Mikeska's (Columbus, TX)

Lost in 1978.

Mikeska's BBQ. located just off Interstate 10 at exit 698 seemed like a good place to stop on my four hour road trip. I was craving some sustanance and got more meat than I could handle.

Upon entry, I was greeted by two taxidermied bears. One was wearing a bow tie, which I quickly realized was the trademark of the owner. After we ordered, he made a quick appearance in the kitchen of the restaurant and he was wearing a black bowtie that was surely an original. Mr. Mikeska is pictured in his bowtie all across the walls and alongside him are a mass of animals collected from perhaps an avid hunting life by the owner himself. There were so many stuffed animal heads that I almost became frightened. It was weird to try to eat meat with all those eyes staring at me, but I made it through and the sausage and brisket made me wanna slap my momma it was so good. I shoulda skipped the sides because the meat is where it was at.

For it's 1978 wood paneling and trademark bowtie, deerhead, and BBQ, I give Mikeska's a 3 out of 5.

Rafael's (Lumberton, TX)

The one and only!

Literally, Rafael's is the one and only restaurant in Lumberton. Upon each visit I am saddened at their lack of attention to detail. The server admittedly 'never ate here.' When the waitstaff isn't willing to eat the food or at least minimally familiarize themselves with the menu items, you know the restaurant is going to suck.

The queso isn't all that bad. I kinda liked it, but the nachos were soggy and flavorless.

The murals on the one hand are very intricate and are perhaps the one thing that can distract you from the - and I say this nicely, mediocre attempt at Mexican cuisine. Even as I write this, I am trying to think what they could do to make this place better. It just seems like such a disapointment that the only space in town built to hold a restaurant is being used to dispense this poor quality food and service. I've got my fingers crossed that Lumberton will soon receive the restaurant and knowledgable waitstaff it deserves. Start a restaurant revolution!

Maudie's Cafe (Lake Austin Blvd.)

Location, location, location.

Located next to Goodwill, I consider Maudie's a fun place to eat because when you finish up you can always follow up with a quick trip to one of the best Goodwills in town.

I definitely recommend Maudie's. Take my advice and sit at the bar. Ask for Jose (pictured above). If he's working, you're in luck. Tell him you read about him on my blog.

I like what they've done inside with the wall of bottles. It reminds me of a program I saw on like the Discovery Channel. These people had built their home out of recycled materials and they used glass bottles and an adobe like mixture to build walls. The walls served a double purpose, which I guess was to be a wall and then to let in light. Anyways, they have a bottle wall in Maudie's and it's real cool.

I usually get the chicken verde enchiladas (scrumptious), but on my last trip I chose the hamburger. I wouldn't usually get a burger at a Mexican restaurant, but Jose recommended it, so I knew it'd be good. He was right, the cheese was sooo good. I think they use the same cheese that goes in the queso dip on the burgers, so it's super melty and gets in the crannies of the burger. Each bite oozed a secret hidden cheese surprise of goodness.

I had a frozen margarita, two actually, and they were good.

San Jose Hotel (SoCo)

So fresh and so clean.

Inside the earthy yet upscale San Jose Hotel, we stopped in to check out the small cafe. My first instinct told me it was going to be good because the smell inside was a wonderful clean citrus mixed with eucalyptus.

I was disappointed that they only served beer and wine (no liquor), but was pleased with the bar maids knowledge of the selections. She recommended a nice champagne and it seemed to fit my mood perfectly. We opted for the outside seating area because there's not a whole lot going on inside, considering there are only two tables. The poolside patio on the other hand was full of young adults discussing work and politics, but in a casual and enjoyable way. More Barack and less McCain if you understand what I mean.

A DJ sat in the corner playing 45's on his high tech equipment, but he intrigued me with his beatnic style. The music seemed to come right out a 1965 Playboy magazine. The music was a great time-filler during lulls in conversation, but it was never a distraction.

I like this place because it seems secret. Although it's located in a very trendy spot it seems like you should have to be a dues paying member to get in. The hotel itself offers bungalows that overlook the cafe patio. I'm going to start saving up now so that I can stay there.

For it's beautiful bamboo and cactus displays and fresh smelling soap, I give San Jose Hotel Cafe a 4 out of 5.

Boticelli's (SoCo)

Pretentious? Maybe. Pricey? Definitely. Formal? No way!

At first glance, you'd think Boticelli's (located in the heart of the South Congress shopping district) is a snooty italian bistro. But don't be put off by the appearance, the customers were dressed casual and I didn't get any funny looks for wearing flip flops. The interior design is traditional and classic with a hint of baroque. Candles adorn each table and set the mood in this chef centered eatery. The menu boasts Italian classics such as bruschetta, but be careful to pronounce it correctly (brusˈket.ta) or else you will be mocked by the waitstaff.

Feeling too claustrophobic inside, we chose the back patio. We caught the beginning of the free nightly music. It was a two person band...kinda jazzy. Because of my meager budget, I opted for drinks and apps. I started with the Taylor Street Lemonade w/blueberries...yum! It was made with Absolut Citron, lemonade and big fresh blueberries. It was better than a glass of homemade lemonade and perfect for the lingering summer heat.

Next, we stuck to the familiar road and chose the bruschetta. It was served on toasted baquettes. Each lady finger shaped slice was spread with two flavors - sun dried tomato and eggplant tapenade. I preferred the eggplant (green) halves and wished the tomato (red) halves were gone all together. The food arrived to our table in a stunning presentation that almost made me want to stick around to see what fun shapes my main course would come in.

Based on budget alone, I probably won't be returning too soon. Otherwise I say this eatery is exquisite. I give Boticelli's a 3.5 out of 5.

Just Curious

Is anyone reading me?

Amy's Ice Cream (The Arboretum)

My recommendations for Amy's @ the Arboretum are:

#1 - Only go after dark
#2 - Don't drink before you go

I make the first recommendation based on the location of this Austin original. After grabbing a bowl of your favorite flavor, made with products from other local companies (Goodflow, Kent's cookie dough, etc.), you can take a stroll along the terraced fountain that remains lit at night. Be sure to take a stop at the Cow Field. Four life size cow sculptures grace this garden and you are invited to touch/ride/climb them or whatever else you see fit. Ride 'em cowboy! Don't forget your camera because fun will surely ensue.

Although it's touted as a 'fun for the whole family' place I recommend Amy's late night for couples. Once you make it past the Cow Field you can enjoy a scenic overlook near the edge of the Arboretum property.

My secod recommendation is based on my own stupidity. Realize that although the paths are lit at night, it is still dark outside. All of the outdoor tables are cement and I was enjoying myself so thoroughly that I abandoned all regard for my safety. Very unintentionally, I banged my knee on one of the tables as I sat to enjoy my belgium chocolate with twix crush-ins (see picture).

The menu includes flavors less subtle than Blue Bell's Vanilla (like sweet cream and tequila raisin) and I recommend that you choose an item to mix in. Crush-ins include almost all candy bars, fruits, nuts, etc.

For it's hip austin culture and employee hat selections, I give Amy's @ the Arboretum a 4 out of 5.


http://www.amysicecreams.com/

P.F. Chang's China Bistro (The Arboretum)

To me, Chang's feels like a "first date with an older man" kind of place. It's better quality, but less campy than Magic Wok. Magic Wok has the best delivery and crab rangoon and super late hours.

Anyways, back to Chang's...the spices that are used to season the dishes are fresh and zesty. The servers know their trade and the lettuce wraps are kickin' like Van Damme. The food is affordable and the drink menu gives you a lot of unexpected options, like a key lime martini. I chose the mai tai, which was served with a fresh slice of pineapple. Classy! The portions are big so you can save moolah if you share. I also like that the dishes ae served family style. I give Chang's a 4.5 out of 5.

Sam's Boat (N. Mopac)

A Whole new meaning to the term castaway. If you're thinking about hopping on the boat, I want to warn you that it may turn out to be strictly a booze cruise.

This place has a nautical theme. Step outside and you feel as though you're a few steps away from diving off the plank. We bellied up to the bar, which we later learned was the best idea we could have had at the restaurant. After grabbing our first drinks, which were pleasing, we went to the hostess stand to be seated. She escorted us to our table outside and we waited for our server....and waited....and waited. At one point, a server came to the table to ask if we had ordered the queso she was carrying on her tray. We told her no and pointed to the table next to us. It wasn't their queso either and they told us she'd been out to the patio with it three times.

After finishing our drinks, we checked with the hostess to see what the problem was, but she acted like she was unaware of the fact that she had ever brought us to our table. At that moment we realized we had become castaways on the patio and quickly bobbed to the parking lot in search of a rescue.

If you're looking for the booze cruise, 3.5 out of 5...If food is what you crave 0 out of 5. Arghh!

Juan in a Million (Cesar Chavez St. & Robert T. Martinez St.)

Known for the best handshake in town and oh so much more. Well not really...I mostly know Juan in A Million for it's giant breakfast taco, "The Don Juan." It's the biggest taco in town, with the smallest price. This place is a game day favorite and it's budget friendly, so you should expect to see a lot of college kids.

To me, Juan in a Million feels like a tourist spot just across the Mexican border in Nuevo Laredo except there's no pharmacia or strip searches on your way home. I like this place best because it reminds me of Sam. Where are you Sam Oren-Palmer?


http://www.juaninamillion.com/

Phara's & Christopher's Casbah (North Loop)

Located in the old Ararat Restaurant, Phara's is keeping a great tradition alive. The ever present owner ensures that things here are being done right. The interior is clean enough to eat off the floor (although I would never try that) and even the bathrooms are well kept. The bathroom is also painted a metallic purple and gold, which reminds me of a little room I once knew down at 402 Cherryhill Drive.*

If you happen to go there Wednesday - Sunday night, you will get to experience the dance...belly dance. The dancers were a true delight. Their beauty was abounding and they were very approachable and camera friendly. They were charismatic and at one point they had most of the customers dancing with them in the outdoor patio area.

The servers seem comfortable and our server in particular had an affinity for the sheesha, which you are invited to enjoy at nearly every table. You can rent a hookah for your table and the servers will keep hot coals coming. One of the neatest things about the place, as if what I mentioned above is not enough, is that you can b.y.o.b. The menu asks that you only bring beer or wine, but I'm pretty sure I saw some bottles in the audience. We stuck with water and sampled a mixture of two sheesha flavors - rose & mint. It's my new signature flavor. It was aromatic and lively.

The main restaurant Phara's is located next to an annexed room that can be rented for special occassions, etc. The annex is called Christopher's Casbah. On the patio, you can rent another closed off area for birthdays...

If you plan enough in advance, they even take reservations. Let me recommend that you call ahead and request the table outside with the raised gazebo. We were fortunate enough to be seated at this table and I felt very VIP. In my opinion, this is an ideal date spot.

Oh yeah, the food...hummus = my favorite!

I give Phara's 5 out of 5 Stars!

*****Cherryhill Drive was an address I used to live at. My room was painted to match my comforter - metallic purple and gold.

The Parlor (North Loop)

Punk Rock faked it's death and started a new life at this pizzeria.

How do I put this? Um...Don't forget you leather pants, j/k.

The Parlor (pizza parlor, that is) screams ROCK! Inside the shotgun building the heat from the ovens is warm. Think red, white, and black misfit dungeon.

Outside on the patio think country garden meets toxic avenger.

I can't say much about the pizza b/c by the time we finally made it to the place we could only stomach something small. We opted for the garlic cheese bread appetizer and it was mediocre. I believe I would prefer home made.

My boyfriend Jesse says the pizza is what keeps the people coming back, but since I can't comment on that, I'm gonna say it must be the live music. I give The Parlor a 2.5 (3.0 max).

Spider House (30th & Fruth St.)

Good ol' reliable Spider House.

I used to go here when I wanted to be alone or enjoy some quiet time. Well, things have changed a bit since they've added the full bar. Once known for it's coffee, Spider House is now designated as the campus "it" spot. You'll love it's "unfranchised" feel. You don't have to get dressed up to enjoy this one. It's perfect for a Friday night casual spot. If you just want to get out of the house, but you don't feel like applying make-up, just throw on your uggs/tie-dye/pj's and head on over. You can even bring your dog, which makes it even cozier.

The ambience can best be described as a Xmas light extravaganza. Relics, rust and a fascinating display of hollywood lighting create a enjoyable aura on the patio. I love the way they seem to have robbed my great grandma's yard to furnish the place. Every chair is unique. The inside is full of vintage couches and chairs and seems perfect for a cool winter night w/a cup of cocoa.

Spidey also offers frozen ritas, assorted cakes, and some great looking food (like quesadillas). The beer selection is better than your average domestics, but if you like to experiment, then you've likely had them all. Prices range from cheap to cheap! You won't be likely to spend much unless you belly up to the bar on a rainy day.

For it's low-key appeal and dog friendliness, mixed with a mean bloody mary...I give Spider House a 4 out of 5.

Dirty's (Guadalupe)

Dirty's on the Drag is the place that started it all. I'm starting this blog to satisfy my hunger and my desire to bring an edgey, humorous perspective to dining in Austin.

I imagine that the blog will venture past the Austin city limits, but only time will tell. Until then, here is my first review:

Dirty's has been around for a few decades. Dirty's gets it's name from the original dirt floors that existed inside the restaurant. Although they no longer exist it's still a bit dirty, but I'm pretty sure they keep it that way just to make the food taste better.

Most of the dining areas are outside. There is a classic diner bar inside and picnic tables outside. There is a bit of covered parking which I think is great for the hot summer heat. Stop inside for a beer and your car will stay cool. If you're from Texas (or have black leather car seats) you will understand why this is a great ammenity.

We had the buffalo wings ($.35 each), bacon cheeseburger, and onion rings. The wing sauce was perfectly flamin' and the ranch dip cooled them off perfectly. Cheeseburger was a notch above McDonald's and a notch below a thick Chili's burger, but the bacon, like the wings was perfection. The onion rings were from sweet onions, my least favorite, and after chewing a few my jaw ached.

The restaurant is close to campus, so you should expect to see a lot of burnt orange. Also, the main patio has a big screen TV, so it's a great spot to chill and watch the game.

I'm gonna give Dirty's a 3.5