Sister-Friend's Restaurant Reviews Angie's Mexican Food Delaware Subs Golden Corral Hudson's on the Bend Evita's Botanitas Matt's Barbeque Mykonos Angie's E. 7th Mexican Cheap Family: A few slightly old high chairs, Child's plates We have only gone to Angie's for breakfast, but the breakfast we serve is so good, we'll definitely be going back for lunch and dinner. A renovated house, Angie's sits up on a hill, a bright pink place visible from I-35. Our son's child plate arrived first. We, of course, had to sample it to make sure it wasn't too spicy. It's a good thing our plates arrived immediately, or the child would have been left hungry -- his plate included creamy refried beans, perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and a piece of bacon -- a good deal for only $2.95. ("Mmmmm," and a messy beany grin was his vote.) I ordered two breakfast tacos -- a chorizo and bean and a fajita with guacamole -- and under the advice of a co- worker, got them both wrapped in fresh homemade corn tortillas. The tortillas were completely stuffed with food, as I was shortly afterward. My husband ordered the migas, which after carefully eating and deliberating, he declared to be the "best migas in Austin." As he and his old college roommate have sampled just about every plate of migas in every cafe, dive and hole-in-the-wall in Austin, this is quite an honor for Angie's. On a weekend morning, Angie's can get crowded, but for us it didn't matter. The atmosphere is that of visiting your Mexican grandmother who is cheerfully cooking for family and relatives and the waitresses seem happy to pick up your son's bottle that he has tossed across the room ... well, you get the picture. Delaware Subs Wm. Cannon at I-35 Sandwiches Cheap "How about Delaware?" is always the response when Sister-Friend asks her husband what he would like to get for dinner or lunch. Now, though Sister-Friend does not love Delaware as much as he (that, you see, is an impossibility), I do feel that it has the best subs in Austin. Their gourmet is loaded with meats and cheeses and the addition of peppers ("Sweet or hot?" "Both!") elevates it to something quite unique. The real standout here, though, is their Philly Cheesesteak. Loaded with juicy steak, grilled onions and mushrooms and oozing with white cheddar, this sandwich is ... a mess! But so good -- again, be sure to get the peppers with it (though you may want them on the side so you can add the right amount) and you have a tongue-tingling taste combination. Golden Corral South Lamar American, Buffet Cheap Family: Rolling high chairs, kids under 3 eat free, reduced price child’s buffet If you have children under the age of 12, this is the place to go. A bit loud during rush times, which is good if you have a toddler who is learning the joys of bursting into screams for no apparent reason, Golden Corral features a huge buffet filled with all kinds of food -- rotisserie chicken, a salad bar, potato bar, baked goods and dessert bar are standard, and there are usually several featured entrees and vegetables along with staples like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, nachos and the like. The last time we went there, we got quite a surprise -- really good steak. We were both feeling carniverous, so the husband added a 1/2 lb. sirloin to his buffet, while I added a "petite" sirloin. We have had steaks here before that while not being "bad," were tough and not too flavorful. Not this time! Well seasoned, tender ... as my husband pointed out, it wasn’t Ruth’s Chris, but it was definitely as good as some of the 15 buck steak places. The salad bar is fair -- nothing special here -- but the standout is their baked goods area where they boast "fresh rolls every 15 minutes." No, it’s not elegant 5 star dining, but when you want a place where Junior can eat all the peaches, macaroni and sliced carrots he can handle (oh yes, and soft ice-cream), and you can have a good meal, too, try Golden Corral. Evita's Botanitas South 1st Mexican Cheap Family: Great high chairs, 3 different child's plates Sister-Friend is completely confused. Evita's Botanitas is a small little restaurant with overall good Tex-Mex. They bring out a lazy susan with 6 different salsas/relishes with chips -- we loved the variety and the smoky black bean sauce that was both unique and delicious. For an appetizer, we shared the Poblano Flameado -- rich white cheese, topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, peppers and chorizo. Wrapped in soft flour tortillas, it was a wonderful beginning to the meal. The meal that followed was also very good -- except for one thing...one thing so incomprehensible it has left Sister-Friend completely befuddled. Both I and my husband ordered their #2 combo -- taco, chili con queso, guacamole, tamale, enchilada and your choice of rice and beans (we both ordered the lime cilantro rice and Borracho beans). The taco was meaty and good, the guacamole very nice (a lot of tomato mixed in), the tamale was good, the cheese enchilada was a standout -- filled with more gooey Mexican white cheese, and the rice and beans were definitely better than the standard refried and Spanish rice. So what's the problem? THE QUESO! Poured on chips was -- and Sister-Friend does not kid about food - - the canned cheese sauce one gets with movie nachos. For a Mexican restaurant with such good food to do something so ... so ... well, completely cheap makes me not want to go back. Hudson's on the Bend 620 Gourmet American Expensive Family: Would not even try it! This is Sister-Friend's favorite "special occasion" place ... perfect for a very romantic date, anniversary dinner, or when someone gives you a $100 gift certificate (thank you, Brother). Sister-Friend's irreverent chum Joanna refers to this cuisine as "very expensive, very delicious road-kill." (She does have a way with words, doesn't she?) What she is referencing is all of the exotic game meats on the menu -- venison, hare, rattlesnake and others. The chef here is so talented, these meats are rendered into delicacies -- tender, never gamy, and always accented with the special sauces that have become a retail item themselves. Their Mixed Grill is most likely very different from any other mixed grill you have ever eaten. Hudson's Mixed Grill is composed of Venison, Rabbit, Smoked Quail and Pheasant Ancho Sausage served atop Madagascar Green Peppercorn and Apple Cider Brandy Sauces. Every bite is unique and delicious. The last time Sister-Friend went, I partook of their seafood crepes which were rich beyond belief and filled with all kinds of scrumptious bits of lobster, shrimp and scallops. The sides are never an afterthought here -- they are always creative and delicious. Their sweet/white mashed potatoes topped with pesto are a mild nice touch and I always eat every bite of their jalapeno corn pudding. Even though you may be stuffed, please do not pass on coffee and dessert. They are famous for their turtle pie, a slice of pecan pie that has been frozen, dipped in fine chocolate, and served alongside whipped cream and a swirl of raspberry sauce. Their apple crumble is not like what Mom used to make -- served in a sizzling black pan, it is accompanied with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and simply is a lot of fun. Prices are steep here -- two people can easily spend up that $100 gift certificate not including drinks. For something special, though, it is worth it. Matt's Barbeque E. Riverside Barbeque Cheap Sister-Friend knows that being a gentlewoman and being a finger-licking connoisseur of Texas barbeque are not mutually exclusive. And so, I can state unashamed that the barbeque at Matt's is some of the best I have ever tasted. The ribs are as good -- if not better -- than many expensive barbeque restaurants. Falling off the bone tender, they are so good, especially dipped in extra sauce, that Sister-Friend has been known to smear sauce from her chin to her elbows. The brisket is also delicious -- with that perfect pink smoke ring and much juicier than the dry stuff often found in other locales. The pork is fork-tender, though it can be a trifle on the fatty side. What elevates this place even higher is their sides. The beans are a dream -- hot with black pepper, sweet as a kiss -- so good even the most haughty person will be caught surreptitiously dipping his bread into the sauce. The potato salad is cool and well seasoned -- the perfect complement. The prices here are terrific, (hey students -- you get lunch prices all the time!) plus, it is obvious from all the clipping and awards on the walls that Matt makes a point of helping out the community. A definite winner in Sister-Friend's book. Mykonos Burnet Road Greek Cheap Sister-Friend and the husband began patronizing Mykonos back when it was owned by Staathi and Angeles (sp?) back when we were students, before we became husband and wife and long before we became parents. Though it is owned by another family now, the food is still delicious, and a wonderful value. The last time we went, we started with the spanakopita, a tangy spinach pie wrapped in soft (not crispy) layers of fillo. We shared one of their Greek salads, which is loaded with good feta cheese and herbs and then each got a gyro. What a feast! A fluffy pita barely holds all of the succulent seasoned lamb, (cooked spit-style), onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and tsasiki sauce. The sauce is a little heavy on the sour cream (Sister-Friend prefers the lighter traditional yogurt), but this is quibbling with details. We have several different entrees including mousakka and roast chicken, but the gyro is so tasty, we never have gotten around (in 8 years!) to ordering anything different. If you like Greek food, this "hole-in-the-wall" receives Sister-Friend's vote! Sister-Friend is always interested in your comments and ideas -- in general or about her web page. Send her a message at CalypsoZ@swbell.net. She thanks you very much. Top Home Forward About this site Proud to be a member of the neighborhood.