Going off to Hill's on a Gravy Train

Gravy.

Is there a better word in the English language?

Literally, it means flour and fat blended together to add texture and flavor. Figuratively, it means extra benefits or unexpected gain. It's really a perfect word.

Reminds me of a time in college. (Yes... I actually remember a few things from college.) We were doing a show that called for fried rattle snake meat. So every afternoon, I'd go get a Family Size Tender Meal Deal from Golden Fried Chicken (which we called Goldenmafried. Don't ask me why.). The tenders and potatoes would go on stage, but the vat of gravy stayed in the green room. Where I was. With a spoon. Eating it like soup.

I love gravy.

I also loved the chicken fried steak that little d and I shared at Hill's today. It was one of the best I've ever had - good meat, breading not too heavy, thick gravy. You get your choice of yellow or white gravy. We didn't specify and got yellow. Not sure what makes yellow gravy yellow. (Note to self, Google yellow gravy...) Sides included mashed potatoes (good, not amazing), corn casserole (lots of corn bready stuff, not enough actual corn), tomato pie (is it like quiche? no. is it like pizza? no. is it like an open faced grilled cheese and tomato sandwich? no.) and fries (yummy!). Z had a classic cheese burger (voted one of the best in Austin and I heartily concur) and C had chicken tenders as big as his face. Throw in sweet tea in mason jars and you've got yourself a right nice lunch.

And that makes the rest of the day gravy.

Hill's Cafe

4700 S. Congress Ave.

Austin, Texas

512.851.9300

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

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/

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