November '10

3rd Annual AFDA Thanksgiving

November 20, 2010

November happens to be one of AFDA member's favorite times of year. It's our annual potluck dinner, and it is a night filled with laughter, stories, football & food comas. We held it at Kristen & Carter's for a second time, and it was fabulous. The house was set with the warmth and grace of friendship. We arrived and sipped cocktails courtesy of the lady of the house. The reindeer as she called it. A martini concoction that boasted the noise of Rudolph via a cranberry. Our mulled cider was present again and filled the house with smells of the season.

The spread lived up to its name yet again. Here's a peak into how the group made mountain high plates:
Turkey
Green Been Casserole & Spiked Cider
Squash Casserole
Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes AuGratin, Butternut Squash Soup, Bacon Wrapped Dates
Stuffing
Luby's Mac & Cheese
Ham
Baked Brie
Rolls
Pumpkin pie, Pecan pie, Hot chocolate peppermint Schnapps

Live it, love it, boom. It was amazing. The stories that led to intense ab workout laughter were just as good as the food. A perfect celebation of the true bit of the holiday. Thanks to friends, food and complete and udder enjoyment. Here's to your New Year and may it bring as much joy as you can imagine.

April '10

El Arbol

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

February '10

Fabi + Rosi

February 19th, 2010

For February, AFDA members ventured to the German/French owned Fabi + Rosi. Walking up the steps to the house where the restaurant abides, one would never think modern vibes and splendor await. The house is perfectly decorated with chandeliers, black and white motifs, and warm lighting. We were fortunate to have the back dining room to ourselves, with 14 diners. The menu was exactly the perfect combination of German and French choices. We decided on a few starters to well start the night off right. First among the picks was an all time favorite, Escargot. The dish was broiled in garlic and served with parsley butter. If you haven't tried escargot or are weary, at least dip some bread in the butter. You will be one happy camper. We then chose the Handcrafted charcuterie (Duck rillette, Boar sausage, Liver paté). I must admit, the selections were a bit overwhelming for our pallets. Not a favorite of the table. On the other hand, the Trio of Artisan cheeses with accompaniments were fantastic. We gobbled up every bite of Sottocenere, Manchego, and Valdeon cheeses. The entree choices were on opposite ends of the Fabi + Rosi spectrum. We had Vegetarian Cottage Pie (stewed vegetables in tomato and herbs de provence topped with crispy golden mashed potatoes), Handmade Lobster Ravioli (in a champagne velouté, topped with lump crab meat) This was a definite favorite very creamy and rich. Our German pick was the Jägerschnitzel and Spätzle (local, farm raised pork loin breaded, served with german pasta topped with creamy mushrooms). If you're a fan of schnitzel, this is right up your alley. Delish. Next were Fresh Rainbow Trout (with herbed creme fraiche cucumber salat and crispy rice balls), Steak and Frites (marinated tenderloin with crisp frites and green peppercorn sauce), Grilled Leg of Lamb (with ratatouille, pommes dauphines, port wine demi), and finally the Special which was Roast Lamb that was cooked to perfection with potatoes and green beans. We can never call it a complete meal without dessert. We picked every dessert on the menu, go figure. Handmade chocolate truffles, Profiteroles with valrhona chocolate sauce, Belgium chocolate mousse, Chevré tart on gingerbread crust with candied meyers lemon, and Apfel strudel and vanilla eis. They were all so different, but so incredibly good. The Chevre tart was a favorite of mine. Light, tart, and satisfying. This place became on of AFDA's all time favorites. We did not feel rushed, and took advantage of our semi-private space to laugh, eat, and enjoy the company. Fabi + Rosi is a perfect spot for date night, or a celebration. Stop in when you feel like an excellent, affordable experience.

Top picks: Escargot, Trio of Artesan Cheeses, Lobster Ravioli, Lamb, Steak and Frites, Chevre Tart

http://www.fabiandrosi.com/index.html

*As fate would have it, I lost my camera after mouth watering images were captured from dinner. Please enjoy the restaurant for yourself, and the mental images you've gained from this post. To tide you over, here are some pictures courtesy of Forklore from Austin360