I am going to be honest here….I DO NOT like nor do I trust Asian cuisine, I just don’t.  I can’t be diggin’ on a place that hangs naked ducks in the windows (Enticement?  I don’t think so.) or on a cuisine that insists on showering everything on the menu in fish sauce!

I’ve had my eye on Pho Dan since moving to our new neighborhood about 6 months ago.  Occassionally perusing the Yelp reviews, keeping my ears open for any mention of the name, and most importantly keeping my eyes peeled when I drive by (because sometimes you can judge a book by it’s cover!).

Flanked by a wall of windows and a bright, cheery modern, hotel-esque interior, Pho Dan looks clean, it smells clean, and most importantly, the food on the tables is all recognizable (for the most part).  In my book, that’s a good start for an Asian establishment, and trust me, I’ve walked out at this point. 

We ended up ordering our food to go, which proved ok because it was delicious by the time we got it home.  I had the tofu spring rolls (2.5) which were fresh and crisp and came with a homemade peanut and a homemade red pepper sauce.  The rice paper was delicate and firm and fresh and all of the interior ingredients were equally satisfying.  Amigo had the veggie egg rolls (2.7) which were fried to a perfect, crispy light brown and served with a light, homemade carrot/sweet and sour sauce.  For dinner we each had the vegan, tofu noodle soup (small – 5.2, large – 6.2).  The noodles were perfectly steamed, not clumpy, and the vegetable broth was clear, fresh, and smelled fresh rather than canned.  The tofu was seared golden brown and came with a side of mixed white onion and cilantro, bean sprouts, and thai basil.  One serving is enough for three meals for me, and probably two for the average male. 

Other positives;

Delicious Jasmine Iced Tea

Clean & Well Equipped Restrooms

Easy parking

I have been waiting to review Ross’s and it’s not an ideal time now because I am starving…but, I will go ahead and get it done!

I had gone to Ross’s once back in early 2001 or so, and since moving to a more centrally located spot in town, I simply (and oh so sadly) totally forgot about this gem!  From the moment you pull into the parking lot, it’s assured that this is going to be a pleasant experince.  There is a large stage outside (dog friendly) circled with worn picnic tables and a covered front porch for when the weather doesn’t exactly comply.

Walking in it’s evident that this is a family run joint…clean, friendly staff, and the smell of homecooked goodness spilling through the door.  The salad bar is fresh and clean, the pie cooler the same.  PIE COOLER!  Delicious burgers, amazing grilled cheese sammies, amigo really enjoyed his steak, the BEST baked potatoes and positively the coldest beers (and mugs) in town! 

Dear Ross, I am so sorry that it took me so long to return.  I promise to never leave you again… 

And for all of you Austinites that need a reference point – Ross’s is a billion times better than Threadgill’s.  Yep, a billions!

Nom Nom Nom!

My #1 amigo and I decided to treat ourselves to dinner this past weekend.  One of our favorite past times, besides the actual action of stuffing our faces, is to try new restaurants!  Considering that we moved merely a month ago, we have been encountering mucho food in suburbialand….

Friday, we decided to try Zed’s.  The outside is beautiful and surrounded by water – reminding me of a Wright building, and it’s a peaceful place to walk into.  The interior is a nice combination of Houston’s and The Macaroni Grill.  There is a fabulous (full) bar excluded from the restaurant with giant televisions for the sports fans.  There is a heated patio and small (lap) dogs are welcome! 

We started out with the Baby Bellas (8.5), baby portabella mushrooms stuffed with herbs and goat cheese served over baby spinach with a warm tomato vinaigrette.  In my opinion, there was too much spinach.  I would have been much happier with a light bed of arugula!  Other than that one complaint, the mushrooms were properly cleaned and grit-free and the goat cheese was perfectly tangy and creamy.  For dinner I had the vegetarian pasta (12), a gemelli pasta with diced winter vegetables in a light lemon butter sauce.  IT WAS DELICIOUS!  Amigo had the Big Pig Pork Sandwich (14) - smoked and pulled pork drenched in Shiner bbq sauce, topped with a vinegar slaw, and served on a hoagie bun with a choice of two sides.  My pal ordered french fries (perfect) and……..I forget what else.  The portions were large enough to create two meals from the one I ordered – munchies!

There is a lunch and dinner menu, and soon they will add a brunch menu.  They just hired a pastry chef, so watch for them to revamp their current seriously lackluster dessert menu.  They have live music on the weekends and may eventually expand the stage hours. 

It’s a privately owned restaurant with the well-oiled staff of a large corporation – GOOD JOB, Zed’s!!

…..now, if I could only do soemthing about the name…..

Let’s begin with a trip to tacoland.  Pablito’s Bakery @ Bluff Bend and Braker is par none.  Everything I have had there is divine.  (They could use some help with their coffee-making skills, but….)  Gorditas, quesadillas, tacos, tortas, everything!  Very fresh and flavorful and most importantly, affordable.  Pablito’s is better than La Mexicana (my former fave Mexican bakery) and the service is delightful.  A friend of mine from S. Austin ordered tamales over the holidays and the owner drove them to her…it had to have taken him at least an hour!  Now that is good service!  Amigo and I got our wedding cake there as well.  A traditional Tres Leches and it was simply perfect.  No Joke!  Be forewarned, though – the aqua fresca is too sweet! 

There are a few small tables outside on the front porch, so bring your pooch!

We had a crew of seven and rolled in at 10:20 pm to a not-so-welcoming HOUR wait.  Justine’s will however, accept reservations, but only for parties over six, and at the time, we were unaware that we would have enough asses to fill that many seats.

I started my meal off with a cold garlic soup…light, creamy, velvetty smooth and FULL of garlicy punch. It was one of the best soups I have ever had – next to the vichyssoise at Olivia.

For the entree I had the steak frites…yes, that’s correct, steak and fries. If you have ever been to Paris, you know that meat and fries are not only a staple, but also a tradition – and that the French do a far superior job with the potato than the American’s. (so basically, if you EVER call it a freedom fry, that simply renders you an ill-cultured, static and stale American…gross) True to form, the steak was tasty tasty and cooked to perfection, the fries were all French – perfectly crisp on the outside, steaming hot and soft on the inside, and salted by Aphrodite herself. Amigo passed on the appetizer and decided to head straight into his main course – The Fillet de Poisson, a light and fresh filet of snapper served in a buerre blanc alongside haricots verts. His fish was tender and moist and anything served in a good buerre blanc is simply to-die -or. Justine’s hit the nail on the head with this dinner.

The food was so delicious, I refuse to complain about the hour wait and the endless hipsters who over crowded this, my new favorite, east-side haunt. 

Go early, have a Hendrick’s (it’s hard to find in this town) martini, play some Bocce Ball in the courtyard, and prepare yourself for one of the most divine meals to be had in our fine city.  I think it’s better than Aquarelle – and I knew thought I’d ever say that!

Papa Bear, start saving that scratch – you’re takin mama to Justine’s for her birthday…

Justine’s – open 6pm – 2am (dinner served until 1:30am)

Closed on Tuesdays

Reservations accepted for parties larger than six

I was fortunate enough to have a working lunch today with a wonderful woman - at Olivia.  Named, by Bon Appetit Magazine, as one of the Top Ten New Restaurants in America for 2009.

Upon walking in, I was delightfully greeted by a garden at the back of the building.  You know what that means…FRESH! (or at least it’s a good cover-up)  I met a friend who was already there and there was a carafe of cold water on the table ready for my semi-hungover ass to indulge in.  Perfect. 

 

Upon seating, the waiter brought over a small dish of divinely marinated olives.  Red olives too!  My lunch guest had the Seared Tuna and Beautiful Salad ($15) and it looked scrumptious.  Tuna was cooked rare and absolutely perfect.  Had I not been busy stuffing my dang pie hole, I would have tried it.  I had the (not on the menu) Heart of Romaine wedge salad ($7)…complete with heavenly tasso…and the Potato and Leek Vichyssoise ($8).  It was velvetty and creamy and drizzled with a perfect tad of Texas Olive Oil.  Who knew!

The service was pristine, the food outstanding, and the atmosphere rounded out a near perfect lunch escape! 

I hear they have a Brunch menu to rave about.  So, if you’re in the area, GO!

Thank you, Olivia, for such a wonderful experience,

GBJ

Howdy ya’ll! I realize that it has been a while since I promised that review on the Franklin BBQ trailer, so here goes. I have actually been twice now. And mind you, I am not the world’s biggest BBQ fan!

First of all, go only when you have plenty of time to stand in line.  For instance, an hour.  No shit.  Also, go early!  They usually clean house by 1:30.  The first time I went they ran out of everything except brisket…which was good for amigo.  They also ran out of sausage becase the fat fuck in front of us took the last six links.  Amigo told the guy at the window that it was obvious the fat-ass didn’t need anymore sausage.  Sadly, the employee had no response other than a quick glance at the floor.  (True story)  Also, they no longer carry the tempeh frito pie, which is what i went there to try!  BOO!  However, the guys at the counter said that I could request it’s reprise on Yelp because the owner follows religiously.  So, for all you veggies out there, go on and make that request!

You can oder by the pound, plate, or ala cart for all the meat items.  Note, the ribs are the first to go, always.  Both times I visited, they were out.  All the plates are under or $10.  Sides include (very spicy) beans, vinegar-based cole slaw, mayo potato salad, pickled jalepenos ($.35), white bread (racist), pickles and of course, sliced onion.  The sides are purchased by the pint, unless you get a plate, and the latter items are complimentary.  The drinks are semi over-priced, $2 for a Sweet Leaf, and $1 for soda and small bottled water. 

Here’s the kicker…ESPRESSO BBQ SAUCE!!!!!!  It’s homemade and very very tasty!  They also serve the usual sweet, hot, and pork sauces as well. 

If you’re ever in the area and have a couple of extra hours on hand and hungry belly, it’s definitely worth the wait.  Seating is family style around picnic tables, so you are sure to meet some interesting folk.  My favorite part?  Both times I was there it was about 11am and people were already drinking!  It’s BYOB, kids.  Come prepared! 

Happy Hump Day,

GBJ

HOT DAMN! I FUCKING LOVE IT!

OMG, come to mama! The plain white t is a man’s secret weapon!