Creek Road Cafe

If you're lucky enough to live in Austin, you're lucky enough to be miles away from the Hill Country. It's some of the most beautiful parts in the US (and no I'm not biased). One tiny town that falls in the rolling hills of Texas country is Dripping Springs. Although it doesn't have the touristy appeal of Fredericksburg, it does have a fantastic new restaurant called Creek Road Cafe. Chef and owner Chae Donahue has moved himself down from Washington State to provide fantastic food, quality, and service. We stopped in for lunch, but I immediately took a look at the dinner menu. It sounds impressive for a restaurant on the side of the highway. For lunch, we chose the Crabcake salad, HC Steak Salad, and French Silk Pie (one of my favorites). Fresh ingredients, exquisite talent, and good food will not disappoint. Our meal was perfect, and from what I can tell dinner would be as well. Be sure to stop in while you're driving to or from Austin. It's a not to miss spot. If you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at Cowgirls and Lace down the road for fantastic gifts and fabric.

Creek Road Cafe

Willkommen

Well it's only been a few months and another trip to Fredericksburg made it on to my calendar. This past weekend, my Mom (yes we spend a lot of time together), our friends Anna & Martha , and I headed to Fredericksburg for the day. Anna had a beautiful baby girl about 2 months ago, so a girls day away was much needed! Our first stop was not the Brewery as in past months, but one of our favorite German restaurants, Altdorf's. We've been coming here since I was a little one. We even braved the chilly weather and sat in the Biergarten. We ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio, and got to thinking about food. My Mom's all time favorite is the Red Baron, basically a Reuben. I decided on Jager Schnitzel which is their breaded pork cutlet with brown mushroom gravy. Martha and I split since the thing is HUGE. A soup or salad and three sides come with the dish! We chose Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut, and the Sweet and Sour Potatoes. It was as tasty as I remember, perfectly cooked and filling. After much laughter and eating, we decided on a little Buttermilk pie to finish it all off. Though it was more custard-like than sugary softness of traditional Buttermilk pies, we still ate it (wouldn't recommend if it's your first time to try Buttermilk pie). The rest of the day was filled with shopping and wandering. We got to see the 26 foot German Pyramid which was built in Mainz, Germany and sent to Fredericksburg. It was so impressive! Traditional (smaller) pyramids twirl round and round from candle heat spinning the propeller on top. A wonderful sight! It was the perfect afternoon.

Altdorf Biergarten

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