TripAdvisor Review Archives 04 -- 2014-2015

Newk’s (Arboretum, Austin, TX) – December 2014

I’d gone here a few times for other things, so when I needed to meet with my sister to talk about family issues, it was a good venue for us to stop to after work.  My sister got a salad, and I had a Panini sandwich.  Both were made to order, and both came out very well.

This is primarily a soup & sandwich place, with some other items on the menu (like small pizzas).  The interior is bright and airy, and gave a really comfortable feeling.  As we discussed stuff, the staff brought our food out to us when it was ready, refilled out beverages, and took our empty plates when done.

Located in a strip plaza, there’s plenty of places to park.  And because this is located in the vicinity of the Arboretum, there’s a lot of other food venues you can choose from.  This is one you should choose, as my meals here have been consistently good.

Pecan Street Station (Main Street, Pflugerville, TX) – December 2014

It was a late evening, and it occurred to us we hadn’t gotten dinner yet, so we wanted something close by and quick.  Since neither of us had tried this place before, it seemed to be a good bet for some take-out.  This is primarily a soup and sandwich shop, with a smattering of other things on the menu.  Since it was about 30 minutes prior to closing, the only time we spent inside was the short period of waiting for our food to be prepared.

My friend got the broccoli cheese soup, and I went for a turkey sandwich.  We figured since it was so late, getting items which could be easily put together made more sense.  It wasn’t until we got back home that we looked at the items.  The soup had very little broccoli in it, and didn’t even taste like cheese.  I’d asked to have no mayo put on my sandwich, as it preferred it dry, and learned that a large quantity of mustard had been put on instead.  Mustard is not a condiment I prefer to start with.  I scraped off what I could, but the taste of it remained to cover up that of the turkey.

This may be something we’ll have to give this another opportunity at a later time, when the establishment has an opportunity to correct mistakes.  Overall first impression was so-so, as there was nothing about the interior which seemed inviting.

Mister Tramps (Research Blvd, Austin, TX) – December 2014

I met friend here one evening for a trivia night, so the place was already packed.  For all intents and purposes, this is a bar with a limited menu of grill items.  Basically you have something available to eat while you consume alcohol.  The backroom where the trivia was held was tiny, but suitable for our purposes.  Perhaps it was due to the event, but the wait-staff weren’t very visible.

I ordered what’s called the “Drunk Burger,” which was supposed to be a burger covered in queso.  What little queso there was had spilled out to the sides of the burgers, and mixed with the water from the lettuce & tomato.  It was really an unimpressive burger.  While I’ll go back to the location for the trivia night, and I can’t see much reason to get low-quality food.  I’ll just eat somewhere else before going over to the event.

Hoover’s (Manor Road, Austin, TX) – December 2014

When I lived in northwest Austin, I was near the Hoover’s location there, which was a nice frequented during holidays or other times we wanted some good “southern home cooking.”  It was sad when the north location closed.  I’d been to the main locale (this one) only once before, basically because it was outside of the area where I normally went.  So when recently we were going to be in the vicinity, I jumped at the chance to go here.

My friend had never been here before, so she had no idea what to expect.  We came in for lunch, but I immediately looked at the dinner side of the menu, because I wanted to get the dish which I missed having: Chicken fried chicken.  I got the regular-sized portion, as opposed to the larger “Hoover’s” portion, and had mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, and broccoli as my sides.  Neither of us had eaten breakfast, so I saw this as an opportunity for a good hearty lunch.

My friend got the fish fillet, as she figured it would be “light.”  She didn’t believe me when I told how big the portions were.  The mac & cheese for the side went untouched so she could polish off what was on her plate.  I didn’t even touch my broccoli, and only consumed about half of the rice side dish.  We laughed when our server asked us if we’d left room for dessert.

The interior of Hoover’s is a mix of booths and tables, plus a bar at one side.  The décor doesn’t look like much, as they focus on the quality of the food.  While waiting in the lobby, we were able to read all the various articles written about Hoover’s during the decade it’s been in business.  While there’s no a lot to do or see on Manor Road, this is only a short distance from UT.  It’s well-worth the trip for some quality cooking at an affordable price.

Kobe (183 & Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX) – December 2014

As far as presentation goes for Japanese steakhouse, Kobe has always been a nice place to look at, and had good layout for the interior.  My friend likes to go here for his birthday, so I end up here once a month, and every time I have a pretty average experience.  To me, this is not worth the cost paid for the meal.

Our entire party was present, but Kobe wouldn’t seat us because they didn’t have a “full table” yet.  Since there’s only eight seats around the table, and we had enough to fill half of them, there wasn’t any reason to make us wait.  That seems to be pretty consistent in my prior visits.  Even once we were seated, it was another 20 minutes before someone even came over to take our orders.  While you want to come to a restaurant hungry, you still want to be seated and served in a reasonable time.  Eventually after the order was placed, the mushroom soup and garden salad came out, which would hold us over for the time being.

Since the table we’re sitting around is a large grill, the chef stands right there to cook your food right in front of you.  A show is made of it, which includes bouncing an egg on his spatula, rapid slicing of vegetables, and filling an onion with cooking oil to make a column of flame.  The chef’s utensils get spun around his hand, and banged on the metal during the course of the cooking, which is part of the show.  As each portion is completed (rice, veggies, and then meat), it is served.

The teriyaki chicken I got was one of the blandest things I’ve ever tasted.  The portion was large, and I hadn’t filled up on the soup or salad prior to that, but the mat lacked any flavor.  Once we were done with our meal, the place was closing for the evening.  Other than the lady who came around to refill the water glass, I didn’t see any of the management around to provide some feedback to.  My dinners here have been pretty consistent, and I’ve never been impressed by the quality of food.  The entertainment value is good, but I feel that’s about it.

Juraez Mexican Restaurant (Mays Street, Round Rock, TX) – January 2015

This is hidden away in a small plaza, so it’s easy to drive past.  Since I thought this was primarily a bakery, I did drive past many times.  A recommendation from a friend brought me in.  There’s a counter where the bakery items which are available during the day, but the rest of the space has small tables for the restaurant portion.  There’s not much in way of décor, but it’s clean and neat.

I ordered the cheese enchiladas (no beans, extra rice), and the server mixed up the order so I received chicken enchiladas.  It wasn’t that bad of a mistake for me, so I still consumed them (but let the server know off-handedly).  The red sauce covering the enchiladas was mild, and could’ve used it a little spice for flavor.  There was an appropriate amount of chicken in the enchiladas, so it was filling.  The chicken was moist also, which enhanced the tastiness of the dish.

The rest of the menu contains various Mexican dishes, and everything was reasonably priced.  Aside from the order being messed up, the service was good.  The place was filled to near capacity, which shows this local establishment was doing something right.  When I want some Mexican food close to home, this would be a place I’d return to.

Annie’s Café & Bar (Austin Airport – ABIA, TX) – January 2015

                When you’re in the airport, you’re going for convenience of food, not for quality.  Even those restaurants which have establishments in the airport aren’t showing the best representation of their fare, as most things are “pre-made.”  I ordered the breakfast tacos before my flight, and the eggs were stone cold.  The cheese and the potatoes were warm, but not the temperature they should be.  Of the choices I had available at the airport, this was one of the better ones.

BK Subs (Redlands Blvd, Redlands, CA) – January 2015

                This is located in a small strip center, so there’s a decent amount of parking.  Currently there’s a lot of road construction nearby, so it’s not very easy to access right now.  I ordered a turkey & cheese sub with a soda.  This was not a place where a lot of choices are available, so I had to make due with thick white bread, and huge amounts of lettuce.  The meat was of average quality.  It was filling, but not too satisfying.

                Also on site was an ice cream place.  Since I hadn’t had it before, I ordered a small dish of the mint chocolate chip.  I was offered samples to try first, but once I had the mint chocolate chip I didn’t need to sample any more.  The chips were more chocolate slivers, which was acceptable, and overall the ice cream was okay.

Elephant Thai Cuisine (Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA) – January 2015

As this is located right on Mission Ave, the parking is whatever you can get.  There’s some outdoor seating on the street side, which makes a nice place to be on those comfortable evenings.  The interior was very crowded, as the tables were pushed very close together, and there’s a lot of glassware and fine items on display.  While this has an elegant appearance, this is meant for more casual dining, not the “nice night out.”

I had the garlic chicken teriyaki.  The portion was good, the vegetables were crisp, and there was a lot of sauce which I could use the rice to soak up.  It was a pretty tasty meal, and reasonably priced.  The service was a little slow, and the waitress could’ve been a little more attentive at refilling my water glass.  But overall, it wasn’t a bad experience, and would recommend this place to anyone seeking Thai food in the region.

Antonious Pizza Cafe (Main Street, Riverside, CA) – January 2015

                Located on the pedestrian section of Main Street, this is an easily-accessible place.  There’s a section for outdoor seating, which faces the trees and fountains of the pedestrian street.  I’d already eaten dinner, and the main reason I stopped in was the sign which mentioned ice cream.  I was craving a milkshake, and I figured I might be able to get one here.  There’s a good selection of flavors available, and I went for the cookies & cream.  A small shake was $3, and it was worth it because of how delicious it was.

The interior of the building was artistically decorated.  The high walls have a murals which goes up to the ceiling, and hanging from fishing line were snow flake and icicles.  It gave a nice winter feel to the place.

I didn’t spend any time looking at the rest of the menu, but I noticed there were pizzas available by the slice, or made-to-order as a full pie.  The next time in the area, and looking for pizza, I’ll be checking this place out.

Mr. Chau’s Pho Bom Vietnamese Noodle Shop (Hampden Road, Westminster, CA) – January 2015

This is located in a plaza, so there’s a lot of available parking.  But this is one of the few places in the area where the establishment’s signs are written in English.  It’s not well-marked that this is a cash-only place.  I ordered something I couldn’t pronounce, which was chicken with rice noodles and vegetables.  The meat had a decent amount of spice, so it was tasty.  The dish was designed to have all the portions mixed together, and the sauce (which came on the side) poured over the top, but I just ate them separately.

The interior is nice.  Each table has a glass top, with a menu visible underneath, which makes ordering easier.  I noticed many people were getting lunch take-out.  This is a place which I’d come back to.

Hangout (Ocean Ave, Seal Beach, CA) – January 2015

Since I was back in the area, it was only fitting that I come back to one of the best places to eat.  As a business traveler, it’s fun to explore new areas, but it’s equally as fun to return to those areas you’ve discovered to be good.  Nothing had changed about the Hangout since the last time I was here, and I felt just as welcomed coming in this time as I did the very first time.

Because I wanted to try something different off the menu, I opted for the meatloaf.  Two decent-sized slices were delivered to me, with a side of mashed potatoes.  The flavor was tangy, and tasty.  It was a nice change from some of the other fare I’d been eating on this trip.

One good thing of note was the service I received from Sarah.  She came by routinely to check how my meal was, to refill my water glass, and just to make sure I was a happy consumer.  That helped enhance an already good dining experience.

Del Taco (Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA) – January 2015

I was only in the area to meet one of my clients, and I needed to get lunch beforehand.  I can usually find someplace decent nearby any of the locations I go to, this time there wasn’t anything at all.  I had a choice between Jack In The Box and Del Taco, and since I knew the poor quality I’d get from Jack, I took a chance here.  This reinforced why I don’t eat fast food.

The person taking my order didn’t seem at all interested in helping me, and appeared not to be paying attention.  I ordered the chicken bowl, only because it would be potentially least-messy of all the items.  It came with beans, and I’d specifically asked to have those taken off.  Since I didn’t want to be late to meet my client, there wasn’t time to send it back and have it redone.

The meal was completely vile.  The meat tasted like it had been dropped in feces, and had an almost rotten texture about.  The rice wasn’t cooked properly either, so had an odd flavor to it.  After only a couple bites, it was clear if I continued eating this I’d end up with some sort of food poisoning.  I threw everything away.  Since the apathy I’d seen from the employees from order showed my complaints wouldn’t be listened to, it showed if I stayed to say something then I’d miss my meeting.  The whole experience was completely horrid.

Abbey (Main Street, Seal Beach, CA) – January 2015

As a frequent visitor to Seal Beach, I like to try new places as much as I can.  I’d gotten a tip that the food here was pretty good.  There were three servers in the dining area, who were all very attentive to a table which had their friends.  I didn’t see much attention being paid to the rest of the patrons.  I ended up sitting at the bar, where the single server there was equally as distracted.

The interior of the place seemed nicely done, with a decent wine and beer selection.  A large pizza over located near center of the bar gave the feel of what should’ve been a cozy atmosphere.

I ordered the Patty Time, which was billed as a turkey burger.  The wait to get the order seemed longer than normal, perhaps just enhanced by the un-attentive service.  The meat was under-cooked, and very greasy.  The fries which came with it were very bland, devoid of flavor.  There was no management present which these concerns could be brought to the attention of.  I ended up with stomach cramps during the night as a result of this.  I will not be coming back to this place, because of the quality of the service and the food.

Java Bakery Café (Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA) – January 2015

While looking for a place to have lunch before meeting my client, I drove around the area and chanced upon this place.  The “grand opening” sign visible from the road meant this was an opportunity to try something new, in more ways than one.  Located in the corner of a strip center, not only was there decent amounts of parking, but the building design allowed for some outdoor seating in a shaded area.

There was quite a large selection of soup and sandwich options on the menu, and well as a number of coffee variations.  I ordered a BBQ chicken panini, with chips and a fountain beverage, and ate outside on the patio.  BBQ things tend to be a little messy, which I knew going in, but it was not overly so.  The sandwich was very good, and made a perfect filling quick lunch.

The layout of the building made the interior long and narrow, and the interior seats were spaced along that.  It made it a little congested between those ordering, those picking up, and those moving through to other parts of the establishment.  There was only a single bathroom for the patrons, which was in use the entire time I was there.  I would’ve liked to have been able to wash my hands after eating.

From the location near a residential area, and the variety on the menu, I can envision this as doing good business all the time.  The next time I’m in the area, I look forward to coming back here.

Beachwood BBQ (Main Street, Seal Beach, CA) – January 2015

I asked one of the local merchants for a recommendation in the area, and of the places mentioned this was the only one I hadn’t been yet.  Located right on Main Street, no matter where you park it’s in easy walking distance.  The building is small, but about average for the establishments in the area.  To the left of the entry door is the dining area, and to the right was the bar area.  I sat at the bar, as that was first available.

The menu had an extensive selection of lunch and dinner items.  I went for the smoked chicken dinner plate.  While it would come on the bone, they were able to extract all the meat off at my request (so it was “pulled chicken”).  The meat seemed a little dry on the first bite, and then it occurred to me there was a selection of sauces sitting in front of me to enhance the flavor.  That really gave the meal a great taste.  The dinner plate came with two sides and a piece of corn bread, so I went for the potato salad and asparagus.  I was pretty full from just the amount of meat I had, and I only consumed a small portion of my sides.

When I’m back in Seal Beach on business, this is an establishment which I look forward to coming back to, and experiencing more of what was on the menu.

California Pizza Kitchen (Los Angeles Airport -- LAX, CA) – January 2015

Since there are limited options for food inside LAX, especially since there’s areas currently under construction, going to CPK is a quick option.  All the pizzas are made to order, so when there’s a lot of people waiting on flights and seeking pizza, it can greatly slow getting everything completed.  At least the option of having pre-made sandwiches are available.  I had the turkey sandwich.  It's filling, but lacks the taste of something made fresh.  It’s an alternative to get through the line quicker.

Cantina Laredo (Dallas Love Field Airport, TX) – January 2015

Since the departing flight for my layover was going to be delayed, it made sense to get dinner.  This was located right near the gate I’d be leaving from, so it made sense to check it out.  The tables were small, but the correct size for solo travelers or couples.  The space of the establishment was enough that it didn’t feel cramped, and there was good separation between the dining area and the bar area.

As I’d never been here before, I needed to get my favorite Tex-Mex dish, in order to have a baseline of how good it was done here.  I ordered the cheese enchilada plate, and sacked the beans for extra rice.  The sauce which came on top of the meal was meat-based, so something to keep in mind for those looking for vegetarian options.

The service was prompt, and my meal was delivered to me hot.  It was the appropriate temperature so the cheese was melted, but not so much that it oozed out of the enchiladas.  Everything was very tasty.  I’m used to seeing poor choices for food in the various airports I’ve been to, so it was nice to find something of quality.

Hyatt Place (Market Street, Riverside, CA) – January 2015

Because of the good experience I had on my last visit, I made sure to book here when I was going to be in the area again.  There was a seminar going on in the ground floor meeting room when I arrived, and it was nice that the parking had been reserved for those guests actually staying at the hotel.  I was greeted with a friendly smile and great service at the front desk.  Check-in was simple and quick.

The room I had was very similar to the one I had on my previous visit, with a few exceptions.  This was not an adjoining room, and there was a king bed.  The window still gave me a view of the pool area, but due to the angle I was able to get a little view of the sunrise.  The lounge area was convenient to put my suitcase on.  A surprise awaited me on the desk area, as there was a complimentary bottle of water and a cookie.  A card which accompanied them from the Director of Sales (Donna) was addressed to me specifically.  I thought that was a really nice gesture.  The cookie was very good, too.

One of the two elevators was closed for repairs, so the wait for them was a little longer.  When I could, I took the stairs.  The stairwell doesn’t have a door directly to the lobby (as they lead to the parking lots), but I was able to make due because the weather was pleasant.

As my stay wasn’t very long, I didn’t have an opportunity to take advantage of the outdoor pool or the exercise room.  The bed was comfortable, the room clean, and I was again satisfied with the quality.  The only suggestion I have is the breakfast having some more protein items available.  Between the French toast, muffins, and cereal, there’s a lot of bread items, and there’s a decent selection of fruit.  I just wonder if some scrambled eggs could be added just to give some variety.  That’s my only quibble, and not something which would keep me from returning here.  This has become my preferred hotel when I stay in the Riverside area.

Hampton Inn & Suits (Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA) – January 2015

Since Seal Beach is a regular business destination for me, this is my preferred location to stay.  From the very first time I was here I’ve continued to have great service.  The rooms are always clean and comfortable, and the staff is very friendly.  And I like the cookies which are baked in the afternoon for the guests.

Access to the property is easy, and there’s plenty of parking.  Even if there’s other cars in the lot due to the businesses which share the area, spaces have freed up when I’ve returned from dinner.  The room I had this time was a handicap-accessible one.  That may’ve been the only one available for me.  The only noticeable differences was the bathroom being much larger, and the hand-rails on the walk-in shower.  Beyond that, it was just another room with a king bed.  I do have to note the AC unit by the window was a bit noisy when it ran, but not enough to disrupt sleep at all.  Just a minor thing to point out.

One of the reasons why I choose this location (in addition to being close to my clients) is the quality of the breakfast items.  As a business traveler on a budget, not having to go somewhere to purchase breakfast saves both time and money.  Having eggs available, and in a different form each day, is great.  It allows me to have some protein along with the fruits and breads available.  The apple juice from the dispenser was a bit watery this visit, and that was mentioned to the kitchen staff.

The hotel has a number amenities which I haven’t need to use on my trips, but it’s good to note their availability for others.  There’s some snack items and a small computer office near the front desk, an exercise room, and laundry facilities.  The pool located outdoors is something I have used in the past, but not this time (as it was too chilly to do so).  The rooms have Wi-Fi available, which is important to a business traveler.

I’ve never had any issues with checking in or out, and I’ve always enjoyed me stay here.  As long as my business continues to bring me back to the Seal Beach area, then I’ll continue to stay here.

Iron Cactus (Trinity Street, Austin, TX) – January 2015

It’d been a few years since I’d been here, as this used to be a “special occasion” place for my girlfriend and I.  It was nice to come back here with a group of friends before seeing a show at one of the nearby music venues.  As it was a little chilly out, we waited for an inside table.  Standing at the bar was had a couple drinks, so the wait was too bad, or too long.

Since a couple of my friends hadn’t been here before, we opted for the table-side guacamole in order to have the full experience.  The server brought out all the ingredients and mixed everything there in front of us.  It was very tasty.

My favorite dish is the cheese enchiladas, which is perfect to have on a damp chilly evening.  I choose to have the beans replaced with extra rice.  The cheese was the proper temperature, so it had the perfect amount of melted-ness to make them a “yummy and gooey” consistency.  It brought back memories of all the good meals I’d had here in the past.

Our server was very good, as he refilled our water glasses when necessary, and even asked us if we wanted another round of drinks (which we did).  It was a great dining experience all around, and well-worth the hassle of fighting the downtown craziness to get here.

Big Daddy’s (183 & Burnet Road, Austin, TX) – January 2015

A Meet-Up group of mine was gathering here to have a viewing party, and I’d heard a lot of things about this place, so I’d been wanting to check out this burger joint.  We were closed off in the back room, which had doors which we were able to shut to separate us from the rest of the patrons of the establishment.  It was good so the noise of our viewing party didn’t disrupt them, and vice versa.

I ordered a cheese burger with BBQ sauce, with waffle fries and a Dr. Pepper.  We had one server for our entire group, so the processing of the order took longer, but that was not unexpected.  I liked how the server asked each of us how we wanted our burgers, too.  Mine came out exactly as I’d requested.  It was tasty and juicy, without being greasy.

Most of us got burgers, but there were a lot of other choices on the menu.  There was even a nice selection of adult beverages, including some alcoholic milkshakes.  If I wasn’t driving that night, then I would’ve been trying one of those.  We had a great experience here, in all aspects, and our Meet-Up group would use this venue again.

Pita Fusion (Louis Henna Blvd, Round Rock, TX) – February 2015

I was looking someplace inexpensive and healthy for a quick lunch, and since this was on the way to my final destination, I stopped to check it out.  Located in a strip mall with other establishments, so there were other food choices available, but many of the “fast food” variety.

I had a wheat pita with grilled chicken.  Filled with some veggies and topped with BBQ sauce, it was a tasty and filing snack.  While this is technically a national chain, I felt that I got my money’s worth on my meal, more so if I’d gone to one of the options nearby.

XXX

TripAdvisor Review Archives 03 -- 2014

Yaghi’s Pizzeria (FM 685, Pflugerville, TX) – August 2014

Few places in the Austin metro-plex do good New York-style pizza, and this is one of them.  Yaghi’s has a half-dozen locations in the area, but this is the only one I’ve been to due to closeness to where I live.  For this particular time, we got delivery because we knew there’d be quality.

The order process was easy to do online, as we were able to choose what toppings went on which pie (as we were ordering multiple pizzas).  We were given a time to expect the order by, and it arrived within that time.  The pies were hot, and additional toppings were plentiful.  The pieces of chicken on my pizza were large slices, and covered it well.  (Other places I’ve ordered from would skimp on them.)

Yaghi’s also has pick-up, if you want to get your order quicker, and there’s a small seating area if you wish to consume your food there.

Opal Divine’s Marina (Parmer & Mopac, Austin, TX) – August 2014

This is a great location to keep coming back to, as I’ve always had good food and great service.  My social group meets here once a month, so that’s one of the reasons why I’m here.  Another is because this is a great place.

On this visit, our server was Reema who greeted us with a smile (and I liked the multi-colored eyeliner she had).  All the members of my group gave our orders to her throughout the night (some of us ordering drinks at the same time others were ordering food), and she kept everything straight.

Between 3-7 pm, the appetizers are half-priced as part of the Happy Hour deals, so that’s something worth taking advantage of.  I enjoy the queso, as it always comes out nice and hot.  My main course was the chicken fried chicken plate, which was covered in peppery cream gravy, and came with two sides and a biscuit.  As that was only $10 that was a full meal for a reasonable price, which is what the rest of the menu is like.  One of my friends got the grilled chicken plate, which came with two sides, and choice of soup or salad, for $12, which was another good deal.  When these were delivered, everything was prepared well, and very delicious.  I liked what I got, but I’m going to get what my friend had, because that looked just as good.

We were at an inside dining room, but whether you’re there or sitting on the patio, the servers are very attentive.  Not only is there a lot of seating available (and tables can be moved to accommodate large parties), there’s a lot of parking as the lot is shared with Fry’s and some other businesses.  As these businesses close for the evening, that makes even more parking available for Opal’s.

There are other locations of Opal Divine’s around Austin, and each have the same food menu and beer selection, so no matter which side of town you’re on you won’t be far from one.

Opal Divine’s Penn Field (South Congress, Austin, TX) – August 2014

As a local establishment, Opal Divine’s has a lot of locations scattered around the Austin area.  The Penn Field location is in easy reach for those near Ben White Blvd, as it’s just off South Congress.  The curvy hill leads to a parking lot in the vicinity of a classic water tower (which helps you locate it).

We met here for drinks and appetizers, and since it was before the dinner rush, were able to be seated quickly.  We were in the back section by the bar, but there’s a more formal area towards the front, as well as an outdoor patio.  If wasn’t for the heat of the summer afternoon, we would’ve opted for the patio.

The menu selection is the same from one location to the other, so we knew what was available to us.  We went for the fried pickles and the spinach dip, both of which were very tasty.

There was attentive service from the gentleman working our table, who introduced himself as “Squeezer.”  I honestly thought his name was “Caesar,” and realized the truth when I saw it printed on the bill.  During our time there, Squeezer made sure that our drinks were refilled, and to see if there was anything else we required.

Any Opal Divine’s location I’ve been to has consistently provided good service and a friendly atmosphere.  That is why I keep going back, and continue to recommend it to others.

Elements Massage (Louis Henna Blvd, Round Rock, TX) – August 2014

I visited here because there was a deal which appeared in Groupon, and I’ve never had a professional massage done before.  The website had a lot of good information for me to decide what was the most appropriate for me, and the receptionist answered some other questions.  It was easy to schedule an appointment for after work.  Since it was close to home, I figured I could keep that relaxation feeling for the remainder of the evening.

I opted for a trigger massage, to work on those stress knots in my shoulder and lower back.  The room was low-lit, and the temperature was comfortable.  This was an hour-long session, and it was only the beginning of what I’d need to fully loosen my muscles.  The technique which was performed really felt good, and my massage therapist made me feel very relaxed.

This was an enjoyable experience, and do recommend everyone having a professional massage done at some point.  Look for a place that’s convenient for you, but if you live near Elements, you should have yours done here.

Kerbey Lane Café (South Lamar, Austin, TX) – August 2014

Kerbey Lane has been an Austin staple for many years, and there’s a number of locations in the area, so there’s always one close to you.  Like any business, when the opportunity presents itself, they will move to a better location.  This was my first visit to this location on South Lamar.  Located in a strip center, it was easy to reach from the main road, and there was a lot of available parking.  As Kerbey Lane was also located close to the road, it’s easy to spot as you’re going by.

As I’ve been other locations, I knew what to expect on the menu.  Kerbey Lane is all about comfort food.  Because all the locations are open 24 hours, you can get any item no matter what time of day it is.  I chose the migas, which was a tasty mixture of eggs, tortilla chips, and rice.  I’ve previously had Panini’s and other tasty sandwich, as well as the extremely filling pancakes.

Our service was fast, and our server was very attentive in the way she made sure our drinks we being topped off.  The interior was open and airy, although it does get a little noisy due to the lack of soft surfaces to absorb the sound.  For smokers, or those who wish to dine outdoors when the weather is accommodating, the shaded patio on the front of the building is available.

This was an enjoyable experience, and consistent with the quality I’ve come to expect from Kerbey Lane.

Amy’s Ice Cream (and Phil’s Ice House; South Lamar, Austin, TX) – August 2014

This is a fun place to stop and get ice cream.  Being an Austin-based establishment, there’s a number of different locations around the area where you can indulge.  Many are paired with a Phil’s Ice House, where burgers and other light fare are available.  My friend and I passed on the food when we walked in here, and went directly for the ice cream.

The featured flavors are displayed on the wall, and sampling is encouraged.  Try a bite or two, then decide on which one you want.  I normally go for milkshakes, but this time I opted for the dish, as I could have a choice of candy smeared into the ice cream.  I opted for the dark chocolate with the peanut butter cup bits.  My friend went for the regular chocolate with the M&M’s.

The interior is open and airy, and reflects a style that is common to many Austin-based businesses (with the “Keep Austin Weird” being felt throughout, even if it’s not specifically displayed).  There’s plenty of seating inside, as well as some outside.  The tables aren’t far apart, but they aren’t spaced so close that you feel like you’re on top of the people next to you.  This creates a more comfortable atmosphere.

There are many places in Austin you can go to get ice cream, and Amy’s should be on the top of your list to help strengthen the local economy.  This locale is nice, as it’s situated next to a playground (which I don’t believe is part of the establishment), but it gives a place for the young ones to go while the adults enjoy their tasty pleasures.

Thundercloud Subs (South Lamar, Austin, TX) – August 2014

                This is an Austin staple for good food fast.  It’s not “fast food” because everything is made to order, and the ingredients are fresh.  There are many location in the Austin area, so no matter where you are, there’s one near you.

                On this visit I had the roast beef on wheat.  The selection of cheeses, veggies, and dressings available at Thundercloud aren’t as extensive as national chains, but the prices are proportionally lower too.  While there are some “specialty” menu items, as a general rule this is a decent place for you basic submarine sandwich.

                The location here is situated on a corner, so there’s easy access from either street.  The tables are spaced around so you can have a more intimate dining experience, or they can be pulled closer when a large group of friends have gathered.  There’s even a reading library of used books sitting nearby, so if you wanted to have a relaxing afternoon hanging out there you can feed your mind as well as your body.

Red Lobster (Anderson Lane, Austin, TX) – August 2014

                The address for this is confusing, as it says “Anderson Lane,” when it’s actually near where 183 and IH-35 meet.  The interior was nice, and the bathrooms were very clean.  I met some friends here, and the service I received was good even though the food was rather lackluster.

The pecan-crusted tilapia had far more breading on it than meat, and the fish wasn’t as flaky as it should be.  It seems like perhaps it wasn’t cooked quite as long as it could’ve been.  I added a lobster tail to my order, and what I received was one of the tiniest portions I’d ever seen.  At first I thought it was a shrimp sitting on the plate.  Pulling the meat out of the shell, it amounted to six small bites.  Hardly satisfying of my lobster craving, and not worth the additional charge.

I recalled eating frequently at Red Lobster years ago (both this specific location, and other ones in the region) and watched it go from a place with quality food for reasonable prices to something pretty average for a higher cost.  It’d been a while, so I figured I’d give them another try to see if things had improved, and saw they hadn’t.

I feel I didn’t get the value for what I paid for my meal.  There’s nothing my server could’ve done to improve this, because she has no control over the way things are prepared.  The cooks do everything the exact same way with little variation.  I don’t plan on coming back here (or any Red Lobster location) any time soon, because I doubt anything will be any different.

Baskin Robbins (FM 685, Pflugerville, TX) – August 2014

This is close to where I live, so it’s always a good place to come over and get some cold treats.  As it’s part of a strip center, which means there’s a limited amount (but decent) amount of parking.  There’s also a small sitting area in the middle of the parking lot, which makes a nice place to enjoy your goodies when the weather is nice.

Every time I’ve been here, I’ve always gotten service with a smile, and good value for my dollar.  I find the best is getting the Build Your Own Sundaee, as you get to choose how many scoops you want of your desired flavor, and add whatever toppings you’d like.

Bob Wertz Park (Windy Point, Cedar Park, TX) – August 2014

The water levels of Lake Travis might be a couple dozen feet lower than where it should be, but that just means there’s more beach available to enjoy.  And on a weekend when the weather is nice, this is a good place to go.  Maps can show you the way, but even just the drive in quite the experience.

Turning north from Route 620 on to Comanche Trail, the road appears to dead end at the Oasis, but there’s much more beyond that.  Nestled against the hillside, Comanche Trail becomes very narrow as it descends, but still provides a spectacular view of the lake.  Unfortunately there’s no place to pull off to snap a couple pictures.

After you pass the entrance to Hippie Hollow, Bob Wertz Park is only a short distance beyond that.  Because this is a State Park, there’s a charge of $10 per car coming in (so carpool to get the most bang for your buck).  Beyond the entry station are some parking lots and grassy areas.  Due to the lower water level, you have to go a bit further to get to the beach.  That’s an adventure.

What used to be the boat launch now serves as the ramp to down to the beach.  Once you’re off the paved portion, you then drive over the dunes the remainder of the way.  (Interesting to keep in mind that you’re driving on what was the bottom of Lake Travis only a decade ago.)  While there are some road cones set in sections so you don’t go beyond those points, there are no true trails.  Drive slowly, and watch for sand patches, rocks, and buried branches.  You don’t need to have four-wheel drive to traverse this section, but you do need to be careful you don’t get stuck or bottom out when going over the terrain.  Be sure you arrive and depart from here when there’s daylight.

We had our folding chairs set up in the water, so we were able to enjoy the motion of the waves.  Our cars were parked nearby, so it was only a short distance back to grab more munchies or refresh a beverage.  It’s a public beach, but there’s no garbage cans around.  Be sure to cart out what you bring in.  And while there’s a park ranger which drives by every now and then, there’s no life-guards on duty.  Swim at your own risk and level of ability.  It’s a gradual grade so you can wade pretty far out, just watch for submerged branches, drop-offs, and undertows.

Bring plenty of water to drink and lots of sunscreen.  An umbrella to create some shade is not a bad idea also.  That way you both stay hydrated and lessen your chances of sunburn.  This is a good place to spend a summer afternoon with family or friends.

Texican (Lakeline Blvd, Austin, TX) – September 2014

This is one of my favorite places in Austin for Tex-Mex, and every visit I’ve had both great food and excellent service.  When I lived near this location, I was here on a frequent enough basis that I was able to try just about everything on the menu.  Now that this is across town from me, I only come over for “special occasions,” and it’s always worth the trip.

My dish of choice, the one that tops my comfort food, is the El Paso enchiladas.  The tangy red sauce is a great combination to the hot melted cheese inside the tortillas.  With the rice on the side (I pass on the beans), that is an excellent way to mop up the remaining sauce.  An appetizer of queso which can start this meal is also useful when applied on top of any rice which is still present.  It is a heavenly dish.

There’s a lot of parking due to the location, although watch the crazy driving passing through.  A variety of drinks are available at the bar, which is a good place to wait for you table to be ready (on those rare occasions it starts to get crowded).  With both indoor and outdoor seating areas, there’s plenty of room.  The outdoor seating is not only covered block rain or sunlight, there’s also misters present to cool you down on the hot days, and flat-screen TVs mounted at various places to keep up on sporting events.

Everything about this place is awesome.  Quality food at reasonable prices, mixed with a friendly atmosphere.  You can’t ask for anything more.

Marble Slab (Lakeline Blvd, Austin, TX) – September 2014

This is not a bad place to go for tasty treats when in the vicinity of Lakeline Mall.  It’s located in the back part of a plaza which also has a Barnes & Noble and PetCo, so there’s a decent amount of parking.

The draw here the various toppings (like M&M’s, nuts, or other candy bits) which you can choose to have smooshed into your ice cream.  I tried samples of the peanut butter, and banana flavors, both of which I found very good.  There was also a mango flavor, which the owner informed us this was the only location in Austin where you could get that.  He wasn’t clear if it was that store specifically, or something only available at Marble Slab (as opposed to other chains, like Baskin-Robbins, or Amy’s).  The mango wasn’t bad, but I prefer the actual fruit.

Also, all the flavors are advertised as being made with “real milk.”  In many years of eating actual ice cream (as opposed to “soft serve”), it’s always made with real milk, so that made me wonder if there were places which didn’t use that.

The main item I had today was the Peanut Butter Galaxy.  This was chocolate ice cream with Reese’s Pieces, and crumbled Peanut Butter Cups, and gobs of peanut butter all mixed in.  This was not a “hot melted peanut butter topping,” but the real thing.  I watched the server open the jar of Jif and pull out a heaping spoonful.  Wow, this was good.

There’s limited seating area inside, and only a small bench out front (so no real outdoor seating).  The interior was clean, and well-lit.

Tarka Indian Kitchen (University Blvd, Round Rock, TX) – September 2014

I hadn’t had Indian food in a bit, and didn’t feel like doing much waiting, so that’s one reason why I came back here.  Another reason was the food here is always good.  Situated in the far corner of the shopping plaza (opposite from where IKEA is), there’s plenty of parking, and a limited patio area for some outdoor seating.

Everything is made to order, so it’s hot and fresh when it comes out.  I ordered my favor chicken vindaloo, and it satisfied the craving I had.  Service was good and friendly, and the atmosphere was very casual.  I continue to have great experiences here, so that’s why I keep coming back.

Phil’s Ice House (South Lamar, Austin, TX) – September 2014

If you’re looking for a place in Austin to get a burger, then Phil’s Ice House should be one for you to check-out.  Locally owned, they’re quite often paired with Amy’s Ice Cream in-house, so you don’t have that far to go to get dessert.  This particular location has the Amy’s station up front, and there’s a sign directing you to go to the other side of the wall for Phil’s section.  That could be a little better displayed.

I ordered the BBQ burger as it off the menu, only because there’s less tinkering I’d need to do.  Looking at all the options available, there’s something for every taste, and I liked many of those options.  I could’ve easily done the “build your own” for $2 more than what I paid for my standard menu item, but since it would’ve ended up being about the same with what I would’ve put on it.

Everything is made to order, so there’s a wait, but it’s not a significant one.  The burgers are cooked the same way, about medium, so no variation for those who want something a bit rarer or more well-done.  My burger was still juicy, but not greasy.  The cheese and BBQ sauce oozed off into the basket it was served in.  The fires I got with it were there to mop it up.  While I chose regular fries, the option of sweet-potato was also available.

While napkins are available on the table, there was no restroom or hand-washing station available.  That would’ve been nice to have, and that was really my only strike again this place.  The prices were pretty reasonable.  And with some parking and some outdoor tables, it makes a great place to spend an evening (or the day when the weather is cooler).

Pluckers (IH-35, Round Rock, TX) – September 2014

If a place is good, then you keep coming back.  If a place is great, then you introduce your friends to it.  And if a place has excellent service, then that needs to be noted.

I told my friend Bill I’d take him to Pluckers for his birthday, as it was some place he hadn’t been, and I figured he’d like it.  It was an early Saturday afternoon when we arrived.  While there was a short wait for a place indoors, we were able to get seated immediately in the Coop (the covered patio portion).  As someone who frequented Pluckers, I knew what I wanted before even walking in the door (boneless basket with Spicy BBQ sauce, waffles fries with country gravy).  After Bill commented that he’d never been here before, our server (Mitchell) was able to describe a number of different sauces, and Gold Rush was chosen.

When our appetizer of cheese sticks and beverages were brought out, Mitchell asked Bill if he liked pickles.  I assumed it was question directed towards the side salad Bill ordered with his wings, and so did Bill, so he said yes.  Mitchell brought out a free order of fried pickles for Bill in honor of his first visit.  That was awesome, and I’d never seen that done previously.  To me, that kicked up the great service into the excellent range.

On a hot September day, the misters keep the Coop cool.  The food was delivered fast, and everything was delicious.  The side salad was much larger than Bill expected, and after that (and the double set of appetizers we had), he was only able to consume a small number of his wings.  That’s why there’s a take-home box, so left-overs can be enjoyed later.

Once again, this local Austin establishment has provided me both a good meal and a good experience.  I highly recommend this location if you’re in the Round Rock area, or to frequent any of the other Pluckers locales in the area.  It’s awesome, and worth it.

Texican (Lakeline Blvd, Austin, TX) – November 2014

                As this is one of my favorite places in Austin for Tex-Mex, I’ve raved about the good food and great service I’ve had here.  Once again I was in the area, so I treated myself to the El Paso cheese enchiladas (which are my comfort food).  This time I sat at the tables near the bar section, so the change of scenery was nice.  Everything about the visit was excellent, and it continues to reinforce why I keep coming back here.  This place is awesome!

The Egg and I (Anderson Lane, Austin, TX) – November 2014

                After a full morning of skating at the nearby ice rink, my friend and I went here for lunch.  I’m sure the staff was amused as we carried our skates and gear in with us.  My friend had never been to any of these restaurants previously, and I hadn’t been to this particular location (but because I’d been to others, I knew what to expect on the menu).

                This is located right in the same plaza as the rink, it was only a short walk for us.  There was no need to move our cars.  There was plenty of parking available.  There’s limited seating outdoors, but plenty inside.  A private room also exists for large parties or special groups.

                We had friendly service, and great food.  My friend consumed the entire carafe of water along with her blueberry waffles.  I had the largest glass of chocolate milk they had available, which was refilled during my meal.  I enjoyed scrambled eggs with cheese, turkey sausage, home fries, and a muffin.  Even though this was during the “lunch rush,” it wasn’t very busy so there wasn’t a long wait for our food.

                The area has easy access from Anderson Lane, and a short distance from Mopac (Loop 1) or Burnett, so it’s convenient.  Like other locations of this chain, it’s only open for breakfast and lunch.  This is a good place to stop for any type of breakfast food.

Kerbey Lane Café (183 & Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX) – 28 November 2014

                This location continues to provide good food and excellent service.  As this is located in a strip center, there’s plenty of available parking, and has easy access from either 183 or Anderson Mill Road.  Being open 24 hours, you’ll always be able to get your comfort food here, although it does get very busy during the dinner hours.

                We happened to hit this right after the dinner rush, so we were seated quickly.  Outdoor seating was available on the side patio, but we opted for the indoors just because of the chill in the air.  The menu hasn’t changed in years, but you should always open it to see what the seasonal specials are.  We went for the comfort food of migas, which is a tasty mixture of eggs, tortilla chips, and rice.

                There isn’t a Kerbey Lane where I live, so when I have an opportunity to partake of one, I jump at it.  You should too.  Not only do you get good food, but you’re supporting an Austin-based business, so you know your money is helping the local economy.

Mesa Rosa (Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX) – 29 November 2014

                When I first arrived in Austin over a decade ago, this location of Mesa Rosa was the first place I went to get Tex-Mex.  It continued to be a place which I frequented when I lived over on that side of time.  Now when I have the opportunity to revisit the old neighborhood, it’s nice to stop in.

                We timed it perfectly arriving just after a large party had arrived, so there was no issues with getting seated.  Cheese enchiladas are my favored dish, but I went for something different.  The chicken chimichanga was a nice mix of meat and cheese in a lightly-fried tortilla.  My date had the chalupas, which she enjoyed.  We’d started with a queso, which was lumpier than it normally should be, but it was still good.  A round of Mexican martinis were nice to have during the meal.

                It’s good to be able to come back to places which you know are good, and have food which you like.  The atmosphere is cozy, although the seats in the booths have seen better days.  This is an establishment which I’ll continue to come to.

Shogun Japanese Restaurant (Stone Hill Center, Pflugerville, TX) – December 2014

I’ve gone here fairly regular for the regular menu items, so when I had an offer to try to the grill option, I jumped at the chance.  A hot grill with about eight seats on one side creates a stage for a culinary spectacle.  We were able to be seated quickly, and were placed with another small party so there was a full table of guests.  Once all orders are placed, the server brings out an onion soup and a small salad.  A few minutes later the chief comes out and starts the presentation.

An egg gets bounced and spun around to start the show, while the fried rice is prepared.  Vegetables are sautéed, and a column of flame is created out of onion pieces and large amounts of cooking oil.  Thus the first two portions of your meal are done.  The chef will pick up some small chunks of rice with the spatula and flick them in turn to those sitting there, in an attempt to land the bit of food in the person’s mouth.  Sometimes the aim is true, and other times it isn’t.  It doesn’t really matter, because it adds to the fun at the table.

The meats go on next, and depending on what you got, some is done quicker than others.  The chief wields a large fork and a sharp knife to expertly reduce the meat down to smaller portions as it cooks.  As the meat finishes, it is then served to each patron who ordered it.  Once that is completed, the chief thanks everyone for allowing him to entertain you, turns the heat off the grill, and departs.

During the show, it’s common to work on the earlier portions of the meal while the latter ones are being prepared.  It’s not required to do so, but allows it to feel like there’s a multi-course aspect to it.  The work of the chef to spin his instruments around, entertain the audience, and cook the meal at the same time it worth seeing.  Because you’re looking directly at your chef, the meal was prepared exactly to your tastes.  Its great fun to do this, and worth the extra cost.  This is something worth doing when you have a large gathering of friends.

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