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With the possible exception of the venerable Bluebonnet
Café, and toney uplake neighbor Horseshoe Bay, the town of Marble
Falls has had little to recommend in the way of interesting or distinguished
cuisine.
Well, stop the presses. All that has changed. Let me tell you about
the Wild Horse Grille.
Barely seven months old, Wild Horse has given Austinites a legitimate
reason to take the lovely drive up Highway 71 to Marble Falls for some
serious gourmet cuisine. And you'd better call ahead, because the joint
is rockin'!
On our recent visit, we tried the Breaded Fried Oysters. They had a
sensational flavor and texture, and were presented with a creamy, whole
grain mustard aoli that was the perfect complement.
We also tried the Beef Satay, served on a skewer, redolent of a lovely
marinade, and exquisitely tender. I highly recommend.
My least favorite appetizer was the Wild Horse Quesadillas. They were
stuffed with beef tenderloin, carmerlized onions, peppers, and a confluence
of goat cheese and Monterrey jack and cheddar cheeses. I thought the
steak overwhelmed the taste of the quesadillas. If they could tone it
down a bit, I'd say it would be a winner.
The Jalapeno Lobster Bisque was a delight. Smooth
and savory, the jalapeno influence was a novel touch for this traditionally
sherry laden soup. Very nice.
We tried a variety of entrees. The Wild Horse Filet,
7 oz. of riveting flavor for $20.95 was absolutely delicious. Totally
tender, it was the perfect foil for my glass of Greg Norman Merlot.
The Black Peppercorn Crusted Pork Tenderloin was equally stunning.
Served with a mushroom risotto, and a dazzling port wine reduction,
my only complaint was there should have been more of the port wine sauce.
The Chilean Sea Bass was remarkable, both in its
taste and presentation. The texture was light, almost gossamer, yet
it also had substance. The popularity of this dish with the regulars
became obvious as the party of four sitting next to us all ordered the
same plate! And the Seafood Linguini was a treat. The sauces in this
dish often run because of the excess water in the shell fish. Not so
at Wild Horse. This was one of the best Seafood Linguini's I've tasted
anywhere!
The desserts, particular the key lime pie and a
sneakily good poached pear served in a pastry puff with raspberry sauce
were also good. So there you have it. Wild Horse Grille. A restaurant
so assured and measured in its quality that it may, all by itself, put
good old Marble Falls on the map. Prices range from $16.50 to $25.95.
Hitch up the wagon and go there this weekend!
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