Qui (Austin)

I feel a subtle sense of intimidation right now. How am I, a food blogger and chef-wanna-be, qualified to "critique" and conjure up dining details of Austin's hottest restaurant? Frankly, I'm not. Therefore, this post will not be filled with expert judgments of typically mispronounced ingredients or attempts to portray the culinary brilliance of Top Chef winner and Food & Wine Best New Chef Paul Qui. The menu was a spectacle, the food was magnificent, and the restaurant's decor was completely out-of-the-box. . .obviously. Would you expect anything less?

I was most impressed by Qui's customer service, which is the primary reason I feel entitled enough to share an opinion of the place. Three of us managed to grab a 9:15 reservation on a Friday night; so we eagerly saved up our appetites and entered the minimalist establishment right on time. The hostess walked us to a patio area, inviting us to order a drink while our table was prepared. We enjoyed "the official drink of Austin" -- Chef won the city-wide contest with his bold tepache and honey cocktail. Yes, it was a winner.

Thirty minutes later, we had not yet been seated -- the time flew due to awesome people-watching and funky, eye-drawing patio decor. Before an opportunity even arose to ask the hostess for an update (i.e. complain), the manager arrived at our cocktail table and offered four appetizers on the house to apologize for the delay! I knew it would be a fantastic night. . .and it was.

Chef Paul Qui expresses his witty character in every dish. We were instantly enthralled by the menu, which our waiter explained in detail and with such passion. We tried eight dishes or so in total, but our table began with a play-on version of cheese spray and ended with an aged cheddar cheese ice cream sandwich. Interesting, right? Chef is deeply rooted in Filipino tradition, yet he cannot pass by the Texan influence; his Texas wagyu and Filipino curry marry without question. The smoked short rib (first photo) was my very favorite of all that we tried.

This can't-miss restaurant completely surprised my palette and surpassed my expectations of customer service. Chef Paul Qui is truly something else, and I cannot wait to revisit his newest namesake.

featured image via qui austin

Tiny's no.five (Houston)

This particularly lazy Sunday morning has invited me to curl up on the couch with coffee and reminisce on one of my favorite weekend brunches of all -- Tiny's No. 5 in Houston, Texas. Sure, it's been a few months; but I can still taste the citrusy white wine sangria and fresh-squeezed orange juice, and I can still feel the Spring sun on my skin while sitting at the perfectly groomed dining lawn.

I've learned from my friend Hannah that this spot is, by far, one of the most beautiful spaces and menus in the city. The hand-calligraphied chalkboard menu always shows an eclectic range for the traditional brunch-goer or funkier foodie. I struggled between the quinoa oatmeal and classic migas, so Hannah decided to pick one and I picked the other. I'm a big fan 0f strategizing at the table so that we can try multiple plates instead of limiting ourselves to one. It always seems to work out, especially in this case!

My migas were to-die-for delicious. My newfound love for sausage was satisfied, and the eggs were delightfully fluffy and well-seasoned. The tortilla strips and potato bites were crispy rather than soggy. I had to pick away a few fresh jalapeños (too much spice!), but their added color with the bold tomatillo salsa reflected the lush surrounding greenery.

Quinoa oatmeal was the runner-up, perhaps because its healthier disposition did not provide as many pops of flavor. Frankly, I think I just prefer regular oatmeal with brown sugar, almond milk and seasonal berries.  But you may notice the sweet potato fries in the top left corner of the bottom picture. . .they were almost as dangerous as the sinful chocolate chip cookies. The gooey-ness and chocolate-to-cookie ratio are so out of this world, that the restaurant limits customers to only six cookies per party. If you don't leave Tiny's with a cookie in tow, you're making a big mistake!

Enjoy your Sunday! And if you currently happen to be near this adorable restaurant, please know that I'm very, very jealous.

Basmati's (Santa Rosa Beach)

I don't know about you; but after a long day on the beach, my greatest desire is a fresh and fulfilling meal with a glass of Chardonnay. Are you also raising your hand to this seaside supper request? Well, if you find yourself in Santa Rosa Beach, you're in luck -- Basmati's cuisine will wow your taste buds with flavors of both the Gulf and traditional Asia.

I was instantly impressed with the menu's ability to take traditional dishes up quite a few notches. No, Basmati's doesn't serve egg drop soup; they serve a lump crab egg drop soup with season vegetables and spice. . .Yum! I had to refrain from picking up the bowl and sipping the remaining spoonfuls. Next, I was thrilled that the gyoza (pictured above) were served steamed rather than pan-fried. The cucumber salad on the side was a cool, refreshing after-bite to the rich pork and vegetable filling.

I am not exaggerating that this shrimp fried rice was, yes, the best I've had in years. The unique  flavors reminded me of an unforgettable meal at Redfarm in New York City -- the black currants and Chinese sausage added a touch of sweetness, and shrimps were plump and wok-fried beautifully. I really wish rice didn't expand in your stomach (or maybe that's just a myth). . . but I would have finished the entire platter otherwise!

Speaking of rice, these four sushi rolls mastered simplicity, yet the ingredient combinations are completely unique to the restaurant. I've never seen these anywhere else (which is sadly disappointing when I'm nowhere near highway 30A). I was "Feeling Frisky" with the namesake roll, filled with tuna, fresh basil, sesame seeds, sprouts and rose water. The "Dorothy, We're Not in Watercolor Anymore" roll (ha!) had an addicting ginger vinaigrette. Next time, I'm trying the truffled tuna, since tuna and truffle are two of my very favorite things.

For dessert, we somehow had room for homemade coconut cake. . .it's that worth it! And, while I didn't try it, I learned that the tofu chocolate cake is a silky smooth Asian version of cheesecake. Incredibly inventive. I cannot wait to get back to Basmati's for another post-beach feast.

Havana Beach Club (Rosemary Beach)

Rosemary Beach has literally found "The Pearl" of its oyster. The luxury hotel, opened just this past year, has the most exquisite architecture (see featured image on the home page) and atmosphere.

Havana Beach Club, one of The Pearl's three dining options, is inspired by Cuba with gorgeous greenery, eclectic seating, and beautiful patio views. Alex and I stepped in on Sunday morning for the brunch, which frankly made us feel as though we were vacationing in the Caribbean. I'll take that feeling any day!

With an extra hot cappuccino in hand (although the mimosas looked wonderful), I ordered the smoked salmon bagel. The plate arrived like an art piece. I am all about presentation, and this one pleased me much. The rose-shaped salmon was a generous helping, and the sliced tomatoes with capers draped the bottom right corner of the plate. I only wish I could have applied the whipped cream cheese myself, since I prefer a light spread! Luckily, the bagel was perfectly toasted and still warm when served. Delicious.

Alex went with a traditional "Eggs Your Way;" not only was a cheesy scramble served, but also a platter of extra crispy bacon, a housemade biscuit (with whipped butter and strawberry jam on the side), country potatoes, and breakfast sausage. Oh, and two tiny roasted yellow tomatoes! It was a beautiful spread -- my only criticism being the slightly undercooked potatoes (we wanted more crisp!).

You'll be very pleased with Havana's Sunday brunch, and I have heard that their dinner menu knocks it out of the park as well. Thank you for a fabulous finale to my Fourth of July weekend!

Lick Ice Creams (Austin)

Need to cool off during the upcoming Fourth of July weekend? I have just the right suggestion for this unbearably hot, spectacularly sunny Austin weather. Opened just this past year, Lick Ice Creams is already making its mark for homemade local goodness in every bite.

First of all, Lick's location is prime. Situated right next to my favorite lunch and dinner spots -- Henri's Cheese Shop and Barley Swine, respectively -- you won't be able to resist a scoop after a delightful meal. However, if you're not eating at one of the two neighboring restaurants, no worries! The drive down the funky, foodie-centric South Lamar is always an enjoyable one (after passing Whole Foods/Fifth Street traffic).

The ingredients are gourmet, and the flavors are distinctive (Texas sheet cake!?). The texture is smoother than most competitors', and the store has mastered the perfect-sized scoop that neither overwhelms nor underwhelms. Might I add that there is also an awesome t-shirt selection!

I'm sure you can't go wrong with any flavor option, but I personally recommend the Strawberry Basil if you're in a fruity mood, or the Caramel Salt Lick if you're feeling super sweet.

Please share your favorite Lick flavors!

Bottega Cafe (Birmingham)

When my mother and I only have 36 hours down in Birmingham, Alabama, we mean serious business in the food department -- especially after a three hour drive! Having spent a less than glamorous afternoon in the car two Tuesdays ago, I craved a top-notch dinner that did not require a fine dining vibe. Luckily, Bottega Restaurant understands this distinctive request. By pairing a white tablecloth option and trendy café side-by-side -- both providing excellent cocktails and plates -- diners can choose the atmosphere they desire more. In our case, it was Bottega Café. We were very pleased.

We met the Rosenthals, my mother's childhood friends, and immediately ordered cocktails after finding a table. The spot was packed to the brim with beautiful couples and groups of all ages.

The four of us munched on marinated olives (with dainty lemon twists) and homemade, extra crispy potato chips with charred onion dip. I enjoyed the smokiness of a classic Southern starter. The drinks were fabulous too, especially Bottega's famous "Orange Thing" (first photograph), served up in a martini glass. The sweetness of orang liquor and orange juice dangerously distracts you from realizing it's a strong vodka martini!

Not that you should be surprised, but I was craving pasta. So, naturally, I ordered the garganelli with crawfish, mushrooms, squash, white wine, and basil. Sweet and savory, light yet filling. I would order it again and again.

The others ordered crab cakes. Why? Because it was Tuesday. These heaping, sizzling cakes are only served once a week -- now deemed "Crabcake Day" at Bottega Cafe -- so my fellow guests generously shared a few bites with me. I now understand why the demand is so high!

I wish every day were Crabcake Day. . .