Fino Restaurant Patio & Bar is a Mediterranean gem open since 2005 in Austin on 29th and San Gabriel.  This spot is locally owned and sister to Asti, an Italian restaurant in Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood.  Last night, Fino graciously hosted a food blogger happy hour.  And boy, were the food and drinks flowing!  It was a great way to try new things since they served menu items and cocktails I wouldn’t have typically ordered.  What can I say?  I already have my favorites on their menu!  People involved with Fino are very personable, as the owner Emmett Fox was socializing with the bloggers and GM Brian Stubbs continuously served trays of food. 

Fried Anchovy Olives

To see pictures of Fino:

Fino would be perfect for a meal over SXSW to avoid the disaster that will be downtown parking.  They are conveniently located in central Austin and have plenty of parking spots due to the lot next door.

Me & Emmett Fox, owner of Fino and Asti

Strawberry & Mint Sangria: Poteet Farm Strawberries & Fresh Mint, Can Fiexes White Wine, Brandy, & Trevisiol Prosecco.  Typically when I drink at restaurants, I order red wine or vodka sodas but I was so impressed with the cocktails served at Fino.  Each was refreshing, homemade, distinct, and as strong as I like them!

Fois Gras. A delicacy of duck liver that was the favorite of most bloggers in attendance.

Tomato Gazpacho.  A little shot of refreshing goodness.

Bee Sting: 42 Below Honey Vodka, Black Pepper Syrup, Lemon-Orange Juice, Sauza Blanco Tequila Rinsed Glass.  My favorite cocktail of the night.  This drink tastes exactly as you would imagine a bee sting to your lips.  Sweet and peppery.

Fried Goat Cheese w/ Onion Jam & Honey.  This is my favorite thing about Fino.  The fried goat cheese appetizer is heaven on a plate and the bite size pieces melt in your mouth.  I recommend ordering this appetizer on your next visit and I won’t lie, you will probably order a 2nd when you see what a crowd pleaser this is!  I have no shame, I literally stood by this tray and ate 5.  Then I heard someone say they didn’t get any, but no, I did not feel bad for hogging.

Scallop & Blood Orange Crudo.  The perfect combination of flavors.  Enough said!

Crab & Avocado Bruschetta.  Lump crab meat, paprika, avocado slice, fresh bread…. is summer here yet?

Fried Anchovies.  Even if you are squeamish about eating a whole anchovy, anything lightly fried goes down easy, especially when paired with aioli.  This is the perfect dish for an anchovy virgin.

Paloma Flower: Pepe Z Reposado Tequila, St. Germain Elderflower Liquor, Grapefruit & Grapefruit Bitters.  This drink contains homemade bitters, juices, and syrups, and the foam at the top is thanks to egg whites.  This drink is like champagne’s sweet little sister.

Pork Belly w/ Spring Onion & White Bean.  Pork Belly is the king of meat, oozing with flavor and texture, that has gained popularity recently.  

Coriander Crusted Tuna w/ Mint Tatziki.  Just look at the color of the tuna, you can tell Fino only uses the highest quality ingredients.

Fried Littleneck Clams w/ Paprika Aioli.  Josh’s favorite dish, even though he thought it was a fried oyster!

Za’atar Braised Lamb w/ Celeriac Puree.  Unbelievable main course.  The lamb was as tender as can be.

Superstar GM Brian Stubbs who mans both Fino & Asti

Me & Addie Broyles, food blogger for the Austin American Statesman.  Her blog is Relish Austin.

Dining Room.  This restaurant is perfect for date night because of the number of tables for 2.  At night, the room is dim and very romantic.

Covered Patio, complete w/ heaters in cold weather.  This spot is perfect for friends having wine and appetizers after work or in the evening.  The furniture has huge, comfy cushions and at night, the patio has gorgeous lights.  The happy hour menu has discounted drinks and small plates.

Thank you Fino and Central Austin Management for inviting bloggers to this event.  Other attendees included Boots in the Oven, Dining in Austin, Eating in a Box, Coffee and Queso, James Eats, The Hungry Engineer, Poco-Cocoa, and many other great bloggers from Austin.  Until next time!

Fino 2905 San Gabriel St. Austin, TX 78705 www.astiaustin.com/fino 512-474-2905