I had such high hopes.
I'd heard good things. The menu looked good. It wasn't busy. With the demise of Katz's, we need a replacement New York deli. Maybe I should have gone when I wasn't pregnant and not allowed to eat deli meat or need to eat small meals because they have no where to go in my belly, but still.
What I really wanted was something very Jewish, very deli, but I thought everything would be too heavy for lunch. After much consideration and very little usable input from my server, I decided on the Chicago Dog. I'd been craving one for months and the trailer that usually has them has been closed whenever I go by. How two hot dogs with slaw seemed "lighter" is beyond me.
Things looked promising, but... the dog was too small in relation to the bun, said bun did not seem steamed, there was only one half slice of tomato on each dog, an uneven number of sport peppers per dog, the relish was not day-glo and I tasted no hint of celery salt. The slaw was touted as "tossed-to-order", but seemed too wet and not crunchy enough to be (I will admit it if I turn out to be wrong about that). I will say the dog was perfectly grilled, I'll give them that.
I thought I'd treat myself to dessert, more traditional this time, and against my better judgement (because my server couldn't even properly explain what it was) ordered a Black & White Soda. Further confirming my mistake, I overheard the bartender ask how to make one. I had Googled it by now and could have done a better job myself. While not a disaster, there was a key blending element not adhered to in order for it to be authentic. Without that, it tasted like chocolate water. I stirred it myself and drank the whole thing anyway. What?! I'm pregnant!
I may not be ready to rule this place out, but I can't give it a glowing endorsement just yet. Next time Manny, you better have your latkes locked and loaded.
Manny's Uptown Kitchen
9503 Research Blvd., Suite 650
Austin, Texas 78759
512.794.0088
