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Food
News & Commentary
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Heard
on the Street
Restaurant
Events
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Openings
Closings
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Rob
offers commentary on the final Bush-Kerry debates: Wednesday evening
at 9:30PM on FOX 7 and Thursday morning at 7AM on KLBJ-AM
Join Rob as he puts on his "day job"
hat (CEO of The Benchmark Company, a market research and polling
firm) and holds forth on the debates. Rob was a nationally ranked
debator and public speaker in college and also served as a college
debate coach for a year while he was getting his M.A..
He'll comment on how good a job the candidates did focusing on the
strength of their arguments, their use of evidence, how they built
credibility, and most importantly, how they handled rebuttals.
Immediately after the debates, Rob will join FOX 7's Mark Rosen
for commentary and analysis. And on Thursday morning at 7:10, Rob
will join Mark, Ed, and Sam on 590 KLBJ-AM for the final perspective
on Wednesday night's battle.
10/12
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First
Bites: The Athenian Grille on Colorado
Finally, downtown Austin
has a Greek restaurant. The
Athenian Grill has taken over the space at the former Jean Luc's
on Colorado at 8th.
You like Gyro's? (And who doesn't?) No problem,
that wonderful pressed lamb and beef with its savory seasonings
is done to perfection at The
Athenian Grille. Served with hot pita bread and a yogurt sauce
with red onions, this is uncommonly good. Craving Keftedes? These
Greek meatballs are tender and very difficult to stop eating. The
marinara sauce is the perfect complement. How about Hummus? These
pureed chick peas will melt in your mouth. Dip in some pita bread
and a kalamata olive on the side. Oh boy! Or are you a craver of
Dolmades? Again, Athenian Grille delivers. These
grapeleaves stuffed with rice, ground beef, tomatoes, and laden
with George's family spices will make your a believer.
The Mousaka, and absolute must at any Greek
restaurant, is very good. The layers of eggplant, sliced potatoes,
ground beef, served with a béchamel sauce work for me.
And Marge's favorite, the Pastichio, gives you a reason to go to
Athenian on Thursday
nights when it's the special.
Pastichio is a traditional dish featuring macaroni, layers of cheese
and ground beef. I find it a bit on the dry side but Marge absolutely
loves it. The Roasted Leg of Lamb is another lip smacker. That's
the Friday night special, and for lamb lovers, this is very special.
The lamb is roasted along with feta cheese and rolled in filo dough.
It's served with tzaktziki and lima beans. All I can say is WOW.
Tender, savory, the flavors just keep coming at you.
Athenian
Grille is well worth a visit. Prices are reasonable and the
waiters and congenial. Call 482-8988 for more information.
10/01
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Help
us Rebuild Dot's Place: Fund has been started at Wells Fargo
We reported the story last week about the story
the fire that destroyed one of Austin's most beloved restaurants,
Dot's Place. And the real tragedy was that she was without insurance.
We are pleased to let you know that a fund has been set up at Wells
Fargo Bank. It's under Jerald Burns (Dot's Place Fire) and the account
number is #8504735609.
I am bringing by a check tomorrow to a Wells Fargo near my office.
Won't you please join me in helping this wonderful woman rebuild
her restaurant.
Let's show Dot the kind of support she really has in this community.
Thank you all!
UPDATE:
Also, there has been a new fund for Dot established by KLBJ-AM Radio
at ABC Banks. Click
here to see more.
10/27
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Dot's
Place Burns to the Ground: She is Without Insurance
Dot's Place was destroyed by fire early Wednesday
morning on October 20th. The popular eaterie on Orchid Lane in N.
Austin was SRO every day for lunch. And the indomitable Dot held
forth over an eclectic customer base that ranged from medical and
technical professionals to blue collar types to students and service
workers.
Her lasagna was impeccable, the fried catfish to die for, and the
chicken and rice damn near symphonic.There wasn't much not to like
at Dot's, including the crusty impressario herself.
But it was revealed early today that Dot has no fire insurance.
And the place is a total loss. We are starting a fund to help her
rebuild both her restaurant and her life. As soon as the details
are complete, we'll post the banking information here on www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com.
10/20
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In
Marble Falls: Former Wild Horse Grill becomes Patton's on Main
The strange saga of the Wild Horse Grill came
to an end recently. You'll recall that after Wild Horse closed,
the owner of the building on Main Street in Marble Falls actually
took the restaurant over and operated it for a time.
But new ownership has emerged in the form of Mr. Patton Robertson
who has renamed the restaurant Pattton's on Main. From what I've
heard, the singular culinary energy that infused Wild Horse has
remained in tact at Patton's.The cuisine can be described as Texas
Fusion using as much regional fare as possible.The owner has significant
experience working for Wolfgang Puck at restaurants like Spago in
Los Angeles.
Reservations at 830-693-8664.
10/28
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Freebirds
to Open Location on S. Congress and Riverside
Good news for Freebirds's fans. The popular
burrito emporium will be opening at S. Congress and Riverside behind
the Wells Fargo motor bank. Looks like the tentative opening date
is early December, 2004.
Stay tuned to www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com
for final info.
10/19
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Pizza
Nizza Relocates to Bee Caves
Pizza Nizza, long a favorite of the downtown
crowd, is headed out to Westlake. Pizza Nizza has relocated from
Barton Springs to 2712 Bee Caves Rd., in the same shopping center
as Bistro 88.
Their hours are Sun-Thu 11am-10pm and Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. Phone:
474-7070.
10/15
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New
Sonic in Westlake Opens: Features Indoor-Only Dining
At the former location of the Holiday House
on Bee Caves Road in Westlake (next to Lotus Hunan) Sonic has opened
a location that is exclusively dine-in. No drive through at all.
Several other Sonics in Elgin, on Guadalupe and at Northcross have
dining areas in addition to a drive-in..
Guests can order by phone from each table and the famous Sonic carhops
are still on the scene; however, you can call them "table hops"
at this store.
The classic Sonic menus remain, but the ambiance is certainly different.
It's in the strip mall at Bee Caves and Walsh Tarlton, across the
street from McDonald's.
10/12
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Original
Pancake House Opens at Parmer and Metric
The Original Pancake House has opened at Parmer
and Metric 1700 W. Parmer. The menu features a wide array of home-made
pancakes, omelets, corned beef hash, Eggs Benedict, and other goodies.
My only complaint about this place is that it is not in my neighborhood.
Had breakfast there a week ago and it was outstanding. Try the Apple
Pancake and you will become a believer!!!
Call 873-7200 for more information or click on the link
to their menu.
10/07
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Fuji
in Pflugerville Closes: Right Restaurant in Wrong Spot
I regret to inform you that Fuji in Pflugerville
has closed. This was a wonderful little Sumiyaki and Sushi restaurant
right off #1825 past the high school. The Yakitori was tender and
amazing as were the slices of Kobe Beef marinated in one of the
home made sauces and done sumiyaki style on the grill.. Owner Sam
Nishimura poured his personal finances into the buildout and did
much of the carpentry work himself.
But the concept was a bit too evolved for the location. This type
of restaurant would have played better at the Arboretum or in downtown
Austin.
I hope Sam rebounds and reopens in an area that will give his restaurant
the props it deserves.
10/15
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Westlake
Sees the Close of Yet Another Restaurant: Ginga Bites the Dust
Ginga is the latest casualty of the Westlake
restaurant scene. Ginga, a Japanese/Chinese restaurant across from
Breed Hardware has closed. I wish they had asked me before they
opened. I would have told them to forget that location. The same
building had housed Madame Nadellini's, Cafe Spiazzo, and Dragon
Gate (all closed) before giving way to Ginga.
In the past year, Westlake has also lost The Belgian Restaurant,
Holiday House, C-5 Steakhouse, and has several other restaurants
teetering on the brink of extinction.
10/13
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Events You Might Have Missed:
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Bon
Appetit, Ya'll: A Four Seasons Benefit for the 9th Annual Texas
Book Festival on October 28th
The 9th Annual Texas
Book Festival opens with Bon Appetit, Ya’ll, a party to celebrate
Southern cooking taking place at the Four Season Hotel in Austin,
Texas on Thursday, October 28, from 6-10 p.m.
This year the Texas Book Festival's showcase
of chefs and cookbook authors features demonstrations by two of
television's hottest stars:Chris Kimball, host of America's Test
Kitchen and founder, editor and publisher of Cook's Illustrated
magazine and associated cookbooks; and Andrea Immer, host of Fine
Living television's Simply Wine with Andrea Immer, and author
of Everyday Dining with Wine: 125 Wonderful Recipes to Match
and Enjoy with Wine, Great Wine Made Simple, and Great Tastes Made
Simple.
In addition, Southern food historian John T.
Edge, author of numerous books of southern food and culture and
is the director of the Southern Foodways Alliance, will be on hand
to talk about the history and culture surrounding the food being
presented, and his two most recent books Apple Pie: An American
Story and Fried Chicken: An American Story. The evening
is being hosted by Julia Reed, New York Times food writer
and author of Queen of the Turtle Derby.
To accompany the live cooking demonstrations,
a sumptuous buffet dinner of gourmet southern food prepared by the
Four Season will be served to guests, along with specialty cocktails
derived original recipes by Ernest Hemingway and other writers.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Judy R. Arnold featuring
the RED3 Band.
Tickets to the event are $75 and can be purchased
by phoning the Book Festival office at 512-477-4055 or downloading
the form off of their website.
Seating is limited and tickets should be purchases
in advance, though a limited amount will be available at the door.
10/15
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Rob
to Judge the 16th Annual Lone Star Vegetarian Chili Cook-Off, Sunday,
October 17th, from 12-5 PM
Something tells me it's all happening at the
zoo. Wow, what a really bad way to work in a line from a Paul Simon
song. But there it is. Sunday, October 17th, from 12-5 PM at the
Austin Zoo. It's sponsored by the Vegetarian Network of Austin and
it's all for a good cause.
Rob will join Sara Hickman, Jim Swift, and other dedicated souls
who are ready to risk the sensibilities of their palates in the
name of altruism. Should be fun, yes?
10/14
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Star
Chefs Event Sunday Oct. 24 Benefiting the March of Dimes
Twenty-two of Austin’s
finest chefs will donate talent, time, food and one-of-a-kind auction
packages at the Star Chefs of Austin “Glamorous ’50s Gala,” Sunday,
October 24, at 6 pm, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Funds raised during
the event will go towards supporting the March of Dimes mission
of saving babies from birth defects and infant mortality.
The 22 participating chefs, representing 19
restaurants and catering companies are:
Lead Chef ~ Elmar Prambs, Four Seasons Hotel
Austin
David J. Bull, Driskill
Grill
Rob Brady & Teresa Wilson, Aquarelle
Tyson Cole, Uchi
Christopher Bauer, Finn & Porter
Steve Konarik, Kurant Events
Charles Mayes, Café Josie
Miguel Ravago, Fonda San Miguel
Stewart Scruggs & Mark Paul, Zoot & Wink
Steve Warner, Eddie V's Edgewater Grille
Jeff Blank & Robert Rhoades, Hudson's On The Bend
Mark Chapman, 1886 Café & Bakery
Terry Conlan, Lake Austin Spa Resort
Harvey Harris, Siena Ristorante Toscano
Brian Krellenstein, Roaring Fork
Larry Perdido, Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill
Tony Sansalone, Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Bill Treviño, Roy's
Christian Watson, Lajitas Resort
The evening will start off with guests sampling delectable dishes
prepared by the chefs and bidding on exquisite gifts in the silent
auction. Once guests are seated for the live auction, Pastry Chefs
Tony Sansalone and Mark Chapman will light up the night with a special
’50s-inspired dessert.
The live auction is always exciting and big
surprises are in store this year. Once again, the Star Chefs are
generously designing and donating unique food and travel packages
that are sure to generate lively bidding wars between guests. To
complete the “Glamorous ’50s” theme, guests will end the night by
dancing to the big band sounds of Mr. Fabulous and the Casino Royale.
The 2004 Star Chefs of Austin “Glamorous ‘’50s
Gala” co-chairs are Violet Bell and Bobbi Topfer.
Tickets are $250 per person. To purchase tickets
and for more information, call the March of Dimes at 512-477-3221.
The March of Dimes is a national, volunteer-led,
health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by
preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938,
the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services,
education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year
campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For
more information, visit the March of Dimes Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org
or its English Web site at www.marchofdimes.com/texas.
10/14
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Opal
Divine's Hosts a Tasting Featuring Springbank and Duncan Taylor
Single Malt Whiskies
Opal Divine's Freehouse has arranged a tutored
tasting featuring Springbank and Duncan Taylor & Co. Single
Malt whiskies. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 20th
at 7pm. Steve Fox of Preiss Imports and Steve Lipp from Duncan Taylor
will join them for the tasting. Preiss Imports is the importer of
these and many other fine products.
Springbank is Scotland's oldest family owned
distillery and one of the last distilleries to control every facet
of production from malting to maturation in-house. Their production
is small and releases are often singular in nature. This is one
reason Springbank Whisky is cherished by collectors of single malt
around the globe. For more information about Springbank see their
website.
The Duncan Taylor single cask collection, represents
cask strength single malt and single grain scotch whiskies of outstanding
quality from Scotland's prime whisky producing regions - Speyside,
Islay, Highland, Island, Lowland and Campbeltown. They remain in
their natural form with no chill filtering or colourings of any
kind. For more
information on Duncan Taylor & Co. products see their
website.
The tasting will include a buffet of Scottish-style
Smoked Salmon, meats, fruits and cheeses. This event will be limited
to 32 seats. The cost for the tutored tasting will be $45.00. See
your friendly Opal Divine's Bartender to sign up or pay by phone
with a credit card at (512) 477-3308.
10/11
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Rudy's
BBQ Marks 10th Anniversary: Voter Registration card gets you Free
Smoked Meats and "Sause"
Mayor Will Wynn has proclaimed October 24th
to be Rudy's Country Store and BBQ day "in appreciation of
ten years of contribution and success in Austin."
All patrons who bring a current voter registration card to any of
Rudy's locations (on HIghway 360 in Westlake, on Research, or in
Round Rock) can choose from a free variety of smoked meats and "sause."
At each location, giant cakes in the shape of "sause"
bottles will be cut and shared at 3 PM on October 24th.
10/04
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15th
Annual La Dolce Vita event, benefitting Austin Museum of Art, Thursday,
October 14
The 15th annual La Dolce Vita wine and food
extravaganza, all benefitting the Austin Museum of Art, will be
held Thursday, October 14th, at Laguna Gloria off 35th St. The feast
is from 6-9PM and costs $75 per person. I've been and it is a stellar
time for tasting and sipping from the best restaurants and wineries
in Texas.
Go their their website: www.amoa.org
for to purchase tickets and for more information.
10/08
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Get
Your Tickets Now for the Austin's Film Festival's FILM & FOOD
Party October 13th
It's that time of year again where national
film celebrities, Austin's best chefs, and film fans from all across
central Texas mingle at the FILM & FOOD party at the Driskill
Hotel.
You can attend the special screening of STAGE BEAUTY starring Billy
Crudup and Claire Danes at the Paramount at 6:30 PM. And then adjourn
to the Driskill for a fab party featuring the work of these chefs:
Marion Gilchrist... La
Traviata
Kevin WIlliamson... Ranch 616
Tyson Cole... Uchi
Mark Paul... Wink
David Bull... The Driskill
Grill
Will Packwood... 7
Mark Schmidt... Cafe 909
Shane Stark... Kenichi
Terry Conlan... Lake Austin Spa
Cost is $125 per person for noshing and mingling. Call 800-310-3378
to reserve tickets.
10/08
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