Austin

Drifter Dinner Series, Dallas, 10/3/25

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building – 2023 Greenville Ave, #110, Dallas, TX 75206-7123

The Drifter Dinner Series was introduced in 2024 by Chef Toby Archibald of Quarter Acre Restaurant.  Four chefs from 4 different areas team up with Archibald to showcase their culinary techniques and styles to present an 8 course tasting menu complemented with cocktails and wines.  Single dinner tickets are sold as well as a season pass that includes all 4 dinners.  We were late to the ‘party’ and so just got one pair of tickets to this third in the series for 2025.  Seating times are staggered between 5:30 and 8:30 and it’s held in the Quarter Acre space.  You can read about our last tasting at this place by clicking here.   Tonight’s dinner featured Chef Kevin Fink of Hestia (one Michelin star) in Austin.  The pacing and portion control of the tasting were spot on and the beverage pairings were good and generous.  And did I forget to mention the food was fabulous?  This was a tasting that ranks with the best of the best.  Both chefs presented some of the dishes and talked with guests during a super fun and relaxed evening.  I shall have to watch for the next series offering and see if I could stay in town to enjoy a season pass.  Get to one if you can or get to Austin or Dallas and try one of these restaurants and let me know what you think. Continue reading →

Community Pizza & Beer Garden, Wimberley, TX, 12/27/24

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entry – 111 Old Kyle Rd #330, Wimberley, TX 78676

Community Pizza and Beer Garden was opened in 2018 by husband and wife team Michael and Morgan Mekuly.  It featured wood-fired Neapolitan Pizza, 32 tap beers and a full bar.  It’s a huge place with playscapes for children and a variety of seating options.  Music was in the background, it was well lit and filled with people.  The large indoor room holds the bar, with seats and the glassed-in wood-fired pizza oven, complete with cooks tossing the pizza dough.  We were there just after Christmas with family and I think most everybody had the same idea.  The place was in the midst of a bunch of stores and other eating and drinking establishments.  As usual, when out with people, photos get blurred, things get eaten and I generally get bad about taking notes.  However, we did have a good time and sampled many items that I tried to get photos of.  The pizza had a nice puffy edge crust and it was tasty but I think I might have liked the sandwich even more.  Either way, if you’re in Wimberly doing whatever, this certainly would be a filling place to stop and have a bite to eat. Continue reading →

Epicure Restaurant and Bar, Dripping Springs, TX., 11/23/22

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exterior – Clocktower Shopping Center, 1025 Cannon Dr Ste 105, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Epicure Market is a tiny spot in a most unlikely location, where you’d never expect to find fine food and wine at a good price point.  Executive Chef Julio Llop turns out some fabulous foods to pair with the huge selection of wine put together by Wine Curator Jerry Gray.  They call it global cuisine but I call it really tasty as they use the finest quality meats and cheeses and locally sourced organic produce and proteins when possible.  Chef, with the help of Gray makes everything from scratch in their kitchen.  There are not many tables but a few chairs at the bar counter add to the options, however, reservations would be in order.  The walls are lined with wines and other items for purchase, with lowered lighting and excellent service.  It is a cozy atmosphere and it felt like I’d known Jerry forever, he’s that friendly, as was Kristine our terrific server.  It did help that we went with another couple that live in the area and frequent the place, but the vibe is to make the guest feel indulged, especially about eating and drinking.  If you are anywhere nearby or want to make a hill country trip, put this place on your agenda. Continue reading →

Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Austin, 11/21/15

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Exterior
Exterior

What a fun surprise this place was! A large place that’s been open around five and a half years. Jack Allen has a several restaurants around Austin, TX and this one seemed to attract families as well as folks of all ages. The waiter was most helpful in making our selections.

bar
bar
Interior
Interior

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