Below is a re-post (slightly revised) of a review I left on Urbanspoon. I wanted to add something to this - a reminder about their Wine Me Dine Me events. I still haven’t been to one, but have wanted to go ever since our first visit. A fixed price will provide you with a nice sampling of items that are not normally on the regular menu, along with wine pairings and dessert. An awesome deal at $55 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance as there is limited space and you can sign up to get an email reminder for when these events are going to take place. I’ve listed the menu from this Tuesday’s dinner to give you an idea of what to expecet on these occasions. It all sounds great!
Shrimp Scampo
On Portabella Polenta
in Basil-Garlic Butter Sauce
Colterenizio Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy
Mesquite Seared Sea Scallop
With Sundried Tomato Pesto
And Green Chile Bruschetta
Swanson Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley
Intermezzo
Cordoniu Sparkling Pinot Noir and Strawberries
Mesquite Seared Yellowfin Tuna
With Roquefort Butter and Pomme Frites
With Roasted Garlic Mayonnaise.
French Malbec (yet to be decided)
Mesquite Grilled Tornado
With Chimichurri Butter
On Whipped Parsley Horseradish Potatoes
Llama Malbec, Lujan de Cujo, Argentina
Dessert Course
We’ve been here twice and have loved it both times. It is quaint, unpretentious and serves up some extremely good tropical-infused dishes. My 36th birthday (first visit, second was for the 37th, will we go on the 38th?, it’s coming up) was one of those evenings where all the elements come together to make for a memorable, fine dining experience. Our waitress, Kat was outstanding. She was friendly and full of great recommendations. We started with the calamari, which Hillary and I both agree is probably the best we’ve had in Austin. The flour batter made them; perfectly crisp and seasoned yet still let the tender calamari shine through. The chipotle aioli just added to the goodness. Hillary ordered their signature dish, the pepita crusted redfish with a mango habenero butter and I ordered the mesquite grilled pork with spiced rum glaze. Both dishes were tasty but the redfish was just incredible. The fish was tender and flavorful, the pepita crust added just the right amount of crunch and earthy, nutty flavor and mixed well with the other chile sauces doled out on the plate. Dishes are served with basic sides like black beans with cotija cheese or fresh veggies; both are cooked well and let the main item be the superstar. We enjoyed all this with a great bottle of Rutherford Ranch 2006 Cabernet. To polish off the evening we had the blackberry ginger crisp, made with Amy’s Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream. The ambience can’t be beat–it has the charm of a small neighborhood restaurant. The menu offers up few selections but all of the choices are something you would be happy to try.
