I have a theory about local restaurants -- as they expand locations, the quality of the food changes. It usually gets worse. Opal Divine's proves this theory's validity. I'm not sure what allure Opal Divine's has on the city of Austin, but there are three locations across the city. The food is mediocre at best.
But before I launch into Complain Fest 2008, I will first say the downtown location has a fun atmosphere, with a large porch and balcony, covered in string lights and overlooking W. 6th. It also has a large selection of beers on tap and friendly service.
Now to the food. I had the nachos with guacamole. I split them with a friend, which was plenty of food for us, but I thought they were overpriced, especially for the quality (about $11 total). The toppings -- plenty of refried beans, pico de gallo and cheese -- were actually pretty good, but the chips were stale. The guac was a little runny. I've never had runny guacamole before. I didn't think it was possible, but then I ate at Opal Divine's.
Another friend ordered a side sampler because the vegetarian options are lacking. So he got french fries, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. The fries are probably the best thing on the menu, although a bit too greasy. The mashed potatoes and mac and cheese were only decent. Honestly, both are the kinds of dishes best homemade, but you would expect better from such a restaurant.
Two other friends both ordered fish tacos. They both said they enjoyed their tacos, but needed more food, especially considering the fish tacos cost $9. I guess that's the overall verdict on Opal's Divine -- you just need more for what you're paying. After all you can get a decent burger and fries at so many better, cheaper places.
The Basics:
Location: 700 W. 6th Street, 3601 S. Congress Ave., 12709 Mopac and Parmer Lane
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to midnight
Accepts: All major credit cards
Rating: 1 1/2 stars
Bottom line: A shame to waste such a great porch
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunflower Restaurant
With a name like Sunflower, you might expect some kind of hippie sandwich shop with colorful artwork and coffee drinks named after musicians.
Instead, Sunflower is one of those indistinct Asian restaurants hidden in an ordinary shopping center. Surrounded by other Asian restaurants and grocery stores on Research Boulevard, it's pretty easy to miss. And if you're craving Asian food, why choose this place over any of the others in the same shopping center?
I'm not sure, honestly. Some friends said, "Let's go to Sunflower. It's Vietnamese food." So we went, and once we got there, I realized I had been there before but I didn't remember the name (remember -- indistinct Asian restaurant). But I did remember that the food was good. Really good considering the price. I've only been to a handful of Vietnamese restaurants in Austin, but I'll go ahead and name Sunflower as my favorite.
I can't remember exactly what I had the first time I was there, but I do remember my friend ordering a vegetarian crepe that was pretty good. This time, I had the lemongrass tofu vermicelli bowl, which is pretty white-person thing to order. I could've been more adventurous, but there's always next time, I guess.
It was good, though, and what I love about vermicelli bowls is how full they are, practically running over with noodles and been sprouts and shredded veggies and tofu/meat. They seem bottomless, and I'm always full about half-way through, meaning I have significant leftovers. Two meals in one!
My only complaint is that one of my friends told our server that she had a severe peanut allergy, and her curry was served garnished with peanuts. She told them again she had a peanut allergy, and all they did was scrape off the peanuts. Finally, she got a new plate of peanut-free curry, but it serves as a warning if you have nut allergies.
Otherwise, Sunflower is good cheap food.
The Basics
Location: 8557 Research Boulevard, at the end of the shopping center right of Target
Accepts: Cash and credit cards, but has a $10 minimum on cards
Price: under $10
Rating: 3 stars
Bottom line: Not as indistinct as it looks.
Instead, Sunflower is one of those indistinct Asian restaurants hidden in an ordinary shopping center. Surrounded by other Asian restaurants and grocery stores on Research Boulevard, it's pretty easy to miss. And if you're craving Asian food, why choose this place over any of the others in the same shopping center?
I'm not sure, honestly. Some friends said, "Let's go to Sunflower. It's Vietnamese food." So we went, and once we got there, I realized I had been there before but I didn't remember the name (remember -- indistinct Asian restaurant). But I did remember that the food was good. Really good considering the price. I've only been to a handful of Vietnamese restaurants in Austin, but I'll go ahead and name Sunflower as my favorite.
I can't remember exactly what I had the first time I was there, but I do remember my friend ordering a vegetarian crepe that was pretty good. This time, I had the lemongrass tofu vermicelli bowl, which is pretty white-person thing to order. I could've been more adventurous, but there's always next time, I guess.
It was good, though, and what I love about vermicelli bowls is how full they are, practically running over with noodles and been sprouts and shredded veggies and tofu/meat. They seem bottomless, and I'm always full about half-way through, meaning I have significant leftovers. Two meals in one!
My only complaint is that one of my friends told our server that she had a severe peanut allergy, and her curry was served garnished with peanuts. She told them again she had a peanut allergy, and all they did was scrape off the peanuts. Finally, she got a new plate of peanut-free curry, but it serves as a warning if you have nut allergies.
Otherwise, Sunflower is good cheap food.
The Basics
Location: 8557 Research Boulevard, at the end of the shopping center right of Target
Accepts: Cash and credit cards, but has a $10 minimum on cards
Price: under $10
Rating: 3 stars
Bottom line: Not as indistinct as it looks.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Vegetarian Variety: Mother's Cafe and Garden
Before I moved to Austin, I heard that it boasted more vegetarian restaurants per capita than any other city in the South. That said, in the last year, I've only been to one place with a full vegetarian menu, and that was Veggie Heaven, the hole in the wall across from campus with plenty of cheap veggie-rice-sort-of-curry combos.
Venturing off The Drag and towards Hyde Park, I had the experience of eating at Mother's, which offers a full menu of vegetarian treats and dishes, and guess what? It's not Asian!
It's not that I don't love Asian food. It's just hard to find good vegetarian food that doesn't center around tofu and noodles. (And Veggie Heaven boasts a menu with more than 50 items, but it serves pretty much five dishes with slight variations.) So Mother's is the first vegetarian restaurant in Austin to impress me. That's not to say it's the best vegetarian food I've had, but it's a viable alternative to yet another plate of pad thai.
First of all, Mother's is a beautiful restaurant. Recently renovated, it's very open with huge windows, allowing for plenty of natural light. Colorful local art splashes the walls, and all the furniture is a dark wood. Everything is clean and simple while still pleasing and elegant. Fittingly, it is a good place to take your mother.
It's known for its Spinach Lasagna, but for my first visit, I tried the Mamma's Quiche. On Sundays and Saturdays, Mother's offers a substantial brunch menu, with plenty of omelets and pancakes, but the quiche is on the regular menu all week. It was hearty portion, with a combo of spinach, mushrooms, black olives and green onions, topped with a thick slice of mozzarella and served on a whole wheat crust.
However, as tasty as the quiche was, it was served lukewarm. My guess is that the quiche is made in the morning. Seeing as quiche is served in slices, it makes sense to make it ahead of time, but it should have been heated up sooner to being served.
I tried some of a garden salad with Mother's famous Cashew Tamari dressing (which you can find at Whole Foods and the Wheatsville Coop). Unlike a sweet peanut sauce, this (very) salty dressing has a strong nutty flavor. It's the kind of dressing that adds great flavor, but only small doses. I would recommend it but with the caveat of ordering it on the side.
My other complaint is that many of the portions were almost too small, and some of the dishes probably should come with sides. One friend ordered the Avocado Sandwich, and it was served with two carrot sticks. For such a beautiful place, there just seemed to be something lacking, both in presentation and quality of the food. I'll say, for now, bigger portion sizes would help.
I will add that for American bistro style food, the prices are good. Most of the menu is under $10, and it offers a lot of locally grown vegetables and vegan options. Salads are a good way to supplement the small portions. One large Garden Patch Salad for $5.95 can feed at least four people.
Next time, I'm going to try the Spinach Lasagna, but for now, I say Mother's has a beautiful atmosphere with only somewhat decent food. That said, in comparison with Veggie Heaven, I'm impressed.
The Basics:
Location: 4215 Duvall Avenue, across from Hyde Park Bar and Grill
Hours: Mondays - Fridays 11:15 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rating: 3 stars
Price: Under $10, more with drinks
Accepts: All major credit cards
Bottom line: Fares well for the frustrated vegetarian looking for variety.
Venturing off The Drag and towards Hyde Park, I had the experience of eating at Mother's, which offers a full menu of vegetarian treats and dishes, and guess what? It's not Asian!
It's not that I don't love Asian food. It's just hard to find good vegetarian food that doesn't center around tofu and noodles. (And Veggie Heaven boasts a menu with more than 50 items, but it serves pretty much five dishes with slight variations.) So Mother's is the first vegetarian restaurant in Austin to impress me. That's not to say it's the best vegetarian food I've had, but it's a viable alternative to yet another plate of pad thai.
First of all, Mother's is a beautiful restaurant. Recently renovated, it's very open with huge windows, allowing for plenty of natural light. Colorful local art splashes the walls, and all the furniture is a dark wood. Everything is clean and simple while still pleasing and elegant. Fittingly, it is a good place to take your mother.
It's known for its Spinach Lasagna, but for my first visit, I tried the Mamma's Quiche. On Sundays and Saturdays, Mother's offers a substantial brunch menu, with plenty of omelets and pancakes, but the quiche is on the regular menu all week. It was hearty portion, with a combo of spinach, mushrooms, black olives and green onions, topped with a thick slice of mozzarella and served on a whole wheat crust.
However, as tasty as the quiche was, it was served lukewarm. My guess is that the quiche is made in the morning. Seeing as quiche is served in slices, it makes sense to make it ahead of time, but it should have been heated up sooner to being served.
I tried some of a garden salad with Mother's famous Cashew Tamari dressing (which you can find at Whole Foods and the Wheatsville Coop). Unlike a sweet peanut sauce, this (very) salty dressing has a strong nutty flavor. It's the kind of dressing that adds great flavor, but only small doses. I would recommend it but with the caveat of ordering it on the side.
My other complaint is that many of the portions were almost too small, and some of the dishes probably should come with sides. One friend ordered the Avocado Sandwich, and it was served with two carrot sticks. For such a beautiful place, there just seemed to be something lacking, both in presentation and quality of the food. I'll say, for now, bigger portion sizes would help.
I will add that for American bistro style food, the prices are good. Most of the menu is under $10, and it offers a lot of locally grown vegetables and vegan options. Salads are a good way to supplement the small portions. One large Garden Patch Salad for $5.95 can feed at least four people.
Next time, I'm going to try the Spinach Lasagna, but for now, I say Mother's has a beautiful atmosphere with only somewhat decent food. That said, in comparison with Veggie Heaven, I'm impressed.
The Basics:
Location: 4215 Duvall Avenue, across from Hyde Park Bar and Grill
Hours: Mondays - Fridays 11:15 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rating: 3 stars
Price: Under $10, more with drinks
Accepts: All major credit cards
Bottom line: Fares well for the frustrated vegetarian looking for variety.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Breakfast Tacos
Outside of Texas, the breakfast taco is an annomally. People think it's strange to eat eggs inside a tortilla. The concept was not so foreign to me when I first to moved to Austin a year ago. My mom would make us breakfast burritos growing up, but I was never a fan because our store-bought tortillas were always dry and the eggs were usually overcooked.
(For the record, my mom's cooking is excellent, the exception being eggs).
So after years of turning down my mom's breakfast burritos, the idea of eggs and tortillas together, well, sort of nauseated me.
But Austinites wore me down, constantly insisting I try them. I had my first breakfast taco in November, and since then, I've been hooked. I've eaten enough to make up for years of bad breakfast burritos. In all my taste tests around town, here are my favorites:
The Basics
Maria's Taco Xpress
Locations: 2529 S. Lamar Blvd., beside Walgreen's
Hours: Mon. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tues. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
El Chilito
Location: 2209 Manor Dr., intersection of Manor and Chestnut
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sun. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Juan in a Million
Location: 2300 Ceasar Chavez St., intersection of Ceaser Chavez and Mildred St.
Hours: Every day 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All take major credit cards and cash
(For the record, my mom's cooking is excellent, the exception being eggs).
So after years of turning down my mom's breakfast burritos, the idea of eggs and tortillas together, well, sort of nauseated me.
But Austinites wore me down, constantly insisting I try them. I had my first breakfast taco in November, and since then, I've been hooked. I've eaten enough to make up for years of bad breakfast burritos. In all my taste tests around town, here are my favorites:
- Maria's Taco Xpress. Maria rises out of her restaurant's reused rubble like an earth goddess beckoning the people of Austin to her Tex-Mex bounty. Literally. There is a half statue of Maria coming off the roof. I've only ever had egg, potato, and cheese breakfast tacos at Maria's, which are so good I don't want anything else when I'm there. The serving of eggs is hearty, with just enough potato and cheese to keep it balanced. I like to add a little pico de gallo for some spice. Otherwise, it's taco perfection.
- El Chilito. I refer to El Chilito as the East Side's most glorified taco stand. That's all it it is - a taco stand. It's a bit over-rated, a bit too trendy, honestly. Go there on a Saturday or Sunday morning around 11, and all you'll see are hungover hipsters. No wonder there used to be grafitti across the street that read "Yuppies off the East Side." That aside, the breakfast tacos are good. I can get a full meal for under $4, and I appreciate all the cheese. (Unlike Maria's, El Chilito covers the eggs in cheese and it's always hot and melted.) So, yes, the overall stand is hyped up, but the breakfast tacos are delightful.
- Juan in a Million. An East Austin staple for the last 25 years, Juan in a Million serves the mother of all breakfast tacos - the Don Juan. It's a pile of eggs, bacon, cheese, and potatoes all mashed up together and served on top of small tortilla. It's too much food for one person and you almost always have to order extra tortillas. The friendly service combined with the low price might just make it the best deal in town.
The Basics
Maria's Taco Xpress
Locations: 2529 S. Lamar Blvd., beside Walgreen's
Hours: Mon. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tues. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
El Chilito
Location: 2209 Manor Dr., intersection of Manor and Chestnut
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sun. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Juan in a Million
Location: 2300 Ceasar Chavez St., intersection of Ceaser Chavez and Mildred St.
Hours: Every day 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All take major credit cards and cash
Monday, July 7, 2008
So Happy for Flip Happy
Excuse my absence.
Austin seems to attract the ever-amusing blend of quality high class with ironic kitsch, and nothing seems to embody this more than the gormet air stream trend. This is high quality food served for less because it's made in an air stream or truck or road side stand, and it's all over this city. Take a look at previous posts on Lulu B's and P. Terry's.
Now add Flip Happy Crepes, the gormet French staple served out of a 50's classic, gruyere and all. Flip Happy is notorious in Austin for beating Bobby Flay. Yep, that's right, Iron Chef grill-master Bobby Flay. He asked for it, seeing as he challenged them to a throw down for Episode 1 of Season 3.
Even still, it seems many people are surprised to hear about this local treasure and their Food Network victory. Tucked behind S. Lamar (in walking distance from P. Terry's) it still feels low-key, somewhat hidden. I talk about this place on a regular basis, telling people they must go, must try the savory crepes.
I then go on to tell them about the crepes. The roasted chicken, sauteed mushrooms, gruyere, carmelized onions. It is as wonderful as it sounds. My mouth is watering now as I write about it.
I've also tried the shredded pork with carmelized onions and gruyere (seems we can't get away from gruyere... oh gruyere!) Even the vegetarian options sound full of flavor. I could go meatless for spinach, feta, and roasted garlic. Or for tarragon mushrooms, caremlized onions, gruyere, spinach, tomato, and chives.
The downside to Flip Happy is its limited hours. Typically, it's open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 to 2:30. But check their blog to make sure they're open. Also, it's getting busier and busier, so keep in mind that it's not fast. You'll have to wait about 30 minutes.
But it's worth it. Oh yes, worth every mouth-watering bite.
The Basics:
Location: 400 Jessie Street, just behind P. Terry's on S. Lamar
Hours: Wednesday - Friday 10:30 - 2:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Accepts: Cash only
Rating: 5 stars
Bottom line: They beat Bobby Flay for a reason.
Austin seems to attract the ever-amusing blend of quality high class with ironic kitsch, and nothing seems to embody this more than the gormet air stream trend. This is high quality food served for less because it's made in an air stream or truck or road side stand, and it's all over this city. Take a look at previous posts on Lulu B's and P. Terry's.
Now add Flip Happy Crepes, the gormet French staple served out of a 50's classic, gruyere and all. Flip Happy is notorious in Austin for beating Bobby Flay. Yep, that's right, Iron Chef grill-master Bobby Flay. He asked for it, seeing as he challenged them to a throw down for Episode 1 of Season 3.
Even still, it seems many people are surprised to hear about this local treasure and their Food Network victory. Tucked behind S. Lamar (in walking distance from P. Terry's) it still feels low-key, somewhat hidden. I talk about this place on a regular basis, telling people they must go, must try the savory crepes.
I then go on to tell them about the crepes. The roasted chicken, sauteed mushrooms, gruyere, carmelized onions. It is as wonderful as it sounds. My mouth is watering now as I write about it.
I've also tried the shredded pork with carmelized onions and gruyere (seems we can't get away from gruyere... oh gruyere!) Even the vegetarian options sound full of flavor. I could go meatless for spinach, feta, and roasted garlic. Or for tarragon mushrooms, caremlized onions, gruyere, spinach, tomato, and chives.
The downside to Flip Happy is its limited hours. Typically, it's open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 to 2:30. But check their blog to make sure they're open. Also, it's getting busier and busier, so keep in mind that it's not fast. You'll have to wait about 30 minutes.
But it's worth it. Oh yes, worth every mouth-watering bite.
The Basics:
Location: 400 Jessie Street, just behind P. Terry's on S. Lamar
Hours: Wednesday - Friday 10:30 - 2:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Accepts: Cash only
Rating: 5 stars
Bottom line: They beat Bobby Flay for a reason.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Clementine's and Thunderbird's
Clementine Coffee Bar and Thunderbird Coffee are two sides of the same coin. Owned by the same people, both offer excellent coffee, quiet yet inviting atmospheres, and good food. Clementine's is east and considered the feminine "sister" store, while Thunderbird is more northwest and plays the masculine, "brother" role.
Here's the breakdown of the two:
Name: Clementine Coffee Bar
Location: Manor Road, across from East Side Cafe
When I think of Clementine Coffee Bar, I think "What's not to like?" An old converted house, it has large windows bringing plenty of natural light. Inside, bright colors contrast with the overwhelming presence of white, while the exterior is a delightful lime green, making it more visible from the road (it would be easy to miss otherwise).
But really, Clementine's is just plain fun, and it goes beyond the decor. The barristas are a hodge-podge of typical Austinites, from shabby-chic hipsters to retro flare throwbacks. They create a laid-back atmosphere, friendly without ever being annoying.
My one complaint is that seating and parking are rather limited, and it gets a lot of UT traffic. During peak afternoon hours, it's difficult to find a table, especially one with a coveted outlet.
However, even if you can't find a seat, at least get a drink to-go. The coffee is excellent, all of it fair trade along with several organic blends. Lunch offerings are decent, from make-your-own bagels to excellent grilled paninis. But I usually go for the coffee - it's become one of my favorite cups in town. I've never been disappointed with a drink there.
Prices are fair, and they offer a frequent buyer's card, so after buying nine coffee drinks, you get one on the house.
I love Clementine's for the overall atmosphere, but as it goes with coffee shops, the coffee is the true test of a place's worth. Clementine's, by far, passes.
Name: Thunderbird Coffee
Location: Intersection of Koenig Lane and Woodrow Avenue
While Clementine's is bright and fun, Thunderbird is a bit toned down. The service is still great, and the coffee is the same excellent quality.
While the food is similar, Thunderbird has larger selection of sandwiches, all named for streets in the neighborhood. My favorite is the Arroyo Seco, a spicy chicken panini with a Tex-Mex sauce with a little bite. Le Raymond, turkey with brie and pesto, is also a favorite.
Thunderbird's has a large porch with plenty of shade and seating, making a great hangout on warm days. Inside, the walls are light blue, along with the high ceiling, gives the place a very open and inviting atmosphere.
It is easier to find seating than Clementine's, but parking is also limited. Weekends are usually the busiest days, as it gets a crowd of young professionals rather than students.
Drink prices are the same as Clementine's, and the food cost is comparable. It also offers a frequent buyer's card, giving incentive to come back again and again for the excellent coffee and quiet, laid-back vibe.
Price: drinks - under $5; food - under $10; free wi-fi
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom line: Sibling coffee shops offer some Austin's best coffee with great atmospheres. And you gotta love any place with a frequent buyer's card.
Here's the breakdown of the two:
Name: Clementine Coffee Bar
Location: Manor Road, across from East Side Cafe
When I think of Clementine Coffee Bar, I think "What's not to like?" An old converted house, it has large windows bringing plenty of natural light. Inside, bright colors contrast with the overwhelming presence of white, while the exterior is a delightful lime green, making it more visible from the road (it would be easy to miss otherwise).
But really, Clementine's is just plain fun, and it goes beyond the decor. The barristas are a hodge-podge of typical Austinites, from shabby-chic hipsters to retro flare throwbacks. They create a laid-back atmosphere, friendly without ever being annoying.
My one complaint is that seating and parking are rather limited, and it gets a lot of UT traffic. During peak afternoon hours, it's difficult to find a table, especially one with a coveted outlet.
However, even if you can't find a seat, at least get a drink to-go. The coffee is excellent, all of it fair trade along with several organic blends. Lunch offerings are decent, from make-your-own bagels to excellent grilled paninis. But I usually go for the coffee - it's become one of my favorite cups in town. I've never been disappointed with a drink there.
Prices are fair, and they offer a frequent buyer's card, so after buying nine coffee drinks, you get one on the house.
I love Clementine's for the overall atmosphere, but as it goes with coffee shops, the coffee is the true test of a place's worth. Clementine's, by far, passes.
Name: Thunderbird Coffee
Location: Intersection of Koenig Lane and Woodrow Avenue
While Clementine's is bright and fun, Thunderbird is a bit toned down. The service is still great, and the coffee is the same excellent quality.
While the food is similar, Thunderbird has larger selection of sandwiches, all named for streets in the neighborhood. My favorite is the Arroyo Seco, a spicy chicken panini with a Tex-Mex sauce with a little bite. Le Raymond, turkey with brie and pesto, is also a favorite.
Thunderbird's has a large porch with plenty of shade and seating, making a great hangout on warm days. Inside, the walls are light blue, along with the high ceiling, gives the place a very open and inviting atmosphere.
It is easier to find seating than Clementine's, but parking is also limited. Weekends are usually the busiest days, as it gets a crowd of young professionals rather than students.
Drink prices are the same as Clementine's, and the food cost is comparable. It also offers a frequent buyer's card, giving incentive to come back again and again for the excellent coffee and quiet, laid-back vibe.
Price: drinks - under $5; food - under $10; free wi-fi
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom line: Sibling coffee shops offer some Austin's best coffee with great atmospheres. And you gotta love any place with a frequent buyer's card.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Central Market
In the past two weeks, I've eaten twice at Central Market on N. Lamar. It's an interesting experience - chill porch, live music, wine bar, upscale American bistro food. Yet, it's a grocery store.
Granted, this is Austin, headquarters of Whole Foods, which is more an experience than a grocery store with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating, lots of gormet ready-made food options and a bar for everything from juice to gelato.
As one of the area's few rivals to Whole Foods, it makes sense for Central Market to offer something of a dining experience. I'm just not so sure the food rivals Whole Foods. So far, I've tried the apricot chicken salad sandwich and the Mediterranean salad. Both a very fresh with large portions, although a little overpriced.
The chicken salad was the better meal. It wasn't overpowered by mayonnaise, and the apricots created a nice savory-sweet balance. Served on a croissant, it's pretty hearty for a chicken salad sandwich. I opted to go with the french fries as a side, although if you want healthy, you can order fresh fruit. The fries are crunchy on the outside, but still have a soft potato inside and not too greasy.
The Mediterranean salad is huge, filled with kalamata olives, feta cheese, and other Greek/Mediterranean staples. However, you can find a salad just like it at almost any decent American cafe, and I could've eaten a salad half the size for half the price. (It's $10 when you add grilled chicken.)
Overall, Central Market is a nice lunch spot if you have a large group, but it's easier on your wallet to buy ready-made food from the store rather than the cafe. If I had to choose a laid back place for sandwiches and salads, I'd honestly pick somewhere else.
Locations: 4001 N. Lamar and Westgate, 4477 S. Lamar
Granted, this is Austin, headquarters of Whole Foods, which is more an experience than a grocery store with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating, lots of gormet ready-made food options and a bar for everything from juice to gelato.
As one of the area's few rivals to Whole Foods, it makes sense for Central Market to offer something of a dining experience. I'm just not so sure the food rivals Whole Foods. So far, I've tried the apricot chicken salad sandwich and the Mediterranean salad. Both a very fresh with large portions, although a little overpriced.
The chicken salad was the better meal. It wasn't overpowered by mayonnaise, and the apricots created a nice savory-sweet balance. Served on a croissant, it's pretty hearty for a chicken salad sandwich. I opted to go with the french fries as a side, although if you want healthy, you can order fresh fruit. The fries are crunchy on the outside, but still have a soft potato inside and not too greasy.
The Mediterranean salad is huge, filled with kalamata olives, feta cheese, and other Greek/Mediterranean staples. However, you can find a salad just like it at almost any decent American cafe, and I could've eaten a salad half the size for half the price. (It's $10 when you add grilled chicken.)
Overall, Central Market is a nice lunch spot if you have a large group, but it's easier on your wallet to buy ready-made food from the store rather than the cafe. If I had to choose a laid back place for sandwiches and salads, I'd honestly pick somewhere else.
Locations: 4001 N. Lamar and Westgate, 4477 S. Lamar
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Note on Habana
I have talked to a few people about Habana over the last few days, and two told me about their experiences of receiving bad service there. I've also read several comments on city search websites that include user reviews of restaurants, and many of the comments on Habana told similar stories of negative customer service experiences.
It was not busy when I ate there, and my friend and I had simple orders. There was not much room for error. Our server wasn't all that talkative, but she was attentive enough to make sure we had drink refills. She deserved her $3 tip.
However, I felt inclined to mention the restaurant's reputation for bad service. It's a laid-back place, but instead of translating into a chill island-themed feel, it's coming through in mistreatment of those paying the bill. This is Austin, not Europe. Servers need to be honest and timely, and when someone asks to speak to a manager, they should always speak to a manager.
My experience warranted four stars, but I'd say based on what I've heard, it's not always the typical Habana experience. You are now warned.
It was not busy when I ate there, and my friend and I had simple orders. There was not much room for error. Our server wasn't all that talkative, but she was attentive enough to make sure we had drink refills. She deserved her $3 tip.
However, I felt inclined to mention the restaurant's reputation for bad service. It's a laid-back place, but instead of translating into a chill island-themed feel, it's coming through in mistreatment of those paying the bill. This is Austin, not Europe. Servers need to be honest and timely, and when someone asks to speak to a manager, they should always speak to a manager.
My experience warranted four stars, but I'd say based on what I've heard, it's not always the typical Habana experience. You are now warned.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
A taste of Cuba in Austin
A good Cuban sandwich should have plenty of roasted pork, a slice of ham, swiss cheese, and the ever crucial mustard and pickles. It's best when pressed and grilled so the cheese melts.
It's not too complicated, but it takes some place definitively Caribbean to get it right. Habana, Austin's best Cuban restaurant, definitely gets it right, from the laid-back island feel to the, yes, near perfect sandwiches.
It's menu also has a wide range of dinner entres, salads and appetizers, and even includes some vegetarian options which may be the one difference between this restaurant and the Cuban capital, where, I suspect, people always eat meat. While I appreciate vegetarian food, there is no way I could turn down that roasted pork. Think of a typical pulled pork barbeque sandwich, strip the sauce, and add some island flavors, and that's what fills Habana's sandwiches.
My test of good Caribbean food is always the tostones - plantains, fried, then smashed, then fried again. Good ones have a crispy crust but soft inside and retain some of that unique plantain flavor. They shouldn't taste like a bad version of a french fry. Habana gets these right, too. Nice and crispy, but not too oily or salty, they make a delightful side to the Cuban.
Habana also boasts a great Happy Hour menu with two-for-one deals on its best sandwiches, $2 beers and $3 mojitos, magarhitas, and martinis. On a warm, sunny day, while sitting at one of the outdoor tables under a thatched roof, you might just forget you're on South Congress and think you're in the islands.
The Basics:
Locations: 709 E. 6th Street and 2728 S. Congress Ave.
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Accepts: All major credit cards
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom Line: When you're fed up with Mexican and crave Latin flavor, Habana is the perfect remedy.
It's not too complicated, but it takes some place definitively Caribbean to get it right. Habana, Austin's best Cuban restaurant, definitely gets it right, from the laid-back island feel to the, yes, near perfect sandwiches.
It's menu also has a wide range of dinner entres, salads and appetizers, and even includes some vegetarian options which may be the one difference between this restaurant and the Cuban capital, where, I suspect, people always eat meat. While I appreciate vegetarian food, there is no way I could turn down that roasted pork. Think of a typical pulled pork barbeque sandwich, strip the sauce, and add some island flavors, and that's what fills Habana's sandwiches.
My test of good Caribbean food is always the tostones - plantains, fried, then smashed, then fried again. Good ones have a crispy crust but soft inside and retain some of that unique plantain flavor. They shouldn't taste like a bad version of a french fry. Habana gets these right, too. Nice and crispy, but not too oily or salty, they make a delightful side to the Cuban.
Habana also boasts a great Happy Hour menu with two-for-one deals on its best sandwiches, $2 beers and $3 mojitos, magarhitas, and martinis. On a warm, sunny day, while sitting at one of the outdoor tables under a thatched roof, you might just forget you're on South Congress and think you're in the islands.
The Basics:
Locations: 709 E. 6th Street and 2728 S. Congress Ave.
Price: $10-$20
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Accepts: All major credit cards
Rating: 4 stars
Bottom Line: When you're fed up with Mexican and crave Latin flavor, Habana is the perfect remedy.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
P. Terry's
On a typical Saturday night, most of the restaurants on Barton Springs, especially those just west of Lamar, are packed. So typical that I wouldn't expect to see people sitting at a fast food drive-thru on South Lama, not with so many good restaurants nearby. I would think...
But it's a different story for P. Terry's on South Lamar than it is for all the box chains down the street. It's atypical fast food. The burgers and fries and even the drive-thru are all there, but the stakes are raised by quality, fresh (and gasp!) healthy ingredients.
Veggies burgers, whole wheat buns and organic produce all fit into the menu. It might be hard to justify eating french fries, but if I'm going to clog my arteries, I'm doing it at a local place. And this little burger joint definitely helps keep it weird and local, even with the golden arches across the street.
Particularly, the chicken burger is interesting (and tasty) because unlike a normal chicken sandwich, P. Terry's chicken burger is a patty of ground chicken. So yes, it's chicken but it's also a burger. Order it on a whole wheat bun and without the mayo and suddenly those french fries are justifiable. (Barely...)
What's also great is that the prices aren't inflated by the quality food. You can get a combo meal for under $6, making it competitive with fast food places (with much less grease).
It has plenty outdoor seating, a fun 50s inspired feel, and kid-friendly fare including a sandbox. Couple that with the oldies playing on the loud speaker, and I'd say it's a great way to spend a Saturday evening in Austin.
The Basics
Location: 404 S. Lamar Blvd., near the corner of Lamar and Barton Springs
Price: Under $10
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Accepts: Visa, Mastercard, cash
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Bottom line: Fast food without the guilt
But it's a different story for P. Terry's on South Lamar than it is for all the box chains down the street. It's atypical fast food. The burgers and fries and even the drive-thru are all there, but the stakes are raised by quality, fresh (and gasp!) healthy ingredients.
Veggies burgers, whole wheat buns and organic produce all fit into the menu. It might be hard to justify eating french fries, but if I'm going to clog my arteries, I'm doing it at a local place. And this little burger joint definitely helps keep it weird and local, even with the golden arches across the street.
Particularly, the chicken burger is interesting (and tasty) because unlike a normal chicken sandwich, P. Terry's chicken burger is a patty of ground chicken. So yes, it's chicken but it's also a burger. Order it on a whole wheat bun and without the mayo and suddenly those french fries are justifiable. (Barely...)
What's also great is that the prices aren't inflated by the quality food. You can get a combo meal for under $6, making it competitive with fast food places (with much less grease).
It has plenty outdoor seating, a fun 50s inspired feel, and kid-friendly fare including a sandbox. Couple that with the oldies playing on the loud speaker, and I'd say it's a great way to spend a Saturday evening in Austin.
The Basics
Location: 404 S. Lamar Blvd., near the corner of Lamar and Barton Springs
Price: Under $10
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Accepts: Visa, Mastercard, cash
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Bottom line: Fast food without the guilt
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