For Those who Might Have Missed It — Austin Pizza Wars: 2012
October 5, 2012Welcome to the 6th installment of the recurring series we have fondly come to know as Pizza Wars. This has evolved from a rating of both chains and locally-owned joints to almost exclusively a detailed report on owner-operated spots in Central Texas. Continue Reading »
Complete Text of Rob’s Most Recent Q&A Program on KVUE-TV
September 27, 2012Rob on KVUE-TVOne of the really neat opportunities regarding my association with KVUE-TV is the opportunity to do a monthly Q&A show where we answer questions both from readers of diningoutwithrobbalon.com and from viewers of KVUE. We thought it Continue Reading »
Our Best New Austin Restaurants in 2012
September 19, 2012Every time we do a Food Friday show on KLBJ-AM, the common thread from listeners is that we are so fortunate to have so many new, good restaurants in the Austin area. While some of these, alas, don’t make it, many do and the point of this piece Continue Reading »
Fore Mixologist Brandon Tuner Wins Z Tequila ReZipe Rumble
September 19, 2012The bartender at Fore in Lakeway is $1,000 better off tonight than he was last night: Brandon Turner beat out seven other finalists to take down the first prize in the 1st Z Tequila ReZipe Rumble at Republic Live. As I judge, I tasted some very interesting Continue Reading »
Dining in the Dark Austin Style
September 11, 2012The Blind CafeI once attended a charity dinner at the old Alamo Drafthouse downtown. Jeff Liu of the late Bistro 88 was the chef and the attendees watched Eat Drink Man Woman, a foodie classic movie along the lines of Big Night and The Grand Buffet. As Continue Reading »
Vodka Fest Rocks at Cool River
September 7, 2012Little Black DressAs a guy with a strong background in marketing and market research, I am constantly amazed at the seemingly unending parade of new brands of vodka that hit the market each year along with established brands that add new flavored products Continue Reading »
Winner Picked at Vodka Fest for Cool River Dinner with Rob
September 6, 2012One lucky entrant from Rob’s table at Cool River’s Vodka Fest last week has won the dinner for two at Cool River. If you are the entrant, an email from Rob will be on its way. Congratulations and enjoy your dinner with whomever you choose and Rob Continue Reading »
Hoover Alexander: a Chef and Man for All Seasons
August 30, 2012Hoover AlexanderThis is not a restaurant review. If anything, it’s an appreciation of a pillar in the Austin food community and the story of one hell of a nice guy. I first met Hoover Alexander almost 30 years ago when I was doing my short-lived Continue Reading »
Hunan Lion in Brodie Oaks is Sold to Former Exec of Chinatown Bee Caves
August 28, 2012Learned that one of my long-time favorites in South Austin, Hunan Lion at Brodie Oaks, has been sold to Eddie Chao, Linda Cheng’s head chef at the much-loved Chinatown Bee Caves. Chinatown is now closed but Eddie brought over much of the kitchen and Continue Reading »
European Bistro Owners to Unveil New Concept!
August 20, 2012Piroska & AnnaWhen I first met Anna and Piroska, two stalwart Hungarian ladies who believed that Pflugerville was ready for Eastern European cuisine, it was 11 years ago. They took that passion for great food and launched the European Bistro on a Continue Reading »
