RSS this is life in austin/aspen
I was in Houston this weekend for my brother’s graduation from Rice, so we went out to eat a lot–gotta celebrate with professors, friends, and the girlfriend’s fam. Hitting so many restaurants in so few days left me wondering about Austin’s dining scene: is it up to snuff?
Sure, Houston has the highest number of restaurants per capita in the nation, so it has an edge in quantity. But I think it might have an edge in quality and variety too, which makes me a little bit sad for our fair city.
First, we lunched at Houston’s Ziggy’s Healthy Grill. I love Ziggy’s because it’s the only place I’ve ever been that focuses on all aspects of healthful eating: they offer low fat, low sugar, low carb, vegetarian, and even free-range options. I haven’t been to Austin’s Mr. Natural or Veggie Heaven, but I haven’t heard that they are particularly healthy in the all-encompassing sense of Ziggy’s. Houston: 1
We dined that night at La Griglia, a seafood-Italian restaurant. It was delicious, and offered the kind of excellent service (where they fold your napkin for you when you get up to go to the restroom) you expect in a restaurant with much higher prices. Entrees were $10-$28, which is very reasonable considering that the bread basket comes with free pizza appetizers and they bring free cookies for dessert. Granted, I haven’t celebrated any graduations in Austin, but I haven’t ever experienced service like that at that price range. Maybe Louie’s 106, but they’re a little pricier AND don’t bring you any special apps. Houston: 2
The following morning, we had brunch at Ouisie’s, another Italian-esque restaurant. It too was delicious, although it took way too long and was a little pricey for the portion size. Austin’s classy restaurants can definitely do battle with Ouisie’s, so we’ll give this point to Austin. Austin: 1
Here’s the thing about Austin’s dining scene: it’s too new to really know what to do with itself. There aren’t established big boys, and there aren’t established big-boy chains. For instance, La Griglia was owned by the Vallone family, who also own Tony’s and used to own several other of Houston’s most notable restaurants. Landry’s bought them out of all but Tony’s, but you’re still guaranteed the quality associated with Tony Vallone despite the fact that it’s now chain-owned.
Who are Austin’s big boys? Aside from national chains, are there any restaurant dynasties? I can name several in Houston: the Pappas Bros. (granted, they are now considered a chain and have Austin locations too, but they’re Houston originals), the Mandolas (also expanded to Austin) … this isn’t to say that Austin doesn’t have fabulous restaurants and a good scene, but I never realized how far behind we are. At least that gives us lots of room for improvement!
What is the overall best restaurant in Austin?
