Bar Food Gone Classy: Max's Wine Dive Coming Soon!

Max's Wine Dive, which originated in Houston, TX, was "named one of the "Hot 10" Wine Bars in the country," according to Bon Appetit in October 2008, and it's coming to Austin next month! Its home away from home will be located at 207 San Jacinto, and is currently under construction.

I scoped out the menu online, and it seems to be one-of-a-kind...not following traditional trends of mixing bar food with beer, but rather putting a classy twist on casual bar food, and pairing it with wine. You'll find creative comfort (bar) food menu options, such as Gulf-spacho (cold vegetable and seafood soup), Buffalo Sliders, Gator Bites, Max&Cheese with an added twist of truffle oil, Kobe Beef Burgers, the Texas "Haute" Dog, and even The Tree Hugger (a focaccia sandwhich with veggies). There are also some healthy options, including Salmon, Sea Bass, and a variety of fresh salads.

Just a heads up, don't confuse this bar food with $5 chicken wings, or a cheap order of fries. I describe it as classy casual...the "classy" referring to the higher price range, and the "casual" describes their inspiration for the menu. In fact, the cheapest wine-by-the-glass I saw was a $8.75 Malbec, but, in this town, they're bound to have happy hour specials!

Group Entertainment Spot/Restaurant Coming Soon: Max's Wine Dive at 207 San Jacinto in Downtown Austin, opening May 2009. FYI, they also have lunch and brunch (this looks delicious, and the most reasonable of all of their menus).

Viva Vivo!

*photo by Rebecca

Last night, a group of us ended a very leisurely spring day in Austin, complete with laying out in the 80 degree weather, with a fun dinner at Vivo...the Tex-Mex restaurant that serves gorgeous magenta orchids in their delicious drinks ranging from Cucumberitas to the Vivo Ria (Sangria...my favorite!). They don't take reservations, so this would be a good spot for a Spring/Summer evening when the weather is nice and you can wait for about an hour and a half, which goes by quickly with their delcious drinks on a tropical patio, and chips and really spicy salsa with a kick (just the way I like it...coming from El Paso where I learned to have a high spicy heat tolerance). The service was not exactly speedy, but if you are just looking for a chill night to enjoy dinner and drinks with good company in a nice atmosphere, this would be the perfect place! And, they even give all senorita guests a rose before leaving...a special touch!

Chill Night/Fun Drinks/Mexican Restaurant/Nice Outdoor Patio Recommendation: Vivo! on Manor (Dean Keaton, or 26th Street, turns into Manor when you head North past I-35)

Malverde/La Condesa Part I

*Photos by Rebecca

In Spanish, Malverde would literally translate to "bad green", but I thought Malverde, the new Mexican-inspired 2nd-story 2nd Street District bar, radiated with vibrant shades of green, from the turquoise-colored stairs leading up to the venue, to the fresh mint leaves kept handy at the bar for custom-made mojitos, to the limes that adorned and flavored every glass handed out to the happy hour-ers. I had been anxiously waiting to try out La Condesa, the new Mexican art and food-inspired dining spot on 2nd Street that sits just below Malverde. Allison gave me the opportunity to try it out at one of the Art + Style events in the 2nd Street District leading up to Art Week Austin (April 22-26), and I jumped on it (even though I got rained on in the process!). This is part 1 of a posting about the restaurant, because I just got to sample some of the savory tacos on their menu (even served to me by the chef himself, and the brother of the artist that produced the eclectic pieces on the walls), but will write about a full meal and experience when I return!

Spring/Summer Bar Recommendation: Malverde on 2nd Street. Fresh drinks, with watermelon, lime, fresh mint, and even rose petals that adorn your refreshment. The woody, open feel, with the downtown view makes this perfect for a spring or summer happy hour location. Head downstairs to La Condesa for dinner after to experience the feel of the La Condesa district of Mexico!

Even though I got rained on as I was heading home, I looked up and saw a rainbow..maybe a sign that I found a winner! (or a much-needed reminder that just when things seem gloomy, there is hope!)

The Elefant Who Ate Too Much Pizza

When I was a little girl, my Dad told me a bedtime story about "The Elefant Who Ate Too Much Pizza." I'm not sure what happened to the elephant, and I don't think the purpose was to teach me early on about portion control, but I do know he told it to me because pizza was my favorite food....especially from...yes, the one and only gourmet El Paso franchise treat...Peter Piper Pizza. Since then, I've forgotten the bedtime story, and my taste buds have matured. In my life mission to eat healthy food, I don't splurge on pizza unless it's reallly good. And, let me tell you, my latest local Austin find is fantastic...light, thin crispy crust, and excellent flavour!

Pizza Recommendation for lunch or dinner: Salvation Pizza is located on 34th Street, west of Guadalupe, in a typical Hyde Park-type house-turned-restaurant, one of Austin's distinguishers that gives it a comfortable and livable feel. It is just delish...no need for any other words...head over there now, you will love it! Also, they have daily lunch specials, 2 pieces, a lunch salad, and 16 oz. drink for $5.99 from 11:30-2. The only other pizza I swear by is actually a local (not chain) pizza restaurant in El Paso...Ardovino's. It's one of the 3 staple restaurants we take visitors to when they are driving through :)

Free Pizza! Wednesday is free pizza night at Draught House near 41st and Lamar. I'm counting on Allison to comment on this post and let us know how it is! And, Tuesday's is $2.75/pint night for beer lovers, so check it out!