OK, I admit it. I hated on Gabbi’s before I even stepped into the place.

“Come on, do we really need another burger place?”
“That sign looks inviting 8|”
“Burgers and Dogs next to Taco Deli? Seriously?”

In fact, I would have never stumbled into this place if I wouldn’t have stumbled across the Yelp! reviews when looking for a lunch spot.

OK, Gabbi’s…I’m going to give you a shot.

I’m sure glad I did. The burger at Gabbi’s is definitely no joke.

I got a blue cheese burger and it was dominant! Great taste, great toppings, didn’t cut any corners with bun or fries either. I would say that perhaps there
was a little bit too much blue cheese and bacon, but flavor was definitely in your face.

Christy got the Jalapeno burger, and was also impressed. Again, perhaps a little too generous with the toppings, but overall burgers were fantastic. Better than Mighty Fine. Better than Waterloo. Better than your expectations.

Gabbi’s, please accept my apologies. I should have known better than to judge a restuarant by its cover. Now I got to go back and try that Chicago Style Hot Dog (just got to make sure the fiance is not around).

-CP

If you haven’t been to Taco Deli yet, I don’t know what you’re waiting for.

This place, quite simply, ROCKS!

The tacos are fresh, creative, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection. There are lots of options to choose from, and I am seldom disappointed.

The ‘Cowboy’ taco is a must-have. I’ve also enjoyed the Mole taco, Frontera Fundido, and Scallops taco. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong at this place.

All tacos have homemade taste and filled with high-quality, lean meat. I’ve taken several of my friends here and they’re always impressed. Breakfast tacos are great too.

Do yourself a favor and stop by here for lunch and I’m sure you’ll be impressed at what a $4 taco can do for your taste buds. Staff is friendly and accommodating as well. Taco Deli does no wrong.

Mmmm, I’m salivating just thinking about this place. Highly recommended. Get in your car and go now!

-CP

Ever had dim sum before?

I have had it at a few places….China Gate in Seattle, Tien Hong on Burnet, to name a few.

But I especially like the Dim Sum at Chinatown in North Austin.

It’s a little fancier than you may expect with things like espresso glazed baby back ribs, and baked chilean sea bass. However, it has all the traditional dim sum fare you are accustomed to, but with great quality and freshness.

If you’re not familiar with dim sum, servers typically come around with a cartful of small plates (think Asian tapas). You pick and choose what you want from the cart and typically share with the other guests at your table. Plates usually are anything from dumplings to pork buns, sticky rice to baked taro.

At Chinatown everything is warm and special attention is paid to presentation, which is unlike any other dim sum experience I’ve had elsewhere. My friends like to call it “upscale” dim sum, which may or may not suit you.

I personally enjoy it, and to get items with the ‘fresh out the oven’ feel more than makes up for the slightly higher premium you’ll pay for the food.

I’ve been here three times with three groups of friends (who grew up eating dim sum) and they’ve all seemed to enjoy the experience. I definitely recommend.

-CP

It was Friday afternoon, and I decided to take a cruise down south to finally try out Lulu B’s. And I must say, it was totally worth it!

Lulu B’s is known for their Vietnamese sandwiches. But this isn’t ordinary at all….the meat, the veggies, the bread are all top-notch and
probably unlike anything you’ve had before.

I ordered Chinese BBQ Pork and Lemongrass Pork (they were out of Chicken) sandwiches, and they were really great. One sandwich is more than enough for one person.

After waiting about 15 minutes, I got my sandwiches and unwrapped. I was treated to fresh cucumbers, carrots, and jalapenos, layered in between a nice cracklin’ crisp french loaf.

The BBQ pork wasn’t greasy or saucy. Just good clean, grilled pork with a nice red crust. You can’t go wrong.

Lemongrass pork also didn’t disappoint….nice hint of lemongrass in every bite (now I have to go back and try the chicken).

Meat was good and lean, not too fatty, in both sandwiches and I enjoyed the heat of the jalapenos. However, if you’re less adventurous you may want to opt out of those fresh jalapenos (not pickled)….because they do have kick.

Hands down best Vietnamese sandwich I’ve had, and I can’t imagine something beating it. This was the kind of lunch that, after eating,made me want to tell people about and post on my website. Highly Recommended.

-CP