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Heard
on the Street
Restaurant
Events
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Openings
Closings
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Fubu Crisis Appears
to be Overrated at Sherlock’s Pub
An Hispanic guy walked
into a bar, in this case, Sherlock’s Pub at the site of the old
UR Cooks at 183 and Burnet. He was wearing a pair of Fubu socks,
which an employee on duty construed to be “gang” attire. The customer,
who is a professional in the medical field, was asked to either
turn his socks around or leave. Apparently, he was not too pleased.
FOX 7, my TV partner, sent their investigative
reporter over to cover the story because the guy had called up the
station and complained. Sherlock’s Corporate issued a strongly worded
statement saying that the employee had overstepped his bounds.
And then FOX 7 send three other gentlemen wearing
Fubu’s over to the club, one white, one black, and one Hispanic.
None of them were turned away.
So was it a rogue employee? Bad kharma? Or perhaps
a misguided racial profiling policy run amuck? Or none of the above?
I guess we’ll never completely know.
Hell, I’ve worn Fubu ankle high socks
to the golf course. It’s a darn good thing that guy wasn’t working
at Barton Creek.
07/22
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Mesa
Ranch, a “True Texas Grill,” opens on Mesa at Spicewood
Steve E Ray, a veteran
of some pretty famous restaurants including the Texas Tumbleweed,
has opened Mesa Ranch, on July 19th. on Mesa at Spicewood at the
site of the former Cathy’s Steakhouse.
Steve E describes this restaurant as a True
Texas Grill. I mean steaks, poultry, seafood and wild game hot off
an open flame mesquite grill. Now that sounds intriguing.
And of course, a bar to belly up to offering
some stellar Texas beers and wines.
One dish that sounds like fun is the shredded
chicken and tomatillo filled corn tortillas with creamy poblano
sauce. And how about the grilled, 22oz Bone in Ribeye with double-stuffed
mushrooms?
So hunker down to the ranch and enjoy
some Texas vittles. Phone is 853-9480.
07/20
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Fino
Restaurant and Patio Bar Opens at Site of former Granite Café
Emmit and Lisa Fox
of Asti fame are hoping that they can strike another culinary mother
lode with the opening of Fino at 29th and San Gabriel, at the site
of the former Granite Café.
Fino is an eclectic menu which covers many Mediterranean
favorites. Officially opened on July 15th, Fino brings back some
of the same folks, Emmit Fox included, who used to toil in the trenches
with Reed Clemmons at the original Granite before bringing his significant
talent to Asti.
This is an area of town that could use some
more quality restaurants. We are glad to see it.
474-2905 is the number for reservations.
07/20
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Lazy
Fork Restaurant Opens on Hamilton Pool Road in SW Austin
Many people mourned
the passing of the Alpenhoff, the popular steak joint on Hamilton
Pool Road.
We are pleased to report that The Lazy Fork
has now opened at that site on 16808 Hamilton Pool Road, off Highway
71. The Lazy Fork features family styled BBQ and mesquite grilled
steaks. It’s locally owned and operated by a husband and wife team.
We’re glad to see it because that area of town is decidedly bleak
with respect to number of restaurants.
Phone is 263-2272.
07/14
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New
casual Korean restaurant opens downtown: Koriente
Koriente, a Korean
restaurant emphasizing the freshest meats, produce and the best
of Korean styles has just opened at 621 E. 7th in the alley behind
The Boiling Pot.
The Bulgogi Noodles look delicious and I'm intrigued by the Kalbi
Potroast.
The phone is 275-0852. Website is www.koriente.com.
07/08
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Rushi
Opens at North IH 35 and Mopac near the Walmart Center
After the disappointingly
short run for Hyderabad, I’m pleased to tell you about another new
Indian restaurant in North Austin at IH 35 and Parmer (exit 245)
and then right on Lamar into the Walmart Shopping Center. It’s called
Rushi and it’s the work of husband and wife team. The lunch buffet
may be one of the most original and tasty in the city. Rama Gopal
Gottipati is the primary chef and this guy can flat out cook. Website
coming soon. Phone: 490-6590
07/01
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Latest
in unlucky space at Burnet and Research, Tintinnio, closes
You know, I really
liked this restaurant. From the day it opened, when Justin, the
former saucier at Demi Epicurious, started rocking the kitchen.
Their pasta dishes were terrific. I loved the Pesante, which featured
corkscrew pasta, pancetta, wild boar sausage and a lovely cream
sauce with a base of chicken broth. The Venetian Sole was also a
delight.
But like its predecessor, The Iron Chef (which
I also liked), Tintinnio couldn’t make a dent in an area with a
high volume of traffic. After alienating all her vendors by not
paying bills, the owner Mae sold out to a couple of young guys in
their late 20’s. Alas, they couldn’t make a go of it either.
It’s too bad that places like this bite
the dust. Yeah, I recognize that the service, and even the food
could be “iffy” on occasion, but by and large, they served up some
damned good meals. Ironically, the Olive Garden across the street
still seems to keep packing them in.
07/18
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On
the Rumor Front: Mezzaluna Scheduled to Close
Not confirmed yet,
but reliable sources tell me that Mezzaluna, the restaurant that
paved the way for the success of the fashionable Warehouse District
is about to close. Owner Reed Clemmons may be looking at a French
concept to replace the popular Italian restaurant that has been
a must visit for many of the past 17 years. Stay tuned to www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com
for more information.
07/13
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Events You Might Have Missed:
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Doña
Emilia’s Hosts Sangria, Flamenco, & Paella Party
On Wednesday, July
27, 2005 at 8:00 PM Doña Emilia’s South American Bar &
Grill will host a A Sangria Party. Enjoy Red, White & Rosé
Sangria made with their fresh & natural South American imported
fruit along with their famous Paella. Teye & Belen Viva el Flamenco
are just back from their European Tour and they will be performing.
Come feel the passion, see the beauty and enjoy the fun and flavor
of this Latin event for a memorable experience.
Tickets to this event is limited and their wine
& food events at Doña Emilia’s often sellout in advance,
so make your reservation early by calling 478-2520. The cost of
the event is $20.00. You can also get information at their web site
www.donaemilias.com.
7/20
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McCormick
& Schmick's "Third Thursday"
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
will celebrate its regular monthly "Third Thursday" beginning
at 3:00 pm on July 21. The restaurant will stick with the theme
of "threes" on "Third Thursday" where a 1/3
dozen oysters are $3.33 and beer and wine are each $3.00. McCormick
& Schmick's famous $1.95 "Happy Hour" menu is available
beginning at 3:00 pm until the bar closes at 11:00 pm. The John
Blondell Trio will also perform live during "Third Thursday"
festivities.
For reservations, please call 512-236-9600.
7/13
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Cystic
Fibrosis Fund Raiser Serving Up All-Star Lineup of Austin’s Fine
Restaurants July 28th

Benefitting The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Honorary Chair Rob Balon

Savor Austin's culinary talent and passion for film all on one fabulous
night!
Banderas - Bellagio - Dona Emilia's - Eddie V's - Fleming's - Texican
Cafe - Iguana Grill
Green Pastures - Roaring Fork - Siena Ristorante Toscana - McCormick
& Schmick's
Moonshine - Chinatown - Cool River Cafe
7/13
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Freda's
Seafood Grille Hosts Wine Dinner, July 14th
Freda's
Seafood Grille invites you to enjoy their Wine Dinner, Thursday,
July 14th at 7pm.
Appetizers
Seafood Stuffed Avocado
Bouvet Brut Champagne, France
Salad
Fresh Garden Salad
Bollini Pinot Grigio, Italy
Entree
Your choice of
Blackened Snapper Topped with Crawfish Etoufee
Served with Saffron Rice and Sauteed Vegetables
Craggy Range, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
OR
Grilled ANgus Ribeye
Served with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Mushrooms
St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma
Dessert
Creme Brulee
Royal Tokaji Red Label Tokay, Hungary
$45 per person. Reservations required.
512.506.8700 - Ask for Lee
07/01
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Ciola's
Celebrates The Big Night
And what a night it
was!! If you are a fan of the classic food movie The Big Night,
then you can understand why over 60 revelers descended on Ciola's
in Lakeway to partake in one kick-ass dinner.
Owner Dan Ciola, movie buff and Soprano's fan that he is, recreated
the menu from the movie, from the consommé to the Timpano
and the Roast Pig and it was delightful. As the pictures show below,
a fun time was had by all.
Stay tuned to www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com
for advance information on the next Big Night.
Dan Ciola pulling out a raffle ticket for the sound track CD of
The Big Night

Chef Jason Rodis stands in front of his most memorable entrée

An even closer look at this masterpiece of pork

Now are these people having fun? Talk about la Dolce Vita!!!

Over sixty signatures on this bottle and we probably couldn't recognize
one of them!
07/07
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