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BISTROT MIRABELLE
8127 Mesa Dr
(512-346-7900)
Lunch Mon–Fri 11–5. Dinner Mon–Sat 5–10. Brunch Sat & Sun 10–3
web site | map | latest review | access ++ |  add to library |
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French |
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(From February 2012) The more things change, the more they stay the same. In the case of Mirabelle, the changes come in the form of new owners, a new chef, and an authentically French menu, while the friendly service and warm neighborhood vibe remain. Duck rillettes pleased us more in taste than in presentation, but butter leaf lettuce with an herbed vinaigrette achieved both eye and palate appeal. Classic trout meunière hit the right notes (citrusy, savory, and buttery), and a merguez sausage sandwich with crispy french fries made a lasting impression. We swooned over a chocolate custard tart sprinkled with sea salt and an apple galette served with brown butter ice cream. Beer & wine. |
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JUSTINE’S
4710 E. 5th
(512-385-2900)
Dinner Wed–Mon 6–2. Closed Tue.
web site | map | latest review | photo | access ++ | add to library |
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$$ |
French |
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Andrew Lo |
(From June 2011) We huddled at the bar at this ultra-hip hangout in East Austin, admiring the eclec-tic French bistro ambience (the luscious red walls and dainty chandeliers provide just the right touch). Three empty tables held our attention as we waited and waited—and then were finally seated at one of them. A little foreshadowing, perhaps? Mussels in a white-wine broth started us off—good but not the best we’ve ever had (their “fishy†aroma was somewhat unsettling). When our en-trées finally arrived (45 minutes is a long time), our companion devoured his delicious snapper in beurre blanc with haricots verts. Our pork chop grilled in a thyme reduction (oh, the butter!) came with the most splen-did potatoes au gratin—and redemption. Bar. |
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LA PATISSERIE
602 W. Annie
(512-912-0033)
Open Tue–Fri 8 a.m–4 p.m., Sat & Sun 9–5. Closed Mon.
map | latest review | access ++ | add to library |
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French /
Diner |
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(From November 2011) What a delightful find, in South Austin but far from the SoCo hipster scene. In this quaint cottage (exuding just the right amount of country French atmosphere), we found ourselves struggling to choose from the tempting array in the deli case. We finally settled on a Hope Farmers Market Salad (fresh and crisp) and a scrumptious tomato-and-cheese tart, which sated our appetite but didn’t leave us stuffed. Thank goodness our willpower failed at the prospect of a lemon curd tart. |
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