Cru Wine Bar

My friend Lisa and I seriously needed to talk life, so we decided to go al fresco at Cru Wine Bar in downtown Austin. I had never been, and was excited to try one of their well-known wine flights. We sat down, took a deep breath, and began our convos. While we chatted our waitress brought out each of our flights. The pieces they serve the flights with are almost the best part. They are circular metal holders that allow the waitress to place the flight, in order, in front of you all at once. Lisa decided on the White Global Pinots and I went with the Sexy Reds (I was in need of a little tenderness). The flights were great, and we each found one wine we loved. Mine happened to be the Betts & Scholl 2006 O.G. Barossa Valley Grenache. It was heavenly, and I ordered another glass, or two. We of course couldn't just sip on wonderful vino, a girl's got to eat after all. We ordered a few of the sharing plates. The fried brie with honey and black peppercorns, and the beef tenderloin with salad and green beans. They were both fantastic. The brie was soft, creamy and not overwhelming with the slightest crunch from the batter. The honey with pepper was amazingly awesome. We got a second order of the brie, we couldn't resist the perfection. The steak was tender and such a nice choice to match the brie. Wonderfully cooked and flavorful. We spent the rest of the evening sipping our picks of the night, and figuring out the answers to life's questions. Cru has locations in Austin, Houston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Denver. They know their stuff, and can help you or your party pick the perfect cast to your edible play. Cheers to tastiness.

Cru Wine Bar

FINO FINO FINO

It has been well publicized that the Cactus Cafe in Austin is shutting its doors. This small venue on UT campus has housed such acts as Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Alison Krauss, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock and Townes Van Zandt. I decided we must get one last show in, and noticed country singer/songwriter Chris Knight was playing. My incredible friends Ashley and Laura were keen on joining me. The show started at 8:30, so we automatically assumed we'd go for happy hour somewhere. Since it was just "around the corner" from campus, we chose FINO. This Mediterranean mecca has a sister restaurant, Asti where we dined for New Year's Eve. We arrived and Laura immediately ordered a round of Bee Stings. She said it was a must, we did not argue. She knows her stuff. The waitress brought the golden martinis out, and we sipped away. They delivered quite a kick with Below manuka honey vodka, black pepper & meyer lemon. Great if you like tart with some ammunition behind it. Tasty little treat that definitely gets you "buzzed". Next came the ordering where we went all out. We got Mussels, Fried Goat Cheese, Pork Panchitos, Flatbread with hummus, and Pork Belly. The Pork Panchitos were first, and came highly seasoned on skewers. Pork with a wake your taste buds up spicy greeting. Next were the mussels, which were a favorite with all three of us. A smooth Sherry broth and perfectly cooked. Definitely recommended. Then it was the flatbread and walnut red pepper hummus. The bread was so soft and scooped up the crunchy hummus with ease. Very tasty. Next we tackled the fried goat cheese. This was my favorite. It was topped with Red Onion Jam and drizzled with honey. The cheese was impeccable, not overwhelming and matched incredibly with the honey & onions. After cheese was the pork belly, which I've had a lot of lately. It was served with Mandarin slices, fennel, chile, and green onions. The combo of all ingredients in one bite was excellent. The pork belly alone had great flavor, but not as others I've tried. We ordered another round of "stingers", and decided on two more tapas. Crispy Gulf Oysters with Harissa Aioli & Lime, and Chorizo Stuffed Medjool Dates with House Smoked Bacon, Valdeon Blue Cheese & PX Sherry Glaze. YUM! The oysters were winners, and the dates were a closely behind. Definitely makes your palate think, how did these flavors find each other? FINO's setting is fantastic for a sunset hour, or any other you can fit in. Go when your taste buds need pampering.

FINO
Twitter: fino_austin

Cactus Cafe
















Cactus Cafe for Chris Knight

Tempting Tapas

This week I met two of my favorite brides-to-be at Malaga for happy hour on 2nd Street in Austin. I am in my friend Lauren's wedding and wanted to hear all updates, and hadn't seen my friend Jessica since she got engaged. They shared engagement stories, family craziness, hotel info, and more. It was so good to be with them, and see how different their weddings will be. Malaga is one of my favorite places for happy hour b/c of two things. 1)They have the Barton Springs martini. A refreshing powerful concoction that will make any hump day better. 2)They have a drink and tapa combo for $8. Ah-mazing deal. We ordered our drinks, and decided on tapas. I got the meatballs, Lauren got the Artichoke and Spinach dip, and Jessica chose the olives. The plates came on their tapa tower and we dove in. The olives were marinated which definitely gave them a different, smokey flavor. The dip was creamy, and the meatballs good but not as flavorful as the last time I had them. None the less, it was tasty and after our cocktails we order some vino. Their Tempranillo was delish! A great way to hear all things bridal and visit with two fantastic ladies. Apparently on Wednesday nights they have Flamenco dancers, which were fabulous but pretty loud. Go if you're up for some flavor and soul from Espana.

Malaga Tapas & Bar