Cisco's Restaurant & Bakery: Austin

Rumor has it that you could come to Cisco's before a UT game and get a Bloody Mary before 10 am.  How could you not like a place like that?  How could you not like seeing Texas's Power sitting among the locals?  How can you not like a big circular table with one red phone in the middle of it- Who you gonna call?  And, who cares if celebrities even stop in?????

A trip to Austin without a trip to Cisco's is sacri-relig for this girl.  On this early morning, I found out something pretty critical.  Cisco's doesn't open until 7 am, so hit that snooze button a few more times.
We have always sat in the back room, so walk on through the bakery portion, turn right, and turn right again.

This morning, I am alone in the room filled with memorabilia of early Austin, UT, and how life used to be.  I order my usual: a coffee and two breakfast tacos with potato, bacon, and cheese.  I always forget that they don't give you a lot of salsa, so ask for extra.

Local politicos pile in, and the topic on their mind is Rick Perry and his race for the Presidency.  It's a great place to be nosey, but then again, it wasn't like they were whispering!  I enjoyed my two breakfast tacos: boiled red potatoes, the crispiest bacon just the way i like it, the cheese, and the slightly sour salsa- maybe a hint of vinegar.  Definitely, a great way to start the day!

Everyone should get to experience Cisco's in their lifetime.  It's definitely an experience.  Plus, it makes you realize that Austin isn't just weird because places like Cisco's makes it pretty dang cool.

Cisco's Restaurant & Bakery
1511 East Sixth Street
Austin, Texas 78702
512/478-2420

Dog and Duck Pub: Austin

Dog and Duck Pub is one of my all time favorite places.  Back in the good ole days, we used to come here for Happy Hour for some of the coldest Pilsner Urquell.  Now, we just come here for lunch.  Started in May of 1990, Dog and Duck has 42 beers on tap ranging from Texas to International brews.  In 1991, they sistered the Dog and Duck Pub in London.  Their food ranges from burgers to fish-n-chips to actually some "healthy fare" (per their website).

Today, I chose the Spicy Black and Blue Burger.  My companions chose the Willie Burger and the Turkey Club Deluxe.  We are all not going for the healthy fare today.

This is my black and blue burger.  As you can see, it is a beautiful work of art: freshly ground beef, seasoned to perfection, topped with melted blue cheese, bacon, and covered with an adobe sauce.  Pure bliss, and probably one of the BEST burgers that I have ever had- EVER!

This is the Turkey Club Deluxe.  Do I really need to say anymore?  Look at all of that melted cheese!

This is the Willie Burger- yes, more melted cheese and the State of Texas's vegetable: Jalapenos.

Overall, I could barely walk out of the Dog and Duck Pub.  No, not because of consuming one too many pints, but because we just had an awesome lunch.  If you are in the area, check it out for either the food or the brews.  And, if you do, drink one for me!

Dog and Duck Pub
406 W 17th
Austin, Texas 78701
512/479-0598
www.dogandduckpub.com

Black Pearl Oyster Bar & Grille: Galveston

Several Galvestonians recommended the Black Pearl Oyster Bar & Grille to me.  This little restaurant is right around the corner from the Lunchbox Café.  Located on 23^rd Avenue, arrive early as this place fills up quickly even on a Monday evening.

Tonight, we try an order of onion rings for an appetizer.  Make sure you leave room for your entrée because you will fall in love with these thick cut, highly peppered onion rings.  Sorry, no food photos on this blog.

For an entrée, I decided on the crab cakes.  Two large, but flat, golden brown cakes come out over drizzled remoulade sauce.  Although the cakes were filled with crab, I prefer less breadcrumbs with my crab cakes.  The cakes were light and fluffy, but they just seemed to miss the mark. 

Another dining companion had a bowl of their red beans and rice.  Although the dish was extremely watery, she said it had a good taste, and it was pretty good.  Another companion had the blackened shrimp Caesar salad.  It might have been the winner of the group.

Overall, I would return to this local place.  I would try something from their grille.  Since the restaurant is a street over from the Strand, you get more locals than tourist, which is a nice change of pace for Galveston.

The Black Pearl Oyster Bar & Grille

327 23^rd Street

Galveston, TX 77550

409/762-7299

The Lunchbox Cafe: Galveston

Back to the the heat and humidity of Texas, we're off to the Lunchbox Café.  It is a little hard to find due to the construction.  Located on 23^rd Avenue, this little spot is booming on this Monday afternoon.  We ended up having to clear a table for ourselves since the waitress was so overwhelmed taking orders.

We decided to try the Dad’s Pimiento Cheese for an appetizer.  Served with potato chips, this pimento cheese seemed creamier and more sophisticated than most pimento cheeses.  An assortment of shredded cheeses- one had to be a smoked style, fresh dill, and garlic aioli graced this dip.

Next we move onto a variety of sandwiches: for me, the Tomato Caprese on a French baguette and for my friend, the Harvest Turkey.  The Tomato Caprese was OK.  It was slim on the mozzarella and tomatoes but overflowing with super fresh organic field greens.  The  basil pesto tasted good, but the baguette should have been toasted. 

The Harvest Turkey was served on honey bread with a cranberry , garlic, pecan pesto.  Once again, the organic field greens covered much of the sandwich.  Overall, the sandwich was good.

In the end, we both walked out with a cookie.  My chocolate chip cookie was terrible- too dry and hard.  My counterparts lemon drop cookie was just fair too.

The Lunchbox Café is a cute, quaint place to go.  Although it wasn’t the best place that I have eaten at, it was pretty good.  The food is very fresh.  It is more of a Chick Place, and I would probably return if I was back in Galveston.  It's a nice diversion from the more touristy places on the Strand.

The Lunchbox Café

213 23^rd Street

Galveston, TX

409/770-0044

http://www.thelunchboxcafegalveston.com/

The Home Cafe at Bronco Billy's Casino: Cripple Creek, CO

View of Cripple Creek

OK, the guys managed to throw me off of “The Plan.”  When they heard about the $0.49 breakfast at the Home Café at Bronco Billy’s Casino, democracy ruled, and our plans changed.

First of all, the Home Café is a no frills place- just like a truck stop diner.  At least Colorado has implemented a smoke free environment in their Casinos.  The Home Café sits in the back of the Casino.  And, it is true; you can get full breakfast with eggs, pancakes, biscuits, and gravy for just $0.49.  If you really want to splurge, you can get the steak and eggs for just $2.99.

OK, service is just fair.  The coffee tasted like a dirty ashtray, and that’s scary because I like truck stop coffee.  I wasn’t happy about being here because the thought of a $0.49 breakfast just turned my stomach.  I ordered Pancakes that were recommended over the Texas Style French Toast since they are homemade. 

Drum rolls please…….these pancakes were some of the best pancakes that I have ever had.  The two pancakes were so light and fluffy.  I usually eat just a few bites of my pancakes, but today, I ate all of them.  They were super good, and the best part is that they were ONLY $0.49. 

In fact, our table of five ate for under $10- how can you beat that?  If you are in Cripple Creek, and you are craving pancakes or a really cheap breakfast, try the Home Café at Bronco Billy’s Casino.  You can’t be disappointed.  And, if you are, stop your whining!  You just spent less than a $1!

The Home Café at Bronco Billy’s Casino

Cripple Creek, Colorado

www.broncobillyscasino.com

Bierwerks: Woodland Park, CO

There is obviously a trend to some of my get-a-ways.  Beer and Food!  On our way to Cripple Creek, I had mapped out some of the best places to go.  Of course, my counterparts reminded me that “The plan is that there is NO PLAN!” 

When we came into Woodland Park- the infamous location of the Texas Seven- it was closed to 11 am (ie. Time for  a beer).  Of course, I had read about Bierwerks, and how they had jiffy pop on the menu.  I definitely wanted to stop. 

Woodland Park is booming on this day.  The weather is beautiful- cool and crisp- mostly sunny.  There is an art festival going on in conjunction to a critter fest, so dogs are everywhere.

We find Bierwerks located on the main drag across from the festivals.  We take a seat outside and consume a Double Red IPA.  Bierwerks is a really cool place.  They have personalized beer steins that rotate on a “cleaners” style machine.  Just tell them your stein number, and they bring it around.  Very cool!

As far as the Double Red IPA, it was just OK.  For an IPA, it wasn’t very hoppy.  It was more like a Red Ale.  But, it was cold, and the weather was cool, so all was good.  Bierwerks’ building is aesthetically beautiful.  Local food trailers were serving food to go with your beers.  Or you could have just run over to Wally’s Tamales like Carlito did- it was actually pretty darn good.

Check out Bierwerks in Woodland Park.  I am still looking for the jiffy pop, but I think it doesn’t come out until it gets colder when the fire pits are roaring.  Overall, Bierwerks is a good stop on this Saturday afternoon- OK, probably on any afternoon.

Bierwerks

121 E Midland (Hwy 24)

Woodland Park, CO

719/686-8100

www.bierwerks.com

King's Chef Diner: Colorado Springs, CO

Located on the corner of Nevada and Bijou, this location of King’s Chef Diner could be easy to pass up, but DON’T!  On this Saturday morning, we walk in to find the place packed, so we take our seats at the counter- the best place in the diner.  Here you can watch the magic in the kitchen, and trust me, you will be amazed and fascinated.

Thanks to those PCBC Streamliners, coffee is definitely in order on this cool crisp morning.  Sitting at the counter, we are just in awe of the food that is coming out.  No wonder why the Food Network Magazine named them the “Tastiest Breakfast in Colorado!”  This morning, I opt for the MINI breakfast burrito with potatoes, cheese, sausage, and green chili salsa! 

Oh my, these counter seats provide so much entertainment.  The guys behind it keep you laughing with their off kiltered wit and grief to the locals.  I don’t think I would be calling that hunk of a muscle next to us “Princess-” especially since he is from Texas too! 

Anyways, the burrito comes out and the MINI is HUGE.  The green chili salsa rocks, and I am definitely taking some of it home with me.  It is available online too!  This is just what the doctor ordered!

If you find yourself in Colorado Springs, take a seat at the counter at King’s Chef Diner.  Breakfast and lunch are served all day at their two locations. I really want to come back for a burger because they looked awesome.  I can guarantee you that you will not be disappointed.

King’s Chef Diner

131 E Bijou Street                                      OR                                                   110 E  Castilla Street

Colorado Springs, CO 80903                                                                Colorado Springs, CO 80903

719/636-5010                                                                                                              719/634-9135

                                                    www.kingschefdiner.com

Phantom Canyon Brewing Co: Colorado Springs

It has been about ten years (and possibly even longer) since I have been in Colorado Springs.  It’s a great College town loaded with cool bars, amazing breweries, and funky little restaurants.  Phantom Canyon Brewery is located in the Historic Cheyenne Building- this three-story building from 1901 used to be the location for the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. 

On this Friday night, the downstairs is packed with restaurant goers, so we head up to the second floor bar.  Greeted by a CSPD officer asking me for my ID, I immediately fall in love with this place- it’s the little things.  Anyways, we sit down at the bar and order an American IPA called Streamliner.  This India Pale Ale is a rich golden red in color with an extreme bite thanks to the hops- four kinds in fact.  There is a slight citrus flavor too.  This IPA is an excellent choice on this evening.

Phantom Canyon is loaded with the local college kids from Colorado College.  Tattoos run ramped among the pool tables, and Metallica is blaring from the CD Jukebox- this doesn’t help the altitude headache, but a few more Streamliners do!  J

Overall, Phantom Canyon still reigns.  They have an extensive selection of beers.  The service is great and very appreciative of their tips.  If you get a chance, stop by, and have a beer or two.  Obviously, based on the crowds below, the food must be pretty good too.

Phantom Canyon Brewing Co

2 East Pikes Peak Avenue

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

719/635-2800

http://www.phantomcanyon.com/

Borriello Brothers Pizza: Colorado Springs, CO

After having a rough flight into Colorado Springs, it was time for a good pizza pie.  We set out for Borriello Brothers.  Located in what looks like a fast food pizza spot, don’t judge the book by the cover.

Tonight, I ordered a 16-inch half cheese and half Clemente (pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, and ham.  Their 16-inch pizza is a paper-thin crust while their 18-inch is a hand tossed thin crust.  Flags should have gone up when the girl taking my ordered seemed confused.  Our friend ordered a 16 inch pepperoni, cheese, mushroom and garlic pizza.

The smells coming from the kitchen were killing us.  The pizzas that were walking by with the delivery guy were pure bliss.  Our friend was the first to get his pizza.  He said I could have a piece as a piece was already in my mouth. 

Paper-thin was correct.  Wow, I have never had a crust so thin and so good.  Great tomato sauce.  It was pure bliss.  This pizza is the best that I have ever had, so I was getting very excited about our pizza.  Then, it arrived…

For some reason, they gave us an 18-inch hand tossed.  My cheese pizza was not what I had ordered, and they obviously sensed it.  I had ordered a 16-inch half cheese- half Clemente.  They said that this was their cheese pizza- Pizza Blanca (mozzarella, ricotta and Romano cheese- no sauce).  Personally, I call that cheese bread sticks.  They did accommodate my wish for sauce and brought me a side of it.  Overall, the pizza was really good, but the true winner was the 16-inch paper-thin pie.

The service isn’t great at Borriello Brothers.  They committed my biggest peeve ever- they started to sweep around us while we were eating.  OK, they couldn’t wait until we were gone since we were the only ones in the place at 9 pm.  Have you ever thought of what is going in the air around you?  Seriously- it’s disgusting!

Anyways, I will say that if I am ever in Colorado Springs again, I would get another pizza from Borriello Brothers- definitely a 16 inch paper thin and definitely To Go!

Borriello Brothers

215 E Platte Ave

Colorado Springs, CO

719/884-2020

www.BorrielloBrothers.com

Wolf's Burger: East Houston

OK, this is one of those places that you don't judge by the outside.  Wolf Burgers is located in a run down strip shopping center on the Sam Houston Tollway just North of I-10 E.  On this day, it is packed as it probably always is on any given day.

Today, the usual: Cheeseburger Basket with French Fries and Ice Tea.  The burger is really good- multi napkins- fresh ground beef, well seasoned, cooked to perfection on a seasoned grill and JUICY.  The bun was warmed to the point of almost crispy, but you could taste the butter.  The steak fries were a total disappointment.  I should have gone with the tater tots or onion rings. 

If you find yourself on the East side, check out Wolf's Burgers.  Don't judge this place by the Outside, go on inside.  You will be pleasantly surprised, and I would definitely get there early.....

Wolf's Hamburger
4323 E Sam Houston Pkwy N
Houston, TX 77015
713/453-1890

The Blanton Cafe: Austin

The Blanton Museum of Art is directly across from our headquarters, so the Blanton Cafe makes a great lunch break.  The Blanton Café offers a variety of sandwiches, gourmet flat bread pizzas, soups, and create your own salads.

On this day, I try to the Basil Pesto Chicken Salad on Sourdough Bread.  Although the sample showed the Chicken to be grilled strips, the sandwich turned out to be Pesto Chicken Salad with whole basil leaves and tomatoes.  The sandwich is grilled like a Panini, and it is served with potato chips and a dill spear.  Overall, it was a great choice.

Photo by Dave Wilson

By the way, check out the fabulous Museum while you are here.  The building is beautiful with a lot of natural light, aqua glass wall tiles, and travertine- the stairwell is actually a work of art called Stacked Waters by Teresita Fernandez (did not know this until I wrote up this Blog). 

It is like you are floating in the Ocean then you ascend from the water to the second floor for the Collections.  As far as the art, some of the art is very modern, but the Blanton has an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings.  The current exhibition is called About Face: Portraiture as Subject- this exhibits holds the very famous and contraversial Andy Warhol of Farrah Fawcett.

But I digress....If you eat at the Blanton Cafe, you can make it a lovely afternoon by combining a visit to the Blanton Art Museum.  And, don't forget the great gift shop next to the Cafe.  Overall, I really like The Blanton Cafe.

The Blanton Cafe
Blanton Museum of Art
The University of Texas at Austin
MLK at Congress
Austin, Texas 78701
http://blantonmuseum.org/

Lockhart Food Follies: Lockhart

Well, I know that I am late in writing up my blogs on certain restaurants, and the moral of this story is to not wait so long because some restaurants can close in the mean time.  This is what has happen to Henry's in Lockhart.  It was less than 2 weeks ago that we were sitting in Henry's enjoying a hamburger and fries.

In fact, I will still write about it.  The hamburger was pretty dang good.  The ground meat was debatable if it was fresh or frozen, but it was well seasoned.  The usual suspects were found: lettuce, tomato, and pickles.  Overall, a pretty good burger on a sweet tasting bun.  The only thing was that the typical bagged french fries came out in a pretty chintzy portion.

On another note....just for your information if you don't already know it.  Lockhart is a SERIOUS BBQ town- the BBQ Capital of Texas.  On this day that we ended up at Henry's, my counterpart had just wanted a chopped beef sandwich- you wouldn't think it would be hard to find in Lockhart- Oh, but it is...  After going to Kreuz's and Smitty's, we gave up on the chopped beef sandwich.  Smelling of smoke and hot, we ended up at Henry's by default.  Both Kreuz's and Smitty's greet you with a wall of smoke and heat.  You buy your meat by the pound then eat it without sauce and with white bread.  But, no chopped beef sandwiches to be found!  And, we didn't feel like trying Black's.

I did end up with a pound of brisket from Kreuz's- another Food Folly.  Although the meat was smokey and tender, I definitely believe I have had better brisket.  In fact, some of the meat was so fatty and poorly cut that I thought I was eating a pot roast.  I wasn't that impressed, and we went to A LOT of effort to get that pound of brisket when all we wanted was a chopped beef sandwich- isn't that the truth Mrs. Wells!!!!!

Lockhart: BBQ Capital of Texas
http://www.lockhart-tx.org/web98/visitors/bbqcapitaloftexas.asp

The Hill Drive In: Bellville

The Hill is one of our favorite burger places around.  Located on the way out of Bellville toward Brenham on Hwy 36, the Hill always has a crowd.   Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will find The Hill serving up delicious fare to the locals since 1952.

Don't think that The Hill is just a burger place.  The chicken tender baskets or fried shrimp baskets will put a smile on your face.  The hamburgers are at least 1/3 of a pound of freshly ground beef, layered with the sweetest mayo and mustard accompanied by the freshest shredded lettuce, tomatoes and pickles.  For a basket, you can choose crinkle fries or tater tots with a medium drink.  Other sides include sweet potato fries, pinto beans, fried okra, and a bunch of others that I have not tried.  Mac-n-Cheese bites have caught my eye though.

Regardless of what you eat at The Hill, I can say that hamburgers, chicken strips, and fried shrimp baskets will not disappoint, and don't forget the malts and shakes especially during these Dog Days of Summer.  So if you are in the area, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, stop on in at The Hill for a local treat! 

The Hill Drive In
979/865-3607
758 W Main St
Bellville, TX  77418 
http://www.thehillrestaurant.com/