is a pleasant sip, and, if you like your drinks sweetish, it can bring a fresh flavor to some of your favorites."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

[Kent Wang]

June 8, 2006

Austin Chronicle

It's Noon. Do You Know What Your Children Are Eating? by Claudia Alarcon

"Fernando Saralegui is in 'Papi's Kitchen' trying to help kids with healthy habits."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

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Edited June 11, 2006 by Kent Wang (log)

[Kent Wang]

Austin Chronicle

Working-Class Heroes by Virginia B. Wood

"The restaurants on the resurgent Airport Boulevard are solid, simple, and affordable."

Austin-American Statesman

Capitol Brasserie by Dale Rice

New Warehouse District restaurant gets mixed reviews, but at least they're open late.

"Sometimes a menu is a minefield. Navigate correctly, and it's a cakewalk. Pick the wrong thing and the going can get rough. That underscores the key to dining at Capitol Brasserie: Know what to order."

Austin-American Statesman

Crú by Moira Muldoon

"A Dallas export brings wine, cheese and more to Second Street."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

Edited June 16, 2006 by Kent Wang (log)

[Kent Wang]

June 1, 2006

Austin Chronicle

The Lazy Fork by Mick Vann

Mikeskas open new barbecue restaurant in the Hill Country.

"Lazy Fork fits its target niche very nicely, providing solid food in megaportions at very reasonable prices. It would have been very easy for them to cut corners, and they choose not to. If you want a great meal on the way back from the lake, or if you live in the rapidly expanding area, the Fork is an ideal restaurant for the family or the casual diner. Caveat: Come hungry!"

Austin-American Statesman

Jeffrey's by Dale Rice

Long time special occasion restaurant introduces value bistro menu but desserts are shaky.

"To be a five-star restaurant, five-star quality must endure across the board. With three-star desserts, Jeffrey's drops a notch this year. But with Alcocer-Thomas' cooking and the new bistro selections, there's every reason to go back frequently. Jeffrey's deserves to be more than a special-occasion fling."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

[Kent Wang]

July 6, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Independence Freestyle. A brewery benefits a greenbelt. by Virginia B. Wood

Local microbrewery supports new fundraising campaign to benefit Austin Greenbelt.

Austin-American Statesman

Café 909. Inspired fare in the Hill Country. by Dale Rice

Positive review of Marble Falls restaurant.

"Café 909 is less than 3 years old, but it's already strikingly mature... All fine-dining aficionados in Central Texas should have this inviting spot on their must-visit lists."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

[Kent Wang]

July 28, 2006

Austin Chronicle

MT Supermarket by Mick Vann

New Chinese supermarket on North Lamar.

"It's close to the size and complexity of some of the larger markets found in Houston, and you'll be amazed with the diversity of products."

Austin Chronicle

Sampaio's by Claudia Alarcon

Review of Brazilian restaurant on North Burnet.

"The atmosphere and cocktails are great, the service is friendly (if a little inexperienced at times), and most of the dishes are delicious and plentiful for the price. I'd like to see Sampaio's go for more "authentic Brazilian" without fear. I think Austin is ready for the real deal."

Austin Chronicle

Misung 888 by Mick Vann

Review of traditional Korean restaurant.

"Portions at Misung 888 are ample, and the taste is big and hearty. The staff is friendly and helpful. The prices might seem a little high at first glance, but the quality of the panchan more than makes up for it. We loved our visit and will return."

This thread is for food media DIGEST entries. If you want to discuss one of these news items, please start a separate discussion thread.

[Kent Wang]

August 24, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Sweet Heat. The 16th annual 'Austin Chronicle' Hot Sauce festival. by Robb Walsh

"It's the "low culture" of Texas that intrigues the rest of the world. And the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival is the lowest of the low. Just look at the way we dress. Half of the attendees of this food festival show up nearly unclad. And then they stand there sweating in long lines in the 100-degree heat waiting to sample insanely hot salsas."

Austin-American Statesman

Uchi. Exquisite flavor, artistry make 5 stars align. by Dale Rice

"That culinary enchantment remained for the 2 1/2-hour feast that followed, a dinner filled with imagination, artistry and deft execution with service to match. ... Uchi has achieved a balance that few restaurants attain, earning it a place among Austin's few five-star restaurants."

[Kent Wang]

August 31, 2006

In a rare coincidence, both the Chronicle and the Statesman review the same restaurant the same week, Houlihan's.

Austin Chronicle

Drink It on the Rooftops. This place actually rules. by Claudia Alarcon

"[T]he best thing about Houlihan's is the breezy rooftop bar. As a friend pointed out, it gives one the feeling of being on the deck of a cruise ship, somewhere far away. It has a great view of Downtown – especially at night – and a cool, yet laid-back, atmosphere."

Austin-American Statesman

Perfect neighbor for the convention center by Dale Rice

"With that kind of welcoming service, atmosphere and food, Houlihan's is an all-around good restaurant, just the kind of place city officials would want next to the convention center. "

[Kent Wang]

September 7, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Habana SoCo. by Mick Vann

Cuban restaurant reopens South Congress location after 2004 fire.

"The food is as good as it was before the fire."

Edited September 11, 2006 by Kent Wang (log)

[Kent Wang]

September 14, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Blue Star Cafeteria by Virginia B. Wood

"The Blue Star menu is affordable and filled with inviting choices. My experience at Blue Star has been that not all elements of the well-conceived menu are executed as well as they could be, however. Unfortunately, my experience on both visits was that results can be very uneven, even on the same plate."

[Kent Wang]

September 21, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Restaurant Jezebel by Wes Marshall

Visit this restaurant while they're still BYOB.

"Restaurant Jezebel is hitting almost every note. The menu is ambitious, with combinations of flavors that I've never seen anywhere in the world. And the creativity is more than eclecticism for its own sake. It all works. The prices are at the upper end of Austin dining but so is the originality and service. Given the free corkage, which is supposed to continue at least until mid-November, the meal is a bargain. Even at the toughest time for the kitchen and staff, everyone was unfailingly pleasant and treated the diners as royalty."

Austin Chronicle

Byblos Falafel and Deli by Mick Vann

Cafeteria-style Lebanese restaurant.

"We've eaten almost everything on the menu and loved every delicious bite. This is true tabikh (Lebanese comfort food) and well worth the drive."

Austin-American Statesman

Cafe at the Four Seasons by Dale Rice

"Until the final course, the Four Seasons meal was five-star. Unfortunately, dessert was not up to that standard, pulling the cafe's rating down a notch.... The problems with the desserts were underscored by the comparison to what preceded them: marvelous appetizers and entrees without a flaw."

[Kent Wang]

October 12, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Little Shops of Wines. How a couple of ounces are redefining the experience. By Wes Marshall

"Austin is the beneficiary of an explosion of little wine shops that also operate wine bars. Places like Crú, Cork & Co., and Vino 100 feature 100 to 600 different wines. Besides favorites, they also try to sniff out the more exotic and hard-to-find wines – things you wouldn't normally find at a grocery or liquor store – then wow you with their discoveries. They feel the best way to make sure you get a chance to try the most wines is to serve them by the glass."

[Kent Wang]

November 2, 2006

Austin Chronicle

Ana Brasil. By Claudia Alarcon.

"A cute and well-appointed boutique in a newer shopping center near Northcross Mall, Ana Brasil feels like a small Brazilian outpost in North Austin."

[Kent Wang]

November 30, 2006

Austin Chronicle

The Belmont. By Wes Marshall.

"The place is gorgeous, both inside, with its plush leather horseshoe-shaped booths, and outside, with its inviting upstairs patio bar and stylish patrons. ... Final verdict: excellent bar, world-class service, but the kitchen needs a little attention."

[Kent Wang]

February 8, 2007

Austin Chronicle

Bess Bistro on Pecan. By Claudia Alarcon.

Sandra Bullock's new restaurant.

"I'm not going to waste space discussing the famous owner or complain about the "please, no cameras on premise" policy. Instead, I'm here to tell everyone why Bess Bistro is my favorite new place to go for a hearty meal, a glass of wine, and a fun time either alone or with friends."

[Kent Wang]

April 6, 2007

Austin Chronicle

The Woodland. By Barbara Chisholm.

In the former location of 7.

"Thanks to its casual yet stylish surroundings and familiar yet elevated fare, we expect the Woodland to stay as steady as the tree that anchors the dining room."

[Kent Wang]

April 19, 2007

Austin Chronicle

Java Gardens. By Mick Vann.

Indonesian in Riverside.

"The Sunday buffet menu changes each week, and the menu is posted on their Web site by Saturday. We sampled the Sunday spread and found it delectable."

Austin Chronicle

Uncle Boudreaux's. By Virginia B. Wood.

In Manor.

"...seafood gumbo in a hearty chocolate-brown roux, elegant crawfish or shrimp-and-crab étouffée in a buttery blond roux, peppery jambalaya chock-full of tender chunks of pork butt, fat crawfish in an aromatic boil, a luxurious custardy bread pudding, and marvelous pecan spice cake soaked in Steen's Pure Cane Syrup, both worthy of the Sunday dinner table in any parish south of I-10."

[Kent Wang]

May 3, 2007

Austin Chronicle

Digesting the Buffalo Gap Wine and Food Summit. By Wes Marshall.

By Dallas chef Stephan Pyles.

"Throughout the three days of the Buffalo Gap Wine and Food Summit, happy faces were all I saw. Several people commented that they thought it was a bargain at the price ($375 for an all-event pass)."

Austin American-Statesman

Stories at Hyatt Lost Pines. By Dale Rice.

In Bastrop.

"With that level of quality, Stories is far too good to cater just to Hyatt resort guests. Austin fans of top-notch fare should make the roadtrip there as well."