Walton's Fancy and Staple: Austin

Have you ever been to one of those places where you walk in and feel at home?  Walton’s is one of those places.  It is the sister restaurant to Bess Bistro.  Walton’s has a Parisian air about- whether it is the quaint bistro tables, the fresh flowers from the in house florist, or the fresh baked breads and croissants- not to mention the cupcakes, cookies, and other tasty morsels.

I have been to Walton’s a few times.  This morning, I tried a moist blueberry muffin with a streusel top.  It was quite good and filled with some of the freshest and biggest blueberries that I have ever seen.  My counter part tried the white cheddar ham croissant, and said, “It was out of this world.”

In addition, I got a strawberry Danish, a chocolate chunk cookie, and a carrot cupcake.  Everything has not disappointed.  On previous visits, I have tried the Tiramisu Cupcake that was quite moist and surprising with an Italian Cream center.  The cinnamon bun is to die for.  It is pure bliss with just enough sugar- definitely worth a try. 

Walton’s is open for breakfast and lunch.  Their lunch menu consists of salads, soups, and sandwiches.  Thursday and Friday nights they are open until 8.  Walton’s has created a loyal follower.  Definitely stop on by, I promise you will want to linger.

Walton’s Fancy and Staple

609 East 6^th Street

Austin, Texas 78701

512/542-3380

http://www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com/

Trifecta on 3rd: Austin

Trifecta on 3^rd is fairly new to the Downtown Austin scene.  Walking distance from our hotel, my work counterpart took me here because they have a Pizza Happy Hour where 12-inch pizzas are only $3 until 8 pm.  The restaurant is small and quaint with a nice selection of beers, wines, and bourbon.  It has a young, hip, professional crowd

I have been to Trifecta a few times.  In the past, I have tried the Margarhita Pizza (their spelling) as well as the Vegetarian Pizza (with corn and spinach- I’m moving outside of my pizza box).  The first time that we went, the crust was soggy and limp- not good for super thin crust pizza.  Overall, the pizzas tasted good, but it could have been better.  On a recent visit (shown below), the Margarhita pizza  crust was super thin and crispy with a balsamic reduction sprinkled across it that was addicting.

Overall, I like Trifecta on 3rd.  They pour large glasses of wine, so be careful.  The food is pretty good, and you can’t beat a $3 12-inch pizza.  Word to the wise: Be careful on trivia night to not scream out the answer because these patrons are very serious, not to mention, competitive about their trivia.

Trifecta on 3rd

360 Nueces #30

Austin, TX 78701

512/320-9909

www.trifectaaustin.com

Shockley Market: Corpus Christi

Tonight, I tried Shockley Market in Corpus Christi.  Based on the reviews, it seems like it will be a winner.  From the looks of their website, I can't wait.  Comfort food and Julia Child's classics in a small quaint, cozy, neighborhood setting best describes Shockley Market.  On this night, I am getting take out, so I decided to not take photos because that would not do the food justice.

Fresh fruits and vegetables grace the glass cases while the interior is light and fresh!  Service is prompt and courteous.  I order the Meatloaf with a House Salad, Asparagus, and Macaroni and Cheese.  All I know is that was the longest drive back to the hotel, and the three mini-half moon rolls did not make it- talk about warm buttery love!

The next thing to disappear was the macaroni and cheese.  All white cheeses graced this side, and I bet some blue did too.  Oh my goodness, it was good.  The side of asparagus was just OK- a little over cooked, but it tasted like it had been dipped into butter/wine reduction- yummy!  The side salad was a nice mixture of field greens, diced cucumbers, radishes, and pink grapefruit.  It was lightly tossed in a delicate sweet vinaigrette- very good.  It would have been good with the bread, but that was long gone.

Finally, the meatloaf... It was an individual loaf instead of slices of meat loaf covered with a tangy tomato sauce- almost with a light BBQ taste.  The meatloaf was filled with celery and bell peppers.  Overall, it was a little dense, but it was pretty good. 

In the end, I really liked Shockley Market.  I can't wait to go back.  In fact, locals have tried to keep this place of goodness a secret, and I understand why.  It just rocks!

Shockley Market
3815 S Alameda
Corpus Christi, TX 78411

(361) 851-2525
www.shockleymarket.com

Hester's Cafe: Corpus Christi

Every once in awhile you find a place, and it just feels like home.  In Corpus, that place is Hester's Cafe.  Park on the backside and next to the Blue Frog Emporium, enter Corpus Christi's coolest, funky little cafe.  I have come for breakfast on another dreary morning, but once inside Hester's, it is pure sunshine.  The atmosphere is bright and cheery.  The staff is super nice and patient.  The place is packed like a local neighborhood joint.

When you don't eat eggs, breakfast is sometimes a challenge.  Today, I order the Blueberry Belgian Waffles with fresh roasted coffee poured into a really large coffee mug just like at home.

These waffles ROCK!  They were so yummy.  Served with fresh fruit, these super light, fluffy, and filled with FRESH blueberries made this little girl very happy.  My only complaint is that a place Hester's should have REAL whipped butter not little packets from Land of Lakes!  But, I will let them slide since I have found a great new place!

If you have a chance, make sure you go to Hester's Cafe.  The food is yummy.  The coffee is large.  And, it will put a smile on your face!  I could have hung out all day here- it's just one of those kind of places!  Don't miss it!

Hester's Cafe
361/885-0558
1710 S Alameda St
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
www.hesterscafe.com

Drunkn' Noodlez: Corpus Christi

Tonight, I just happen to run across Drunkn' Noodlez as I was exploring Corpus Christi.  I had already read about this place, and I wanted to try it based on the reviews and of course, its name.  Located in a strip shopping center next to Schlotzsky's and I love Cheesecake, entry into Drunkn' Noodlez seems like you have stepped into another place and time.

For starters, I try their Spring Wraps.  These wraps, instead of rolls, are huge and a meal in itself.  They are filled with chicken, shrimp, fresh veggies, herbs, and noodles.  They come with a great spicy Red Chile sauce with peanuts, but it isn't the traditional peanut sauce.  Awesome- this is definitely a must! 

For my main meal, I order Pahd Thai.  I like that they offer to spice it up.  Of course, I do, so I go with 3 peppers: Adventuresome! 

The Pahd Thai was good, but it wasn't the best that I have had.  It was filled with chicken, noodles, and vegetables, but I was still thinking about the Spring Wraps.  I think I could have gone up to 5 on the spicy level because I couldn't even taste the heat of 3.

Overall, I LOVE Drunkn' Noodlez.  This place has such a great vibe.  It's just a little funky.  Everyone is super friendly.  Service is great!  If you get a chance, definitely check it out.  I will return.

Drunkn' Noodlez
(361) 992-1400  
4214 S Alameda St
Corpus Christi, TX 78412



 

Silverado BBQ: Corpus Christi

Today, I wanted BBQ, and I wanted to try some place other than Rudy's.  Don't get me wrong, I like Rudy's, but I wanted to try something a little more local.  How can you not want to try a BBQ place on Weber Road- how appropriate?

I walk into Silverado BBQ for a chopped beef sandwich, and I sit down at the table with a 2 meat-2 side plate.  There was no way that I could get just a chopped beef sandwich after smelling the aromas of Silverado.  So, it's chicken- choice of meat, brisket- choice of lean or marbled, Cole slaw, AND  stewed okra-to honor my husband!

I jump into the stewed okra.  All I can say is that I could have eaten the whole vat of it.  It was awesome.  My mom used to make stewed okra like this.  Saute a little bacon and onions.  Add the okra and tomatoes.  Then, you add a little sour like vinegar and lot's pepper!  Wallah! 

The Cole slaw was pretty good- not too sweet with a little more sour to it.  The cabbage was actually diced instead, and overall, a nice refreshing side on this hot and humid day.  Now, the meats: smoked chicken breast and lean brisket.  The brisket was above average.  It wasn't the best that I had had, but it was good.  The meat was lean, mostly moist, but verging on a little dry, not real heavy on the smoke, and the rub wasn't overwhelming with salt either. 

The chicken was above average too.  The wing/chicken breast was moist, but verged on dry.  The seasoning on the skin was really good- like previously mentioned not too salty.  The meat did have a nice smokiness to it.  Now, the sauce....it verges on too sweet, but then it doesn't.  You can just taste the brown sugar in it, and possibly honey.  They may add a hint of liquid smoke too.  It is a complex sauce that will keep you guessing, and in the end, I really liked it.

Overall, I really liked Silverado BBQ, and I would return.  They have a vegetable of the day, so remember Friday's are stewed okra day!  How can you not like a place that has a sign on its front door: "The only smoke in this establishment is the smoke coming from around the counter!" 

Not to mention, Silverado is one of my all time favorite movies- heck, Payden, my dog in College was named from a character in the movie.  But, I digress.  If you are in Corpus Christi, check out Silverado BBQ.

Silverado BBQ
4522 Weber Rd
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
361/855-6464

Kiko's Mexican Food: Corpus Christi

On this dreary, rainy (yes, rainy) morning, I head to Kiko's Mexican Food for some breakfast tacos.  I am seated quickly, and within a few minutes, an elderly Hispanic lady comes to take my drink order.  I wait and wait and wait and wait for that coffee.  She must have been having a Senior Moment!

Upon her return, I order the usual: breakfast taco with potato, cheese, and bacon- No Eggs.  And, it was great!  I have got to figure out what kind of cheese they use- maybe Velveeta- it just tastes like queso.  The salsa reminded me of Cisco's in Austin, so i loved it.  The flour tortilla made fresh and on site rocked!  Overall, the taco was great.  I just wished that the waitress would have gotten my order right, and brought me that other taco that I had ordered.  Must have been another Senior Moment!

If you are in Corpus, I recommend Kiko's for their breakfast tacos.  I have no idea if anything else is good, but judging by the loyal local following, they must be doing something right.  Just prepare to be patient with the service because it isn't fast or accurate- but it's friendly.

Kiko's Mexican Food
5514 Everhart Rd
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
361/991-1211
www.kikosmexicanfood.com