Chago's

So this second one is super fresh in my mind. I actually still have leftovers in my fridge as I type.

Yesterday, Drew and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary by going to Chago's, "Authentic Homestyle Puerto Rican Cuisine." A friend of mine had told me about this place, and I had been dying to try it out for a few months now- I haven't had Puerto Rican food in a VERY long time.

Drew and I show up, and there's not a lot of people there- good news for us, we'll get served quickly. That was exactly the case. Almost as soon as we sat down, a waitress came to take our drink order and give us a basket of plantain chips- which we promptly devoured.

We ordered the pastelillo appetizers, which I lament not getting a picture of. We didn't even wait for them to cool down- they never stood a chance. We ordered one pastelillo filled with ground beef and roasted peppers and another filled with mahi mahi and ripe plantain sauce. Both were delicious, but Drew and I preferred the mahi mahi one just a bit more. These came with two different dipping sauces.

For the main course, Drew ordered the Puerto Rican Paella.

Delicious

 

See how much food is on that plate? $13. And there was nothing left by the end of dinner. Drew all but licked the plate clean. The paella plate had a small salad, some tostones, and rice with pork and chorizo.

I, on the hand, decided to be more lady-like and order a more delicate dinner.

Ok I lied

When I had looked up Chago's a few months ago, I saw that they had Fricase de Pollo- a dish near and dear to my heart and stomach. I was hell bent on getting that, and I did! Beer-braised chicken on a bed of rice, a small salad, and some sweet plantains. I was in heaven. So much so that I had to take some of it home- not enough room after the pastelillos. But all that food? Also only $13.

Chago's is very affordable- especially for as much food as you get. The waitstaff was very welcoming and personable- they all greeted us when we walked in and said goodbye as we left. They also were great at recommending dishes and were very pleasant.

Just a warning: If you get a soda- they don't do refills.

I give Chago's a 6/5, if that's possible. And Drew gives it a thumbs up.

We'll DEFINITELY be returning to Chago's!

Chago's Authentic Homestyle Puerto Rican Cuisine
7301 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday and Thursday- 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday and Saturday- 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday- 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Website

Garbo's Lobster Truck

Well, I think this is where I apologize for being such a terrible blog runner. But to make it up to you lovely people, I have TWO WHOLE POSTINGS for you!

This school year was a very busy one- I helped find and charter a chapter of a national cinema fraternity. So add that on top of a full load of course work- it was a crazy one!

But the school year is hereby OVER, and so I'm here to report on some delicious eateries I've found.

The first one to bring to light is Garbo's Lobster Truck. Now, I'm sure a lot of you have heard about this one- it seems to be pretty popular, and I understand why!

Prior to this, the only time I've ever eaten lobster was in a spinach-artichoke dip at Red Lobster. That was good, but this blew my freakin' mind.

Don't be scared by the fact that you're eating lobster out of a food trailer. Embrace it! I stalked their website to find out where they'd be the first Friday of Spring Break this March, and Drew and I were able to catch them at the Draught House (which I believe to be their usual Friday night location).

At Garbo's, the lobster is served two different ways: Maine Style (chilled with a homemade mayo/celery/seasoning) and Connecticut Style (warm with a lemon-tarragon butter). Both are served on sweet rolls. Drew and I both opted for the Connecticut Style. He got it with the side of homemade chips and coleslaw- I paid the extra $2 for a cup of homemade clam chowder.

Looks delicious, amirite?

The only negative thing I can say about Garbo's was that it was gone too quickly. The lobster was juicy- perfectly seasoned, cooked- the works. The sweet bun was toasted nicely and really complimented the savory taste of the meat.

And that chowder, guys. That chowder. I was standing at the window to order debating whether or not to get it. I had never had chowder and wasn't sure what to expect, but damn.

I would probably eat Garbo's every week if I could afford it. That's the downside- It's about $15 for just the entree, if memory serves correct. But if you want to treat yourself after a stressful week, or to kick off a fun weekend- I highly suggest Garbo's. It's 100% worth the price- the owner's parents send her fresh Maine lobster daily, and it's reflected in the quality.

Writing this review and looking at this picture again... I think I know what I'm going to be doing as soon as I get my next check!

Garbo's Fresh Maine Lobster
Hours and Locations vary.
Website Here

I definitely give Garbo's a 5/5!

Long time, no blog. PUEBLO VIEJO!

Wow. Hey everyone! Sorry I went MIA...I've gotten stuck in my old ways and haven't tried anything new in a LONG time.

Until today.

Just ate lunch at a place that physically compelled me to write this review. It was that good.

I had a doctor's appointment this morning (left super irritated, but that's another story) and by the time I got out, it was lunch time! My feet instinctively took me to Subway on 24th, under the Castillian. I was about to go in, even though I had Subway twice last week and was tired of it, then I realized I wasn't too far from the "new" Co-Op Food Court.

So I moseyed on down there, remembering that I had wanted to try the taco trailer there- I had looked at the menu and the prices were super cheap and the tacos looked delicious.

Guys.

Guys.

Guys.

I walk up to Pueblo Viejo and there was ABSOLUTELY NO LINE, which is astounding, because it was 12:00 noon. I decided to do a Create-Your-Own breakfast taco. I got bacon, eggs, cheese, and jalapenos in a flour tortilla. And a Mexican Coke. ONLY $3.25.

Now, I think I've said it before, but I'm not crazy about eggs, so breakfast tacos gotta be GOOD for my approval. This trailer back home is my absolute number one breakfast taco stand of choice. Juan in a Million is good. Something about the cheese they use and the Don Juan mixture is just too much for me, though.

BUT PUEBLO VIEJO IS AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING. I ordered to go and sat down for about 3 minutes while the guy made my taco. I heard him cutting up the jalapenos- it's FRESH and MADE TO ORDER. Got to the CMA to sit down and eat and OOOOOOOH MYYYYYY GODDDDDDDD. So so so good. Rivals the stand back home. They also have a hot sauce that's not too hot but give it a nice kick.

The tacos are a bit small, or at least mine was, so I will definitely get 2 next time. Especially since they're so cheap!

Taco Viejo is something I WILL be having again very soon. I'm told the Pueblo Viejo Taco is INSANELY good.

Monday-Friday 7am - 3pm
Located behind the University of Texas Co-op, between Guadalupe and San Antonio

Definitely a 5/5!

P.S: Sorry no picture! Wasn't planning on doing a review. It was just THAT GOOD.

So, in Breakfast-Taco summary:
              Taco Loco >(or equal to) Pueblo Viejo > Juan in a Million

Regal Ravioli

Ok. I'm officially back in Austin, so I really need to catch up on my reviews before I start eating out again. Which brings us to today's review, one of my FAVORITE places ever.

Regal Ravioli!

A cute little trailer sandwiched between Church's Chicken and The Flying Carpet, Regal Ravioli is right across the street from Habanero Mexican Cafe (which I review here).

And let me tell you right now, these are the best raviolis you'll ever have. Blows Chef Boyardee outta the park!

They have 3 raviolis (Cheese, Mushroom, Sausage) and 4 sauces (Bolognese, Tomato Marinara, Gouda Veloute, and Pecan Pesto) that are on the menu all the time, and also add specialties that are either daily or weekly.

When Drew and I went, he got the cheese ravioli with Bolognese sauce (which was AMAZING) and I got the sausage ravioli with tomato basil sauce, which was also super good.

The raviolis are 10-11 dollars, but with that you also get fresh-toasted garlic bread and it is HEAVENLY. Also, the portions are DEFINITELY worth the money, as is the quality of the food. You can see them making the raviolis by hand as you sit at the picnic tables.

I don't think I can accurately explain HOW delicious these are. I haven't had Regal Ravioli since April and I'm going crazy.

They also serve gnocchi, salads and meatball subs, and even though I haven't tried it, I can tell you it's probably going to be awesome.

SERIOUSLY GO TO THIS PLACE.

I rate them a 5/5!

Lunch: Monday-Friday 12-2.
Dinner: Monday-Saturday 6-10.

Website Here

Habanero Mexican Cafe

Alright, here's the next installment!

It's been awhile since Drew and I ate at the Habanero Mexican Cafe, and I can't say it was particularly memorable. I remember that I wasn't crazy about their queso, and that unlike most of the Mexican food places I eat at, this was authentic Mexican food and not Tex-Mex.

I think that might be why it's not particularly memorable to me- it wasn't the usual cuisine I was expecting, and that's no fault on their part.

They have a few different sauces for enchiladas, which is what I got. I believe I got the green sauce, but again, I'm not too sure. I ate everything on my plate- that I DO know for sure.

Their prices aren't on their website, and I remember them being a little more than I was expecting. I had a lunch special so it'd be a little cheaper.

I wasn't full enough to skip dessert, so we ordered Sopapillas, and THOSE I definitely remember. They were delicious and warm and just all- around amazing.

I'm not going to give them a rating, because I can't really remember much about the restaurant and I find that unfair.

Their hours are:
Sunday-Monday from 7 am to 3 pm
Tuesday-Thursday from 7 am to 5 pm
Friday-Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm

See their menu here.

Next up on the list is Regal Ravioli- a place that REALLY made an impression, so get ready for a thorough review!

Juan in a Million

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW.

Sorry guys. Final exams, France, and summer school/work just really let this get away from me!
But as I'm currently not in Austin for the summer, I thought I would go ahead and update so when I get back I can star back up!

Today's review is for Juan in a Million, probably one of the best-known Mexican restaurants in Austin. Located a little east of 35, it's a bit difficult to find parking- so prepare for that. It's always super crowded (but that's gotta mean it's super good, right?)

The first time Drew and I came here, I got a bacon, egg, and cheese taco. It was pretty good, but I prefer the breakfast tacos from my hometown. The next time around we went inside to eat and I was told to get the Don Juan.

Pause.

Wait for it.

THIS IS THE DON JUAN.

And this picture is a to-go Don Juan. When you eat in, you get several tortillas and a pile of the eggs, bacon, potato, and cheese and you just go for it-y ou can make the tacos as big or small as you want. It's delicious and magical and sooooooooooooo good. The only thing I wish could be better is the hot sauce- I'm not very fond of it. When we ate in, the service was very speedy, even though it was so crowded.

I don't have a picture of the actual restaurant, but it's very cluttered on the inside, which I seem to like for some reason. All along the walls are newspaper clippings about the restaurant, or celebrities shaking hands with Don Juan himself.

When you eat in, the owner, Juan Meza, often walks around, checking up on the customers, shaking their hands, and just making sure everyone is having a nice day. It's a very pleasant atmosphere.

I think I would give Juan in a Million a 4/5. The tacos are very good, but I just can't shake the deliciousness that is Taco Loco back home. DEFINITELY worth a try if you're in Austin and you haven't tried it for some reason. I definitely look forward to coming here whenever I can.

They're open every day from 7 am-3 pm, and around noon they're REALLY crowded.

Prices are super affordable. A normal breakfast taco is like $2.25. The Don Juan, which you can easily split into 2-3 meals, is priced at $4.50. I've only had breakfast, but I'm sure the lunch prices aren't that much higher.

Juan in a Million

Evangeline Cafe

I've been waiting forever to review this place! First of all, look at that picture. Cluttered and cute, am I right?

So starting in about November of last year I went on a gumbo kick. I just wanted good gumbo all the time- that's not too much to ask, is it? Well, one day I was looking on Yelp.com for some good cheap restaurants and I stumbled across Evangeline Cafe- a small Cajun restaurant off of Brodie Lane, and there was only one thing on my mind:

GUMBO!

So Drew and I got in the car and drove on over to this place for lunch- it was pretty crowded but there was no wait for a table and we were seated right away. I don't think I got a lemonade the first time we went there, but I've had it since, and their lemonade deserves a mention- it's delicious and tangy and sweet and everything you'd want a lemonade to be.

Now...Evangeline's has a whole list of appetizers- I've yet to try the alligator bites, BUT I WILL. I like to consider myself something of a connoisseur of fried pickles....and Evangeline Cafe might have the best I've had yet. And I grew up in the same city as Riverpoint, which got famous on HGTV for their fried pickles. The pickles at Evangeline's has just a little bit of spice to it that makes them irresistible- and a must have every time we go.

Their menu, at first glance, can look a bit pricey- especially for a college student. The trick to Evangeline's is to go at lunch- they have lunch specials that are delicious and cheap! Without fail I get the combo that is a Po-Boy of your choice (fried shrimp for this girl!) and a cup of either gumbo or red beans and rice (Your guess to which one I choose!). The first time we went, Drew got the fried catfish Po-Boy, which he liked. I had a bite of his and devoured mine, and my vote lies with the shrimp, but I'm just not a big catfish person.

When you get a Po-Boy, you have a choice of sauce to try on it. Go for the Evangeline Sauce- it's sort of like a Thousand Island Dressing- orange and tangy. It's not overpowering in the slightest, so you're still able to taste whatever you got as the primary ingredient in the sandwich, again, I recommend the fried shrimp.

Their gumbo.
Is.
Amazing.

In all seriousness, their gumbo is seasoned to deliciousness and just the right mix of rice, broth (is that what it's called?), and chicken and sausage. It's probably my current favorite thing ever. I wish I could describe it more, but I just can't find the words. All I know is that I'm always really sad when I'm done with it.

My only complaint about Evangeline's-- and I mean it, my ONLY complaint-- is that it's normally pretty busy, which means that the waitstaff can get pretty tied up. I've never had an awful experience with this, but it's something to keep in mind if you're in a hurry.

The lunch combos at Evangeline Cafe range anywhere from $6-$8, depending on what you get. They're only available Monday-Saturday (Evangeline's is closed on Sundays) from 11-3, so you have plenty of opportunities to try them out. My normal ticket here is around $15 dollars....a little pricier than some places, but still doable on occasions for a college student, and completely worth it.

They have live music here almost every night, I think. So if you'd like to catch some music, try this place out at night- the baskets and gumbo are still under $10.

My rating is 5/5, because I love this place so much. Drew and I have been back here several times since we first tried it, and there's a reason for that- delicious food and a great, fun atmosphere!

Evangeline Cafe