April 23rd, 2010
We headed to the Argentinian escape of El Arbol for April's dinner. This newly opened spot off 35th street in Austin greeted us with a charming patio, excellent design, and some of the most friendly staff we've had. With 15 diners, we were seated in the media room towards the back of the restaurant. We had a door to shut when festivities got "above normal" restaurant noise standards, and our very own patio to enjoy the pre-summer weather. Another plus (or minus for non-sports fans) was the flat screen tv, where we could turn on the NBA play-offs while dining. We began with cocktails and a choice of a very reasonably priced Pinot Noir. A few of the fantastic cocktails included the Caipirinha Mora (Cachaça, muddled blackberries, lime, cane sugar), Sidecar (Rémy Martin Cognac, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice), and the Tango Fresco (Primo Malbec Vodka, fresh lemon, white grape juice, basil, fresh grapes). All wonderfully refreshing and different. One of El Arbol's specialties are their emapanadas. We got a few orders of the three different kinds offered. Carne Suave (Sirloin, potato, onion and spices), Mendoza (Pork, onion, raisins, green olives and almonds), and Espinaca (Spinach, onion, mozzarella, and parmesan). The Espinaca were a huge favorite, flaky smooth and so flavorful. We also chose the Picada (Cured meat, assorted cheeses, and house olive mix), and the Anticucho de Corazón (Traditional grilled beef heart and red onion, with balsamic reduction and chili oil). Yes, beef heart and it was delicious! Entrees ranged from Lomo (Grilled beef tenderloin), Mollejas (Whole veal sweetbreads with lemon), Conejo al Salmorejo (Paprika rubbed Canary Island rabbit, braised in white wine and herbs), and Vieiras (Day boat scallops in a white wine cream sauce with seasonal mushrooms). The rabbit actually took some time to get used to, it was quite tasty but the sauce was definitely different. The tenderloin was fantastic, and the sweetbreads, another one to get used to! The scallops were definitely the hit of the night. Creamy sauce, and perfectly tender. Other dishes to try: Matambre (Braised sirloin roulade rolled with spinach and hard cooked egg. Served with rosemary mustard sauce and malbec reduction), Matrimonio (House made Spanish chorizo, morcilla and merguez), and Ceviche Criollo (Citrus cured seasonal white fish with spicy Peruvian peppers. Served with crostini). The sides were also fan favorites, Papas Fritas (French fries), Ñoquis (Gnocchi with choice of vodka or mushroom cream sauce), Espinaca (Spinach in hollandaise). Order the spinach, you will not be disappointed, trust me. We finished it all off with Dos Natillas (House-made honey ice cream and crispy dulce de leche custard with a blackberry and port reduction), and Panqueque de Manzana (Apple crêpe topped with vanilla bean ice cream and dulce de leche). The crepe was not a winner, but the Dos Natillas was so different and fun. If you want to jump into tastes and flavors your Texas palette hasn't seen before, head to El Arbol. The service was impeccable, and the food unique. A nice twist to your everyday eating's. Enjoy!
Top Picks: Espinaca Empanadas, Anticucho de Corazón, Vieiras
El Arbol
