Her Modern Kitchen

Eating & Living in Austin, Texas

Austin

Virtual Cheese Tastings by Antonelli’s Cheese Shop

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Antonellis’ Virtual Cheese Tastings bring the cheese deliciousness and education to the comfort of your own home.

Antonellis Virtual Cheese Tasting Plate

Over the years I’ve done a number of cheese tastings at Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, all hosted at their Cheese House. I love their in-person classes starting with their Cheese 101 serving as a great intro to anyone looking for an intro to cheese.

There’s also their Date Night class which is a little less structured but provides an assortment of cheese, meats, pickles, and chocolate with plenty of time for you and your date to chat.

And of course, they offer an assortment of specialty classes that pair cheese with #allthethings — honey, pickles, chocolate, Girl Scout Cookies, Raclette.  And each of these classes are wonderful, educational, and down right delicious.

Looking for a cheesy recipe? Try my Ridiculously Easy Pub Cheese

Pandemic Pivot

But, I really love that since the pandemic hit, Antontelli’s has extended their cheese tasting to the virtual front while still offering in-person if that’s your jam. Meaning, you can get all these AMAZING classes, Cheese 101, Date Night, Pairings from the comfort of your own home. So when Antontelli’s offered to host a Antonelli’s Virtual Cheese Tastings class for the Austin Food Blogger’s Alliance earlier this month, I jumped at the chance for a little cheese education in the comfort of my own home and Antonelli’s has perfected the logistics:

 Here’s how it goes down:

  1. Reserve your spot in class and cheese plate online
  2. Choose a time on the day of the class to pick up your cheese plate from the Cheese Shop.
  3. Day of: Arrive at the Cheese Shop at your designated time and grab your plate. And, if you choose, maybe sample a cheese or two from the case or grab a wine to pair with your cheese before you head home
  4. An hour before class, set your cheese plate out to come to room temperature and pour yourself a glass of something (wine!) to set the mood
  5. At class time, hop on the virtual conference link sent to your email with all the other virtual cheese lovers, snuggle up on your couch with your cheese plate and drink of choice, and enjoy a little cheese education.

Antonellis Virtual Cheese Tasting Plate

Virtual Cheese Mongers

What I loved about our Antonelli’s Virtual Cheese Tasting class was that our Cheese Monger was based on the East Coast. She didn’t even have a cheese plate in front of her to taste along with us but because she was such a cheese expert, she was able to describe the cheese profiles and pairings as we munched along. I also appreciated that Antonelli’s extended this opportunity to Cheese Mongers outside the Austin area, keeping them involved in the cheese world, even at a distance.

So, if you’re looking for a cozy night at home and want to change up the traditional Netflix binge, I highly recommend Antonellis’ Virtual Cheese Tastings. You get the deliciousness of all the cheese along with all the education from the comfort of your own home.

Easy. Cheesy.

Street-Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls

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Street-Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls will transport you to the streets of New York with spicy yellow rice, Afia Foods falafel, and a drizzle of the iconic red and white sauces.

I received product reimbursement from Afia Foods for this post
but the recipe, photos, and opinions are my own.

When <3M and I lived in New York he regularly asked me to go eat at the Halal street carts with him which served up the now-iconic chicken and rice bowls.  There were quite a few around the streets of New York, with The Halal Guys being the most famous.

Street Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls

For the longest time, I was hesitant to eat from the street carts because these vendors are literally open carts on the street that millions of people walk by daily.  They’re not food trucks and I viewed it as unsanitary.  Plus, how great could chicken and rice be?  But after hearing him rave about the food, flavors, and how much he knew I’d like it, I eventually gave in.

My First Street-Cart Meal

I remember my first time eating at the street cart ordering a rice bowl. It was a late night after being out at some bars (when most street cart meals happen…) and the line was ridiculously long.  Luckily, our friend was a frequent eater of the cart and was able to expedite us to the front of the line.

When we got up to order, I looked at the very basic menu and saw some terms I didn’t know. I instantly became overwhelmed and confused.  It felt like that Seinfield episode with the Soup Guy where everyone is speaking a secret code — kind of like ordering a cheesesteak in Philidelphia.

Street Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls

I was all sorts of confused about the red sauce and the white sauce.  What’s in the white sauce?  How spicy is the red sauce?  Can I get it with just a little bit of rice and mostly salad? Did I want chicken or falafel?  Could I have both?

Finally, frozen by having to make a decision, I told <3M to just order and we’d share his plate.  I remember he got a combination bowl with chicken, falafel, and rice topped both red and white sauce.

And it was delicious. The flavor combination of fluffy rice, tender chicken, spice, and tang was like magic in my mouth. I loved it.

Street Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls

So when Afia Foods reached out to me about creating a recipe using some of their products, I was instantly drawn to the Afia falafel and knew I wanted to remake the classic street cart rice bowls from my time in New York.

I love Afia falafel and they’re actually a staple in my freezer (I buy them on my own even when I’m not partnering with them on recipes!).  They have two flavors, Original, Three Cheese, Garlic & Herb, and Turmeric (which has a little spice to it).  Both are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and the ingredients don’t contain any funky fillers like other falafels on the market.  Plus, Afia Foods is based right here in Austin, Texas, originally started as a food truck that is still running off of Burnet Road.

<3M and I pick up our Afia Foods falafel at HEB and eat them as a snack, throw them on top of salads as a vegetarian main, and use them to make our favorite Za’atar Cauliflower Rice & Falafel Power Bowls — which is why I knew their flavor would be perfect in my Street-Cart Style Falafel & Rice Bowls. 

Making the Street-Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls

My Street-Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls start by toasting the rice in avocado oil, cumin, and turmeric before adding any liquid so it truly develops in flavor.  And, in place of water, I use chicken stock. This combination gives the rice that classic street-cart yellow coloring which results in a flavorful and comforting base to hold the falafel.

Rice toasting on the stovetop

Rice toasting on the stovetop with cumin and turmeric

The dish is accompanied by a small side of romaine lettuce, cucumbers, green onions, tomatoes, and homemade quick-pickled radishes.  On top, I drizzled a homemade white sauce using Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice for an added tang that is seasoned with a splash of olive oil, salt, and white pepper (because I hate specks of black pepper in white sauces).

Mixing the white sauce ingredients together

Whites sauce ingredients ready to whisk together

As a short cut for the spicy red sauce, I used another Austin-local, Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha. But if you happen to have some harissa on hand, by all means, use that in place of the sriracha as your red sauce. It’d be even more authentic.

Salad ingredients for falafel bowls

Side salad ready to go

Lastly, as my own twist on the dish, I added an 8-minute egg that had a gooey yolk to accompany the falafel and rice.  Because let’s be real, everything’s better with an egg on top!

Street Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls Pin

According to <3M, these were fresh from New York Street-Cart Style Falafel & Rice Bowls!

He loved the rice and falafel while the white and red sauce combination brought him back to the streets of New York.  So, if you’re looking for a meal that will transport you to the city, grab your bag of Afia Foods falafel during your next HEB shopping trip and whip up these Street-Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls.

Street-Cart Style Falafel and Rice Bowls
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 4 bowls
Ingredients
  • For the rice
  • 1 T avocado oil
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1½ cups basmati rice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2½ cups chicken broth

  • For the white sauce:
  • ¾ cup 2% greek yogurt
  • 1 T lemon juice
  • 1 T apple cider vinegar
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 2 T chicken broth
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp white pepper

  • To assemble:
  • 4 8-minute eggs
  • 1 small head of romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup diced tomato
  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • ¼ cup pickled radishes, using this method
  • 12 Afia falafel, original or turmeric
  • Sriracha or harissa
Instructions
  1. Make the rice by adding the oil to a large saucepan that has a lid and heat over medium-high for 1-minute. Add the cumin and turmeric, stirring it all together, and let it toast for 1-2 minutes. Add rice, give everything a stir, and toast 4-minutes. Add the broth with salt & pepper. Bring the rice to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Allow the rice to cook on simmer for 15-minutes, covered. After 15 minutes, remove the rice from the heat and allow it to rest until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is cooked through, about 15 minutes more. Keep warm until serving.
  2. While the rice is cooking, make the 8-minute eggs. Bring a medium saucepan to boil with 6 cups of water. Once the water is boiling, gently add in your eggs using a slotted spoon. Set at a timer for 8-minutes and allow the eggs to cook in the water with a medium boil. While the eggs cook, prep a large bowl of water (~6 cups) filled with ice and place it next to the stove. When your timer goes off, remove the eggs from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and immediately place them in the ice water. Allow the eggs to cool in the ice water for 5-minutes before gently peeling and cutting each in half.
  3. Cook the falafel according to the package directions.
  4. Before assembling, make the white sauce by whisking together all of the white sauce ingredients, adding more chicken broth as needed to reach your desired drizzling consistency.
  5. To assemble the bowls: divide the rice into four bowls, top with the warm falafel, add the side salad ingredients (lettuce, onions, cucumber tomato, pickled radishes). Top with the 8-minute egg and drizzle everything with the white sauce and sriracha, if using.

 

A Guide to Austin’s Best Acaí Bowls

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A dedicated list rounding up Austin’s best acaí bowls for your spooning pleasure brought to you in collaboration with the Austin Food Blogger’s Alliance annual City Guide.

This post was updated on April 3, 2021

Did you know that when you Google ‘best acaí bowls Austin’, the first thing that pops up is a Yelp list of bowls that isn’t very helpful.  In all my searching, I wasn’t unable to find a single list that sourced only acaí bowl recommendations.  Sure, there were lists for best bowls which also included grain and buddha-type bowls, or best juice and smoothies, but I wanted a list exclusively for acaí bowls which is why, I created my own.

Blenders_Bowls_Endless Summer_Chill_Berry

Blenders & Bowls Endless Summer & Chill Berry Bowls

So, in no particular order, I introduce to you, my Guide to Austin’s Best Acaí Bowls!

Blenders & Bowls

Let’s just start off with the queen of Austin acaí bowls (yes, queen, not king because this cafe is all female owned!). I love Blenders & Bowls thick acaí base, the ability to customize the bowl with collagen, protein, maca, or drippy delicious nut butters which allows customers to truly make it their own. Plus, they’re always adding new seasonal blends to keep you coming back for more! My favorites are the Endless Summer and The O.G. but I often find myself drawn to their new seasonal creations that may include pumpkin, lemonade, or mint!

Various locations around Austin

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Blenders & Bowls seasonal Blackberry Lemonade, photo cred: Shveta Moller @atx_bites

Daily Juice

While Daily Juice has a limited acaí menu, they do acaí bowls right.  The Chocolate Almond and Nutter Butter bowls are perfect as a hearty meal or can serve as a delicious dessert option.  I also love that their toppings include hemp seeds & puffed rice.

Various locations around Austin

Whole Foods

Yup! Whole Foods is also in on the acaí bowl game! Their single bowl offering is worth a try, topped with a crunchy flaxseed granola, kiwi and seasonal fruit.

525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Poke Poke

While I haven’t personally had the acaí bowls at Poke Poke, I can vouch that their poke bowls are delicious so I can only assume that this restaurant from basing their dishes off the big island standards is also serving up authentic acaí bowls with their OG, Berry, and PB Bowl options.

Various locations around Austin

Néktar

I’ve yet to try Néktar but they have quite a selection of acaí bowls with quite a few I’m excited to try like the Almond Butter Bowl, Superfood Bowl, and Protein Bowl all made with their housemade cashew milk.  If you’ve tried it, let me know how they fare.
222 West Ave, Austin, TX 78701 and 3637 Far W Blvd, Austin, TX 78731

Sunlife Organics

A new comer to Austin, Sunlife Organics specializes in signature shakes, bowls and shots.  Their açaí bowls menu is vast, diverse, and will keep you coming back over and over again.  They offer your choice of 1, 2, or 3 scoops of açaí topped with flavor combinations coconut granola, dragon fruit, cashew butter, and mango.  Head to this SoCo spot if you’re looking to switch up your standard açaí order.
1011 South Congress Avenue, Building 2, Suite 120, Austin TX 78701

Kale Me Krazy

While Kale Me Krazy has a limited açaí menu, they’re bowls are worth checking out.  Kale Me Krazy uses a coconut milk base in place of traditional fruit juices making their bowl extra creamy and sweetened with dates.  Make it a classic bowl topped with blueberries, cashews, banana, and strawberries or go deluxe with a mix of banana, gluten-free granola, chia seeds, hemp seeds, goji berries, sliced almonds, blueberries, and raw honey.
8300 North FM 620, Austin TX 78726

Vitality Bowls Superfood Cafe

Looking for a place North of downtown to satisfy your acaí bowl craving?  Then check out the menu at Vitality Bowls, offering 14 different acaí options along with the ability to customize to your liking.  They even offer a dessert bowl with coconut, dark chocolate chips, and strawberries.

1310 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Vida Pure Juicery

Vida Pure not only serves unique juices and smoothie options but they’re also blending up acaí bowls made with their house almond mylk.  What makes these bowls unique, is the granola on the bottom of their Black Mamba and Pura Brazil options.

2610 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

JuiceLand Acai Bowl

JuiceLand Acaí Bowl

Juiceland

One of Austin’s OG juice café is also offering acaí bowls (at their city locations and at the airport so you can get one before you jet set).  What’s unique here is the coconut butter drizzle to finish the bowl.  The coconut butter hardens when mixed into the cold acaí adding texture and crunch to the bowl! While still a great bowl, my only wish here is that JuiceLand’s acaí was a tad thicker as right now it inches more towards slush than thick acaí.

Various locations across Austin

So tell me, what acaí bowl is your favorite?  Are there any missing that should be added to the list?

BlendersandBowls_EndlessSummer_feedthishouse

Blenders & Bowls Endless Summer, photo cred: Shveta Moller @atx_bites

ATX Best Bites City Guide 2021

A Guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned was created in collaboration with the Austin Food Blogger’s Alliance City Guide. Check out the full round-up on the AFBA site  or check out my Austin tab for other great round-ups like ramen, tasting menus, and old fashioneds.

The Best Local Autumn Lattes

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This Fall, skip the the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and drink these local Austin lattes instead!

I always look forward to pumpkin spice season.  But it’s not the pumpkin flavor I love.  I love the spice flavors of Autumn.  Where drinks, baked goods, and even some savory treats are sprinkled with the warm, cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg. If you’re like me, and could pass on the pumpkin spice but still want the cozy flavors of Fall, then give these four local Austin lattes a try.

Stouthaus Mulling Spice Latte

The Stauthaus Mulling Spice Latte has such a unique flavor and is my favorite of the bunch.  It stars clove, star anise, cinnamon sticks, orange peel and black peppercorns.  The black peppercorns are very subtle and add just the slightest hint of spice. Stouthaus makes the spice blend on a hot plate behind the bar and is the work of barista, Marco who created the seasonal offering.  If you’re looking for a more sophisticated pumpkin spice latte, then I highly recommend Stouthaus’ Mulling Spice Latte.

Stouthaus Mulling Spice Latte

Stouthaus Coffee Pub
4715 S Lamar Blvd
6:30am-10:00pm, Monday-Saturday
7:30am-8:00pm, Sunday
www.stouthauscoffee.com

Greater Goods Tiger Latte

You can grab this latte all year long not just in the Autumn.  The Tiger Latte is Greater Goods’ take on the popular golden milk latte featuring turmeric. I find it to be the perfect blend of sweet and spice. My favorite part about this latte is the subtle ginger finish that warms you deep inside. I like to order mine with almond milk.

Greater Goods Tiger Latte

Great Goods Coffee
2501 E 5th Street
6:30am-7:00pm daily
www.greatergoods.com

Summer Moon Autumn Moon Latte

I’m going out on a limb here and calling this Austin’s original pumpkin spice latte.  Summer Moon is known for its Moon Milk and for the Fall season, they jazz up their secret Moon Milk with all the cozy, Autumn spices.  This latte is sweeter than the others on this list but it’s consistently the first latte I reach for when September 1st arrives.

Summer Moon Autumn Moon

Summer Moon Coffee Bar
Multiple Locations
www.woodfiredcoffee.com

Curcuma Golden Mylk Latte

Curcuma’s Golden Mylk Latte is not a seasonal offering but it reminds me so much of Autumn flavors that it had to make my list! Curcuma pairs their signature golden mylk mix with Chameleon Cold Brew to make a magically delicious latte that instantly transports me to upstate New York at the peak of Fall foliage. This latte stars turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, himalayan pink salt, black pepper and is sweetened with dates. I like mine iced but you also have the option to order it hot.  And the best part, you can still enjoy this one is the heat of Austin summer when you’re yearning for a bit of Fall.

Curcuma Golden Mylk Latte

Curcuma
2207 East Cesar Chavez Street
Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm
www.eatcurcuma.com

Have you tried any of these local Austin lattes? What’s your favorite?

The Little Darlin’ — You need to eat here!

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The Little Darlin’ is a gem of a bar in South Austin with live music, sippable cocktails and the most complex ‘dive bar’ menu I’ve ever tasted. You gotta eat here.

The Little Darlin’ has been a regular for <3M and I since it opened a few years ago and I can’t believe I’m just now getting around to writing about it.

Little Darlin outside

For those of you who don’t live in South Austin, this dive bar is the type of place that you could easily overlook but would be seriously mad you did — it’s got a great vibe, sippable cocktails and the most complex ‘dive bar’ menu I’ve ever tasted. It’s located off of William Cannon between i35 and South Congress and us South Austin locals can’t help but love it.

A Great Outdoor Space

The Little Darlin’ has a great outdoor space that’s dog-friendly and has an open area for kids to play (during the day, it’s +21 at night).  My favorite part is the outdoor bar that wraps around a huge tree in the back patio. The bar seats here are covered by the canopy of trees and it’s a nice shady spot to relax and listen to the band playing on the huge outdoor stage. You can regularly find bands playing at The Little Darlin’ and from my past experience, most of the shows are free.

Musician playing

Creative Cocktail Infusions

Inside, the bar has additional tables, some pool tables, and an extensive bar menu offering up homemade infusions like spicy vodkas or fruity mixers that elevate the classic bar drinks.  My favorite is a spicy margarita made with one of their rotating infused liquors.  Or, if frozen drinks are more your style, The Little Darlin’ typically has a frozen mix on special that’s always worth a taste.  They also offer a vast selection of rotating local taps & bottled beers for those not up for any of the hard stuff.

Watermelon salad

Seasonal Watermelon Salad with Candied Jalapeños

This Isn’t Standard Dive Bar Food

While the vibes and cocktails are great, my favorite part about The Little Darlin’ is its food menu.  They’re not serving up the typical bar food — what The Little Darlin’ is offering is elevated, sophisticated, seasonal dishes for lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sundays.

The Little Darlin’ burger is a staple on the menu and not to be missed with a red eye mayo, cheese, bacon and a side of the crispiest fries!  Rivaling the burger is the Fried Chicken Sandwich. This guy is fried up extra crispy with succulent, moist chicken on the inside and a pile of homemade coleslaw for crunch.

Little Darlin Burger

Little Darlin Burger

I’m also a huge fan of both The Little Darlin’s hummus, served with naan bread, and their Antonelli’s cheese plate. For $15 you get a mound of different cheeses, seedy mustard, house pickles, fresh bread, and some nuts & fruit for snacking. It’s a cheese lover’s dream and the price to quantity makes it a steal.

Chicken Sandwich

Chicken Sandwich & Texas Mushrooms

To Die for Vegan Fare

The Little Darlin’ also does a great job catering to vegans and vegetarians alike. They offer a Beyond Meat Burger, unique salads, soups, and a rotating vegan meal.  In fact, the vegan meals are my favorite at The Little Darlin’.  These dishes are thoughtfully crafted with local ingredients and are never trying to masquerade as a meat dish made vegan.  Recently I enjoyed the Texas Mushrooms in a tomato sauce with tofu and it was a flavorful, fresh and had me licking my plate clean.

Texas Mushrooms

Texas Mushrooms (vegan)

Lastly, if you swing by The Little Darlin’ for brunch be sure to try their Fried Chicken & Waffles with pecan maple syrup, their rotating French Toast or the unique Reuben Eggs Benedict all washed down with a classic Bloody Mary or mimosa.

Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Waffles

Even if you aren’t from South Austin, I guarantee a trip to The Little Darlin’ will be well worth your drive. Be sure to make it a lazy adventure so you have time to soak up their outdoor seating and listen to the band while you enjoy a few house cocktails and the best damn bar food you’ll ever taste.

Venue

Barley Swine’s Summer Tasting Menu

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Barley Swine’s summer tasting menu just might be the best meal I’ve ever had. If you do one thing this summer, experience this seasonal menu.

It’s a tradition for <3M and I to go to Barley Swine on Christmas Eve for their tasting menu.  But lately, we’ve both been working a lot — him taking late-night calls with his team oversea, and me, who continues working even when I get home which has limited our quality time together.

So, as a way for us to take a break from the grind, I made a surprise reserdation for us to celebrate Christmas in July at Barley Swine (it was also our engagement anniversary, which is why you see ‘happy anniversary’ on the menu below).

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tastin_10

We started the evening with a round of cocktails.  A Day at the Races with tequila, rhubarb, jasmine, orange blossom, and lemon for me and Aces are High with bourbon, pasubio vino amaro, rosemary, and peychauds for <3M.  If you’re not up for a cocktail, Barley Swine also has a few tempting mocktail options to try on their new summer menu. Let me know how they are! 

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tasting_6

Going into the meal, I was a bit hesitant looking at our tasting menu.  I was nervous more so for <3M because while we are foodies, we have very specific and different tastes. For him: no mushrooms, celery, or ‘animals with fins’ and for me: nothing with four feet. This usually means we end up with slightly different menus but mostly the same.

Here’s a look at our meal highlights, though to be honest, every dish was STELLAR.

To start was this blue crab, marigold, green bean course.  This was like a savory panna cotta and the blue grab was light and fresh. The perfect way to kick-off the meal.

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tasting_1

Up next was the shishito pepper tamale.  This reminded me of an inside out tamale or a chile rellano with the masa on the inside and a perfectly light, crispy crunch on the outside.

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tasting_2

The tomato, blueberry, grains green chile mousse dish was our third course at Barley Swine.  I loved the hint of green chile in the foam, the crunch of the grain, and the surprise sweetness from the blueberries. It was definitely in the running for my favorite dish.

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tasting_7

However, I believe the shrimp dumpling, hot sauce, fried bun, herbs was both mine and <3M’s favorite dish of the evening.  The bun was crispy but fluffy in the center.  We sandwiched it with succulent shrimp, a house hot sauce, and fresh herbs for a bit of brightness.  It was full of flavor. I want to come back to Barley Swine just to eat these from dinner one night.

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tasting_3

While my menu says goat above, I asked this dish to be switched out for a vegetarian option.  The chef surprised me with this roasted carrot, vegetarian chorizo, house feta, and corn course.  This was a vegetarian’s dream. The carrot was smokey, the feta salty, and the crunchy corn added texture. Banger’s should tap Barley Swine for this recipe because it was the perfect ‘mock sausage.’

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tasting_5

Summer tasting menu desserts

We wrapped our meal with two desserts. Celery sorbet, peanut, chamomile served as a palate cleanser.  At first, I was baffled with this combination but thinking about it now, it’s a modern, refined take on the traditional ants on a log from my childhood.  Even <3M, who dispises celery, enjoyed this dish enough to finish it entirely.

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tasting_4

Our final dish of the evening was one <3M said he loved the most, corn mochi, coriander, blackberry, cojeta. I was amazed by the subtle sweet corn flavor throughout, the chewiness of the mochi, and the meringue twigs.  It was a texture lover’s dream. And, best yet, during Swine Hour (Barley Swine’s happy hour) desserts are half off so if you want to give this dish a taste, hit it up then with a bottle of wine for 25% off! 

Barley_Swine_Summer_Tasting_8

We left this meal in the happiest of food comas and couldn’t stop raving about the dishes.  It was the BEST experience we’ve had in a very long time (even better than past Christmas Eve tastings!).

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If you’re interested in the summer tasting menu, you can grab the summer Barley Swine tasting at a steal for $65 if you visit Sunday-Thursday between 5-6pm (normally $95).  I highly recommend reservations.

Have you had the Barley Swine summer tasting menu yet?  What’s some of your favorite seasonal menus in Austin this year?

The Ultimate Guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned

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A city guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioneds. It includes traditional Old Fashioneds as well as a few unique takes on the classic drink. Try them all and let me know which tops your list.

This post was updated on April 3, 2021.

Old Fashioned cocktails. Man, are they popular. They seem to be the drink every guy in Austin loves to sip and everyone else has an opinion about where to get the best one in A-Town.

Well, I’m not an Old Fashioned connoisseur myself (though I do love those whiskey soaked cherries!) but luckily for you, <3M and his gang of buddies are so I’ve enlisted their help to create a guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned.

Austin's Best Old Fashioned

Whisler’s

Ask any whiskey lover and Whisler’s is always the first bar out of their mouth when asked for a great Old Fashioned recommendation.  And unlike some bars, Whisler’s Old Fashioned is consistently good, no matter which bartender serves you. Whisler’s does it right using demerara syrup (which I personally think is their secret sauce!).  It’s served with a huge ice cube and as a balance to the sweet and bitter it’s finished with a housemade cherry. It’s smooth, classic, and everything your Old Fashioned dreams are made of. 

Happy Hour: 2-5pm daily // 1816 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 

The Roosevelt Room

This bar’s owner, Justin Lavenue, landed on the cover of GQ and it’s not just his looks that got him there! The Roosevelt Room’s classically executed Old Fashioned which balances sweet and smokey is a testament to his bartending skills. The flavor is enhanced while sipping it in this swanky cocktail bar on 5th. The only thing missing here is a puff of a cigar.

Happy Hour: All night Monday & Tuesday, 5-7pm Wednesday-Saturday // 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

Swift’s Attic

With one of my most unique takes on an Old Fashioned, Swift’s Attic does an Ice Ball Oldie made with classic Old Fashioned ingredients frozen into a giant ice ball topped with a shot of whiskey. This Old Fashioned starts strong and ends smooth and always requires a second shot to top it off. Its unique style is a huge draw for Old Fashioned fanatics. Find it on happy hour special for $8.

Happy Hour: 2-6:30pm Monday-Friday // 315 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Austin's Best Old Fashioned 6

Drink.Well.

For those hunting an Old Fashioned in Central Austin, Drink.Well is your best bet for one of Austin’s Best Old Fashioneds. This neighborhood bar has a selection of whiskeys for you to choose from and the Old Fashioned is always consistent. Pair it with the burger and you’ve got yourself a man’s meal.

Tip: Check out Drink Well’s Libation Bible School where you can take a deep dive into different spirits like whiskey, bourbon, mezcal, and other traditional favorites!

Happy Hour: 4-6pm Monday-Friday, All day Sunday, 20% off Wine & Whiskey all day Monday // 207 East 53rd Street, Austin, TX 78751

Austin's Best Old Fashioned 4

Little Darlin’

This gem of a dive bar in South Austin has mastered cocktails in a laid-back environment and offers up their Old Fashioned with one of their custom infused whiskeys. It’s great for those seeking an Old Fashioned without any pretense.

Happy Hour: See Facebook page for details // 6507 Circle S Rd Austin, TX 78745

Austin's Best Old Fashioned 3

Juniper

Yup, a rustic Italian restaurant serving up a solid Old Fashioned which lands them on the list for Austin’s Best Old Fashioned.  There’s an art to making a perfect Old Fashioned, finding the balance between smokey, sweet and bitter but Juniper’s bartenders have refined this drink. Grab it during happy hour, sit on the patio and order up a side of Puffy Potatoes to enjoy with it.

Happy Hour: 4-6pm Tuesday-Saturday // 2400 E Cesar Chavez St #304, Austin, TX 78702

Peche

Next up on our guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned is one of Austin’s essential cocktail bars, Peche. As an essential in Austin’s bar scene, Peche knows how to make a strong Old Fashioned. Their take is like a good, reliable ol’ friend.

Happy Hour: All night Sunday & Monday, 4-7pm Tuesday-Friday // 208 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

Austin's Best Old Fashioned 2

Suerte

Suerte offers a modern take on the classic Old Fashioned with their Tres Aves featuring bonded rye, becherovka, lemon, and apple. Enjoy it during Suerte’s nightly happy hour, coined their ‘Lucky Hour’ from 5pm-6pm where cocktails are just $6 !

Happy Hour: 5-6pm Daily // 1800 East 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78702 

Bar Peached Oaxacan Old Fashioned

Bar Peached

While not a classic Old Fashioned, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned from Bar Peached takes a Mexican twist on this classic drink using Mezcal in place of traditional of whiskey or bourbon along with tequila and bitters. It’s smokey, not to sweet, and pairs deliciously with the all Bar Peached has to offer.  And, while it’s not on their social hour menu, it’s definitely worth paying full price.

Social Hour: 5-6:30pm Daily, Patio Only // 1315 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78703

Here Nor There

This downtown speakeasy is serving up one of the best classic Old Fashioneds in Austin.  Each of the bartenders have perfected the cocktail and it’s served up with their signature clear square ice cube. A word of warning though, if you head to Here Nor There, you’re not only paying for cocktail perfection but also the exclusivity and experience of the speakeasy. Be ready to drop a pretty penny.

Location provided upon reservation booked through Here Nor There app.

A Guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned was created in collaboration with the Austin Food Blogger’s Alliance City Guide. Check out the full round-up on the AFBA site  or check out my other guide for a round-up of Austin’s Prix Fixe & Tasting Menus.

ATX Best Bites City Guide 2021

 

Treaty Oak Ranch & Distillery: Daytripping from Austin

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Take an afternoon day trip to Treaty Oak Ranch in Dripping Springs for a hill country experience offering cocktails, food, and relaxing views.

I received a complimentary visit to Treaty Oak but all opinions and photographs are my own.

Last weekend, <3M and I were invited out to Treaty Oak Ranch to experience their new restaurant and cocktail lab while learning about future plans to expand the distillery’s offerings.  Here’s a look at our visit.

Treaty Oak Ranch

We started our trip by grabbing a few cocktails from Alice’s Restaurant then took a trip to the Rickhouse, Treaty Oak’s casual bar offering, where patrons can enjoy cocktails from the distillery’s bourbon and gin offerings. 

For those looking for something lighter, Treaty Oak also has a selection of beer brewed onsite. Our guide for the day, Ezra, mentioned that Treaty Oak actually makes all of their own beer and liquor onsite so all of the alcohol has roots from within the Treaty Oak Ranch.

Welcome Cocktails
Bourbon based cocktails: Kentucky Dreaming & Caught Red Handed featuring Treaty Oak’s winter syrup

Located next door to the Rickhouse is Treaty Oak’s casual BBQ food truck where you can grab a bite then kick back on the picnic tables while listening to one of the local bands playing on the weekends.

  • Treaty Oak food truck
    Treaty Oak BBQ Food Truck
  • Treaty Oak Stage

With drinks in hand, we wandered up to the distillery with Ezra who shared the rich history of Treaty Oak, which began in 2006 and who’s name pays tribute to the historical Treaty Oak in Austin.  We also learned of the distillery’s future plans to incorporate a garden and host farmers’ markets in the Spring. 

In addition to the local farmers’ marker, Treaty Oak plans to host specialty dinners in the garden with prix fixe menus featuring produce grown onsite along with other local producers (something I’m personally excited about!)

Treaty Oak Ranch 2
Views from the distillery

The Distillery

After learning about Treaty Oak’s beginnings, we took a tour of the ‘under construction’ distillery.  Treat Oak recently expanded its distribution of bourbon & gin into nearby states and as a result, needed to amp up their production capabilities to meet demands.  We visited during the transition period but plan to come back when the distillery is back in full swing.

  • Distillery 2
    Treaty Oak distillery under construction for upgrades

The Barrel Room

We also visited the barrel room (by the way, can we please make a candle out of the barrel room scent?) and learned about how Treaty Oak ages their bourbon. I loved learning about Treaty Oak’s view on distilling.  As an organization, they love to experiment and owner, Daniel Barnes, actively encourages team members to run with ideas and innovate.

  • Treaty Oak Barrel Room
  • Mayank & Alyssa

Ezra mentioned that Treaty Oak has a few barrels of bourbon buried in the playground onsite and when they deem it ready, it will premiere as the graveyard bourbon. There’s also plans in work for different genres of musicians to come play to barrels of bourbon in hopes that the different sound waves will impart unique flavors on the bourbon while aging.  The creative culture at Treaty Oak makes it truly special and unique.

The Tasting

By this time, our welcome cocktails were long gone so we transitioned to a tasting of Treaty Oak’s gin & bourbon offerings.

My favorite of the gin was the Waterloo No. 9. Unlike traditional gin offerings, which have a heavy juniper taste (that’s the flavor that often gives gin its pine-sol rep), Treaty Oak’s Waterloo No. 9 has a lavender finish which is just plain lovely and not a bit overly flowery.  I really found new respect for gin with Treaty Oak’s Waterloo.

  • Treaty Oak Gin
    Treaty Oak Gin
  • Treaty Oak Bourbon
    Treaty Oak Bourbon
  • Treaty Oak Tasting
    Treaty Oak Tasting

Of the bourbon offerings, Ghost Hill, Treaty Oak’s flagship bourbon, was both mine and <3M’s favorite. It was smooth and was easily enjoyed straight.  Both the Waterloo No. 9 Gin and Ghost Hill Bourbon are on my and Mayank’s Christmas lists!

The Cocktail Lab

Cocktail Lab
Don’t Want to Be Cool from The Cocktail Lab

As we wound our way back towards Treaty Oak’s entrance, we stopped by the new Cocktail Lab.  The Cocktail Lab has a 90’s hiphop vibe in music, decor, and menu offerings.

The Cocktail Lab offers more refined cocktails compared to other draft offerings on the ranch while utilizing playful and unique cocktail techniques.  Here, the lab’s mixologist shook up the Don’t Want to Be Cool for <3M featuring a chai syrup and the Ghost Hill Bourbon. 

Alice’s Restaurant

  • Beet & Arugula Salad
    Beet & Arugula Salad
  • Roasted Cauliflower Soup
    Roasted Cauliflower Soup
  • Tacos
    Tacos
  • Alice's Restaurant
    Alice’s Restaurant

<3M and I concluded our afternoon at Treaty Oak Ranch with lunch outside on the patio of Alice’s Restaurant, named after Daniel Barnes’ mother whom is a prominent figure on the ranch.

I was pleasantly surprised by the food at Alice’s Restaurant as I was expecting something more casual from a distillery.  However, the food in presentation was refined and the taste and complexity of flavors in the dishes we tasted were delicious.

I loved the beet & arugula salad, served with beets three ways  and perfectly fried goat cheese.  It also paired well along side the elegant simplicity of the roasted cauliflower soup.  <3M was delighted with his tacos, one of the restaurant’s weekend specials.  The food was honestly delicious and <3M and I already have plans to head back again next month to explore the menu more.

Waterloo Gin Cocktail
Good Juju cocktail featuring Waterloo No. 9 at Alice’s Restaurant

Our trip to Treaty Oak Ranch was the highlight of our weekend.  It was relaxing, enjoyable, and everything from the cocktails, to the gin & whiskey, and the food was delicious.  Our guide, Ezra, also made for an extra special visit and we couldn’t be more thankful to him for taking the time to share Treaty Oak with us.

If you’re looking for a quick escape from the hustle of Austin, then head out to Treaty Oak Ranch for good food, good booze, and great company.

Foodie Confession: I don’t like ramen

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Ramen has exploded in popularity and is a true foodie obsession. Except with all the hype, I find ramen to be seriously underwhelming. Read on to find out why.

Ramen Tatsuya 2.1

Austin has become a ramen-obsessed city. We have multiple restaurants solely dedicated to serving ramen and countless others that offer ramen in some sort on their menu. 

There’s Jinya, Yoshi, Daruma, Michi, Kome, Ni-Kome, Peached Tortilla, Look Noodles, Kanji, and obviously Austin’s most notorious ramen, Ramen Tatsu-Ya.  

Alyssa_Ramen_3

Heck, Ramen Tatsu-ya is praised nation-wide as THE  best ramen restaurant in the States (seriously, it is!) and has THREE locations just in Austin, not including the spinoff, Kemuri Tatsu-ya!  And with all this talk about ramen, and with one of the best in our own backyard, I just can’t seem to jump on the ramen bandwagon.

Austin Ramen Michi

Michi // 📸Jimmy Ho @thesmokingho

I know, are you shocked? I mean, I did create  an Austin city guide to ‘The Best Bowls of Ramen‘

But, since I’m confessing, I might as well share that my post about Best Bowls was crowdsourced with ratings provided my hubby & his gang of buddies.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why I dislike ramen so much, and it really all boils down to one reason….

Its savory broth isn’t so great

Authentic ramen is supposed to have a savory broth with a depth of flavor that’s developed by simmering ingredients over an extended period of time.   

Knowing this, I go into a bowl of ramen thinking I’m about to be hit with a flavor-bomb type experience.

And I’m not. 

Austin Ramen Yoshi

Yoshi Ramen

In fact, when I slurp my ramen broth, I hardly taste anything. Maybe the slightest hint of something earthy but nothing that bursts my tastebuds or leaves me wanting to slurp more. The only reason I continue to eat the ramen is because I’m hoping at some point I’ll have that ‘a-ha!’ moment.

In truth, the only time I taste anything when eating ramen is after I add a heavy dose of chili paste to the broth.

Maybe my taste buds are broken?  I don’t know. I just feel as if the broth is a bit….meh.

Austin Ramen Yoshi

Yoshi Ramen

Now, don’t go saying, “Well you just haven’t had the right ramen yet” because I’ve tried enough ramen to feel like MY OPINION is well informed.  I’ve tried Ramen Tatsu-ya plenty of times, Daruma Ramen, Kome, and Yoshi Ramen. And if Ramen Tatsu-ya is THE BEST, then I’m pretty sure my only other option is to fly to Japan and taste the ramen there.  (If you’re willing to foot the bill on that flight, let me know!)

The only exception to my ‘Its savory broth isn’t so great’ statement is Kemuri Tatsu-ya’s dipping ramen — which also contains a big fatty piece of brisket — which is a non-traditional take on ramen so obviously, it doesn’t count.

But I do like the eggs! 

Now that I’ve ranted about my dislike of ramen let me share what I DO like about this dish. I 100% like the Ajitsuke Tamagos (soy marinated eggs) and will happily eat a dozen of them.

When I go for ramen with <3M the only part of the meal I look forward to is consuming my egg then immediately downing his. In fact, give me all the Ajitsuke Tamagos and a crusty piece of toast with a little furikake sprinkled on top and I’d be happy.  

Maybe one of the ramen shops here in Austin will be willing to add an Ajitsuke Tamago Toast to their menu? Let me know and I’ll be the first in line.

Anyone else out there feel the same way about ramen? Please tell me I’m not alone! 

Top Picks for Austin Restaurant Weeks

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With some many Austin Restaurant Weeks choices, here’s the few you should be considering.

If you aren’t familiar with Austin Restaurant Weeks, it’s a 2-week period, running August 16th-September 3rd, where select restaurants offer a specialty priced menu for lunch, dinner and drinks. 

A portion of the price from each meal is directly donated to the Central Texas Food Bank.  Each dollar donated allows CTFB to serve four meals to an Austin neighborhood in need. Now that’s reason to eat right there!

Austin Restaurant Weeks

Since there’s so many options and only 2 weeks to eat, I scoured the menus and picked the very best recommendations to maximize your Austin Restaurant Weeks eating potential.

Check out my picks below and let me know what restaurants make your list!

Lunch Picks ($25)

La Condesa – As a quintessential Austin restaurant that’s often overlooked on the Austin foodie scene, head to La Condesa for lunch and remind yourself why it’s been a longstanding Austin staple! Order the La Reyna, a veggie torta followed by the flourless chocolate cake and add on the Summer Sangria made with a dry rosé to your ‘working’ lunch!

Sway – Start with their fresh vegetable spring roll which comes with a crunchy sweet peanut sauce.  Follow it with the Po-pea Jay and finish with a classic Pad thai with either roasted chicken or egg tofu. Sway knows how to do these classics right.

Cane Rosso – Offering 3 courses at lunch, this $25 priced meal is a real deal. I suggest sticking to to something traditional like the Kale Caesar, Cane Rosso Pizza, and Mini Dirt Cup. Let me know if you need company! 

Other worthwhile menu options include Austin Daily Press, Caroline Restaurant, Thai Fresh, and Forthright Cafe.

Dinner Picks ($45)

Rosewood – This new comer to the Austin restaurant scene has a killer offering. Choose three options from their tapas-style menu plus a dessert. My picks include Grilled Peaches, Sautéed Shrimp, and the Drum Ceviche followed by the seasonal dessert!

Barley Swine – As one of my favorite Austin restaurants, I highly suggest taking advantage of Barley Swine’s 4-course offering. This pairing serves as an intro to the 10-course chef’s tasting menu Barley Swine regularly offers.  It’s a great way to taste your way through the restaurant’s food without a huge splurge.

Parkside – I think Parkside is an overlooked restaurant but it has a fantastic menu offering. I’d choose the local melon & tomato salad, seasonal fish with rock shrimp, and wrap it up with the chocolate almond cake.

Looking for more dinner options? Check out Boiler Nine, Odd Duck, True Foods Kitchen, and The Capital Grille.

Do you plan to take advantage of Austin Restaurant Weeks? What restaurants do you plan to visit?