Endo Edibles

March 29, 2014
7:43 AM
by: Uhockey

Bonjour Bakery, Las Vegas NV

Bonjour Bakery

Brioche French Toast with fresh whipped cream, ice cream, raspberry sauce

Almond Croissant

Chocolate Brioche

Baba au Rhum

Pear Star

Consistently on a mission to find quality French pastry regardless of locale I was admittedly a bit surprised I’d not heard of Bonjour Bakery until just last week, the small strip-mall shop located just off Rainbow Boulevard suggested by a former Las Vegan during a conversation about things he missed most about Sin City. Easily overlooked by those not looking but featuring friendly service and a consistent stream of locals throughout my hour long visit a trip to Bonjour begins with the nose as the fragrance of butter beckons at fifty feet and with a small kitchen menu plus two long cases filled with viennoiserie and entrements plus a wall full of bread difficult decisions abound, my eventual order entailing four pastries and a plate for less than the cost of five Sprinkles cupcakes or an equal number of croissants at Bouchon. Beginning first with pastry as the kitchen went to work it was with regard to the warm almond croissant that I first exclaimed ‘wow’ as a sugar sweetened shell shattered to tooth giving way to subtle nuttiness and a wispy interior awash with butter, all of it Parisian standard without a hint of sticky frangipane. Moving next to a plump baba that could have used just a touch more booze and then to a fruited pastry harkening a kouign amann in its laminated edges but more a galette at its custard core the second ‘wow’ of the morning arrived in the form of swirled brioche – a warm coil of eggy batter with great stretch wrapped around dark chocolate that had me lusting for the cinnamon raisin version just as the ‘piece de resistance’ arrived featuring that same brioche starter sliced and soaked in custard with a caramelized surface topped with berries, cream, and a dollop of slowly melting vanilla bean ice cream – the whole of it and of the restaurant both unexpected and ‘incroyable.’

http://www.bonjourbakerylasvegas.com/

Posted in Bonjour Bakery, Breakfast, Croissant, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada

March 15, 2014
5:39 PM
by: Uhockey

Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas NV

Brooklyn Bowl

The Classic – Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil

The Theresa – Butternut Squash, Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic

Basket of Smoked BBQ Wings

Fried Chicken Platter – 8 Mixed

Mac & Cheese – Baked with Bread Crumbs

Veggie Buster – Roasted Butternut Squash, Mushrooms, Red Peppers, Artichokes, Eggplant, Olive, Arugula, Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Vinaigrette

Bourbon Street Shake with Nutella and Bourbon

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Fudge

Chocolate Frosted Cupcakes

Knowing full well that testing a restaurant during its early days is always a risky proposition the visit from three friends, all music fans and two vegetarians, made Brooklyn Bowl an irresistible destination for Saturday Night; a night not without mistakes – but not a single one of them involving the food. Over 80,000 square feet and opening nearly 20 minutes late as staff scrambled and soundcheck overran it must be said that the new Linq locale is beautiful, the dining area, stage, and lanes all up a gleaming escalator and with clever bowling-hip décor used to divide but not occlude each area from the next both the energy and the volume were high, even with the lanes not opened for “unexpected” reasons. Settling into our seats, five of us in total, and provided the Blue Ribbon crafted menu service was decidedly rough around the edges – dishes misdescribed, crib notes clearly used, tickets incorrect, and delays plus dropped plates common – but with grace and humor plus a good environment most was forgivable…at least for now. Moving on to food and beverage, a total of four beers and two milkshakes complimented six plates plus two desserts and with the Bourbon Street Shake and Cookie Dough disguised as French Toast “bread pudding” shining brightly amongst the sweets it was the savories that all wowed; ‘bar’ or ‘bowling-alley’ food only in spirit. Beginning first with toasty pizzas featuring immaculate produce over thick toasted bread and moving on to smoked chicken wings so moist as to fall off the bone without a hint of grease it was what followed that most diners will come for, and with good reason. Considered by some to be the “best” fried chicken they’ve ever tasted an 8 piece mixed plate was ordered and delivered alongside breadcrumb crusted macaroni that could certainly generate similar praise the matzo-crusted, brined bird truly was remarkable – just enough spice and salinity in the golden coat plus a chicharone-esque crunch to each bite bringing the quality of the moist bird to the fore. Already running an impressive kitchen in a venue primed to make a big impact in the local music scene it should only be assumed that service and timing will improve and while the ‘best’ debates will surely continue I know for a fact this was not my last visit to Brooklyn Bowl – gutter-balls and Black Label Society followed by a Banana Split and Molten Chocolate Brownie anyone?

http://vegas.brooklynbowl.com/

Posted in Bread Pudding, Brooklyn Bowl, cupcakes, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pizza

March 15, 2014
12:13 PM
by: Uhockey

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Las Vegas NV

Gordon Ramsay

Warm Salty Pretzels with Cheese Sauce – Bacon and Parmesan, Green Garlic, and Plain

Yorkshire Ale Batter Fish & Chips – Cod with Tartar and Lemon

(not photographed) Red Wine Braised Short Rib – Horseradish Mashed Potatoes with Onions, Carrots, Parsnips, Red Wine Jus

Trio of Pies – Chicken Pot Pie with Bechamel, Vegetables, Bacon / Steak & Ale Pie with Root Vegetables and Mushrooms / Shepherd’s Pie with Root Vegetables and Cheddar Mash Potatoes

Sauteed Forest Mushrooms – Poached Farm Egg

Spotted DIC – Steamed Bread Pudding with Raisins and Cream Sauce

Sticky Toffee Pudding – Sweet Cream Ice Cream

Having come away from a late-2013 visit to Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Steakhouse at The Paris quite impressed by both the quality and the brand I knew a visit to casual sibling “Pub & Grill” was only a matter of time – friends and fans of chef’s shows and celebrity frequent to visit Sin City. Housed in Caesars in a sizable space renovated from Bradley Ogden featuring plenty of wood, kegs, television, and Brit-kitsch it was just after noon when I sat down with two old friends and greeted by friendly, though pushy, service orders were expedited to the tune of an appetizer, a side, three mains, and two desserts – high prices and small portions tempered by a Total Rewards card…at least slightly. Focusing mostly on signatures and favorites present since the menu’s inception dining began with three small but lovely seasoned pretzels paired with cheese and mustard for $8 and progressing to plates proper another trio arrived in the $21 trio of small ramekin-pies, all well prepared but only the lamb loaded Shepherd living up to the high standards set by the exemplary golden cod selected by my friend, soggy ‘chips’ notwithstanding. Ignoring the shortrib and what I’m told were vastly overseasoned potatoes while wishing some form of seasoning had graced the flavorless mushrooms it was with sweet redemption that desserts both shined, the rustic Sticky Toffee Pudding every bit as good as the fancy version at Steak and the “DIC” a bowl of buttery custard hefty with raisins and aromatics that I’d gladly return for along with a cup of coffee – breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

http://www.caesarspalace.com/restaurants/gordon-ramsay-pub-and-grill.html#.Uyufv-lOWzk

Posted in Bread Pudding, Dessert, Food, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada

March 15, 2014
10:42 AM
by: Uhockey

Max Brenner, Las Vegas NV

Max Brenner

White Corn Croquettes – Paprika dusted white corn and manchego cheese in panko

Cinnamon Apple and White Chocolate French Toast – Brown Sugar Spiced Pecans, Warm Toffee Sauce

Crispy Bacon

Salted Caramel Milkshake – Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Ganache, Caramel, Sea Salt, Milk, Whipped Cream

“OMG” Chocolate Chunk Cookie – Chocolate Chip Cookie with Walnuts served with whipped cream, fresh berries, pure melted chocolate

Having experienced “The Bald Man’s” chocolates in New York many years back and quite familiar with The Forum Shops at Caesars I really cannot explain why my substantial sweet tooth had never indulged at Max Brenner’s eponymous Las Vegas restaurant, but a chance mention by a friend of the space’s pending closure or relocation quickly set me to mend the oversight. Two stories in size and featuring many things chocolate plus a collection of overpriced comfort foods it was just after 10:00am when we sat down at a cozy two top near the base of the stairs and treated to pleasant “everything is good” service typical to such places a five part order was hatched as the restaurant bustled, leaving one to ponder the reasons for any pending change. With service swift it was only a matter of minutes before selections began to arrive, the first a superlative $8 milkshake thick with caramel and rife with vanilla but topped with copious whipped cream to mask what I’d guess to be an 8oz serving, a trend carried over to each plate that followed as large prices met small portions thankfully bolstered by bold flavors. Starting sweet and following with savory due to a kitchen miscalculation it should be noted that each of Brenner’s pure chocolates are well sourced, smooth, and complex by the bar and as such both white and milk versions only served to improve the Custard French toast and Soft Cookie, the later on par with that of New York’s fabled Levain Bakery in terms of taste and texture (though at 2.5x the price) and while I think everyone would have been happier to see the Croquettes first I’d be lying if I didn’t say they were my favorite bite of the meal – the paprika and manchego working smoky, savory magic on the lightly fried kernels.

http://maxbrenner.com/

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Max Brenner, Nevada, Pork

March 15, 2014
6:54 AM
by: Uhockey

Stewart + Ogden, Las Vegas NV

Stewart + Ogden

Country Biscuits & Gravy – two country style biscuits with house made sausage gravy

“The Best” Carrot Cake with Sugared Cream Cheese Icing

Carrot Cake Pancakes – Country Style Carrot Cake Recipe, Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Whipped Butter

Cinnamon Roll Waffles – Cinnamon Dough, Waffle Press, Sugar Glaze

Sticky Bun Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce, Caramelized Pecans, Whipped Cream

Hawaiian French Toast – Toasted Coconut & Pina Colada Crusted Brioche, Berry Compote, Cookie Butter

Located in the Downtown Grand and named in homage to immigrants Archibald Stewart and Peter Ogden, the appropriately named “Stewart + Ogden” Café has been the source of decidedly mixed reactions since its 2013 opening but having recently retooled the concept and the menu under the direction of Michel Richard protégé Todd Harrington I finally decided to see the restaurant for myself, an old friend in town coming along for a five plate jaunt through the restaurant’s sweet breakfast selections plus a pair of desserts. Served by Scott as trendy tunes floated overhead amidst a deluge of chandeliers it was to great coffee and friendly service that we were greeted just after the restaurant’s 7am opening and seated close to the bar the it was with a simple request that courses were paced out in decadent progression, none less than good and a few truly exemplary over the course of an hour with coffee never less than half-full. Beginning with a single savory before for moving to sweets, homemade biscuits would prove fluffy yet well-buttered beneath thick spiced gravy and although perhaps an odd pairing with a slice of “The Best” carrot cake, I actually preferred the biscuits as the cake itself was excellent while the frosting was just a bit too sweet. Moving next to a far better use of the carrot cake batter, cast-iron skilled pancakes with light cream cheese drizzle would prove light and every bit on par with those at MTO Café while the similarly topped Red Velvet stack would prove the best I’ve had to date with light cocoa tones filling the a fluffy batter bronzed by the griddle. At this point already impressed but expecting great things from what would follow given Harrington’s Crème Brulee French toast at Central it was with a trio that the meal wrapped up and with the waffles truly harkening a crunchy yeasted cinnamon roll it was the nearly molten bread-pudding and complex, custard style French toast impressed most – the later begging for a little umbrella given its island influence and crispy coconut topping juxtaposing creamy cookie butter and bursting berries.

http://www.downtowngrand.com/savor/las-vegas-restaurants.html

Posted in Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pancakes, Stewart + Ogden, Waffles

March 9, 2014
1:51 PM
by: Uhockey

Hey!…You Gonna Eat or What?, Austin TX

Hey!…You Gonna Eat or What?

Shiner Monte Cristo – Shiner Bock Beer Battered Sandwich with Pit Smoked Ham, Mesquite Turkey, Cheddar, Provolone, Homemade Cherry Fig Jelly

Deep Fried Cinnamon Crunch Muffin Stuffed with Banana and Nutella

Due to fly out of AUS at 8pm my final stop in ATX before driving to the airport was appropriately a food truck, specifically South Congress’ critically acclaimed “Hey! …You Gonna Eat or What?” Ostensibly a sandwich shop focusing on a handful of signatures plus the occasional daily special while purporting a culture of “Austin’s rudest business” suffice it to say that much of the “bad attitude” mantra is a put-on and speaking at length with the two young men in charge while waiting for my order actually revealed not only great southern hospitality, but good business savvy paired with a true passion for quality sourcing and prep to produce their stoner-chic cuisine. Admittedly having sought out the truck for something very specific it was with baited breath and plenty of banter that I waited just under fifteen minutes for my Monte Cristo to arrive and quickly delving into the sandwich my expectations were immediately exceeded – the impossibly light beer batter giving way to a creamy center teaming with brine and smoke only to be brought into sharp focus by sweet-n’-sour jam. Wowed by the sandwich and working slowly after a request for more jam it was perhaps five minutes after I’d finished three-quarters that the daily special dessert arrived and although nowhere near as subtle or light as the Cristo the deep-fried juxtaposition of coffee cake and crunchy streusel stuffed with molten banana and Nutella was every bit as wonderful – the sight of it on the table prompting two young ladies passing by to forgo plans for the truck next door…and their “diets” as well. How ‘rude,’ indeed.

http://www.heyyougonnaeatorwhat.com/HEY%21_You_Gonna_Eat_Or_What/Hey%21…_You_Gonna_Eat_Or_What.html

Posted in Austin, Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Hey!...You Gonna Eat or What?, Pork, Texas, Vacation

March 9, 2014
11:20 AM
by: Uhockey

Second Bar and Kitchen, Austin TX

Second Bar + Kitchen

Coffee

SBK “Bread Basket” with Banana Muffins, Sourdough English Muffin, Jalapeno Corn Biscuits, Cinnamon Rolls, Preserves, Butter

Brioche French Toast with Ginger Snaps, Blueberry Agro Dolce, Vanilla Syrup, Seared Foie Gras

Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Pudding with Fig Puree and Orange Sorbet

The casual little sister to David Bull’s Congress, I’d been on the fence about “Second” for my last restaurant meal in Austin until just twelve hours prior when a duo of desserts from pastry chef Erica Waksmunski forced my hand – a focus on nuance amidst pronounced sweetness veering right up my alley when it comes to breakfast or brunch. Housed in the same building as Congress but featuring a far less dynamic room with a bar along the wall and boxy booths juxtaposing long communal tables it was shortly after noon that I arrived to find the restaurant just a quarter full and escorted to a seat near the bar coffee was quickly poured before the first of many inexplicable delays – the space significantly understaffed even at low capacity and only to worsen as the crowd grew. Eventually snagging a server, first to refill my coffee – an ongoing issue all morning – and then to place my order it was not long before the meal then began with Waksmunski’s signature pastry basket, a collection of four elegant rolls from which the dense banana bread and wispy cinnamon rolls naturally stood out while the others greatly benefitted from fresh jam – the English Muffin perhaps the most delicate I’ve experienced to date. Moving next to a true ‘main course’ after begging a back server for more coffee it was with good fortune that the food at Second would continue to shine with custard soaked golden brioche crowned with caramelized duck liver and aromatic accoutrements rousing images of a blueberry muffin, the whole plate every bit as decadent as it sounds and worth every penny of the $25 tab…a theme that carried right over to an $8 textural masterpiece of rice pudding that would not have been out of place at Congress or any other fine dining venue in the country.

http://congressaustin.com/second/

Posted in Austin, Bread Basket, Breakfast, Coffee, Congress, Cornbread, Dessert, Foie, Food, French Toast, Ice Cream, Second, Second Bar + Kitchen, Texas, Vacation

March 9, 2014
8:14 AM
by: Uhockey

Walton’s Fancy & Staple, Austin TX

Walton’s Fancy & Staple

Americano

Salty Oat Cookie

Salted Caramel Tart

Honey Bee Cake

Monkey Bread

Challah French Toast with Crème Brulee Batter, Vermont Maple Syrup, Fresh Berries

Walking into “Walton’s Fancy &Staple” on the advice of a friend I rather knew what to expect, a botany and bakery with signage including a white on black ampersand essentially a hipster Bat-Signal in a city like Austin, but with food and beverages as the focus I set aside the service issues of Cenote and Irie and hoped for the best…the service just fine, but the food a mixed bag. Located on 6th and truly a lovely space bathed in sunlight and old-time charm with Baked Goods and a Marzocco machine enticing on entry it was with minimal hesitation that I ordered the first of two Americanos and following up with four ‘pastries’ while the kitchen tended to a proper plate things started off great – a few bites of the signature cake proving subtle but delicious and the rich liquid-based tart proving equally impressive while both Monkey Bread and cookie would prove far too dry…the former even questionably stale. Boxing what was left to be discarded it was after perhaps ten minutes that the $7.75 single slice of eggy challah arrived and although soft and saturated with custard the exterior lacked any discernible difference in texture; the berries and syrup left to prop up an overpriced and underwhelming plate.

http://www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com/

Posted in Austin, Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Texas, Vacation, Walton's Fancy & Staple

March 9, 2014
6:36 AM
by: Uhockey

Juan in a Million, Austin TX

Juan in a Million

Chips and Salsa

“Don Juan” El Taco Grande – Potato, Egg, Bacon, Cheese, Tortilla

Tres Leches

A 6:30pm Sunday flight back to Las Vegas meant just one thing for my last day in Austin; the four remaining stops on my original agenda needed to be condensed into nine hours – first on the dance card a stop at traditional TexMex stalwart Juan in a Million. Established by Juan Meza on East Cesar Chavez in the year of my birth and reliably serving the neighborhood from 7am ever since it was with high hopes that I approached the sizable space just after opening and with only a few other tables seated my service was stellar, a smiling duo of young ladies welcoming me just as they did locals with warm chips, salsa, water, and a menu from which I reflexively selected the signature “Don Juan.” Hailed by many as an incomprehensible amount of food for less than $5 and delivered with necessary bonus tortillas presented hot and soft the Don Juan is simply denoted on the menu by its ingredients but what goes unmentioned and truly sets the dish apart is a matter of subtle earthy spices and light textures harkening a fine omelet, the size generous but quite manageable even with an eye on dessert – the Tres Leches gently seeping mellow goats milk from a toothsome crumb beneath smooth, subtle icing….the whole experience far better than one should ever expect for a sub-$10 tab plus well deserved tip.

http://www.juaninamillion.com/

Posted in Austin, Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Juan in a Million, Pork, Texas, Vacation

March 8, 2014
8:22 PM
by: Uhockey

Congress, Austin TX

Congress

No.9 Dream – Apricot Preserves, Ginger, Citrus, Chinese Five Spice, Shiso

Cereal and ‘Milkshake’ – Bergamot, Marmalade, Coconut, Cream, Nitrogen Whipped

Fennel Puree, Tomato Gelee

Warm Salted Butter Roll

Slow Poached Egg – Sunchokes, Sunflower Sprouts and Seeds, Dijonnaise, Garlic Crouton

Garlic and Chive Gnocchi – Zucchini, Grilled Escarole, Black Truffle Bechamel, Calabrese

Foie Gras Torchon – Compressed Apple, Celery, Raisin, Peanut Sable, Foie Gras Brioche

Roasted Squab – Royal Dates, Brussels Sprouts, Chocolate, Smoked Chestnut

Fried Malt Pudding – Praline Mousse, Nutella Crunch, Blood Orange Sorbet

Carrot Cake Pain Perdu – Gingersnap, Candied Orange, Walnut, Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Chocolate Truffle

For my last dinner in Texas I decided to turn my attention slightly more formal, an 8pm table for one during a sudden thunderstorm at downtown’s Congress, the modern “old dame” helmed by former Mansion at Turtle Creek Chef David Bull considered by many to still be the best fine dining in Austin’s otherwise thriving culinary youth movement. Unexpectedly large in size and only formal by loose standards of white tablecloths beneath high ceilings as genuinely charming service kept careful watch a meal at Congress is largely a choice of tasting or prix-fixe plus a few supplements and opting for the later, slightly modified, the six courses that followed were nearly faultless in execution though at the same time perhaps a little too ‘safe.’ Clearly a space for locals, the friendly couple at the table to my left calling staff by name and sharing memories of meals past with me as they dined, it was with an herbal amuse and buttery bread that the meal began and followed closely by a pair of vegetarian plates it was largely in the quality of produce that each shined as complex textures and typically bold flavors were presented with restraint, a pair of proteins soon to follow proving equally well prepared though save for the juxtaposition of gamey squab and smoky chestnuts equally tame. Opting for a pair of mocktails to sip with the savories, the aromatic ‘Dream’ far more interesting than a bland jug of aerated milk, it was finally with desserts that Congress got truly creative and beginning with a meringue-like ‘malt’ balanced by nutty mousse plus bitter-sweet sorbet before progressing to crumbly fried carrot cake finding foil for its spice in a quenelle of tangy frozen cream it would be a toss up to decide which was more memorable, though the combination proved good enough to bring me back to sister restaurant “Second Bar + Kitchen” the following day for a decidedly decadent brunch and a chance to take another look at pastry chef Erica Waksmunski’s work.

http://congressaustin.com

Posted in Austin, Bread Basket, Bread Pudding, Congress, Dessert, Foie, Food, Gnocchi, Ice Cream, Texas, Truffle, Vacation

March 8, 2014
5:02 PM
by: Uhockey

Bufalina, Austin TX

Bufalina

Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Ice Cream

Margherita – Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Parm

Given Austin’s culinary reputation for great Barbeque, Tex-Mex, and Street eats I was admittedly somewhat surprised when two friends both suggested Cesar Chavez newcomer Bufalina as can’t miss dining in the state capital, my first attempt meeting an hour long wait a week prior but my second timed to the restaurant’s opening…a line at the door and a seat at the bar eventually mine with a wait list accruing 15 minutes later. Conceptualized by Steven Dilley and featuring a Ferrrara oven straight from Naples amidst humble surroundings despite near universal praise it was with a well gleaned menu and friendly service that easy choices were made and with stunning yet simple ingredients it was no more than ten minutes after seating that my bubbly, blistered Margherita arrived. Beginning first with the dough, a box-leavened blend finding spring and smoke in an oven fired to 950F with pure post oak and proceeding on to hand crushed tomatoes, fresh mozz, and just enough torn basil beneath saline parmesan to make the acid ‘pop’ suffice it to say that what Dilley has created at Bufalina is a pizza for enthusiasts created by a perfectionist – the flavors pure yet unique and every bit as s ‘perfect’ as that of Lucali, Bianco, or Delancey…the dense herbal crumb of the cake putting the dessert department on par with the latter, as well.

http://www.bufalinapizza.com/

Posted in Austin, Bufalina, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Pizza, Texas, Vacation

March 8, 2014
4:49 PM
by: Uhockey

Cenote, Austin TX

Cenote

Double Espresso on Ice

Seemingly a city cut from a cloth similar to Portland but laced with southern charm I was still a bit put off on the local coffee scene after my experience at Irie Bean when I stopped into Cenote for a pre-dinner pick-me-up, the cozy confines offering shelter from inclement weather even if baristas again proved far less hospitable than hoped. Located in a converted home built in the late 1800s and serving local roaster Cuvee’ in nearly every form but drip it was with the request for a double over ice that I received an obvious eye roll and without a word save for the fee due I was left to wait, another youngster who never made eye contact prepping my drink as the clerk turned attention back to a local ‘weekly’ mag. Admittedly less contrived and far more chill than Irie while also serving a more balanced brew with better music I must say that after my front door experience I quite liked Cenote, but left to chuckle at the bathroom graffiti about beards and thick glasses I think it is safe to say my service was not an isolated incident and in a city otherwise quite friendly I think this is one area where ATX could stand to be more PDX – a city where coffee is gospel and baristas guide and speak sermons to the beans without the holier-than-thou horseshit.

http://cenoteaustin.com/

Posted in Austin, Cenote, Coffee, Texas, Vacation

March 8, 2014
1:01 PM
by: Uhockey

Cake and Spoon at The Sustainable Food Center Downtown Market, Austin TX

Cake and Spoon

Southern-Style Apple Walnut Cake with a Toffee Glaze

Carrot Cake with fresh Pineapple and Pecans filled and iced with Cream Cheese Buttercream

Bourbon Banana Pudding Pie

Texas Pecan Pie

First discovered as the provider of decadent desserts at Franklin Barbecue, the punched up semifreddo-style pudding pie far better than any of the smoked meats per my palate, it was with gluttonous delight and good fortune that I again encountered Melissa Brinckmann’s superlative locally sourced cakes, pies, cookies, and scones en route to my car after brunch at Lambert’s. At five years old still without brick and mortar, instead opting to keep it simple and fresh at several local restaurants and markets such as Saturday’s Sustainable Food Center Downtown Market it was to a wide variety of items and a friendly clerk happy to tell Cake and Spoon’s tale that I was greeted and simply asking her what was “best” after a ten minute chat my attention was directed to a trio, the flaky crusted caramelized pecan pie I’d already swooned for at Franklin and two cakes just as good. Admittedly full after a heavy day of eating thus far but unable to resist a bite…or six…after snapping photos it was with the dense apple cake that I began, a just-set pudding texture greeting me with soft apples and plenty of cinnamon set against nuts with brown sugar, and saving the rest for later – even better gently warmed – I turned attention to the carrot cake, a supple crumb laced with texture and spice divided to layers by cloudlike buttercream, the cream cheese tang proving an ample foil to the natural sweetness of pineapple.

http://cakeandspoon.com/

Posted in Austin, Cake and Spoon, Cake and Spoon at The Sustainable Food Center Downtown Market, Dessert, Food, Texas, Vacation

March 8, 2014
11:39 AM
by: Uhockey

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, Austin TX

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

Coffee

Thick Cut Brioche French Toast – Bananas, Blueberries, Strawberry Butter, Vermont Maple Syrup

Natural Pulled Pork, Brown Sugar & Coffee Rubbed Natural Brisket, Maple and Coriander Crusted Natural Pork Ribs, Baked Mac n’ Cheese

Butter Pecan Bread Pudding with Maple Black Pepper Sauce, Tangerine Ice Cream

Hailing itself as “Fancy, Barbeque” and located in a historic building on 2nd I knew walking in the door of Lambert’s that the trendy spot likely wouldn’t match the ‘cue at Franklin, La Barbeque, Snow’s, or Black’s but more intrigued by the brunch than the smoked meats anyhow I decided to take my chances – a single seat with disheveled service behind the front door my reward for arriving during a SXSW tech mixer spilling over from upstairs. Slick in design with modern lighting and exposed beams over distressed floors and dark woods it was with good coffee unfortunately reliant on an overburdened bartender/server for refills that I began and with an order substantially delayed for the same service reasons it was with good fortune that Austin’s free WiFi kept me occupied through a nearly hour long period of blaring noise and a door repeatedly bumping my seat before food arrived, the resulting plates largely justifying the wait, if not the seat. Starting savory before trending sweet it was with the three meat plate that my tasting kicked off and although brisket was dry and muddled with sugar both the pork options were quite good – the aromatic pulled version in particular when taken bite for bite with the best mac n’ cheese I experienced in the state. Moving next to the French Toast, a buttery crisp block of brioche resting in a golden pool I personally would have preferred the bread sliced slightly thinner or further infused with custard but featuring top quality berries and pure maple syrup this was a small quibble, the result good enough to sell me on a seemingly similar dessert that improved on the concept in every fashion with the same bread base completely saturated with butter wrapped around toasted pecans and baked to molten before being doused in lightly peppered caramel and crowned with a ball of smooth citrus; a multitude of discrepant flavors proving to be one of the most dynamic takes on the rustic dessert that I’ve had to date.

http://www.lambertsaustin.com/

Posted in Austin, Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Ice Cream, Lambert's, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, Pork, Texas, Vacation

March 8, 2014
10:25 AM
by: Uhockey

Royers Pie Haven, Austin TX

Royers Pie Haven

Not My Mom’s Apple Pie – Granny Smith Apples, Brown Sugar Whipping Cream Filling, Pecan Brown Sugar Streudel Topping

Texas Trash Pie – Pecans, Coconut, Chocolate Chips, Graham Crackers, Pretzels, Caramel

Ann’s Pecan Pie with Amy’s Vanilla Ice Cream

Not originally on my agenda but heavily praised by the young woman at Emporium Pies in Dallas I knew I’d have to make time for Round Top import Royer’s Pie Haven whilst in Austin. Only four months old and located just off the University of Texas campus but so cozy in décor that it could have blended in right next to my breakfast out in Lexington at Snow’s it was just after 10am when I entered the otherwise empty store and greeted by a college age clerk plus the smells of butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and coffee everything about the place said “sit down, stay awhile”…and eat a whole lot of pie. Still baked in Round Top from all natural ingredients by Tara “the pie queen” but delivered fresh each morning in no less than a dozen varieties and a number of sizes it was with admitted indecision that choices were pondered and eventually settling on my two ‘standards’ the young lady quipped “oh, you have to try the Texas trash”…so, make it three…”warm with ice cream?”…so, twist my arm. Admittedly prone to such indulgence and happy to plop down on a broken in couch it was with the molten sugared pecans that I began and with Amy’s rich ice cream cascading down the buttery crust I couldn’t help but smile – not as novel as Emporium but low in filling, high in pecan, and perfect. Moving next to Apple, streusel topped and surprisingly smooth though not overly sweet it was after a few bites that I decided to save the rest for later and moving on to the single serving “trash” I immediately found myself in agreement with the clerk – a lake of liquid caramel beneath a pantry of flavors salty, sweet, and simply delicious; only the pecans screaming Texas and not a crumb left for the trash.

http://royerspiehaven.com/

Posted in Austin, Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Royers Pie Haven, Texas, Vacation

March 8, 2014
8:01 AM
by: Uhockey

Snow’s BBQ, Lexington TX

Snow’s BBQ

Brisket

Turkey

Pork Shoulder

Pork Ribs

Half Chicken

Beans

Banana Pudding

Open from 8am until sold out on Saturdays only and located in what a local chef referred to as “the middle of just past nowhere” Snow’s Barbeque is one of ‘those’ places – a destination, an experience, and – most of all – a story. Actually situated in the small town of Lexington and far newer than many would guess, Snow’s is the result of the 2003 partnership between Kerry Bexley and “Ms. Tootsie” Tomanetz, the elderly female pitmaster whose ‘cue has often been cited as best in Texas. Small in size and indeed remote, Snow’s can best be described as a shed next to silos and with cows mooing in the distance the bucolic scene is punctuated on my arrival by smoke, the aromatic cloud rising from several pits where Tootsie is found smiling, happy to show off the meats at various stages, and exchange stories – her hospitality extending through the door where a trio of women and a dozen locals quickly identified me a stranger and welcomed me with tales of the town, a few samples, and some of the best smoked meat to ever cross my path. Famous for the moist brisket, light in spice but rife with smoke, but also featuring lightly charred ribs and turkey aromatic with herbs plus hefty slices of pork shoulder suffice it to say that nothing coming off Snow’s pits was less than reference standard but focusing on what both Mr. Bexley and a local lawman referred to as “Tootsie’s signature” a special mention is due to the chicken – a “nine or so hours” smoked homage to poultry with breast more moist than the typical deep fried thigh and skin nearly as crisp as Peking duck – the white bread, signature sauce, and some pickles sufficing for bao and hoisin in a pinch. Every bit the ‘destination’ I’d hoped it was with complimentary banana pudding plus a “Ya’ll come back now, y’hear” that I took my leave and with a round trip time less than a wait in Franklin’s line I certainly hope to someday do just that.

http://www.snowsbbq.com/

Posted in Austin, Bread Basket, Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Lexington, Pork, Snow's, Snow's BBQ, Texas, Vacation

March 8, 2014
6:10 AM
by: Uhockey

Ken’s Donuts, Austin TX

Ken’s Donuts

Sour Cream Old Fashioned

Strawberry Ring

Blueberry Cake

Apple Fritter

Chutney Samosa

With the country in the midst of an artisan donut ‘movement,’ suffice it to say that no city stood to benefit more than Austin – both Angel and Gourdough’s serving up excellent takes on the American favorite while first Mrs. Johnson’s and then, on Saturday morning, Ken’s failed to wow even the slightest. Admittedly a bit of a connoisseur, or snob, about pastry but also having traveled enough to appreciate versions both classic and modern the problem with Ken’s stems from the same place as Mrs. Johnson – an overly doughy yeast starter and too little moisture in the cake rendering both versions greasy on the surface and dull within, a situation not helped by intensely artificial flavors with only the crispy rimmed fritter proving acceptable…and the samosa quite terrible. Open 24-hours and close to the University Ken’s Donuts will obviously never be mistaken as artisan and while it may indeed be “old” it most certainly is not a classic…it is cheap, drunk college food, no more and no less.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kens-Donuts/61643314280

Posted in Austin, Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Ken's Donuts, Texas

March 7, 2014
8:42 PM
by: Uhockey

Odd Duck, Austin TX

Odd Duck

Southport – Tawny Port, Ransom Gin, Cherry, Cava

Parker House Rolls, Pig Head, Mustard Seed

Shiitake Doughnut, Popcorn, Mushroom Cream, Balsamic

Baked Sweet Potato, Yogurt, Peanuts, Cilantro

Chicken Fried Chicken Egg, Mushrooms, Hot Sauce

Andouille, Cornmeal Pancake, Coffee Mayonnaise

Bread Pudding, Malted Ice Cream, Beer Caramel

Brownie, Milk Chocolate, Sweet Potato, Sorghum

The brick and mortar iteration of Chef Bryce Gilmore’s Farm-to-Trailer truck and a relative newcomer to the local dining scene it was a foregone conclusion after Thursday’s dinner at Barley Swine that a visit to Odd Duck would find its way into my Austin agenda – a late night walk-in seat at the bar mine for the taking as a nightcap after a great meal at Uchi. Larger in size and far more casual than its older brother but no less innovative in cuisine or effusive in service it was under the watchful eye of two bartenders that my meal took place and quickly making friends with a pair of locals seated next to me it would not be long before drinks and several small plates would arrive. Featuring a large list of local vendors and a slick yet rustic style as great tunes played over the din of the crowd it was first with a cocktail that my Odd Duck experience began and balancing the heft of port with cava’s dry bubbles plus notes both sweet and herbal the Southport shined – its bold but diverse flavor profile effortlessly pairing with the all but the most mild of the savories much to my delight. Moving on to the food, a pair of breads began my tasting and featuring a pair of yeasty Parker rolls stuffed with tete de cochon tinged with dijon the meal kicked off with a blast to the tastebuds only to find even more oomph in an umami-laden doughnut complete with smoky popcorn and rich mushroom cream kept in check with just a touch of acid. Starting plates proper lightly with sweet potato in textures and flavors that would not have been out of place at Barley Swine before moving into two of the restaurant’s headstrong signatures suffice it to say that both the crunchy poached egg with house made hot sauce and the spicy sausage with light chicory cream over soft hoecakes are ‘must orders’ – a sentiment shared equally by a pair of decadent desserts, each better than any of the sweets at Barley Swine and the buttery bread pudding with toasty marshmallows, salty caramel, candied nuts, and hoppy top notes a veritable essay on balancing discrepant, complex flavors into something far better than the sum of already impressive parts.

http://oddduckaustin.com/

Posted in Austin, Bread Basket, Bread Pudding, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Odd Duck, Pork, Texas, Vacation

March 7, 2014
6:07 PM
by: Uhockey

Uchi, Austin TX

Uchi

Pomegranate Tea

Beet Sorbet with Candied Lemon

Ume Jiso Roll – Cucumber and Japanese Plum

Tempura Kabocha

Bacon Steakie – Pork Belly, Watermelon, Radish, Citrus, Thai Basil

Mustang Makimono – Freshwater Eel, Yellowtail, Tobiko, Avocado

Machi Cure – Smoked Baby Yellowtail, Yucca Crisp, Asian Pear, Marcona Almond, Garlic Brittle

Ankimo

Tempura Anago

Brie Ringo – Tempura Fried Brie, Apple Chutney, Sweet Potato Crisp

Foie Nigiri – Quinoa

Jizake Crème Caramel – Brown Butter Sorbet, Ginger

Feeling a bit flat on Austin ‘fusion’ after my trip to Sway and the Paul Qui experiment it was with guarded optimism that I pulled up to the counter at Uchi hoping to reverse a trend – the Beard Award winning cuisine of Chef Tyson Cole proving to be every bit as elegant as I’d hoped, his young team executing at a very high level on nearly a dozen plates spanning the globe in influence and the palate in innovation. Ever the ‘hot’ space, a reservation on Friday a necessity even at 5:00pm for the sushi counter, it was at a corner seat with full vantage of the room that I was treated and with the chef before me acting as server and adviser as Cole circulated the kitchen and instructed not a single item ordered was anything less than that of quality ingredients prepared by skilled hands with insight to unlikely combinations that would astound. Beginning with a palate cleansing sorbet and house-brew tea it was to the flavors of a few items from the happy hour menu that things commenced, the simple plum roll with tender rice and crisp cucumber and lightly breaded squash a pleasant vegetal volley leading to the signature ‘steakie’ and texturally masterful “mustang” with briny roe balancing supple fish and avocado – the most impressive roll I’ve had in years and an absolute must for first timers and regulars alike. Allowing the chef to send out plates as he felt fit, complexity peaked in the smoky sweet Machi cure before stepping back for the rich 1-2 combination of soft monkfish liver and fatty fried eel – the latter rousing memories of my grandmother’s fried yellow perch…a moment I’ll not forget. At this point sated and smiling, a ‘cheese course’ of creamy fried brie transitioned to the sublime sapor of creamy caramelized foie gras before finishing in true caramel, the light sake-laced take on a traditional French custard renewing my faith in ‘fusion’ once more.

http://uchiaustin.com/

Posted in Austin, Dessert, Foie, Food, Ice Cream, Pork, Sushi, Texas, Uchi, Vacation

March 7, 2014
5:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Irie Bean Coffee Bar, Austin TX

Irie Bean Coffee Bar

Double Espresso over Ice

Sugarbombed by Gourdough’s and having walked a four mile stretch of 1st and Lamar while taking in the local galleries it came as no surprise that I found my caffeine gauge running on empty nearly two hours before dinner – my fuel soon found at Rasta themed Irie Bean Coffee Bar. Apparently translating to “the ultimate positive” and committed to all things community, local, and fair trade with a committed local clientele it was just after 5:30 that I entered the cozy space and with reggae remixed Radiohead playing from above and utter hipster indifference from the barista my order was prepared – a hightop in the corner, free WiFi, and headphones playing actual Radiohead my entertainment for the next hour and a half. Generally unfussed by disinterested service, particularly in the setting of well roasted beans the quality of that served at Irie, but in this case catching the occasional ‘glare’ from the bearded and spectacled young man behind the bar despite several empty seats suffice it to say that despite good espresso I most certainly did not find my “irie” at Irie, though I did find two things – the first a much needed pick-me-up…and that I still hate Reggae.

http://www.iriebean.com/

Posted in Austin, Coffee, Irie Bean Coffee Bar, Texas, Vacation