Can Hudson’s Reinvent the Magic?

Posted by on Feb 25, 2018 in News, Rob's Blog

After a much ballyhooed sale and then opening followed by an abrupt closing, the iconic Hudson’s on the Bend near Lakeway has new ownership and plans are underway for a new concept coming soon. This is exciting news for local foodies to be sure. But the fair question is: can the culinary magic that Jeff […]

Rob’s Valentine’s Dining Suggestions

Posted by on Feb 9, 2018 in Holiday Dining, Rob's Blog

Looking for a special place for Valentine’s Day dinner in the Austin area? Here are a few of my all-time favorite choices. Valentine’s menu at The Oasis   Jobell Café & Bistro – another great Valentine’s Day choice   The Russian House’s prix fixe Valentine’s menu   Creek Road Café: A Valentine’s mandate!   Another […]

Dishes I Absolutely and Constantly Crave

Posted by on Jan 30, 2018 in Best Of, Reviews

Oasis at Lake Travis Chicken Fireballs The Chicken Fireballs at The Oasis are irresistible – love these fiery little doodads! Coconut Shrimp at Café Blue Can’t get away from this crunchy and savory delight from the creative mind of Café Blue’s Chef Ben Nathan. Great as an appetizer or entree. EurAsia’s Gyoza An unexpected pleasure […]

Biderman’s Deli on Far West Satisfies Sandwich Cravings

Posted by on Jan 26, 2018 in News, Reviews, Rob's Blog

This tasty Salami Deli Sandwich is calling out to sandwich lovers. Recommendation? Try it soon!!! Biderman’s Deli 3742 Far West Blvd.,  Suite 101 Austin, TX 78731 (512) 340-1404 www.bidermansdeli.com

Eurasia Hard to Turn Down

Posted by on Jan 16, 2018 in News, Rob's Blog

This photo was taken opening day at Eurasia Sushi Bar & Seafood in Oak Hill and I haven’t stopped going since. The food is just too good! EurAsia Sushi Bar and Seafood 7101 West Hwy 71 Suite #C13 Austin, TX 78735 (512) 382-0968 www.EurasiaSushiAustin.com    

Rob’s Fearless Food Predictions for 2018!

Posted by on Jan 2, 2018 in Rob's Blog

Ronald Cheng of Chinatown and Street restaurants Traditionally we use the first day of the new year for some admittedly tongue-in-cheek predictions about the local and national food scene. Happy New Year fellow foodies! 1. Distant relatives Ronald Cheng and C.K. Chin will partner in a new fusion concept called Cheng, Chin and Everythin’. 2. […]

Sullivan’s Steakhouse to Close After 20-Year Run

Posted by on Dec 27, 2017 in Closings, News, Rob's Blog

I must tell you that while this saddens me, it is not surprising. Downtown Austin literally has more steakhouses than it knows what to do with. It was inevitable that one of the dominoes would fall. But that’s capitalism for you. Thing is in the late 1990’s Sullivan’s lounge was THE place to be seen […]

New Year’s Eve Dining in the Austin Area

Posted by on Dec 23, 2017 in Holiday Dining, News, Rob's Blog

New Year’s Eve will soon be upon us. Posted below are special menus from Jobell Café & Bistro, Juliet Italian Kitchen, Café Blue Classic Seafood & Oyster Bar, and III Forks. We’ll list more as we receive them. Happy New Year from all us at DiningOutWithRobBalon.com! Jobell Café & Bistro Juliet Italian Kitchen Café Blue […]

Austin Restaurants Open on Christmas

Posted by on Dec 18, 2017 in Best Of, Rob's Blog

Well, if you’re reading this you’ve decided to forego the shopping, preparation, cooking and then the cleaning up associated with Christmas dinner. Not there’s anything wrong with choosing not to cook on the big day. It does come with a lot of hassle, not the least of which usually falls on the distaff side of […]

Fareground Food Hall to Open in mid January

Posted by on Dec 15, 2017 in Openings, Reviews

Well this is interesting. What do you get when you take the essentials of a good food trailer park and then ramp it up to a brick and mortar edifice? The answer is Fareground Food Hall which will house some familiar restaurant names with engaging concepts. It’ll be located on Congress between Caesar Chavez and […]

Rob Reviews Red Ash Italia

Posted by on Dec 13, 2017 in Reviews

There’s been a lot of buzz about the Italian-styled Red Ash Italia over the past year. Of course, as is my style, I’m never the first to rush in the door. I like to wait for a new restaurant to settle in so the back and front of the house have time to get in […]

Austin BBQ Wars: Best Austin BBQ

Posted by on Dec 7, 2017 in Barbecue, Best Of, Reviews

Like any other red blooded Austinite, I love eating the entire panoply of smoked meats and fowl that most of us fondly refer to as “cue.” Unlike most other Austinites, however, I am a restaurant critic. In that capacity, I have traveled to many so-called meccas of BBQ including the Carolinas, Memphis, Kansas City, and […]

Clark Griswold has Nothing on The Oasis on Lake Travis!

Posted by on Dec 2, 2017 in Lake Travis, News, Rob's Blog

Every year when Christmas season rolls around, we inevitably watch Christmas Vacation at least a few times. The classic movie from National Lampoon has more than its share of illumination. But that’s a movie. If you want to see the real thing head out to The Oasis on Lake Travis. They know how to do […]

BBQ Wars Coming Soon: who has the best barbecue in Austin?

Posted by on Nov 27, 2017 in Barbecue, News, Rob's Blog

We’re about to take on a project dealing with the most hotly contested and ongoing Central Texas food argument that’s raged from downtown to The Hill country: who, in the Austin area, in our opinion, really has the best BBQ? It’s bound to make some folks happy while pissing other people off, but that’s what […]

Jobell Café & Bistro in Wimberley Unveils Fall/Winter Menu

Posted by on Nov 22, 2017 in News, Reviews

One of my favorite parts of my job is anticipating the roll out of a new menu and then getting to actually taste the culmination of the ideas that I heard discussed turned into new and flavorful dishes. So my last tasting at Jobell Café & Bistro was a memorable one, particularly with all the […]

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