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Food
News & Commentary
Heard
on the Street
Celebrity
Sightings
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Wine
& Spirits
Restaurant
Events
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Openings
Closings
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Waterloo
Ice House Breaks the Jinx of the property at 2222 and 360
We've all seen those locations that play host
to restaurant after restaurant only to have failure after failure.
The 6th St. location comes to mind that housed Demi Epicurious,
Sardine Rouge, Fuzzi, Beans, and God knows how many others.
Also the site next door to Chuy's on Barton Springs Road. There
have been about a dozen places in there, and all have crashed and
burned (although Wan Fu 2 has lasted longer than anyone else there).
And let's not forget the site on Lake Austin Boulevard that housed
Jakes on the Lake, The Dam View, and El Dorado before finally finding
a winner with the Boatyard Grill.
So when Waterloo Ice House opened up in the location at 2222 and
360 at the site of the former Huya's, Alligator Grille, and 22,
conventional wisdom would have been to bet against them. Well, so
much for conventional wisdom. CEO Ted Karam, who came to Austin
in 1992 after selling his Cliff's Hamburger chain in Houston, tells
me that the new store is kicking butt and exceeding all their projections.
In the midst of so much financial doom and gloom in Austin, it's
nice to hear that once in a while isn't it? Karam consolidated the
two existing Waterloo Stores when he arrived, turned Cooter's on
Burnet into a Waterloo, and recently added the rest.
But I suspect that this is more than just a blind-pig-finds-an-acorn-every-once-in-a-while
kind of story. The gang at Waterloo are savvy operators who have
tapped into the mythical Austin vibe. Ted and partner Scott Hentschel
have got the formula, and they've leveraged that operating skill
into the five stores in Austin and Round Rock and a 6th that just
opened at the airport. They also ran the Austin Java stores for
a time and have an interest in La Zona Rosa.
04/14
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Latest
Rumors on the Street: Iron Chef Closing at Month's End
If it's true, then I am totally bummed out.
I really enjoy this restaurant at the corner of Research and Burnet.
I never did figure out why they chose the Iron Chef name for a Chinese
restauarant. But the food there is just flat out terrific.
04/20
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Heard
on the Street: Stories and Gossip from the Austin Food Scene
The Star Chefs wingding at the Driskill, part
of the Saveur Texas HIll Country Wine and Food
Fest, was a blast again as usual. And it was too hot, again, as
usual. But the event does bring out the Austin food community, both
the practitioners and the patrons in a cool way. My strategy for
this event is to make the rounds of all the food and wine stations,
and then find a central area where there's a lot of traffic to sit
down and nosh and sip. If you look thisty, some well-meaning soul
will refill your wine glass for you or get you some sipping tequila.
And you can pretty much see everyone you need to see without having
to put too much strain on the old back.
I unfortunately missed the panel at the festival on Friday morning.
It was hosted by Saveur's Coleman Andrews and was titled: Food Critics:
Do we Really Need Them? Apparently, the consensus answer was a grudging
yes. Phew! Had me worried there for a bit.
Saw Fred Geesin, late of the much-missed Gilligans and more
recently Zin, at the Driskill affair. He said he's going to be taking
a shot at Cafe Bleu at Volente Beach. This is the same Cafe Bleu
that opened as a Mediterranean restaurant (and a good one at that)
several years ago. But the owners had failed to provide a covered
area for diners. It was all exposed to the outdoors. The place closed
in the fall of 2002 with plans to reopen in the Spring, but that
never occurred. It then became a burger/American fare kind of place.
Now, Fred is going to put his spin on the place. We wish him well.
Ironically, the former part owner of Cafe Bleu is now operating
the newly opened McCallister's Deli on Bee Caves Road.
Also ran in to Paul Silver of 219 West. I like this guy.
He has brought a touch of class and sophistication to the corner
of 4th and Lavaca. He is also a cigar and wine kind of guy. I just
latched on to a box of '64 Padron Anniverasrio's (from the DR) and
we discovered our common passion for stogies.
Saw Stewart Scruggs of Wink and Zoot (and formerly of Brio).
We talked about the demise of Demi Epicurious (similar concept to
Wink) and concluded that some buildings just have bad luck. The
6th St. building that housed Demi Epicurious was home to Sardine
Rouge, Fuzzi, Beans, and other failed establishments. They should
probably turn it into a bank.
Also stopped by Dave Herman's booth at The Range restaurant
in Salado. If you haven't gone to this place, you must definitely
want to check it out. It's first-rate. Only an hour or so up I-35
and lots of neat bed and breakfast spots around the area.
There's a persistent rumor that restaurant
group Lone Star, the company that owns Sullivan's, is negotiating
for the space at the Arboretum formerly occupied by Dan
McKlusky's. They want to put an Italian restaurant from Charlotte,
N.C.called Frankie's in there and begin the franchise process. We
shall see. They were apparently also interested in the space in
the warehouse district currently occupied by Mezzaluna, but that
deal died.
Don't forget to sign up for Ciola's
"Big Night" dinner. Dan Ciola is an unrequited fan
of this food movie that is acquiring Rocky Horror status. (And don't
even get him started talking about The Godfather series or The Sopranos.)
So he recreates the menu from The Big Night and invites about 60
revelers out to his restaurant on Highway 620. Ciola's
is about to celebrate its 2nd anniversary. You can call 263-9936.
Only a few spots left so hurry up.
Ronald Cheng, one of my favorite Chinese cooks in Texas, has just
returned from a trip to Taiwan. He spent his time searching for
inspiration in the storied restaurants of that city. And he's in
the process of adding at least a half-dozen new dishes to the menu
at Chinatown Mopac (upstairs from Musashino) on the S. Mopac access
Rd. near Anderson. I've already tried some of these new dishes:
the Seven Treasure Duck and the Tilapia with Cilantro Chili Sauce
and they rock! And don't forget the Tofu Skin Rolls. These have
got to be tasted to be appreciated.
Ever wonder how the chefs of today got started? It appears that
almost with exception, they were bitten by the cooking bug at an
early age. Recently chatted with Elmar Prambs of the Cafe
at the Four Seasons. Originally from Germany, Elmar knew that cooking
was his future by age 12. He apprenticed with a restaurant in his
hometown and by 17 had passed the test required of chefs in Germany.
He went to England at 17 and eventually migrated to Vancouver B.C.,
then Edmunton, Dallas and finally to Austin. He opened the Cafe
at thre Four Seasons in 1986 and has been at the helm ever since.
Have heard similar stories of early age decisions from Seven's Will
Packwood (he got his first job at 14 by baking the owner of
the restaurant a cake) the Driskill's David Bull, La Traviata's
Marion Gilchrist, Sean Cirkiel of the recently closed
Jean Luc's Bistro, and many, many others.
Heard something interesting? Submit it to Heard on the Street at
info@diningoutwithrobbalon.com.
04/12
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Wine
& Spirits
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Charbay
Vodka Comes to Austin
Yours truly went to a
vodka tasting at Crimson this week. And readers of this site
will know of my fondness for vodka.
The voka is called Charbay and it's from California. A small
company, with only 15,000 cases a year. Totally owned and operated
by the Karakasevic family. Winner of many awards including the
Highest Recommendation from Spirits Journal and a Classic from
the Wine Enthusiast. |
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We met Marko, the son
of Master Distiller Miles Karakasevic, who walked us through the
process. The extraction of the natural flavor and color of the fruit
takes 6 months. The intense fresh fruit extract is then integrated
into their ultra-premium vodkas distilled from Midwest Grain.
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Charbay produces four
vodkas made from fresh fruit. Meyer Lemon, Blood Orange, Ruby
Red Grapefruit, and Key Lime. I thought all four were quite
good but that the Meyer Lemon was the best for sipping on the
rocks. Tried a Cosmopolitan made from the Ruby Red Grapefruit
Vodka and it was delicious. |
The recipe for the
Ruby Red Grapefruit Cosmo is as follows:
2 oz. Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka
1/4 oz. Conitreau
1/4 oz. cranberry juice
shake and strain into a martini glass
garnish with a lime wheel
For more information on Charbay, check out their site at www.charbay.com
04/22
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Greek
Restaurant to Open on Colorado
The former owners of Zorba in Round Rock are
opening a new Greek restaurant on Colorado in the space formerly
occupied by Jean Luc's Bisto. The new name will be the Athenian
Grill. The menu will feature traditional favorites like Dolmathes,
Spanokopita, Mousaka, Gyros, Pastichio, Lamb Kabobs and much more.
Tentative opening date will be mid-June.
04/20
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The
Texican Opens North Location at 11066 Pecan Park
One of our favorite south Austin restaurants,
the Texican Cafe, has opened a north location at 11066 Pecan Park
at Lakeline Mall. The Texican offers wonderful Shrimp Flautas, Cabrito,
and the Queso Flameado is a blast! We're delighted to see an actual
owner-operated restaurant in an area of town full that's full of
chains. Call 506-9900 for more information.
04/16
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Dona
Emilia's Expands and Relocates to E. 1st Across from Four Seasons
One of our favorite little restaunts, Colombian-styled
Dona Emilia's, which formerly had about six tables in a cozy, little
spot on E. 7th has gotten much bigger: It moved to much larger digs
on E. 1st across from the Four Seaons Hotel and right around the
corner from the convention center.
Had lunch there recently and the Chuleta de Cerdo a la Parilla (a
grilled, center cut pork chop with a guava demi-glace) stole the
show. I am also very partial to the Arroz con Pollo (chicken with
rice). Make sure to try their fresh squeezed tropical fruit juices
as well. For reservations: 478-2520.
04/09
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Hog
Island Opens at 16th and Lavaca
Austin has a new Italian deli. Cheesesteaks,
hoagies, salads, with breads imported from the East coast. 1612
Lavaca, open from 10-6 Monday-Friday and 11-3 on Saturday. Owner
Carlo DiMarco is from Philadelphia and from what I can tell so far,
he walks the walk and talks the talk. I'm excited about this place.
482-9090.
04/06
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Tuscany
Market & Vineyard Opens Off 183
The Tuscany Market & Vineyard opened recently
off of 183 at 12331 Riata Trace Parkway. They offer hot pizzas,
sandwiches, and soups. (512) 249-1500.
04/02
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Holiday
House in Westlake Closes
Ralph Moreland's venerable Holiday House had
been a fixture on the Austin family dining scene for two generations.
Last year, they were forced out of their space on Exposition by
their animal rights activist landlord. They reopened the restaurant
in Westlake earlier this year at the corner of Bee Caves Road and
Walsh Tartlton. We were buzzed because it meant there was a place
in Westlake to have breakfast again following the closing of our
beloved C-5 Steakhouse.
Last week, they closed it. Just couldn't get the support they needed
from their old regulars and couldn't attract enough new customers
from Westlake (big surprise there as Westlake has been death to
so many restaurants lately). Haven't heard if there are any takers
for the space but we'll keep you posted. Our condolences to the
Moreland family. Holiday House was a class act.
04/20
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Jean
Luc's Bistro to close on April 10th
One of Austin's fine
restaurants, Jean Luc's Bistro, helmed by Sean Cirkiel, is closing
after dinner on Saturday, April 10th. Cirkiel is going to take some
time off to be with his wife and new baby and will then jump back
into the restaurant business.
Prior to taking off Jean Luc's, he was the chef at the equally excellent
and unlucky 22.
I am very dissapointed to see the passing of this stellar restaurant.
Cirkiel's definitive talents in the kitchen and his creativity (I
recall the Shrimp and Avacado Beignet) will be sorely missed.
04/07
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Events You Might Have Missed:
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Wine
Tasting & Wine Dinner Events Coming Up at Dona Emilia's
Dona Emilia's South American Bar & Grill
at 101 San Jacinto has two wine events coming up soon.
Premium Casa Lapostolle Wine Tasting: May 4, 2004, 7-9pm. $25. Limited
to 30 people, reservations required. Click
here for more information.
Join winemaker Pablo Pelaez of Osborne and Montecillo wines: May
20, 2004, 6:30-9pm. $75pp. Click
here for more information.
04/30
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Hill
Country Pasta House Presents a Tex-Italian Wine & Dinner Adventure
Wednesday, April 28, Hill Country Pasta House
presents a Tex-Italian Wine & Dinner Adventure with Frog's Leap
Wines. Hosted by Hill Country Pasta House Chef Jimmy Mitchell and
Frog's Leap Vineyard's Arla Hammer. $55 plus tax & gratuity.
Click here for more information
04/14
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Austin's
Top Chefs Join Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation for Winin’
& Dinin’ & a Little Bit of Shootin’
Austin’s top chefs
join together again this year in the fight against hunger at Share
Our Strength's Taste of the Nation events. This annual
fundraiser is part of the largest nationwide benefit to fight hunger.
"More than 31 million Americans are at-risk
of being hungry. Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation unites
chefs, restaurateurs, corporate partners, and other concerned individuals
in an effort to help solve the hunger problem in Austin and communities
across the United States," says Chef David Bull of the Driskill
Grill and chairman of Austin’s Taste of the Nation. "By taking
the lead and working with Share Our Strength on Taste of the Nation,
we are demonstrating our commitment to helping end hunger in our
community and around the world. In Austin alone, we raised approx.
40K last year benefiting Caritas of Austin and Sustainable Food
Center." 2004 Taste of the Nation Events include:
A Benefit Dinner for Share Our Strength by
Central Market
$65 per person
Wednesday, May 12th at 6:30pm Central Market, 4001 North Lamar Boulevard
Featured Chef: Sam Dickey For reservations, call 512.458.3068
Around 4th On A Fork… A Progressive Dinner
$50 per person
April 29th at 7 p.m. 4th and Colorado
Live music by Austin favorite Trish Murphy!
Featured Restaurants include: Malaga Tapas & Bar for appetizers;
Crimson Restaurant for entrees; Saba Blue Water Café for
dessert or coffee; Cedar Street Courtyard for drinks and music.
For tickets, call 328.3935 or visit www.tasteofthenation.org
3RD Annual Wild Beast Feast 2004 Clay Shoot
& Wild Game Dinner
$1000 per team 4, $250 per individual shooter, $50 per non-shooter
May 2nd 2pm-6pm
Cypress Valley Preserve (located 6.4 miles north of Seward Junction
on Hwy 183)
Local celebrity chefs include: David Bull/Driskill Grill, Brian
Krellenstein/Roaring Fork, Jeff Blank/Hudson’s on the Bend, Quincy
Erickson & Karen Farnsworth/Amuse Bouche; Phil Soroko/Tuscany
Market & Vineyard). For tickets, call 328.3935 or visit www.tasteofthenation.org
The national sponsorship of Share Our Strength by American Express,
along with Evian Natural Spring Water and Jenn-Aire, combined with
contributions from local sponsors such as Austin Photo Imaging,
Central Market, Block Distributing, and the restaurant community,
ensure that 100 percent of all ticket sales supports anti-hunger,
anti-poverty organizations. Seventy percent of funds raised at this
year’s event will go to Sustainable Food Center and Caritas of Austin
to support their efforts. Ten percent goes to state anti-hunger,
anti-poverty efforts, 3 percent to national efforts and 17 percent
to international efforts.
Share Our Strength, one of the nation's leading
anti-hunger organizations, launched Taste of the Nation in 1988.
This year, more than 60,000 guests are expected to attend more than
100 food and wine tastings, dinners and brunches in 70 cities across
the United States and Canada. Since 1988, Taste of the Nation events
have raised more than $46 million to benefit more than 450 anti-hunger
organizations in the U.S., Canada and abroad.
04/09
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Pictures
from the Star Chefs Gala at the Saveur Texas Hill Country Food and
Wine Festival
Hundreds of revelers packed the Driskill Friday
night to sample innovative finger food creations and wines from
accross the state. The rooms were packed, and the star chefs were
at their very best. As you can tell from these pictures, if you
didn't get to go, you really missed a good evening. And hats off
to the Driskill for staging the event with a high degree of professionalism.
Click here for Pictures
04/06
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Texas
Hill Country Wine and Food Festival is here:
April 1- April 4
The Saveur Magazine-sponsored fest is upon us
again, bigger and better than ever. Log on to www.texaswineandfood.org
or call 512-WINE for more information.
There are wine auctions, seminars, tastings, cigar smokers, and
all manners of food events. So join the thousand of other foodies
and partake. The final event on Sunday afternoon out at the Salt
Lick is always a blast as well.
04/01
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