Welcome to the second in a series of three Austin Food Deals posts. Yesterday, the topic was “Freebies and Groceries.” Today the focus is on complimentary appetizers, happy hours, and price fixe menus.
Thanks again to Moriah Butler, communications major at the University of Texas, for her generous fact checking help.
Complimentary Appetizers
When I go out for a nice meal, I love a little gesture that makes me feel welcomed and special from the get-go. An easy way to do that — warm up some rolls and serve some whipped butter with …

When I first moved to Austin back in October 2003, I mourned the loss of a good New York City pizza. We had Saccones, but it was way up north and I was a south of the river girl back then. It felt like I had two choices for every meal I ate: Tex Mex or BBQ.
Austin has changed in the past five years and the dining scene has become more varied and interesting. While we have lost some wonderful spots like Las Manitas and Texicali Grille, we have gained …

I don’t remember the first time I saw Giovanni Pizza Stand on South Lamar at Barton Skyway, and was surprised to learn when I finally visited this past weekend that it has been there for two years. Giovanni is easy to miss – it’s a small white trailer with unassuming signage set in the back of an empty parking lot.
Owned by Julio Rangel, word is he settled on calling his little pizza and pasta stand by an Italian name to avoid people driving up and asking for tacos. Julio …

We are embarking on a time in Austin where the weather is near perfect, the air is buzzing with excitement, and my calendar gets too full for my own good. There are just so many cool things going on in this city in the springtime and I would be remiss if I didn’t share them with you.

Farm to Table Dinners at Cipollina
1st Wednesday of every month (that would be this Wednesday, folks).
Three course seasonal menu of farm-fresh fare, created by Chef Parker White.
$30 per person. Open Seating: 6-8 pm
Call or …

I just moved into the neighborhood a little over a week ago but I’d wager that the pizza at Cipollina is the best in Clarksville. I’m starting to think that Clarksville is also the best neighborhood in Austin. I love walking my black lab Lucy to the neighborhood dog park or to Pease Park and passing by stately mansions dating back to the 1920’s, cottages from the 1940’s, and eco-friendly modern homes.

Last Sunday, Ilyse came over to check out my new digs. We were both starving — me from unpacking …