Diablo Sol Food

Cheese, glorious cheese!!!

Maudie's makes some damn fine queso. And my conclusion is not at all related to the two Mint Margaritas I had. Although they were damn fine as well.

How can this not be good?!

"A savory blend of melted cheese seasoned with flavors of fresh garlic, onions and peppers, combined with our tender taco beef and pico de gallo. In other words, queso with an attitude."

Come to Momma!

Maudie's

5 locations around Austin

http://www.maudies.com/

Polak's Sawsage Farm

Come'on. How can you not write about a place called Polak's Sawsage Farm?

I passed this place on my way to and from Corpus Christi for 4 years. I finally stopped on my last trip home before I became redundant. I immediately kicked myself for waiting so long because it was so... charming? Yeah, let's go with charming.

I forced my road trip buddies to stop there on the way to Port A a couple of weeks ago (see "We're 44th!, We're 44th!" Aug '09) and I learned a few things that made me like it more:

1. It used to be a drive-in theater.

2. Their BBQ sauce is mustard based and homemade by an old lady.

3. All their jams, jellies and breads are homemade, presumably by the same old lady.

4. I saw some ladies (may or may not have been old) making big trays of potato salad and cole slaw for catering so I know they are homemade.

5. They have jerky.

We had the following:

Zilla - sliced beef sandwich, it was OK, and a side of beans.

Junior - chicken sandwich, no mayo, and it was, well, a dry chicken sandwich, with fries.

Hubby - chopped beef, mysteriously disguised as a sloppy joe, with fries.

Dotbot - the sawsage sandwich and cole slaw. How can you go to a sawsage farm and not have sawsage I ask you?

I had it the first time I went and I'd get it again, assuming I have another reason to ever pass through Kenedy/Karnes City. The sawsage was decent, the sauce is different, a little pickle and onion on buttery bread... it's way better than fast food. Man, that could be a slogan...

And don't tell my buddies, but mine was the best. Well, actually, I think they know that. I guess one man's charming is another man's eh, not so much.

Polak's Sawsage Farm Restaurant

2835 S Highway 181

Kenedy, Texas 78119

830.583.2113

No website that I can find, but I found this review:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/polaks-sawsage-farm-restaurant-kenedy

We're 44th! We're 44th!

I had the opportunity to sample the 44th Best Burger in Texas according to Texas Monthly. Here's what they said:

Stopher Burger - Port Aransas Brewing Company, Port Aransas, Texas

"O frabjous day! A beachy brewpub that sells great burgers! Our ice-cold mug went beautifully with the Stopher - a handmade peppery patty on a slightly sweet homemade bun that was toasty-buttery-crunchy on the outside and just-right chewy on the inside. The classic condiments were fresh, and the sweet-potato fries were crispily delicious. Unwind while you listen to the seagulls and nurse another beer under a shady umbrella on the deck."

I don't think we went to the same place. Can there be two Port Aransas Brewing Companies in Port Aransas?

Here's my update:

"O... whatever. A brewpub that looks like a sports bar that sells... hamburgers. My Double T'zer Red Wheat (similar to an English Bass Ale with a wheat character) tasted like I was swallowing air - it had absolutely no mouthfeel or finish and did nothing to complement anything; I didn't even finish it! My patty was thin and too perfectly circular to look handmade and tough and chewy. The bun was definitely different, but no crunchy outside, just all chewy inside. Real, real chewy inside. Lot of chewing going on here. The classic condiments were fresh (good tomato, thin sliced purple onion and big green leaf lettuce) and the sweet potato fries were pretty good, maybe not great, but good. I tried to unwind with a Shandy (Port Aransas Pop Pilsner and lemonade), but didn't finish that either and didn't even bother sitting on the deck that overlooks the parking lot."

Too harsh? Was I expecting too much? It was a Friday night, there was no wait, our server was fine. Hubby ordered and got the last Anchor Steam. Who runs out of a beer on a Friday night on the last weekend of summer vacation at a brewpub? And who doesn't bother bringing you a new frosty mug when you have to switch from said beer?

When you tell your server you're there because it was written up in Texas Monthly and ask what makes it different and he responds with "I don't know. The patty is nothing special, but we make the buns here. It's probably that", order the fried shrimp.

Port Aransas Brewing Company

429 N. Alister

Port Aransas, Texas 78373

361.749.BREW (2739)

http://www.portabrewing.com/

SOMEpaio's?

So, I actually began this post almost a month ago, but didn't finish it because something was lacking and I couldn't put my finger on it. First of all, I entered the restaurant STARVING. My co-worker and I arrived at 11:00 am. They must open at that time because there was only one person seated and no host or server in sight. Finally, a server came up to us and asked us where we wanted to sit. I kinda hate this. I want to sit at a damn table with great service and great food. Which table is that? (too harsh?)

We get our menus and talk about what looks good. I ordered the Salada de Frango: Mixed greens salad topped with sliced grilled chicken and baked goat cheese. Served with cilantro vinaigrette. My co-worker order the same, but with beef. It took a long time for us to get our salads. I guess restaurants are slow when they first open for the day? When we finaly get our salads, I devoured mine. I barely remembered to take a picture. I kind of remember it tasting good, but I honestly don't know if it was good or if I was just really hungry. Nevertheless, we never saw our server until we were searching for him to ask for our check.

Overall, it was a pretty disappointing, forgettable lunch experience. I have had happy hour there before and that was good. I also had my birthday dinner there one year and, from what I remember, it was good then. They have also gotten really great reviews (see their website). Isn't it funny how bad/mediocre service can make the food seem the same way?

Sampaio's Brazilian Cuisine 4800 Burnet Road Austin, TX 78756 http://www.sampaiosrestaurant.com/ UPDATE: Sampaio's is closed. 5/27/2010

You didn't say they were Oaxacan crickets!

I am almost without words.

But here a few:

hip, local, cool, tequila, fresh, spicy, layered, subtle, exotic, earthy, aromatic, bold, mixology, modern, simple, innovative, colorful, de-lovely and de-licious.

And these:

Niman ranch charcoal-grilled ribeye, local tomato, ensanada red wine butter, serrano cheese, roasted garlic.

You need to run, don't walk to La Condesa on 2nd and Guadalupe. It is by far one of the best restaurants I've been to in a long time. I had a drink with flamed orange zest. Who does that?! Super innovative and uber cool. Casual and fancy. Not without a few misses, but honestly they didn't even matter. I can't wait to go back!

I just thought of two more words:

huitlacoche and little bird bodies.

OK, that's more than 2, but it's much more fun to say little bird bodies than quail. The point is I had both, one for the first time and the other for like only the second. I nearly ordered rabbit! That's how amazing the menu is. It makes you want to eat things you wouldn't otherwise even think about. Like crickets.

La Condesa Comida y Tequila

400A West 2nd Street

Austin, Texas 78701

512.499.0300

http://www.lacondesaaustin.com/index.html

I'll have the soup.

I know this blog used to be called "girleatsaustin", but I ate in Kyle last night. Sorry.

Cute place in downtown Kyle, if there is such a thing as downtown Kyle. Casual enough for jeans, but could be a special occasion place too. Extensive martini menu. Seafood, steaks and pasta (although there are only two pasta dishes, but whatever). It's called Bordeaux's, but I kept calling it, and even Googled it as, Boudreaux's. I must have Cajun on the brain. Is that a thing? Is it contagious?! Crap, now I'm thinking of that heartbreaking story about the boy with water on the brain in that book we read in junior high called The Scarlet Ibis. Must. Not. Cry...

My dining companions both had steak and said it was very good - I was too full for even a bite - we'd had appetizers (fried fresh mozzarella and stuffed mushrooms) with our drinks. I know Cartman said appetizers are what you eat before you eat to make you more hungry, but he's a liar. Had a very good Stag's Leap Artemis 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. I was not too full for that.

I had the Parmesan Crusted Prawns - jumbo prawns fried with a Parmesan-panko crust, accompanied by sweet potato fries and served with a fresh citrus-chipotle "remoulade". Shrimp was a little too fried for me - kinda dark - but still good. I wanted a spoon for the "remoulade" - with or without air quotes.

But why I'm here, the reason for even writing about Boudreaux's - BORdeaux's! - is the Butternut Squash Soup - a Bordeaux's original recipe finished with white wine, cream and a hint of cayenne pepper. It was velvety smooth and creamy and spicy and oh! just so ding-dang delicious! The cup was stuck to my face like a muzzle when our server came with our entrees. I will dream about this soup. A really good soup is a thing of beauty.

Even if you have to go to downtown Kyle to get it.

Bordeaux's

108 Center Street

Kyle, Texas 78640

512.268.DINE (3463)

http://www.bordeauxs.net/index.html

You say Wagyu, I say Yum! Wagyu! Yum! Wagyu! Yum!

Let me start by saying that Enoteca is one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Of. All. Time. It's candlelit, the tables are tiny and close together so you're a mass of elbows and hands reaching around wine glasses and antipasti, sometimes getting a little loud, always having a good time. It's very Italian.

We went for a late dinner, didn't have to wait long and got a great server (ask for Amy!). Two of the specials were sold out - that's a good sign, but most of the table stuck to the classics - Spaghetti Aglio Olio (clean plate club!), Spaghetti Carbonara, Rigatoni con Polpette and Pappardelle Bolognese (one noodle left) - all excellent. Most of the pasta is handmade and the sauces are simple and rustic. The portions are large enough to feel generous, but not overwhelming. So go ahead. Eat it all.

I went for the one special that was unlike anything I'd seen there before - Wagyu Beef Burger, Gorgonzola Dolce, Baby Spinach, Jambon Royale & Roasted Trumpet Mushrooms on a Seeded Roll with Garlic Patate Fritte. Say that ten times fast. And say Wagyu with me! Waaaahhhh - goooooo. Now that's just fun. It means "Japanese cow". Literally.

It was massive. Massive! And messy!! The dolce dripped down my arms, oozing out the sides with the jambon. The hand formed patty was crumbly in a good, means it wasn't handled too much, kind of way. And the patty. Good Lord, the patty. Cooked medium (you can do that with good beef; they're massaged and fed beer for crying outloud - they're clean) and melt in your mouth. I had to abandon the dolce/jambon for the patty because they were overwhelming it, but all in all it was a very tasty burger! Ooohhh and those garlic fries.... no kiss goodnight for me!

I forgot to even mention the Carrots & Shallots in Sherry Vinaigrette and the Toasted Almond Polenta Cookies because there was nothing to even take a picture of. I licked the plate. Oh! and the Lemon Panna Cotta! Got to have the Lemon Panna Cotta.

You add a reasonable wine list and you've got yourself a fan-dabby-dozy-tastic evening.

And me curled up on the couch rubbing my belly.

Enoteca

1610 S Congress

Austin, Texas 78704

512.441.7672

http://www.austinvespaio.com/enoteca/enoteca.html

Best Little Deli in Austin

What makes a bad morning of forgetting your coffee, listening to people re-pave the roof of your office building for three hours, and hearing "your voice mailbox is full better? A Classic Italian sub from Little Deli (a.k.a. Crestview Deli). When I asked my husband where he wanted to meet me for lunch, he immediately said the Little Deli. He loves this sandwich and I can harldy blame him. What's so great about it? Here's the description:

Classic Italian Sub ........................................................... $5.99 Genoa salami, spicy capicola ham, smoked ham, sandwich pepperoni, provolone, onions, tomatoes, lettuce sprinkled with olive oil & red wine vinegar, Italian spices, served on a soft hoagie roll.

Yes, my friends, 4 kinds of meat. Plus, they don't just splash some Italian dressing on it; they pour some oil and vinegar on it and add the herbs on top (see picture). The beauty of this sandwich is, that even though there is plenty of meat on it, the Italian seasoning and all the lettuce balance it out and make it a hearty and refreshing meal.

All their sanwiches are amazing and now they have pizza too! This will be your new favorite lunch spot, Cheetah promise.

Little Deli 7101-A Woodrow Ave. Austin, TX 78757

512-467-7402

http://www.littledeli.com/

Juarez my taco?

Finally!! Victory!! I found a GREAT place to get breakfast tacos in Round Rock! Well, actually my husband did. This past Saturday my husband and I both wanted breakfast tacos, but we didn't want them from the same old places that we had been going to. So, my husband got on the computer and started searching...hard. I don't know how we hadn't heard of Juarez Mexican Bakey, but we know about it now and will be going there for breakfast tacos (or burritos as my husband from Lubbock says) from now on. I got a classic potato, egg, and cheese - DELICIOUS. My husband got a potato, bacon, egg and cheese and a chorizo and egg tacos. Were they good? I didn't hear him speak the whole time he ate them. What about the salsa? Wonderful as well. To top it all off my husband brought home a box of pan dulce (sweet bread). Normally, I'm not a big fan, but this was very fresh and very tasty with my coffee.

I wish I could give you their web address...but they don't have one (gasp). The street address is 1701 South Mays Street, Round Rock, TX 78660, phone number 512-255-6262.

Disfrute!

Bruschettaboutit!

I'm a little late posting about our Saturday lunch at Zax's -sorry! So, Dot didn't tell you about how we finally came to eat at Zax's. Orignally, we were looking at restaurants with a bigger seafood menu, such as Eddie V's (George Banks Sea Scallops, mmmm) and McCormick and Schmick's, but neither one is open for lunch on Saturday. How ridiculous is that?! Do people in Austin not want a "nice" lunch on a Saturday? Of course we do! Anyway, we ended up at Zax's because we both remembered this salad that we had there before (see Dot's review below). When we finally sit down and order, we start with the bruschetta, because we were starving, and some wine. There were three different kinds of bruschetta on the plate: traditional tomato with basil and olive oil, goat cheese with fig, and white bean puree (I can't find the accent) with prosciutto. Of course the tomato and basil bruschetta was delicious. It's really hard to mess that up. The goat cheese and fig was good as well. However, the white bean and prosciutto was a disappointment. Neither one of us could really taste the prosciutto, which I think is the best part. It had more parmesean than bean or prosciutto. Damn, I wish Eddie V's would have been open!

Julie & Julia & Dot & Cheetah

I always think of things too late.

Remember when chokers came back in the 80's? I had told myself to start wearing them, but didn't and then they got popular and I couldn't.

iTunes? Totally thought of that in like 1995. Except you'd choose from a list of songs and they'd mail you a CD. Obviously they took that to the next level. And I think it works.

Straight -razor shaves in a cool manspa? Mine.

Any fun foodstuff sold out of an air-stream trailer? Thought of it.

Movie theater that serves beer? Yes!

Blogging? I swear to god that was me.

Blogging is exactly what I've always wanted to do. I get to do whatever I want and tell you about it and you love it and advertisers flock to me and I make money while sitting around in my pajamas. Only I'm a thousand years too late. Just like with everything else.

Well, screw it. I'm doing it anyway and you know what confirmed it (beside the fact that Cheetah started this blog, sent it to me and said go)? Seeing Julie & Julia today.

What a beautiful movie! I cried no less than 5 times. Great people - real people, a love story and gimlets and FOOD!!!! People clapped at the end! How often does that happen anymore?!

My mom gave me Julia's My Life in France for my birthday and a friend in book group gave me Julie & Julia after she finished it. I haven't started either yet (there I go, behind the 8 ball again...), but I will posthaste. And my sister sent me "Fly One Time" by Ben Harper (on iTunes!) to remind me that I can follow any dream I want. She's always doing that. She's so good to me. And my sweet husband is patiently counting our pennies while I figure my life out during my sabbatical from work (read: unemployment). He's a keeper.

The point is that this movie inspired me. It inspired me to do whatever I want, whenever I want to do it. I needed some kind of kick in the ass. Cheetah and I have wanted to start a business together for oh, like forever and it hasn't happened yet. But it will. This is a start. I just know I want to work with her because she supports me and believes in me and I'm the only one who can tell her what to do and she doesn't get pissed. I like that in a person.

So bear with me as I figure out what color my parachute is. Meanwhile I'm gonna write about food. 'Cuz a girl's gotta eat.

Oh and you heard it here first. Hand fans. The kind that unfold. Go get one. They're gonna be huge!!!!

"HI! WELCOME TO ZAX!!!"

My favorite memory of Zax (Pints & Plates) was from a night that as we stepped up onto the porch this poor functionally retarded pre-teen hostess leapt out of the door and greeted us with such a bellowing "HI! WELCOME TO ZAX!" that we staggered in surprise. I now scream it every time I mention the restaurant. Every time.

Cheetah and I met there for a grown-up lunch today and were wildly disappointed that our favorite hostess was not there. It's just not the same without her. And apparently neither is the Shrimp Remoulade Salad for which we specifically went. What's the deal with me and salads lately?!

In my mind's mouth it was heavenly. Creamy, spicy remoulade, perfectly cooked shrimp, crisp greens, ripe tomatoes and avocado, crusty bread. Today's was close, but the tomatoes had been kept too cold as they had no flavor, the shrimp were a little overdone and the remoulade had none of the sass that I remember. The dictionary said it should be "piquant", but it was "pi-can't".

Oh well. The wine was good and cold.

Zax Restaurant & Bar

312 Barton Springs Road

Austin, Texas 78704

512.481.0100

http://www.zaxaustin.com/

NoRTHbound

*sigh*... and not in a good way.

Went to NoRTH (in The Domain) for lunch today with the hubby. (Had to go to the Apple store there as the one in Barton Creek is always annoyingly busy.) We love North - everything I've ever had there has been fantastic. So how do they mess up a salad?!

I had the Chopped Chicken Salad with Pine Nuts, Baby Romas and Gorgonzola Vinaigrette. Sounds good, right? Looked good too. But one bite and I immediately reached for the salt and pepper which is a BIG thing for me. Food should come out seasoned correctly and I trust the people behind the line to know what that means. The S & P helped, but the chicken still tasted boiled - like boring hospital boiled, not Italian Grandma boiled - although it was shredded which was a plus. The pine nuts were toasted and tasty and the tomatoes were very good... very tomato-y, but they were almost overpowering since there wasn't much flavor otherwise. Oh! and I swear the gorgonzola was A.W.O.L.! I didn't even remember it was supposed to be in there until I re-read the menu.

Now don't get me wrong. I still ate the whole thing. It was fresh, it was healthy and that yummy roasted red pepper butter stuff with the ciabatta was awesome.

I just won't get that salad again. But bring on half-price wine night on Mondays!!! Enough of that and I won't care if the gorgonzola was on unauthorized shore leave with a transgender hooker.

http://www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com/north.html

Breakfast makes me happy

This morning I took a little extra time for myself. I slept a little later, fed and dressed the baby, drove a little slower, and stopped for breakfast at Frisco. Frisco, or the Frisco Shop, or Nighthawk Frisco, has been open in Austin for many years (30+). If you have not been, you are missing out! This morning I had an over-easy egg (cooked perfectly), three slices of bacon, hashbrowns, biscuits with butter and strawberry jam, and coffee served in a cup AND saucer. Polo, my waiter who has worked there forever, couldn't wait to refill my coffee cup (three times, because they have great coffee). My other favorites at Frisco are the chicken and dumplings, which is the lunch special on Tuesdays, and their strawberry pie. But really it's ALL good. http://www.frisconighthawk.com/