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!