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Call for Reservations | MENU COMING SOON | NO REVIEWS
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)
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.
