Taverna

So today we were really on the fence about what part of town we wanted to hit for brunch! After some deliberating I decided I wanted to drive downtown and hit up Taverna. This would be our first time, and even though the weather wasn't ideal (cold with a chance of ice), something told me to make the drive. I'm glad we did! And the free parking (Sundays) in the City Hall parking garage is a plus!

258 W. 2nd St., Austin
Photo: 365thingsaustin

After finding convenient garage parking. We made our way to Taverna, and found a mob of folks standing around waiting to be seated. Ughh, never good. We checked with the hostess....an hour wait! We decided to stay. Eh, why not! We decided to walk a block down to Urban Outfitters to kill some time and check out their fun stuff. Soon after that, we decided to head back and check our wait list status. As we walked, it seemed to get colder, then wet drops began to hit our face. SNOW! What a beautiful moment. We stopped for a couple of minutes and enjoyed the moment. Everyone instantly became kids again. I saw a guy skipping around joyfully, girls were shrieking, and everyone was on their phones taking pictures or hitting their favorite form of social media. It was great. Lisa and I snapped a quick photo and smiled at each other. We didn't have to say it, but we were both really glad we decided to make the trek downtown.

When we arrived back at Taverna, the crowd was considerably smaller, but still there. I checked and we were almost up. While standing around we noticed everyone enjoying either a mimosa or bellini. Then we noticed another sign...mimosas and bellinis only $1. SCORE! Now we were really glad we came. We were finally seated and our waiter arrived to take our drink order. Two bellinis, please. He then brought out some bread and oil. Excellent! Next it was time to order. The brunch menu is pretty basic, yet impressive. A few egg dishes and omelets, frittata, waffles and french toast. Decisions, decisions. I finally decided on the Eggs Al Forno all Olio Tartufato which is two pan fried eggs with breakfast sausage served over garlic bread with truffle oil and a side of breakfast potatoes! Lisa decided on the stuffed french toast, full of cream cheese and caramelized bananas, topped with fresh raspberry sauce. We decided that we would split the plates. So we could each have the best of both worlds.

Focaccia bread and vinegar and oil

We enjoyed the bread and had our first round of bellinis. They were nice and slushy, and pretty tasty. But when it was time for a refill we decided on a round of mimosas. Hey, a dollar a pop...why not? Our plates arrived and we were excited to eat. Let me tell you...Taverna knows how to do things. The presentation was great, and the food was even better. My fried eggs were cooked just the way I like them, and the garlic bread was delicious -  a little moist from the truffle oil, yet still crunchy. And the breakfast potatoes are probably some of the best I've ever had. It was a perfect dish from top to bottom. The french toast looked amazing as well. It was oozing with cream cheese and the bread was nice and moist. This wasn't your IHOP french toast. We split the food and then killed the french toast.

eggs al fornio all olio tartufato

stuffed french toast

Overall this was one of the best brunch experiences I've ever had. Great company, great food and drink, and a little snow. A bloke couldn't ask for anything more.

Takoba

This weekend the girlfriend and I were looking to hit up East Side Austin for some brunch. We also had plans to catch up with our friend and fellow dog-centric business owner, Kristen. We decided on Takoba. This was our third time visiting Takoba, but our first for brunch. 

1610 E. 7th St., Austin, TX
Photo: austin.eater.com

We arrived at 1:00 and were quickly seated indoors. The place was packed, but there was no wait - always a good thing! We ordered our drinks and perused the menu while we waited for Kristen to arrive. She did and after a few minutes we were all ready to order. I decided on the chilaquiles, scrambled eggs with fried tortilla chips tossed with onions and red chile sauce, topped with queso fresco. All that with a side of potatoes and refried beans. The girlfriend decided to go with her all time favorite, Migas. Scrambled eggs with fried tortilla chips tossed with onions and monterey jack cheese. Also served with a side of potatoes and refried beans. Similar to the chilaquiles, sans the red chile sauce. Kristen was a little more adventurous, and decided to go with the Barria De Borrego Estilo Aguascaliente. Which was braised lamb with lime, cilantro, and onion. This was served with warm tortillas and a side of consomme. We caught up and talked dog business while we waited for our food to arrive. 

Chilaquiles

Migas

Birria De Borrego Estillo Aguascalientes

Our food was soon served and everything looked appealing to the eye. But would we be disappointed with the taste? I tried my chilaquiles and they were pretty good. Definitely not the best I've had, but pretty damn good. The red chile sauce was great, not to hot, but rich in flavor. My girlfriend's migas were pretty good, but she said she'd rather have my chilaquiles, go figure. Kristen's plate looked good, the girlfriend and I aren't fans of lamb, but we had to try it out. Not too bad! But i'm just not into anything that tastes to gamey.


To sum it all up, we all enjoyed our food and the service was good. I do have to say in my opinion I think their dinner is much better than their brunch. But it is definitely worth trying at least once.

Chez Zee

Let me begin by saying Chez Zee is ALWAYS packed. But don't get me wrong...this is a good thing. My girlfriend suggested I call and make a reservation. Excellent idea! This would be our third visit for brunch. I am always impressed with the quality of their food and service.

5406 Balcones Dr, Austin, TX.
Photo: Chez Zee

We arrived and the spot was packed as usual. No problem....Ahem, out of my way folks, I have a reservation!  And just like that, we were seated. Our waitress quickly took our drink order and brought over some delicious croissants and fresh strawberry butter. After scanning the menu for a few minutes we were ready to order. I was in omelette mode and decided on the Smoked Chicken, which is served with a side of their delicious country potatoes. My girlfriend decided to go with the Belgian Waffle Platter, served with two eggs, country potatoes, and your choice of fruit, sausage, ham, or bacon. She chose bacon. Yum! While waiting for our order to arrive, we soaked in the environment. The restaurant looks like an old house and the decor and lighting is amazing. It gives the vibe a very romantic feel. I would definitely suggest this place for a first lunch or dinner date. Or maybe a coffee and dessert get-to-know-you type of deal. But hey, I'm only The Brunching Bloke, not a relationship expert...so I'll leave that for someone else and stick to writing about food.

Smoked Chicken Omelette

Belgian Waffle Platter

Our waitress was great and kept our drinks filled. And our food arrived in no time. My omelette looked great. Filled with flavorful smoked chicken, bell peppers, red onions and plenty of Monterey jack cheese. It was truly amazing, and with the side of country potatoes sprinkled with some tobasco sauce, I was eating like a champ. My girl's plate looked super excellent as well. I had a bite of her bacon and I was in hog heaven. Nice and crisp like it should be. After our meal, we both ate her waffle, and that was a perfect ending to a delicious brunch!

Overall, I have to say that Chez Zee offers an excellent brunch. The only advice I can give you is to make a reservation. Don't be left out in the cold like the folks I passed by on my way to my table. Keep on Brunching!

Galaxy Cafe

This week we hit Galaxy Cafe (The Triangle location). This was my second visit, but my first at this location. I honestly couldn't remember my first experience, so I was really looking forward to trying it out again.

47th At Guadalupe, Austin

We entered the spot and there was a line to the counter that almost reached the door. Even though this was annoying, I realized this was a really good sign. Long line=good food! We pulled our menus off the wall and waited for our turn to place an order and find a seat. The line moved along pretty smooth, and soon we were at the counter. Everything on the breakfast menu looked great! My girlfriend decided on The Big Breakfast, which is two eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausage patties, skillet potatoes, and served with your choice of toasted ciabatta, wheat or half bagel. I was feeling like a wrap, so I decided on the Garden Wrap, which was filled with scrambled eggs, baby spinach, roasted bell peppers, jack cheese, and avocado. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was starving and hoping for some good food.

The Big Breakfast

Our plates arrived and it was time to grub! My girlfriend's plate looked awesome. The eggs were nice and fluffy and the bacon was nice and crisp, and you can't go wrong with a side of sausage. My wrap was great as well, and they didn't go light on the ingredients either. It was full of egg, veggies, and cheese just like the menu stated. I was even surprised when I tried their salsa! Being Hispanic, I am always disappointed with the stuff some places try to pass off as "salsa". We were definitely happy campers!  

Garden Wrap

Overall, it was a great brunch! I would definitely recommend Galaxy Cafe, and look forward to returning to try the rest of their menu. 

Casa Chapala

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with my Hispanic roots, but I live with a never ending craving for delicious Mexican food. And most of the time that void can't be filled with the run of the mill Tex-Mex that can be found around Austin. So during one of my recent rants about not finding good Mexican dishes in town, someone suggested I visit Casa Chapala. I had never been, so I decided to pay them a visit on Sunday.

3010 Anderson Lane, Austin
Photo: foursquare

We visited the original location on Anderson Lane, and as soon as we entered the place, I felt right at home. This is the kind of place I enjoyed eating at back in the Rio Grande Valley. On our way to Casa Chapala we placed a call to see what time breakfast cut off time was, the lady on the other end told my girlfriend 2:00 pm. It was 1:30, we were good. We arrived and were quickly seated, no wait! A server took our drink order and in no time another guy arrived to prepare a small batch of salsa in a molcajete according to our personal heat preference. We chose mild. The salsa was wonderful, with the warm tortilla chips. When our waiter arrived we asked to see a breakfast menu. He adviced us that breakfast cut off time was 1:00 pm, we told him we called in. He said he would check. After a few minutes he arrived with the breakfast menu and told us we could still have our breakfast. YESSS! After browsing through the menu for a few minutes, we were ready to order. I decided on the Asada and Eggs, which is carne asada and two eggs cooked to your liking. My girlfriend chose the Chilaquiles Rojos, diced bell pepper, onion, and crispy fried tortilla chips scrambled with egg and topped with salsa. Both were served with rice and our choice of either refried, charro, or black beans. My asada plate also came with my choice of corn or flour tortillas. I'm a flour tortilla fan. While we waited, we decided to have an appetizer: shrimp and mango ceviche. Oh yeah!

table side salsa

Shrimp and Mango Ceviche

After a few minutes our waiter arrived with the ceviche. It wasn't exactly what we were expecting but it was still very good. It was full of small salad sized shrimp, but they went really light on the mango. So much that that don't think I had more than two bites with a taste of it. Anyway, the true test would be the actual plates. When they finally arrived, I couldn't believe my eyes. These plates were served just like back home, nice big plates of deliciousness. My Asada and eggs were amazing! Plenty of well seasoned meat topped with scrambled eggs. The meat was thinly sliced and cooked to perfection. It was moist and melted in my mouth, no toughness at all. The rice and beans were great as well. My girlfriends Chilaquiles were pretty good too. The chips were crispy, as they should be. Her only complaint was that they weren't really full of flavor and seemed to be missing any seasoning. But after using the salt and pepper shakers on our table, they were good to go. 

Asada and Eggs

Chilaquiles Rojos

I have to say that Casa Chapala is officially my new favorite Mexican restaurant in town. As a matter of fact we are going back tonight to have dinner. If authentic Mexican food is what you are craving, look no further than Casa Chapala. 

Austin Java



I'm a fan of Austin Java. I've lived in Austin a little over two years now, and have only been there a handful of times, but I've never been disappointed with their quality and service. They have a few locations across town, and they serve breakfast all day! So when Sunday came around and I was craving an awesome omelette, only one place came to mind.




1608 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Photo: Citysearch

 

We decided to hit the Barton Springs location. I like this location due to the fact that you actually get waited on instead of ordering at a counter. Call me lazy but I hate to get up to refill my own drinks. Another plus is you can park in the garage in the back and have your parking validated by your server. We got there and after a short wait we were seated and ready to grub! We looked through the menu while we were waiting so we ordered right away. We started off by ordering some chips and queso as an appetizer. I decided on The Hippie Hollow omelette, which is filled with spinach, tomatoes, mushroom, onions, and red bell peppers. Awesome, but I requested no mushrooms. My girlfriend chose the Spinach and Artichoke Eggs Benedict, which is two poached eggs over and english muffin topped with spinach artichoke dip and hollandaise sauce. Nice! All breakfast dishes are served with your choice of wheat toast and jam, English muffin, taters, black beans, or a cup of fresh fruit. I decided on black beans, the girlfriend decided on the taters.



Chips and Queso

Our chips and queso arrived and we commenced to chow down. Their version is made with white cheese and was super tasty. My only complaint was that it was not as warm as I would've liked, but I soon forgot about that as we sat there and killed the bowl clean. A little later our plates arrived. The waitress asked my girfirend to cut into her eggs to make sure they weren't runny, since she had asked for them to be cooked hard. Still runny. She apologized and took her plate and said she would take care of it right away. My omelette looked perfect, and just like I imagined it. My girlfriend's plate returned, eggs fully cooked, and we began to grub. My omelette had the perfect amount of sauteed veggies and the eggs were cooked just right. My black beans came topped with melted cheese, a definite plus. My girlfriend's eggs benedict were super good as well and complimented the homemade taters.

The Hippie Hollow Omelette

Spinach and Artichoke Eggs Benedict

Overall, Austin Java is a winner in my book. Great food, quality ingredients, and excellent service always makes for an awesome Brunch experience!

Blue Oak Grill



2500 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock



This weeked I decided to visit Round Rock to see what kind of brunch spot I could find. Up until now, I pretty much stayed in the Austin area, so I decided it was time to leave my brunching comfort zone. I settled on a spot I'd read about and driven past a few times:  Blue Oak Grill.

My girlfriend and I arrived at The Blue Oak Grill at around 12:30 Sunday afternoon, and immediately sensed trouble. The parking lot was pretty much empty! I figured the rain and cold weather was keeping people indoors, so we decided to stay. I should've followed my gut instinct. We were seated and our waiter quickly took our drink orders and brought out a plate of honey cornbread. Yum! They were nice and warm and topped with honey, I figured we were about to have an excellent brunch. I was wrong. The brunch menu was small, but had a few things that looked good. My girlfriend and I both decided on a plate called The Cowboy Up. It consisted of crumbled sausage and bacon grilled with onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, topped with three fried eggs and cheese with a side of hashbrowns. We waited and filled up on more honey cornbread.


Honey Cornbread



The Cowboy Up


Our plates arrived and we realized our plates were missing cheese. My girlfriend and I were sure the menu said WITH CHEESE, but weren't positive as our menus were no longer on the table. When our waiter came around to check on us, we asked and he replied "No, but I can get you all some". Then he came back with two tiny caps of cheese. We asked for more. Then just for our own peace of mind logged on to our phones to double check the menu. The Cowboy Up did indeed come with cheese. We didn't mention it, but big points off for not getting the order right and for the waiter not knowing the menu. The food, was decent, but nothing to get excited about. We both agreed that this was a dish we could have ordered at Denny's or IHop for half the price.

Overall, a pretty dissapointing brunch experiece. I will definitely not be returning, and next time I will definitely follow my gut.