Galaxy Cafe

With three locations, Galaxy Cafe might be the exception to my theory about expanding local restaurant chains. So basically, it's good.

The atmosphere is futuristic-retro, with a flare of the Jestons and sleek modern furniture and shiny chrome-like surfaces. it gives each cafe a fun, laid-back but still classy vibe. It matches the food perfectly.

Wraps, sandwiches and salads make it seem like a pretty typical sandwich shop, but it offers some fun variety. I went to the West Lynn location about six months (when I was still eating meat) and enjoyed a chicken sandwich with bacon and fresh mozzarella. To attempt to make it slightly healthier, I ordered it on a wheat bun.

This time around at the new location at the Triangle, I had the fish wrap (for the record, I occasionally eat seafood - healthy protein). It was one of the best wraps I've ever had. There was plenty of filling, but it didn't spill out. The dressing was on the side, making it significantly less messy. With plenty of breaded fish, cabbage, greens and cheese, it was better than a most chicken wraps I've had.

Other yummy menu options include the sweet potato fries and the strawberry shortcake. The sweet potato fries are nicely cut, so you can taste the sweet potatoes (unlike other restaurants that cut them too thin) and make a nice side to sandwiches and wraps. The shortcake is a decadent follow-up to lunch, and the significant portion ensures that you can share with friends. It's topped with a creamy glaze and has a hint of almond flavor that make it unique among other shortcakes.

My only complaint is that there could be a few more vegetarian options, but it's still has a better selection than similar sandwich places. Lunch prices are decent - you can eat a good meal for under $10 and it's a fun place to hang out with friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

The Basics
Locations: 47th at Guadelupe, The Triangle; 1000 West Lynn, between 10th and 11th Streets; 9911 Brodie Lane, Suite 750, northwest corner at Slaughter and Brodie
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday; breakfast ends at 11:30 a.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends
Accepts: All major credit cards
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Bottom line: The perfect weekend lunch hot-spot!

Austin's Italian Oasis

My father is Italian-American. 100%. My grandparents immigrated from Italy after World War II, and my grandfather owned an Italian restaurant for more than 20 years. In college, I spent a few months studying in Florence and furthered my expertise in good Italian cuisine. Top that with living in the greater Philadelphia area for almost two years (South Philly boasts more Italian restaurants than probably all of Texas), and I'm more of an Italian food snob than ever before.

I know my Italian food.

I know what's good and what's not. I know when a meal is fairly priced. I also know anywhere south of Delaware, Italian food is only sub-par and overpriced. I was fully aware that when I moved to Austin, I might not find any good Italian restaurants. I went to Mandola's based on the recommendation of a friend who has impeccable taste.

After my first meal there, I thought, "Good. Now I can live happily in Austin." I had found a good Italian place with fair prices. It was my holy grail. I have yet to visit another Italian restaurant in this city. When I want my Italian fix, I go to Mandola's.

Here's why:

• The gnochi. My grandmother makes gnochi with a combination of potatoes and ricotta cheese, making her dumplings softer and not as chewy as pure potato gnochi. Mandola's is the only place that has gnochi remotely close to my grandmother's.
• The fresh bread. Mandola's also has a small Italian market in the front of the restaurant, and they make fresh bread. It's beautiful. Beautiful.
• The gelato. My friend told me they imported the gelato machine from Italy, so I thought it could be good. It could also be terrible, like most gelato in the U.S. One time, a chef from the kitchen came out to help at the gelato counter due to a long line. I asked him to try the straciatella, and told him I had not had gelato that good outside of Italy. He told me that was because at Mandola's they make their bases fresh daily, and most gelaterias in the U.S. use pre-made bases. Hands down, Mandola's has the best gelato I've ever tried in the U.S.
• The pizza. Mandola's sticks with the Italian tradition of serving a whole personal pizza, cooked in a stone oven. My favorite is the arugla and prosciutto pizza. First of all, it's huge and it's like a salad on the pizza. The bitter arugala and salty prosciutto balance each other and make a lovely combination on Mandola's fresh pizza crust.

I could keep going on why I love Mandola's and why it's so good. Maybe I'll save it for another blog post. Just know that it's get my Italian stamp of approval.

The Basics
Location: The Triangle, 4700 W. Guadalupe, Suite 12
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Accepts: All major credit cards
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Bottom line: Trust me. This is the best Austin has to offer.