Uncorked Round One

The woman I most admire in the world had a birthday, and it needed to be celebrated. My brother and I took my Mom to Uncorked to enjoy and rejoice in the amazingness that she is. None of us had been to the little house on the hill just on the east side of town, and luckily restaurant.com had a discounted certificate (buy $25 certificate for $2!) which I snatch up when I can. We didn't know what to expect, and it exceeded most of any expectations we could of had. We were seated and presented the wine and food menu. For anyone who has no clue about the wonderment that is wine, this is the place to start. The menu is organized in a 'Winedex' by country, type, sweetness, fruitness, and non-fruit flavor (like earth). You can select the glass or bottle based upon a very distinct breakdown. We went through several choices, the restaurant was out of 2 of them, and ended up with the waiter's recommendation of the Dona Paula Malbec from Mendoza. It was fantastic and each one of us enjoyed it. Not bad at all especially for the $29 bottle price tag. We ran through the menu with our waiter, who was very knowledgeable. He had a farm of his own with his family, and said he eats the food he produces and at Uncorked. The menu has a small number of entrees but ones that range from meat to seafood. The birthday girl chose the All Natural Airline Chicken Breast (roasted garlic cognac cream sauce served with braised collard greens). I chose the Roasted Rack of Lamb (South American style with chimmichurri, garbanzo salad and watercress) and dear brother chose the Angus Tenderloin Au Poivre (melted blue cheese, rosemary roasted potatoes and red wine reduction). Mmm, mmm, mmm. I cannot tell you how good the lamb was that night. It was rare, juicy and was was refreshingly backed by the chimmichurri and salad. I adore chimmichurri and it made the lamb feel like it was back home and I was visiting it for dinner. Fantastic. The tenderloin was also a great choice. The wine reduction was like a dark stained wood. Deep, rich, and comforting. Mom enjoyed her chicken, as she usually never orders chicken in a restaurant. It was cooked well and enjoyable. We finished with the chef's take on Strawberry shortcake and brownie sundae. Uh my gawd, so so so good. The brownie had a touch of chili, which of course elevated the flavor. The shortcake was perfect. So light, so fresh, and laced with a citrus decadence. The night was so great, and we couldn't have celebrated a more wonderful woman and mother. Cheers to good food and wonderful family.

Uncorked Tasting Room & Wine Bar

Uncorked 'Winedex'

Peche, Si Vous Plais

I am very fortunate to have a great group of single girlfriends in Austin. We decided to get together recently and treat ourselves to good food, drinks, dancing, and other delights. Our night began with dinner at Peche, one of my favorite restaurants in Austin. Peche is promoted as an absinthe bar, and has some of the best cocktails in town. Though we didn't meet the green fairy, we did our best to sample the cream of the crop from the bar. I began with one of my favorite cocktails in town, the Cucumber Martini (Hendrick's gin, cointreau, cucumber juice, rosemary, and cayenne pepper). You may have a furrowed look on your brow, but let me say it is heaven. I'm not even a fan of gin, and this one gets me every time. It is the perfect "let's start this weekend off with a bang" mixture. Really great especially if you're not into sweet drinks. My friend Jessica ordered the Jade (Pineapple, vanilla vodka, lime & lemon juice, Midori and bar syrup). It was tasty, but also reminded us of a jolly rancher. Good for those who like the sweet stuff. Deanna ordered the French 75 (St. Germain, lemon juice, champagne), which also happens to be another one of my favorites. Love champagne? This will kick your love into a full on affair. The perfect balance of bubbly and citrus. St. Germain is made with elderflower, which has a slight grapefruit taste. We made our menu selections, which happened to be a special Valentine's selection and were talked into the Lobster empanadas for starters. They were great, but we wanted the stars of the show. I got the Bay Boat Scallops with celery root, fingerling potato chips, and brown butter hollandaise. Holy (insert whatever word here) it was so incredibly good. Creamy, rich, perfectly cooked scallops, finished with the crunch of the chip. Jessica got the Prime Beef Tenderloin with roasted cippolinas (onions), pommes frites puree, and jus. Really tender and deep flavors. Deanna decided on the Homemade potato gnocchi, which was filling and rich. During dinner we each ordered a few more cocktails. I decided on the Fig Manhattan (Rye Whiskey, Vya sweet vermouth, house made cherry vanilla bitters, and fig foam), well because I love whiskey. It was intense with a balance of fruit and whiskey burn. I loved it and the fig foam was a great finish. Jessica got a Cucumber martini after sampling mine, and Deanna got a French 75 (Gin, champagne, bar syrup, and lemon juice). We finished our indulgence with the Mascapone Tart with late harvest vinegar strawberries and cool sweet gelatin. So nice after rich, delicious meals. As if we couldn't celebrate enough, both Jessica and I decided to try the Pink Lady (Gin, applejack, lemon juice,house grenadine, and egg white). Though sweet, I really enjoyed the egg white finish and the slight tartness of the drink. It was of course the first cocktail designed for a woman, we had to try. The night was exceptional, we talked, laughed, and went on to have a dance off at our first stop. Fantastic. Peche is definitely a place you can unwind, take your time, and enjoy the talent it hosts. Try their regular dinner menu with daily specials whenever you get the chance.

Peche Austin
Twitter: @Peche_Austin