this is life in austin & aspen

These are some seriously awesome deals, people.

For Father’s Day, my bro and I used to take our dad to Outback Steakhouse every year. Unfortunately for Pops, the bro and I got into our free-range-meat-only habit, and Outback was out the window. Luckily for Dad, Austin Land & Cattle would never dream of serving up anything less than happy cow, so our little trio of Dad-Revelers hit up the Austin institution for a Sunday night dinner.

The bro and I were prepared for a hefty price tag on our celebratory dinner, but then ALC’s Second Helping Sunday Night Prix Fixe Dinner came into our lives. For just $35, we received our choice of salads ($8-10), an 8-ounce filet mignon ($34 alone on the menu) with baked potato and steamed veggies, a homemade sauce ($3), a decadent brownie pie or other clearly inferior dessert (just kidding, Dad liked his cheesecake a lot) AND a raffle ticket ($5). That. Is. A. Deal. There are other entrees offered too–salmon and maybe one other cut of meat? Anyway, this Prix Fixe meal was outta this world AND far more affordable than we ever imagined.

Then, I hear about this: ANY night of the week, TRIO is offering a 3-course meal for $39. That’s insane cheap. You pick from:

1st: Tomato Ravioli: Pine Nuts, Heirloom Tomato, Farm Cheese / Trio of Iceberg Wedge – Blue Cheese, Buttermilk, Smoked Onion / Grilled Texas Quail – Green Mole, Peach Salad

2nd: Rice-Flaked Redfish – Ginger-Fennel Jus / Spiced Niman Ranch (happy) Pork Chop – Muscat Grape Chutney / Niman Ranch (happy) Flat Iron Steak (10 oz.) – Red Wine Shallot Purée

Side: Potato Purée / Sautéed Spinach

Dessert: S’mores – Housemade Graham Crackers, Vanilla Bean Marshmallow, Milk Chocolate Ganache, Graham Cracker Ice Cream / Trio of Sorbet – Mango, Lemon, Raspberry
(Menu subject to change)

Yeah, that’s ridiculous, huh? I can personally vouch for most everything on that menu. And the damn amazing popovers that are the precursors to your meal. For reservations: 512.685.8300

Clear your stomaches, ladies and gents, and get ready for some solid dining far cheaper than it should be at two of Austin’s BEST restaurants.