As I began my summer in Austin with various lists of restaurant suggestions, I first decided to take a step back. Though I can’t wait to explore the food scene more deeply during these next couple of months, I wanted to revisit my own longtime favorite places and those of my family.
#KoolKeeperSummer Celebrating Family Favorites
Contributing Author Georgia Thompson
Growing up, our family would drive down to Austin from Kansas City every summer on our way to camp in the Hill Country. Here we would meet up with our Houston-based grandparents and catch up, reconnect and enjoy exploring the city together. Quickly, our time in Austin became special, and we often returned to many of the same restaurants, coffee shops and sweet stops together as part of our tradition. When my sister decided to go to college at the University of Texas at Austin, we gained a whole new reason to continue returning to what has personally become my absolute favorite city.
Eating at these restaurants year after year was a sort of celebration not only of our love for the food and atmosphere of these particular Austin hotspots, but also a celebration of simply being together. Thus, when I returned to the city this summer, I decided to begin my food journey where it all began.
Hope this image gallery wets your appetite to try my suggestions below!
My picks: Hamachi Carpaccio, Crispy Red Snapper a La Plancha, Crispy Fried Brussels Sprouts, Steak Frites, Seared Mushrooms, Lemon Tart and Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
My picks: Tuna Tartare, Potato Gnocchi, Hippie Salad, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Steak Au Poivre with Black Truffle Butter, Herb-Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
And don't forget to stop by the Four Seasons Hotel Austin's lobby bar for a drink beforehand! Our family get-togethers wouldn't be complete without time spent enjoying the view over Town Lake and catching up over a delicious Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
My picks: Appetizer Trio (Chile Con Queso, Guacamole and Spicy Bean Dip), Chipotle Chicken Fajitas, Pico de Pina Shrimp Tacos
My picks: Italian Cream Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Iced Sugar Cookies
My picks: Iced Almond Milk Cappuccino, Iced Mocha, Migas Quiche
My picks: Vanilla Iced Coffee, Iced Turbo, Belgian Bomber, Jo’s Granola
My picks: Coffee with Heath Bar, The “Lil’ Doggy” (Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Reese’s, Sea Salt, Waffle Cone Bits and Pecan Praline), The “Fudge Judy” (Mexican Vanilla, Nilla Wafers, Cinnamon and Hot Fudge)
Now that I've revisited these places that I feel mark my own history in Austin, now follow along with me as I move into new terrain. My #KoolKeeperSummer continues next Friday as I explore the food scene even more deeply and discover restaurants that might just become a part of new traditions in the city.
