Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the latest establishment to open up in the Pavilion mall downtown, and they were doing a trial run at lunch today.  So we got to try anything we wanted on the menu for free.

Like the rich little piglets that we are, the five of us pretty much ordered everything on the menu.  For appetizers, we tried the ceviche, the guacamole, quesadillas, chimichangas, and other weird fried tex-mex foods that I can't remember.  It was all pretty average, except the quesadillas, which were really good, but seeing as how it was free, it was exhilarating.   I had this creamy poblano soup with a fish taco for my entree.  The soup was really good and spicy and the fish taco was average (although, I think I hold fish tacos to the standard of Berry Hill, so I'm generally pretty tough to please on this dish).  

The decor in the restaurant is bright and colorful, but the hues are kinda 70s, which makes me think it will look really dated in about five years.  I will likely go back to this place due to its proximity to my office, but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to go downtown for dinner to hit it up.  

Ruchi's

Special Edition: Hurricane Ike 

Ruchi's was the first restaurant we went to after that son-of-a blew through town, and it was great.  We waited outside the restaurant -- velvet rope style -- to be let in.  Then we snatched up a table for seven and ordered a round of eight drinks.  My dad said this was all very New Orleans, which I believed and relished. 

One of our dining companions claims Ruchi's green sauce is the BEST salsa in town.  For my part, I'll claim that Ruchi's has the best bang for your barbacoa buck.  I had a barbacoa torta and I ate the whole thing.  Sure, afterwards I felt pregnant with regret, but I'd do it all again.

Bottom line on Ruchi's: Cheap, delicious, and you can drink there when you're under 21

El Rey

I do not love pictures of myself. Peggy simply had the camera out while I was driving, texting, drinking coffee and eating El Rey tacos at the same time. There were no deaths, but an accident did occur. Black beans spilt all over my crotch and Peggy said, I am not cleaning that mess up. So what if I went to dinner and art openings in Austin looking like I defecated all over myself. No biggie. I thought the hat which I purchased for a dollar at an estate sale, would draw attention to my face. Well, I forgot my hat and it was all about bean crotch.

It was worth it. El Rey Tacos- people are chilling at the barstools, there is plenty of light and windows... it is like Taqueria meets Diner. The tacos- I got carnitas and then the Cubano- which is plantains, sour cream, black beans, and choice of meat. Peggys, chicken; Mine,beef. (I do not know if Peggy ate chicken but I wanted to use a semi colon). Kelly recommended this place to me the last time she and I drove to Austin. I recommend this place to anyone who needs a great weekend snack. While there is a long drive through line, I suggest going inside and sitting down.

I say yes to this place.

Berryhill nachos

Nacho regular nachos!

I had a craving for nachos and it was a pleasant surprise when I ordered nachos from Berryhill since tamale is in their name
and they are known for delicious fish tacos. The nachos were large and in charge.

Large portions, tasty fajita beef and chicken, good guacamole, tomatoes, onions, cheese, beans, and jalepenos. Yum yum! Even though it is under apps it could be a meal.

I approve.