“Foodie” Fridays in Austin
Sometimes you just feel like Italian and nothing else will do. This weekend I’ve got three fabulous restaurants for you to consider. One is a tribute to your Italian grandmother with southern & northern Italian food; another is 100% gluten free; and the third will have you feeling like you’re dining in a Trattoria somewhere in Tuscany.
1. OLIVE AND JUNE http://oliveandjune-austin.com/
Chef Shawn Cirkiel has impressed critics and those that love food since the early 2000s, that’s when he was noted as Austin’s youngest five-star chef from the Austin-American Statesman. Having grown up on a farm where the food business was rooted in his family as far back as his great-grandparents, cooking fresh and local is in his blood. He trained at the Culinary Institute of America where his style was refined and his love of seasonal, local ingredients was enhanced. Many people share Sunday supper, it just says ‘family.’ It doesn’t matter whether you call it dinner or supper, it’s the time for the family to come together to share a little time over a meal. It’s that Sunday tradition that inspired Chef Shawn to recreate that long-lived tradition in his restaurant. But, this is not your Nonna’s kitchen, skilled chefs turn out sophisticated Italian food in a stylish setting. The focus is mainly southern Italian, with a little northern mixed in. The culture of Italian food is based on eating what grows well where you live, so you will find food that reflects the seasons. The first thing you need to know is that there is always a daily crostini on the menu – be sure to get it. It’s usually some sort of preserved fruit with ricotta and honey over a crispy slice of bread. And, the ciabatta bread is also not to be missed, it’s served with a lemon curd spread instead of butter and is delicious. You’ll find piccolo piatti, antipasti, daily homemade pastas, entrees grilled over Texas oak, contorni & Italian dolci here at Olive and June. For dessert, try their bombolini which is fried dough, rolled in sugar with mascarpone and chocolate cream. Pair that with a delicious cappuccino and you’ll leave completely satisfied. And, your Nonna will be very proud!!2. RIVIERA BISTRO http://www.rivierabistro.com
The Riviera Bistro offers food and wine inspired from the south of France through northern Italy. This restaurant offers Austin with the first of its kind – a gourmet 100% gluten-free full service restaurant that offers classic French and Italian food. Diners can enjoy anything on the menu and not have to worry about any cross contamination. Just order, sit back, relax and enjoy your meal. The kitchen is designed so that you have a full view from the dining room. From the moment you walk-in, the sound, aroma and activity in the kitchen will pique your interest and get your taste buds working. For appetizers, you can choose from calamari breaded with potato flour, flash fried and served with 3 sauces, salmon croquettes or shrimp fraiche soup to name a few. The main menu includes seafood, steaks and northern Italian dishes like Corn Risotto. Or you might enjoy a house special: chicken gratin with truffled mash and lightly fried asparagus. The perfectly seared scallops are served with red pepper polenta and stack of cheese and vegetables that resembles lasagna. And, to finish off the evening, some of your choices are chocolate mousse, cheesecake and delicious beignets that are crispy on the outside, doughy in the center and very good. Whatever you decide, be assured that Chef/Owner Shoel Ross uses local, organic fruits and vegetables, sustainable seafood and natural chicken and other meats whenever possible to ensure you have the best 100% gluten free meal he can provide.3. ASTI TRATTORIA http://www.astiaustin.com
Asti Trattoria features regional Italian Food with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients in one of Austin’s historic areas – Hyde Park, offering everyone a unique opportunity to experience the true spirit of an Italian trattoria in their own neighborhood. Whether it’s a special occasion with a great bottle of wine and a five course dinner, or simply going for a pizza and a beer, Asti will offer you an evening of quality and affordability in an atmosphere that welcomes any occasion. You’ll find a variety of appetizers to choose from like the stuffed mushrooms with fried breadcrumbs and truffle oil or the PEI mussels with tomato, garlic, chile flakes, white wine and grilled bread or the fried artichoke appetizer. For the main course, grilled quails, linguini and clams in white wine sauce or the house-made pappardelle with parmesan cream sauce, mushrooms and rosemary are all delicious! If you are going in for pizza and a beer, the white pizza with truffle oil, fontina & provolone cheeses and fried sage or the wild mushroom pizza with smoked onions, fried rosemary and fontina cheese would be excellent choices. And, now for dessert….of course there’s classic Tiramisu, or a ricotta brûlée with brandied cherries, a slice of mascarpone chiffon cheesecake, or how about a chocolate truffle tart served with praline ice cream? Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy it while escaping for an evening to a little trattoria in Tuscany!
Dories Past Picks:
Sept. 14 Sept. 7 August 31 August 24 August 17 August 10 August 3 July 27 July 20 July 13 July 6 June 29 June 22 June 15 June 8
June 1 May 25 May 18 May 11 May 4 April 27 April 20 April 13 April 6 March 30 March 23 March 16 March 9 March 2
As always, local events and information are brought to you as a courtesy of Dorie Dillard, Coldwell Banker United Realtors, your NW Austin Real Estate Consultant. Please watch for future Dorie picks for Austin dining experiences!
If you are considering the sale or purchase of a NW Austin home I would love the opportunity to earn your business and exceed your expectations!
Search for homes in NW Austin
“WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO ASSIST YOU!”
Comments(15)