Il Forte Adds Italian Flair to Brazos
Brazos has a new Italian restaurant called Il Forte. Owner Cesar Navari describes his new place in terms that intrigue: simple, basic and delicious Italian food. And as foodies know, the best Italian dishes generally reflect the less-is-more philosophy. The address is 800 Brazos near 8th and Brazos. Open for lunch and dinner. Website coming […]
Updates on Restaurants Impacted by Shoal Creek
The nasty surge of water that came out of Shoal Creek in Monday’s storm caused the usual hassles for restaurants on or near North Lamar from 9th-12th streets. Shoal Creek Saloon and Bacon have temporarily closed to assess damage, but hopefully will reopen soon. Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon has already reopened along with Easy Tiger […]
The Leaning Pear in Wimberly Steps Up
Wimberly has had an extremely rough weekend. The flooding and historic rise of the Blanco River have led to widespread devastation. That’s why it’s so touching to see a local business like the Leaning Pear Restaurant jump in and help. Chef McCormick and his staff came in early Sunday and started preparing free family-style meals […]
The Most Influential Restaurants in Austin
We are blessed with many fine restaurants in Austin. But among that group there are a few that stand out as being the trend setters for other restaurants. You know: the places local chefs and aspiring restaurateurs really pay attention to. Congress Since the first day he arrived in Austin over a dozen years ago […]
Podcast: Joe Piefer
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a hospital food operation? Well, this week’s guest, chef Joe Piefer of Arise Medical Center on Bee Caves Road can shed some light on that. I’ve never been a fan of hospital food: everything always seems to have a green or dull gray hue to it. […]
Did Restaurant Indifference Contribute to the Biker Shooting in Waco?
According to Waco police, the violent biker melee which erupted Sunday in and out of Twin Peaks restaurant and left nine killed could have been prevented had restaurant officials been more cooperative. The jist of this is that the Waco chain restaurant has a regular Thursday “biker night” and openly caters to the area biker […]
Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares Show is Chopped
Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy, huh? The Scottish chef, who launched the show eight years ago under the premise of fixing failing restaurants, came off as an obnoxious bully and unrelenting prick. And the true irony of Kitchen Nightmares is that over 60% of the restaurants Ramsay purported to fix have since gone out […]
Verdes Opens 2nd Location in Round Rock
Some years ago, a young couple took on a Hamilton Pool Road restaurant site that had a history of failed restaurants (not unlike Jack Gillmore when he opened Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Oak Hill at around the same time). And like Jack, Joel Mungia and his wife were not about to be deterred and turned […]
Austin Originals: Beau Theriot and Shirley Shaw of the Oasis
Aside from being two of the nicest people I’ve ever met, Beau Theriot, founder and owner of the Oasis atop Lake Travis, and Shirley Shaw his long-time consultant for operations and marketing, have persevered against a variety of almost Biblical plagues that would have caused most restaurant owners to light out for the territories. They […]
Not All Hospital Food Sucks
I have viewed many a hospital meal over the years as I have accompanied my wife (many times) and other family members through a few somewhat longer stays. And I must admit that I was underwhelmed (to put it mildly) by the appearance and presentation of the food. The reviews from the patients who actually […]
Blow Out and All, We Make It to JoBell
So last Saturday, we’re driving down Highway 12 from 290 toward Wimberly and the new JoBell restaurant when BLAM, the right rear tire blows out. We coasted on the soft shoulder looking for a level spot. Just as we were about to call AAA, a guy stopped and offered to help. He jacked up our […]
The Omelettry’s Move to Airport Puts Onus on Austin Diner
Burnet is now minus one breakfast joint. Their move to Airport means you’re gonna have to head to the Austin Diner at Loop 110 and Burnet for breakfast. And they have great grub. The Pancho Villa is a wonderful dish, and their omelettes rock as well. Open at 6am Monday-Saturday and 7am Sunday. theaustindiner.com
