Uncorked Round Two (yes round two)

I have many successful, smart, driven girlfriends in my life and Casey is no exception. She recently received her MBA and a promotion in her career. It was her last weekend in town before her big move East and eating was on the agenda. She is one of my all time favorite dining partners. A mini girl's night was organized, and Uncorked was selected to feed the hunger(with another gift certificate from restaurant.com). One of the best things not mentioned in my previous Uncorked Round One entry, is the great patio and downtown view at the restaurant. A big factor in our decision. My first dining experience at the restaurant was in the evening, Round Two was right before sunset. Although the Texas heat, that will have you cursing its humidity was apparent, we still had the best time. We started with a wine selection recommended by another knowledgeable waiter. Funny enough, our first choice was unavailable, but we settled on a lovely Brandsen Malbec from Mendoza. Another steal at $27 for the bottle. Apps started with the International Cheese Board (selection of imported cheeses with grapes, honey and baguette). They, like most cheese plates, were fantastic. The honey was incredible and got our taste buds ready for more. We went for entrees and chose the Roasted Rack of Lamb (South American style with chimmichurri, garbanzo salad and watercress), Uncorked Hummus Trio with Pita Wedges, and the Seared Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad. Unfortunately, both Casey and my lamb was a bit overcooked. I was so disappointed because it was such a favorite from my last visit. The hummus was delicious, each very different and bursting with flavor. The salad was great too, which large seared tuna pieces. A great night, with great women! Take a trip for yourself, and see what this little house has to offer. Daily and weekly specials are created by Chef Ron White, and you will most likely find him behind the bar recommending selections to your liking!

Uncorked Tasting Room & Wine Bar

Easy as pie lunch, sans the pie

One of the foods I associate so much with childhood is shells. The medium sized shell shaped pasta takes me back to my grandma's house where I'd spend all day playing and she'd make me shells with butter and salt. It makes me feel like a little kid, happy as a lark. I now eat the same dish once in awhile, but love to use the shells with a bunch of other goodies. One of my favorite cheap lunches is Shells with canned tuna, black beans, canned corn, red bell pepper, avocado, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and a homemade dressing (lemon, olive oil, white wine vinegar and another dash of salt). I could eat it all day, and usually make a huge bowl of it. I'm talking huge mixing bowl, not that tiny white bowl. The creaminess of the avocado, sweetness of the corn, crisp pepper and black bean flavor make it all come together. A great have a minute and that's it lunch. Enjoy!

Aquarelle

It is no lie that I love French cuisine. I am so happy that Austin now has several French restaurants to choose from that range from reasonable to extravagant. My wonderful friend Casey and I needed our usual date night, and I was pleased as punch that Austin Restaurant Week was in full force. If you live in Austin and go on W. 6th street, you may or may not have noticed the little bungalow that is Aquarelle. This place has been calling my name since it opened, and I've never had the chance to try it. Well, last night was the night. Casey and I were ecstatic. We walked up past the tiny courtyard (perfect for the upcoming Spring weather), and into the dimly lit house. We were seated at a table for two, which had a perfectly set table including China. Our hostess presented us with the Restaurant Week menu and wine list. Aquarelle was offering a 3 course dinner for $35. Amazing. We chose a bottle of Malbec, and enjoyed the crusty bread with butter (French places ALWAYS have the best butter, hands down). We talked life and careers while we were served the Amuse-Bouche, a cold polenta with creamy sauce. Lovely. We then made our menu selections. Casey chose the Tuna Carpaccio for her first course (avacado Mousse, mango coulis, and brunoise of vegetables). I went for the Countryside Farms Rabbit Puff Pastry (with local greens and walnut cream), which was originally a ravioli but changed when we dined. Casey's tuna was cool and refreshing. My rabbit was a surprising combination of deep yet sweet flavors. The walnut cream was to die for, such a great change from typical creams with a slight crunch. For our main course, Casey chose the Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops with potato compote, artichoke nage, and pancetta lardons. Her scallops were extra large and the most perfectly cooked I've ever had. The pancetta lardons were little cubes of saltiness that worked so well with the scallop flavors. I decided on the Boneless breast of duck with pommes Anna, haricot vert (French green beans), and passionfruit rum sauce. While the duck was a tad chewy, it was still great. The sauce was amazing and I soaked up every bit. Our final course happened to be our favorite. Casey chose the Coffee Poached Pear with caramel cake and chocolate ganache. INCREDIBLE. The pear was robust and held up to the coffee flavor. Add caramel and chocolate, and honey you've got one heck of a dessert. I was quite excited about the Parfait of Passionfruit custard and fresh fruit. It was amazing. Tart but sweet, creamy but light, and I wanted more. Passionfruit needs to be used more and more and more. Aquarelle's atmosphere, IMPECCABLE service, and cuisine were top notch. I will visit as much as I can in the future to see what this little house produces. A major NOT to miss opportunity in Austin.

Aquarelle
Twitter: @AquarelleATX

Austin Restaurant Week
Twitter: @AustinRestWeek

Full Aquarelle Austin Restaurant Week Menu

*I decided to refrain from pictures, but head there to see for yourself.



Photo courtesy of www.orthogonalthought.com

Portabla's Perfect Lunch

As you sit at your office, at home, or anywhere in Austin you may be consumed with the question, what's for lunch? Hopefully, this may solve the battle of hunger for you. I stopped in at Portabla today for the firt time. I was lucky enough to win a $20 gift certificate from Dishola, so now was the time to use it. I looked at the Daily Specials and immediately knew what I wanted. I ordered them all. I got a cup of the Zuchinni Ginger Soup with Chicken, the Tuna Melt, and glass of Basil Lemonade. For a dreary day and haze of allergies, this was the absoulute best cure. The Tuna Melt was toasted and filled with pickles, veggies, cheese, and plenty of tuna. The soup was the ultimate comfort plus taste in one. There is no need for improvement at all with this one. Delicate yet a punch of satisfaction. To finish it off were sips of Basil Lemonade, which I was a little weary about. It blew my thirst away. Excellent for this rainy day, or completely perfect in the summer. Next time you need a quick bite, pick-up, or catering stop in to the friendly staff at Portabla. They'll make your day.

Portabla
Twitter: @Portabla