Throughout the city, you will see t-shirts, mugs, jackets stating KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD and I 
happen to agree. Austin is Weird! In the very best way.
It is full of artsy, hipsters thanks to it being a music mecca and its booming economy courtesy of the film and technology industries. Along with producing great music and films, the local culinary scene will make you forget that once upon a time Texas was mainly known for its barbecue. There are culinary wizards that left me wishing that this was not a short stay!
A LITTLE SEAFOOD & SUCH
Perlas- It’s known for Oysters and Seafood. My favorite was our appetizer, Grilled Octopus & Papas Bravas with Capers, Parsley, Saffron Aioli. Even for a Brussels Sprout snob, the Oak Grilled Brussel Sprouts were delicious!
A CARIBBEAN STYLE BRUNCH
Isla- Described as a Caribbean Cantina, its bright walls, artwork, and friendly owner only add to the island inspired cuisine and cocktails. It was the perfect place for Sunday Brunch. So, we kicked back and enjoyed pear mimosas and some Red Snapper and Marlin Ceviche. If the lively atmosphere doesn’t make you love this place, the Johny Cakes with Shrimp served with Crumbled Bacon and Habanero Honey will have you at the first bite!
SUSHI, PLEASE!
Uchiko- What happens when a dishwasher becomes obsessed with Japanese culture and cuisine and dedicates a decade to studying under sushi masters from Tokyo to New York City? He wins the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest. Chef Cole of Uchiko has described his food as “playful”, I call it fabulous. This is what you learn in Austin. I told you it’s WEIRD. I recommend the surprising combination of Hamachi with Pear, it will make you understand why locals (one brought me here) say this is the best sushi in Austin.
A DINNER TO REMEMBER
Qui- It was our last night in Austin, we thought “Let’s go crazy!”. As our taxi pulled up on a dark, relatively deserted street, I thought maybe we were”crazy” or like several others times we had stumbled upon something wonderful off the beaten path. Afterall, the modern building was a standout in the neighborhood. And before you think we are REALLY BRAVE, we are not. The chef is Paul Qui from Top Chef and another James Beard Award winner. We were willing to take our chances.
It was a treat and priced accordingly and absolutely worth it. We did the course menu with pairings (which changes frequently) with food combinations that left me asking our knowledgeable waiter, “What is a sea grape?”. And leaving me to understand the difference from a chef and an artist when they can transform cauliflower (yes, cauliflower) into something that makes you crave it a week later when you are back at home. Wizardry? Perhaps.
After you eat your way around Austin, walk off the calories by enjoying the wonderful parks and trails. And at night, take in the sight of the largest bat colony in North America (over one million) that live under the Congress Bridge, visit the historic Driskill Hotel for a haunted tour, or take in some great music! Just remember to help keep Austin weird! We did our best.
A MONTH AWAY & Some shorter stays 