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Heard on the Street

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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Openings

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

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

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

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

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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Closings

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

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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Restaurant Events

Events You Might Have Missed:

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

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

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

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

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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