(fine) Dining in Austin:
Buenos Aries Cafe, on the Tex-Mex mile.
I just got in from what turned into an exquisite dining experience. First it was a little running around, then meeting with a wrecking crew, which begs the joke about pouring concrete, but never mind the bad humor now.
“Where do you want to eat?” asked my Pisces friend. We were driving east on Oltorf, headed towards S. First Street. Coffee shop, just past 1st, on the right, but not a meal deal. There’s a host of fine Tex-Mex places, scattered up and down S. First, so I suggested one, she hung a right, and then she asked if I’d been to Buenos Aries.
I know plenty of bueno Aries, but that’s not what she meant. Next to the pawn shop, there’s a new place – new to me – called Buenos Aires Cafe.
Looks like a tiny place, with more than half the seating al fresco, on the small porch facing S. First Street, right next door to the pawn shop. Unassuming looking place, too. But, as one might expect, looks can be deceiving.
The front counter displayed an array of succulent dessert items. Not sure, but I think at least one or two of the items are labor-intensive works of art.
The main server was Sagittarius, not that it matters, but I like to know these things. Simple yet clean and well cut attire. Not that it matters, but it sets a semi-formal tone. I was in my typical summer attire, some surprise there, wrinkled Hawaiian shirt and fishing shorts. I glanced through the menu, skipped to an entree, and then the server started on the special item for the night. I stopped him halfway through, how rude of me, and I said, “I’ll take it.”
He said something akin to, “Allow me to finish, I had to memorize this thing, you know,” with a wry grin. I do know that he said, at some point, “Sagittarius, we’re the best aren’t we?” (A little self-promotion never hurts – the Pisces didn’t exactly concur – can’t blame her.)
There was a full complement of coffee beverages and exotic wine and beer from – just a guess – Argentina. I didn’t check it out. Didn’t bother.
Perfect presentation. Perfect. I can’t speak for that sweet Pisces, but the meal I had, the entree was rather on the fabulous side of fabulous. Can I say that? Roast pork loin with the special Argentina-brand of sauce. I couldn’t begin to decipher the delicate – and apparently fresh – condiments. On top was a single herb leaf (can’t think of the name) – perfectly blanched. Roast pork medallions, two over-sized shrimp, done in thyme, and a potato cake with spinach as the main ingredient. Something cheesy, too.
Another couple walked in, the Sagittarius dramatically swept his hand through the almost empty dining area, “Any place you like….”
That couple was transfixed by the glow from the counter’s display of desserts.
“Tonight’s creme brulee is mango,” he further explained. I didn’t get it, but I wasn’t about to pass up something, so I had a fruit tort with marscapone*, raspberries, blueberry, topped with a fresh strawberry, and some cheese, on a little circular crust. The crust along was magnificent. Add to it the freshly rendered fruit and layers of cheese, whipped cream? I’ll hate myself when I come down, but for now, it’s heavenly.
I’m going back. Soon. The regular menu mentioned an item that, to me, translates from Spanish as “chicken fried steak.” I can hardly wait.
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*mental note, figure out how to spell that.
Big wave
When that comet doesn’t crash into the earth, and when the big wave doesn’t wipe out the Atlantic coasts, I’m laughing. Probably fishing, too.
Judging by the number of queries, I’m figuring that this is one huge load of organic male bovine extract.
But certainly good publicity, and it inserts the author’s name in front of lots of people. What did Mr. Barnum say?
I would point out, though, that the panic level has increased the number of phone calls.
Cherchez les poissons:
First was a little dude, but he had lots of spunk. Second one was that stupid fish who broke my line. Twice. Got her, this time. Looks like she’s a virgin, too, never caught before. I accquainted her with the drill, and let her keep the worm, too.
Unlimited thought:
All about the journey.
(click to visit)
