August '10

Sandy's Hamburgers

August 26, 2010

If you've lived or been in Austin over the last 30 plus years, you've probably heard about Sandy's Hamburgers. As a kid, my brother and I would be giddy with excitement, while eating our chocolate fudge sundaes in the parking lot. This Austin institution sits on the side of Barton Springs Road with it's brightly lit sign and tiny restaurant guiding you into burger mania. For AFDA's last summer dinner, we headed to the joint for all things old school. We met at the order window, said our hellos, and began with the Thursday Special: hamburger, fries and a coke for a total of $3.69. To say this was our cheapest AFDA would be an understatement. We grabbed a picnic table at the back under the yellow lit concrete. We dove in, and talked of childhood, our love of burgers and the great city of Austin, Texas. The original plan was to head to the best sno cone place in Austin (where a few AFDA members worked during their college summers), Sno Beach, down the street but it's trailer doors were closed. We walked ourselves back to Sandy's where orders of delicious hot fudge sundaes, chocolate shakes, and swirl cones were made. The perfect way to end our 2010 summer. Stop by Sandy's (or drive thru) Thursday and Saturday for their famous specials, or any other day of the week. You'll feel like a kid again.

Top Picks: The Special, Chocolate Shake, Swirl Cone, Hot fudge Sundae

Sandy's Hamburgers on Yelp

July '10

Braise

July 16th, 2010

Our smallest AFDA yet was held at the newly opened Braise in East Austin, with the Texas summer heat as our extra guest. The foursome of diners basked in the generosity, openness, and air conditioning of the "Food for the soul as well as the belly" coined restaurant. We were told the restaurant's chef hailed from Restaurant Jezebel in Austin (a big plus), and that the liquor licence had not been established so complimentary beer and wine were served (another big plus). Red and white wine were ordered along with Lone Star on tap and Topo Chicos for the table. We curiously examined the menu and began with two appetizers, Mussels (saffron infused marinara broth) and Crispy Pork Belly (peppery Southern collard greens & Dijon mustard). Both were divine. The Pork Belly was delicious in itself, but the sauce let to plate licked clean. The mussels broth was exceptional and each one a delight. For entrees (you may choose a 1/2 plate or full) we chose the Neiman Ranch beef osso bucco (garlic mashed potatoes with sauce au poivre), Spicy Cajun blackened black bass (creamy grits with house smoked tomato and sweet corn beurre blanc), and the Spicy Jamaican Jerked pork shoulder (crock pot black beans with cilantro gremolata). The osso bucco took over the whole show. It was perfectly, perfectly cooked and the flavors so authentic. The true winner of the main course menu. The bass was tasty, but was not de-boned which would have been nice to know ahead of time. The pork unfortunately did not impress this eating bunch. To get over that loss, we decided on dessert. Rich dark chocolate coffee bean mousse, New Orleans’ style Chocolate chip bread pudding a la mode, and Traditional buttermilk pie. Each dessert surprised us all by being totally unlike their traditional versions. The buttermilk pie was more of a thick custard with a cinnamon accents, the mouse more bitter than sweet, and the bread pudding oh so chocolaty. Nothing bad, just very very different. I suggested (from a eaters perspective) the buttermilk pie would be so great in its true traditional sugary nature instead. All in all, a great time with great tastes. Go in for date night, or large party celebration. Braise is continually improving themselves, and are quite the hosts. Worth the trip for your dining pleasure.

Top Picks: Pork Belly, Osso Bucco, Bread Pudding

Braise