Talk about trendy restaurants! Each with a unique and intriguing title, I wanted to try them all. But let me tell you, the phrase “everything’s bigger in Texas” really IS true and applies to the portion sizes. A few great restaurants I tried while in the Domain:
Kona Grill – Mmmm great lunch! I dined here after traveling several hours from Ohio to Austin. We sat outside on the patio in the sun. Roof heaters are in place and make it more comfortable, especially when the sun isn’t shining so bright. Large menu, reasonable priced; the food is fresh and has tons of flavor.
- What I tried:
- Roasted Asparagus Salad – and I added their signature Macadamia Nut Chicken Wow what a plate! Fresh salad greens, dressing on the side and perfectly prepared crispy asparagus. The Macadamia Nut chicken has a great flavor as well – slightly sweetened and crunchy
- Other great plates:
- Grilled Chicken Wrap with homemade chips
- Tacos – great dish! Chose from blackened catfish, macadamia nut chicken or beef
Jaspers, Gourmet Backyard Cuisine – A Kent Rathbun Restaurant; a dining hotspot found throughout Texas.
- What I tried:
- Entrée of the day – White Fish with Potatoes and Spinach. A generous portion of fish on top of the potatoes and spinach in a butter sauce; it was very good but nothing to write home about
- Other great plates:
- Slow Smoked Baby Back Ribs – a MUST TRY!!! Served with a creamy baked potato salad. The ribs were so well prepared, a damp towel or bath was not needed after eating them. The meat fell off the bone! And the baked potato salad – I wish I could recreate that! It would be a new summer cookout special.
- Texas Peach Barbecued Pork Tenderloin – served over bourbon creamed sweet corn
NoRTH – Our last dining experience in Austin, part of the Fox Restaurant Concepts Group I later learned. I have dined in other restaurants in their brand including “The Greene House” in Scottsdale, AZ. NoRTH restaurant served Italian cuisine, offering pitted olives, bread and homemade butter. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including gluten-free pasta as a substitute for regular pasta.
- What I tried:
- Started: Caprese Salad – I was pre-warned it’s not your typical caprese salad and they were right, it was better! Tomatoes and lettuce were lightly tossed and topped with balsamic and pesto; with a very generous and fresh portion of mozzarella. My mom tried the baby greens salad – filled with corn, tomatoes, avocado, raisins almonds and feta cheese. There was a lot going on, on that plate, but it was very good
- Entrée: Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin – with olive oil potatoes and rapini. I loved this! My mom and I split it and it because it was a large amount.
- Other great plates:
- Rosemary Chicken with Roasted Organic Vegetables – the rosemary was a great spice on the chicken. It’s a large portion and the chicken is served bone in, the veggies are very well prepared
