By Ginny, on May 17th, 2012%  I recently ventured to Henri’s Cheese and Wine for a little Italian Wine education. Surprisingly, it was my first official visit to the South Lamar shop, but it certainly won’t be the last. Henri’s Cheese and Wine is South Austin’s newest eatery and specialty grocery featuring both lunch and dinner alongside a large selection of retail cheese, wine, and more. Daily dining selections include gourmet sandwiches, small plates, and salads. Gourmet lunch spot by day and wine and beer lounge by night, needless to say, Henri’s is a very welcome addition to the neighborhood.  Henri's Cheese and Wine To be fair, any place specializing in cheese and wine is primed to be an instant classic in my book, but there is much to love about the neighborhood spot. On this particular evening, I joined a few fellow wine lovers for a tasting event with Italian wine expert Pier Mana. Continue reading Henri’s Cheese and Wine
By Ginny, on March 28th, 2012%  Today’s Dish of the Day represents one of those wonderfully unforgettable food moments, courtesy of Barley Swine. A March small plate offering, this unexpected dish, featuring a chicken fried egg, sweetbreads, hay grits, whole grain mustard sauce, and ash sauce, was a perfect representation of Chef/Owner Bryce Gilmore’s style of cooking. The plate arrived with an egg encased in a crispy fried shell served on a bed of sauces and grits. The savory ash sauce and the tangy whole grain mustard were ingeniously paired with the sweet, tender grits and sweetbreads. Once split open, the egg oozed a creamy . . . → Read More: Dish of the Day: Barley Swine By Ginny, on March 1st, 2012% As a member of the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance, I am joining a team of fellow foodies in creating a City Wide Dining Guide detailing the best of the best Austin has to offer. Is there really anything better than pizza? Any genre of food which combines cheese, bread, and tomatoes is worth celebrating in my world. Building a perfect pizza is all about the crust, whether that be thin and crisp or thick and pillowy. No matter your personal preference, Austin’s pizza purveyors have the bases covered. 
Bola Pizza – Austinites have had a reason to get up early on Saturday mornings ever since Bola Pizza set up shop at the downtown Sustainable Food Center farmer’s market. From the dough to the toppings, Bola Pizza puts TLC into each and every pie. The dough undergoes a special three day fermentation process before being layered with inventive combinations of the freshest ingredients. Cooked to perfection on wood fire oven imported from the Motherland, Bola’s trademark crust is chewy on the inside with a crispy char on the outside. Whether it’s a simple pizza like the ‘Polka Dot’ topped with mozzarella, fried sage, and tomatoes or the fancier Bolognese, Bola Pizzas are hard to beat. As for those earlier risers, they get first bite at one of Bola’s famed breakfast pies generously topped with seasonal produce, meats, and farm fresh eggs. Bola Pizza is available by private event catering or at the SFC Farmer’s Market at Republic Square Park every Saturday from 9am-1pm. Additionally, Bola Pizza recently released a line of frozen pies available at various locations around Austin.  Bola Pizza Homeslice Pizza – Homeslice serves the very best New York City style pizza in Austin. Hand tossed dough is sauced and topped before baking to perfection. The crust has a nice outer crunch yet still chewy inside. Their large custom pies are always brimming with a plentiful amount of toppings. The Margarita is a bit lackluster but the sausage, red pepper, and ricotta pie ($18) is outstanding. Aside from pizza, Homeslice also features one of the best Greek salads in Austin, especially when served with a few extra garlic knots. The owners ensure the highest quality pies by taking the team on yearly trips to the Big Apple to learn new techniques and make sure the Homeslice pizza is as authentic as possible. Homeslice is one of those places that no matter when you go there is always a wait, but it’s worth it every time. Homeslice Pizza. 1415 S Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704-2434. (512) 444-7437.  Homeslice Backspace – Nestled on a corner of 6th Street known more for bars than fine dining, Backspace is a refreshing escape from downtown’s hustle and bustle. Its quaint dining space is both comfortable and romantic making it a perfect spot for a date or place to regroup before a night on the town. Candlelight tables surround a cozy open kitchen where Backspace’s team carefully creates one glorious pizza after another. Like the space, Backspace’s menu is wonderfully simple and approachable, consisting primarily of antipasti, salads, and Neopalitian pizzas. Despite the downtown location and upscale feel, Backspace’s price points are surprisingly reasonable as well, with most pies priced between $9-$15. In fact, the only thing absurdly fancy about Backspace is its amazingly authentic pizza oven. The restaurant’s crown jewel was custom built in Naples and is the only of its kind in Austin. Needless to say, it’s one investment paying off quite nicely. Backspace. 507 San Jacinto Austin Texas 78701 phone:512-474-9899.  Backspace House Pizzeria – Somehow Formica booths feel cozy at House Pizzeria, thanks in part to exceptional service and a killer jukebox. The daily menu features ten pizzas, each topped with no more than five topping combinations. House Pizzeria’s ingredients are almost exclusively sourced locally, and the freshness of toppings shines through in the pizza. House Pizzeria. 5111 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751. 512.600.4999.  House Pizzeria Continue reading Austin Dining Guide: Best Pizzas in Austin
By Ginny, on March 1st, 2012% As a member of the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance, I am joining a team of fellow foodies in creating a City Wide Dining Guide detailing the best of the best Austin has to offer. This post is all about the best places to grab a late night bite with favorites discovered through personal research (eating) and a very scientific survey of fellow AFBA members.Looking for a place to cure those wee morning cravings after a night on the town? Here are a few top picks of places to eat great late!
24 Hour Spots: 24 Diner – Helmed by Chef Andrew Curren (contestant on Top Chef Texas ), 24 Diner is anything but a traditional greasy spoon. The menu is filled with American comfort staples like chicken and waffles, omelets, and biscuits and gravy, but every ingredient is locally sourced and seasonal and every dish is slightly reinvented. The restaurant’s design reflects its concept; it is rooted in 50s Americana but with a modern and forward-thinking attitude. Top pick for a late night breakfast is a huge frittata ($12), which can easily be shared with friends. 24 Diner is a great place to eat any time of day and most certainly the best around the clock spot in town. 24 Diner. 601 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78703 (Next to Waterloo Records)  24 Diner Bennu Coffee – The newest 24 hour shop on the block is Bennu Coffee located on Austin’s East Side. The coffee shop serves plenty of Fair Trade cups of Joe to keep customers bright eyed and bushy tailed no matter the time of day. Bennu Coffee outsources its dining options to some of Austin’s very best local vendors which keeps the shop stocked with a nice variety of food options. Choices include Tacodeli Tacos, Russell’s Baked Goods, Fricano’s Deli sandwiches, and Hoboken Pie pizza slices. Bennu Coffee. 2001 E. MLK Blvd, Austin, TX 78702. 512.478.7800. Whataburger – Always fresh, never frozen Whataburger is good any time of day, but somehow taste even better after a night on the town. Whether it’s a chicken honey biscuit, a taquito, or a Whataburger with cheese, a stop by the Texas chain is an excellent decision. Don’t forget to ask for extra packets of fancy ketchup to dip those addictively salty fries in! Whataburger. Various locations; see site for details.  Whataburger La Mexicana Bakery – Located on South First Street, La Mexicana Bakery is home to the most authentic Mexican baked goods in town. It’s also part food mart, part money mart, and part late night dining destination. There is something about a late night taco from La Mexicana that helps soften the blow of too many cerevas. I’m pretty sure that’s because grease is a key ingredient in these delicious and cheap delicacies. La Mexicana Bakery. 1924 South First Street, Austin, TX 78704. (512) 443-6369  La Mexicana Bakery Continue reading Austin Dining Guide: Where to Eat Late
By Ginny, on February 29th, 2012% As a member of the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance, I am joining a team of fellow foodies in creating a City Wide Dining Guide detailing the best of the best Austin has to offer. First up for Ginny’s Austin is burgers with favorites as discovered through personal research (eating) and a very scientific survey of fellow AFBA members. Whether you’re visiting Austin or just on the hunt for that next great burger, Austin has a bounty of options from which to choose. Things might seem a little bit ‘weirder’ in Austin, but when it comes to burgers, our Texan roots are clear as day. Many a great debate has been initiated by opinions on topics like greasy vs. gourmet, sweet bun vs. regular, and medium rare vs. medium. Defining the perfect burger may be an impossible feat, but here is a list of top picks around town to help start the conversation. Happy eating, and feel free to let us know what amazing burgers still need discovering around town!
Contigo – With just one taste of Contigo’s burger, it was love at first bite. Contigo’s burger proves one doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to make something great. It doesn’t come with a million topping options, attempts at cultural fusions, or secret sauces. It is a straightforward rendition of the classic dish made from high quality ingredients and cooked just right. Inspired by South Texas’ Contigo Ranch, the restaurant consistently doles out dishes that are both rustic and refined, and this burger is no exception. Thick, juicy burgers are made from a quality of beef reflective of Contigo’s ranching roots and served open face on a freshly baked sweet challah bun. With melted aged cheddar on top and salty, crispy fries on the side, it is perfection. Contigo Austin. 2707 Anchor Lane, Austin, TX 78732. 512.614.2260. Open daily from 5pm-midnight. Sunday brunch from 10:30am-2:30pm.  Contigo Austin Casino El Camino – Maybe it’s the dark, gritty interior or edgy soundtrack courtesy of Austin’s best jukebox, but upon first entering Casino El Camino, it is evident a meal at Casino El Camino will either be frightening or frighteningly good. Those who have visited the 6th Street dive bar can attest the latter is most certainly true, and burger lovers who haven’t should do so immediately. Casino El Camino’s monster-sized burgers feature handmade patties made from ¾ pound of charboiled Angus beef, ground fresh daily in house. Grilled medium, each burger is charred on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside. As expected, Casino El Camino rebels against that whole sweet bun trend as their burgers are all about the meat. The menu consists of six burger options, but if you can handle some heat, put your money on the Buffalo or Armadillo burger (both $7.50). The Buffalo burger is grilled with Casino El Camino’s fiery wing sauce and covered in crumbled blue cheese. The Armadillo burger features roasted Serrano peppers, cilantro mayo, and jalapeno jack cheese. The spicy toppings against the meaty burger flavor are unbeatable, especially when washed down with cold beer. While the burger is beyond filling, it is still highly recommended to save room for an order of Verde Chili Fries. Freshly hand-cut potatoes are fried crisp before being topped with a tomatillo sauce and melted cheese. The made to order burgers can sometimes take a bit longer than average, especially on a busy weekend night, but they are well worth the wait. In the meantime, order a beer and put some quarters in the jukebox while you prepare your stomach for the greatness it’s about to enjoy. Casino El Camino. 517 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78701. (512) 469-9330. Kitchen open daily from 11:30-1:30am.  Casino El Camino Dirty Martin’s – Not much has changed over the years at this Austin institution, and that kind of reliability is exactly why it deserves a place on this list. Dirty’s burgers are greasy, dirt cheap, and always served with a side of nostalgia. For a ‘lighter’ lunch, go for the Sissy Burger ($3.50) topped simply with mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes. Or, throw caution to the wind and spring for the large D.H. Special ($6.25) featuring double meat, double cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and tomatoes sandwiched between Texas toast. Dirty’s legendary burgers aren’t the only menu standouts. A fried egg sandwich ($3.85) with two eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo is a personal favorite. For those in need of a serious recovery meal or perhaps storing up for winter, the top sirloin sandwich ($6.25) is an excellent choice, especially with extra jalapenos and a fried egg on top. However, no matter what you order, Dirty Martin’s will give you a plate full of reasons to Kum-Bak. Dirty Martin’s. 2808 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78705. 512.477.3173. Open daily from 11am-11pm.  Dirty Martin's The Tavern – According to The Tavern, you are never too far from 12th & Lamar, which is a very good thing for burger lovers. The Tavern’s burgers are made from ½ pound all natural beef and grilled as you like it. Topping combinations run the gamut from the Black & Blue’s fried potato strings and blue cheese to the Shredded Cheddar’s patty encased in cheesy goodness. Just to prove this burger is Texas through and through, it is served on a toasted kolache bun inspired by the Czech-Tex traditional treat. Specialty burgers are priced at $9.99 or $8.99 for a classic. Additional topping options include caramelized onions, fajita peppers, and multiple types of cheeses. The Tavern. 922 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78703. 512.320.8377. Open Monday & Tuesday 8am-12am. Wednesday – Saturday 8am-2am. Sunday 8am-10pm.  The Tavern Continue reading Austin Dining Guide: Best Burgers in Austin
By Ginny, on February 16th, 2012%  Nestled in a previously overlooked enclave just west of I-35 on 6th Street, the new Easy Tiger is arguably the most exciting addition to downtown in quite some time. Part bake shop and part beer garden, Easy Tiger is the ambitious new project from the 24 Diner team. As a bake shop and café, Easy Tiger features artisan breads baked fresh daily, house cured meats, and menu items such as sandwiches and cheese plates. To quench Austin’s thirst for a beer garden, Easy Tiger serves over 30 local and boutique beers alongside a full bar and limited wine selection. Located in a formerly overlooked stretch of downtown, Easy Tiger’s large space underwent quite a transition prior to opening. It is easy to underestimate the new spot stepping off the street into the upstairs bake and coffee shop. However, take a walk downstairs to discover a beer lover’s paradise. Offset to the right is a long, dark bar showcasing a laundry list of beer options overlooking the busy kitchen. Step around the dividing wall to find a large open room with ample first come, first serve seating. The exposed brick walls, thick wooden tables, and well conceived masculine touches leave little reminder of previous tenants. The inside area is a perfect spot to unwind with friends, but the spectacular outside area is an oasis in the heart of downtown. Easy Tiger capitalizes on the natural beauty of Waller Creek with an outdoor space filled with long tables, a ping pong table, and a large outside bar. Despite plenty of picnic tables, finding a seat on a pretty day is virtually impossible after five, and for good reason; Easy Tiger’s outdoor beer garden is a virtual oasis in the heart of dirty sixth. It is impossible not to become hooked on Easy Tiger after one initial visit. Friendly service matches the relaxed communal vibe. There are more than enough interesting beer options to appease any preference, including a few sour beer options to win over non beer drinkers. The food menu contains a simple variety of beer friendly choices, all well-priced and under $10. The housemade sausages are filled with flavor and delicious alone or paired with accompaniments like mustard, sauerkraut, and fresh breads. Soft chewy pretzels perfect for dipping in Easy Tiger’s beer cheese, which has a bold pimento cheese-like flavor. Along with the beer cheese, there are several other options for cheese lovers, including an Antonelli’s plate. Easy Tiger’s selection of boutique and local beers means a large variety of interesting finds and new types to sample. However, a small forewarning: be prepared to pay premium prices for these premium brews. Think more along the lines of $8 pints instead of $2 PBR’s and Coors Lights. Go the budget friendly route and stop in for a quick beer, pretzel, and amazing ambiance or throw caution to the wind and stay all night; either way Easy Tiger is worth the trip. As stated best in the new spot’s motto, Easy Tiger is the ideal place to slow down and stay awhile. And, since it is open daily from 7am – 2am, there is plenty of time to do just that.  Easy Tiger Beer Garden Easy Tiger Bake Shop and Beer Garden. 709 East 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. 512.614.4972. Website & Facebook Continue reading Easy Tiger Bake Shop + Beer Garden
By Ginny, on January 23rd, 2012% Second Bar + Kitchen ‘s well priced and diverse menu and casual trendy atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a group dinner downtown. With visiting friends in town and a birthday to celebrate it was the perfect Saturday night dinner spot. We started with an order of chicken fried olives and a cheese board along with a round of Moscow Mules. The olives were salty, unusual, and begged to be eaten while sipping a martini. Second’s cheese board features a lovely rustic presentation of five different cheeses served with housemade crostini. While it’s no secret there is nothing I fancy more than a cheese plate, I would advise sampling some of Second’s other small plate offerings because it is there the menu really shines, as showcased in our second round of appetizers.  Chicken Fried Green Olives - $6 Arriving next were blue crab and corn fritters and veal meatballs. The fritters’ spicy glaze and decadent filling were tasty, but almost overlooked when unfairly served next to the amazing veal meatballs. The delicate meatballs were moist, tender, and full of earthy Italian flavors. A warm marinara sauce topping brought out a subtle fennel flavor to create a little bite of heaven. A last round of appetizers included goat cheese and ricotta fondue and a few bowls of Second’s famous pepperoni soup, which were both delicious as always.  Veal Meatballs - $8 Continue reading Second Bar + Kitchen
By Ginny, on January 20th, 2012% Happy National Cheese Day! Whether it is a cheese plate, cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, queso, fried cheese, or grilled cheese, whether it comes from a cow, sheep, goat, or made for a vegan, I hope you pay reverence to this glorious day celebrating all things cheese. Here are a few moments capturing a year in the life of a cheeseaholic. Check out last year’s celebratory post here. Stop by Austin’s most wonderful cheese shop, Antonelli’s, to celebrate with free samples! Cheese from Antonelli's Cheese Shop Click the picture for slideshow featuring a year review of all things . . . → Read More: Happy National Cheese Day! | | AboutGinny’s Austin is one girl's take on everything happening around Austin, focusing primarily food, music, and events around town.  |
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