Breakfast In Austin

Whimsical Sweetness at Chez Zee

2011-11-20T09:07:00.031-06:00

For many, Chez Zee seems to be an Austin habit. A monument in Central Austin, if you will. It's hard to believe, but in my 10 years of Austin living this was Breakfast In Austin's first time to experience Chez Zee - an old world bakery, infused with American cuisine. I've heard good things from many! Originally called Chez Fred, Sharon Watkins purchased the old dive in 1988, re-opening in 1989 under her new whimsical brand called Chez Zee. The concept? A place for all to enjoy baked goods & varied foods, the arts and an occasional board game on the outdoor patio.

A new approach for Breakfast In Austin, I asked my 12 year old to do the selecting. I gave her a choice of 3 venues and asked her to eyeball the menu's. I had a hunch she'd pick Chez Zee if only for the pancake, waffle & french toast selection. She's a sucker every time for the sweet breads!

Upon our noon arrival, the 12 year old & I were met by a most friendly female hostess who graciously sat us immediately. No lingering at Chez Zee! The first thing I noticed about Chez Zee was it's understated charm. Crooked chairs hanging on the walls, cushy couches and lights strewn throughout. Think cute & cozy but slightly dated.

Once seated we were then met by our server, Thomas. Thomas' introduction? "I'm Thomas, at the bomb dot com!" Catchy catch-phrase, Thomas! Asking if it was our first time visiting Chez Zee, Thomas provided a complimentary triangle of their #1 selling menu item - Creme Brulee French Toast with Meyer's Rum Sauce. Nice touch, Thomas at the bomb dot com who described the dish as a deconstructed Challah bread, soaked in a Creme Brulee custard and then slow baked for 4 hours and cut. This little piece of sweet & decadent magic was served warm with rum sauce and whipped cream. We held onto our forks for dear life and nearly licked the plate. Really a perfect way to start our meal! (Note: Chez Zee happily sells loaves & kits of their #1)

Drink orders? Continuing with the sweet theme, the 12 year old ordered a tall Hot Chocolate with a hugely significant pile of whip cream. The verdict? Delicious. Who doesn't like an ultra sweet hot cocoa? I went on to order an alcoholic beverage, the Chez Zee Bloody Mary for $5.95. A definite kick due to the tabasco splash and a jalapeno garnish but ultimately a bit watered down.

Brunch orders? Two 8-inch Buttermilk Pancakes for $5.95 topped with a strategically placed strawberry and served with warm syrup and butter whipped. The 12 year old had also ordered a side of fruit but that didn't make it to our table. I should say that this 12 year old is a pancake expert and orders them up all the time! Her verdict? Amazing, the best ever, sweet, fluffy and she'll happily return again and again...

Ever addicted to the Classic Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon, Breakfast In Austin forced another choice. Today's Bennie? With 10 choices ranging from a Smoked Salmon Benedict to a Portabellino Benedict topped with an array of veggies, I decided on the Commodore Sausage Benedict served with Country potatoes. The Commodore was equipped with a grilled and rather salty sausage patty, a small toasted English muffin, perfectly poached eggs and a respectable Hollandaise sauce. Frankly less isn't always more. If I wore a sticker on my head that said "Breakfast In Austin loves a ridiculous amount of hollandaise, don't be shy" I'd likely not complain again (unless the balance of taste wasn't there). But I don't announce. I'm just a regular bloke dining on morning fare and prefer all dining establishments and servers read my mind! In any case the hollandaise was balanced but by virtue of there being only a meager amount of sauce & too salty of a sausage patty, the overall Bennie was just average for me. Every bite had me wishing I'd ordered the Classic with extra hollandaise. Side Note. Do you ever ask for ketchup or tabasco so that you can spice up your potatoes? Mine never made it to the table. Darn you, Thomas at the bomb dot com!

Without offending Chez Zee faithfuls, I wasn't hugely impressed with the overall plated food. That said, this was my first time and there are so many other menu choices. Chez Zee clearly understands the word sweet! Baked goods like their Creme Brulee French Toast and sweet breads like their Pancakes were major hits. This is indeed where Chez Zee shined today!

Interested in trying yourself? Weekend Brunch is served both Saturday & Sunday from 9am to 3pm. For parties of 5 or more, contact Chez Zee for Reservations.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

Visit Chez Zee: http://www.chez-zee.com/

View the Brunch Menu: http://www.chez-zee.com/brunch/

Chez Zee on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ChezZeeAmericanBistro?sk=wall

Chez Zee on Twitter: @Chez_Zee_Austin

Pros: Extensive Brunch Menu, Complimentary Creme Brulee French Toast was a nice touch, Pancakes, service, year round Christmas lights, full service coffee bar, ample seating

Cons: Forgotten - our sides of fruit & ketchup (not a big deal but this Breakfast In Austin thing is a test!), watered down bloody mary

Suggestions: More hollandaise on your Bennie or offer to provide a side of extra sauce, exterior & interior are dated - I get the Chez Zee vibe but a facelift or an update to modernize the venue might go a long way

Chez Zee ~ 5406 Balcones Drive, Austin, Texas 78731 ~ 512.454.2666

A fine time with Swine at Bacon

2011-10-29T10:39:00.034-05:00

There was a time when Breakfast In Austin didn't eat bacon. In fact I made it a personal mission to convert those I knew from bacon to the leaner turkey bacon. Yep, I was one of those passionate turkey bacon lovers. I should say that I had a lot of success. My friends would go as far to suggest that Oscar Meyer/Louis Rich pay me a conversion fee. Seriously, I would've made bank! Suffice it to say, turkey bacon took a passenger seat and though I still enjoy it, bacon is a part of my life again. We all know that bacon comes from the back and sides of the hog, salted and dried or smoked, usually sliced and fried for food. Bacon is greasy, fatty and full of sodium. It's a tasty mess! Certainly makes one wonder why anyone would give up the swine.

This leads me to introduce one of Austin's newest finds. Any guesses on the name? Yep, Bacon. Makin' Bacon, Spankin' Bacon, Awaken with Bacon. Aside from the logical rhyming, Bacon is located on the corner of 10th & Lamar in a cute yellow house with signs of the pig. If you were a fan of the now closed, Screaming Goat, this is the same location.

Bacon is a venture by Jed Taylor, Zac Bryant, Ryan Reynolds & Reid Reynolds. Bacon offers an infusion of bacon into their meals including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Specialty Items, Sides and Brunch. The only thing they don't seem to have is Bacon Coffee. Bacon has a very clear vision, a bacon selection, with a consistent theme. You'll see a pink pig on the back roof, a bacon door handle, bacon memorabilia, bacon t-shirts for sale, bacon & pig signage and bacon artwork.

Ordering from the Bacon Breakfast Plates was challenging because everything sounded good. The Broken Yolk BLT had been recommended and always a sucker for runny eggs, I signed up. This is Bacon's version of a BLT for $8.95. Excited to have a choice between 2 types of bacon, I opted for the spiced up Cajun cured with 2 barely fried eggs, bibb lettuce, a tomato, house mayo and Texas toast. The photo doesn't do this sammie justice! It was a tasty, oozing mess and worth every penny. Apart from the BLT falling apart, I definitely recommend for a 1st time Bacon experience.

My friend Micah who has been a supporter of Breakfast In Austin was kind enough to join me for a bit of Nikon snapping. Micah's the one who keeps me in line and calls me out for not posting reviews. Not Micah's 1st time to Bacon, he opted for their Breakfast Special, a Pork Jowl Barbacoa and Bacon Hash with 2 eggs, yellow pepper sauce and tortilla strips for $8.95. When I asked Micah for an insightful breakdown, he offered that there was a lot going on with the dish, which always makes me think there's TOO MUCH going on with the dish. Micah assured me this was a good thing, that his pork/bacon/hash mixture was full of flavor and very filling. The presentation was gorgeous!

Breakfast IS available all day with a handful of other options including Chicken & Waffles - with 2 brined and buttermilk battered all natural chicken breast cutlets served on top of a malted vanilla waffle for $9.95. For something $2 lighter, try their Bacon Waffle with 2 thick cut strips of bacon cooked into a waffle and topped with sliced nanas' for $7.95. If you or your child have a sweet tooth, why not order Bacon's French Toast with 2 extra thick cut slices of locally baked Texas bread dipped in a vanilla batter and griddled for $6.95. If you're a fan of Biscuits and Gravy, try Bacon's spin for only $4.95 with 2 buttermilk drop biscuits topped with house bacon gravy.

No Mistaken' Bacon.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

To learn more about Bacon, visit them at: http://www.baconaustin.com/

To view Bacon's Breakfast Menu: http://www.baconaustin.com/?page_id=50

Like Bacon on FB: http://www.facebook.com/BaconAustin

For Tweets: @BaconRestaurant

Pros: Bacon, great service, breakfast all day, location, theme, atmosphere

Cons: Parking is slight in the back lot, minimal on the street

Suggestions: If you have a Sunday Brunch, please add the information to your website

Bacon ~ 900 W. 10th Street, Austin, Texas 78703 ~ 512.322.9777

Gypsy Picnic Results Show

2011-10-27T19:15:00.028-05:00

The 2nd Annual Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival has come to a close. It's pretty clear that last Saturday was a HUGE success with men, women, children, babies and dogs all in attendance, plus 34 vendors selling a ton of their best dishes. More space and more food! Happy faces and stuffed bellies could be seen all over Auditorium Shores. The only complaints that came out of No. 2 was a little dust and a DQ for a trailer because of their wood-fired oven. (Austin's burn ban still in effect?!) Austin-ites came out in a big way, solidifying the event as a must attend and confirming what we all know - trailer food is one of our favorite ways to eat!

Wearing my cowboy boot best, Breakfast In Austin happily took a departure from the typical weekend indulgence of breakfast fare. My stomach & I were ready to over-consume some serious trailer food! No Bennies and no Bloody Mary's. After attending Gypsy's Inaugural Fest last year I vowed not to touch a single beer this year. Cause' let's face it. The lines were so long in 2010 that I took up space somewhere in between the music and beer line. So you can only imagine how lucky this girl felt to be 1 of 10 judges hanging trail side in a privately catered tent. Not too shabby!

Not every trailer submitted, so my group of 5 judges were limited to 12 tastings. I don't think my eyes or stomach could've handled much more. Our categories? Best in Bun, Best Veggie and Best Dessert. The other group of 5 had Best Taco, Best Drink and Best Ethnic. No, they didn't share. That said, each trailer gave each judge a massive portion of food and in most cases that portion could've easily fed a 325 pount linebacker. 3-4 bites seemed to be my max on each submittal. Though a few choice dishes offered such stunning flavor, 3-4 bites didn't seem like enough. Sigh. Take a peek at my photos in the order of tasting, a few comments and WINNER notes. (This was a blind tasting, so we didn't know the vendor or dish name until judging was complete)

Best in Bun:

Snarky's Moo Bawk Oink - The Jerk

Short Bus Subs - The Principal (You can't go wrong with the Principal! Nearly perfect sandwich with fresh ingredients and lingering flavors)

Tenderland - Battered Pork Tenderloin

The Jalopy - The Original

East Side Kings - Poor Qui's Buns - WINNER! (One of my favorites with roasted pork belly, hoison, cucumber kimchee and a steamed rice bun)

Best Veggie:

East Side Kings - Fried Brussels Sprouts Salad (I swear I don't remember brussels in this dish! Really?!)

Bananarchy - Halfsie Vegan Chocolate Banana

Blenders and Bowls - O.G. Acai Bowl (Can you imagine fresh fruit, granola with rice crispy's and a chilled smoothie? Didn't win but was refreshing)

Kebabalicious - Falafel Kebab - WINNER! (Another one of my favorites - would satisfy any meat lover because of the bursts of flavor, delish! Take me back to the Mediterranean)

Best Dessert:

Hey Cupcake! - Pumpkinator - WINNER!

Bananarchy - Halfsie Chocolate with Toffee Banana (I was a fan of this frozen banana on a stick - loved the balance of sweet & salty, YUM!)

Chi'Lantro - Macaroons

The remaining categories we weren't able to judge and winners:

Best Taco: Torchy's Tacos - Baja Shrimp

Best Ethnic: Mmmpanadas - Traditional Argentinian Empanada

Best Drink: MamboBerry - Strawberry Basil Smoothie

A huge nod to Tiffany Harelik, C3 Presents (Bettina, you rock!) and The Sustainable Food Center for pulling off a very impressive Gypsy Picnic this year! I was so appreciative to be a part of judging (thank you CultureMap Austin!) and had a terrific time. Until next year!

The Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival is definitely worthy of Breakfast In Austin's catchphrase. It's all about the feast, not the famine!

http://www.gypsypicnic.com/

http://trailerfooddiaries.blogspot.com/

http://www.c3presents.com/

http://www.sustainablefoodcenter.org/

Judging at the Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival - Saturday, October 22nd

2011-10-22T07:22:00.006-05:00

Today is the day for the 2nd Annual Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival at Auditorium Shores! In a nutshell, this is a gathering of Austin's best trailer food "nomads" who deliver their finest $3 tastings all day long. Admission is FREE, kids & dogs are encouraged to attend and live music, BEER and vendors will accompany the more than 30 trailers. WOW! Check out the Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival website for details: http://www.gypsypicnic.com/

I attended the 1st Annual Gypsy Picnic last year and had THE best time! Typical with any 1st event, there were some definite issues; long lines, trailers running out of food and not enough space. That all said - the event was incredibly impressive! The food was creative and varied, the vibe unparalleled, attendance was stunning, and the BEER, music and weather kept everyone on the grounds.

This year? C3 Presents has secured more space at Auditorium Shores, re-organized the trailers to create more space and I've heard the trailers have been asked to supply more food prior to start time. Lots of cooking going on! There are a lot of activities for the kids, the dogs, continued live music, beer and a sunny day in the forecast...

Something cool for Breakfast In Austin? I was selected by CultureMap Austin to be the Guest Judge at the Festival today and I cannot wait! Last year I drank more beer than ate food, so it goes without saying that I'm ready to eat and excited to judge. There will be 6 categories at the Cook-Off; Best Taco, Best on a Bun, Best Vegetarian, Best Ethnic, Best Drink and Best Dessert.

List of this year's Judge's:

2011 JUDGES

Stephanie Keller, Huffington Post
Bryan Beck, KGSR
Paula Forbes, Eater.com
Mick Vann, Austin Chronicle
Todd Boatwright, YNN
Courtney Bond, Texas Monthly
Cathy Cochran-Lewis, Austin Food & Wine Alliance
Chef Ethan Holmes, Second Bar & Kitchen
Chef Philip Speer, Uchiko
CultureMap Austin Guest Judge, Jennifer Clarke

For more information on the Cook-Off:

http://www.gypsypicnic.com/food-music/cook-off/

I highly recommend participating in the Gypsy Picnic today - it's a great time and definitely one of the more memorable events in downtown Austin this time of year! I look forward to sharing this judging experience with you. There better be a couple breakfast-type submittals!

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

First Published Article for Breakfast In Austin!!!

2011-09-21T16:31:00.008-05:00

Breakfast In Austin is pretty happy today! BIA has officially published a two-page article with Austin's new Business/Medical magazine called NSide Austin. So far I've found stacks to grab at all Whole Foods locations. I'm guessing they are at most news stands around town - but that's all I know right now! The Article is also available online (link below)...

Tonight is NSide Austin's monthly networking happy hour event at the Vince Young Steakhouse from 6-8pm. This event typically coincides with the launch of their issue and tonight honors their cover story man, local sportscaster, Sean Adams.

For the purposes of the NSide Austin article, Breakfast In Austin re-visited the widely known Sunday Brunch at Trio in The Four Seasons Hotel - Austin, where the food was as always impressive. I was told by the Assistant Manager, Alyssa Belezos, that after my initial review last January, they set out to improve the only item out of 100 that was lackluster - their Eggs Benedict. All I can say is WOW, what an improvement. Breakfast In Austin IS making a difference by changing the Eggs Benedict landscape all over Austin! Woot! Check out all the details in the new article titled, "Plastic Wealth and Overindulgence," at NSide Austin:

http://www.getnside.com/atx/magazine/business/current/articles/2296-Plastic_Wealth_and_Overindulgence/

To all you faithful Breakfast In Austin subscribers, I'd appreciate you passing on all of my contact information to those who might be interested in Austin's morning fare.

Breakfast In Austin on Facebook - please LIKE: http://www.facebook.com/BreakfastInAustin

Follow Breakfast In Austin on Twitter (@breakfastaustin) AND;

Blog for updates - please input your email to subscribe: http://breakfastinaustin.blogspot.com/

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

Endless hours at 24 Diner

2011-08-27T09:06:00.017-05:00

Last Sunday, 24 Diner and I finally made it official.

One thing about this downtown gem is that no matter what time of day I've indulged in you, consistency is the common thread. Whether it's post-festival going at ACL (you know we fest goer's have a blinding disregard for ordering appropriately) and indulging on chicken & waffles with milkshakes OR lunching with business associates on frittatas and mixed greens – you get some of the best plated food in town. Quality ingredients and a commitment to preparation are motivating factors for 24 Diner. No wonder you're constantly recommended and have an endless wait at the door. Hmmm, think this will be a bad review? Likely not.

Arriving at 12:00 p.m. sharp and being seated in a record time of 5 minutes, I opted to kick-start our meal with the infamous 24 Diner Bloody Mary made with Austin's own Tito's Vodka. 24 Diner blends their own mix and offers a surprisingly tasty medley of pickled vegetables all for $6.50. Call it a drink or meal, any sucker for a spicy bloody with ample flavors and an obvious amount of vodka, will find this styling has all the components. Dare I say 24 Diner boasts the #1 Bloody Mary in town? Try it!

Hungry with absolutely no shame, Breakfast In Austin opted for the massively overindulgent, Fried Egg Sandwich served with skillet fries. Imagine a doughy Challah Bun with Texas Applewood Smoked Bacon and cheddar cheese topped with an over medium egg with a perfectly cooked yolk. For the average diner, guilt may overtake you during those last 4-5 bites. Please don't let it. I encourage you to finish this delicious sandwich. It’s penny worthy and filling with a price tag of $9.95.

Kids in tow? My 12 year old, also excited for 24 Diner, decided to go big & rich with the French Toast Platter. Boasting a large cut of French bread and topped with vanilla cream & fresh blueberries, this sampling was an undertaking for anyone, pre-teen or otherwise. With the addition of egg & bacon sides, it became pretty clear that this plate would go unfinished. Flavorful, filling and pricey at $11.95.

For you breakfast lovers who prefer a gluten-free lifestyle, 24 Diner is mindful of your dietary needs. Along with a gluten-free menu, they are happy to modify recipes, so please ask! My friend, Sarah, who has been GF for several years opted for the 24 HASH with bacon, sausage, jalapeno and cheddar cheese served with a side of homemade skillet fries. Hunger kicking in, our server recommended Sarah order the large portion for $9.95. Thumbs up!

24 Diner has certainly found a niche in Austin with their “round the clock service” and quality of food choices. With breakfast available morning, noon or night, indulgence can occur for you at anytime.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

For more information, visit 24 Diner at: http://24diner.com/

Whether it's 3 a.m. or 11 p.m., check out 24 Diner's Breakfast Menu at: http://24diner.com/public/pdf/24%20menu%20side1%2005_02_11.pdf

OR 24 Diner's Gluten-Free Breakfast Menu at: http://24diner.com/public/pdf/24%20gluten%20menu1%2005_02_11.pdf

Local and involved, no surprise that 24 Diner is connected! Find with them on FB at: http://www.facebook.com/24Diner or follow their Tweets at: @24DinerATX

Pros: Hmmm, this is tough - open 24 hours, breakfast 24 hours, best bloody mary ever, creative & flavorful dishes, farm to table local ingredients, locally roasted coffee, green minded - composting & recycling, great location at 6th & Lamar, spot-on service and relaxed ambiance

Cons: Always a wait, so be patient, items are on the spendy side but quality justifies the expense

Suggestions: Order a bloody mary at the bar while you wait, once seated take your time & enjoy - nobody will make you feel rushed

24 Diner ~ 600 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78703 ~ 512.472.5400 (Open 24 hours, with the exception of Wednesday morning from 1-6 a.m. for cleaning)

100% Green, Natural & Elemental at Java Dive Organic Bistro

2011-08-06T11:20:00.021-05:00

Java Dive isn't really a "dive," as the name might imply. It's my neighborhood "go-to" spot for a dark blend of coffee, friendly faces and the occasional baked good or organic whole wheat breakfast taco.

In case you hadn't heard, Java Dive has a following in the Austin & Lakeway areas with a reputation for offering 100% organic food with primarily gluten-free options. Led by owner, Roni Liberman, his concept caters to all breakfast lovers, including those with food restrictions. Other highlights? Varied coffee beans are roasted in house (think anti-Starbucks), along with creatively baked goods (my personal fave - the triple berry muffin) which are made fresh daily, from the kitchen. If you're looking for a quiet place to work on your laptop with artsy ambiance, Java Dive offers free wi-fi to assist in jumpstarting your day. I've taken them up on this service a few times!

Java Dive has created an extensive breakfast and brunch menu that is worth exploring! If you enjoy Waffles, there are many options (also available as gf) including a Mandarin & Toasted Pecan styling - all topped with maple or chocolate syrup and homemade whipped cream. Omelette lover? You'll find several choices including a Pesto & Mushroom Omelette with Swiss Cheese to the Italian Delight Omelette with spinach, goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. For the more traditional breakfast lover, Migas, Bagels, Oatmeal & Breakfast Tacos are also available. A common theme provides you options to dress up your meal with nitrate free turkey or ham.

Upon arriving at Java Dive, I'd decided to indulge in something hearty. But first, the steps:

1. Grab a menu at the door (study it)

2. Walk to back counter (wait in line)

3. Place order with cashier (nameless, hurried & all biz, grrr)

4. Pay (card or cash, they take tips at the counter)

5. Collect your number for table delivery (find a table, they were packed today!)

So, what did Breakfast In Austin order? A caffeine fan, I decided on a Soy Cappuccino for sipping which made its appearance in a bulky red cup with an artsy leaf in the foam. Cool and tasty!

...and in appeasing my insatiable need for food after running stairs this morning, I decided on the the South West Bacon Sunrise Panini. Imagine (or see picture below) a delicious creation with scrambled eggs and cheese on a toasted organic sprouted bun with organic and pesticide free tomatoes and a fire roasted poblano pepper. Remember my note of dressing up a meal? I did just that with the addition of nitrate free turkey. All I can say is BRAVO - the presentation was beautiful and the food combination tasty.

Parting words? While on your quest for a great breakfast with healthy options and flavorful food, I highly recommend spending your hard earned $ at this local dive, Java Dive Organic Bistro. Roni and his staff will treat you right!

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

To learn more about Java Dive Organic Bistro, visit them on the web at: http://javadivecafe.com

To see a complete list of Breakfast offerings, check out Java Dive Organic Bistro's Menus:

Breakfast Menu: http://javadivecafe.com/Documents/Breakfast%20menu.pdf

Weekend Brunch Menu: http://javadivecafe.com/Documents/sunday%20brunch%20menu.pdf

Pros: 100% organic, gf options, varied menu, kid friendly with kid menu, free wi-fi, freshly roasted beans & coffee, delicious baked goods, affordable, locally owned

Cons: When you're busy, it's even more important to get the dirty tables cleaned up

Suggestions: Bring another employee in on Saturday & Sunday mornings. Would increase flow at the door, counter and with turn at your tables. Also, are you Bistro or Cafe? The signage on both locations, then online is confusing

Java Dive Organic Bistro (Restaurant) ~ 1607 RR 620 N, Austin, TX 78734 ~ located in The Oak Grove Plaza ~ 512.266.5885

Java Dive Coffee Shop ~ 900 RR 620 S, Austin, TX 78734 ~ located in the Lakeway Commons Plaza ~ 512.263.5995

Serving up Legend & Migas at Cisco's on East 6th Street

2011-06-19T11:00:00.001-05:00

NOTE: Breakfast In Austin seeks forgiveness from it's supporters. After a five month hiatus, Jennifer has started eating breakfast again and is officially playing catch up to venues past. Let's journey back to a rainy & cool day in January, 2011...

Cisco's! A well known name in Austin. Legendary in fact. If you've spent any time within a 50 mile radius of Downtown, undoubtedly the name Cisco's has come up. When a friend or acquaintance has suggested breakfast and uttered the word, "Migas" or "Huevos Rancheros", they've probably followed it with the name of this old Austin landmark.

Cisco's is known for it's hearty and flavorful Migas, their authentic brand of Huevos Rancheros and their fluffy, hot & fresh biscuits. I was up for the task of sampling East Austin greatness. It was a rainy Sunday morning and I was in the mood for hearty grub and traditional Mexican with a bit of the old establishment. Off to East 6th Street (between Onion & Comal), just blocks from Hwy I-35 and the party gleen of West 6th Street, this is the stuff legends are made of.

Cisco's was founded by Rudy "Cisco" Cisneros in 1948. Over the course of 60 years, Cisco's has been run by Rudy, his son and his son's son. It's one of those few restaurants that has stood the test of time. The dwelling is definitely shabby, showing its age and the tattered walls showcase framed photographs of celebrities, politicians and coaches. This only adds to the experience of a restaurant that maintains their consistency of recipes and regulars - like Ike and Alec (also known as Charro)...

Seated and settled at our very small & dingy 4-Top in the main diner, we were greeted by a very sweet waitress who's name I can't recall. G-Man, the 2 kids & I scoured the menu and placed our orders. After sipping on their caffeinated diner roast (with free refills), the Migas plate was served. I swear it came with a Halo. A picture perfect portion of refried beans, Migas, fajita meat, lime and salsa with flour tortillas. My stomach grumbled. Sensing that if I'd left one ingredient off my fork, the perfection would be gone. Cisco's Migas is an out of body experience which involves closing your eyes, tasting every ingredient, even moaning a little - while filling that void in your stomach. I don't often finish my plate, but this day I did. I've heard some say Cisco's and the Migas is overrated - I for one found the place charming in an old dingy-historical way and the food flavorful and filling.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

Connect with Cisco's on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/CiscosRestaurant

Pros: Legends & Non-Legends alike eat here, place has character, flavorful migas, perfect out of the oven biscuits, great service, no wait, full breakfast menu including tacos, omelets, pancakes and all sides
Cons: Dirty tables, construction outside, pancakes non-descript & plain. Boo-hiss said the 12 year old
Suggestions: Call me crazy but I'd love it if you'd establish a website with a menu and own your legend!

Cisco's ~ 1511 E. 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701 ~ 512.478.2420

The Austin Chronicle's 2011 Restaurant Poll is OUT!

2011-04-04T07:57:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year again, Austinites!

The Austin Chronicle's 2011 Restaurant Poll is OUT! Don't forget to vote, by 4/18, for your favorite Bagels, American Breakfast, Mexican Breakfast, Bread, Coffee, Full Service Bakery AND Sunday Brunch in Austin!

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

http://www.austinchronicle.com/feedback/restpoll/11/

House Bill 660 - Free Texas Brewpubs!

2011-03-05T11:37:00.009-06:00

Hey Breakfast In Austin readers! Please excuse my quick departure from Breakfast In Austin. For this post - let's call it...Beer in Austin. No, wait. Beer in Texas!

In the spirit of local business and a near equal love of morning fare and microbrews, I'm providing a quick shout out about House Bill 660! My friend Rick Engel is an owner of Uncle Billy's Brew & Que on Barton Springs Road and at Lake Travis ~ the Oasis. He and many other local microbrewery owners and employees around Texas are fueling a grassroots effort which will allow brewpubs the freedom to sell their fresh and creatively made craft beers to wholesalers & distributors. Microbreweries and pubs in Alaska, California, Oregon, New Mexico & other states are already able to legally sell their products in stores and compete against the likes of Budweiser, Miller & other corporate giants. Texans are creating some very special microbrews at Uncle Billy's, North By Northwest, Freetail Brewing Company and many other places. These creations deserve to have a greater reach.

If you'd like to purchase Texas brewpub craft beer in your favorite restaurants and retail locations, if you'd like to support small Texas Business, if you'd like to generate employment opportunities for Texans and if you'd like to generate more revenue for Texas fiscal needs - then support HB 660 today!

Visit http://texasbeerfreedom.org/ to learn more and support this grassroots effort!

SIGN the Texas Beer Freedom petition at:
http://miniurl.com/95176

A quick video for more information at:
http://www.beertownaustin.com/features/house-bill-660-the-film/

Other ways to support HB 660 - Contact or email your state representatives...Tweet & post Facebook messages to your friends, asking them to support HB 660!

This is an exciting time for microbrews & pubs in Texas - support the cause, support HB 660!

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

Plastic wealth & overindulgence at TRIO's Sunday Brunch in The Four Seasons Hotel

2011-01-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

Seems fitting to kick off Breakfast In Austin's 2011 season at a venue where the masses feel prosperous. Legit or misplaced. A gratuitous display of plastic wealth at TRIO Four Seasons Hotel in Downtown, Austin, Texas. At $48 a head, you can only hope to be impressed. Damn - you better be!

Just in time for our 10am Sunday brunch reservation, G-Man & I began our Four Seasons Hotel Austin adventure. Valet your vehicle? Doors magically opened for you by handsome doormen? A chair pulled out for you table side? Gosh - it's like a gentleman caller at every turn! But then at $48 a head, should a Lady (or Man) expect anything less? Certainly not!

Upon entering TRIO, my eyes bulged and heart raced at the mouth watering smells and stunning displays of beautifully presented food. I don't mean just scrambled eggs, predictable bacon & the standard waffle set-up. The 1st station posed a variety of yogurt parfaits, either with or without granola, topped with fresh berries and sprigs of mint. Honeydew, cantaloupe & pineapple plus a varied display of freshly baked goods, like breads and danishes, enticed my desire to indulge.

As I swiveled my head to the right, I realized a plan of pacing myself would be MANDATORY. The 2nd station boasted asian pot-stickers, creamy mashed potatoes with boursin cheese, succulent veal, prime rib with au jous, perfectly rounded mini-blueberry pancakes with whip & syrup, ample pork sausages, stout bacon, a subtle eggs benedict, miraculous cheese blintzes and made to order of any size & content - omelets. OH MY GOD.

Straining to pull myself from Station 2's hearty staples, I forced a look toward the left. Station 3 nearly mastered a snap of my neck! Holy hell. Think delicacies that you might never place in a Sunday brunch. Well, TRIO at the Four Seasons has mastered appealing to the senses of travelers and food lovers abound. Alaskan crab claws, shrimp ceviche, mussels, california roll & ahi tuna with soy & wasabi to boot! Fresh vegetables (asparagus), loose leaf & pasta salads, bagels with lox & fixings and cheeses, pistachios & figs. All items beautifully displayed and seemingly fresh. Salivating!

A quick peek to a discreet corner opposite Station 3 revealed a four foot fountain churning milky chocolate with marshmallows & strawberries just waiting to be dipped. This is the kind of thing you either jump into headfirst or don't touch with a 10-foot pole. We still had 1 more station to gaze at before even being seated...

Station 4 = death...I mean, dessert table. A minimum of 8 desserts, all impeccably created, displayed and labeled. A quick glance revealed an ever capable creme brulee, a luscious pistachio layered cake to a more complex creation of lavender macarons. Tripping over my feet, I unbearably moved on to...

...Our table! Finally! Benjamin, aka "Ben" waited on us hand and foot. Coffee? Mimosa? Water? Freshly squeezed orange juice? Clean plates or silverware? Ben was spot on and friendly at every moment. The Four Seasons is known for their impeccable service and attentiveness to detail. We experienced all of that and more at TRIO.

A few recommendations? The Yogurt Parfait, Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Cheese Blintzes, Bagel & Lox, Crab Claws, Miniature Blueberry Pancakes, Fresh Fruit and of course...the Mimosas, were all huge hits! There weren't any major upsets except for the Eggs Benedict (and believe me, I cringe when I say that). A fresher and more "tender" english muffin with a generous amount of hollandaise would've made this attempt 10x better.

Should you decide to partake in Sunday Brunch at TRIO, relax, take your time and indulge! I would highly recommend the experience with a loved one, group of friends or if you're celebrating. So many times we want a quick fix or an inexpensive meal. Keep TRIO in your back pocket for that overindulgent weekend when you want to spoil yourself or someone else. The spread and experience is worth every penny!

Sunday Brunch begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 2. It's not necessarily what I'd classify as "kid" friendly, but TRIO is part of a hotel operation. Kids are able to enjoy Brunch for $20. Also - have your valet parking ticket stamped by your server and claim $3 off a $10 charge - so, $7 to utilize valet service. It was pouring out, so completely worth it! If valet isn't your thing or if the weather is right, parking meters are free in downtown Austin on weekends and a walk to the hotel is quick & enjoyable.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

To learn more about the Sunday Brunch hosted by TRIO at the premiere Four Seasons Austin, find them on the web at: http://www.triorestaurantaustin.com/

To get a quick peek at some of the Brunch highlights, see their menu at: http://www.triorestaurantaustin.com/menus/brunch_menu/

Pros: Beautiful presentation & selection, wonderful service, bottomless champagne and mimosas included in the price per head, atmosphere

Cons: Expensive BUT you're paying for quality, atmosphere & service. Remember - drinks are included!

Suggestions: Your Eggs Benedict was the ONLY dish I didn't care for! Please make sure it's fresh - I had a brick of an english muffin that took too much muscle to cut through and the hollandaise was meager at best.

TRIO at The Four Seasons Austin ~ 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701 ~ 512.685.8300 (Call ahead as Reservations are recommended)

Quick & Efficient at Cafe Express Austin

2010-12-05T08:35:00.003-06:00

Trying to figure out where to take 2-11 year old girls to breakfast is always a lot of fun. Usually Mimosas and Frittatas aren't their thing. Let's face it. You think you're picky? No. They are. Throw in their sleep deprivation from 3 consecutive slumber parties and the anticipation of our day climb to Enchanted Rock. I'm thinking fast. Grab some cereal at the house and let's go! They're thinking let's do Breakfast In Austin! I know, scouring breakfast joints in this fabulous city is so cool that even 11 year olds want to be part of the experience.

I'd been wanting to stop by Cafe Express at 3418 N. Lamar, after it's grand opening in Austin over a month ago. A few friends on Facebook had indicated this place was a gem and that it'd be opening soon. With established locations in Houston & Dallas, a 20 year history and a fast-casual concept, I thought, sure...I'll add it to my ever growing list.

My daughter Sloan, her friend Sami and I pulled into the vacant Cafe Express parking lot last Monday at around 9:00 a.m. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m., so we arrived halfway through, presumably after the morning rush. Upon entry, I was clueless. There were nearly 100 empty tables, 4 were occupied and I didn't know whether to seat myself or wait for a hostess. No hostess. I approached the bar and met a friendly staff who instructed me and the girls to study the Cafe Express menu in written form or from their billboard above the ordering counter. Once we decided on our breakfast pleasures, we were asked to place our orders with the cashier, pay, seat ourselves and then wait for our hand held buzzer to ignite. Casual and efficient. Great for 11 year old girls.

Order up!

Sami quickly decided on a breakfast taco. Specifically? She requested their version of a morning taco with bacon, scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese in a flour tortilla, served with a chipotle salsa. Sami also opted for a side of skillet potatoes cooked with bacon and topped with cheddar cheese. Overall, this 11 year old wasn't too impressed with the taco. When Breakfast In Austin asked Sami to describe her eating experience, she offered that the breakfast taco lacked flavor and it wasn't anything special. Bummer! Luckily the skillet potato side was full of punch and semi-saved the meal. Priced affordably at $4.59.

Sloan, with the perpetual sweet tooth, opted for something a bit more carb-loaded and sugary. The Cafe Express French Quarter French Toast drenched in a rich cream, topped with sweet powdered sugar, fresh berries & glazed pecans caught her eye and eventual taste buds. It's presentation was absolutely amazing and along with the side of pecan praline syrup, undoubtedly the hit, right? Nope. Not for Sloan. The French Toast, unfortunately, was undercooked inside and literally mushy. Had it been cooked correctly, I'd recommend it 100 times over. The pecan praline syrup saved the plate, in Breakfast In Austin's humble opinion. Sami & I continued to sample Sloan's uneaten portions, dunking each bite into this crack-infused syrup. Mushy french toast? Sami & I didn't care. The chef who prepared that pecan praline drizzle deserves an award! Another well priced item at $5.49.

Breakfast In Austin was actually really satisfied with her choice, which was the Cafe Express Breakfast Sandwich with turkey ham, scrambled eggs on cheddar cheese with buttered ciabatta bread. Additionally, this very tasty yet simple Breakfast Sandwich was served with a side of skillet potatoes prepared with bacon and cheddar cheese. The ingredients were fresh, well paired and the bread was impressively soft. The side of potatoes were amazingly zesty and left me with a similar impression to that of the pecan praline syrup. Another gem created by a pretty great chef. Priced under $6, this dish was an overall hit.

With a casual, yet efficient approach there are sure to be hits & misses at Cafe Express. Their items incorporating all meals are too many to count, so I imagine most diners will find something of value here. Breakfast In Austin was satisfied with her morning experience and welcomes Cafe Express to the community. The picky 11 year olds? I think they were just happy to be fed.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

To learn more about Cafe Express, visit http://www.cafe-express.com/

To view the Cafe Express Breakfast menu, go to: http://www.cafe-express.com/breakfast.html

Pros: Modern atmosphere, quick service, great location, outdoor seating, the skillet potatoes with bacon & cheddar cheese side and the pecan praline syrup served with the french toast were both out of this world, interesting menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Cons: Sterile, confusing for a 1st timer - do I seat myself or wait for a hostess? French toast was mushy on the inside, breakfast taco wasn't great - lacked kick and flavor according to an 11 year old

Suggestions: Double check food before it's served, add more details about your Austin location to the website! There's just a quick disclaimer of a new location. We need more information!

Cafe Express ~ 3418 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 ~ 512.452.9888

Heavenly Sunday Brunch at Satellite Bistro & Bar

2010-11-21T20:55:00.004-06:00

My old co-worker and friend, Elsa Decker & I took to the Sunday Brunch scene last Sunday, November 14th and met at locally owned and operated Satellite Bistro & Bar. Located west of South Mopac at the corner of Slaughter & Escarpment, this family owned concept of eating great food in a relaxed atmosphere, was created by brothers, Mark and Marty Kamburis. The brothers have continued a family tradition, inspired by their Grandfather's arrival from Greece in 1912 and ensuing experiences in the food business.

Scouring their online Brunch Menu prior to the morning of 11/14, NEVER-ENDING MIMOSAS'S were listed at $6.75 per person. Elsa & I talked about this for days! Clearly, part of our catch-up/gab session was dependent on bottomless flutes of champagne and orange juice. After arriving at 10:30 a.m. and meeting our fine server, Casey, we exuberantly ordered our never-ending mimosas and complimented this glorious menu item. Sadly, Casey broke our hearts a little and said that due to TABC Regulations, Satellite had to discontinue their "never-ending" mimosa's and instead offer a controlled carafe option with fixed price. I said..."update your online MENU, Casey!" By the looks of it, their webmaster DID later that night at 6:23 p.m. Never-ending aside, the liter sized carafe was near perfection and set the stage for our 2.5 hour brunch...

After eyeballing the Satellite Bistro & Bar Brunch Menu and salivating over their options, both Breakfast In Austin and Elsa were feeling the pull toward one of five styled Eggs Benedict. Always a sucker for the traditional benedict, Breakfast In Austin opted for a slight spin called the "Poached Club". Think seared country ham, smoked turkey and bacon placed over two toasted english muffins and topped with 2 perfectly poached eggs & a subtle hollandaise sauce. Seriously delicious and pushing toward the #1 bennie in town. As if the meat concoction and hollandaise sauce wasn't enough, Satellite adds a lusciously rich & flavorful Scalloped Potato as the main side along with a bowl of fresh fruit. Priced well at $10.99.

Elsa's Eggs Benedict choice was labeled the "Flying Saucer". Clever name Satellite Bistro! Obviously the same concept as the "Poached Club" with english muffins, poached eggs & hollandaise. But the toppings? Imagine roasted portabella mushrooms, roasted red peppers, feta cheese and avocado. Elsa loved the plated food, especially the Scalloped Potatoes, though described her hollandaise experience as nondescript.

Dessert? Chocolate? Elsa insisted we indulge on one of Satellite's specials of the day - the Chocolate Cake Pancake. Good move for Breakfast In Austin. Thanks a lot, Elsa. Not a lot more needs to be said other than this delicious cake housing chunks of chocolate was oversized and worthy. Worthy of Satellite Bistro & Bar offering it as a post brunch dessert for all at the table to share.

As I write and wrap up this posting, Breakfast In Austin can only guess as to where the "Satellite" name came from, so I offer this little spin. One of the many definitions of Satellite is, "any celestial body orbiting around a star or planet." Elsa was the star and Breakfast in Austin, the planet. The celestial bodies? A few! Our phenomenal server, Casey, who offered the perfect blend of attentiveness and information. The liter sized Carafe (or Holy Grail) of Mimosas offering approximately 8 flutes for $11.99. The food being flavorful and impressively gorgeous. Satellite's atmosphere which was light, vibrant and relaxing. Perhaps even the deceased Grandfather Kamburis keeping an eye on things...in any case, several celestial bodies orbiting at Satellite Bistro & Bar. As it should be for all us stars and planets...

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

To learn more about Satellite Bistro & Bar, visit their website at http://www.satellitebistro.com/

To view Satellite's Sunday Brunch Menu, go to http://www.satellitebistro.com/Brunch_Menu.pdf

Pros: Stand-out service, relaxing & hip atmosphere, liter sized mimosa carafe, varied & exciting Brunch menu, Eggs Benedict, Scalloped Potatoes

Cons: Having a hard time coming up with any...

Suggestions: Make your "Chocolate Cake Pancake" a menu item and encourage ALL to buy one and share as dessert after brunch

Satellite Bistro & Bar ~ 5900 Slaughter Ln., #400, Austin, TX 78749 ~ 512.288.9994

Aaron Mayers & The Red Carpet at Manny's Uptown Kitchen...

2010-11-15T10:35:00.012-06:00

Work and play go well together, right? Right! On this particular Thursday morning, Breakfast In Austin decided to visit locally owned Manny's Uptown Kitchen on Research Boulevard & 360, near Crate & Barrel and Whole Foods in the Gateway Shopping Center. There was definitely something different about this breakfast extravaganza. This was the first time I'd invited a client to partake in my feasting for the purpose of Breakfast In Austin. I'd also been encouraged through Manny's on Twitter to say "hello" to the Owner. I went back & forth on making contact, but what a mixed blessing that turned out to be. My typical style is to dine unannounced, soliciting nothing from ownership or management. The only thing that gives Breakfast In Austin away is the flash of a Nikon and even then I might be tagged only as an odd tourist or a nameless critic.

Reviewing should be authentic, right? If Breakfast In Austin accepts all the generosity an Owner provides, like endless plates and a free tab, then how do I supply unbiased comments? I want a Server who isn't on his best behavior. Was Owner, Aaron Mayers showcasing his best dishes? YES! Was Owner, Aaron Mayers a gracious and friendly host? Of course! Was Owner, Aaron Mayers hoping to position me for a glowing review? Hmmm. Possibly. I will say that in accepting the tour of Manny's dishes, I let the Owner know that I always search out a restaurant's "pros," supply honest commentary and would pick up my own tab. In the end, Aaron Mayers insisted on comping our meal. Breakfast In Austin feeling humble and full, accepted, vowing to remain unbiased.

The breakfast items? After showing slight hesitation when being asked what we'd like to eat, Aaron recommended and presented a string of dishes created to showcase Manny's unique East Coast style. My client, not expecting the Breakfast In Austin angle, rolled with the punches and dove into each dish with me! Thanks, Paul for being such a sport.

The first? A dessert! The impressive Izzy's Blintzes were prepared with a traditional soft farm fresh cheese and topped with fresh strawberries, a berry glaze and powdered sugar. Appealing to the senses with a delicate blend of subtle and sweet, this was an ideal roll-out choice and hit.

Our next delivered item was Manny's Bagel & Lox. The Alaskan in me adores a cured salmon filet, so it's not often that this stand-out doesn't satisfy. In Manny's presentation, I experienced a mixture of flavors including a plain and rather lackluster New York bagel, topped with a thin layer of cream cheese, thinly sliced lox, tomato, lettuce, red onion and capers. Overall, a satisfying attempt, but I've had better lox and prefer a softer more flavorful bagel. My client, Paul, recommended an everything or seasoned bagel would add more zest.

The third dish of Uptown Hash was perhaps our most interesting because of the plated variety. Already feeling full and giggling like kids, Paul and I wondered how in the hell we were going to stomach this barrage of food. Gorgeous in presentation and ultimately my clients favorite, we enjoyed two perfectly fried eggs atop an inventive hash of onion, bell peppers, corned beef & pastrami. As if this wasn't enough our sides included two potato pancakes and toast with whipped butter. The potato pancakes were a new experience for Breakfast In Austin. I loved the taste but the cakes were so filling I could only eat a few bites.

Next up? Manny's Pan-Roasted Spinach, Mushroom and Swiss Omelet. This was by far my favorite first bite of the morning and mind you, Paul and I were completely and utterly full. If you're a fan of these ingredients, I highly recommend this savory and memorable creation...

...and finally, the last item! Stomachs stunned and taste buds nearly shot, Aaron Mayers presented Grandma's Streudel in all her apple, raisin, cinnamon and sugary splendor. I'm convinced Grandma was dutifully baking in Manny's kitchen equipped with her hairnet and apron. An amazing dessert made to order and in less than 15 minutes - a suitable way to end our experience at Manny's Uptown Kitchen.

A big thank you to Aaron Mayers and his staff at Manny's Uptown Kitchen for an enjoyable two hour experience. There is a dish for everyone at Manny's, so if you haven't been and are looking for a new breakfast joint - this might be a new find for you...

...and Aaron, I hope you do make good on adding a worthy Eggs Benedict that will knock my socks off. Breakfast In Austin will be back.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

To find out more about Manny's Uptown Kitchen, check them out at: http://www.mannysuptownkitchen.com/

Even BETTER? Breakfast All Day!

http://www.mannysuptownkitchen.com/?page_id=143

Pros: Breakfast all day, desserts (blintzes & streudel) are amazing, inventive dishes, quick turn in kitchen, service, good location in NW Austin, all breakfast items under $10

Cons: Not a fan of your NY bagel and it's something you hang your hat on! Not a fan of the hash either...

Suggestions: Work on improving your lox & bagel dish (it has all the right components but better lox? better bagel?)

Manny's Uptown Kitchen ~ 9503 Research Blvd., Suite 650, Austin, TX 78759 ~ 512.794.0088

Death by Fork at Jack Allen's Kitchen!

2010-11-03T22:25:00.004-05:00

In the mood for Southern home-cooked food? Jack Allen's Kitchen kindly obliges with their 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch. Locally owned, Chef Jack Gilmore and the Jack Allen's crew reinvents old standards and supplies a powerfully satisfying experience, although it borders on a heart attack in the making. Show up, eat to your hearts content and depart feeling completely and utterly stuffed. The kind of stuffed where you can't even burp. Baked Macaroni and Cheese? Chicken Fried Chicken with Green Chile Gravy? Chicken Fried Pork? Sausages? Twice Baked Potatoes? This is definitely how Grandma killed Grandpa...

To those of you who have heard of Jack Allen's Kitchen but haven't been, it's discreetly tucked away from downtown, just northwest of Highway 290 on 71. You might recall the previous Y Bar & Grill? That's the place. Jack Allen's prides itself on good ol' Texas hospitality, is known for using locally sourced, fresh ingredients and creating unique dishes.

How did Breakfast In Austin arrive at Jack Allen's Kitchen? You can imagine my list of breakfast joints, brunch stops & trailers is LONG. Sometimes it's near impossible to choose a place to eat, let alone review. I love recommendations! After a full weekend of celebration and spirits, including a friends wedding, football games & Halloween mischief, recent nods were worth listening to and Jack Allen's quickly rose atop my list. A southern influenced, artery clogging, $12.99 Sunday Brunch would certainly cure any hangover, right? Right!

G-Man and I arrived five minutes early at 9:55 a.m. To my surprise there were several cars parked in the Jack Allen's lot with diners waiting on the sidewalk and hovering near the main entrance. A very good sign. Promptly at 10:00 a.m. the doors magically opened. The hostess staff was welcoming and on point, immediately seating us near the buffet area. Our server? A nice guy, who was ultimately - casual. Didn't quite catch his name and although attentive he had to return a second time to explain Jack Allen's made to order items separate from the buffet line.

The way JAK does it! (Sund'y Brunch, that is)

Once seated, ask your Server for a drink and anything made to order. Specifically, farm fresh eggs your way, biscuits & gravy or pancakes. I asked to indulge in their $3.50 Brunch Bloody Mary and sample their Biscuits & Gravy. The Bloody Mary? Not strong or very spicy. The Biscuit & Gravy? Terrific because of Jack Allen's signature Green Chile Gravy. Completely memorable!

I must admit that Jack Allen's presentation of their Sunday Buffet was a hit with me! As you walk the line, all items are gorgeous, stocked and ready to go at 10:00 a.m. There were some clear successes! A few of the items you'll find with comments & photographs:

Chicken Fried Chicken covered with Green Chile Gravy (This signature Gravy makes everything taste better - back right in photo below)

Smoked Salmon Spread (amazing)

Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes (heavy but tasty)

Baked Macaroni & Cheese (put me in a damn near coma it was so good!)

Mama's Sunday Chicken (not my personal favorite - not a huge fan of dark meat)

Farm fresh veggies (healthiest thing I ate)

Migas (Tasty but not enough tortilla cooked into the blend)

Deviled Eggs (Flavorful)

Farm fresh salads (Pasta salad was a hit)

Layered Enchilada Casserole (lackluster in taste, just fair)

Desserts (dry)

"It's all about the feast, not the famine," (Breakfast In Austin's catchphrase) is an ideal way to explain my experience at Jack Allen's Kitchen. Their southern styled dishes are comforting and delicious but holy heart attack, I could hardly move, let alone breathe for a couple of hours after. Eat at your own risk and don't say I didn't warn you!

Thank you Jack Allen's Kitchen for a fine Sunday Brunch and yes, the cure to my self inflicted hangover. Breakfast In Austin will spread the word and return. But next time for lunch, dinner or happy hour...

JAK is happy to take your reservation by email, phone or just show up! Remember Sunday Brunch is only $12.99 per person and the 12 & under crew is $5.99 per.

To learn more about Jack Allen's Kitchen, go to http://www.jackallenskitchen.com/ and for details on Jack's Amazing Sund'y Brunch, go to http://www.jackallenskitchen.com/SundayBrunchMenu.pdf

Pros: Lowest cost brunch I've seen in awhile, great quality & creative dishes, nice atmosphere, outdoor patio for seating, Texas hospitality, ample staff, tons of signage

Cons: Our Server was a bit too casual - nice guy but missed a few steps in explaining the set-up and taking our order

Suggestions: Don't hide the yogurt & granola on the table by the window - I could've used some of that

Jack Allen's Kitchen ~ 7720 Highway 71 West, Austin, TX 78735 ~ Email: info@jackallenskitchen.com ~ 512.852.8558

Brunch with a Boom at TnT Tacos and Tequila!

2010-10-20T18:35:00.001-05:00

Dare I say that Breakfast In Austin has discovered the biggest boom for it's buck at TnT's Sunday Brunch? Absolutely! I wouldn't have believed the $17.95 full buffet with Champagne and Mimosa's sticker price unless I had tried it myself. There are always hidden costs with Brunch, right? You want coffee & cream, that'd be an extra $2.50. A premium vodka in your Bloody Mary? We'd be happy to provide that for $8.00. Champagne in a flute? Oh...that's not part of the Sunday Brunch cost, but I'll be sure to add $10.00 to your final bill. After two months of exploring a variety of spins on breakfast in our fair city of Austin, Tacos and Tequila on the corner of Pressler & W. 5th Street, offers the most legitimate Brunch for the best price!

Like most patrons, I'd experienced TnT as the new place on W. 5th Street for Happy Hour. A distinct tequila menu intact, TnT's post work experience boasted inexpensive Mojitos & Margaritas with delicious handmade chips served in a brown paper bag with a variety of salsa's. Pretty much heaven! Unfortunately TnT doesn't seem to have a distinct marketing strategy for their Brunch aside from word of mouth. (It's not on their website with only a minor mention on Facebook) I'd heard of TnT's Sunday Brunch by way of an insert attached to my final bill at Happy Hour. Brunch? Oh boy! I was intrigued with their $17.95 price and knew I'd have to add it to my list of places to go. Additionally, my friend Kindra (aka KZ, who did not pay me for this endorsement) enjoyed TnT's Brunch soon after and highly recommended the stop to Breakfast In Austin. An immediate move up the list...

My companion for Sunday? Ever the good sport, G-Man, who teases me mercilessly when I pull out the Nikon for photo opp's. We arrived at 10:15 a.m., after scoring a parking spot on Pressler St. just outside the restaurant. There's always something a little odd about arriving first. Like you're the overanxious patron who beats everyone else to the venue and catches the staff doing something naughty. Like licking a spoon or picking their nose. In this case, the staff wasn't quite finished with their set-up, so it gave Breakfast In Austin a chance to walk the venue and photograph some of their offerings.

Our server, Amy, with the purple highlights and friendly smile, greeted and guided us through TnT offering great tidbits and made us feel right at home. G-Man and I opted to sit outside amongst 10 sidewalk tabletops. The interior of TnT is open & festive but on a sunny, temperate morning, there's nothing like fresh air while you eat. I loved having the option!

Amy recommended we try the handmade mango agua fresca added to our champagne. Absolute perfection! I must admit this was the #1 hit for me at TnT's Sunday Brunch and it didn't hurt that Amy was ON the refills!

Always a sucker for Eggs Benedict, I requested two-made to order and enjoyed every bite. Other delicious items were the Shrimp Ceviche, Cheese Enchiladas, Red Potatoes, Migas, Flan & Cinnamon Brewed Coffee.

Here is a listing of some of TnT's brunch items including impressions & snapshots (note the * signifies extra worthy):

*Eggs Benedict (delicious flavor, muffin & egg were perfect, hollandaise was GOOD and would've been my new #1 with a touch less butter)

*Shrimp Ceviche (fresh, fresh & fresh, delicious)

*Cheese Enchiladas with Blue Corn Tortillas (right side of plate - perfectly made with great taste)

*Cornbread Grit (sweet and surprising)

*Red Potatoes with Peppers & Onion (near perfect with flavor & spice gusto)

*Migas (delicious)

*Corn Tortillas & Chicken Stew (flavorful thick sauce)

*Homemade Tortilla Chips & Salsa (love them!)

*Fresh Guacamole & Queso (both excellent & fresh)

*Coffee (a blend made especially for TnT - smooth, rich with a hint of cinnamon)

*Flan (creamy, yum)

*Baked goods (Tasted several - loved the cinnamon twist)

*Fresh fruit (Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries)

Pasta Salad

Huevos Rancheros

Chicken Enchiladas (the ONLY thing I ate that wasn't good)

Rice & Beans (standard)

Sausage Links

Mimosas

Belgian Waffles (with amazing fixings)

Omelets

Tacos and Tequila pulls off a genuine blend of breakfast & lunch with an appealing Mexican infusion. I literally enjoyed every item with only one exception, and that my friends, is impressive! Just take the chicken enchiladas off your menu, TnT, and I'll pretend they never existed! Full buffet is $17.95, children 6-10 are $6.95 and children 5 and under are free.

I've heard some say that TnT is hard to find. It's not! If you're driving into downtown from Mopac, Pressler is a cross street on W. 5th. Past ART on 5th & Covert Buick Body Shop, look for the new Gables on your left and TnT is on the 1st floor. Parking is free in the garage at the Gables or you can try your luck on or around Pressler Street.

It's all about the feast not the famine!

To find out more aboutTnT Tacos and Tequila, you can find them at: http://www.tntgrill.com/ or on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/TNTgrill?ref=ts

Pros: Great selection of food, friendly & attentive staff (Amy our server was awesome), the mango agua fresca was insanely delicious, DJ Manolo playing some groovy tunes, affordable all in one price, terrific open & light atmosphere, outdoor seating, great parking

Cons: Still setting up when we arrived, the chicken enchilada

Suggestions: Advertise your Sunday Brunch! You can't rely on word of mouth only when you have huge competition all around you. You're a business, so make some money!

TnT Tacos and Tequila ~ on the corner of W. 5th & Pressler ~ 507 Pressler Street, Austin, Texas 78703 ~ 512.436.8226

Mass Production at Kerbey Lane Cafe

2010-10-07T07:35:00.000-05:00

Ohhhh, Kerbey Lane Cafe, how you've disappointed Breakfast In Austin! Pumpkin pancakes! 30 years in business! Spectacular presentation! I only wish this was my 1st time visiting with no knowledge or regard for you...but because it wasn't, I returned a patron with high hopes based on your prior consistency. My expectation didn't do you any favors, Kerbey Lane Cafe, though I can probably forgive you and will most likely return.

My expectations? I expect a 30-45 minute wait, I understand your enterprising move farther up 183 to accomodate more people, I get how busy and popular you are in all of your locations and I can even sympathize with the challenge in mass producing food and living up to the Kerbey Lane Cafe name. But it's your name! Your Patrons! Their experience! Really, I'm not complaining. Read all my other reviews...

After listening to the cool blues guitarist outside and watching kids dancing & adults fidgeting, our pager vibrated and we were ushered by the hostess to our extra large and comfy booth. In moments we were greeted by a friendly server and placed our drink orders. I happily accepted and enjoyed my cappuccino with froth. It was hot and substantially caffeinated. Side note! On a Sunday you're prohibited from ordering a bloody mary or any other alcohol for that matter until noon. BUT if you order food FIRST (before noon on Sunday), THEN you're within legal means to order the cheer. Patrons can thank the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for this little law.

After taking a few minutes to scour the breakfast items, we ordered and then waited an additional 30 minutes for our plated food. Stomachs growling, our plates were finally presented! Unfortunately the items were not hot and had that semi-lackluster, muted appearance, where you just kinda know your food sat in a pick up station for several minutes. Ugh. All joking aside, we've all had that moment where you suspect complaining probably won't do any good. Especially after waiting 60 minutes. In the interest of hunger (we were nearly cannibalistic) we sucked up our disappointment and ate. THANKFULLY, there was still that glorious flavor in my Eggs Francisco, but I just couldn't get that past satisfaction back by eating a lukewarm meal...

The items...

I ordered the Eggs Francisco consisting of an English Muffin piled with scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato, avocado and a generous heap of creamy queso with sides of seasonal fruit and shriveled home fries - all for $7.95. I would highly recommend this offering to anyone because of it's flavor.

The 14 year old boy ordered a Breakfast Platter with 2 scrambled eggs, 2 pancakes (blackberry to be specific) and mandatory bacon for $5.55. Bacon was the only hit for him. He was disgruntled with the cold pancakes and flat eggs, leaving most of the food on his plate.

G-Man ordered the Biscuits, Scrambled Eggs & Gravy plate with 2 sausage patties for $5.95. His comments? Flavorful gravy but lackluster and hardly warm. He cleaned his plate though - obviously hungry.

So, should you go? Yes. Based on my past experiences at Kerbey Lane Cafe, I'd recommend a trip and the Eggs Francisco or any variety of pancake. They've always done a fine job! Unfortunately we caught KLC on a bad day. In the future, I'll personally avoid the weekend and hope for fresher food at a different location Monday through Friday.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

To learn more about Kerbey Lane Cafe, go to:

http://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/

To scour Kerbey Lane Cafe's breakfast items:

http://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/menu/our-24-hour-menu

Pros: Bustling, people watching, great menu selection, service, guitar guy outside, established repuation

Cons: Cold food, waited 30 minutes for a table for 3, waited 30 minutes for our food, understaffed during their busiest time

Suggestions: More staff on the weekends? Back up runners from pick up counter to table?When you have this many Patrons & mass production there is so much room for error and less than stellar experiences

Kerbey Lane Cafe has four (4) locations to serve you:

Northwest ~ 13435 Hwy 183 N., Ste. 415, Austin, TX 78750 ~ 512.258.7757

South ~ 2700 S. Lamar, Austin, TX 78704 ~ 512.445.4451

UT ~ 2606 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78705 ~ 512. 477.5717

Central ~ 3704 Kerbey Ln., Austin, TX 78732 ~ 512.451.1436

Southwest ~ 4301 William Cannon, Austin, TX 78749 ~ 512.899.1500

Tarred & Feathered at Moonshine's Brunch In Austin

2010-09-29T09:45:00.013-05:00

The delay in posting Breakfast In Austin's review is sort of like the Moonshine experience on Sunday morning. Imagine arriving to a traffic jam of cars awaiting valet parking and a sea of patrons hoping for their black square buzzers to vibrate and flash with affirmation. After scurrying out of G-Man's SUV, I ran inside to visit the hostess desk and was told we'd have a 1 hour and 15 minute wait. Wait for over an hour? Sure! Why the hell not.

The characters looked interesting enough. The post UCLA/UT crowd was sprawled out on the patio suffering from hangover or loss and couples & families cluttered the sidewalks. All looked conversational and content. The contentment, I'm guessing, coming from a mandatory trip to the bartender who guaranteed the heaviest pours all around. It took about a second to grab my buzzer and place my order with the bartender. Our 1 hour plus delay became a relaxed and leisurely 45 minutes because of the generous amounts of people watching AND potent vodka in our Ann's Bloody Mary's. Folks! Please don't hesitate to order a double. So far, not the #1 Bloody Mary in town, but hands down - the best pour.

Seriously. The moment you enter Moonshine to feast, you're taken back to a simpler & historical time. Prohibition? Well...obviously not. Moonshine's home was built and owned by a German family in the late 1800's and served as a grocery and dry goods store. Later the 1-story addition was used as a saloon. Jump ahead 100 years to current day September 2010 and imagine innovate American comfort food in a relaxed and cool atmosphere. Moonshine, by nearly all accounts, has become an Austin staple. Voted #1 in several Austin Chronicle categories (including Best Sunday Brunch), most Austin-ites know the Green Chile Macaroni & Cheese or the Broiled Rainbow Trout with Cornbread Stuffing & Chile Sage Butter. Just ask them. Moonshine has such a great reputation that folks don't mind waiting in a line for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch.

Warm and fuzzy at the 45 minute mark, our buzzer lit up like a Christmas tree and G-Man and I were immediately seated by a window in an intimate corner. Erin, from Michigan, introduced herself as our server and gave us the quick rundown on Moonshine's buffet styled food placement. Surprisingly, most servers don't introduce themselves by name anymore. Erin did and she was absolutely lovely and attentive. Here's a photo of Erin.

It was an undertaking, but I made it a personal mission to sample most items from the Brunch Menu. Here are some snapshots, a list of what I tasted and my impressions noted accordingly:

Ann's Bloody Mary with vodka, tomato

juice, chipotle & garlic (WOW - an impressive vodka pour!)

Egg in a Biscuit (The BEST!)

Sliver of a Veggie Omelette (perfect & flavorful)

Green Egg Scramble with Basil Pesto, Parmesan Cheese & Tomatoes (really green & has St. Patrick's Day written all over it)

King Ranch Casserole (good)

Grilled Jalapeno Breakfast Sausages (spicy little numbers - yum!)

Roasted Red Potatoes (more spice please)

Green Chile Cheese Grits w/hatch green chiles & cheddar cheese (slightly runny in consistency but flavorful)

Cornflake Fried Chicken Tenders (not a fan of the fry, but a nice alternative to a chicken tender)

Buttermilk Biscuits with Chipotle Cream & Gravy (delicious)

Turkey Croissant (flavorful but bordering on soggy from sitting)

Miniature bagel with salmon spread (perfect spread)

Seasonal Fresh Fruit with poppy seed yogurt (fresh and satisfying)

White Chocolate Bread Pudding (holy cow! a wonderful surprise)

Plate full of baked goods; cinnamon pinwheel, apple turnover, cappuccino bundt cake, (#1 in deliciousness was the cappuccino bundt cake - all others were dry but tasty)

I highly recommend a little Moonshine! Sunday Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and costs $15.95 per plate. Should you prefer quick seating, it's best to arrive early or after 1 p.m. In the event you want the entire dog and pony show (including drinks on the patio & bonding with the crowd) arrive somewhere in the middle. Moonshine does not take reservations for Sunday Brunch.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

To learn more about Moonshine Restaurant Patio Bar & Grill, banquet options & other menus, visit http://www.moonshinegrill.com/

To view their Brunch Menu: http://www.moonshinegrill.com/menus/moonshine_brunch.pdf

Pros: Fresh & flavorful food, great selection, ambiance, service, a place you can relax & never feel rushed, heavy on the pour bloody mary

Cons: If you're expecting to be seated quickly - you'll be stuck with a wait

Suggestions: Spice up your red potatoes and thicken your green chile grits

Moonshine Restaurant Patio Bar & Grill ~ 303 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701 ~ 512.236.9599

At home with Breakfast In Austin

2010-09-18T11:55:00.006-05:00

Today Breakfast In Austin is at home! Due to Saturday morning indecisiveness, I decided to chef up my own little breakfast. Through the years I've been pretty comfortable in the kitchen. Never taking any formal classes other than a couple at Whole Foods in Austin and Seattle, I'm an inventive but novice chef. Typically I don't follow recipes but rather tweak them or create my own.

As for breakfast in my own kitchen, I'm an advocate of all things turkey bacon (Oscar Meyer should pay me big money for converting 100's from pig to turkey - thank you very much) because of it's leanness and flavor. I've tried every brand - organic and otherwise and always come back to Oscar Meyer's Turkey Bacon product. Surprised? Just try it already! Additionally I love EGGS as a base, usually favoring frittata's, omelets and scrambles because of the latitude of ingredients you can play with. They are healthy dishes (if you want them to be) and tough to screw up!

This morning's fare is a delicious and easy to make Red Peppered Frittata with Turkey Bacon & Parmesan, with less than 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time. The result is a gorgeous little egg pie which is flavorful, healthy and a hit with just about anyone young or old. Not only do frittata's make sense in the morning, but can also be served as a brunch dish or at dinner with a salad. Here is the recipe & easy to follow instructions:

Red Pepper Frittata with Turkey Bacon & Parmesan

(Serving 1-2)

2 Large Organic Brown Eggs

1/2 cup to 3/4 cup Organic Egg Whites

Pepper

1/4 cup diced Red Onion

2-3 fresh garlic cloves (garlic press)

4-5 pieces of Turkey Bacon

1/4 Red Pepper (diced)

2-3 TBSP grated Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkling of fresh Parsley

Pam Spray - Organic styled Olive Oil

Salsa

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees;

2. In a non-stick pan cook Turkey Bacon on the stovetop (when opening pack, cut all strips down middle - half pieces are easier to handle when cooking and cutting) Once Turkey Bacon is finished, remove pieces and place between paper towels to capture excess grease then chop into small pieces (set aside);

3. Beat Eggs & Egg Whites in bowl, add Pepper (set aside);

4. Dice Red Onion and Garlic (set aside);

5. Dice Red Pepper, parmesan and parsley (set aside);

6. In an 8 inch, oven proof & non-stick saute pan, spray with Pam and cook onion & garlic until softened and fragrant;

7. Add diced Turkey Bacon, Red Pepper & Parmesan to egg mixture and gently blend;

8. Add egg mixture to pan and stir gently to combine with red onion and garlic;

9. Increase heat to medium to medium high and cook without stirring for 2-3 minute, then loosen the edges with a flat wooden spoon or spatula. (This is when I work the pan and tip it from various angles, allowing the uncooked egg mixture on top to run toward the edges - continuing to loosen the edges with my flat wooden spoon);

10. In no more than 10 minutes the frittata should be mostly cooked. Transfer the oven proof saute pan into the oven for 10 minutes OR until frittata is set;

11. Remove from oven and give it a quick cool. Gently transfer the frittata to a cutting board, slice into 4 pieces, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with a side of salsa and fresh fruit.

As you play with this recipe I suggest you add more or less red onion, garlic, pepper, veggies and cheese based on your personal preferences. I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do and can see the endless variations in ingredients.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

Pros: Luxury of cooking the meal you want with bold flavors, being inventive, little expense, wear whatever outfit you want

Cons: Clean up

Suggestions: Hard pressed to come up with any

Breakfast In Austin ~ home ~ http://breakfastinaustin.blogspot.com/

Follow Breakfast In Austin on Twitter (breakfastaustin) ~ https://twitter.com/breakfastaustin

Like Breakfast In Austin on Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breakfast-In-Austin/149204635097038

Perfect Breakfast Tacos at Jose's Taqueria el Guerrerense

2010-09-12T16:55:00.004-05:00

Our neighborhood taco trailer owned and operated by Jose is unassuming, inexpensive, ultra-casual with made to order breakfast tacos. Jose is a gracious host who also works a second job selling ski boats. His menu is hand written in spanish, translated for us gringos into english and all food is made to order. All breakfast tacos cost no more than $1.50. The trailer is old, simple and nothing impressive at first glance. All of that changes when Jose flashes his crooked-toothed smile.

With an eagerness to provide a glimpse into Jose's Mexican styled cooking, these gorgeous little breakfast tacos are heavily influenced by Jose's upbringing in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Notably more identifiable with one of it's core cities being Acapulco. This is where Jose is from and serves as the inspiration for the name of his business, Guerrerense being a person from the state of Guerrero. Ole!

Jose recently moved his trailer and table and chairs from the boat lot near Hudson Bend Middle School down the street half mile to Texas Custom Choppers. From Mansfield Dam heading toward Lakeway, that'd be approximately 3 miles on your left. The new location is a bit tricky because it sits on the edge of 620, but it's still accessible. On any given morning park in the Texas Custom Choppers lot or take your chance on the side of the road.

Upon our arrival at around 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning and feeling like the consummate regulars, G-Man placed his order with Jose first. 2 chorizo, egg & cheese breakfast tacos in flour tortillas, topped with the weekend only and freshly made avocado based green salsa.

I mixed it up and requested 1 bacon, egg & cheese and 1 bean, egg & cheese (Jose added a few pieces of ham), also topped with the avocado salsa. Both our plates were gorgeous, fresh and flavorful. At 3 bucks per plate, pretty unreal!

With food comes thirst, so G-Man and I each enjoyed Jose's freshly made lime-aid in a super-size cup. With a generous amount of sugar and the authentic sour of lime, our mouths couldn't help but pucker. What a refreshing compliment to the tacos. Tummies full, we said our goodbyes & thank you's to Jose and left happy.

We've been repeat customers too many times to count and Jose deserves more success than he currently has. The quality and flavor of Jose's breakfast tacos are better than most. Taqueria el Guerrerense is open 7 days a week with a full menu. (I highly recommend the chicken tacos later in the day) I promise a visit to this trailer will be worth the drive for you downtown Austin-ites. For those of you who live in Central or near the Lake, come on over. Remember to tell Jose that Jen sent you! You won't be disappointed with this unknown breakfast experience.

It's all about the feast, not the famine!

Pros: Fresh ingredients, amazing taste & flavor, inexpensive, made to order, open 7 days a week, lunch & dinner items, BYOB but be discreet

Cons: Not the best location - off shoulder of busy 620 - your life is in your own hands

Suggestions: The old menu board has faded from elements, time for a new one, Jose! Time to advertising - owner deserve more business

Taqueria el Guerrerense (In front of Texas Custom Choppers) ~ 2203 RR 620 North, Austin, TX 78734 ~ For to go orders call 512.317.5339 or for events call 512.657.3955

Funk & 50's at Austin Diner

2010-09-07T17:45:00.016-05:00

Breakfast, by all accounts, is a pretty affordable meal, unless you're hitting brunch with 2 or more friends every weekend and sipping on mary's or mimosa's. Sort of puts the cost of eggs, bacon & toast in its own place. My initial hope with Breakfast In Austin was to flip between breakfast and brunch from week to week and showcase some cool places to start the day. With my last two reviews focusing on brunch, it was time to focus on some breakfast only menus. This weeks choice? The Burnet Road landmark and ultra retro, Austin Diner.

The Austin Diner oozes that old 50's - 60's ultra funky vibe! I'm not sure if it was the old signage embossed with "Diner" out front or the hard plastic elementary styled chairs with steel legs sitting outside. I couldn't wait to open the door to see what subtle nuances I might find inside. I was not disappointed! Gotta say, it was a toss-up on the old school decor - the glass vertical shelving hosting pots & pitchers, a wall holding old toasters & griddles AND the black records mounted on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. The latter was my fav! Certainly the formica dinette tabletops and checkered floors added a little class to the joint.

After G-Man and I were greeted by a pleasant waitress, I found myself bobbing along toward our table to an Elvis Presley tune. Totally fitting but where was the jukebox? We ordered our obligatory black coffee & water and once pleasant waitress returned, the musical stylings had hit Stevie Ray and an old Aerosmith tune. Nice mix! I asked what 2 items were popular on the Austin Diner menu. Answer? The Egg Platter or Brian's Favorite. But I had another idea in mind...

At the recent urging of a friend who loves Migas, he suggested I find a presentation to write up and photograph. The stars aligned because Migas was exactly what I wanted. Austin Diner delivered! Made with two scrambled eggs (which honestly seemed like the largest 2 eggs I'd ever had) sauteed onions, cilantro, jalapenos, tomato and a generous amount of tortilla strips, topped with cheese...I was in absolute heaven! Flavorful and hearty, I couldn't finish my plate (and I used the 2 flour tortillas provided). The Migas was also served with semi-bland home fries and a cup of black beans with kick. The charge? $6.99 - which to me was well priced and worth every penny!

G-Man was also inclined to order the Migas, great minds I'm telling you, but for the review's sake opted instead for the Mexican Omelet. G-Man hadn't eaten an omelet in years, but was curious and on a protein kick. His egg creation was made with 3 eggs, blended cheeses, sauteed onions, tomato, jalapenos, cilantro and topped off with ranchero sauce & sour cream. I thought the presentation looked too runny but G-Man was pleased and commented on the solid flavor and heartiness of the dish. I went in for a bite with my own fork and found the omelet - good. G-Man's sides included toast and home fries, all for the sticker price of $7.50.

I leave you with this - the general philosophy in Austin, I believe, is never sacrifice the stomach's need for nourishment. There is never a shortage of those who spend at their favorite establishments, but come on...we're all looking for a deal! The Austin Diner has that affordability factor. Matched with ambiance and vibe, patrons won't feel short changed. Perhaps the same circa 1950? Austin Diner offers great food, supplies awesome portions, is ultra-easy on the pocketbook and serves breakfast all day! So go pay your bills and swing by this hip little Diner.

It's all about the feast, not the famine! (Thinking this might just be my catch-phrase!)

To learn more about Austin Diner, go to http://austindineronline.com/home.html

To view the Breakfast Menu, go to http://austindineronline.com/dinermenu.pdf and scroll down to the very bottom

Pros: Affordable prices, cool retro vibe, quick & friendly service, flavorful food, lots of patrons, good parking

Cons: Sorry, but the tables were a little dirty

Suggestions: Wipe off the extra large salsa bottle before you move it from one table to another - germaphobes won't like that

Austin Diner ~ 5408 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78756 ~ (512) 467-9552

Not just DOGS & BEER at Frank!

2010-08-30T07:30:00.004-05:00

FRANK! Located between 4th & 5th on Colorado in Downtown Austin, Frank is known for their variety of kick ass hot dogs, surprising sides and cold beer. If a chili cheese or nacho dog aint your thing, Frank totes himself as the Purveyor of Artisan Sausage and offers The Notorious P.I.G. or a beer soaked Brat. Dogs for everyone from 11am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday. Additionally there's a Late Night Menu for the chronic, 20+ something stumbler from 10pm to close.

If you think Frank's day & nighttime menus aren't enough, you'll be pleased to know they're open for breakfast from 8am to 11am. The menu is simple and affordable including Intelligentsia Coffee, Pastries, Beignets and Biscuits. But that's not what has Breakfast in Austin so captivated! When I discovered their Sunday Brunch and studied the menu, I thought I'd died and gone to Frank heaven. A Red Headed Stranger? Flapsticks? Biscuits with Jackalope Gravy? No better occasion then to grab friend and fellow breakfast lover, Sarah Groves and experience the home cooking of Frank on Sunday!

Ms. Groves arrived right on time at 11am with an up front parking space and I...was late. Luckily no harm. Sarah and I eagerly blasted through Frank's friendly doors and were quickly seated in Joe's section. No wait and definitely the best two top in the joint, as we could see everything and everyone! Sarah was clearly needing a little hair of the dog, so my suggestion of their Red Headed Stranger was kindly received. Joe! Two, please. I had heard of the bacon infused vodka additive, but giggled like a school girl at the sight of the chunk of cheddar cheese and bacon garnish in my Mason jar. May I say, don't let the bacon fool you because this was the best Bloody Mary I've had in a LONG time! Sarah concurred.

Onto the food! Truthfully I had read the Frank brunch menu prior to arriving, so I had already decided to order off their "Fantastic Four" menu for $11.00. Basically, select 4 out of 15 items and EAT. My selections? The Split Biscuit with Jackalope Gravy, 2 Over Easy Eggs, Hash Brown Casserole and Bierock. Everything was flavorful and good - especially the Split Biscuit with Jackalope Gravy and Hash Brown Casserole. The Bierock? This was Frank's version of a German pocket pastry, labeled "The Elvis". You guessed it! Diced Banana, peanut butter and speckles of bacon on the inside. Let's just say the first bite was totally bizarre but completely tasty at the same time.

Sarah's turn. Paired with her hair of the dog, Sarah decidedly zoned in on the Frank Texas Benedict. A great choice and a plate after my own heart! Due to my incessant need for all things Benedict, I avoided eyeballing this delicacy until Ms. Groves ordered it. Tradition aside, this dish shined with a jumbo split cheddar biscuit, pulled pork, fried eggs and jalapeno hollandaise. I was able to sample a touch of the hollandaise on my fork and it was delicious. Must say I was a little envious! Sarah was more than satisfied with her choice and gave this version of Benedict a big thumbs up.

I LOVE FRANK! To date this is my favorite place for Sunday Brunch in Austin and I cannot wait to return. I highly recommend a visit to anyone who likes great service, inventive and flavorful food and a cool vibe that caters to a laid back and varied crowd. As a parting gift, don't forget to give a nod to the flag above the bar on your way out ~ our server Joe thought we'd get a laugh out of it and so will you...

On a final note - if you're not too full and up for some in house shopping, Frank has a small Grocery Store inside the restaurant, featuring cook books, hot dog material and candies. Always open to carrying local items, give Frank suggestions! The Store is open Monday through Saturday from 8am-10pm and Sunday during Brunch from 11am-3pm. "Frankly," the store didn't seem too open on this particular day.

To learn more about Frank go to http://hotdogscoldbeer.com/

To view the Sunday Brunch Menu: http://hotdogscoldbeer.com/eats/?menu=5

Pros: The service rocked, great open ambience and cool vibe, food & selection were amazing, bacon infused bloody with beer chaser, kid friendly, no wait

Cons: The Grocery Store wasn't open

Suggestions: This is MINOR - Work on the store, Frank! Seemed very vacant - not a lot of merchandise & nobody tending a register

Frank ~ 4th & Colorado, Austin TX 78701 ~ 512.494.6916

Brunch for the Overindulgent at Paggi House

2010-08-24T21:05:00.014-05:00

The reputation of this place most certainly precedes itself. You can talk to anyone in Austin and you'll hear something great about Paggi House. It's impeccable service, swanky atmosphere, mouth-watering food or it's memorable brunch. 10, 10, 10 & 10. Even Yelp boasts an astounding 200 posts, which all ooze upper-crust, so why even bother to review if all the other foodies have?

I've been to Paggi House a handful of times but never to eat a full meal. Once upon a time my good friend was an original partner in the business, so occasionally we'd connect for drinks and appetizers in the one of a kind, stone constructed, courtyard bar. But after a 2 year hiatus, my fading memory recalls a once impressive wine and some type of plated hors d'oeuvre. Evidently time for my return! Enter Breakfast In Austin and my desire to experience the reputable Paggi House brunch. Some say one of the best in town...

My companion for Sunday's jaunt? Gary, or G-Man. Boyfriend extraordinaire and quite possibly the best breakfast mate with a discerning critical eye. No rainbows, butterflies or fluffy B.S. with this man. I figured if anyone could see through an overrated place, G-Man would. In any case, we arrived to this 1840's historical structure before our 11:15 a.m. reservation to free valet parking and a perky hostess dressed for the inevitable party happening later that night. We were asked politely to wait a few minutes for seating, so I ordered a Bloody Mary from the bar and my companion an Iced Tea.

After a quick 10 minutes, we were seated at a quaint 4-top inside. G-Man quickly commented on the Paggi House architecture reminding him of landmarks in Charleston, South Carolina. A definite feel good for G-Man. While waiting on our server, we laughed at the musical stylings of Bob Marley singing from the speakers. Love our reggae but seemed an odd choice in these surroundings - especially with a jazz band playing outside.

Our nameless but excellent server welcomed us by explaining most of the Sunday samplings were set up buffet style in the west end of Paggi House. With that we gathered our hunger and tasted fresh fruit with homemade whipped cream, home made pastries, french toast, bleu cheese grits, bacon, breakfast sausage, mini-quiche, roasted pork tenderloin, grilled zucchini and red onion and hash browns. The hits? The fresh fruit and cream were delicious, bleu cheese grits amazingly flavorful and the quiche worth mentioning. Unfortunately the french toast was SOGGY, the pastries bland and the other offerings just standard.

Separately, we were encouraged to order Chicken and Waffles, Eggs Any Style (benedict, scrambled, sunny side up, over easy or poached) or Omelet's from the kitchen. As if these options weren't enough, we were free to order an unlimited amount. Really??!! An absolute dream for me! I finally took the plunge in sampling Chicken and Waffles. Brave but definitely not my favorite - dark meat, gag - but quite interesting and cool in presentation. Always a sucker for the Benedict, I ordered one portion and was sadly letdown with the over use of butter in the hollandaise sauce, although the ham and poached egg were cooked well.

To top off any gluttony, we patrons have that instinctual need to combine our food and beverage, right? Paggi House delivers in this arena. Drink selections include Mimosas - $1, Spicy Bloody Mary's - $2.50, Raspberry Lemonade with Vodka - $4, Strawberry Mojito's with Silver Rum - $4.50, Red Wine Sangria - $2.50 OR you can overindulge your senses with a $20 pitcher. I opted for another Spicy Bloody Mary (that'd be 2 if you're counting) and neither were spicy enough. I ended my meal with a cup of the organic drip coffee, which was a splendid way to end this eating experience at Paggi House.

No huge regrets in Paggi House Sunday brunch but I am left with two big O's. 1 - Overrated and 2 - Overindulgent. Think a few times before adding Paggi House as your #1 breakfast destination, as the food isn't as mouth watering as you might be led to believe and the cost in my opinion is unreasonable. Will I return? Most likely yes, but for dinner or their reverse happy hour in the late p.m.

Serving Sunday brunch at the Paggi House from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Diners are encouraged to call for a reservation at 512.473.3700

Learn more about Paggi House at http://www.paggihouse.com/

To view the Paggi House Brunch Menu: http://www.paggihouse.com/menus/brunch%20buffet%20061210.pdf

Pros: Fresh fruit, bleu cheese grits, jazz band outside, ambiance, service, cheap drinks

Cons: Soggy French Toast, overpriced buffet at $24 per plate

Suggestions: Cook French Toast for a longer period of time, use less butter in the hollandaise sauce, decrease your per plate cost

Paggi House ~ 200 Lee Barton Drive, Austin, TX 78704 ~ 512.473.3700

Which Galaxy am I in?

2010-08-17T13:16:00.003-05:00

My breakfast dates for this weekend? Two open-minded, hungry, but slightly sleep deprived 11 year olds. Names? Sloan & Hailee. Better known as Thing #1 and Thing #2 on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. I decided to ease any pain the Things might experience with a napkin in your lap, shoulders back, brunch type of environment and go for something a bit more child-mild. After we scoured a few venues and menus online, catering to the laid back breakfast crowds, the Things and I selected Galaxy Cafe.

Enter the Galaxy at West Lynn in between Enfield & West 6th Street. No stars, no planets but a universe all its own. A locally owned and operated business in Austin, Texas, Galaxy Cafe boasts three (3) locations to serve its patrons. Unique, in that upon entry we discovered mounted boxes with menus and a friendly young lady who greeted us. She kindly suggested we each grab & study a breakfast menu. My eyes were drawn to a white two-seater bench, so we sat and studied. After the "what are you going to have?" discussion with the Things, we all decidedly approached the young lady at the counter. Counter service it was!

I opted for my very own french press coffee (which I adored) and the healthy and fresh Mediterranean Breakfast with eggs scrambled, fresh roma tomatoes, a touch of feta cheese and chopped basil. Add avocado? Of course! Anything to embolden a meal. A small cup of fresh fruit, including strawberries, cantaloupe & honeydew, adorned the plate along with half of an unimpressive and slightly over-toasted bagel. What is it about not getting bread right? I had ordered cream cheese and was hugely relieved when it appeared in the 3rd round of table delivery. Phew... My breakfast? $6.99 plus $1.25 for the avocado. This is the first time, in a long time, that I've walked away from breakfast feeling light on my feet. Typically overindulgent for a creamy, unhealthy weekend breakfast, I finished this meal feeling satisfied -not like the typical alien living on a different planet.

The Things? They were both fairly decisive in their counter service requests. Thing #1 opted for her version of a build your own breakfast wrap. Picking and choosing ingredients, Thing #1 ordered three scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, wrapped in a giant flour tortilla and served with a fresh side of salsa. Massive in size with a great taste, a noted deal at $5.99. Thing #2 kept it simple with the American Breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, three strips of bacon and a half of bagel for a very affordable $5.99. Her verdict? A clean plate and commendable dish with a 7 out of 10 rating.

Suffice it to say, Galaxy Cafe's breakfast fare was light and affordable albeit a touch predictable and standard. I will definitely return but to try heartier fare like their popular french toast platter with strawberries, bananas and powdered sugar. It was great to see a busy crowd and the bowl of dum-dums as a post breakfast dessert for the Things!

Thank you for the enjoyable breakfast, Galaxy Cafe.

Pros: Affordable prices, friendly staff, great location, kid friendly

Cons: Confusion for 1st timers at entry & exit - we saw a 6 top sit down who waited 5 minutes for table service. Oops! Food is predictable...

Suggestions: Add a hearty Eggs Benedict to the menu

Learn more about Galaxy Cafe at: http://www.galaxycafeaustin.com/index.html and check out their menu at: http://www.galaxycafeaustin.com/images/2010-TOGO-MENU8x11TALL.pdf

Galaxy Cafe locations ~

The Triangle at 46th at Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78751 ~ 512.323.9494

1000 West Lynn, Austin, TX 78703 ~ 512.478.3434

9911 Brodie Lane, Austin, TX 78748 ~ 512.233.6000

Brunch & Hollandaise at Eastside Cafe

2010-08-09T20:20:00.005-05:00

A first-timer to 20 plus year old Eastside Cafe, a handful of friends suggested I make this locally owned, garden fresh haunt my first stop. Easy to find without the use of google maps - Eastside Cafe is located at 2113 Manor Road just east of I-35 and the University of Texas. As first times go, I usually drive right by a new place, but no such thing with their visible and erect sign. Entering the main house at 10:35 a.m., I was greeted by a friendly hostessing staff who quickly directed me out a backyard path to the separate, yet charming, "Garden House". Meeting up with my friend, gluten-free-girl & blogger, Sarah (or GFG for my purposes here), she'd arrived and selected a quaint two top in the back of the house near the window.

After our half-giddy/half-we're eating & blogging together greeting, we ordered drinks and scoured the menu's. GFG's? Purely gluten-free. Mine? Not so much. Nice to have options! GFG opted for a delicious Migas spread with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, onions, cheddar cheese & corn tortillas. Standard sides of black beans and home fries finished the plating. Seemingly affordable at $8.95 and making gluten-free look appealing to the masses.

On the other end of the menu, I was obligated to feast on Eastside Cafe's Classic Eggs Benedict with two perfectly poached eggs, generous cuts of tasty ham and a glutenous English muffin, topped with a flavorful and creamy hollandaise sauce. Added was a side of hand cut home fries

which were especially satisfactory. Mini corn bread muffins were provided in place of the preferred blueberry as a warm up. An expected price of $11.95. Was I disappointed in one of my favorite dishes? No - the sauce was great! But I left hoping there had been more hollandaise atop my benedict gem.

I would definitely recommend swinging by the Eastside Cafe for brunch. Should the desire kick in, Eastside Cafe serves on Saturday and Sunday, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. They're also happy to take your reservation by phoning them at (512) 476-5858. The food is fresh, flavorful and the service reflective of Austin's laid back dining style. Where else can you wander the grounds and peek into an established garden or see baby chicks in a coop?

For any overflow caused by a long wait or should you have any shopping needs, the Cafe's ownership opened a neighboring store called Pitchforks & Tablespoons. There is definitely something for everyone (coffee, books, gifts, plants), plus a 22 year old lounging cat who looks like he's had more than 9 lives. Really.

Looking forward to coming back! Thank you Eastside Cafe for a fine morning experience.

Included are links to Eastside Cafe's brunch and gluten free menus plus their website address:

Brunch ~http://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com/menus/brunch.html

Gluten Free ~http://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com/menus/glutenfree.html

Eastside Cafe's Website ~ http://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com/index.html

Also, if you're interested in Gluten-Free eating tips and where to find the best GF restaurants in Austin, check out my GFG-friend's blog ~ http://glutengirlinaustin.blogspot.com/

Pros: The hollandaise sauce, atmosphere, garden, no wait

Cons: 100 degrees outside - 85 degrees in the Garden Room and I was too hot, also never caught our servers name

Suggestions: More hollandaise on your benedict, please

Eastside Cafe ~ 2113 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722 ~ (512) 476-5858