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

TRIO in The Four Seasons

I met my friend Lisa at TRIO in The Four Seasons for a Friday happy hour. Lisa recently moved to Austin from New York, and I knew this place was perfect for our next hang-out. I had never been, and let me say I was blown away. We arrived at 6:30pm and left at midnight. A marathon happy hour if you will. Technically happy hour ends at 8, but we made the most of it. She sipped martinis, while I enjoyed glasses of Malbec. The food was absolutely incredible, and I cannot say it enough you must go. We ordered the Pork Belly and Tuna Tartare. I am smiling thinking about it now. The Pork Belly was melt in your mouth amazing. It was cooked to perfection and the intoxicating flavors went through each bite. The Tuna Tartare was the best compliment to the rich Pork. It was cool, refreshing and delicious. The servings are quite ample for happy hour, and the perfect amount to balance our beverages. Our fantastic bartender brought us a couple of the restaurant's giant top-overs as we continued our talks and laughs. We finished the night with s'mores in the "backyard" near the water. It was such a great night. The price is also unbeatable, we both walked away for about $30 including tip. Head there for happy hour, or check out the regular dinner menu.

TRIO at The Four Seasons
Twitter: @FSAustin

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