It's that time of year again! The 2017 EBC Midwinter Meeting will be here before we know it, and I've been reaching out to my friends and colleagues to find the best restaurants in Austin, Texas, as this will be my first visit to the area. Big thanks to Doug Selwyn and Ashley Selwyn Folkert for making so many excellent suggestions! Without further ado:
- Franklin Barbeque. Those who know me well know that I am a member of "Team March of the Pigs," a BBQ charity team that participates in "Hogs for the Cause" in New Orleans, supporting pediatric cancer care. Therefore, a trip to Franklin Barbeque is required research. Franklin Barbeque is famous across the nation, and the line usually stretches for blocks to get a taste of the slow smoked meat. People arrive as early as 5:00 a.m. to get a place in line. Lucky for me, Wesley will be able to hold my place! When in Texas brisket is king and Franklin does it better than anyone, their sausage and ribs are also fan favorites as well.
- Launderette. A James Beard nominee located in a previous washateria. Modern Mediterranean cuisine created by Chef Rene Ortiz and Pastry Chef Laura Sawicki (who was named to Food & Wine "Best New Pastry Chefs" in 2012) combined forces. Circuitous stints in kitchens serving an eclectic mix of Mexican and Thai food that have imprints all over this menu. The menu offers a combination of both tapas style dining and large plates. I am a fan of tapas style dining, especially in large groups, so that everyone can sample as many dishes as possible. Birthday cake ice cream sandwich?! I'm just going to leave that right there.
- La Traviata. A downtown staple in Austin serving an eclectic but phenomenal Italian menu. The Spaghetti alla Carbonara is extremely well received, this traditional Roman dish is with pancetta, onion, cream, & lemon topped with a farm fresh egg yolk. They also have a rotational menu of house made ravioli and fresh seafood pastas that highlight the menu as well.
Other Restaurant and Food Trucks of Note
- Mexican:
- Torchy's Tacos--try the Hatch green chile queso
- Licha's--authentic
- El Naranjo--authentic
- La Condesa--Tex Mex
- Asian:
- Uchi/Uchiko--Japanese/Sushi
- Sway--Thai
- Elizabeth Street Cafe--Vietnamese with French bakery
- Barbeque:
- La Barbeque
- Lambert's
- Tapas:
- No Va--tapas style American restaurant with secret bar menu
- Steakhouses/Seafood:
- Bob's Steakhouse--a local Texas chain. The rooftop al freso dining is not to be missed.
- Perla's--seafood with a great patio (covered and heated in the winter)
- Lonesome Dove Western Bistro--Chef Tim Love just recently opened a location in Knoxville as well. If you like wild game (buffalo, venison, pheasant, quail, rabbit) or just a remarkable steak, this is the place for you. The Knoxville location is off the charts! I've had the elk foie gras sliders on homemade Hawaiian buns, which are full of flavor and melt in your mouth. They also offer Wagyu beef, which is always a plus! Chef Love has quite a bit of fame, appearing on Top Chef, Restaurant Startup and in many national publications.
- American:
- Irene's--comfort food and great cocktails
- Swift's Attic--funky American fusion
- Odd Duck
- Lenior
- Trace
- Italian:
- Italic--great wine menu; must have reservations
- Juliet--must have reservations
- Yuchi
- French Laundry
- Barley Swine
It's not hard to see that Austin is an amazing culinary destination, and I hope the multitude of suggestions I received from friends and colleagues will help put you on a palatable path during the Midwinter Meeting. Remember, I will be seeking testimonials of your dining experiences to share in my next article, including photographs of the fine cuisine and cocktails and wine you enjoy while in Austin! Please feel free to share your adventures with me during the conference or via e-mail at [email protected]. I look forward to including input from many of you in my recap!