Date Night at Lutie’s Austin

I admit I wasn’t sure I’d like Lutie’s. It has been a hot spot surrounded by the buzz. The reviews seemed ok and the few foodies that were able to get a reservation didn’t seem to rave about their experience. I’ve been let down by beautiful restaurants with people clamoring to visit.

I’ll spoil the ending. I’m going to rave about my experience at Lutie’s so find a reservation ASAP.

Austin’s New Garden Restaurant

Lutie’s opened earlier this year along with the rest of the Commodore Perry Estate. This luxurious hotel is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and a beautiful addition to the Austin market. Once a residential estate, the Commodore Perry is glamorous, and their restaurant is no different.

Named for the estate’s matriarch, Lutie’s decor reflects Nannie Lewette “Lutie” Perry’s lavish parties. Dressed from floor to ceiling in an emerald and black palette, the restaurant is possibly the most beautiful restaurant I’ve seen in Austin. The ceiling is draped with vines and whimsical half-spheres overflowing with greenery. A plant lover’s pattern covers the banquettes and chairs while emerald velvet decorates the bar seats. Welcome to the lush garden!

Now, there is an actual spacious garden a few steps from the restaurant. It’s a great place to try to walk off your dinner and a place to admire the abundance of flowers. Lutie’s patio gives you a wide view of the garden.

The beautiful setting sets up the food perfectly. Led by a husband and wife team, Lutie’s menu is in the hands of two people who have come from some of Austin’s best restaurants. Executive Chef Bradley Nicholson and Executive Pastry Chef Susana Querejazu focus on a seasonal menu inspired by Texas ingredients.

First Taste: Dining at Lutie’s

We dined at the end of October and it was a delicious meal! In older online reviews I read that the plates were small but that wasn’t the case for our dinner. Four to five savory dishes were recommended for two people, and I would agree with four dishes plus dessert. Here’s what we ordered and some details about each dish.

Opah Crudo, Habanero, Cucumber
This was a fun dish to start the dinner. I’m a big crudo fan but it was the first time having one topped with granita. The habanero granita on top transformed the dish because of the flavor of the spice and texture of the crunchy ice.

Chickpea, Green Corn, Fermented Herbs
Our eyes went wide when this dish landed. It’s huge! I think it could have been half the amount. But it was a tasty dish with several textures and the flavors blended well together.

Estate Bread, Brown and Cultured Bread
This is the most talked-about dish and one you have to order! You might think it’s “just” bread and butter but it’s probably the best bread and butter you’ve ever tasted. The layered presentation follows Lutie’s theme – familiar and elevated. It’s served with bread that is similar to an English muffin.

Green Dish, Butternut Squash, Feta
Another big and tasty dish! Underneath all the greens are large chunks of warm butternut squash. This was a great fall dish.

Delta Blues Rice, Mt Lassen Trout, Smoked Trout Roe
Fish and rice. It seems so simple, right? This was a stand-out dish for me. The buttery rice, the perfectly-cooked fish, the bursts of roe. This dish is fancy comfort food.

Kouign Amann Ice Cream
You know my love for kouign amann. This was a must-order for me and a must-order when you visit! There are kouign amann bits in the ice cream, it comes with a mini kouign amann, and it is drizzled with fresh caramel tableside. Decadently perfect.