Taste @ Austin

So, over the last TWO weeks, I've taken a trip up to Austin and have been able to sample some of their tasty fare. I was pretty excited because I was able to try some new places this time instead of going to the old stand-bys like kolaches at the gas station, Kerbey Lane pancakes, or Chuy's.



One of the first places we tried out was Opal Divine's on South Congress. This was a great place congregate for pints, bar food, and football. (So maybe not any Texas football teams, but nonetheless, game-watching can be had there.) The best thing about the place is the location. It is in Penn Field, and it's an interesting re-use of space. It was formerly a pilot school, but is now used for office buildings, a bar, and coffee place.




IM Thai was so delicious! There is something comforting about eating a curry on a cold day. I think it's the warmth of the veggies and tofu along with the heat from the curry. After walking around Pedernales Falls State Park, this was a nice way to end the evening with good food and good company. I tried the masman curry which had a very sweet kick to it. The crab rangoons and the spring rolls were tasty. Both came in presentations that were different from the norm which were refreshing. Since it is a BYOB establishment, a member of our party went to World Market and picked out a lovely red wine to pair with our meal.







So on my second visit back to Austin, I was in the downtown area for a conference and I was hungry for a dinner meal. What is a bit annoying about downtown on a Sunday night is that is can be kinda dead. So, I yelped locations that were within walking distance from the Omni and found Thai Passion. The decor is really nice and fresh, and their food is delish. I tried their spring rolls, sipped their hibiscus mint tea, and had their green curry with chicken. It was so good that I ended up taking a big group of other people back over the next day! I tried out their shrimp eggrolls and had the shrimp Tom Kha. I love coconut milk and curry. So, sweet and spicy... I can't get enough of it. I was so inspired, I've bought the ingredients for Pad Thai and look forward to making it for me and the beau in a few days.



Upon a recommendation from a colleague, I decided to try out Counter Cafe. It has the welcoming smell of meat. I tried the Counter Burger which was made on a grill right behind the counter by two cooks. I like the fast pace behind the counter - almost like watching a bartender make your cocktail. I thought the medium well burger was quite good. It did lack any spicyness that I usually like in a burger though, but their sweet potato fries were awesome!




The taco truck phenomenom is alive and well in Austin. At 6th and Nueces, I went to One Taco for a delicious and welcoming barbacoa taco with cilantro, onions, and green salsa. It was convenient, warm, and oh so good.

That pretty much rounds up all my fave stops in the area. When you're in town, don't be afraid to try new things in the ATX.