This is Life in Austin Restaurant Week Picks

Austin Restaurant Week (which is really two beginning-of-the-weeks, Sept 13-16 and Sept 20-23) kicked off last night, so being the procrastinator I am, while fellow foodies headed out to Hudson’s on the Bend and other fine establishments, my handyman and I were just sitting down to choose our own adventures. We employed colored sharpies and the ARW map as we pored over the Austin Restaurant Week menus online.

First, a few general tips: reservations fill up fast, so call ASAP. But if they’re full, remember that you don’t NEED a reservation, so feel free to stop by and check on the wait. You can also eat off the regular menu at any place. The ARW website is here, but it pales in comparison to last year’s site. Why ruin a good thing? However, it’s the only place to get the menus, so you’ve gotta click it up. Most restaurants’ menus will be $35 for three courses. A few are $25. A few charge extra for special things–like filet mignon or extra sides. Doesn’t include tax, tip, or drinks. Now on to the good stuff.

Several factors in our decisions on the best restaurants for us:

1. try new-to-us restaurants only (no Imperia, Bess, Sushi Zushi, or Piranha)
2. don’t want a place with an awesome happy hour because we can sample their wares there (no Ruth’s Chris, Sullivan’s, or Imperia)
3. each category must have at least 2 dishes we want so that we can share (places with sad meat generally ruled out)
4. interesting stuff you can’t usually get for that cheap (suckers for menus with lobster)

And without further ado, our winning picks:

[Winner!] Green Pastures – http://restaurantweekaustin.com/2009/09/green-pastures/

We’re headed there tomorrow night to try lots of quail, lobster tail, rainbow trout, veggie ravioli, pecan balls, and bread pudding. My friend’s recent wedding there featured wonderful food, so here’s hoping the food is anywhere near that good. Plus, as the maid of honor I missed out on the infamous white peacocks, so here’s my chance to see them. (Yes, I realize this breaks factor #1. but the menu looks THAT GOOD) Plus, this is one of the few $25 deals, and this is a ton of delicious food for just $25/person!

If we get more time next week, we’ll try to hit up (in order):

Truluck’s – http://restaurantweekaustin.com/2009/09/trulucks-seafood-steak-and-crab/

The apps look pretty normal, but I could EVERY SINGLE ONE of the SIX entrees offered. Happy cow (Niman Ranch) and five varieties of seafood I would happily devour. Proscuitto-wrapped mahi mahi? Jonah crab claws? Pollen-encrusted seared tuna? I mean, literally, every single one of these entrees looks awesome. Choosing would be nearly impossible. Maybe if we go we should invite more people …

Eddie V’s – http://restaurantweekaustin.com/2009/09/eddie-vs-edgewater-grille-downtown/

Sort of the opposite of Truluck’s, all the apps here look outstanding: oysters with spinach and artichoke dip, Maine lobster and shrimp bisque, apple and beet salad; but the entrees look just normal. Which I’m sure, being Eddie V’s, is outstanding, but we get to be picky when we’re choosing between so many great deals.

$25 Roaring Fork – http://restaurantweekaustin.com/2009/09/roaring-fork-stonelake/

We all know about the Food Coma I entered the last time I ate here, and my girl date STILL talks about the place. So as one of the other $25 deals, it’s surely a steal. The apps are on the boring side (smoked salmon, tortilla soup, salad) but the entrees are characteristic of the all-out nature we love about Roaring Fork: bacon-wrapped Niman Ranch (happy) tenderloin, parmesan-encrusted swordfish, and a mixed grille with sausage, ribs, pork, and chicken.

Aquarelle – http://restaurantweekaustin.com/2009/09/aquarelle/

Since we can’t pronounce most of the menu, we’ve got to assume it’s good. I’m no French-cooking-afficianado, in fact, I don’t even think I know what it means. But I do love me some mussels and gulf shrimp (an entree choice) and some beets (appetizer), so I can’t imagine there’s anything wrong with French cooking. As a downtown staple, it’s a place I’ve been wanting to try for a long time and this is a great opportunity. Plus, where else has escargot on the menu? (oh, hi Olivia. But you’re not doing Restaurant Week)

Driskill Grill – http://restaurantweekaustin.com/2009/09/driskill-grill/

Last Restaurant Week, I heard more about Driskill Grill than any other place. I heard there was amazing food–and lots of it, with generous portions–and even better service. So I would have wanted to go to Driskill Grill regardless of its menu, which thankfully consists of a date appetizer and both local lamb and gulf snapper dishes I’ve love to try. Will it live up to March’s hype?

I’d love to hear where you guys are going, or what you thought about where you did go. Feel free to comment below, or email me at thisislifeinaustin@gmail.com if you’d like to write a full-on Guest Post!