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CAFE AEBY
The Village, 3815 S. Alameda (361-225-0329)
Open Tue–Sat 11–2 & 5:30–9:30. Closed Sun & Mon.
map | latest review | access + |  add to library | |
$$-$$$ |
Eclectic |
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(From March 2009) Cafe Aeby always impresses with its high level of service and food that’s innovative and appealingly presented. A salad of roasted beets and organic greens comes embellished with candied walnuts, blue cheese, and turmeric vinegar; delicious poached salmon rests on a bed of paper-thin slices of marinated cucumber; hearty Italian sausage with a grainy mustard sauce sits atop sauerkraut and puréed potatoes. Warning: Call ahead to be sure the restaurant is open for dinner, as unannounced closings for private events are common. Beer & wine. |
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DRAGONFLY
13925 S. Padre Island Dr. (361-949-2224)
Open Tue–Thur 11–2 & 4–9, Fri 11-2 & 4-10, Sat 11–10. Closed Sun & Mon.
map | latest review | access ++ | add to library | |
$$–$$$ |
Eclectic |
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(From December 2009) Everything is a bit quirky here—except for the food, which always makes the trek to the island worth the effort. If your party is small, expect to share a table with fellow admirers of chef Dominique Cordier. The star dish on our visit was a special of wild salmon, perfectly grilled and accompanied by three large shrimp and garlicky green beans. We added the signature potato puffs—feather-light whipped potatoes encased in a thin, nutmeg-flavored crust—and the crab cakes, which were, as always, Chesapeake quality. Beer & wine. |
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TANGO TEA ROOM
505 S. Water, behind Memorial Coliseum (361-883-9123)
Open Mon-Thur 10-7, Fri & Sat 10-9. Closed Sun.
web site | map | latest review | photo | access + | add to library | |
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Tearoom /
Eclectic |
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(From December 2009) Aging flower children will find comfortable familiarity at the Tango Tea Room, housed in the Yin Yang Fandango shop cum alternative culture center. That is, if they don’t mind the company of banker types, who come for the excellent food and hospitality offered by proprietors John and Irene Jaan. The recently refreshed menu is an eclectic collection of exotic teas, mostly vegan cuisine, and beautiful American-style cakes and pies. Our favorite menu item, and one of the most popular, is a shredded chicken salad with sun-dried tomatoes served on a fresh croissant with a side of piquant salsa and corn chips. We also like the roasted vegetable sandwich (tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms). We broke diet vows for a slice of creamy Mexican chocolate cheesecake improved with a subtle blend of chile peppers, cinnamon, and secret south-of-the-border spices. |
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