Kublai Khan Mongolian Grill-I really did think I took a pic or two of this place but I cannot seem to find them anywhere. :) So we will talk about it without pictures then. No worries. :) This place is a new restaurant at Parmer and 35, and it was really yummy! It is a building that has been many things in the past but this is my favorite one (other than when it was McAllister's for awhile). :) They fancied it up inside, have a lot of great things for you to throw in your bowl, and Braden LOVED it. :) He had such a wonderful time picking from the tons of meat, veggies, fruit, other add ons, noodles, rice, etc......and really enjoyed making his own sauce. :) He gave this place a huge thumbs up so I am sure we will be back. The service was AMAZING and they really loved on the boys. I have seen them starting to open up some additional ones in the Austin area....so I hope they do well. :)
Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar-This place is on Burnet and has also been a few different restaurants in the past. Really liked this place for lunch, as they had a few good options of pasta, paninis, salads, and soups. The service was quick and we got our lunch fast so we could grub it up and head out. I really appreciate a quick meal like that. It looks like they have some good entrees and wine for dinner, so we might need to head back for that one night. :)
Trento-fresh, casual Italian place at Westlake Drive and 360. We went for happy hour with the boys and ate in a big booth in the bar. We got some awesome pizza and a few other apps that included meats and cheeses, as well as some stellar bellinis! :) They were also good with the boys, and one of the bartenders brought Braden some fun little chocolate treats so you know he was sold. :) I would recommend giving them a shot! :) 
Westlake Ritas-After Trento and a trip to Brillant Sky Toys and Books in Westlake, we headed for a little dessert at Westlake Ritas. YUM!!! I was not 100% sure at first b.c they told us to pick our custard and then to pick Italian ice. I was so skeptical of the two of those together but man am I glad we tried it. :) We loved it!! :) It really was a totally new experience and of course Braden and Brant kept opening their mouths for some more of those flavorful bites! :) 
Austin Cake Ball Kitchen and Bar-Well it is true...this very well known place in Austin that been serving up cakeballs for quite some time has opened up an official eatery in The Domain. Chris and I had lunch there one day, and while the food was good, it was just way overpriced. I am afraid they might not be in business for too long. We had sandwiches..and then we had to finish it off with two cake balls at the end. The salted caramel one was the best. My reco-learn how to make those cake balls at home and you will save a ton of money. :)
Cuatros-This is a fun little place hidden in Central Austin, and they serve up some good grub. We might have just picked the right things on the menu but it sounded like most folks were pretty satisfied around us. :) They have a really nice patio area that would be perfect on an awesome spring day. :) I am thinking it probably caters mostly to UT students but there were a lot of other folks there too. 
Noodles & Co-this new place opened up in the Arboretum area recently, and it is a good place to just stop in for a quick bite during the work day. They can whip you up some noodles, soups, salads, sandwiches on demand. :) Chris had a great pad thai and I created my own....which ended up being a winner! :) Worth a try and then you can give it your own thumbs up or thumbs down. :)
Eleven Plates & Wine-Chris and I visited this locale during Austin Restaurant Week. We were able to order off a special menu during that time for the event...and I think we got some good choices. :) It is a cozy little atmosphere over on Westlake Drive and 360 (used to be Thistle Cafe). I hope they do well b.c I would like to go back again and sit on the patio on a cool evening with a great glass of wine. :) 
Bellini's-new place that recently opened up in Cedar Park and we like it. :) They have all kinds of food from burgers to pizza, etc. I just like that it is a local place and that the folks that we have interacted with there were very happy that we had come to give them a chance. I appreciate when restaurants are thankful for their patrons. Once again-they were very nice to the kids and got them anything they needed. 
Buenos Aires Cafe-we hit up the one over on the East side but there is another one that also opened at the Hill Country Galleria. We were fans...big fans!! They had an awesome selection of South American cuisine and we left happy. :) I would like to go there again and try some other things on the menu b.c I am sure there are many more tasty options. :) 
Barley Swine-oh the famous restaurant in South Austin that folks wait in line for HOURS to get in. It really is completley crazy and while the place is a fun concept, you really just need to go at 5 pm when they open. There is no need to wait for hours as the place is TINY and the dining experience really does take a very long time. There are some fun tapas type options that you can choose from, and that is pretty much the entire menu. Order wisely b.c it is NOT cheap at all! Just a heads up on that piece so you aren't shocked when you go.
We went to Barley Swine on a date night, and hit up Esthers Follies afterward. Gosh we love that place....can it be any funnier? Sheesh!! It was a ton of political humor which literally had us rolling on the floor and holding our sides. Seriously awesome and it never gets old! :) 
Easy Tiger Bakeshop & Beer Garden-FUN!!! Really liked this place!! It is on 6th Street closer to I-35, and it opened up within the past couple of months. German beer garden that was packed out the night we went. They have fun pub food-pretzels, meats, cheeses, mustards, breads, and great beer! There is a bakery upstairs where you can also buy these awesome treats. Really liked the food and the atmosphere...this place is a HIT! :)
Haddingtons-this was a date night place as well.....definitely not somewhere you would want to show up with the family. :) It is on W 6th Street and you need a reservation for sure. :) They specialize in fun drinks and unique entrees. As a starter we got some incredible bread and cheese with the best local honey. And the rest of our meal was superb as well. A little pricey and the place is body to body folks (tables are close together).....but I think it is worth giving a try. Our food was two tumbs up. :) 
