Looking back on my flavors of October, I realized I had a DREAM month, from the state fair to several of Austin’s top restaurants. (Unless noted, the restaurants mentioned below are located in Austin.)
Brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, potato salad and beans at La Barbecue
My friend Aaron (one of my best eating companions!) and I have wanted to try La Barbecue for a while, so we luckily got a pre-order in one Saturday morning. What they say is true – this is some of the best barbecue in Austin. Yes, you’ll need to get to this trailer at least an hour before to get the best selection of meat and to get it ASAP.
Beef and Pulled Pork Tacos at Tacos and Tequila
My friend Sarah and I enjoyed the $2 self-serve taco bar and drink specials for happy hour. The tacos aren’t fancy but they’re good for the price.
Dinner at Sushi NiNi
For good, cheap sushi in a sports bar setting in a strip mall right off I-35, Sushi NiNi is your place. Strange, I know! It’s a unique setting but their happy hour is great and their sushi is even better. I enjoy sashimi (raw fish without the rice) and their rolls are good also.
Funnel Cake Ale at the Texas State Fair
In addition to the Fletcher’s Corny Dog and flavorful fried gulf shrimp boil, I tried the Funnel Cake Ale. It tasted like regular ale with a bit of vanilla and the cup’s rim was dusted with powdered sugar. Not better than a real funnel cake!
Tapas Dinner at Casa Rubia (Dallas)
With a glowing review from a friend, I dined at Casa Rubia for dinner and it was an excellent choice. Some of the tapas we enjoyed from this Spanish restaurant included: Bunelos de Pollo (chicken croquettes), Codorniz (quail), Gambas al Ajillo (gulf shrimp), Vieiras (sea scallops), and Costillos de Cordero (lamb ribs).
TX Shiitake Quiche at CBD Provisions (Dallas)
I enjoy visiting Dallas because more than likely, I’ll enjoy brunch somewhere new with friends. This last time, we ventured to the downtown Joule hotel for this swanky and beautiful restaurant. It was a quiet Sunday morning, our food was a hit and the service was fantastic. There wasn’t a bite of kale and mushroom quiche left on my plate and the assorted pastries were a great way to start brunch.
The Milano, Pepperoni & Basil, and The Green Belt Pizzas at Pinthouse Pizza
If you’re looking for delicious pizza and beer, try Pinthouse Pizza. We shared three personal size (10 in) pizzas. My favorite was the Green Belt with ricotta, mushrooms and spinach.
Dinner at Andiamo Italiano
We don’t see a plethora of Italian restaurants in Austin, so I’m glad I can add Andiamo Italiano to my list. I enjoyed the Capesante dello Chef (seared sea scallops) and Paglia e fieno alla Boscaiola (Homemade fettuccine with sausage, mushrooms and onions in light cream sauce). I couldn’t stop eating the fettuccine noodles. They were tender and perfectly al dente. The sauce was delicious!
Grilled Oysters at the Whole Foods at The Domain
The problem with oysters: they disappear too quickly! The grilled oysters topped with parmesan coupled with a beer from their wide selection were a great mid-day snack.
Wundershowzen at JuiceLand
JuiceLand is my go-to for fresh smoothies and juices. While a little pricy, the convenience and the fresh ingredients make it worth it. I usually like my smoothies with almond milk and almond or peanut butter. My favorite has been the Originator but this Wundershowzen (almond milk, spinach, hemp protein, banana, and peanut butter) has been added to my list!
Dinner at Uchiko
It’s been a couple of years since I dined at Uchiko and it was so much better than I remembered. Our fantastic dinner included: hama chili (yellowtail), brussels sprouts, gyutan (grilled beef tongue), madi (Japanese bream), unagi (eel), sake toro (salmon belly), and finished off with the tobacco cream dessert.
Burger and Fries combo at Player’s
Player’s brings back great college memories. Since it is closing Nov. 23, Linda and I decided to pop in one last time for lunch. With the outside-the-ordinary burgers becoming the norm, it’s nice to get back to the basics of a simple burger.
Martin Códax Albariño and Seafood-focused meal at Josephine House
Martin Códax invited food bloggers to try their wine while indulging in a perfectly paired seafood dinner. Josephine House served Martin Códax’s Albariño and the wine’s crispness and acidity complemented the dishes very well.
Dinner at Odd Duck
Ending my month on a high note, I celebrated my friend Dan’s birthday with a group of friends at Odd Duck. Our dinner included: pretzel, steamed dumpling, lamb kebab, ceviche, fried chicken croquette, soft cooked duck egg, goat confit, coconut rice pudding and apple cake doughnut. The lamb kebab and apple cake doughnut were my favorites!
What delicious things did you eat in October?
You might also like
