Monday, August 16, 2010

Austin, TX Cheap Eats

For those who don't know my Dad, he is, ahem, how do you say it? .....a cheapskate. I love him to death, but he is. A couple of years ago, he stayed with my Grandma in Atlanta, GA. One morning, I guess she didn't have any breakfast in the house. My Dad got the brilliant idea to drive to La Quinta, and pose as a guest so that he could get a free continental breakfast. He is also the same person that went to our H.S. on sports banquet nights, and pretended to be a parent of one of the athletes so that he could sneak in and get a free fancy dinner. I tell you this, because this blog post is for people like my Dad. (and for those who are crunching at then end of the pay periods).



FrugalFeaster.com: a comprehensive list of all the restaurant specials around Austin.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Franklin Barbecue: Come Early, Leave Full

Posted by Guest Blogger: Korn on the Koby

I must’ve driven past this place a hundred times during college and never even knew it existed. My co-worker, Jen, so gratefully told me about Franklin BBQ, and I knew I had to try it. After reading the Franklin Barbecue reviews on Yelp, I began foaming at the mouth. Espresso barbecue sauce? Check. Inexpensive? Check. Accepts credit cards? Check mate. I planned to go with my friend Nick, but he felt under the weather leaving me in quite the predicament: I could go by myself or I could wait another day to go. After envisioning how the brisket and pork ribs would taste, the decision was easy. I would go by myself…and go the following day, too.

Come Early

Franklin BBQ is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. But make sure you go early! All of the reviews on Yelp said to, and I’m saying to as well. The line forms fast and is by no means quick. I arrived at 10:55 am on a gloomy day and was luckily the first person in line. However, by the time I had left, the line was already 12 people deep.

Leave Full

Come with a large appetite and prepare to leave full – this plate will fill you up. I got the 2 meat plate: fatty brisket and pork ribs. You could see the brisket glistening – it was a glorious sight. Both the brisket and pork ribs were downright tasty. I tried a sample pork rib while I was waiting to pay, and right then and there I knew I had made an awesome decision. And their espresso barbecue sauce complemented the meat oh so perfectly. The plate also came with my choice of 2 sides. Compared to the barbecue, the sides were just okay. I got the potato salad and cole slaw, but they also have beans as an option. I was completely full when I finished my plate. Any more food would’ve been too much.

2nd Round

My second experience with Franklin Barbecue was just as tasty as the first. However, Franklin won the battle the second time, and I had to throw in the towel and take home leftovers. :)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Local Taco Stand Proves There Actually Is Some Use For Twitter

Posted by Guest Blogger: Brett Wurst

Taco fans & foodies alike will both find what they are looking for at the newest of the ever-growing population of food trucks. This haven I speak of is called Chi’Lantro. The name is a play on the Korean word Kimchi and the herb your previous favorite Mexican taco truck used to pile on your pastor, cilantro. First thing you’ll notice is that there are only about 5 things on the menu and all of them basically involve combining the same 4 or 5 ingredients into different packages. Basically you have tacos, burritos, burgers, and quesadillas. Stick to the tacos. The rest are good, but you’ve had them before from some other gimmicky place after ordering through a speakerbox, driving up to your second window and digging your toy out of a greasy bag. Everything on the menu can be filled with beef, pork, chicken or tofu but what really stands out is the sauce that all of their options are covered with. This Korean Chili Soy Vinaigrette is tangy with a bit of a kick and has a strong thai chili after-taste. If you’re looking to kick your order up a bit you can order a side of hot fries which are not for the weak of heart. I only recommend eating these fries at about 2am after you’ve already showed you body who’s boss downtown. They sell out often and move daily so be sure to check their twitter to see where they will be located next.

Recommended item: 3 spicy chicken tacos with lime wedges