Small plates at Mettle

A girls night at Mettle

Mettle

Austin, TX

My friend Erica and I enjoyed the small plates at Mettle tremendously. My favorite bite came from the fried cotija cheese dish. It's served with shishito peppers, charred onion and a lime vinaigrette. We both enjoyed it so much we ordered two. It also happened to be on the happy hour menu, which runs from 3 pm - 7 pm Tuesday through Saturday. The unique cheese combined with the peppers creates a fantastic contrast in flavors and somehow it manages to all work together. I'm generally not the biggest steak tartare person, but I did enjoy the flavors on this one. My only concern was the fact that it was served in a mound as you see above versus long strips (which is what I'm used to). The scallop crudo was simple and fresh. I would have preferred crispier brussels sprouts, but the flavor was delicious. The parisienne gnocchi and carrots was also lovely. The only problem with the dish was that it was cold by the time we got to it. So I would try and eat the dish as soon as it comes out (a few came out at the same time). 

Top notch scallops at Vino Vino

Dinner at Vino Vino

Vino Vino

Austin, TX

The best bite in this meal came from the scallops at Vino Vino in Central Austin. It also includes chorizo, cauliflower puree, pine nuts, garlic and kale. First of all, they were perfectly cooked. Secondly, the combination with the chorizo and the puree was absolutely spot on. I even enjoyed the kale with the dish because of the extra texture it added. It all worked together beautifully. The steak my husband ordered was also a great choice. It was simple, but cooked just the way he liked it. The chimichurri gave it that extra little spice it needed. We both fell in love with the cheesecake. The crust was delicious and the flavor of the goat cheese was incredible. We thought about ordering a second! The only disappointment came from the shrimp ceviche. The shrimp had a funny texture and I also prefer it diced when it comes to ceviche. Overall it was a great meal at Vino Vino. The restaurant apparently does paella on Sunday nights, so we are excited to try that out soon.

A "C" for School House Pub

Dinner at School House Pub

School House Pub

Austin, TX

After enjoying some Poutine at School House Pub when it first opened, my husband and I decided to go back for the glutinous fries, gravy and cheese curds. It's a combination loved and promoted by Canadians. School House Pub makes it extra special by adding braised short rib. Although we noticed the fries are now called "Montreal Fries" on the menu instead of Poutine. We also found it didn't quite measure up to our first experience. While it was still delicious, the particular set of fries we enjoyed had too much garlic. It almost overpowered the short rib and cheese. We were also disappointed in the fish and chips. The batter on the fish was delicious, but the cod they used was dried out. We really love this little spot on Manor road and hope to have better luck with our orders next time. We also saw some incredible looking food come out to other patrons... so we'll definitely try the place again.

My favorite brunch order

My favorite brunch order in Austin

Hillside Farmacy

Austin, TX

Every time I order the fried egg sandwich (plus bacon) from Hillside Farmacy in East Austin, I am completely satisfied. Every bite is savory, rich and packed with a delightful texture. The fried green tomato and the sprouts give it that unique taste and the egg and bacon are cooked perfectly. I always try to order something new when I go to Hillside, but as soon as I see someone else with the sandwich I crumble. It's just so perfect. On this latest visit, my husband tried the bangers & eggs. He gobbled it up so quickly I didn't get a chance to try it. But he was very happy with the order. One tip for getting seated quickly is to make it to Hillside before noon. Saturdays are also often not as crowded as Sundays.

It's all about the mimosas...

Brunch at El Alma

El Alma 

Austin, TX

Brunch at El Alma is all about the mimosas! They are simple, refreshing and delightful. They aren't too sweet or sour, they are just right. It's very easy to get carried away and order a second or even third. The perfect complement to the mimosa is the deluxe queso. It's served with fresh tortillas.  It's thick, tasty, and satisfying. A big must at this restaurant is sitting on the rooftop patio. It looks over Auditorium Shores and Lady Bird Lake. 

Brunch at our Local

Brunch at Contigo

Contigo

This is one of many delicious brunches my husband and I have enjoyed at Contigo in East Austin. The best bite came from the fried chicken and grits. It's a new item on the brunch menu and I hope it stays! It's served with an apple fritter, which gives it this sweet taste that balances out the savory bites from the chicken and grits. It is truly delicious. We also enjoyed two other fixtures on the brunch menu: the bacon and egg salad and the hush puppies. The salad is packed with flavor. A poached egg is served on top and once you mix all the ingredients it sings. It's the perfect dish if you want to indulge at brunch, but aren't very hungry. The hush puppies are also a nice addition to your overall meal.