Dishola: Reviews by the Dish

2015 Manor Rd, Austin, TX
(512) 482-0300

Paula on 12/11/06

If you haven’t had puffy tacos, the delicate and crackly shells of raw (not griddled) masa tortillas that have been deep-fried until crisp and delicate, before being wrapped around a filling, you’d best get on it. You’d be wise to initiate yourself at Vivo’s, the convivial Tex-Mex spot on Manor Road’s ever-growing restaurant row, where they are the especialidad de la casa. An order of Puffy Tacos ($8.95) includes two homemade tortillas (fried until puffy, of course), with choice of filling (we love the spicy beef picadillo and moist shredded chicken), along with brown rice and beans, and lettuce, tomato, and cheese. What’s more, ladies are presented with a flower when they leave. When’s the last time you received one of those on a dinner date…hmmm?

1601 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX
(512) 322-5131

Paula on 12/11/06

Lest you think that kebabs are forgettable and ubiquitous street fare, take note: The fragrant and moist Malai Kebabs ($13.95), at the Clay Pit Grill and Curry House, warrant a spot in the kebab hall of fame. What sets the dish apart is the ultra moist, aromatic meat: boneless chicken breast is marinated overnight in the chef’s creamy roasted garlic sauce. Chicken and onions are then skewered and grilled to crispy perfection. Served atop a pile of fragrant basmati rice, it’s Indian comfort food, realized.

303 Fm-620 N, Austin, TX
(512) 266-3926

Paula on 12/11/06

If Ranch Road 620 is part of your daily trek, then you’ve probably already been enticed by the smoky aromas permeating from Buster’s Bar-B-Que. If it’s not, and you’ve never been, grab your car keys. The restaurant’s signature Garlic Bomb, and spicy Garlic “H” Bomb, is one of the most enticing and unique barbecue preparations in town. To prepare the Bombs, Owner Tom Cook (who rules the range with wife Marilyn) uses a boning knife to hollow out a slender tunnel in the center of a pork shoulder. He fills the tunnel with whole garlic cloves for the Garlic Bomb. For the H Bomb, our hands-down favorite, he stems and seeds whole jalapenos, fills them with garlic cloves, and tucks then into the slit. The meat is coated with brown sugar and spices, “rub it up in your hands, like you would a baseball,” Cook says, then smoked on the pit for two hours. The meat is thinly sliced on bias and sold as a sandwich ($4.79), great with a little BBQ sauce or mustard, pickles, and onions, or by the pound ($11.59).

2041 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78704

Paula on 01/23/07

This silver airstream trailer serves up an inexpensive and satisfying taste of France. Love the rich and gooey and ham and cheese crepe, but the dessert variations are just as alluring.

303 Red River St, Austin, TX
(512) 236-9599

Paula on 12/11/06

Housed in oldest buidling in Austin (built in 1850), this historic, homey restaurant serves playful takes on traditional comfort food. When it comes to appetizers, nothing beats the “Corndog” Shrimp’ ($8.95), served with honey mustard. Sweet shrimp are skewered on a stick, dipped in a subtly sweet cornmeal batter, and fried.