Heard on the Street

• Krispy Kreme Stock Hits a Snag: Is the Low Carb Craze Causing Problems
• Austin Finally Gets a Waffle House

Restaurant Events

• JC's HOLD 'EM Poker tournament to benefit Casa of Travis Country
• Finn & Porter - St. Supery Wine Dinner
• Night of the Stars Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser a Smash Hit

Openings

• Andiamo Ristorante opens on Rutland Dr.
• Golden Harbor Chinese/Sushi Buffet Opens on Middle Fiskville
• Castleberry's Gourmet Sammiches opens on Barton Springs

Closings

• Filling Station on Barton Springs closes after 20+ year run
• Westlake Restaurant Curse Strikes Again: Four Corners to Close
• Florida Seafood Grille Closes
• Fuji in Pflugerville Closes: Right Restaurant in Wrong Spot
• Westlake Sees the Close of Yet Another Restaurant: Ginga Bites the Dust
• End of an Era: The Paggi House Closes

• News Archives

Krispy Kreme Stock Hits a Snag: Is the Low Carb Craze Causing Problems

We'd like your opinion on the future of the Krispy Kreme of the world. Is the Low-Carb craze going to damage America's favorite donut maker? Personally, we still get a big charge out of our Krispies. And don't think we'd try their Low-Carb version even if it were available. What's your opinion? Send us an e-mail.

08/27

Austin Finally Gets a Waffle House

If you've ever driven east on I-10 across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama toward the Florida panhandle, you've invariably seen a Waffle House restaurant. It's a 24-7 breakfast/burger kind of place featuring some super serious hash browns. You can get these delectable taters "covered" with onions, "smothered" with cheese, "loaded" with ham, or choose from an almost infinite variety of combinations. (My favorite: "smothered and covered".)

I've often lamented that Austin has not had a Waffle House. That is, until now. We saw one going up on #71 near the Airport just a few days ago. Check on www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com for an opening date. And then, by all means, go have breakfast or a patty melt there.

08/20

Andiamo Ristorante opens on Rutland Dr.

A new restaurant called Andiamo Ristorante, with a northern Italian theme, has opened at 2521 Rutland Dr. near the corner of Burnet. The owner, Giovanni Cocciante, recently owned a similar restaurant in Fairfax, VA. Their web address is www.andiamoristorante.com. Phone is 719-3377.

08/31

Golden Harbor Chinese/Sushi Buffet Opens on Middle Fiskville

At the site of the former Oishi Sushi House on Middle Fiskville Road at I-35, the Golden Harbor restaurant has just opened. It's an all buffet restaurant: $6.95 for lunch and $9.95 for dinner. They are also featuring a 15% discount off each bill to celebrate their opening.

The dinner buffet gets more extensive featuring sushi and a wide array of fresh seafood in addition to the Chinese fare. The owner, Edward, is from Houston and seems like a most genial sort. Call 302-9811 for more information.

08/20

Castleberry's Gourmet Sammiches opens on Barton Springs

South Austin has a new sandwich shop and it's called Castleberry's. It's at 1205 Barton Springs Road just east of the railroad bridge. They have a wide range of "sammiches" ranging from veggies to meat-laden hoagies. And if nostalgia is your thing, they've got Peanut Butter and Jelly and Grilled Cheese as well. You can also order on line. Web is: www.castleberryscafe.com. Phone: 472-6900.

08/11

End of an Era: The Paggi House Closes

The Paggi House on Riverside Drive, Thomas Fleisner's homage to fine dining, has closed after over 20 years of serving the Austin public. The Paggi House cultivated a fanatically loyal clientele, particularly at lunch. You'd see the same cast of attorneys, lobbyists, retailers, and business owners every day. Most didn't even need a menu. And some of the dishes, like the redfish with lump crabmeat, the fried oysters, and the signature Jackson Salad were almost legendary on the Austin food scene.

The actual house dates back to the 1840's and it was rumored that Confederate General Robert E. Lee stayed there.

It had a lovely decor and could set a wonderful mood. It was a great "date" restaurant.
And now, alas, The Paggi House has pased into Austin dining history. It will be missed by many.

08/25

JC's HOLD 'EM Poker tournament to benefit Casa of Travis Country

Allright all you poker-playing dudes and dudettes! Grab your cash and head to JC's Steakhouse August 25th for their hold 'em tournement benefiting CASA of Travis Contry. Stop by the restaurant to register at 5804 IH 35 or call 407-9393 for more information.

Rob will be there, waiting patiently for the precise moment to say, "ALL IN." Hope to see you in this great benefit for the children of Travis County.

Find out what other events are going on at JC's Steakhouse in August.

08/09

Finn & Porter - St. Supery Wine Dinner

08/09

Night of the Stars Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser a Smash Hit

Rob has a serious moment with Marilyn Monroe

The Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser on Thursday night at The Design Center of Austin was a blast. Revelers noshed on goodies from such restaurants as Jeffrey's, The Y Bar and Grill, Bellagio, Caprice Cafe, Lucy's Cakes, Cool River, and Ranch 616 just to name a few. I was particularly impressed with the Thai soup from The Caprice Cafe and the Venetian (calamari, sea scallops,mussels, and shrimp sauteed in extra virgin olive oil with sliced olives, chopped tomatoes and capers, simmered in garlic lemon butter sauce) from Bellagio. But all the stations offered up mini dishes that were quite good.

Actors portraying film celebs circulated among the crowd and enlivened things considerably. And most importantly, lots of money was raised for Cystic Fibrosis. One check for $10,000 was handed over by a party goer and the silent auction items were very popular.

It really was a hell of a party. Make a point to put this one on your calendar for next year.

08/02