Maggie's Austin » Features

Odd Duck Farm to Trailer

maggie — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:03:23 +0000

Yes, it’s true, another trailer in Austin! Odd Duck Farm to Trailer is run by Bryce Gilmore, formerly of Wink and Moonshine, also son of Jack Gilmore of Z Tejas fame. Expect a restaurant worthy menu of locally sourced ingredients, use of the whole animal, and a seasonal daily changing menu (printed on the website each day). I don’t know if it was because I was beyond hungry, if the menu fits my taste to a T, or because the food is dang good, but this was one of the best meals I’ve had in ages. The portions are small so definitely order at least two items. It’s cold as heck outside so we called in the order and placed to-go. Go here this week, you will not regret it! FYI: Open Tuesday to Saturday at 5pm.

Pork Belly Slider on brioche w/ sauerkraut $6 each

To see pictures of Odd Duck Farm to Trailer:

Odd Duck Farm to Trailer shares a S. Lamar parking lot with Brevitas coffee stand and Gourdough’s donuts

Grilled Romaine w/ goat ricotta & poached farm egg $5

Ciabatta toast w/ goat cheese and sweet carrots, $3 each

Coffee porter braised pork on slider roll w/ pickled onion $5

Sweet potato puree w/ pecans and parmesan $3, this was really good but tasted like baked potato soup. We couldn’t taste the sweet potatoes, instead there was an egg inside and I think duck meat.

Update: although we ordered the soup, it appears we were served the Rabbit braised in pale ale and mustard with poached duck egg of creamy turnip grits instead! Not a bad substitution.

Odd Duck Farm to Trailer 1219 S. Lamar Austin, TX 78704 www.oddduckfarmtotrailer.com 512-695-6922

Man Bites Dog

maggie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:55 +0000

There’s a new player at the South Austin Trailer Park Eatery. Man Bites Dog serves dogs, dogs, and more dogs. Pick from the special dog menu or create your own, the choices are endless. This is probably the tastiest and cheapest meal I’ve had in ages. The bun is outstanding bread, you can tell the meat is cooked fresh to order, and the toppings give it something special. I highly highly recommend this place. I hope this place survives, Torchy’s always has the longest lines and the other trailers stand idle. We already lost Shuggies, don’t let it happen to Man Bites Dog!

The Brat, knocks Best Wurst out of the park.

To see pictures of Man Bites Dog:

Yes, trailers besides Torchy’s exists in the South Austin Trailer Park Eatery!

Bird Dog

Italian Stallion, the hot dog is wrapped in pepperoni, lord oh lord!

Man Bites Dog 1311 S. 1st Austin, TX 78704 www.manbitesdogaustin.com

Justine’s

maggie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:53:09 +0000

After closing on my new condo, I could think of no better way to celebrate with friends than having dinner at Justine’s, the newish french restaurant in Austin’s East side. Be prepared, it’s pretty far down on 5th, so do not be concerned while driving on a one way dirt road next to a train track, you are headed in the right direction! Once inside, we realized the drive was worth it. The food is exceptional, the wine is well priced, only the snotty waitress left something to be desired. Austin only has a handful of french restaurants and Justine’s stands out for food and ambiance. This restaurant is very dark and romantic, xmas lights decorate the property, and the loud music guarantees privacy from other tables conversations. I will be back, and will be ordering escargots on the next visit! FYI: I definitely recommend making reservations days in advance, as it’s a small restaurant and always packed, Justine herself will personally respond to your phone message and confirm a time. Closed on Tuesdays.

Steak Tartare

To see pictures of Justine’s:

The restaurant grounds are so well lit with xmas lights, you cannot miss it. The restaurant is on 5th between Springdale and Spencer.

Endive Poire Requefort Salade

Artichaut

Cheese Plate, I love how it’s all about the cheese and non of the other fillers or decorations other restaurants add to it. Two hard and one soft high quality french cheeses.

Steak Frites w/ choice of sauce

Fillet de Poisson (snapper)

Soupe a l’Oignon (classic french onion)

A little Parisian oasis in the east side

Justine’s 4710 E. 5th St. Austin, TX 78702 www.justines1937.com 512-385-2900

Rare Magazine: The Food Issue

maggie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:45:49 +0000

Be sure to pick up a copy of this month’s Rare Magazine! On page 77 is a wonderful article by Scarlett Steakley and picture by Annie Ray. Enjoy!

www.rareaustin.com

East Side Showroom

maggie — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:42:54 +0000

East Side Showroom recently popped up on Austin’s east side and I have been hearing great things since their opening day. Whether it be the food, the cocktails, or the space itself, this is the most raved about place in Austin these days. I had to visit! There is something about this place that makes you feel like you are in another country and just taking in your surroundings make you feel cultured. Who knows, coulda been the drinks talking! They have a full menu and specials daily are listed in chalk on the door frame. The drinks include specialty draft beer, wine, and a cocktail menu on par with Fino’s and Annie’s. I love how they go to great lengths to support local farms as they have a list on every table outlining where every meat/vegetable/cheese is sourced from locally in Austin. I had a fantastic waiter who also works at Lamberts. Side note: He tells me Lambert’s has been opened a few years now and Larry is changing up the menu to spice things up while still keeping old classics for the regulars. This should be finalized end of October. Okay, back to East Side Showroom, tables fill up fast here on weekends so be prepared to wait. In the meantime, enjoy a drink at the bar or on the patio out back, there are worse ways to spend a night! Open daily at 5.

Gulf Shrimp & Curry Grits

To see pictures of East Side Showroom:

Look for this building on E. 6th

I love how every inch of this place is decorated, this is truely a showroom where furniture, lights, decor, and art are for sale.

I liked my penny table

First things first, order drinks! While East Side Showroom is already famous for their cocktail menu, sometimes you just want a beer or glass of wine.

I’m not sure if it’s only offered from 5-7 but this is The Showroom, and consists of:

A chilled shot of vodka & Krogstad Aquavit, which either is made of anise or tastes like it, aka black licorice

A plate of charcuterie and local cheeses

And lastly, accompanying bread. Not bad for $14!

Next up, more drinks! They have many special beers on tap, specials are listed on a chalkboard with price and ounces. You’ll notice this beer is 6 ounces while the earlier one was i think 12. Can’t remember what this one was but tasted like a fresh orange, delicious!

Lamb & Goat Burger Brioche w/ a fried farm egg added. This was unbelievable, definitely order this on your visit. There is a bun, you just can’t see it.

As this is a performance space, live music was a must. On other nights, expect to maybe see theatre, dance, puppetry, poetry, lectures, recitals, film screenings, and readings.

There is a really pretty patio out back where people eat, drink, smoke cigarettes. Watch out for the birds, they leave little presents.

East Side Showroom 1100 E. 6th St. Austin, TX 78702 www.eastsideshowroom.com 512-467-4280

Moo Moo’s Mini Burgers

maggie — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:09:34 +0000

Open since Thursday, Moo Moo’s is the newest food trailer to hit South Austin. The stars here are mini burgers, two to an order, in JV (basic toppings) or Varsity (deluxe toppings) options. You can mix and match if you’d like, but remember, mini burgers are much bigger than sliders so try not to over order! They keep it fresh and local here as the buns are purchased down the street from Moonlight Bakery, the milkshakes are made with Amy’s ice cream, and the beef from Restaurant Depot is never frozen and made into patties on site. Since I first wrote this post, Moo Moo’s developed a homemade veggie patty called ‘The Teachers Pet’ and consists of a portabella mushroom stuffed with grilled onions, topped w/ swiss cheese, avocados, and chipotle mayo served on a toasted bun. I like this newcomer to South Austin and hope it will succeed, which I’m sure it will due to the quality food and nice owners. Credit card and cash accepted.

The Prom Queen

To see pictures of Moo Moo’s Mini Burgers:

Look for this sign a couple blocks from Uchi on the same side away from downtown

The cute little trailer

Click for a larger view of the menu

The Beefcake: double patties, double cheese, plus grilled onions

Hand cut fries

Bottled drinks, I took the last Mexican Coke they had, get em while they last!

For $2.79 you can make it a combo and get a bottled drink, fries, and little bag of cookies.

Fantastic dining partner Lila

For just under $9, all you see above. 2 people could share this.

Don’t let the heat keep you from dining outdoors, Moo Moo’s has multiple fans blowing on the tables. This is a cute little setup complete with xmas lights and The Police blaring over the speakers.

Moo Moo’s Mini Burgers 1210 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704, no website yet but they are working on it.

Shuck Shack

maggie — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:08:21 +0000

Shuck Shack, bringing the Gulf Coast to Austin. Some friends and I tried this new spot on Friday and pretty much loved everything about it; games, huge yard, free parking, great seafood, nice bartenders, picnic tables for big groups, cold beer, need I go on? We knew instantly it was owned by the same investors of Lustre Pearl right down to the xmas light backyard, Pearl beers, and customized coozies. With the closing of Gene’s New Orleans, Shuck Shack is a welcome addition to Austin’s east side. Despite the restaurant’s name, raw oysters are not served but should be by Fall (I think its a City of Austin matter). Will be open for lunch in the near future and always closed on Mondays. For anyone complaining about the price of the food, take advantage of the $2 Pearl and Lonestars served all day every day.

BBQ Oysters Appetizer

To see pictures of Shuck Shack:

Look for the grey house at the intersection of Cesar Chavez & Chicon

Click image to see larger menu

Cerviche

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Shrimp Diablo

A dozen peel and eat Shrimp

Pearl and Lonestar beers are $2, like Lustre Pearl they pass out coozies.

Hush Puppies, people ate like 5 before I took a pic so expect more!

Side of fries

Oyster Po Boy

Gorgeous patio. We were in a huge group and managed to put two picnic tables together. They need an industrial fan out there because the flies were miserable.

The house has a window at the bar which is great for those playing games outside. Inside is pretty compact so don’t expect to sit there with a big group. Really fun retro diner furniture.

Shuck Shack 1808 E Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 787 www.shuckshack.com 512-472-4242

Garrido’s

maggie — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:57:59 +0000

Garrido’s is Austin’s newest Modern Mexican joint located at street level of the 360 Condominiums. Chef/owner David Garrido has been an Austin restaurant fixture for years now as former executive chef of Jeffrey’s. What does Modern Mexican mean? The category allows Garrido to experiment with his Spanish and Mexican roots of the Basque Region and Mexico City. Prices points are very low considering the location and quality of food, prices top at $11.25. Right now only about 60% of the planned menu is available as additional recipes are being tweaked. To be expected, it literally just opened! But let’s not forget the drinks; wine bottles start at $22 and glasses at $5.50 plus a whole lotta tequila choices. FYI: smoking and dogs are not allowed on the outdoor patio. Open at 11am daily and weekend brunch will start in July.

Oyster Tostadas on yucca root chips w/ honey habanero aioli. Yes, his famous Jeffrey’s appetizer is alive again! Austin thanks you.

To see pictures of Garrido’s:

Storefront at the ground floor of the 360 Condominiums

Gulf crab guacamole & chips

Small ‘Caesar de Arbol’ w/ shrimp

Grilled Mahi Mahi BLT Taco Plate. Because Garrido spent so many years at Jeffrey’s, he has learned the science of pairing food and wine. Sauces are reduced to evaporate the acid, allowing the food to compliment any vino.

Oaxacan Black Bean Soup w/ cotija cheese & plantains

Pastel de Calabaza w/ crema fresca. This is a zucchini cake! delicious, definitely the best vegetable dish of my life. This dessert has been in David Garrido’s family for 50 years. Thank you grandma Garrido for broadening my zucchini horizons and making it sweet.

Patron Cafe XO tres leches w/ whipped cream

Ridiculously relaxing patio, see those boxes on the left? Inside are fans that they will be installing today. Thank god, its 99 degrees out! IM MELTING!

The soothing sounds of a waterfall

The patio overlooks Shoal Creek which keeps the restaurant 10 degrees cooler than other downtown spots because of the cool air traveling up from the water.

The chef himself, David Garrido. Super nice guy who has definitely put his due time in Austin dining. My waiter was very well-versed on the menu and personable.

Relax in the lounge out front while waiting for a table

Garrido’s 360 Nueces St. Austin, TX 78701 www.garridosaustin.com 512-320-8226

Abel’s on the Lake

maggie — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:21:26 +0000

No more waiting 3 hours for a table at Hula Hut! Just next door, Abel’s on the Lake is the newest addition to Oyster Landing on Lake Austin. Little sister to Cain and Abel’s in UT’s west campus area, the owners know a formula that works. Location, location, and drinks! Previously home to Lucy’s Boatyard and countless other restaurants, this spot has been vacant for years now. The inside has tables but the outdoor patio is the place to be. Construction is continuing upstairs. The menu is typical bar food but the lake views are what this place is all about. The waiter said no lunch specials or happy hour pricing just yet ( but I’m not so sure about that since the drink prices varied on our bill.) Let’s keep this place in business (I hear rent is $35,000/month). Since my visit opening weekend, the menu has added dozens of items, which the kitchen puts out in record time. I also like how Ellis the owner takes his boat on Lake Austin and passes out Abel’s on the Lake beer cuzies (sp?).

The Famous Fumbler

To see pictures of Abel’s on the Lake:

Choppy waters = crooked pics

The patio is soooo less crowded than Hula Hut

The entire interior is under construction so outside seating only

Since this visit, there is now a menu book with many more items then were available opening weekend. Not bad bar food.

Southwestern Wrap, you can swap avocado for the chicken at no charge

El Toro

Chili dusted fries w/ all the fixins

Chicken Fingers

Good old fashioned cheeseburger

Quesidillas

Can’t remember what this was

A magician is on site to entertain you

Abel’s on the Lake Oysters Landing Austin, TX 78703 www.cainandabels.com

El Chile Downtown Opens free drinks!

joshkerr — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:16:57 +0000

Guest Contributor: Josh Kerr

(Ed. note: maggie here, it really is free unlimited beer & wine with your meal until they get their liquor license, there is no excuse not to go to the new downtown location, most likely a month until they get it!) now back to Josh…

I’ve always been a fan of El Chile on Manor Road. I’d go meet up friends on a beautiful evening and sip on Michelada while eating some of the best Mexican food in Austin. When we received word that El Chilito location downtown was going to be transformed into El Chile, we got really excited. Fast forward a week and the transformation is complete. Seriously, it took them a week to reconfigure El Chilito into El Chile. But one look at the new trendy digs and you’d never believe it.

Apparently the owners of El Chile know how to open a restaurant. In fact, Carlos Rivero knows how to do a lot of things. This co-founder got his start in the restaurant business 18 years ago as a valet for the Austin Club. You see, the club didn’t have a valet and Carlos thought it could use one, so he approached them and asked for the job. They made him head of valet shortly after the meeting. From there Carlos moved on to pretty much every job in the restaurant business save for the chef. “I’d like to go to culinary school, its been a dream of mine.” So in a few years (or when he gets around to it) Carlos will have had EVERY job in the restaurant business.

Carlos Rivero in front of a gorgeous mural created especially for the restaurant. It only took 2 days to paint this with stencils.

I like to think that the best heads of companies worked their way up from the bottom. It’s only at the bottom that you get a feel for the business. Start in the stock room, move into the mail room, learn every aspect of the business on your way to the top. This was Carlos’ strategy and it worked perfectly.

Its all about the food. This is the Pescado Entortillado.

Well, almost perfectly. There have been many obstacles in his ascent to becoming a restaurant owner. The biggest is service. Every one of the 5 restaurants that Carlos owns must have top of the line service. Even if the food isn’t expensive, the service must be great. Carlos can deliver great service and has plenty of experience doing it, but passing that information down to the people who work for him has always been a challenge.

Tortilla Soup

Service at the new location was great, but Carlos was there going around to each table to make it so. The food was delicous and very reasonably priced. The lunch menu is a bit smaller than the dinner menu but covers the important items. My favorite is the Chile Relleno and the Enchiladas de Mole Rojo. We also both love the mole salsa that they put on the table which we just found out you can buy from Whole Foods.

Queso Flameado

El Chile doesn’t currently have its liquor license so for the next month or so while they acquire it, they will be giving free beer and wine during dinner. I’d say this is the best deal in town at the moment. Change your plans and head on over there before the deal ends. I know I will.

Chocolate Torte

Maggie drinking a Mexican Coke. (Has real sugar instead of corn syrup.)

Gorgeous artwork dons the walls.

They aren’t messing around with that bar.