New Openings:

Downtown Austin is awash in a sea of new owner operated restaurants coming on line. From a city that was significantly "under restauranted" a scant ten years ago, we are now experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Here's what's happening: 

At 4th and Lavaca, an upscale new Italian bistro called Girasole [see review]. From the former owners of the highly successful Mama Mia, this features the brilliant former chef [Christian] of the Belgian Restaurant. At first blush, looks like a winner.

On 3rd street near the convention center, [up from the Iron Works BBQ] is an upscale American/eclectic called Amelia. The restaurant is the brainchild of one of the first Dellionaires and features an exquisite wine list. Had Hors d' oeuvres there the other night and was very impressed.

At 5th and San Jacinto, look for an upscale seafood place called Eddie V's. This is the inspiration of noted fish purveyor Sam Eaves. Just opened, this place promises to be the Sullivan's of seafood. Open each night until 11pm with a rocking piano bar open until midnight.

Also, fans of the Food Network will recognize the name of the Iron Chef.  His signature Kinishiwa Japanese ho down will soon be going up at 5th and Colorado, in the building that used to hold the much missed  [at least by yours truly], Thai Soon. Chef Jim Ryun's signature SRV Catfish was one of the most amazing dishes I've ever tasted.

• Makeovers
• Sunday Brunch Update
• Champagne Suggestion
• Carmelo's Table Side Cooking
• The Old Waistline

• Romantic Restaurants
• Dubya's Inauguration
• The Kosher Diva
• KXAN's Roach Report
• Gonzo Gourmet

Makeovers

Chinatown Mopac has added a redesign by noted architect Joe Burke featuring a lovely new bar and additional tables. They have also added some new finger food items ranging from Sushi to this astonishing concoction featuring avocado and shrimp [served warm] which we could literally not stop eating!

You know my opinion of Chinatown impresario Ronald Cheng. He is without equal in the Asian kitchen.

And while taking issue with other critics' work is something I almost never do, I must also voice my total disagreement with the latest Statesman review which yielded only two stars for Chinatown. Do not let that be a deterrent for your next visit to this fine, fine restaurant.

And the recently reviewed Empanada Parlour on 6th St. at Waller Creek has also undergone a downscaling, so to speak. Owner Ashe Correa, ever the realist, looked at the demographics of her evening patrons and decided to add more burger-type fare. Empanada fans need not fret, however. The   delicious crescent shaped pies will still be available. And quite frankly, anything that Ashe cooks will be wonderful. This woman could elevate even the simplest burger to world-class status. So check out the live music and the newer fare.

Sunday Brunch Update:

We mentioned the brunch at the Tejas room at Barton Creek in last month's FOOD and WINE NEWS. Here's another suggestion: brunch at Fonda San Miguel. One of our TOP 15 restaurants, and deservedly so, this brunch will leave you breathless with its diversity and quality of various Mexican fare.

Champagne Suggestion:  

If you're a fan of Dom Perignon, and who isn't, but a bit put off by the price increases, [north of $180 and higher for the rose], here's a $40 Champagne that tastes and behaves just like DP.  Veuve Clicquot. In blind taste tests, this champagne has fooled even the savviest sippers. We highly recommend.

Carmelo's Table Side Cooking: 

Had lunch over the holidays at Carmelo's on 5th St. and got to sample their tableside preparations. Tried a penne carbonara that was done as we watched and it was delicious. They also used fresh prosciutto [instead of bacon], which I really appreciated. The tableside ambience is impressive and elegant. Great for wooing a business client or whomever else you are interested in wooing.

The Old Waistline:

Since it's the season of post holiday remorse when reckless over indulgence leads to a pile up of pounds, how's this for a lunch alternative?

Head out to Lake Austin Spa and Resort. You don't have to be staying there to enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch. You can a la carte it. We've done it and it's great.

Romantic Restaurants:

If you've kept up with our ongoing poll on Austin's most romantic restaurants, Jeffrey's has a slim lead at the moment. But there's no clear-cut winner. I'd be interested in knowing what other choices you have other than the ones we've listed. Email us and let us know.

Dubya's inauguration:

Speaking of the Jeffrey's brain trust, co-owner Peggy Weiss [Shoreline Grill] is off to Washington, D.C. to cater an inaugural party for DUBYA. Laura Bush and Peggy are pals. In fact, the Bushes [lots of 'em] had their election eve celebratory dinner at Shoreline interrupted by some rude network announcer projecting that AL Gore had won Florida, and with it, the presidency.  Imagine that!

The Kosher Diva:

Those of you who caught me filling in for Jeff Ward on 590 KLBJ-AM the week of December 18th will no doubt recall my Friday co host, Susan Sager. She is a woman of great warmth and wit.

Not only did we have a great time, but Susan fielded more than a few calls on her kosher cuisine. I'll tell you, this woman can cook up a storm.

I was fortunate enough to attend the 60th Birthday party she threw for husband and Travis Co. Republican Party Chair Alan. The food was remarkable. The menu included tabouli salad, an amazing veal, scrumptious mashed potatoes, and a brisket that defied the senses. All prepared according to strict kosher tradition [which does not allow, for example, the blending of meat and milk products] and sensational!

And no, Susan does not accept catering jobs. But if you're ever fortunate enough to wrangle an invitation to dinner...............

KXAN's Roach Report:

Unlike my reviews which appear every Friday on FOX 7, at around 6:45 AM and 12:25 PM, KXAN hosts a weekly show on restaurants that failed to make the grade in health inspections. The health report is public knowledge and readily available to anyone interested, but KXAN insists on trotting out the roach meter every week. Any restaurant, given the vagaries of food preparation, could have an occasional bad hair day. Still, the televised images linger, long after the offending restaurants have made reparations.

I personally think they should retire this show.  What do you think? Send us an email and sound off.

Gonzo Gourmet:

Well, we're ready to launch the large-scale version of The Gonzo Gourmet Club. The four founding members: Mike Conderla, Hugh Lewis, Augie Garrido, and Rob Balon have had such a blast that we wanted to share it with food and wine fans throughout the river city. Look for the sign up page on this web site.

Diningoutwithrobbalon.com will keep you appraised of all new locally owned spots we find and enjoy.

Coming soon to diningoutwithrobbalon.com: 

Live, in your face, RESTAURANT CAM (go behind the scenes in a frantic restaurant kitchen and watch it live, on the net!).