Eastside Cafe -- What a restaurant SHOULD be!
Written: Apr 12 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: fresh veggies, wonderful atmosphere, amazing food
Cons: none at all!
|
|
|
| pmckay's Full Review: Austin Restaurants |
What a cool, novel idea. Open a restaurant and grow your own vegetables and herbs in the backyard. Well, over a decade ago, two friends came up with that idea, and the Eastside Cafe was born. They found a house on Manor Road, converted it into a cozy, homespun cafe (Note: I mean a quaint, Austin-ish type place, not country kitsch!) The place is very laid back, very easy going. You can sit in one of several rooms of the house or out on the patio. The patio is always my choice, except when the heat /humidity is TOO much to bear. Outside, you are surrounded by pecan trees, and you have a grand view of the almost 1/2 acre garden. The garden is beautifully laid out and maintained, and the usual wait for a table is a great excuse to wander around the garden, taking in the sights and smells. The glorious produce gleaned is used to flavor the daily specials (don't forget to check the chalkboard on your way in!).
I usually order a special, and most likely it is a soup. Their soup specials are fabulous: fresh, yummy, ample portions and satisfying. Off the menu, a light lunch choice could be the Eastside Choice for $5.95. The choice allows you to choose three from the following: a cup of soup, a salad, rice, black beans, or any of the fresh vegetables. It comes with a swell jalapeno cheddar cornbread muffin. For dinner, off of the menu, I've enjoyed the Sesame Catfish - a full order is $10.25, a half order is $8.25. The fillet breaded with sesame seeds, parsley,and seasoned bread crumbs. Grilled in butter and served with soup or salad, one of the vegetables, and a jalapeno cheddar cornbread muffin. Yummy! For either lunch or dinner, you can't go wrong with one of their pasta dishes. Personally, I love their Artichoke Manicotti - a full order is $11.25, a half order is $9.25. It is a carrot pasta filled with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, mushrooms, pistachios and mozzarella cheese. It comes topped with a sun-dried tomato creamy sauce and Parmesan cheese. They also offer assorted burgers, salads, and sandwiches. However, I again stress you check out the specials board!
Also know this: At most restaurants, one orders the "main" dish, and the sides are well, just sides. Not here. The main dishes are good, but it is the VEGETABLES that make the plate. Is your mouth watering yet?? Trust me, it should be!
For weekend brunch, they have a wonderful selection of choices, including Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, French Toast, Blintzes, Huevos, and my personal favorite: Migas. Migas are scrambled eggs with peppers, tomatoes, onions, cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. Prices range from $4.50 to $6.50.
A relatively new feature at Eastside is the addition of Pitchforks and Tablespoons, their gardening & cooking store. They offer books, tools, t-shirts, some plants & herbs, spices, dressings, sauces, etc.
Eastside Cafe is located at 2113 Manor Road in Austin. Their hours are: Mon -Thu 11-10, Fri 11-11, Sat 9am-11pm, and Sun 9am-10pm. Their telephone number is 512.476.5858. They take all major plastic and even have gift certificates.
The only downside I can think of is that since they moved the Austin airport, it takes me longer to get to Eastside Cafe for my monthly "fix". Oh, well!
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
pmckay
|
|
Reviews written: 95
Trusted by: 99 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.