Flavors of the Month: Q3 2023

This quarter (July, August, September) took me to 57 different Austin restaurants and the like, and here are 12 spots you might put on your list!

Lunch at Uptown Sports Club

I wouldn’t recommend the freezes unless you love milkshakes but this sports club sandwich was fantastic! Housemade sliced roast beef, smoked turkey, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles on bread flown in from New Orleans.

Dinner at Tillery Kitchen and Bar

We had dinner at Tillery Kitchen and Bar and you should put it on your list! Their restaurant on East Cesar Chavez has indoor and outdoor seating with great views. Chef Gabriel had perfect dishes for summer on the menu. My favorite starter was the fried green tomatoes and endive with strawberry – perfectly fried and a delicious blend of flavors and textures. We also loved the truffle chicken liver mousse and the grilled octopus with miso carrot and olive puree. For entrees, we enjoyed the smoked summer squash with coconut yogurt and my favorite – the Parisian gnocchi with asparagus and summer peas. Definitely finish your meal off with the basque cheesecake. It’s accompanied by orange caramel and graham cracker cookies. Tillery Kitchen and Bar offers a great menu, so go make your reservation! *This meal was complimentary as a restaurant invite.*

Morning Coffee at Desnudo Coffee

Everyone has been buzzing about this coffee food truck and it’s not only because their drinks are very strong. They’re also passionate about their beans and farmers. Get there very early or pre-order because the line gets very long!

Inn Cahoots, Bar Mischief, IYKYK

If you’re looking for a place when you go out, Inn Cahoots is the complex to drink around. Here you’ll find Austin Garden and Studio (music-focused), Bar Mischief (intimate, speakeasy vibes), and IYKYK (rooftop bar). Inn Cahoots is actually the name of the hotel on the property. If you’re looking for a place to stay for a group, like a bachelorette party, this is a great option. *This visit was complimentary as a media invite.*

Sweets from Austin Cottage Bakers

I got to enjoy lots of sweet treats this month! I updated this post with my recommendations, so see where you should order your treats.

Private Chef Dinner Party with Castel

Elevate your next dinner party and make it an easier event to host by hiring a private chef. I was invited to a dinner by Castel, and it was an impressive experience. Chef Travis created a delicious and thoughtful 7-course menu with dishes like pan con tomate, maine lobster, and oxtail pasta. He draws inspiration from the noteworthy restaurants he’s worked at and his travels. Visit castelatx.com to learn more! *This meal was complimentary as a media invite.*

Boba Tea at ChiCha San Chen

I think it’s time for me to update this post about boba in Austin because ChiCha San Chen, a boba brand from Taiwan, has charmed me. Their tea quality is next level! My go-to order is the Ding Dong Oolong.

Tacos at La Santa Barbacha

New favorite food truck?! Wow, these barbacoa tacos at La Santa Barbacha are excellent! I also loved the quesobaracha, like a very cheesy quesadilla, and the cantaloupe agua fresca, something I won’t usually gravitate towards, is a must-order!

Brunch at Caroline

Caroline at the Aloft Austin Downtown is a great spot for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. We really enjoyed everything we had, especially the burrata and the brunch burger. *This meal was complimentary as a restaurant invite.*

Drinks – coffee, juices, smoothies, brunch cocktails
Burrata with cherry tomatoes, kale pesto, micro basil
Sweet Corn Cake Benedict – jalapeño cheddar corn cake, avocado, tomato & corn salsa
Brush Creek Brunch Burger – wagyu beef, fried egg, peppered bacon, aged cheddar, chipotle ranch

Breakfast at Goldy’s

Since Goldy’s opened, I’ve been wanting to try the Smoked Salmon. It’s basically like a lox bagel but instead of a bagel it’s on a crispy hashbrown. I know, it’s perfect. While I was there I also tried the huge biscuit with whipped honey butter and a half pint of pasta salad, just for kicks. But the salmon hashbrown was the most clever.

Burrito at Daygos

This food truck brought the joy of San Diego burritos to Austin. What makes it a San Diego burrito? It’s got meat cooked on a flat top, melted cheese, salsa, and French fries. So tasty! We also enjoyed the nachos.

Dinner at Yamas Greek Kitchen

This new Greek restaurant gets a WOW from me.

Here’s what we ordered/loved:

Pikilia Traditional – spreads with pita
Fried Feta with Mixed Sesame
Keftedakia – meatballs
Grilled Whole Branzino
Galaktoboureko (dessert) – Greek custard pie with phyllo pastry, cinnamon, and honey – which got a happy dance from me!