Eclectic Escape

My fabulous friend Erica and I headed to Eastside Showroom in Austin for an early Tuesday night dinner. I have been wanting to try this newly opened East Austin hideaway for awhile now. The restaurant features one of a kind furniture and lighting for sale, hence "showroom". We entered the dimly lit establishment excited and impressed by the colorful atmosphere. The bar was the first thing we laid our eyes upon, good start. We were seated at a tiny table for two, and waited with great anticipation as we decided to order some of the waitress's favorite cocktail picks. We arrived during happy hour, so cocktails were $1 off. My thirst leaned towards the Pink Pony (Gin, Aperol-which is similar to Campari, grapefruit, and cucumber), while Erica chose El Diablo (Tequila, lime, Cassis, and Ginger beer). They arrived on our table in mini Mason jars, mine topped with a cucumber and Erica's with a lime. Erica loved hers, it was a tad sweet but tasty. Mine took some getting used to. Luckily my meal happened to have grapefruit, which helped tie it together. We scanned the menu, asked our ultra hip waitress for advice and made our picks for dinner. While investigating the restaurant beforehand, I noticed they had Pork Belly which I was incredibly eager to try. Unfortunately, they were out during our visit. I was disappointed, but decided to go with Grilled Quail. My decision was right on. The quail was delish. The spices of the bird could use a little tweaking, but it was tender and tasty. The greens and grapefruit it was placed on, were just as delish. Excellent combo. I wish I could say Erica's dish was also a winner, but sadly it was not. She ordered the Curried Grits and Greens. The greens were chewy and the grits well they were gritty. For an ultra healthy dish, I would say go for it. If you want flavor and mmm-ness I'd say no way Jose. The dish has the option of a fried egg on top, which may have helped with flavor. Luckily she also ordered a cup of French Onion soup, which seemed to satisfy (if you're looking for amazing French Onion Soup in Austin, I would have to say Justine's trumps all). So all-in-all, the experience was delightful. I mean how can you go wrong with great company. I will definitely give the Showroom another try, and see where it takes me. Check it out if you're up for an eclectic escape.

Eastside Showroom
Twitter: @east_showroom

Full-on Family Feast (Say it Five times Fast)

Christmas Day 2009 was not a disappointment for my family either. I wanted to cook, I wanted to challenge myself, and I wanted to do it for them. Luckily I had watched one of my favorite soft-spoken chefs, Ina Garten, earlier in the week and jotted down a recipe sure to delight. I made Roasted Chicken over homemade croutons, Roasted Veggies, Green Beans, Caramelized Shallots, and Homemade Profiteroles with ice cream and melted dark chocolate. Mmm, mmm, mmm. It was my first Roast Chicken, and luckily Ina's recipe was easy as pie. I stuffed the little birdie with 2 quartered lemons, salt & peppered inside and out, and rubbed with Olive Oil. I popped it in the oven at 425 for 1 hr. and 15 min. Looking back I would have thrown a little rosemary in there, and buttered the top. Who can go wrong with butter, seriously. Once it was done, I covered with foil for 15 more min. to let the juices set. Next I cubed some french bread, put some olive oil in a pan, tossed and toasted the cubes. Once the chicken was done, I placed it on the crumbs to absorb all the juices. Blanched green beans were next, which I put on the baking sheet with sliced red and yellow bell peppers. A little salt & pepper, olive oil, and into the oven at 425 for about 15-20 min. I was quite excited about the Caramelized Shallots. I've only dabbled with shallots in the past, but this was a full-on adventure. After peeling, I dribbled the garlic/onion cuties with a tablespoon of sugar, a tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of butter that I melted all together on the stove. Those little things went on a baking sheet, and into the oven at 400 for 30 min. My next endeavor was Profiteroles. This was a last minute decision, influenced by left-over dark chocolate from Christmas Eve's feast. The dough could not be easier. I combined 1 stick of butter, 1 cup of milk, and a dash of salt on medium heat. Once melted, I added 2 cups of flour in the pot! I stirred and stirred until the mixture made a softer dough. Next the bundle of dough was thrown in a blender and I added four eggs. Pulsing that together, I placed in a large plastic baggie, cut the tip off and attempted 1 inch swirls. I dotted the tips with water and popped in the oven at 425 for 20 min. I left them for an additional 10 min. with the oven off. Once out, I slit the tops slightly to allow steam to escape. As soon as they were cooled I chopped off the tops, scooped Blue Bell White Chocolate Almond ice cream in them, put on the tops, and drizzled with dark chocolate. D-I-V-I-N-E. It was fantastic, we had a great time devouring everything. If you're hesitant about cooking, this is a great meal to conquer. Change the spices and flavors to make it your own. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

Chocolate, Cheese & Beer

Christmas Eve 2009 was one tasty night for my family. While sharing a meal (of course), my Mom and I came up with a feast that would kick-off Christmas celebrations like no other. We knew we wanted the essentials: cheese, chocolate and some form of festive beverage. It was set, we traveled to Central Market in Austin and made our way down the check-list. With the ever so patient and knowledgeable Central Market staff, I picked four very different cheeses. I also decided to pick four different beers to sample with our meal. I wanted a range from light to dark. The beer/wine guy at Central Market knew just what I needed. My Mom finished the trip by getting 60% dark chocolate, which we were to melt for fondue (tastebuds watering yet?). The feast was complete with fruit for chocolate dipping, 'lil smokies in chili sauce and grape jelly (simple delicious sauce), and honey for the cheeses. It was fantastic, we couldn't get enough. If you decide to do the same, I highly recommend asking for suggestions, and stray from your ordinary picks. It was worth it for us. Here's hoping your holiday meals were just as tasty.

Central Market
Twitter: @CMFoodie

From left to right: Manchego DO. aged 12 months (nutty, light, so tasty); Sartoni Bella Vitano (Parmesan/Cheddar like cheese soaked in Raspberry Ale, different and good); Carr Valley Mobay (goat and ewe's milk seperated by vegetable ash, so delicious); 60% Brie (creamy, smooth, but pungent); Regular old Cheddar Cheese (my brother's addition)


From left to right: Zatec Czech Lager (light and smooth); Ayinger Bavarian Hefferveisen (refreshingly good), Anchor Steam Beer (from San Fran, hearty and tasty); Morimoto Black Obi Soba Ale (dark, deep, and satisfying)

Shrimp, Grits & Apple Pie

If you've been to New Orleans, or anywhere in the south, you know Shrimp & Grits. It is a dish that satisfies your hunger like no other. I have not had amazing Shrimp & Grits since Desire Oyster Bar on Bourbon St in NOLA. Let me tell you a little something, I've found the second best thing to it. Get yourself to The Woodland on South Congress in Austin. You will be kissing the chef once you're through. The combonation of spices, sauce, and of course shrimp and grits is incredible. I don't think I've ever said "oh wow", and "oh my gosh" so many times in one little sitting. It will make all your daily troubles disappear. If that isn't enough, order yourself a slice of homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It's like a warm blanket of goodness wrapped in a hug of love. So so so good. Take a friend, loved one, or even someone you don't know. You'll be friends by the end of this rendezvous for sure.

The Woodland
Twitter: @woodlandaustin





Desire Oyster Bar New Orleans

Friends at Desire Oyster Bar in NOLA

A Brew Pub Pub

If you've never been to Germany, I may forgive you. It's a long way away, amazing place, but far away. If you've never been to Fredericksburg, Texas I may forgive you, but I won't like doing it. To get down to the nitty gritty, if you've never eaten a Scotch Egg, I seriously can't forgive you. I mearly say this because it's delicious, and I want you to be happy. To solve some of your problems I will suggest two things for you to do. Go to Fredericksburg, Texas and make your first stop the Fredericksburg Brewery. Once you sit down at a table, the bar, or the beer garden, your order must be a Scotch Egg, and a flight of beer. You may thank me later. Now before I get you to seriously committ, I will explain to you what a Scotch Egg entails. It is a hard-boiled egg, covered in sausage and deep fried to perfection. If that doesn't get you in the car now, imagine washing it all down with locally brewed beer that is sure to make you giggle like a school girl. One more thing, you can (legally) take beer to go from the Brewery and sip on the streets of town. Wonderful, I know. So get yourself to the German oasis of the Hill Country, and enjoy all it has to offer.

Fredericksburg Brewery

Crab Heaven

About a month ago, I headed to Truluck's in Austin to eat with a girlfriend's parents and friends. I must explain something to you right away, I love crab. When I say love, I don't mean oh yeah that's something I enjoy. I am utterly delighted by the sound, taste, and sweetness the little creature delivers. I will order a menu item simply b/c it includes crab. I have been known to have been a bit stern with a poor waitress when crab claws were no longer a specialty menu item. I've also possibly been known to order crab legs at Hooter's. Yes, it is true. To sum up, I love crab. Going along with this culinary obession, I was elated to dive into the seafood wonderment of Truluck's. To my delight we accidently indulged in the Seafood Tower. This literal mountain of seafood ectasy was overwhelming for all. Our only complaint, the dry ice which cascaded over the feast, didn't last long enough. As if it couldn't get any better, my main course was indeed crab claws. It was as if I'd never been in a restaurant before, my eyes widened, my smile grew, and my stomach shouted with glee. It was true love. Enjoy the sights I had below, and be sure to stop in Truluck's Austin locations for the seasonal all you can eat Stone Crab on Monday nights. Fabulous, simply fabulous.

Truluck's
Twitter: @Trulucks