Lenoir is one of my favorite Austin restaurants. They offer a three course pre-fixe, and you get to choose any three dishes from the field, sea, land, and dream (dessert) categories of the menu. It's always hard to narrow it down to just three, but don't worry, because you can add an extra course for only $10! Lenoir changes their menu each week, so there's always something fresh & creative to enjoy. The bright and seasonal dishes are worth the trip alone, but the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant ensures you'll be adding it to your list of regulars at once. There's even a beautiful wine garden where you can sit outside and enjoy a drink with small bites. I can't wait to go back next time I'm in Austin!
gardner
I recently got to dine with my husband and parents at Gardner in Austin, Texas. It was on my list of new places to try, and we figured why not for a fun night out on New Year's Eve? They were offering a set tasting menu, which was just as delicious to eat as it was beautifully plated. I recently read that the owners are planning to close Gardner, and re-open a new project in the same space next month. I'm sad I won't make it back in time to try out the regular menu, but I will definitely check out their new spot next time I'm in Austin!
emmer & rye
Emmer & Rye is a new Austin hotspot, and for good reason. Their local & seasonally inspired menu is extremely impressive. Even better, they mill their own heritage grains in house, making for super fresh and tasty bread and pasta. They also source whole animals for their meat dishes, and even have an in-house fermentation process to really preserve flavors at their peak. What sets Emmer & Rye apart even more is their offering of dim sum. In addition to their menu of small plates and entrees, carts are rolled around the room offering about 10 dishes that change each night. These really highlight the farmers' offerings of the day, and allow the cooks (and diners!) to have some fun. We got a (large) mix of both menu items and dim sum- I couldn't even snap photos of it all! My husband was really blown away, and even ended up in the kitchen at the end of the meal to meet and thank the chef personally.
franklin bbq
Franklin BBQ is arguably the most well-known and tastiest barbeque in the entire state of Texas. People wait in line for hours just to get a taste of the fatty, juicy brisket. Now, I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest BBQ fan, but I can appreciate top quality when I eat it. My dad got in line around 7:30am one morning, and then my husband came and tagged him out around 9:30am. The doors open at 11am, and they go until sell-out, which doesn't take very long. We got a nice mix of brisket (fatty & lean), ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and all the sides! Plenty leftover for sandwiches later. We got lucky because Aaron Franklin himself was there that day, so we asked him to join us for a picture. So get in line early- bring friends and hang out with chairs and beers- while you wait to get the ultimate BBQ fix!
qui
Ausin, Texas has become quite the foodie paradise. There is a ton of absolutely amazing food to enjoy, and Qui is at the top of many lists. Last time I was in town, my mom and I managed to get a last minute reservation at Top Chef winner Paul Qui's acclaimed restaurant. She ordered the tasting menu and I ordered the vegetarian tasting menu, so that we could taste everything. I loved the influence of various Asian flavors in all the dishes. Everything was impressive, and I cannot wait to return with my husband!