Last Wednesday night we had ambitious plans to knock out a couple more of the stops on the Saint Arnold’s scavenger hunt and then get a bite to eat at Cipollina. We have never been but I was enticed to go–let me tell you why. Trekking through the neighborhood the other day on our way to Fresh Plus grocery, there was a couple sitting outside with their pizza in front of them. The crust had blackened marks in a few places and, lo and behold, the pepperoni on top was nice and crispy. I don’t know what it is about partially burnt pepperoni, but I love the taste. A nicely baked crust with a couple of char marks is also something I enjoy–so instantly Cipollina’s went on the “To-Check-Out” list.
I met up with Hillary and she had been stalled at work due to some unforeseen delays and frustrations, so we decided to skip the scavenger stuff and just get a bite to eat. We drove up to Cipollinas on West Lynn and they were packed. At this point we wanted instant gratification (hunger and headache factor) and opted to skip it. We have been wanting to try Zocalo’s as well and they appeared to be fairly empty.
The space is clean, minimalist with a slight modern flair. The menu is stream-lined as well with primarily tacos, soups and salads. They describe their cuisine as something that you could get in a Mexico City taqueria. You place your order at the counter and then they bring the food out to you. We chose a window seat that was looking out at Nau’s Pharmacy, the neighborhood drug store. I actually ran over there while we were waiting on the food to get something to alleviate the aforementioned headache.
As an appetizer we landed on the chips and queso. The chips were just fried and the queso was made with white cheese and roasted peppers. The texture was interesting and took a bit to get used to, but after a few bites, we were on board. This stuff was yummy. My carnitas (pork) tacos were very good. I ordered them with crispy corn shells and they are served with a super fresh pineapple pico de gallo. The meat was marinated well and when combined with the tiny chunks of pineapple, peppers (guessing serrano) and fresh green shreds of leafy lettuce it was a flavor combination that can’t be beat. Hillary ordered the jicama salad, which was a simple dish of julienned jicama, carrots and cucumber and was topped with a jalapeno honey vinaigrette and cilantro. Once again, came across as very fresh and tasty. While I was at the drug store, Hillary overheard the manager talking to the table next to us and he was saying that they only use fresh ingredients and avoid anything out of a can. He came out a couple more times during our stay to see how all the dining patrons were doing and how the meal was. We gave him a big smile and a thumbs up. We will be back.
Next time, though, we will sit outside. They have an arbor-shaded spot right on the neighborhood sidewalk. In the evening it is lit up with strands of lights. I love this little neighborhood. It reminds of something that you might see in the East (think: DC / NYC) minus the parking lots. It just has a cozy and welcoming charm. It is not close to any major roads and the shops and restaurants are nestled directly in a functioning neighborhood. There is a good coffee shop and a few good restaurants, mixed in with a mom-and-pop drug store and an adequate market to get your essentials. It is also close to one of our favorite restaurants in town, Cafe Josie. I can imagine Clarksville residents enjoy having the luxury of being able to walk to all these hidden jems. This is one neighborhood I would seriously consider moving to. Maybe someday.
Their breakfast is delicious as is the Dos Salsas and fish tacos. It does always taste very fresh.
Good to know, I like fish tacos and can imagine they would be good here. That also reminds me, I meant to put in the post that their brunch and breakfast menu looks really good too. We will be sure to check out the breakfast fare. Their sweet potato jalapeno biscuits they use for the eggs benedict intrigues me and for dessert, perhaps an apple empanada.
Ahh, pork and pineapples, still together after all these years. It’s touching really. So nice to see people are finally getting over their fear of fruit and meat together on the same plate, let alone snuggled in a tortilla. Have you noticed that nowaday there’s so much emphasis on the design and ambiance of a restuarant, and the food is only parallel if not a complete afterthought. There is something to that though. I don’t know anyone who eats purely for fuel. People want to experience their food through all senses. Hey there’s a blog idea for you!?.. sifting through Austin one sense at a time. Or top Austin spot for taste, sight, sound, etc…. Just a penny’s worth of thoughts for ya!
Good ideas Casey. Have to put our thinking caps on and go on some missions. I’ve been craving some of your pickles. May have to try some of our own.