Austin Eats: barley SWINE

barley SWINE 
2024 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 
barleyswine.com

This place is incredible. 

It’s my favorite type of restaurant – small shared plates, inventive ever changing menu, casual atmosphere, beautiful plating. It’s also very popular and I will share the warning I was given - get there right when they open since they don’t take reservations. I went with three other adventurous foodies so we of course ordered one of everything, doubling up on the most exciting dishes. This is the perfect way to experience this restaurant and if I lived in Austin I’d do it every week.

Here’s a peek at our amazing meal, the entire menu captured by iPhone seconds before every morsel was devoured leaving nothing but gleaming white plates behind... 

grilled okra, black eyed peas, hush puppy, goat feta 

soft duck egg, grilled zucchini salad, popcorn, goat cheese

This was our second dish and the one that inspired the request for "something to sop up the sauce" before our plate was taken away. The server quickly brought back a mini spatula that my shameless foodie friends happily made quick use of scraping the plate clean! (They apparently get this request quite a bit.) Awesome.  

grilled butternut squash, peanut, jalapeno, coconut milk

scrambled egg, blue crab, almond, roasted pepper, avocado 

One of my favorites! It's very light and refreshing, reminds me of summer in California. 

pulled pig face, potato salad, pickle, egg yolk, apple 

I've had pig face once before but this dish wins hands down. If you're curious about the flavor here's my best attempt at a description: It tastes like the dark meat version of pork, if there was such a thing. 

rabbit, schnitzel, shishito pepper, radish, chanterelle  

This was my first time trying rabbit! I loved it!! I am afraid the bar's been set pretty high though. 

crispy stuffed pig ankle, foie gras, beans, hot sauce 

Is there anything better than foie? Another favorite. 

grilled lamb loin & sausage, eggplant, falafel, persimmon

olive oil mousse, meyer lemon, parsley sorbet, chickpea cookie 

German chocolate cake

Hefeweizen doughnuts, smoked pork ice cream, whiskey, chile 

This dessert was absolutely stunning. I've never had a doughnut that tasted anywhere near as good as these mini Hefeweizen versions. With the whiskey marshmallows and the pork ice cream, forget about it. Heaven. 

Before your night is through, be sure to order the last thing on the menu - "Beer for the Kitchen”! It's $1 toward each chef (we had six) to thank them for an incredible meal and reward them with the same suds that inspired it. 

Vosges: Chocolates to Ship For

Vosges Haut-Chocolat
vosgeschocolate.com

I fell in love with Vosges at O’Hare Airport years ago. It’s the most exciting chocolate I’ve ever come across.

They have no boundaries when it comes to flavors – wasabi, peppercorns, curry, hemp seeds, paprika, and yams are among the ingredients you’ll find in their inventive truffles and chocolate bars. If you’re thinking this isn’t for you, I’d like to try to change your mind by introducing you to the truffle that made me believe anything’s possible in the world of chocolate. His name is “Rooster.” 

Rooster
Taleggio cheese + organic walnuts + Tahitian vanilla bean + bittersweet dark chocolate

Yes, you read that right. CHEESE. It’s in their Italiana Nouvelle collection and it’s the BEST truffle in the box! Try it and you’ll never look back.

Their most popular bars are carried in stores like Whole Foods but to get their full selection you have to go to one of their boutiques (Chicago, New York, Vegas, LA) or like I just did, order online.

Here’s what arrived at my office to spice up my Wednesday… 

Smoked Banana Caramel Chocolate Bar

Mesquite smoked bananas + Alderwood smoked salt caramel + 72% cacao dark chocolate

This one is very smoky, it hits you right away and almost tastes like bacon, but the sweet banana caramel balances it out. Very bold, I love it.  

Crispy Carrot Chocolate Bar

Crunchy carrot confit + Valencia oranges + 45% cacao deep milk chocolate

The carrot in this is like toffee, tastes like a really interesting milk chocolate toffee bar. I’m not really a milk chocolate fan so it wasn’t my favorite but it’s one of those things you just have to try because who puts carrots in chocolate? Brilliant. 

Mash Bill Truffle Collection

Scotch (Lower Left & Right) 

coconut & cocoa nib caramel + Bruichladdich Port Charlotte scotch + 45% deep milk chocolate

Bourbon (Middle Left & Right)

toasted pecans + Four Rose's single barrel bourbon + 45% deep milk chocolate

Stout (Middle Top to Bottom)

Rogue's chocolate stout + 62% cacao dark chocolate

Whiskey (Top Left & Right)

Templeton rye whiskey + tart cherry + tobacco + 62% cacao dark chocolate

All of them are fantastic but the Whiskey was my hands-down favorite. I don’t know much about whiskey but I do know an aficionado, and Templeton Rye is on his shortlist. He also happens to be a smoker. I’m not sure how he feels about cherries but if there were some weird connection there this would be him in a truffle. This of course led me to wonder, what would a Tiffany truffle taste like? They create perfumes for celebrities all the time, why not design a truffle around a person? Humor me for a bit…

It would be based on things like the agriculture of your hometown, your personality (Are you spicy, sweet or both?), favorite activities (Athletes might have something to give them a physical boost, Mathletes might have something for brainpower!), your style (What would a hipster truffle look like?), possibly your job (Popcorn for people in the film industry? Apples for teachers?), and of course your likes and dislikes (Can you imagine hating your own truffle?). And the chocolatier would determine, based on all the info above, if you’re dark, milk, bittersweet, etc.

It would be ridiculously expensive and so highly impractical, but what if instead of having your own truffle made a company gave you a recipe? Would you pay for the directions to create the chocolate version of you? I would.

It will likely never happen, but a girl can dream. And in my dream, Tiffany truffles are wildly imaginative and they arrive at my front door in a purple box from Vosges. 

Sac Food Trucks: Drewski’s & OM Karmabile

Drewski’s Hot Rod Kitchen – Grilled Cheese, Tots, Fries
@drewskishotrod for locations

This seems to be the truck that everyone knows about, and loves. A friend has been raving about it so I drove a little out of the way to seek them out. When I arrived they had been open for about an hour and the line was still growing. Their deep fried mac-n-cheese balls with smoked bacon and black truffle were sold out. (My waistline thanks all those before me.) 

All of their ‘cheeses were tempting. My runner up was the “Prius.”

Prius

sliced and grilled Granny Smith apples, wild flower honey, smokehouse almonds, double crème brie cheese grilled on 9 grain sliced wheat

Next time Prius. This time, I had to go with the “Hemi.” I figured there must be a reason it’s first on the menu and the cover photo on their Facebook page. 

Hemi

slow roasted Carolina pulled pork, mac-n-cheese, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, grilled on sliced French (I ordered it on wheat.)

Wow. The pork was incredibly good, tender and sweet. I’ll admit I rolled my eyes a little at the mac-n-cheese addition, assumed I’d pick it out, but I loved it. My inner child jumped for joy.

This is comfort food at its best. Don’t let the line discourage you. 

OM Karmabile – Indian Fusion

@OMKarmabile for locations

This food truck has two goals: fill your belly with delicious Indian fusion cuisine and send you on your way with a little good Karma. I’m a fan of both. The food part is a no-brainer and I was very excited to try it because I rarely eat Indian food, mainly because I have yet to find a great Indian restaurant in Sacramento. (Suggestions please!) The bit about the Karma though, that’s a head scratcher at first. I learned the reason for the truck’s name when I went to drop a tip in the jar. After a thank you I was told they donate all of their tips to different children’s charities, currently St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I was thrilled with my lunch choice even before my order was up! 

I became happier when the food didn’t disappoint. They have burritos, tortas and rice bowls with chicken, lamb and vegetarian fillings but I went with the tacos…

Vegetarian Curry Taco

Corn tortilla with potatoes, peas and carrots in a mild curry sauce with tomato chutney

Spicy Curry Chicken Taco

Corn tortilla with chicken cooked in spicy curry sauce with potatoes, peas and carrots with tomato chutney

Masala Chicken Taco

Corn tortilla with Masala chicken, cucumber chutney and creamy mint garlic sauce

All three were simple, tasty, and a delightful leap from your standard lunch fare. The Masala chicken was my favorite of the three. The true standout of the meal though was this fascinating dessert…

Gulab a la mode

Indian style doughnut soaked in rose water syrup with coconut caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, toasted coconut flakes and topped with nutmeg and cardamom

This sounded incredibly intriguing because I had no idea what an Indian style doughnut was and lately I have a fascination with any dish that includes rose water.

(I used to absolutely hate rose water. It tasted like perfume to me. I tried it in a couple amazing desserts though and now, I love it! It still tastes like perfume, but in a good way?)

I really didn’t imagine myself loving this once I saw it but it turned out to be one of the most interesting and surprising desserts I’ve had in a long time. The gulab had the consistency of a cake doughnut with the rose water syrup softening and sweetening just the outside. They were addicting on their own and the flavor pairs incredibly well with the coconut and cardamom, with the vanilla ice cream serving to mellow it all out.

It’s definitely sweet and should be shared but if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, I bet you’ll find it’s the best ice cream sundae you’ve ever had. 

Little Things Mean A Lot: Black Truffle Butter

Aux Delices Des Bois Black Truffle Butter
http://www.transatlanticfoods.com/

We've all been asked "what's the one food item you cannot live without?"

Hmmm... I'm always stumped on this one.

Even though I am a "foodie", my refrigerator doesn't have a lot in it. There's a lemon cucumber, some udon noodles from Trader Joe's and expired mongolian beef (note to self: throw that out before going to NYC Thursday...).





Oddly enough, this Black Truffle Butter was given to me as a house warming present from my ex-boyfriend's ex-girlfriend. I was a little concerned that it may have GHB, rat poison or some kind of butter demon in it. I'm happy to report I am not dead and have eaten it many times since.

I apply to my toast, scramble it in my eggs and melt it on top of my pasta. It can dress up any food item beautifully. So I think this is my "cannot live without" item.

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates: Sacramento’s Finest

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates


1801 L Street Suite 60

Sacramento, CA 95811


916.706.1738

gingerelizabeth.com 

This isn’t a new discovery. I basically just used this blog, along with their “Macaron Madness” event, as an excuse to go back. I see that happening quite often with this new hobby of mine… At some point I’ll have to start writing about vegan spots and low calorie desserts but for now, chocolate that’s so good it transcends guilt. 

First, the Truffles... 

These are truly the star. It’s an unspoken rule in my house that this little brown box should make an appearance every Valentine’s Day, birthday, anniversary, and sometimes “just because”… So, I’ve tried nearly every one. The new flavor I discovered this time that I absolutely fell for is their “Caramelized Milk and Coffee.” This one is dangerously delicious, especially for the espresso-obsessed like myself. A close second at the moment is the “Grapefruit & Fennel Pollen Caramel,” and if you’re a purist you must try the “Palet D’Or," bittersweet chocolate ganache enrobed in bittersweet chocolate.  These truffles are among the best, not just the best in Sacramento. 

On to the cakes…

Gianduja Cake 

72% Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Biscuit with a Crunchy Hazelnut Bottom

This is one of two whole cakes you can order, or enjoy by the slice at the store. Yes, it tastes every bit as delicious as it sounds. Maybe a little more.

And finally, the Macarons…

A perfect Parisian macaron is truly a thing of beauty. They’re adorable, come in playful enticing flavors, and when done right, they’re a melt-in-your-mouth bit of whimsy and delight. And Ginger Elizabeth’s are amazing. I’ve yet to try a flavor that didn’t put a smile on my face. Here are some stand outs to get you salivating… 

Basil Lime Ganache **FAVORITE**

Lemongrass Mixed Berry Jam

Rose Geranium Caramel

Nutmeg Nectarine Preserves

Caramelized Milk & Coffee

Ginger Plum

Earl Grey Berry Jam 

Cookies & Cream

Spiced Muscovado Mango Jam

Salty Caramel 

Coconut Strawberry Jam

GEC takes their macarons a bit further too, making larger traditional cookie-sized versions with flavors like “Peanut Butter & Jelly” and pairs them with their homemade ice cream for stunning ice cream sandwiches with flavors like “Dolce de Leche Lime & Graham Cracker.” I haven't tried these yet because something like this always stares me down when I walk in, distracting me…

Dessert Macaron

Pistachio Mousseline layered with Ceylon Cinnamon Chocolate Cream 

and a Crunchy Pistachio Praline in a Chocolate Macaron 

There are no words. It’s one of those desserts that just stops you down at the first bite and shuts you up. Shockingly good. And that’s even more impressive knowing that no one would ever bite into it with low expectations, it’s beautiful!

If you’re not a Sacramentan – don’t fret! As soon as the weather cools down you can order chocolates online to ship. Start dropping hints now to all of your loved ones!

Battle in Seattle: Bakery Nouveau v.s. Nook

Growing up a total McDonald's kid, I still get random cravings for a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. I try to make my own breakfasts as much as possible but I've been super lazy this week.  I decided to try some hot breakfast sandwiches and make them battle to the death.

Bakery Nouveau 
4737 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116

Bakery Nouveau is a West Seattle bakery the serves bread, all kinds of desserts, sandwiches and even pizzas. Whenever you walk by there is a line out the door and plenty of tourists snapping Instagram photos (not just me!). The desserts and here pizza are amazing but I was there for the Junction croissant.  

The Junction croissant is stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, ham and melted cheese. It tastes amazing and I love that the scrambled eggs were moist and well seasoned, but it's a little complicated if you're on the go. The croissant ends flake everywhere and the inside goodies spill all over. It's not something I would eat on the way to work, but I had time to dine in I would for sure.
Another slight bummer I had with this place is the service. Their employee handed me the croissant while it was luke warm so I asked for it to be heated. She assured me it was hot and it so wasn't so I had her heat it up and I could she was a little irritated.

nook

4754 University Way NE
(between 47th St & 50th St) 

Seattle, WA 98105

This woman should totally look into print modeling, am I right? Yes, I asked permission to take this picture and she posed.

nook is a little vintage inspired biscuit bakery in the U district of Seattle. They are primarily known for their biscuits and gravy, but since I was on-the-go I got a biscuit sandwich with ham, brie and arugula pesto. The biscuit held it self together well, it didn't flake off. The brie melts perfectly with the thick cut ham, but the arugula pesto added a nutty flavor to it that made it stand out for me. The girl working the counter was also super patient asked I asked her a million questions about their other options. That gives them a boost.










AND THE WINNER IS.......

nook. It's yummy, doesn't flake and they have nice service. 

SIFT: Crave-Worthy Cupcakes

My sister discovered this lil’ cupcake joint when she made the decision to go this route for her wedding. Like any savvy bride she immediately booked free tastings at every spot within a 100-mile radius and, thousands of calories later, the clear choice was Sift.

Sift
siftcupcakes.com    

Locations in San Francisco, Cotati, Santa Rosa and Napa PLUS a traveling food truck

Online Store: http://store.siftcupcakes.com/shipping.html

A win on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” gained them some major bake-cred, and after tasting the winning flavors I can attest it’s very well deserved. 

In general, I’m not really a cupcake fan. The whole cupcake craze brought about a flood of shops that put out cute little creations in fun flavors that just did not taste great, and were tragically dry. Not the case with Sift! They have a creative, ever-changing menu and the cake is so moist and flavorful you won’t see a bunch of cake bottoms filling their trashcans (classic cupcake move!). 

The first time I tried them I “shared” five. And then I went home and ate a whole one. Don’t judge. :) Here are my favorites… 

Battle Royale 
almond cake w/blueberry tequila filling, acai berry cream cheese frosting

This is by far their most interesting flavor, and it's one of the three responsible for their "Cupcake Wars" win. To me, this is what cupcakes are all about - going wild with the flavors, and nailing the execution. People are more adventurous with their selections when they don't have to commit to a whole cake and this is the perfect choice to break you out of your comfort zone. Plus, tequila! 

Snickerdoodle 

vanilla cake w/cinnamon cream cheese frosting 

I was actually surprised I liked this as much as I did. It's pretty simple for my taste, as are snickerdoodle cookies for that matter. The flavor is just right on though. This is a crowd pleaser as well, several good reviews on this one. 

Berry Good Cheesecake

vanilla cake on top of a graham cracker crust, filled with raspberry jam, topped with cream cheese frosting  

I love cheesecake and this tastes freakishly close to the real thing. I love the graham cracker crust as well. Another crowd pleaser. 

Stud Muffin 

brown sugar beer cake, salted caramel frosting, topped with cayenne dusted bacon 

Of course I love this one. What's not to love?! All the flavors taste amazing together but the best surprise is the beer cake. I could eat that by itself all day long. How often can you say that about a cupcake?

If you don't live near the Bay Area they will ship their popular delights! It's pretty pricy (add $29/dozen) but they discount when you buy a dozen. It's a definite splurge but I'm a big fan of treating yourself, especially with baked goods! If you're worried about the freshness in shipping I personally just drove five dozen cupcakes two hours to bring them to work the next day and everyone flipped out over the day old 'cakes. Two days later, (surprisingly) same reaction!