I finally went to Portland – it’s been high on my list for years and we took the plunge and planned a trip there!
Of course, PDX is known for the food scene in addition to the brewery and vineyard and coffee scene, so I had a rather lengthy list of spots to hit up in the 4 days we were there.
Here are some highlights and feel free to message me if you want more details!
So as you can see, there is a ton to eat in Portland – we didn’t even make a dent. Hope you’ll enjoy all my recommendations and feel free to suggest some of your own for my next visit!
It’s Restaurant Week in Houston the whole month of August and since I travel there for work quite a bit, we decided to try out a spot included on the lineup that we wouldn’t typically go to.
Enter Rise n2, the most beautiful restaurant I’ve been in to date. Located off of Post Oak and San Felipe, this gorgeous French restaurant had me swooning not only for the soufflés but the decor and the kitchen accessories all available for purchase!
Our table setting – love the napkins and the menu that’s a map!
I started off with the French White Wine Flight because French wines are up there on my list of faves. They also brought out some bread which we had a guillotine looking bread cutter to slice the bread – “off with her bread” hehe.
You MUST order some fromage (cheese) from the Cheese Carriage – it’s such a fun experience to watch them make your cheeses of choice into beautiful flowers and see your cheese plate come to life. We tried so many cheeses that we wouldn’t have tried before.
The Cheese cart!
Our pretty plate of cheese!
Our 1st courses on the Restaurant Week menu were the Rise Salad and the Marshmallow Soup. The Rise Salad was so simple and flavorful – really really good!
Rise Salad
The Marshmallow Soup was a carrot and tomato bisque with a goat cheese marshmallow – amazing creation!
Marshmallow Soup
Next up, our soufflés! I ordered the Truffle Infused Mushroom and my friend ordered the Jambon & Gruyere. Both were decadent, rich and absolutely divine!
So beautifully plated and perfectly airy!
Bananas Foster Soufflé
And lastly, our dessert soufflés – Grand Marnier and Bananas Foster – wowzas! We finished these – too good to waste.
I can’t wait to go back and take all of my friends. It’s seriously the most magical place and the food, decor, staff and ambiance were outstanding!
Boy do I love me a great happy hour! Especially when food + drinks are involved!
The hubs and I are always on the hunt for a great happy hour during the week because why would you want to spend double to eat just a few minutes later?
Below is a new feature you’ll start to see in some of my posts. You can interact with the map (if you’re a visual person like me wanting to see how close a particular venue is to your home, then you’re going to love this addition)!
Enter my favorite 5 East ATX Happy Hours right now:
Revelry Kitchen + Bar
I’ve been a big time fan of Revelry Kitchen + Bar since they opened! The environment is nice, bright and open, and the staff are super sweet and have been there from the beginning! I’m the Duchess of RKB on Yelp and when that actually happened, the bar manager, Kyle, ordered a crown for me through Favor!
They have Happy Hour all night on Mondays and Tues-Fri 4:00-7:00PM! Select glasses of wine are $2 off, $2 off House Cocktails, $1 off draft and $4 Wells, $3 Texas Cans, and $5 selected appetizers.
Their Chicken Lollipops are a must when you go for happy hour – they have some of the most creative flavors and right now, their Asian Garlic flavor is my go-to!
Happy Hour: All night on Monday and Tuesday-Friday 4:00-7:00PM
They’ve got frosé all day!
And dang good Rosé!
Fish tacos and the AKA (avocado, kale, artichoke) dip!
Asian Garlic Chicken Lollipops are my absolute fave!
Unit D Pizzeria
Unit D Pizzeria has been my comfort, sweet spot for almost 2 years. Stop on in and you’ll see why. It’s approachable, aesthetically beautiful, the staff have been there from the beginning and will remember your name, the Neapolitan pizzas are truly a delight, the meat and cheese board is one of the best I’ve had, and they have quite the selection of beer and wine!
Really, you don’t have any excuse not to go. Beware though, it’ll become your favorite, most frequented spot pretty quickly 🙂
Happy Hour deals are clutch here – $5 for their happy hour bites! Try them all. They’re meant to share or enjoy them all on your own and make it a meal!
I’ve celebrated many occasions at Grizzelda’s (bachelorette, birthday, anniversary, gal’s night) and they always tempt me into coming back for more. Perhaps it’s all the pretty fuscia colored everything, the wonderful service, or the super big hearts the owners have for the community, but I’m a loyal fan.
Have you had their Ceviche Mixto?! OMG, it’s craveable and a must if you go there (during or after happy hour)! Their Tostaditas picadillo beef from Jacoby’s Ranch are also one of my faves! Get yourself a FroMo for $6 — be careful because it’s so good and strong and you may want a second one but you’ll definitely feel it the next day 🙂 Wines are $2 off per glass as well – they always have the most amazing selection and Vinho Verde rosés!
Grizzelda’s happy hour runs Tues-Fri 5:00-7:00PM so definitely take advantage!
Blue Dahlia has a fantastic happy hour including many of our favorites at a heavy discount! Their happy hour runs M-F 3:00-6:30PM and Sundays 6:00-9:00PM and includes this gorgeous meat and cheese board for $10! It comes with a selection of their fresh baked breads! My glass of wine was $5 and they have quite a few options (along with some draft beer).
They have a few of my favorite tartines (open-faced sandwiches) on happy hour as well. I typically order the Egg Salad tartine (because it has capers)!
Honestly, anything and everything I’ve eaten there always blows me away. If you want a place guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds, Blue Dahlia is all yours.
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3:00-6:30PM and Sunday 6:00-9:00PM
Meat and cheese board – only $10 during happy hour
Hank’s
Hank’s is the perfect addition to the Windsor Park neighborhood and might I mention that it is HUGE! I can’t wait until it cools off a bit so I can really enjoy the super long front patio that extends the length of the restaurant. They have shades all over now though so it at least keeps the sun from beating down your back in the late afternoon hours.
Their happy hour is epic – 1/2 off appetizers, $5 frozen (Frosé and Palomas) and tap cocktails, $5 tap wine and $1 off beer! They’ve got a large appetizer menu and you can easily make it a dinner – and it’s 1/2 off EVERYDAY from 3-6:30PM!
Mediterranean food is by far my favorite cuisine and while some of my favorite spots to indulge in all things Shwarma, Kubideh, Tabouleh and Hummus are in Houston, when I heard fast-casual Cava was headed to Austin from the DC area, I stalked their page everyday for the news!
Enter the healthiest, most welcoming, beautiful Greek & Mediterranean casual modern restaurant!
Their location off Guadalupe aka The Drag has a beautiful patio with Will Bryantz artwork all over the walls making for tons of InstaWorthy shots!
Customized a Grains and Greens bowl with falafel and grilled meatballs
The entire spread with their housemade watermelon mint juice and strawberry citrus
A Grains and Greens bowl with falafel and chicken and a raspberry lime Spindrift
Pita with spicy lamb meatballs!
They have quite the selection of juices and teas – I really enjoyed the Watermelon Mint!
They’re now open in Westlake and coming soon to downtown #ATX off of 6th and Congress very soon!
Try everything, feel good about what you eat, and enjoy the vibes!
TFW you receive an invite to an event at Lenoir hosted by Kodiak Cakes on your birthday, you shift around brunch plans and gooooooooooooooo!
We started off the brunch out in the wine garden on a beautiful Saturday morning and nibbled on some Kodiak Donut Holes with Calamondin Marmalade, Smoked Fish Salad, and a Lenoir Pullman while sipping on some coffee!
They’re laughing with me not at me 🙂 Rachel, Monique and Kelsey – aren’t they adorbs?
Donut Holes
Smoked Fish Salad
We then moved on in to Lenoir’s main space – it’s by far one of my most favorite spots to dine. Super romantic, cute, French-vibes and just adorable!
That chandelier though!
Our table so cutely setup with fresh flowers!
We nommed on so many yummies made with Kodiak Cakes’ products:
Strawberry Pistachio Granola Parfait – I loved the yogurt – kinda like greek but not greek!
Next up, the roasted beet crepe – wowzas, I loved how savory and satisfying it was. And come on, I am a beet-lover!
I present to you the Kodiak Waffle and Smoked Fried Chicken – what an amazing pairing!
Last but not least, the Kodiak Brownie with whipped creme fraiche was delightful! I really enjoyed the brownie and the face that it wasn’t too sweet!
All in all, a wonderful experience with my fellow foodies! I can’t wait to try out more of Kodiak’s products at home as I test out some creations with their ingredients! Thanks to Lenoir for the gorgeous backdrop and Kodiak Cakes for ringing in another year of my life with me 🙂
You know I was born and raised in wayyyyyyyyyy south Louisiana right? If you didn’t, now you do! I’m pretty sure I was the first of Indian descent kiddo born in lil ole Thibodaux, LA.
Growing up there, we had crawfish boils all the time. I mean, as soon as it was crawfish catching time, our neighbors would have us all over for the most epic boils. <drooling about those potatoes and corn in the boil right now>
A bunch of us food bloggers were treated to a new take on a traditional seafood boil as well as tons of other really yummy and approachable Texas Comfort Food at the newly opened TLC Austin at Lamar Union last weekend! #media
The space is family-friendly, large, full of TV’s, a gameroom, and a beer hall feel (they’ve got 30 beers on draught) and their cocktails are creative and spot on! Not to mention the food was ridiculously good and super fresh.
Need a place to watch the Super Bowl? TLC should be your spot!
Nomsssss
We started with a tower of oysters and shrimp cocktail. Sorry y’all, I was unable to get a picture but these were SO GOOD and fresh! The shrimp cocktail was really really good and usually I steer clear of them and lean towards the fried stuff.
We were served tons of apps for the table:
Hushpuppies with crawfish etouffe dipping sauce!
Deviled Eggs with bbq yumminess on top!
Fried Okra – I liked them lengthwise!
Oysters Rockefeller – woah, I’d eat that spinach base ALL DAY!
Then the Main Courses started coming out and we got full real quick from all the absolutely delicious sandwiches and chicken fried steak!
They’re large and affordable (in my opinion):
The Enlightenment – all the veggies in this one and that bread is perfectly toasted!
Pork tasso with a pretty egg on top!
Fried Green Tomato BLT – SAY WHATTTTTTTT?!?!
DKR – roast beef sandwich – you must dip it into the tastiest au jus!
The hubs said this was his favorite Chicken Fried Steak ever! And those mashed potatoes and brussels were a really nice addition!
And last but not least, the boiled seafood with amazing cajun spices came out:
Snow Crab, King Crab, Shrimp and P.E.I. Mussels – and don’t forget about those potatoes, corn and BUTTER!
They have an entire portion of the menu dedicated to The Boil – pick your seafood, pick your spices and pick your sauce. I personally love Texas Heat and Cajun Spice and all the lemon garlic butter! But that’s just my cajun roots coming out 🙂
No meal is really complete (although you may not have room in your tummy for anything else), without some dessert. And in my world, CHOCOLATE!
Enter all the sweet treats:
Up top: Chocolate Brownie Middle: Fruit Cobbler Bottom: Texas Pecan Pie
Drooling yet?!
All in all, this is quite the hang out for watching a game or two, nomming on some really delicious food and drinking a bev! The kids will love it too as there are indoor and outdoor games for them to enjoy while you get in some adult time!
I’ve dined at Le Politique twice in the last week – once for brunch and once for dinner with my coworkers. Both experiences were great with outstanding food and drank!
First off brunch:
The short rib hash – with an egg on top!
Quiche Lorraine!
Legation Burger and Pommes Frites – I’d eat this everyday!
Love their custom cheese boards!
OH MY WORD, YOU MUST EAT THIS PAIN AU CHOCOLAT!
Dinner time grub:
A custom cheese board and Escargot to start!
The Boudin Blanc – really really good!
I’d say go in for brunch or dinner soon so you can see what all the hype is about. Let me know your faves! Oh and please, eat a pain au chocolat and get a capuccino!
You know how you have one or two go-to spots in Austin for that consistent great food and experience? Revelry Kitchen + Bar is that spot for me and the hubs. The staff have been there from the beginning (their 1st anniversary is coming up) and they keep their menu fresh and seasonal. Quite unusual for East 6th Street and what people know as the “bar” scene in Austin.
Revelry’s Beverage Director, Alana, is simply a genius when it comes to creating new seasonal cocktails. We tried out the new “If Figs Could Fly” and Pomegranate Margarita because the hubs loves an old fashion and I love pomegranate.
“If Figs Could Fly” – Bulleit Rye, house-made fig-maple simple syrup and plum bitters – the hubs loved it!
The Pomegranate Margarita was perfection – not too sweet, not too tart!
Of course, Chef Dominique always whips up super creative cajun-inspired bites with seasonal ingredients, like the Blackened Redfish Sandwich, Cauliflower Hummus and NOLA Style BBQ Shrimp.
Blackened Redfish Sandwich with fennel-apple slaw – so legit!
NOLA Style BBQ Shrimp – be careful, these have the shell on them but you can eat it if you want! Spicy and tasty!
Loved the cauliflower hummus with veggie chips and veggies!
Next time you’re on the Eastside and want some solid food at a normal time or even late, head on in to Revelry Kitchen + Bar. The cocktails, draft beers, wine and food is all on point. They have happy hour all week long as well as daily specials! Their brunch on Sundays for #SundayFunday is one of the best in town!
The Sunday brunch buffet at Grizzelda’s is a must! You can even listen to the DJ Vibing with 90s vs 80s or Cher vs Madonna!
I finally made it in a couple weekends ago and it won’t be my last time to go. The buffet is $20 for all you can eat, also pancakes and eggs made to order, $5 Margaritas and $10 Mimosa Pitchers. Quite a steal for all the best Interior Mexican food you can eat!
My first plate with all so much yumminess! And a Mimosa in the background and fresh corn tortillas.
Second plate of more goodness – but, ordered over easy eggs to put on top.
Enter, the over easy eggs
Plate 2 with an egg on top!
And last but not least, Mexican Chocolate Pudding – so perfect!
Stop in the next time you want one of the tastiest and affordable buffets for brunch — make reservations on Grizzelda’s site if you can plan ahead because they get packed!
Two of my neighborhood faves have partnered together to offer a Bar Menu at The Wheel daily from 5PM to close with yummies from Austin Daily Press!
I had the pleasure of trying out all of the items on the menu: Grilled Queso Fresco with a Seasonal Fruit Salad, Crispy Pork Belly with Grilled Broccoli, Fried Brussel Sprouts with Marinated Feta, and the September monthly special, The Princess of Mushroom Kingdom (chicken edition).
If you haven’t enjoyed an ADP entree before, head on over soon. They’re mostly a scratch kitchen and use local produce for their grub. I love the names of their monthly specials, like The Princess of Mushroom Kingdom pictured here (but with fried chicken instead):
That’s a huge fried queso fresco on top!
Did you know for every Monthly Special you purchase, a meal is provided to someone in need through Mealshare? Just another excuse to eat for a cause, y’all!
Here’s everything pictured in this overhead shot:
ADP is opening a second location off of E. Cesar Chavez soon so be on the lookout as their empire grows!
