Farm to Table

So, i know that farm to table dining isn't really a new idea...but it is new to me...and I LOVE it!
As many of you know, I am an avid Food Network watcher.  One night, "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" came to Austin to a restaurant called Foreign and Domestic.  The gruyere popovers made my mouth water just watching them.  When my friends discovered that I have never had a popover, that was reason enough for a mandatory trip into Austin.

The only downfall to farm to table restaurants is limited availability.  I am sad to report, that I STILL have not had a popover...but that was the only thing disappointing about my experience.  The food was UNBELIEVABLE!!!

My meal for the night: fried chicken and biscuits.  I am SO thankful that, although on their limited availability menu, that I was able to try it!  It is just as amazing as it appeared on Triple D!  And, as an added bonus, you can find the recipe here if you want to try and make it yourself... :-)

Both of my friends decided on the pork rib chop.  Apart from the jalapenos, this dish was also divine...especially the gouda fritters!  My favorite part about dining with friends is tasting a little bit of everyone's meal...thank goodness none of us have an aversion to sharing!

And of course, dessert was a MUST!  We decided to order both items on the menu: buttermilk panna cotta and chocolate cake.  Because of this decision, we learned that dill syrup makes an intriguing addition to desserts, sea salt should ALWAYS be on top of chocolate cake, and we need to figure out how to recreate that coffee cream immediately if not sooner!


As if dinner at F&D wasn't enough...the next morning we imparted on an adventure downtown which began with brunch at 24 Diner.  (Also featured on Food Network...go figure...in an episode of "Crave")  Again, what an amazing food experience!

Brunch meal 1: Corned Beef Hash

I LOVE corned beef hash when it's done right...and this was ABSOLUTELY done right!  The corned beef was extremely fresh and in huge meaty chunks.  Wow.  This might just be the best hash I've had.

Brunch meal 2: 24 Hash

The perfect blend of eggs, bacon, sausage, cheddar cheese, and potatoes.  I was also informed that adding Siracha gave it one helluva kick...but my weenie mouth couldn't handle that...oh well!

Brunch meal 3: Waffle Sandwich

Usually, I am not a huge waffle fan (unless they're Belgian and are topped with loads of whipped cream...) but when you put bacon, a fried egg, sausage, and cheddar in between the halves...that's a COMPLETELY different story!  O.M.G.  The perfect blend of salty and sweet and waffle and meat.


So, I'm thankful that my Spring Break ended with fabulous friends, food, and fun!  Being the foodies that we are, I know that this is only the first of many delicious adventures to restaurants throughout Austin (and beyond?)!

And I want to go back to both restaurants.  Right now.  ;-)