As you may know, George and I are foodies, and when we go somewhere, we seek out the local flavor. We actually feel guilty eating at a chain! So this post is all about the fabulous food finds in Austin (in somewhat chronological order).
That first night, we needed something close to the hotel as we were so tired. Manuels was super convenient, and we were not disappointed with the food. We started with tune ceviche, and then I had the best chicken enchilada mole I have ever eaten (voted "best in Austin" too!), and George had the locally grown special - steak with goat cheese.
Oh, my, goodness.
Turf N Surf Po'Boy (Food Truck - no website)
Just 1 block from the Radisson, this ultimate hippie van has some of the best breakfast tacos I have ever eaten.
They are a "fresh from the farm" establishment, and they make their own Chorizo.
To Die For.
La Traviata
We are pretty picky about Italian, so for us to like it is a good sign.
Our trip to the Driskill was topped off by sharing the 1886 Cafe and Bakery Signature Banana Split (and George's first ever!).
This work of art contained fresh bakery-made ice cream, and all the wonderful ingredients that come together to make a banana split what it is - Heaven...
Max's Wine Dive
This was recommended by Darrell (the concierge), and we were so happy with the recommendation.
We started with gator begnets (yum),
and moved on to Shrimp and Grits (George)
and the Haute Dog (me),
all paired with wine. I have never had a better simple meal.
We asked Darrell for a good comfort food place, and Moonshine was promised to be great local comfort food. George even dared to try the shot of white lightning with peach flavor when we arrived. After corndog shrimp,
bison meatloaf with polenta
and skirt steak with polenta
we shared the apple pie with maple ice cream.
My mouth is watering just writing about it.
Chorizo Migas, a local breakfast favorite, is a staple at Annie's. So are breakfast tacos, and steel cut oatmeal with fruit. The atmosphere, food, and service is exceptional, and we went back for more, literally. George and I went there for a snack of chocolate croissant
and sea salt, chocolate and caramel torte
and again for our last breakfast on Friday. Can't say enough about it.
We asked Darrell for "light," and again he delivered. Sandra Bullock's Bess Bistro, on Sixth, is a basement-level wine cellar restaurant with warm lighting and dark furnishings. Ambience is key here. But, so is the food. We went for the date night special for $40. George chose scallops with potatoes and I had chicken over mashed potatoes with caramelized onions and a maple reduction *see very dark pic below.
Mekong River
I had been eyeing this Vietnamese and Thai restaurant since we'd arrived, and as I walked by on Wednesday, noticed it was packed. Always a good sign. I went back early on Thursday after my bus tour, and had a Thai iced tea and an awesome pork and egg roll rice vermicelli bowl that was not only delicious, it was enormous.
I miss Vietnamese food - our only restaurant that served it closed down. I would go all the way back to Austin just for this.
Also owned by Ms. Bullock, Walton's Fancy and Staple is a bustling bakery with very little seating (you've been warned). I grabbed a blackberry oat bar to go, and probably made a fool of myself on Sixth licking my fingers clean. It was that good. Maybe one day, I'll get to sit and enjoy it.
