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February 22, 2013

Foodie Friday: Elizabeth St. Cafe in Austin

Filed under: Food/Restaurant Review — Tags: , , — Nik @ 7:12 pm
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Elizabeth St. Cafe

Dear Fashionistas,

Elizabeth St. Cafe.  OMG.  This cafe serves up a delectable variety of Vietnamese and French fusion.  Enjoy savory and sweet samples from Fried Shrimp & Yam Fritters to Macaroons.  With an air of playful sophistication, this is the perfect after-work spot to enjoy with friends or solo.  I actually stopped by two days in a row this week.  That’s right.  Two days in a row.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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Elizabeth St. Cafe

Half baguette with Chicken Liver Mousse & Pate

Half Baguette with Chicken Liver Mousse & Pate

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Elizabeth St. Cafe- Asian Pear Tarte Tatin

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Elizabeth St. Cafe

January 9, 2013

A Few of My Favorite Things…

Filed under: Art and Culture,Fashionable Restaurant,Street Fashion,Vintage — Nik @ 8:00 am

Nik's Favorite Things

January 4, 2013

Foodie Friday: Holiday Eats in Washington, D.C.

Filed under: Fashionable Restaurant,Foodie Fridays — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 10:39 pm

Fashionistas,

Here’s a quick recap of eats and treats sampled in Washington, D.C. over Christmas with family and friends.  Hope your holidays were meaningful and memorable!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

November 24, 2012

Washington D.C. Recap: H&M, Ritz Carlton and More

Filed under: Fashion News,Food/Restaurant Review — Tags: , , , , , — Nik @ 12:51 pm

Dear Fashionistas,

Since returning from D.C., it’s been a whirlwind getting ready for Thanksgiving.  Now that Thanksgiving is over, I wanted to briefly recap my D.C. trip in photos.  Thanksgiving post is forthcoming! 

First, though I was right across the street from H&M, I never made it over there to check out the Maison Martin Margiela collection.  I know.  Tragic.  But I’m hoping to check it out soon, now that I’m back in Texas.  Second, I love sushi, and the Alexandria/D.C. area is a great place to try it out.  I recommend MoMo Sushi, nestled away on Queen Street- what it lacks in square footage it more than makes up for in flavor and service.  Third, I attended a Masquerade Ball at the Ritz Carlton.  Thank God my dress was not super-fitted because I sampled way too many desserts!  Plus I had to wear a regular slip because I have somehow misplaced my Spanx.  How does one lose such an item?  I have no idea, but somehow my closet ate it and I can’t find it anywhere!  Annnd moving on from dessert to brunch- I make it a point to try different versions of Eggs Benedict, even if it’s just traditional with ham.  The version I had here was made with proscuitto- delicious.  Finally, I’m also obsessessed with architecture and have included photos of one of the most beautiful ceilings I’ve ever seen.  I hope you enjoy and that you’ve had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Fini.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

October 5, 2012

Foodie Friday: FoodHeads Cafe in Austin

Filed under: Food/Restaurant Review,Foodie Fridays — Tags: , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

 

Dear Foodie Fashionistas,

In September a friend suggested we get out of the office and have an early lunch at a place called FoodHeads Cafe, north of downtown Austin.  I admit, I’d never heard of this cafe and I was excited to try something new.  I was not disappointed.  The interior was colorful, eclectic and quaint, and the menu included the familiar theme of soup, salad and sandwich but with deliciously interesting combinations.  For example:

GYPSY GROVE SANDWICH

Marinated and grilled pork tenderloin &
grilled ham on toasted bolillo with Swiss
cheese, jalapeno relish, Tabasco slaw and a
fried egg.

CHICKEN & EGGPLANT (Pictured Above with Greek Salad)

Grilled chicken breast & roasted eggplant on
toasted multigrain bread with goat cheese,
basil pesto, spinach, tomato & blackberry
balsamic vinaigrette.

Service was quick and friendly, perfect for a quick lunch-time bite.  Depending on the time of year, I recommend sitting outside on the front porch to take in the fresh air and energy of the neighborhood.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

September 30, 2012

Austin Restaurant Week Sept. 30 – Oct. 3: Olivia Restaurant Shines for Brunch

Filed under: Charity,Fashionable Restaurant,Food/Restaurant Review — Tags: , , , , , , — Nik @ 4:39 pm

Olivia’s Lovely Bright Interior Design

Foodie Fashionistas,

You know one of my favorite things in life is Brunch.  Yes, Brunch with a capital “B” because it’s just that important.  I’ve eaten at several brunch spots in Austin, and I’m always looking for other incredible places to try with friends or family.  I asked several co-workers for a brunch recommendation and they emphatically agreed I should try Olivia.

Being the A-type personality that I am, I looked up the brunch menu online to check it out.  First thing listed: 2 farm eggs any style with bacon or sausage and frites.  Typical.  But what’s this?  Three choices of Eggs Benedict?  Promising.  Then I saw it: Chai French Toast.  Done.

I almost stopped reading the menu right there as I clamored for my phone to make a reservation.  But my hungry eyes wandered further down the page, landing on the piece de resistance: Shrimp & Gouda Grits.  “Sweet Jesus, where is my phone?!” screamed my inner foodie.  Finally, I gained my composure enough to call Olivia and make a Sunday reservation.

Now, the reservation wasn’t just for me- it was my sweetie’s birthday on Saturday and we decided to make a weekend of it.  I hoped that Olivia would be a wonderful birthday brunch spot and it did not disappoint.  I ordered the Eggs Florentine while Jay ordered the “MACDADDY” (crispy pork belly, miso chili glaze, cilantro, green onion, scrambled eggs, english muffin, frites) and Chai French Toast for us to share.

The chai was bold but not overpowering in the generous portions of French Toast, and while I didn’t care for the Asian pears, the almond whipped cream was divine.  The Eggs Florentine was also wonderful: eggs perfectly poached and dressed with rich hollandaise and delicate slivers of smoked shoulder bacon.  On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being phenomenal, we’d give Olivia an ecstatic 8-9.  We will definitely be taking our parents and friends there when they visit Austin!  If you have a special occasion coming up (like Austin Restaurant Week benefitting Meals on Wheels Sept. 30-Oct. 3), or just want to try out some place very special, Olivia is for you.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

August 31, 2012

Foodie Friday: Turf N Surf Food Truck in Downtown Austin

Filed under: Food/Restaurant Review,Foodie Fridays — Tags: — Nik @ 10:00 am

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Foodie Fashionistas,

Turf N Surf embodies two words: Amazingly delicious.

This charmingly rugged (a la Pirates of the Caribbean) food truck is one of my favorite lunch spots in downtown Austin.  Portions are generous, yet prices remain reasonable.  Located at 4th and Congress, I recommend getting out of the office, or wherever you are, and heading over to try the shrimp po’ boy and jalapeno hush puppies.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

August 24, 2012

Foodie Friday: Legal Sea Foods Arlington, VA

Filed under: Fashionable Restaurant,Food/Restaurant Review,Foodie Fridays — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

Dear Foodie Fashionistas,

Any time I visit the D.C. area I make sure I stop by Legal Sea Foods.  I always have the clam chowder, but during my recent visit I went a little off the beaten path. Rather than having crab cakes or a lobster roll, I opted for the mushroom ravioli. Light, yet rich, it was the perfect switch up from the typical (but superb) seafood fare.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

June 21, 2012

Foodie Friday: Izumi Sushi & Grill in Austin

Filed under: Food/Restaurant Review,Foodie Fridays — Tags: , , — Nik @ 11:08 pm

Fashionistas,

I think I’ve found my new favorite sushi spot in Austin: Izumi Sushi & Grill.  It’s located northwest of downtown near Highway 360 and Bee Cave Road.  I’ve tried a handful since relocating here, and by far this one’s my favorite and well worth the drive from downtown.  Don’t leave without having the tempura ice cream- great for sharing and delicious!  I’m just going to say it: I liked it more  than Uchi!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

May 17, 2012

Foodie Friday: Gourdough’s Big. Fat. Donuts. in Austin

Filed under: Food/Restaurant Review,Foodie Fridays — Tags: , , — Nik @ 11:06 pm

For those of you who are outside the Austin area, let me tell you about Gourdough’s Big. Fat. Donuts.  The motto here is “Keep Austin Weird” and Gourdough’s takes that to heart with some truly unique sweets such as the Boss Hog, Son of a Peach and Naughty & Nice specialty donuts.

Gourdough’s has also been featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations.  Foodies, you know what that means- it’s the real deal.

Back to the food.  Trends are sometime frivolous and unfounded.  However, I see now why bacon has taken the dessert world by storm.  Bacon makes it better.  And Gourdough’s does bacon and donuts the best.  I present to you, the Flying Pig.  Maple syrup icing topped with bacon- add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it super special and schedule an extra session with your personal trainer.

This is the best donut I’ve ever had in my entire life.  Ever.  Hands down.  Krispy who??  Please.  Happy drooling.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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