The Salty Sow

Every year I look forward to Austin’s annual Restaurant Week, a culinary showcase comprised by a hand full of some of the city’s top eateries. For an eager foodie such as myself, this week is an indulgent adventure where I treat myself, AND it’s for a good cause! Meals on Wheels and More was the charity beneficiary this year and received $2.00 for every meal bought during Austin Restaurant Week.

Once the restaurant choices are announced, I immediately check out each pre-fixed menu, salivating as I read each tantalizing description. How does one choose? In a dream world, I would hop from one to another, eating my way through Austin and pretending that calories don’t exist… However, I had to make a decision. After much deliberation, I decided on the Salty Sow, which serves a modern farmhouse cuisine inspired by organic and local ingredients.

Farm salad with 110 minute egg, bacon lardons, point reyes blue cheese, JBG organic carrots, watermelon radish, avocado and white balsamic vinaigrette.

The main event- petite bone-in filet, pork belly, roasted bone marrow & a fried egg, slow cooked cabbage, and whole grain mustard. This was my first time trying bone marrow, and as tentative as I was to consume this gelatinous mixture, I am now addicted.

Mussels à la Bob

I grew up a very spoiled eater. Thanks to my dad, I have been lucky enough to be cooked meals like the one here almost every night. One of my favorite foods since I was a little girl, mussels are one of those things that I feel like I have to get whenever I see it on a restaurant menu, although I always compare it to my dad’s classic and simple recipe. The thing about mussels is that you don’t want to overpower the natural taste. I love how my dad uses ingredients that simply just enhance the flavors- not mask them. Good mussels are meaty, rich, and fresh, and a light sauce is the perfect compliment. According to Chef Bob, natural juices from the tomatoes, mussels, and garlic are all you need to dress some linguine pasta. Toss with some pepper, a pinch of salt, and chopped basil from the garden, this dish will leave you feeling more than satisfied.

Here is my dad’s recipe for those of you who want to know how to make this fabulous (and pretty easy!) meal.

1 lb dried pasta–spaghetti or linguine; 28 oz can of diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup diced onions; 2 cloves diced garlic; 1 cup of dry white wine; 2 to 3 lbs of fresh mussels; fresh basil. Saute onions in 2 or 3 TBSP of olive oil until softened, add garlic until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes and simmer over low heat until you see a sheen on the surface (this means the water has cooked out of the tomatoes)–about 20 minutes. Separately, bring at least four quarts of water to boil, adding 2 TBSP of salt to the water. Note: an 8-quart stockpot is best for cooking pasta, and 5 quarts of water is optimal. Pasta will take about 8 to 12 minutes to cook depending on size, so time accordingly. When tomato sauce is ready, add 1 cup of white wine and mussels.Cover over high heat, steam cooking the mussels for 4 to 6 minutes (or until the mussels have opened). Discard any mussels that did not open. Drain pasta, return to the pot and immediately sauce to prevent pasta from sticking together. If pasta must wait, add 2 to 3 TBSP of olive oil to cooked pasta. Serve immediately, adding salt and ground pepper to taste. Garnish with a chiffonade of fresh basil. A hearty country style white bread grilled or toasted is a good side. Sauvingon Blanc and Pinot Grigio work well with this meal.

Fabulous Flatbreads

Appetizers are some of my favorite foods to make, and sometimes they are my favorite part. Including a starter dish adds creativity to any meal and allows you to expand your taste palate. Think of a good appetizer as the warm-up course. You want to set the bar for your meal and give your diners a hint of what’s to come.

As a student, I don’t always have the time and means to prepare elaborate five-course meals, so I’ve found ways to utilize certain ingredients in a quick manner. Flatbreads are a fantastic crowd-pleaser and so easy to make. There are endless variations to flatbreads and it all depends on which ingredients you want to include. You can even change the entire flavor by just switching which cheese you use! For the flatbread below, I used Stonefire Naan, mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, and topped it off with a fried egg. I am a strong believer that almost anything is better with a fried egg. Place it in the oven for 7-10 minutes and out comes a gooey, hot, savory snack. 

Now for a sweet version (and my personal favorite). This heavenly flatbread is made with brie, organic fig spread, sliced pears, and walnuts. Almost like a dessert, this version is a decadent balance between salty and sweet. The fig spread adds the perfect touch of fruit and is so harmonious with brie. This appetizer literally melts in your mouth. 

‘Tis the Season for Crawfish

Every Easter weekend our family friends have a big and festive crawfish boil. Having grown up in Texas, there is nothing I love more than digging my hands in a huge pile of these hot, messy, and spicy crustaceans. Even though crawfish isn’t the most filling food, the social aspect is what makes it so special. I have been going to crawfish boils since I was little and have mastered the skill of peeling crawfish. While some may think it’s an unusual or difficult way to eat, it’s really quite easy.

Crawfish Peeling 101:

1. Break off the tail

2. Peel the skin back

3. Eat the meat

4. (And if you are brave…) Suck the head for all the extra “juices”

Boiled potatoes, corn, onions, garlic, and sausage help make these overflowing pots a real party. I love taking a break from the spicy crawfish and enjoying a creamy, boiled potato or juicy corn on the cob to give my taste buds a chance to cool down. A cold bottle of Blue Moon doesn’t hurt either…

For anyone who hasn’t had the wonderful experience of a crawfish boil, you are missing out. With spring time in full bloom, these fun and joyful gatherings are the perfect way to celebrate gorgeous weather, good friends, and are the ultimate kick-off to summer.

Fresh, Fast, and Flavorful: My Signature Breakfast Tacos

Breakfast tacos are a classic staple here in Texas. While most restaurants stuff their tacos with ingredients such as cheese, potatoes, thick-cut bacon, and buttered tortillas, I have come up with a recipe that is more forgiving and won’t leave you feeling in a slump. The inspiration for my signature tacos was avocado- one of my favorite foods and something that I find a way to include in most of my dishes. These light and fresh breakfast tacos include scrambled eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado. Dash with some salt and pepper and… voilà! Add a side of black beans and turkey bacon for some extra protein. Delicious, healthy, and in less than ten minutes, you can make the perfect meal to start your day.

G’Raj Mahal

The G’Raj Mahal is my favorite Indian restaurant here in Austin. It’s actually one of my favorite restaurants in general. Located on the hip and funky Rainey Street, its colorful tents and giant illuminated bike sculpture are hard to miss. The G’Raj Mahal whips up all of its delicious dishes from a food truck and includes a huge outdoor seating area dotted with twinkling lights and authentic Indian décor. One of the best things about this charming and casual hideaway is that it is BYOB- a rare find here in Austin. Open late and always busy, the G’Raj Mahal never fails to satisfy my frequent Indian cravings.

Garlic Naan, Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Malabar, and Rice

Close-Up of the Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala

Lamb Samosas and Raita (Yogurt Sauce)

Cold India Pale Ale to wash it all down…

Affordable. Fun. Savory. Sushi.

Sushi can have a reputation of being over-priced, small portion “finger food.” Oh how wrong some people are. Sushi is probably my favorite cuisine, and I crave it whether its from a plastic to-go box at the super market or at a five-star restaurant. However, I have become loyal to two gems in downtown Austin- Maiko and Bar Chi. These restaurants have some of the best happy hours I have seen in Austin, and what a great way to indulge in all the raw fish you want without breaking the bank? From half-off sushi rolls to $1.75 saki bombs, who can resist?

Last night, my boyfriend and I went to Maiko who has ALL NIGHT happy hour (I repeat- all night happy hour) from Sunday- Thursday. Four rolls, three appetizers, two glasses of wine, and 4 saki bombs later, we were patting our stomachs with contentment- all for under $60. So guys, keep this restaurant in mind when you want to impress the ladies and order a ton a food without making your wallet want to cry. My favorite selections from last night were the bacon and scallop skewers, the tempura calamari with sweet dipping sauce, and the classic spider roll.

Bar Chi is a great place to go before hitting the town. They are known for their “reverse happy hour” which starts at 10 pm and lasts until 2 am on weekends. So if you are looking for some saki bombs and light grub before tearing up 6th street, then this is the place to go. My favorite thing to order are the raw oysters. Drizzled half and half with ponzu and a sweet chili sauce, these slippery treats are sure to have your taste buds dancing with pleasure.

San Miguel de Allende- a Food Lover’s Dream Vacation

My family has a vacation home in San Miguel de Allende, located just a few hours north of Mexico City in the gorgeous mountain region of Guanajuato. This picturesque colonial town is one of my favorite places in the world. With its original cobblestone streets, festive town square, and historical cathedral, San Miguel has an old world charm that shines through in its nearly year-round perfect weather. Last summer during our stay we shopped, hiked, took yoga, and of course- we ate.

Everyday at the market there was fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, and cheeses sold by local farmers. I couldn’t resist capturing the vibrant colors of this festive fruit stand. Can’t you just taste the fresh and juicy flavors from looking at this picture?

Who knew you could get Mediterranean fare in the central mountains of Mexico? These rosemary-coated olives and vegetable and prosciutto salad were the perfect choice for a light lunch.

These tacos were my favorite in San Miguel. Located directly across the cobblestone street from our house, “La Sirena Gorda” (or “The Fat Mermaid” for you Americanos), holds about 15 small tables and a simple menu featuring some of the best tacos and tostadas I’ve ever had. From shrimp and bacon tacos to scallop tostadas, expect fresh avocado and lime on everything. Oh and one thing- order the steamed artichoke. I still dream about this beauty almost a year later. This cantina is frequented by locals and often times tourists from Mexico City, so if you want a table it is best to stake out your spot no later than 8 pm.

I had to save the best for last. This piece of heaven is from The Restaurant, one of San Miguel’s finest dining establishments just minutes from El Centro, the main square of town. We ate at The Restaurant several times, but this picture was taken during their “gourmet burger night.” Although all of the delicious meaty sandwiches were tempting, my choice was obvious- “The In-N-Out” burger. This was their spin on the popular California fast-food chain classic and it literally blew my mind. Never has a burger melted so wonderfully in my mouth, with each bite getting better and better. Not to mention the side of sweet potatoes and homemade pickle weren’t too bad either. I think I would fly all the way to San Miguel just for the night if I could have this burger again.

Burger Heaven

“Three Napkin Burger”- House ground burger, sweet onion jam, red cabbage slaw, tomato, and aged cheddar cheese.

Have you ever seen a hamburger as beautiful as this? While this picture is drool-worthy, I can tell you firsthand that it is even more outrageously tempting in real life. This exquisite dish is appropriately called the “Three-Napkin Burger.” Expect your hands and face to be dripping with sauce and juices once you bite into this colossal sandwich. Created by chefs Stewart Scruggs and Mark Paul at BC Tavern in Austin, the “Three Napkin Burger” is one of the most heavenly meals I have ever had. Scruggs and Paul are also co-owners of the popular restaurant Wink in downtown Austin- another one of my favorites.

My family and I have made it a tradition to go to BC Tavern on Tuesdays for their 2-for-1 Burger Night. While I’m not usually a creature of habit when it comes to food, I can’t help but order this mouthwatering meal every time. When we went to get our burger fix last Tuesday, my parents and I selected three different kinds of gourmet burgers: the “Three Napkin,” “The Indulgence,” and “Kind of Bleu.” Add a side of their crispy, savory fries sparkled with garlic and fresh herbs with any of these choices and you really will have yourself a little piece heaven.

French fries- perfection.

“The Indulgence”- House ground burger, fried egg, bacon, jalapeño aioli, and aged cheddar cheese. Quite a fitting name if you ask me…

“Kind of Bleu”- House ground burger, arugula, sautéed mushrooms, and bleu cheese.

BC Mac”n” Cheese with white cheddar, gruyere, and bacon for the appetizer.

Parkside

I went to Parkside to take advantage of Austin Restaurant Week’s special menus and pricing. I had been hearing rave reviews about this gem buried deep in “dirty 6th” and I have to say, I was not disappointed.

As our hostess led us up the stairs to the rooftop patio, I felt like we had been immediately transported to someone’s chic, uptown townhouse in NYC (although we were only 40 ft above the notorious strip of rowdy bars swarming with college students and tourists). The weather was perfect for an outdoor dining experience, and the intimate setting was cozy and comfortable.

We all decided to go with the pre-fixed menu offered in their promotion of Restaurant Week. In this deal, you can decide between three different appetizers, entrees, and desserts. I chose the grilled eggplant salad to start, the rigatoni with rock shrimp as my main course, and finished it all off with the decadent spiced doughnuts and white chocolate lime ice cream. We also ordered a platter of oysters to share, since they are half-off on Wednesdays. Well, let’s be honest- when have I ever turned down oysters, deal or no deal?

The oyster platter consisted of three different types of oysters from Virginia, Rhode Island, and Canada. My favorite were the Rhode Islands, they had the perfect salty to creamy ratio and once you top them with a fresh squeeze of lemon… wow.

Grilled eggplant salad with smoked cheese, mint, fresno chili, and white wine.

House-made mezzi rigatoni, rock shrimp, uni, basil, and breadcrumbs. Mouth-watering to say the least.

Camaraderie Malbec

Dessert was unforgettable as well. We all ordered different desserts- the spiced doughnuts that I mentioned earlier, the “smores”, and goat cheese mousse. They were all so unique and light, I honestly didn’t even feel guilty eating any of them. I think that Parkside really takes dessert to a new creative level. Although our appetizers and entrees were delicious and each definitely had a individual touch to each dish, the desserts were really just pieces of artwork. Who would have thought that basil ice cream would pair with mousse made from goat cheese? Or that toasted meringue and chocolate custard could re-create the childhood classic we know as smores? Overall, the last course definitely made a lasting impression and we left Parkside feeling not just perfectly content but a bit spoiled….

Spiced doughnuts with poached pineapple, rum caramel, coconut cream cheese, pistachio shortbread, and white chocolate lime ice cream.

“Smores” with dark chocolate custard, toasted meringue, caramel, and honey cinnamon ice cream.

Frozen goat cheese mousse, strawberry, kalamansi curd, and basil ice cream.