Pastries at Nougatine Bakery

New Austin bakery location alert! Nougatine Bakery now has a storefront inside The Austin Winery in the St Elmo Yard. I tried the Tomato Pie, Kouign Amann, Za’taar Labneh Cruffin, and Pain au Chocolat. You can also find them at the Barton Creek Farmers Market.

Thai Food at Kiin Di

Kiin Di means “eating good” in Thai, and I’m glad I finally got to try this spot. They were previously a food truck and opened their brick-and-mortar last December. I went for the khao soi, my favorite Thai noodle curry dish, and it did not disappoint!

Cocktails at Nickel City

If you’re looking for a tasty cocktail, Nickel City is the spot. It’s more divey, but the cocktails are great. I had the Green Flash (gin, kiwi, cucumber, lemon), and it’s the best cocktail I’ve had in a while.

Soft Serve at Somi Somi

Cool off this summer with a cold treat! Somi Somi is a new franchise spot serving a Korean dessert called “ah-boong.” It’s a fish shaped waffle cone filled with soft serve. Here you can choose a filling like black sesame paste or Nutella, soft serve flavor, and toppings.

Latte at Black Fox Coffee

This is a new coffee shop downtown! If you find yourself at 6th and Guadalupe, this classy spot is the place to pop in. [Media]

Cocktails Papercut and Sushi at Konbini

I’ve heard a lot about this new cocktail bar. Their cocktails are creative, and their sushi is served by the team from Tare – wins all around. We enjoyed a few nigiri bites, their egg sandwich, and a hot dog.

Ice Cream at Kilwins

Kilwins has a new, locally-owned franchise location in Austin! Located in North Austin, this sweets shop is known for its chocolates, caramels, and ice cream. Their boxed and bagged items are great for gifts, and they have lots of unique ice cream flavors. [Media]

Vietnamese Soup at Vua Bun Bo

Bookmark this new-ish Vietnamese restaurant for rich and hearty soups. I liked the Hu Tieu Bo Kho – beef stew with rice noodles.

Drink from Mori Matcha

You can find this pop-up matcha stand at events around Austin. They’re highly regarded as one of the best matchas in town.

Lunch at ThoroughFare

I’m a fan of ThoroughBread’s cookies, and this is an expanded iteration of its bakery that serves a casual menu and offers grocery items. I ordered the Signature Turkey Sandwich served on their housemade Wheat Sourdough, Daily Greens Juice (Cucumber + Celery + Green Apple + Kale + Lemon Juice + Fresh Ginger), and a Chocolate Chip Cookie. All of this was $32 before tip, which makes me pause.

Happy Hour at Boni’s Bar Next Door

Lenoir’s new bar next door is a cute spot for happy hour. They have $9 spritzes and complimentary bites with every drink. For food, they have a menu of light bar snacks like meatballs and shrimp.

Cookies from Brown Sugar Bake Shop

I recently tried some cookies from this food truck and wow! I had the Butter Crunch (browned butter and toffee) and the strawberry oatmeal (a seasonal flavor).

Hot Dogs at Saturn

Some friends and I went on a hot dog crawl with a stop at Saturn. This cocktail bar is lovely, with some interesting hot dogs on the menu. We enjoyed these 1/4lb beef dogs fried in beef tallow:

• Japanese Dog: topped with Kewpie Mayo, House Teriyaki Sauce, Nori Flakes, and Crispy Onion
• Buff Dog: topped with Pickled Celery, Blue Cheese, Buffalo Sauce, and a Crispy Carrot Crumble
• Feta Dog: red bell peppers, hot honey, herbed whipped feta, crispy onions

Lunch at Anh Em

We have plenty of Vietnamese restaurants in Austin. This one opened recently, and it features the classics – banh mi, vermicelli bowls, and pho.

Need more Austin restaurant recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Indian Tasting Menu at Electric Gravy in Austin, TX
• Best Things I Ate in 2025

The post Flavors of the Month Q2 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

My mom gave me my love of pastries. When I was a kid, we regularly visited a French bakery on Saturdays and came home with a box of pastries. Sometimes, half of the box’s contents were already gone by the time we arrived home. I loved them all, but my favorites were croissants and palmiers, a heart-shaped pastry that was crunchy, caramelized, and sweet. As an adult, I discovered the kouign amann, and it is a combination of my favorite pastries!

What is Kouign Amann?

First, you’re probably wondering how to pronounce the name: queen ah-mahn.

I love the crisp flakiness of the pastry, the buttery layers, and the sweet, caramelized crisp on the outside. Like puff pastry or a croissant, the kouign amann is light and fluffy with many layers. Kouign amann has layers of butter and sugar on the inside and caramelized sugar on the outside. The flavor is similar to a palmier, but it’s a little fluffier.

Where to Find Kouign Amann in Austin, TX

Kouign Amann isn’t as readily available as a variety of croissants, cinnamon rolls, and other pastries. No matter which restaurant or café you visit, be sure to go early because the kouign amann is bound to sell out!

Here are 10 bakeries where you can find a kouign amann in Austin.

Baguette et Chocolat

This bakery and cafe in Bee Cave has some amazing pastries! Their kouign amann is more like a palmier because it is less fluffy, more crispy, and flatter. A popular choice in the area, Baguette et Chocolat also has a menu of French cafe eats.

Address: 12101 FM 2244, Bldg 6, Bee Cave, Texas, 78738
Website: https://www.baguetteetchocolat.com/

Bakery Lorraine

This pastry shop, led by chefs who met while working at Bouchon Bakery, originated in San Antonio and expanded to Austin with a location at the Domain on Rock Rose. Their delicious kouign amann is filled with lemon curd. I also love Bakery Lorraine for brunch.

Address: 11600 Rock Rose, Ste #110, Austin, TX 78758
Website: https://www.bakerylorraine.com/

Epicerie

Curious about a savory kouign amann? Epicerie’s kouign amann combines the sweet and butter caramelized pastry with hints of rosemary, which makes it a unique offering. This restaurant gets very busy for weekend brunch so be sure to arrive early.

Address: 2307 Hancock Drive, Austin, Texas 78756
Website: http://epicerieaustin.com/

La Patisserie

With two locations in Austin (north and south), you can pick up this kouign amann on the weekends. It is many times filled with seasonal fruit, so it tastes similar to a pie or pastry tart.

Address: 602 W. Annie St., Austin, Texas 78704 or 7301 Burnet Road Ste 102, Austin, Texas 78757 
Website: https://www.lpaustin.com/

Nougatine Bakery

This bakery first existed at the Barton Creek Farmers Market, but they now also have a brick-and-mortar bakery at The Austin Winery. You’ll find plenty of delicious pastries here, including a kouign amann.

Address: 440 E St Elmo Rd A1, Austin, TX 78745
Website: https://nougatinebakery.com/

Pieous

While Pieous is famous for its pizza and pastrami, its bakery has created its own following for its pastries. Their kouign amann has all the crispy layers you’re looking for!

Address: 166 Hargraves Drive, Bldg H, Austin, TX 78737 (in the Belterra Village Shopping Center)
Website: https://www.pieous.com/

Rocheli Patisserie

In East Austin, Rocheli Patisserie is a cute bakery with a pastry case full of pretty treats. They also serve high tea. Their kouign amann is more bready inside and has fewer caramelized bits on the outside.

Address: 1212 Chicon St #102, Austin, TX 78702
Website: https://rocheli-patisserie.square.site/

Sour Duck Market

The littlest sister of Barley Swine and Odd Duck, Sour Duck Market has many pastries on their menu, including the kouign amann. The Eastside bakery (and restaurant) has a spacious patio for dining in.

Address: 1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
Website: https://www.sourduckmarket.com/

Swedish Hill Bakery

This popular bakery and cafe on West 6th is a busy spot full of pastry options, including a kouign amann. Enjoy pastries and coffee, and grab some grocery items on the way out.

Address:

• 1128 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
• 1804 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
• 415 Colorado St Unit 102, Austin, TX 78701
• 3663 Bee Caves Rd #4A, West Lake Hills, TX 78746

Website: https://www.swedishhillbakery.com/

Ti Amann

This cottage baker specializes in kouign amnn, so there are big expectations! These kouign amann were very crispy and had a little less butter than I expected. Pre-orders open every Monday at 5 pm.

Address: Pick-up locations
Website: https://www.instagram.com/tiamannbakery/

Know any other bakeries or restaurants in Austin where I could find kouign amann? I’d love to know!

Save this post on Pinterest for later!

P.S. See where I go for the best pastries in Austin in this post.

The post Where to Find Kouign Amann in Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

We’re lucky to have a handful of chocolate makers and chocolatiers in Austin that share their craft. These are great options for picking up a gift or discovering somewhere new in your neighborhood.

Listed in alphabetical order, here are six companies to find chocolate in and around Austin!

Delysia Chocolatier

Specializing in chocolate truffles, Delysia Chocolatier’s elegant boxed sets feature fun flavors and colorful designs. Their seasonal collections help you celebrate the holidays.

Shop: 2000 Windy Terrace #2c, Austin, TX 78726, United States

Website

Edis Chocolate

This chocolate shop and bakery is a sweet treat, and you’ll want to visit in person to see the full selection. Choose from chocolate truffles and chocolate desserts like flourless cake and hazelnut amaretto torte. I had the best chocolate cupcake I’ve ever eaten, and the torte and truffles were delicious.

Shop: 3808 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759

Website

Ecuadorian Chocolate Factory

This is a full bean-to-bar production, founded and owned by locals. The beans come from the family farm in Ecuador, and in-store, you’ll be able to see how the cacao nibs transform into chocolate bars, chocolate bark, truffles, and more. I recommend the 85% chocolate bar and the toffee bark.

Shop: 251 N Bell Blvd #110, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Website

Kilwins

Founded in Michigan in 1947, Kilwins focuses on hand-crafted chocolates and sweets. Fudge and caramel are made on-site, and they also sell the brand’s ice cream. This franchise location is the only store in Austin, and one of 11 stores in Texas.

Shop: 3500 E Parmer Ln Ste. 3120, Austin, TX 78754

Website

KESSHŌ Chocolate

For a variety of craft chocolate goodies and to support an Asian-owned business, KESSHŌ is a great option. This Austin-based company makes single-origin bean-to-bar chocolate bars, some with Asian ingredients like hojicha, yuzu, and black sesame. At their trailer, you can also get gelato and baked goods made with their chocolate.

Shop: 603 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704 and 6726 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757

Website

SRSLY chocolate

While the company has changed owners since its founding, this bean-to-bar chocolate company has dazzled the Austin area for years, selling its chocolate bars at farmers markets and pop-up markets.

Shop: Online and in local stores like Central Market

Website

Pick up a sweet treat and enjoy!

Want to learn more about chocolate?

• See this post about bean-to-bar chocolate
• Read this post about my chocolate tour in Belize

Looking for more dessert? Check out these posts:

• 30 Best Cold Treats in Austin – Ice Cream, Soft Serve, and More
• Where to Get Mochi Donuts in Austin
• 11 Best Desserts in The Domain Austin Area
• Best Asian Desserts in Austin

The post Best Chocolate Shops in Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Disclosure: Electric Gravy provided a complimentary tasting. All opinions in this post are my own! Thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog.

Electric Gravy

Created by the founders of Old Thousand, a modern Chinese restaurant celebrating a decade in Austin, Electric Gravy uses the same eclectic vibe to create a restaurant with Indian ingredients and recipes tinged with Texan expectations. Here you’ll find familiar favorites of an Indian menu like chicken tikka masala and Texan fusion like curry queso. But the fun of exploring a cuisine is trying new dishes, so venture into some different gravies.

A quick word about gravy, seen in the name and on the menu – what is typically on menus in the U.S., as curry is called gravy in India. Gravy comes in different flavors depending on the spice mix used. You’ll be able to taste multiple versions here.

One thing I loved about dining at Electric Gravy was the sense of community. The founder’s grandmother’s portrait on the wall, smiling and attentive team members, and a corner space that encourages an intimate meal. The restaurant also has a rack of Indian clothing at the entrance to help locals find an outfit for their next Indian event.

Indian Tasting Menu

You know I love tasting menus. This is a way to try different dishes and flavors, and for the chef to showcase their favorite dishes or seasonal specials. Electric Gravy has a tasting menu called Never Empty Stomach. The tasting includes: papadom, chutneys, indian pickles, kachumber salad, naan, rice, and curries. It’s a hearty selection with a seemingly never-ending parade of dishes, but if you’re still hungry, the dishes are refillable! I’ve featured the selection of delicious dishes in this post.

The name “Never Empty Stomach” has a double meaning as well. A portion of the proceeds from this $37.99 per person tasting is donated to charities to help local Austinites, so enjoying this menu ensures others have a never empty stomach as well. 

I also enjoyed a Pudina Pani Marg – Fiero Serrano Tequila, mint, cilantro, lime, and chaat masala. It was a great example of how their cocktail menu adds a twist through spices.

Of course, a great meal ends with dessert, and here it was, gulab jamun paired with a cup of warm chai. This traditional dessert is deep-fried dough soaked in a sweet syrup.

If you’re looking for Indian food in Austin, try out Electric Gravy!

Electric Gravy
1050 E 11th St #100, Austin, TX 78702
https://www.electricgravyatx.com

Looking for more tasting menus in Austin? Check out these restaurants:

• Why Craft Omakase’s Sushi Tasting Became the Best in Austin
• Masa Omakase at Nixta Taqueria is a Tasting Menu Must-Try
• Michelin Guide is in Austin, Texas – What It Means + 2025 Winners

The post Indian Tasting Menu at Electric Gravy in Austin, TX appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 12 places I ate at in January, February, and March.

Lunch at DEE DEE

DEE DEE is back! This Thai restaurant started as a food truck and recently evolved into a window counter at the new Leona Botanical Cafe and Bar in South Austin. The space is focused on outdoor seating, and there are a few other restaurants there. We enjoyed some of their favorites: som tom (papaya salad), fried chicken, and stir-fried vegetables.

Bread Boat

My first time trying Georgian food, and WOW! Khachapuri is the name of this traditional dish. It is bread filled with lots of cheese and butter, and, in this case, topped with an egg yolk that cooks as you mix it. You can also get versions with cooked meat included.

Dessert at Amy’s Ice Cream

Did you know Amy’s Ice Cream opened in 1984? I think that makes this ice cream shop an Austin classic. They feature seasonal specials, like their Valentine’s charcuterie dessert board I got to try. They also have blind pints where a vague description of the flavors is on the outside of the bag. If you’re feeling adventurous, try this out!

Dinner at Aburi TORA Sushi

A new sushi spot opened in Northeast Austin, a revolving sushi restaurant! Order on the tablet at your table, and the dishes fly to your table on a conveyor belt. This chain is known for its aburi, flame-seared style sushi, and they also have nigiri and a few other types of Japanese dishes.

Dubai Cookie at Whipped

The Dubai cookie has been trending, and you’ll be surprised that it is called a cookie. It is more of a cake ball and almost a mochi ball. It includes the typical Dubai chocolate ingredients: cacao, pistachio-kataifi mix, cream, and butter. It’s crunchy and decadent!

Quesadilla at La Santa Barbacha

I had the joy of joining EASTside’s Locals Know ATX Taco Tour and revisited La Santa Barbacha on the tour. Their barbacoa quesadilla is still delicious!

Burger from That Burger

One of my favorite burgers in town – the French Burger has brie, grilled mushrooms, berry jam, arugula, and black truffle mayo.

Matcha at Lau Lau

This coffee shop, rooted in Asian American culture, is a jewel. Their drinks have Asian flavors. Their Thai tea matcha is perfectly flavored.

Dinner at Electric Gravy

Electric Gravy invited me in to try their Texas-inspired Indian dishes. They have a tasting menu called Never Empty Stomach, where you can try chutneys, curries, naan, and more for $37.99 a person. This is a great way to taste different flavors. A portion of the proceeds from this meal helps feed the community.

Matcha and Croffle at Cafe du Bliss

This Korean-style cafe is a great spot, tucked in the Arboretum. The strawberry matcha and strawberry and banana croffle are my recommendations, but they have coffee options too.

Hot Dog at Yellow Ranger

Mapo Tofu Chili Cheese Dog is a winner at Yellow Ranger, a casual, counter restaurant inside two Austin bars.

Korean Food at An Nyeong K-Tofu & BBQ

This is quite possible my favorite Korean restaurant in Austin. While I tend to order the same things when I visit, I can confirm those dishes are excellent! My go-to dishes are the original tofu soup with added ramen and the beef short ribs (galbi).

Where should I eat next?

The post Flavors of the Month Q1 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Disclosure: EASTside provided a complimentary tour. All opinions in this post are my own! Thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog.

Locals Know ATX

EASTside ATX is an independent, locally-owned and operated media company in Austin, publishing a physical magazine distributed around the city and featuring the stories on their website for over 10 years. East Austin is a rapidly growing and evolving area of Austin. The community-oriented publication focuses on the best of East Austin, from restaurants and businesses to stories about how city services impact the neighborhood.

As experts in the community, it makes sense that EASTside ATX found another way to share the East Side’s goodness. Through its Locals Know ATX Food Tour, guests visit and taste the best barbecue or taco spots in Austin while learning more about the businesses and the city. EASTside ATX’s relationships with these businesses give guests insight into their stories and what makes them special to the city.

Austin Taco Tour

The newly launched taco tour is a fun one! This walking tour takes you to four taco spots in East Austin, along with mural stops along the way. The tour is about 2.5 hours, and you’ll walk about a mile.

We met our tour guide Cori at The Long Goodbye, a bar with several food trucks where we enjoyed our first tacos from Granny’s Tacos. Their food truck location is about an 8-minute drive away. I had previously had their breakfast tacos, which were good, but the Rico (chicken, rice, Granny’s signature mole) and the shrimp (with cabbage, Granny’s chipotle dressing, avocado) were next-level!

At The Long Goodbye is food truck La Santa Barbacha, known for its barbacoa. It’s another family-owned business with passed-down recipes and traditions. You might have heard they earned a Bib Gourmand honor from the Michelin Guide for the last two years. Here we enjoyed a few noteworthy things: the strawberry horchata, melon agua fresca, and quesabarbacha – a quesadilla with barbacoa, cheese, cilantro, and onions. So good!

Two spots and tacos down, it was time to take a little walk. Our next/third taco stop was El Chilito, little brother to our final/fourth stop. This restaurant is fast casual, with an ordering window and plenty of outdoor seating. Here we enjoyed a tender al pastor taco and very fresh guacamole, both excellent!

Ok, now we really need a break! We walked over to Este, a Mexican seafood restaurant that is sister restaurant to Suerte, to check out their garden. They grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers for both restaurants here. Did you know you can volunteer here?

We continued to the Here Today, Gone Tomorrow Art Exhibit. This duplex was a multi-artist project, featuring murals on the outside and eight rooms on the inside. While the indoor exhibits closed in 2023, you can still enjoy the murals on the outside.

We also stopped by the You’re My Butter Half mural on the side of the United Way for Greater Austin building. This mural has been an Austin favorite since 2012.

Our final stop and taco spot was El Chile, the big brother to our previous spot El Chilito. Here we enjoyed chips and salsa, birria taco, and churro donut. A great way to end the tour!

Take Your Tour

I really enjoyed this experience! This East Austin tour ($85 per person) had a variety of delicious tacos, art breaks, and dessert. We learned a lot about these local businesses and got our fill of great eats; it was plenty to eat! While the walking tour can be a little warm, depending on the temperature outside, there’s plenty of hydration along the way, and you move at a leisurely pace. There’s the option of a $35 additional (alcoholic) drink package if you need more drinks.

Taking a food tour isn’t just for those visiting Austin. This tour would be great for a date, birthday party, or a fun progressive meal with friends. I hope you check it out!

Book here: eastsideatx.com/tacotours
Instagram: @eastsideatxmag

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This annual “best things I ate” list is always a fun one to put together. Not only is it looking back at memorable bites, but it’s fun remembering the occasion or who I was dining with. As I always say, the food and environment have a big impact on your experience, but so do your dining companions!

A very interesting stat – I dined at 197 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, food trucks, etc in 2024. That number dropped significantly to 140 in 2025! I think it was a combination of reasons. I was a little uninspired, and I was trying to save money. You take a risk dining out at places you haven’t been before (and even places recommended by others).

Most of these things should not come as a surprise if you read my quarterly flavor posts. Here are 15 memorable eats!

Chicken Sandwich at Dang Hot

This is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in town! I got the mild, and it definitely has some heat. Perfectly crispy and good flavor, this food truck is a must-try.

Key Lime Pie from Lulu’s Pie Shoppe

This pie changed key lime pie for me, and I’m awaiting my next opportunity to enjoy this!

Rajasthani Tawa Paratha with Aloo at Paratha Rollers

You get two hits and lots of flavor with this dish – the soft paratha bread and the potato masala.

Masu at Craft Omakase

We got to return to Craft Omakas (my top choice for omakase in Austin), and it was once again a fantastic meal. This ocean trout bite was one of my favorites. Read more about Craft here.

Matcha at Dam Coffee Bar

A new coffee shop opened in Austin, and you have to go try their matcha. I’ve had their coconut water matcha and mango matcha, and both were strong and flavorful. They also have Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee that I want to try one day.

Dinner at Kane Sushi

I would love it if Kane Sushi were in Austin (it’s in Cedar Park) because their bites were delicious and huge!

Brunch at Ladino (San Antonio)

We took a weekend trip to San Antonio and had my dream brunch at Ladino. It’s part of the Emmer & Rye Hospitality restaurant group and one of my favorites. The cuisine is modern Mediterranean, and their Turkish brunch includes a variety of side dishes like seared halloumi, marinated olives, sourdough flatbread, and housemade jams. You can choose an entree, and I highly recommend the Turkish eggs.

Soup Dumplings at Mian & Bao

Mian & Bao has been a favorite spot for many this year, and I agree. These are some of the best soup dumplings in town!

Vanilla Chantilly Cake at Rockman Coffee and Bakery

Rockman officially turned one this past October, and they are offering some delicious pastries! The vanilla chantilly cake was one of my favorite things I tried. See my feature post on Rockman here.

Fried Chicken Sandwich at Teddy’s

This fried chicken sandwich seems to only be available during happy hour, and it was delicious!

Matcha at CaPhe.in

Ok, I’ve been drinking a lot of matcha. And this is another good one! I tried their ube previously, and I liked their banana matcha more. Creamy banana flavor, and the bruleed banana slice on top is a nice touch.

Italian Sub at Handsome Dan’s

The spontaneous meals can be the best, as evidenced by this sandwich and beer at Handsome Dan’s. This sandwich reminded me that I love a good sandwich and that I should go seek these out more. It’s also very satisfying to see these sandwich layers. I also enjoyed the IPA, which they brew in-house.

Otoro with Caviar and Truffle at Tare

I returned to Tare for an omakase meal and again loved it. Of course, the matcha tres leches is still great, but you can’t beat how delicious this tuna belly bite is. See the feature post on Tare here.

Breakfast at Phoebe’s Diner

This Austin spot is known for its breakfast and brunch. Their bananas foster French toast is heavenly! It’s banana walnut bread topped with whipped cream, fresh bananas, and more.

Brisket Burger at la Barbecue

I went to a media dinner with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, an award-winning (Michelin-starred) vineyard in Paso Robles, California, making Bordeaux-style blends. They paired their wines with the barbecue of Jess Pryles, a local BBQ expert, and la Barbecue, a Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant in Austin. My favorite pairing was the Candied Jalapeno Brisket Burger with the 2022 JUSTIN Reserve Cabernet.

What’s the best thing you ate this year?

Look back at my flavors posts this year:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q3 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q4 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try

See my recaps from past years here:

• Best Things I Ate This Year – 2024
• 12 Best Things I Ate and Drank in 2023
• 10 Best Things I Ate in 2022

The post Best Things I Ate in 2025 appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 13 places I ate at in October, November, and December.

If you’re new here, if it says Complimentary, that means I was hosted by the restaurant though all opinions are my own. This quarter was a busy one with four media invites. I greatly appreciate the brands/restaurants that partner with me!

Classic Italian Sandwich and Lake Austin IPA at Handsome Dan’s

The spontaneous meals can be the best, as evidenced by this sandwich and beer at Handsome Dan’s. This sandwich reminded me that I love a good sandwich and that I should go seek these out more. It’s also very satisfying to see these sandwich layers. I also enjoyed the IPA, which they brew in-house.

Breakfast at Toastique (Complimentary)

The most colorful breakfast at Toastique – healthier AND delicious! This location at the Domain opened in October, and you can get gourmet toast, smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies. It’s a counter-service spot, so it’s good for a quick breakfast. On our table:

• Smoked Salmon Toast
• Tomato Burrata Toast with Prosciutto
• Dragonberry Bowl
• Blue Mystique Smoothie
• Defender Juice

Dessert from Kat’s Handbaked

This pop-up bakery has some of my favorite cake! This time I ordered the pandan coconut and the Thai tea. Both were delicate and fluffy.

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery at la Barbecue (Complimentary)

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is an award-winning (Michelin-starred) vineyard in Paso Robles, California making Bordeaux-style blends. They paired their wines with the barbecue of Jess Pryles, a local BBQ expert, and la Barbecue, a Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant in Austin, and it’s safe to say it was an incredible 3-course meal.

My favorite pairing was the Candied Jalapeno Brisket Burger with the 2022 JUSTIN Reserve Cabernet. Yes, they have this bottle of wine and others for sale online as well as at your local Total Wine & More store.

Matcha at Hecho Amano Coffee

A new coffee shop trailer opened in North Austin by Old Gregg Brewing Company. They specialize in Latin-inflused flavors, though on this occasion, I tried their seasonal matcha with pear puree. I’ll be back!

Dinner at Fixe

We came here for a birthday dinner, and not only were they experts at service and timing of our large group, but the food was good! Fixe has been around for a while, and yes, you need to order the biscuits!

Lunch at Peached Tortilla (Complimentary)

Did you know Peached Tortilla now has weekday lunch? I tried the Korean steak bowl and their house ginger beer. They also have salads and wraps. It’s a good option if you want something a little healthier.

Khao Man Gai Combo at P Thai’s

I finally made it to P Thai’s! They’re known for Thai-Chinese-style Hainan chicken and rice. I tried their OG combo dish with portions of the normal poached chicken and the fried chicken. It comes with chicken fat rice. It seems so simple, and it’s very satisfying.

Cocktails at Foxtail

A new, great cocktail bar up north!?! The food gods have listened to our pleas. They are newly opened, the cocktails were up to par, and the ambiance is excellent. I have a feeling I’ll be back.

Dinner at Laurel (Complimentary)

Hotel Viata invited me to check out all the holiday happenings, including festive dishes at their restaurant Laurel. Our group agreed that the show-stopping dishes were the creamy salmon and the mashed potatoes! The hotel has a full schedule of family-friendly holiday activities, so check it out if you’re looking for things to do.

Baked Goods at Neon Belly Bakery

A new bakery opened off Burnet Road near the Crestview neighborhood. I didn’t love their orange ginger matcha, though likely a personal flavor preference. They have some tasty baked goods, like campfire cookie, ginger molasses cookie, and pumpkin bread.

Sushi Happy Hour at Uchiko

To celebrate our birthdays, my friend and I re-visited one of our favorites – Uchiko. We love their happy hour, where we can order many dishes! They also have a special happy hour 9-course for 2 people for $120, but we went a la carte. Our must-haves are the hama chili and the jasmine cream dessert, but you can’t go wrong. 

Chicken Pesto Croissant Sandwich at Heaven’s Bistro

Heaven’s Bistro is a bakery in North Austin and has some of the best croissants in town. As you can imagine, make the croissant a sandwich and you’ve got a very tasty sandwich! This one has house-smoked chicken, fresh pesto, tomato, and mozzarella, which melts wonderfully.

What should I eat next?

Need more recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q3 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Ultimate Guide to Sushi Omakase in Austin
• Best North Austin Restaurants

The post Flavors of the Month Q4 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

So, to commemorate the season of cookies, this post shares a recap of all three experiences and some of the 43 types of cookies I had in 10 days.

My Cookies

I pre-ordered Kat Lieu’s timely, newly released cookbook – 108 Asian Cookies – and aimed to bake all my cookie exchange contributions from the book. This is a fun and colorful cookbook, with many familiar recipes that include Asian ingredients like red miso.

I made 5 different cookies from the cookbook for the parties. I had trouble locating some ingredients – namely, pandan extract and ube jam – so I had to make slight variations.

The Low-Key Girls Get-together

Cookie count: 7

I made: Black Sesame White Chocolate Cookie and Matcha Peanut Butter Blossom

My friend Jane had a few friends over for a casual hang-out and to officially meet her new baby! I love that a few of us baked “viral” cookie recipes (oatmeal banana bread chocolate chip cookie and almond butter croissant cookie), and they went viral for a reason: they were delicious cookies!

The Christmas Market

Cookie count: 21

I made: Boba Cookies and Raspberry Linzer Cookies

My friend Sandra has been obsessed with Christmas markets, so she wanted to recreate the vibe at her house, along with a cookie competition. She made an incredible spread of Christmas market food, like brats and meatballs.

I don’t think the competition categories were announced ahead of time, but they were the most festive, prettiest, crowd favorite, and most creative. Someone made the mortadella cookie, which won most creative. It looks like a sausage slice and was on The New York Times’ annual cookie list this year. The most festive cookie went to the gingerbread non-binary people, and the crowd favorite went to the lemon crinkle. Prettiest cookie went to the raspberry linzer by yours truly! It almost makes me forget that hours before, I was in a cookie crisis because I burnt the first batch. My prize was some mahjong goodies!

The Cookbook Club Friends

Cookie count: 15

I made: Miso Hot Chocolate Brownie Cookies

I joined a cookbook club this year, and it’s been a lot of delicious fun! The group has been meeting since 2019, cooking from a different cookbook each month. I often meet up with “restaurant foodies,” so it’s fun to discuss recipes and taste dishes with “cooking foodies.” For one, I’ve never seen more impressive cookbook collections! It’s also a good introduction to different cookbooks.

This cookie party was no different; there were so many tasty cookies!

Cookie Party Thoughts

Eating 43 types of cookies at 3 cookie parties in 10 days is kind of crazy and so delicious! (Where are my dessert lovers at?) Here are some of my random cookie observations:

• Ginger molasses is a classic holiday cookie recipe, and I loved it at every party. Call me a grandma.
• Want a festive cookie? Use red and green sanding sugar or dye, peppermint, or jam.
• Taste-wise, you can’t go wrong with a crinkle or thumbprint cookie, and they can be very easy to make.
• If you’re hosting a party, there is a chance people will bake more than 1 type of cookie.
• Chocolate chip is a solid cookie, but not for the holidays. I vote for more fun, though you’ll always have people who love the classic.

Baking cookies is much lower-stakes than most desserts. Should I keep hosting cookie potlucks in the new year? Maybe with themes? How many more recipes should I bake from the 108 Asian Cookies Cookbook?

Looking for more food party ideas? Check out these posts:

• How to Throw a Pie Potluck Party + Pie Recipe Ideas
• Paella Party to Celebrate 10 Years
• How to Throw a Tinned Fish Party

The post Holiday Cookie Party: Recap of 3 Parties and 43 Cookies appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 13 places I ate at in July, August, and September. If you’re new here, if it says Complimentary, that means I was hosted by the restaurant, though all opinions are my own.

Matcha at Junbi

I love this spot! The only downside is that it’s in Cedar Park, which is a bit of a drive from Austin. But this chain really knows its matcha, and this strawberry matcha was perfect.

Late Night at Nunya

I’m not sure if you know, but I’m a big fan of hot dogs. I don’t eat it often, maybe on holidays or on random occasions, like when a bar has it on their menu and we’re hungry. The one at Nunya was a nice surprise.

Dinner at Kane Sushi

Another Cedar Park win! I would love it if Kane Sushi were in Austin because their bites were delicious and huge. Just look at these!

Dinner at NG Cafe

I stopped into NG Cafe, a Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant in North Austin. Their banh mi wasn’t my favorite, but I’ve had other plates here that I like. However, this is one of the few places to get silken tofu, one of my favorite Chinese desserts.

Chicken Sandwich at Dang Hot 89

THIS is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in town! I got the mild, and it definitely has some heat. Perfectly crispy and good flavor, this food truck at Celis Brewery is a must-try!

Matcha at Dam Coffee Bar

A new coffee shop opened in Austin, and you have to go try their matcha! I’ve had their coconut water matcha and mango matcha, and both were strong and flavorful. They also have Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee that I want to try one day.

Happy Hour at East End Ballroom

My friends and I went to happy hour at East End Ballroom. Food like fried olives, Caesar salad, double smash burger, and French fries are not discounted but tasty. You can enjoy smaller portion cocktails for $5.

Breakfast at Nervous Charlie’s

If you’re looking for a good breakfast sandwich, try the lox bagel at Nervous Charlie’s. The ratios are a bit uneven, as you can see, but it was satisfying.

Cupcakes at Rise Coffee and Bakery (Complimentary)

Rise Coffee and Bakery in South Austin invited me in to try their cupcakes. They have a great selection with a different line-up every day. Plus, if you come for breakfast, you can’t miss their cinnamon coffee cake! This is a great neighborhood spot if you live nearby.

Matcha at CaPhe.in

Ok, I’ve been drinking a lot of matcha. And this is another good one! I tried their ube previously, and I liked their banana matcha more. Creamy banana flavor and the bruleed banana slice on top is a nice touch.

Cocktails at Mother’s Ruin

Mother’s Ruin is a great addition to the East Austin bar scene. Their cocktails are well composed, and the bar is spacious. I’ve only had their French fries, but they were excellent, crispy waffle fries that come with onion dip.

Barbecue at LeRoy and Lewis

Driving in South Austin, we made a spontaneous decision to eat at Leroy and Lewis. After a two-hour wait in line, we enjoyed their award-winning barbecue – brisket and beef cheeks. I also love their kale Caesar slaw.

Pizza at Baldinucci Pizza

Have you ever had Romana-style pizza? The crust is thin and crispy, much like a flatbread. You can purchase by the slice at Baldinucci’s, so I tried the quattro funghi, pizza alla verdure, and lasagna. This restaurant is a great pizza option in Austin.

What should I eat next??

Need more recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Best Pastries in Austin
• Ultimate Guide to Sushi Omakase in Austin
• Best North Austin Restaurants

The post Flavors of the Month Q3 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.