We’ve Got a Hunch that You Wanna Munch on Brunch

Posted on Friday, March 30th, 2012

Call us cheesy, but hey, we LOVE food! Austin Restaurant Week begins again this Sunday (4/1) through Wednesday (4/4), so get your appetites ready again! Sunday brunch will be the first taste of our second run of Spring ARW. Browse brunch menus, make reservations, and wake up and go on Sunday a.m.! We’ve listed some mouthwatering options at each participating restaurant offering brunch this Sunday – take a look!

Austin Restaurant Week – Special Lunch + Business

Posted on Monday, March 26th, 2012

Catching up with clients, employees, or business partners this week? Treat them to an extra special multi-course lunch without stretching your wallet! Here are some restaurants with tasty lunch menus – make sure to make reservations so you’re back in the office in time for your workday afternoon!
Downtown

Menu: 1886 Cafe & Bakery
Make Reservations

Menu: Garrido’s
Make Reservations

Menu: Max’s Wine Dive
Make Reservations

Menu: Roaring Fork Downtown
Make Reservations - Downtown

Menu: TRACE at W Hotel Austin
Make Reservations

Hyde Park

Menu: Asti
Make Reservations

Menu: FINO
Make Reservations

360/West

Menu: 360 Uno Trattoria &  Wine Bar
Make Reservations

Menu: Eleven Plates & Wine
Make Reservations

Menu: Siena Ristorante
Make Reservations

Menu: Trento
Make Reservations

North Central

Menu: Gusto Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Make Reservations

Menu: Roll On Sushi Diner
Make Reservations

North

Menu: Kona Grill
Make Reservations

Menu: McCormick & Schmicks Domain
Make Reservations

Menu: Roaring Fork North
Make Reservations - North

Menu: Urban an American Grill
Make Reservations

East

Menu: Restaurant Braise
Make Reservations

 

 

Austin Restaurant Week Spring 2012 Ramps Up!

Posted on Monday, March 5th, 2012

We’re in full swing here at Austin Restaurant Week as we approach the big tasty Spring event in just a few fast weeks! In case you don’t have it on your calendar yet, get to it! The Spring run will be held on Sunday March 25 – Wednesday March 28 and then again on Sunday April 1 – Wednesday April 4!

We’re adding new Austin restaurant participants by the day, so keep checking our website! We’re excited to have Austin favorites like Finn & Porter, ALC Steaks, Bartlett’s Restaurant, and Uchi on the list as well as new hot spots like Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar, Gusto Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, and Olive & June!

Know someone new to Austin? Let them know about Austin Restaurant Week – it can be a great way for them to get to know our city one plate at a time and try some of Austin’s finest food establishments from appetizers through to dessert at an affordable price! Share our Facebook page and Twitter handle with them! Speaking of social media, follow us because we’re giving away gift certificates to participating restaurants – you could be the big winner!

Stay tuned for menus and reservations opening soon!

Restaurant Roundup Winds Down: #’s: 1886 & 360 Uno

Posted on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Tonight’s the last night of the Fall run of Austin Restaurant Week! It’s been a delicious success since our kickoff party just two weeks ago! We’ve even accomplished the feat of feat-uring all 57 participating restaurants IN alphabetical order in just 16 days! Thank you to all of our participating restaurants and to you lovely Austinites who have eaten your way through our event, shared your stories and photos, and helped our local restaurant economy! The last two restaurants (but NOT least) in our A-Z roundup are the restaurants starting with… a #! 

1886 Café and Bakery

Located in the beautiful Driskill Hotel, 1886 was named the “Best Traditional American Cuisine” by Zagat and was awarded “2007 Best Hotel Dining” by CitySearch. 1886 uses fresh ingredients that produce an array of flavors. Their Restaurant Week menus were crafted for dinner, lunch, and brunch. The dinner delectables include comforts like fried chicken, chili, and brown sugar rubbed short ribs. 1886 is well known for their incredible brunch which they shared with us this Restaurant Week. If you missed it, put it on your to-go brunch list for a rainy (or sunny) Sunday morning! Executive Chef, Jonathan Gelman has over 20 years of experience in restaurant fine-dining and Executive Pastry Chef, Tony Sansalone was named “Austin’s Premiere Pastry Chef by the Austin-American Statesman. 1886 is gluten-free, and has a vegetarian option for any time of the day those hunger pains strike you!

360 Uno Trattoria & Wine Bar

 

360 Uno Trattria & Wine Bar offers the ultimate Italian experience “where culture, quality, atmosphere and design come together.” The atmosphere is just as bright and flavorful as their food (which is gluten free!) and award-winning wine selection. Their Restaurant Week menu features Italian-influenced dishes from Fettuccine with Porcini Mushrooms (a perfect vegetarian option!) to Chicken Breast to Salmon with Shrimp. Complement your dish with a glass of wine as they’re also offering wine pairings! In addition to their impressive vino list, they have their own wine label! I guess you’ll have to discover the best of Italy firsthand by trying 360 tonight – the last night of Restaurant Week, or stop by to catch their flavors during their normal hours- you can make any day a special occasion here!

Restaurant Week Roundup A-Z: U Know U Want To Try Them!

Posted on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Uchi
What do you get when you put fresh fish, candied citrus, grilled asparagus, oak-grilled escolar, bacon, thai basil, coffee, peanut butter, and lemon on a menu?  Uchi, of course. Acclaimed culinary genius leading both Uchi and Uchiko, Tyson Cole, is so skilled at his craft, the flavors on his menu can be subtle, or bold, spicy, or citrus-y, earthy, or oceanic, and still jive symphonically. He has a way of adding the element of surprise just when you think you’ve had him figured out. So, it’s no question you must experience Uchi at least once, it will grab you and take hold. Restaurant Week is an unbeatable time to taste Uchi’s world-class menu at a hard-to-believe price!

Uchiko
Uchiko’s fried marinated chicken, beef tongue, and sea bass, infused with flavors like grapefruit and lemon chili are tantalizing. Its hot and cool plates and creative flavor combos provide a familiar yet distinct enough experience from Uchi that you need to try both to feel complete. The Restaurant Week menu also includes crispy brussels sprouts that are to-die-for, and their signature sweet corn sorbet, fried milk, and tobacco cream desserts are each one of a kind, difficult to choose from, and will force you to start thinking about your next visit on your last flavor note.

Urban an American Grill
Another gem in one of Austin’s most polished hotels, this time in North Austin at the Westin Domain, Urban an American Grill’s menu is inventive and locally-influenced. In fact, if you notice upon walking into the hotel, lights hang over and behind the bar resembling the curvy shape of those longhorns we all know and love. The menu also feels close to home, yet exciting and enticing. Their Restaurant Week menu features squash soup, beets with local chevre (cheese) with a truffle vinaigrette, and crab salad with pistachios and maple balsamic for some mouth-watering starters. Short ribs with blue cheese, Trout with carrot butter (this is a first for us!), and the esteemed Pork Belly with sundried tomato jus for savory main courses. If a Bacon Bourbon Brownie doesn’t scream Texas, Nicole’s Carrot Cake (the second dessert option) with creme brulee batter and Amy’s Mexican Vanilla ice cream is there to put us in our place. You might be able to squeeze in a reservation for the final evening tonight…what are you waiting for??

 

Restaurant Roundup A-Z: T-rrific Hotel Eats

Posted on Monday, October 3rd, 2011

We’re nearing the end of the alphabet in our Restaurant Week A-Z Roundup, but that doesn’t mean our final features are anything less than superior! And, you still have time to make reservations since our local three-course restaurant celebration runs until Wednesday!

Both ‘T’ restaurants are housed in hotels, and they make it a point to be an integral part of the Austin community (exhibit A: both participants in Austin Restaurant Week!) Here we go:

TRACE
Catch traces of local flavors and ingredients featured on the ground floor of the urban-chic W Hotel downtown at TRACE. With an exotic menu that sourced close to home, TRACE even has its own Forager (that’s what we want to be when we grow up!), responsible for making sure nearby farms and Austin-area-originated products make their way onto your plate. The Restaurant Week lunch menu has southern, Asian, and Indian influences, and includes light fare like Tomato and Bell Pepper Gazpacho, to savory Kim Chi Pancakes, and even heartier grilled beef and veggie burgers, and several sweet treats for dessert. You can choose two courses for just $15! What a deal for a meal you’d expect to be priced for the trendy, spendy tourist. The dinner menu includes Mac n’ Cheese with sweet corn, sharp cheddar and bacon crust, salmon and summer risotto, and again, irresistible desserts to choose from including Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding (um, yes please!).

TRIO
TRIO, the restaurant destination housed inside the Four Seasons Austin drawing in visitors and locals alike, it defines itself as offering “fine dining in a contemporary atmosphere both relaxing and sophisticated” and we’d say they’re spot on. With natural light pouring in the windows bordering the restaurant and providing a view of Lady Bird Lake, TRIO offers an impeccable and simple menu that is precisely thought-out and refined. Minimal ingredients are used to focus on flavor and quality, while offering an element of mystery. Take, for example, the Crab Toast on the Restaurant Week menu. We’re intrigued by it! Smoked Texas Ribeye, Gulf Flounder, and Dewberry Farm chicken (from Texas!) are the main course stars. Molten Chocolate Cake and Texas Olive Oil Cake present a difficult dessert choice, so make a reservation and take a buddy so you can order both!

 

Spotted: Jeffrey’s ARW

Posted on Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Since we wish Candid Camera was still on TV, we popped into Jeffrey’s on night one of Fall Austin Restaurant Week to capture local diners in the moment! We saw a ladies night out, a date night, and a group of friends, all enjoying their fine dining experience at one of Austin’s most well-known and historical eateries.

After I asked what they had just indulged in, they confidently stated, “We’re already planning where to go [for Austin Restaurant Week] next week!” Our kind o’ diners!

Congrats, newlyweds! Hope you all enjoyed your evening!

 

Restaurant Roundup: Sssso Good!

Posted on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

Siena Ristorante Toscana
Looking for a romantic meal? “Nestled in the hills of Northwest Austin, this gorgeous stone villa” specializes in Tuscan and Italian feel-good cuisine. It’s offering both both lunch and dinner Restaurant Week menus too! Try their walnut crusted chicken breast, wood grilled salmon filet, or handmade pasta for lunch. If you haven’t had your fill of Italian food, come back for dinner and try their wood grilled sirloin or angel hair pasta with shrimp. Did you know Italian food can be Gluten Free! Executive Chef Harvey Harris lived and studied Italian and Tuscan cuisine in Piedmont and Tuscany; allowing him to perfect his dishes, even without gluten, with the utmost expertise! Siena’s award-winning wine cellar also awaits you. Choose a Tuscan wine to accompany one of your dishes. While enjoying your Restaurant Week dining experience in this beautifully rustic environment, you will also be supporting a philanthropic cause!

Sullivan’s Steak House
Serving the Austin community with the finest steaks and seafood for over the past 15 years, Sullivan’s offers a lively, yet elegant atmosphere in Downtown Austin. Indulge yourself in one of their savory entrees ranging from filet mignon, chicken vesuvio, shrimp scampi, or salmon filet. Sullivan’s uses only the freshest ingredients, taking great care and pride in producing quality dishes. With 20 locations around the US, all Sullivan’s Steakhouse locations have been awarded the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence from 2000-2010. How can any of you “winos” turn that down?! Sullivan’s offers a superior dining experience that WILL make a memorable and lasting impression!

Restaurant Roundup A-Z: ‘P’-cause They ‘R’ Tasty!

Posted on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

And, we’re baaack! Restaurant Week specials start back up tonight, so you have only a few days left to indulge at a can’t-beat-it price! Explore culinary creations that are out of your box, or treat yourself to a classic, but quality menu at some of Austin’s finest dining establishments without the guilt (except for that “wish I could have tried them all” feeling that is perfectly normal). 

Paggi House
There are a few oasis-like restaurant retreats in Downtown Austin, and Paggi House is one of them. The historic landmark building nestled just behind Lamar at Barton Springs (near Peter Pan Mini Golf), Paggi House is known not only for their eats, but also for their award-winning drinks. Paggi was the kind host of our Fall Austin Restaurant Week kick-off party. They’re known for their seasonal and locally-sourced menus and their exotic space wrapped by a magnificent patio. With delectables like Lobster Bisque, Wild Mushroom Risotto (for the veggie-friendly), Gulf Prawns, Duck Breast, sides like crispy white cheddar polenta, and delicious desserts like warm apple pie (with basil!), their Restaurant Week menu is inventive, yet comforting. Make your reservation!

Parkside

Led by Shawn Cirkiel, Austin’s “youngest five star chef”, according to Southern Living, Parkside was such a success, he created Austin Restaurant Week participant, The Backspace, just behind this now sixth street sensation. Parkside turns heads for its hip-ness and chic-ness, after all, one of it’s main claim to fames is the extensive oyster bar, and the raw bar. There are only a few places in town that serve quality seafood not in the form of a steakhouse or sushi spot. In fact, venture out of your comfort zone with their Restaurant Week menu, while feeling comfortable in its warm atmosphere, with a raw scallop, lamb, fish, or sweet corn risotto, and good luck choosing between their three delectable desserts – looks like they had trouble narrowing down which ones to offer us, so they laid ‘em all out there!

Perry’s

Perry’s isn’t just your average steakhouse. And, yes, they all say that. It’s Texas-started and family-owned, but what really makes it unique besides the quality and fine dining dishes, is their combinations of meat and seafood, blending light with substance to give you a perfect balance of flavor and texture. For Restaurant Week, start out with a classic Wedge Salad or Caesar (topped with spiced pumpkin seeds!), enjoy THE Filet Perry (topped with fresh crabmeat), Perry’s Famous Pork Chop (you don’t claim your own dish as famous unless it truly is), or the Chicken Oscar, also topped with crab and Bearnaise sauce to add a little mix things up a bit. End on three sweet notes with their dessert trio – allowing your tastebuds to have a flavorful party with way more than what you’d expect to experience in just three courses.

Portabla
Portabla is a local gem living on the West End art-gallery laced neighborhood lining West 6th Street. And, their Restaurant Week menu (that is all Gluten Free, by the way!), is truly a sampling of their essence, with a fresh autumnal salad for starters, braised beef with a poached egg, and the Strawbbler dessert, defying all predictability in a cobbler and including a honey balsamic reduction and spearmint whipped cream, this is a menu you’ll never forget. If their menu isn’t enticing enough, (it should be!), make your reservations for this Tuesday night (10.4) and you’ll get a complimentary glass of wine with your meal (if you’re one of the first 10 to make your reservation). See details here.

Roaring Fork
Roaring Fork Congress
Roaring Fork Stonelake

Embodying the “spirit of bold American cuisine”, Roaring Fork has two participating locations, one downtown, and one at Stonelake. When you walk into a Roaring Fork restaurant, you’ll feel warm, cozy, and at home instantly. True to the tradition of classic American cooking, meat and fish entrees are “all perfectly prepared by wood fire rotisserie, open flame grill or wood oven roasting”. It’s made the list of “Best of Freshest Catch” by Texas Magazine and has racked up the awards not only for their food, but for their wine list too. Take a look at both Restaurant Week menus before you make your reservation because they’re both different, but top-notch. In fact, why not make reservations at both for a fresh perspective on the same classic?

Ruth’s Chris
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse radiates tradition. After over 45 years of making steaks simple, yet flavorful, and the way their namesake Ruth made them from day 1, you can follow their flavor all over the U.S. For a comforting and tasty downtown dining experience, the Restaurant Week menu offers many hard-to-choose-from options, including cold gazpacho soup with not small, but Colossal crab meat, classic salads, and even one with watermelon for starters, delectables from land and sea (or a dish wish both!) for your main course, and a strawberry-chocolate-y sweet ending you won’t forget.

Restaurant Roundup A-Z: O so good!

Posted on Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Olivia 

Named, “Restaurant of the Year!” by Eater Austin, Olivia specializes in “classic farm to table comfort food with heavy European influence.” Chef James Holmes “gets his cooking inspiration from (and in) his backyard vegetable garden.”  Thus, Olivia prepares their food with fresh ingredients made with as much care as their dishes. The Restaurant Week menu includes a variety of entrees from clam chowder, to grilled quail, to ratatouille! It’s also veggie-friendly. Pair your menu choices with their wine recommendations specially made for Restaurant Week! Don’t miss out on what Bon Appétit called one of, “2009′s Top Ten Best New Restaurants in America.”

The Oasis
Looking to experience one of the most beautiful views in Austin? The Oasis is “located on a cliff 450-feet above Austin’s Lake Travis, and has earned the reputation as the Sunset Capital of Texas.” Not only is the scenery magnificent, but their Tex-Mex inspired cuisine is muy fabuloso! From the stuffed avocado to the fish tacos, these flavorful dishes will leave your taste buds begging for more! The Oasis is offering both lunch and dinner Restaurant Week menus, so why not stop by for lunch with a view next Sunday? The lunch and dinner menu’s are identical; however, if you have a sweet tooth, you may want to reserve a table for the evening meal because that’s when they bring out the sweet goods.

 

Phood Photos!

Posted on Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

*Photos by: Rebecca Otis

Ready, Set, Blog! ARW Blogger Contest!

Posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011

Hey there Austin food bloggers!

We want to hear about your Austin Restaurant Week experience! So, we’re offering gift cards to any blogger who writes about three unique experiences during the Fall round (right now!) of Austin Restaurant Week! Here’s what to do: Email Elisabeth@restaurantweekausin.com with the following:

1. Your name
2. Your blog’s name and URL
3. The URL for each Austin Restaurant Week post
4. Your Twitter handle

Restaurant Roundup A-Z: M’s-N’s

Posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011

MAX’s Wine Dive

Having opened in 2009, MAX’s is relatively new to Austin. However, their “gourmet comfort food” has quickly left its mark as one of Downtown Austin’s premiere wining and dining venues. MAX’s has lots of open space (yes, it is a refurbished warehouse), making it laid-back and casual. They will offer a variety of everyone’s favorite comfort foods from “Max and Cheese” (hmm, what could that be?), to southern fried chicken (it’s sweet and crunchy and after one bite, you’ll want five more!). If your nights are hectic, get excited because MAX’s will also be serving a Restaurant Week lunch menu! Whether you’re here for a mid-day or evening meal, make sure to sip on MAX’s large assortment of wine. As their website says, “MAX’s mantra is “Fried Chicken and Champagne? Why the Hell Not?” Our thoughts EXACTLY!

McCormick & Schmick’s-Domain

McCormick & Schmick’s- Downtown

McCormick & Schmick’s has two Restaurant Week participating locations- The Domain and Downtown. No matter what location you pick, they will both be serving dinner, lunch, and brunch! This variety of meal times makes this restaurant extremely hard to turn away. Not only is it convenient, but McCormick & Schmick’s is known for its guarantee of the freshest quality seafood. In addition, it will quickly appeal to your inner carnivore with hearty dishes like the Char Grilled Ribeye or Stuffed Chicken Breast. Before you make a reservation, make sure to check out each location’s menu because each one has its own twist.

The Melting Pot-Downtown

The Melting Pot-Northwest

The Melting Pot is a unique fine dining experience that offers different courses of gourmet fondue.  It is the “perfect place for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, and everything in between.”  The Melting Pot has two participating Restaurant Week locations. One is Downtown and the other is located in Northwest Austin and each menu is unique. The Melting Pot-Downtown will be serving lunch and The Melting Pot-Northwest will be offering wine pairings (from their award winning wine list) and brunch.  However, if you are looking to go to dinner, both enjoy the same menu at both locations. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, The Melting Pot is an searingly unforgettably delicious “dipping” experience!

NoRth

Located in the Domain, NoRth has a trendy big-city environment that is perfect for any occasion. Their modern Italian cuisine is “unique and inventive.” Choose from the more traditional Italian dishes like Spaghetti & Meatballs or Chicken Parmesan. If you’re feeling adventurous, they’re offering skirt steak, salmon, and chitarra. Of course, the meal would not be complete without a favorite Italian dessert such as tiramisu or gelato. This “hip and upbeat venue” will be sure to satisfy your Italian fix!

Restaurant Roundup A-Z: J’s-K’s

Posted on Sunday, September 25th, 2011

Jasper’s Restaurant

Named by Esquire Magazine’s Top 20 Best New Restaurants in America, Jasper’s offers a trendy, fine-of-the-line dining experience. Specializing in “gourmet backyard cuisine,” Executive Chef and Partner, Kent Rathbun, is an Iron Chef American winner and four-time James Beard Award nominee. You will be sure to “win” with this restaurant! As their website says, “the Jasper’s menu reflects a “home cooking” style with the best of America’s regional cuisine.” Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, Jasper’s is also Gluten Free and will be offering a vegetarian option for those of you looking for a veggie-friendly place.

Jeffrey’ s

Located just West of the City Center, this reknowned 36-year-old Austin bistro is located in the historic Clarksville neighborhood and is said to have celebrities frequent it. It is the perfect place for those desiring a sophisticated, and classic, yet inventive evening. Their ‘New American’, Southern-style cuisine is sure to make your taste buds water! From Redfish, to Gnocci & Butternut Squash, to Coffee-rubbed Venison filet, Jeffery’s menu selection offers something for everyone, from the meat-lover to the vegetarian. If their menu doesn’t have you hooked, the wine connoisseurs out there will surely be impressed with their award winning vino list. Not sure which spiked grape juice to choose? Jeffrey’s will also be doing wine pairings throughout Restaurant Week!

Judges Hill

Voted the Diner’s Choice Winner of 2011 by Opentable.com, Judges Hill is historic both for your taste-buds, as well as its location within the historic walls of the Goodall Wooten House. This is said to be one of Austin’s most well-restored restaurants.  As their website says, “this restaurant is a local treasure that patrons say is one of the capital city’s best kept secrets.” Judges Hill incorporates American style cuisine with “traditional ingredients and bold flavors.” It also happens to be gluten free! Supplement their flavorful food with wine pairings offered during Restaurant Week. What you spend will also benefit local philanthropic causes!

Kenichi

This Japanese-inspired restaurant is located in the heart of Downtown Austin, giving it a fun and lively atmosphere. If you’ve been searching for solid Asian food, look no further. Whether you choose their short ribs, scallops, or duck breast, this contemporary Asian selection will be sure to take your tastebuds for a ride! Kenichi’s “hip” ambiance is the perfect place to catch up with friends during Restaurant Week. Kenichi also boasts an extensive wine selection and one of the largest sake lists in the country!

Kona Grill 

Kona Grill offers a blend of American & Japanese Fusion cuisine. The environment is casual, yet sophisticated– perfect for a special night out on the town! Everything is made from scratch with the utmost care. This Restaurant Week, try their Bama Roll (yes they serve sushi!) and choose from a variety of tropical-like entrees such as fresh fish, baby back ribs, macadamia nut chicken, basil pesto linquini, or sushi-sashimi combo. On your way in to savor their delicious bites, take a peek at their sixteen hundred gallon saltwater aquarium!

 

 

It’s Go Time! Restaurants Starting with ‘I’

Posted on Sunday, September 25th, 2011

Today is Austin Restaurant Week Kick-Off!

Ok everyone, it’s the time we’ve all been waiting for, Restaurant Week starts TODAY! Whether you’re an avid food connoisseur or just looking for a great a new restaurant to try, Austin’s Restaurant Week is the time to taste your way through Austin at an unbeatable price. Hurry and make your RESERVATIONS before participating eateries fill up.

Iguana Grill

Iguana Grill offers a casual and festive, atmosphere. Executive Chef, Rogelio “Rojo” Reyes, specializes in upscale Mexican cuisine. Their menu will offer Mexican favorites such as fresh guacamole, alambres a la parrilla (grilled tender cuts of beef steak with flour tortillas), and Rojo’s homemade flan. Not much of a meat eater? They’ll also offer a vegetarian option of spinach and mushroom enchiladas. As their website says, “Overlooking beautiful Lake Travis, our view is a must-see, and our laid back atmosphere is perfect for the entire family.” This would be a great option for dining out with the fam or catching up with a group of your best buds out by the lake before Fall weather arrives?

III Forks 

III Forks for III courses! Looking for a top-notch Restaurant Week option? III Forks without a doubt, will give you an elegant and luxurious dining experience that radiates throughout the restaurant, down to every last detail, including impeccable service. This steakhouse prides itself on a menu that finds a perfect balance between beef and fish. Everything is made fresh and gluten free! Start off with some French onion soup or a classic wedge salad. Then choose between their bacon-wrapped filet or blackened Mahi Mahi if you’re feeling tropical. As their website says, “III Forks steakhouse offers Austin a sophisticated club-like ambiance with an elegant bar and lounge.” It goes without saying that this restaurant will make for a very memorable meal. Make a reservation, grab a fork, and get your fine dinin’ on at III Forks!

Restaurant Roundup A-Z: The G’s

Posted on Saturday, September 24th, 2011

Garridos 

Looking for a green-friendly restaurant this year? Garridos is one of the few “100% green restaurants in the city.” This modern Mexican eatery is “inspired by authentic Mexican recipes from the kitchen of Chef David Garrido’s grandmother.” While creating a flavorful original menu, Garridos also has focused its efforts on using “fresh, local, and organic ingredients.” It would only make sense that they offer vegetarian options and are 95% Gluten free! Garridos not only offers a deliciously healthy menu, but also serves signature wines, tequilas, and cocktails. Located in downtown Austin, its patio dining makes it a unique experience that should not be missed!

Green Pastures

Rated as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world by culinary giant, James Beard, Green Pastures has been serving the Austin community for nearly 60 years with an eloquent dining experience. It truly embodies the spirit of Southern Hospitality, serving regional Southern foods. It has even won the award for Critics Most Elegant Old South Sunday Brunch from the Austin Chronicle.  Enjoy a Saloon Style Steak  or perhaps their vegetarian option from their menu with a special someone. This restaurant is located on “five-acres under beautiful live oaks in a beautiful Victorian home.” You might even spot some peacocks on the premises! The Austin American Statesman says, ” It’s hard to imagine a more romantic place for dinner.”

Haddingtons

Haddingtons is the perfect place to make your Restaurant Week reservation if you’re looking to find a high-quality dining experience without fancy “white tablecloths and ornate place settings.” Haddingtons manifests itself as a warm and inviting “classic American tavern” in a space laid out like a home with separate dining rooms to add casual intimacy to your experience. Executive Chef Jimmy Corwell, an AFC Certified Master Chef, has 25 years of restaurant experience which have  allowed him to perfect his American-style cuisine. Additionally, for all you wine connoisseurs, don’t miss out on their hand selection of limited, hand selected wines. Haddingtons will be offering wine pairings throughout Restaurant Week!

Restaurant Roundup A-Z: F’s!

Posted on Friday, September 23rd, 2011

Fabi & Rosi
A quaint European kitchen located just off of Lake Austin Boulevard, Fabi & Rosi features German, Italian, and French specialties. It’s made the news on both Off the Plate on YNN and KXAN and even partnered with the Sustainable Food Center in an after school program teaching students about local farm to table practices, like raising the chickens that produce the eggs for their dishes. Their Restaurant Week menu caters to organic and vegetarian diners, and their impressive three courses only amount to $25! 

Finn & Porter
Finn & Porter, housed in the downtown Hilton Hotel on 4th Street, is miles beyond a tourist dining destination. It’s been named by Wine Spectator as having “one of the best restaurant wine lists in the world” and one of the country’s top steakhouses by MSN.com. We doubt there’s a more appropriate time than Restaurant Week for locals to feel like they’re on vacation by paying a visit to one of Austin’s finest seafood and sushi spots. Does coffee & ancho rubbed beef tenderloin make your mouth water? How about a sushi sampler for an appetizer? With three delicious options for each course, their Restaurant Week menu is worth more than every penny you’ll pay!

FINO
With a 100-European bottle wine list, FINO is not your average neighborhood joint, although highly celebrated by Austin locals. Where else in town can you taste plates large and small influenced by Spain, Italy, Greece, and North Africa? Only at FINO. Just like the name suggests, it’s fine in every sense of the word. For Restaurant Week, FINO is offering a lunch menu, a dinner menu, and a brunch menu to maximize the number of chances that you’ll dine with them! Their brunch menu includes a southern dish, and flavors from Spain, Morocco, and Turkey for only $20! Their lunch menu also rings up to only $20 with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, currents, and not your average burger made of both beef & lamb. The dinner menu is packed with produce and includes salmon, giving you a high value for a bargain price of $35.

Fion Wine Pub & Bistro
Fion is a locally-focused neighborhood favorite serving wine and tasty eats in the West Austin Steiner Ranch community. They’re so focused on their customers that they’re even running a logo contest (through Sept. 30) for anyone who can capture their essence in an image they can use at the restaurant as their main identifier! Their Restaurant Week dinner menu is ambitious for $25 and almost entirely inspired by local ingredients/culture, including a Texas Nicoise salad, free range chicken, braised short ribs, beet and goat cheese appetizer made of cheeses sourced from local Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, and Deep Fried S’mores (sounds like the Texas State Fair on a plate)! 

Flemings
Offering two participating Restaurant Week locations in the Domain and Downtown, Flemings is described as “The ultimate steakhouse destination for the wine lover: stylish, lively, contemporary and affordable”. Flemings is known for their “Flemings 100″ wine program featuring 100 wines-by-the-glass, which is hard to come by, and allows sippers to try different wines without having to commit to a bottle. It’s mission is to be “sophisticated yet comfortable and not overpriced” and you’ll absolutely find this to be true and a perfect fit for Austin’s culture. Flemings is known for their fine dining menu of fresh meats, seafood, and poultry, and the wine that accompanies dish flavors. In fact, it’s earned Wine Enthusiast’s Award of Distinction and Wine Spectator’s annual Award of Excellence.

Fogo de Chao Currascaria
Fogo de Chao is not just another steakhouse with award-winning wines. It’s a Brazilian steakhouse known for its extensive selection of fire-roasted meats sliced and served tableside for an interactive dining experience that awakens all of your senses. It has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence between 2002-2008, and has been recognized for being a dining destination for meetings & events in Texas. Fogo is also known for its sight-to-see salad bar with more choices than you’ll know what to do with and enough to fill you up sans meat, so pace yourself! According to the Austin Chronicle, the meats have a distinct flavor as the result of the way they’re cooked over flames, “Stop and take a look at the open-flame rotisserie when you walk in. Note the massive ribs. They are there for show, but the little pans that catch the fat and keep it out of the flames are important. In Fogo de Chão’s kitchen, the juices drop into water, away from the flames. You end up with a sweet, meaty flavor. I love the difference.” You’ll love the difference too and get to taste the flavors of Brazil in Texas at a lean price during Austin Restaurant Week, so reserve that table and your appetite!

Foreign & Domestic
The menu at this North Loop feastery (yes we made that up) screams adventurous yet down-to-earth. Their Restaurant Week menu is packed with produce and rustic ingredients like Corn Pasta (doesn’t that sound intriguing?), Wagyu short ribs, and Crispy Beef Tongue, balanced out by softer satiaters like peach butter, yogurt, and mint. They’re even offering a wine pairing if you want to splurge and still stay within budget. Don’t you wonder what they pair with beef tongue or corn pasta? If their Restaurant Week menu isn’t enough to sway you, they’ve turned eyes for their fried chicken, their pickling recipes, and its carrot side dish. Restaurant Week is the time to step outside of your dinner box, and F&D is the perfect place to push your boundaries.

Restaurant Roundup A-Z: D, E

Posted on Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

And today, after several Restaurant Week menus have been posted!, we continue our Restaurant Roundup A-Z with those starting with D and E…

Daily Grill
Daily Grill is known for going above and beyond, paying special attention to the quality of their food and every detail. Take for example, their approach to grinding meat, which scored them a write-up in RealFoodTraveler. They’re also quite creative and recently ran a video contest awarding the winner with a generous cash prize and gift certificates. Did you know an Austinite won second place? Does a Blackberry Porkchop or Cedar Plank Atlantic Salmon make your mouth water? Their Restaurant Week menu has both AND more. Your only dilemma is making your three course selections and a reservation before they run out!

Driskill Grill
The Driskill Grill is housed in one of Austin’s most historic hotels, and the restaurant itself is monumental. Known for its ever-changing seasonally-inspired menu and its nightly “farm to table” three-course menu incorporating local ingredients, the Driskill Grill is truly a treat. It remains Austin’s only restaurant to receive the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence in addition to Zagat’s rating of ‘Extraordinary to Perfection’. You’ll find its priority is quality and enjoy a meal unmatched at Driskill Grill.

El Arbol
El Arbol (meaning “the tree), is named after the 150-year-old Oak tree that shades the restaurant and its three-tiered exterior patio. You’ll find flavors of South America, Spain, and Italy on its award-winning menu and enjoy its large-and-in-charge wine glasses just waiting for a tasty pour! Their Restaurant Week menu is up and featuring dishes that look comforting, yet difficult to replicate. If you’re feeling adventurous, you be interested in their octopus appetizer, pork cheek entree, herb manchego gnocchi side, and delectable coconut-laced chocolate dessert. 

Eleven Plates
Eleven Plates is Austin Restaurant Week’s newest participant, having JUST opened its doors in Davenport Village (Hill Country) in time for our event! It stays true to its name, offering eleven small plates, eleven lunch& dinner plates and eleven brunch plates, with everything made in-house. They go against their name when it comes to wine, because we have more than eleven different palates when it comes to wine. Let’s talk about their Restaurant Week Brunch menu! It includes a mimosa, and both pomegranate and peach oolong iced teas, Austin-favorite migas, Bananas Foster French Toast, and a Sweet Potato omelette, made with house ‘Roasties’, and a house-made chocolate bar, all three courses for $15! Their lunch menu even includes a steak at the special Restaurant Week Price! And, their dinner menu has so many choices, including their ice cream s’mores for dessert!

Restaurant Week A-Z: First Up…A, B, C

Posted on Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

We’re in the final countdown to the Fall run of Austin Restaurant Week 2011, and to get ready for the big event, we’re embarking on an aggressive mission to complete an A-U (Okay, we don’t have any restaurants this time around starting with a Z) restaurant roundup of participating eateries on our blog in a very short timeframe! To help you decide where to make your reservations for this citywide culinary celebration, we’ll try to teach you something new about each one in the coming days. Keep checking back because we’ll be updating often and may even host a giveaway!

And now…starting with A…

ALC Steaks (Austin Land and Cattle Company)
ALC Steaks has won the Best of Citysearch Steak award several times over and received a high Zagat rating for quality food at a reasonable price and its consistent side dishes! It is Austin’s ONLY independent, family-owned steakhouse, dishing up just the way it has served its juicy classics for 17 years! If you visit for Restaurant Week and love what you eat, they’re even willing to share a recipe or two with you so you can take ALC Steaks home with you just long enough to want the real deal on a repeat visit.

Annie’s Cafe and Bar
Annie’s owners are named Love and Sherry, and you’ll love what you find at this modern downtown Brasserie from hearty home-cooking inspired dishes to lighter fare made of local produce and freshly baked breads/delectables. Named in Austin360′s Best Places for Brunch list, Annie’s can be your go-to morning, noon, or night. With a welcoming and inclusive half-oval bar, Annie’s boasts top-notch cocktails, making Annie’s a central hub for socialites and corporate-folk alike.

The Backspace
This Italian bistro is said by the Chronicle to be “just about as Italian as you can get without hopping on a plane” and owner and esteemed Chef Sean Cirkiel said he wanted it to be a restaurant that “feels like you’re part of the city but also feels kind of comfortable,” in an interview with the Austin Business Journal. Chef Cirkiel is also located just behind Austin Restaurant Week participant: Parkside. 

Botticelli’s
An authentic, yet inventive Italian Trattoria, Botticelli’s radiates with warmth and casual romanticism. If you’re looking for a quiet date night, indulge inside, catching up with buds? Hop to the beer garden out back that provides for a perfect retreat from the busy city center that surrounds it. With a wine list that’s noticed, including a “small, but impeccable reserve” selection, Botticelli’s is the perfect place in the heart of South Congress to unwine-d, and take in Botticelli’s hearty and creative Italian dishes.

Braise
Eastside charmer and off-the-beaten pather, Braise, was described by the Chronicle as “a charming place to get an impressive meal for $30 per person” and for Restaurant Week, you’ll be able to enjoy even more of their delicacies for not much more than three tens! A quaint spot radiating behind a deceiving condo building facade, Braise brings warmth and color into the space with the vibrant artwork of local Luis Abreaux. The manifestation of Parind Vora’s local eatery Jezebel, which was damaged in a recent fire, Braise is his newest concept that still appeals to local tastes and combines unique, yet harmonious flavors into its menu to give you a truly FINE dining experience at a welcome price.

Cru Food & Wine Bar
Cru Domain
Cru Downtown

Cru Food & Wine Bar has two participating destinations in Austin, one on 2nd Street and one at The Domain, so take your pick based on convenience! It’s known for its urban ambiance and its impressive wine list that earned it the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, awarded based on length and selection. Cru hosts a variety of events including Happy Hours, ladies nights for an evening out with the gals, and a brunch menu that’s hard to pass up. Get a sip and a taste at Austin Restaurant Week and you’ll be back for more!

Carmelo’s Ristorant Italiano
Carmelo’s has been an Austin Italian establishment since 1985 and remains a favorite for locals and visitors, considering its location in the heart of downtown Austin. Carmelo’s was just awarded (August 2011) the Seal of “Ospitalita Italiana” from the Italian Government for (their) use of authentic Italian products and the preparation of genuine Italian cuisine. (Carmelo’s) has created a menu that is not only carefully thought out and authentically Italian, but also one that uses the finest quality beef, veal and poultry and the freshest of seafood, and when available local produce.”

Cuatro’s
Yes, the owner’s name is actually Cuatro! And, according to Cuatro’s website, he set out with an observation on a mission: “Burgers and tacos are served everywhere in this town, and some are better than others. We strive to make our burgers magical and the tacos something special simply by cooking and seasoning properly. We feel that customers will appreciate the attention that we pay to our food.” Cuatro’s lines up two dozen beers on tap, the Cuatrotron sportin’ your favorite sports teams, and even displays the latest scores from your favorite teams on their website homepage! Want a casual Restaurant Week dining option with quality food near campus? Cuatro’s is the place to be.

The Carillon
The Carillon has been featured several times over by the Statesman and Austin360, including the 25 Best Dishes feature and receiving a 4 star rating in the Statesman Dining 2009-2010 Guide. Don’t let the fact that it’s on the UT campus intimidate you. In fact, you can self park and receive parking validation in the restaurant, so it may even be more accessible than downtown restaurants without parking! Quickly rising star Chef Josh Watkins at The Carillon hailed from participating Restaurant Week eatery Driskill Grill, which earned a 5 star rating under his chefdom. He is responsible for much of the draw since the carefully crafted cuisine is the focus at The Carillon. As Addie Broyles from the Statesman stated, “Only a chef with Josh Watkins’ energy and excitement could pull off in a short time the opening of multiple dining venues at the new AT&T Hotel and Conference Center on the south edge of The University of Texas campus.” (Source: MeetatTexas website)

Cipollina  

Described by Fearless Critic as a “cozy, casual bistro” that has a “a homey sincerity to this place that underplays just how good it is, Cipollina lives up to these words.” With an ever-changing Italian/Mediterranean-inspired menu that features seasonal ingredients, Cipollina brings back the surprise into every-day dining. Menus are posted daily, or you can call in advance, so make sure to make a reservation early if you see something you like, it might be a fleeting item! Cipollina is the concept of nearby Clarksville fine dining destination and Restaurant Week participant: Jeffrey’s.

Austin Restaurant Week Fall 2011 Kickoff!

Posted on Monday, September 19th, 2011

 

 

The Fall run of Austin Restaurant Week is so close we can taste it! This time, it includes 52 restaurants, 58 locations, 3 courses, 2 weeks, 1 fabulous city! From North to South to Lakeside, from Steiner Ranch to the UT campus, lunch, brunch, dinner, steak, fish, Italian bistros, Asian fusion, southwest-influenced, grilled, melted, or braised, take your pick and divinely dine at a special price! Enjoy a night out for no more than $35 for three courses and explore Austin bite by bite, day or night! Need to take a VIP client to lunch? Pick a date between September 25-28, and October 2-5, call up your Austin Restaurant Week dining spot of choice, make a reservation, and make business magic happen! Got that special someone that deserves top-notch date night but you’re still on a budget? Make it happen. Reservations book early, so hop to it!

 

Get the Austin Restaurant Week party started early, join us for our kickoff party on Wednesday, September 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Paggi House, one of our Fall participating restaurants! A suggested $10 donation covers sips from Hahn Family Wines, and locally-produced spirits Deep Eddy Vodka and Roxor Gin and hors d’oeurves from the snazzy Paggi House kitchen. All proceeds from donations will benefit Austin area Meals on Wheels. Live music will keep the good times rolling, so don’t forget your dancing shoes.

Start working up an appetite and join us Wednesday. See you then!