Restaurant Review: Lamberts

Meal #2 in Austin had to be BBQ, of course. My hotel is conveniently located 1.5 blocks away from a highly recommended BBQ spot, Lamberts. I walked in and noticed immediately that the bar was full, but to my luck there was another bar upstairs! I snagged the one open seat up there and perused the menu. I received a bar menu and a regular menu. I knew I wanted brisket, so I was between the Oak Smoked Natural Black Angus Brisket served with house pickled escabeche from the regular menu, and the BBQ combo option from the bar menu, including 1 protein + 2 sides. I asked the bartender what she thought and she basically said it was a matter of if I wanted more protein or more sides. I figured I'd go with more sides, so I could try more things, and unbeknownst to me everything on the bar menu was 50% off for happy hour. Go me. So, for $7.58 I got 3 slices of brisket, a side of collard greens, and a side of jicama slaw. I also ordered a beer and asked for a side of cornbread and magically both were gratis (the beer was because the bartender forgot to immediately bring it over and felt bad).

So, the brisket was delicious, as expected. It has blackened edges that is made from the brown sugar and coffee rub, and it is so well seasoned but not overwhelming. The brisket could probably have been a bit more tender, but that may just be my Jewish-style brisket expectations. Also, about 1/3 of each piece was fat, so I was a bit disappointed in how much of the portion I could not (or did not want to) eat. The collard greens were pretty good. They were made with some kind of pork product, naturally, and cooked long and well. The jicama slaw was made with red cabbage, carrots, and ugh, cilantro. I didn't realize when I ordered! I managed to pick the big pieces out, making it tolerable. Aside from the cilantro, the slaw was great. Light, crisp, and had a nice vinegar dressing. It was a great compliment to the rest of the meal. The cornbread was served as mini muffins, which was cute. You could see the bits of corn and jalapeno in it, which shows the homemade-ness. Pretty good, but I think I've had better.

Overall, not bad. I have to say though, I was expecting to be blown away by my first true Texas BBQ experience, but I guess I will have to keep searching (or just go to BrisketTown in BK).

Restaurant Review: Mulberry

I am in Austin, TX for a quick work trip (sans car). Girl has got to eat, so I did some quick research to see what was in walking distance from my hotel, the W Austin, located downtown. I found Mulberry on top of a few "best brunch in Austin" lists, so I decided to check it out. I think it is important to note that I was dining lonesies, so I appreciate a bar type seating area, which Mulberry had. This not only minimized the awkwardness, but also provided for extremely quick and attentive service, which is always appreciated. They did have a nice set up outside, but oh my lord it was close to 100 degrees. Only true Texans would choose to eat outside in that kind of heat. Anyways, the food. I ordered the Poached Eggs with spicy calabrese salami on toast and hollandaise on the side. I also opted for a $3 mimosa, which by quick glance seemed to be the fan favorite.

The mimosa was perfect - fresh squeezed OJ and heavy on the champagne. Can't really ask for more than that. And $3!? Yes please. The eggs were pretty good. Honestly, this dish was nothing new. Just good eggs, with good salami, and good toast. I probably should have ordered a side or something, because I definitely wasn't full, but I got all thrown off by not having anyone to share with me so I didn't really think about it when initially ordering.

Moral of the story is that I was satisfied, but not full, soooo... I went to get some fro yo down the street afterwards! Problem solved.