Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Big D

Most of my diary entries growing up started with "Dear Diary, I'm sorry for not writing in such a long time...". It seems as though this theme continues with my neglect of this blog, although today I refuse to apologize for my tardiness. It's my blog and I can do what I want. But I suppose I've now done so inadvertently... so, sorry.

Hello! So many updates to share as life has taken many turns since I've typed last. Lane and I, along with Rushmore and Bluebell, have made the move three hours north to Dallas so Lane can pursue a great job opportunity with an Orthopedic Oncologist. Sounds complicated, but he's loving it. This means a whole new city to explore, get to know, and fall in love with. Truth be told, I never saw myself living in Dallas, as there are far too many stereotypes that come along with the territory (think big hair, big boots and big credit card bills). But shame on me for my assumptions because I am already feeling right at home. And I get the sense that these people love food just as much as I do.

The rule of our house right now is "no repeats" as there is simply no excuse for going back to a restaurant twice when there is so much to explore. Here are my two favorites so far...

1. Company Cafe
Located in Lower Greenville, proximity is what first lured Lane, my parents and I in. Maybe it's the Austin in me, but I love a good hippy dive and Company Cafe's allegiance to all things organic was instantly appealing. The bottom line is that better ingredients make better food. It's as simple as that. Taking a fresh, organic spin on classic comfort food, this place knocked it out of the park on all four of our plates. I highy recommend the chicken pesto risotto, rich with what I assume was tons of olive oil, mozzarella, basil and cream. Mmm, who could complain?


2. Sweet Georgia Brown
It's always a good idea to let the locals pick the spot, as was certainly the case with my friend Joel. He faithfully led us to the best soul food I have ever tasted (Hoover's in Austin coming in a close second). Heed the warning that you may want to split your plate with a friend, as the portions could serve a family of four. But with each butter-flooded bite, I fell deeper into post-Church Sunday bliss, barely making it home before my nap began. Try the sweet potatoes. And the green beans. And the barbeque.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Bread Ball

Might I take a moment to step away from my typical post topics and speak to another form of culinary appreciation... playing with one's food.

Last night as I began to toss a three-week old neglected loaf of bread into the trash, my husband had an epiphany. An epiphany that only can be described as sheer brilliance and can be summed up in two words: Baguette Baseball.

So out we went to our neighborhood community lawn to test out our new makeshift bat. I took my stance, Lane pitched a perfect throw, and one swing was all it took! The loaf exploded into a thousand bread bits and we in turn erupted into laughter and smiles.

Despite missing the "prime" of this baguette, I'd say I still got my $1.59's worth.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Lone Star Tipsy Pig

By pure fortune and happenstance, I recently stumbled upon an article about Bryce Gilmore, a local chef cooking up the next great bite here in the heart of Texas. Next great bite? I was intrigued... 

Coining him "the next Tyson Cole," (which in Austin-speak might as well be Tom Colicchio or Thomas Keller, mind you!), the article focused on Gilmore's new feat, winning the coveted title of one of Food and Wine magazine's Best New Chefs of 2011. And that's where my mouth began to water.

Gilmore's latest endeavor is called Barley Swine. Situated at the cross-section of Hipster and Urban Chic (South Lamar), the restaurant serves up a sophisticated menu  to the tune of a down home barnyard feel. Heavy on the pork (he warned you in the name), each plate is perfection. The menu offers small plates, suggesting three per person. I love this concept, which allows me to sample a smattering of deliciousness without feeling regret if one bite isn't quite up to par. But rest assured everything most certainly was. 

Left: Grilled carrot salad, goat feta, almond brown butter
Right: Roasted beets, fingerling potatoes, blue cheese, caraway

Mmm... Jerk rubbed pork belly, grilled sweet potato, kale salad.

To die for. Hazelnut chocolate crunch, caramel pudding, honey-nut nougat.

 My next stop will be The Odd Duck, Gilmore's original food trailer, which I hear is still serving up the best pork belly in town. If the adage holds true that nothing's as good as the original, I'll be in heaven.