Maggie's Austin

Happy Hour @ Trio

maggie — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:35:27 +0000

Happy Hour at Trio is hands down the best bargain in town. You will eat like royalty on a peasant’s budget. I’m sad to say they took the Crab Fondue off the happy hour menu but the new additions of Shrimp Cake and Grouper Ceviche sound enticing. As always, the Four Seasons staff goes above and beyond. If I was our waiter, my table of 11 girls might seem overwhelming. But you would never know by his gracious attitude!

Pork Belly, melt in your mouth perfection. Look at this presentation BTW, they go above and beyond.

To see pictures of Trio:

Ahi Tuna, no doubt the the most popular menu item at happy hour. Those little crisps are addicting!

Rosemary fries, Awful picture but quite tasty for only $3.50. Cooked to a perfect crispy texture served with mayo and ketchup. Careful at the bottom of the cone, I had a bit too much rosemary and it stays in the mouth forever!

Trio 98 San Jacinto Austin, TX 78701 www.fourseasons.com

Walton’s Fancy & Staple

maggie — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:30:37 +0000

Walton’s Fancy and Staple is the Sandra Bullock owned one-stop-shop for coffee, sandwiches, flowers, and gifts as I first wrote about here, here, here, here, and here (yes, its a personal favorite!). This is one of my favorite lunch spots in town because of the fresh baked bread, abundance of flowers, and a fantastic well priced menu. Congrats Sandy on your Oscar!

Oyster Po Boy with some bacon goodness on top! Very indulgent!

To see pictures of Walton’s:

Caprese Panini. Classic Standby.

Chocolate Croissant. I was so full after my po boy that I told myself one bite to taste and take the rest back to work. Needless to say, it was the best thing I have tasted and there were zero leftovers!

Walton’s Fancy and Staple 609 West 6th St. Austin, TX 78701 www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com 512-542-3380

Mandola’s Italian Market

maggie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Mandola’s Italian Market is one of those great restaurants where just about everything is homemade except the muffins. This includes mozzarella, bread, baked goods, gelato, italian sausage, and pasta. Order at the counter and grab a seat, a feast is about to be served! Or, shop at the market and treat your special someone to a homemade meal. It’s a win/win at this one stop shop! Parking at the Triangle can be a struggle but a visit to Mandola’s makes it all worth it.

Affettati, this entire sampler is under $10. Two people can have this for an entire meal! What a steal!

To see Mandola’s:

Storefront in the Triangle Development. Parking can be a pain but keep making those circles!

Foccacia and pesto olive oil is served at every table.

Half of the Affettati, assorted marinated vegetables, olives, deviled eggs, formaggi. Salty but delicious.

And the other half: parmesan prosciutto, salami, mortadella, and provolone. Wrap the cheese in the meat and enjoy a little sandwich!

A smogasboard from the dessert counter. Chocolate cheesecake is my weakness. Next visit: gelato.

Mandola’s Italian Market 4700 West Guadalupe Suite 12 Austin, TX 78751 www.mandolasmarket.com 512-419-9700

Texadelphia

maggie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:43:39 +0000

FYI: I visited Texadelphia the other day and learned they recently started an after 3pm special of $5 cheesesteaks. Not a bad deal! And all appetizers after 4 are half price, including chips & queso. Yum, yum!

Chicken Cheesesteak with mustard sauce. A cheesesteak sure isn’t healthy, but it helps to order chicken over beef! Not that it matters with my love of their mustard sauce (which is I think is not so good for me!).

www.texadelphia.com

Restaurant Week: Jeffrey’s

maggie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:35:40 +0000

Last night I participated in Austin Restaurant Week and enjoyed a $35 3-course meal at Austin institution Jeffrey’s. As always, I had an outstanding meal at Jeffrey’s. This is not a tasting menu, the portions are huge! This is fine dining at it’s finest, and in a casual setting. People wear everything from jeans to cocktail dresses, gotta love Austin’s dress code! Remember, restaurant week continues tonight and starts again on Sunday. Make your reservations today!

Crispy Short Ribs. Who passes up short ribs? Especially when they are prepared Sous Vide!

To see pictures of Jeffrey’s:

Jeffrey’s storefront on West Lynn in Clarksville. They offer $5 valet but there is plenty of parking on any street surrounding the restaurant.

Crispy Oysters: Sesame fried oysters on bacon royale with ‘overnight’ tomato’ vinaigrette and fresh chives on house-made salt and vinegar chips. For those lovers of the old oyster class now served at Garridos, they also have them on the regular menu here.

Thumbelina Salad: romaine, raw and roasted thumbalina carrots, avocado, french goat feta, and crushed Marcona almonds.

Grilled Texas Quail on White Carrot Puree. Expertly prepared if I do say so myself!

Seared sea scallops. This was the tastiest combo of caramelized salsify, brussels leaves, guanciale (unsmoked italian bacon prepared with pig’s jowels or cheeks), and garlic.

Every year I always order the Chocolate Imtemperance. Many places around town serve this but Jeffrey’s takes the cake, literally! The other dessert offering was Crescent City Beignets over malted milk vanilla ice crem affogato. My dining partners loved that one but the pictures did not turn out!

Jeffrey’s 1204 West Lynn St. Austin, TX 78703 www.jeffreysofaustin.com 512-477-5584

Snow Day!

maggie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:01:48 +0000

Austin has snow and it’s actually sticking! Do you have a snow day? Me neither!

Austin Restaurant Week

maggie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:22:02 +0000

It’s that time of year again! 61 of Austin’s greatest and tastiest restaurants are participating in the 3-course $10 or $35 tasting menu dinner including new additions like The Carillion and Trio. This is the best way to sample a good portion of the menu of old favorites and places you have yet to visit. Check the menus online here to see the most enticing offerings! The Spring event runs from Feb. 28th-March 3rd and March 7th-10th. Lunch and Wednesdays are included in this go around! I highly recommend reservations in advance, especially at venues like The Driskell, Paggi House, and Jeffrey’s. FYI: 5% of Restaurant Week sales go to the Sustainable Food Center of Austin.

www.restaurantweekaustin.com

24 Diner

maggie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:24:42 +0000

24 Diner took over the old Waterloo Icehouse spot at 6th and Lamar and the tables have been packed ever since opening day. I love the use of local ingredients and the inventive menu. A bit more upscale than the typical diner, this is a place to see and be seen. The waitstaff is super nice and reggae is blaring over the speakers. What’s not to love?!

Deviled Eggs. Some of the best I’ve ever had.

To see pictures of 24 Diner:

Modern interior

Mixed Green Salad, an awesome mix of pistachios, goat cheese, and cranberries.

Grilled Veggie Po Boy w/ a side of mac & cheese. Both were nothing short of excellent. You can definitely tell beer is an ingredient in the mac. Yum!.

24 Diner 600 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78703 www.24diner.com 512-472-5400

Song of the Day: February 22

maggie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:15:25 +0000

Today’s song of the day is ‘She Needs Me’ by Fyfe Dangerfield, an English musician and songwriter. Catch Dangerfield March 18th over SXSW. Whoo hoo, can’t wait for that weekend!

To watch ‘She Needs Me’:

www.myspace.com/fyfedangerfield

Wristbands

maggie — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:06:54 +0000

Wristbands for SXSW music portion are on sale today here. For $129 local residents can purchase two wristbands with a Austin billing address credit card. Enjoy! I’ve had one every year so I definitely recommend, it makes everything easier.