Weekend in Austin Part 1: Eddie V's

Saturday night after my brother’s track meet, we went to Eddie V’s right on 5^th street- great location and easy parking (valet or paid lot across the street). Daniel was going to be a while as he had a short workout, cool down, ice bath, and shower before heading our way so my mom and I made our way to the lounge for a glass of wine and an appetizer.

I had called earlier to make a reservation but the lady told me their next available wasn’t until 8:45pm. Still, we put our names down when we arrived just in case, and I want to note that the hostess had quite the attitude. In high school I worked for a short time as a hostess for a friend’s sushi restaurant so I understand a busy evening, but simultaneously don’t think her tone and definitive conclusion that we wouldn’t get a table were appropriate.

Anyhow, I often times prefer sitting at the bar/lounge- service is right in front of you all the time, and it’s a more “happening” area. I ordered a glass of the Kenwood, Russian River Pinot Noir and it was fantastic! Sometimes I do go with the trend of white with seafood but only if the options of reds are not to my liking, and I find Pinot Noirs are soft enough to complement seafood well vs say the bold oakiness of a Malbec or Zin that's best paired with a steak. My mom had the Rodney Strong, Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc which I tasted and also loved. We both had the tuna tartare appetizer….

 The tuna was buttery, and the tiny grapefruit and orange slices along with the mango and avocado yielded the perfect combination of silky, sweet, tangy, with a touch of natural salt from the fish.

Daniel said not to wait- and therein lies another perk of sitting at the bar: if another person in your party comes in after you have finished eating, you don’t look awkward just sitting there with a drink watching them eat.

For my main course I had the Scottish salmon which came with this finely chopped vegetable medley of corn, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, and carrots (it’s my blog’s main picture!). There was a garlic/white wine sauce that subtly trickled itself into each bite, and wow(!) it's definitely one of the best clean/healthy seafood dishes I’ve come across. Usually I have to resort to ordering a “simply grilled” filet with sides since the specialties of the restaurant are doused in creamy sauces or accompanied with heavy/fatty starches.

My mom ordered the grouper with a plain “twice baked” potato. I didn’t try it but she clearly loved it because she finished the whole thing.

Daniel finally made it, and as a testament to being my brother he had previewed the menu and texted me to get him the 16 oz NY med. rare with a side of the walnut beets and sautéed broccolini. He was too busy eating to take more pictures, but he managed to get the one that in my view determines the quality of the chefs: whether or not they can deliver your meat at the right temperature. This was clearly a winner.

I will definitely be back to Eddie V's at some point- the bartenders were all very nice and the food came out promplty, exactly as we ordered, and just as great as what you'd expect from the price.