Emily and I went to Austin for a few days and fully loaded up on Tex-Mex and Margaritas.
If you haven't been, I highly recommend a trip to the lone star state's capital. Between the **truly** friendly nature of folks, the amazing food, and non-stop music, Austin is a phenomenal place to visit.
A few places you should check out if you go:
Gueros is pretty freakin cool. this south Congress Ave joint is packed with a very eclectic mix of folks and the energy is palpable. Margaritas are served in a tumbler with limes, tequila, and salt...that's it!
Shady Grove is a great spot for a lazy weekend brunch. In Austin, brunch includes many tex-mex options such as Migas and Huevos Rancheros. I went around 1:30 in the afternoon and 90% of the Shady Grove diners seemed to be just waking up...Good times. If you don't feel like brunch, try the brisket burrito
If you're out for a special meal, it would be hard to go wrong at Eddie V's We went with a large group and enjoyed top shelf service, dry-aged Prime steaks, and a fantastic wine list. No, its not unique to Austin...but if you need your steakhouse fix this is the place.
I really enjoy Austin's laid-back, chilled out, friendly southwest vibe and can't wait return!
About a week after returning from the southern swing I had a chance to take my Mom to the Herbfarm It was my second visit and her first. If you love food, wine, and celebrations then I suggest a trip to the Herb Farm is mandatory.
Dining at the Herbfarm is kind of the antithesis to eating Tex Mex in Austin...
- Reservations: in Austin most restaurants seemed to prefer "walk in and wait". At the Herbfarm they ask you to call months in advance and put a deposit on your meal
- Libations: Austin offers great margs and bottled beer...Herbfarm offers rose geranium infused cocktails and a 23,000 bottle wine cellar
- Crowd: Austin draws UT coeds, funky musicians, and tech workers...Herbfarm draws food critics, surgeons, and tech workers
- Food: Austin offers chipotle-laced dishes served with beans, rice, and tortillas...Herbfarm offers nine courses of preparations you've never heard of much less tried
- Cost: Well, lets put it this way I could go to Austin for the weekend (airfare included) for the equivalent of dinner for two at the Herbfarm
So which one did I enjoy more? Both !
Its really kind of silly to even compare the experiences, but if you know me or have read my blog you know I am big on value. The one thing eating Tex Mex in Austin and going to the Herb Farm have in common is value. For twelve bucks you can spend an afternoon chatting with Austin locals and enjoying some amazing grub and a pint of beer. Or you can splurge on a very memorable experience at the Herbfarm where each member of the staff is the best at their role, each ingredient has been chosen on it's own merits, and each bite is better than the last. To some the latter may not seem like a great value, but if you really love food I think you'll get your money's worth.
Right now the Herb Farm is offering their "Chambers of the Sea" menu featuring an amazing array of Northwest seafood and wine, check it out.
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