When the hot new spot to eat in The Domain recently, I jumped at the opportunity to attend their VIP party. It wasn’t a small, exclusive event, but a large one. We put the staff to the test and they were up for the challenge.

The drinks were flowing at the appetizers were passed with delightful frequency.

My friend and I sampled all the appetizers as well as some cocktails. Sadly, the first drink I tried to order from their specialty menu was unable to be made, as they didn’t have all the ingredients. Same thing with my second try. Now that they’ve had a week or so to settle in, hopefully they’re fully stocked up. I stuck with wine and that was just fine. The sangria looked pretty good, too.

For dinner we tried the Chilean sea bass, which was accompanied by a coconut curry cake and bright, snappy snow peas. The sea bass was cooked perfectly. One of my favorites and was glad to see it done right. Next we tried a filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts and bacon. I order the filet medium, but I’d say it arrived slightly above medium well, closer to well. It’s possible that it kept cooking as our waitress fought the heavy crowds to get to our table. But it was tender and expertly seasoned. The sprouts were light and airy and would satisfy the biggest of bacon fiends. Read: They did not skimp on the bacon!

We were full but they insisted that we try some desserts. Well, if you insist. The key lime pie was sheer perfection. The fresh whipped cream that barely had any sugar, the dense, sweet tart lime filling, the graham cracker crust. I, myself, make the world’s best key lime pie so I know what I’m talking about. And this ranks up there with mine. Not pictured was a warm mug of some melty chocolatey peanut buttery thing that we couldn’t stop eating.

Next time you are shopping at the Domain, stop in to the BlackFinn for some food. Check out their diverse menu right here. There’s something for everyone!

Looking to eat well and not spend a fortune? Well look no further. Austin has no shortage of great places to eat on a budget. No need to sacrifice your tastebuds when dining on a dime. This restaurants on this list will ensure satisfaction and leave some cash in your wallet.

Bar Chi

The sushi happy hour is notoriously cheap and it’s practically all the time. With many sushi options and rolls costing $1.50 to $5.00, you can afford to indulge in a few cocktails, too.

Chuy’s

With an Elvis theme and all kinds of crazy crap on the walls, Chuy’s might be the most vibrant environment for Tex-Mex. Favorites include Southwest Enhiladas with succulent white meat chicken and blue corn tortillas, or the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo, which has…everything. This place isn’t packed everyday for no reason. No matter where you are in Austin, there’s always a Chuy’s nearby.

El Pollo Rico

A no-frills drive through with flavorful chargrilled chicken. A whole chicken and sides of fresh tortillas, rice, beans, grilled onions, and red and green salsas is only $13.85. Perfect for a night of healthy take-out or a picnic in Zilker Park.

Habeñero Mexican Cafe

The tiny joint on Oltolf cranks out fresh, delicious Mexican lunches to legions of Austinites. Although many consider it a secret gem, everyone knows this is a great lunch spot with to-die-for mole. Limited dinner hours and seating.

Hyde Park Bar and Grill

Both locations are immensely popular for entrees like Slow Roasted Pork and Mac, Pan Roasted Chicken, and Chopped Steak. Dinner prices average at about $12 a plate. Make sure to save room for their famous battered fries.

Juan in a Million

When Adam Richman attempted the Don Juan breakfast taco eating challenge, the world paid attention to this little East Austin eatery with bars on the windows. A cheap breakfast favorite, Juan’s also offers affordable lunches and dinners. Lots of great tacos! Bonus, if Juan is there, you’ll get the best handshake of your life.

Magnolia Cafe

Open 24 hours and featuring consistently good food, the Magnolia is an Austin classic. Both the regular menu items and specials feature local and organic ingredients. Way more hip than your typical diner, the food that comes out of the kitchen is always special, always better than it has to be. 95% of the menu is under ten bucks which feels like a steal when the food is this good.

Noodles and Company

The small chain specializes in everything pasta, be it Asian, Mediterranean or American. Not just an economical place to dine, but it’s surprisingly diet friendly. Nutritional information is listed right on the menu so you know exactly what you are geting. Most items fall within the 400-500 calorie range, but there are plenty of options for those who desire something more indulgent, like the famous Truffle Mac.

P. Terry’s

Austin’s own little drive-through chain has won the hearts of even the healthiest eaters. The hormone and antibiotic-free, all natural beef make some of the tastiest burgers served out of a window. But their chicken and veggie burgers hold their own, too. Served with award-winning fries and fresh lemonade, this is a no-brainer for a fast and cheap meal.

Quality Seafood Market

Need a fishy fix? Let Quality Seafood Market cook their fresh fish to order, however you like it. Want to eat like King Triton? Stop in for the lobster dinner special on Saturday nights, only $19.99.

Tacodeli

Just go. Order anything. Be delighted.

Tarbouch Lebanese Grill

This under-appreciated restaurant in South Austin serves healthy, savory meats, hummus, and all your Middle Eastern favorites. Stay awhile and enjoy an after-dinner hookah.

Titaya’s Thai Cuisine

Austin has a generous offering of Thai food, but none as satisfying as Titaya’s, in this blogger’s humble opinion. Try the curries, the specials, the desserts. Try it all! You can afford it.

Torchy’s Tacos

A good way to get to know an Austinite quickly is to find out their favorite Torchy’s Taco. Do they prefer the Baja Shrimp? Then they are classy. The Green Chili Pork? Loyal traditionalists. Taco of the Month? Bold adventurers. I mean, they are all good. It’s a beautiful world we live in, where every personality and every taco is special.

What are some of your favorite Cheap Eats in Austin? Leave a comment and let me know.

*This post featured some photos from local photographer Elizabeth Shear. Check out her site to see more of her work.

Last weekend I went to the Cowboys and Gauchos party thrown by The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas. An event themed on Texas and South American wine and foods? Yes, please.

I even put on a pair of cowboy boots for the first time ever, and between the searing ankle stabbing and the eventual pain in the heel after wearing them all day, they were kind of comfortable. I imagine they were more painful when they were being broken in, but as they were passed to me from my Aunt Maryfran, I was spared the torture. Being the same shoe size as my aunt has paid off for years. Anyway, here they are: Justin boots, size 7.

The Salt Lick Pavilion was full of happy people sampling food from the many stations around the grounds. More than your average BBQ, it featured whole animals roasting over fires. Goat, pig, boar, lamb, and antelope were served as fancy bites, upscale tacos, or just on their own.

Inside the pavilion there was music and dancing to entertain guests while they tasted the many wine offerings from Texas Wine Country, Argentina, and Uruguay. And a little something sweet to cap off the already sweet day.

I’ll definitely go to this event again next year. It was a perfect day and there was no waiting in line for anything. Maybe next year I’ll pair my boots with some gaucho pants.

The country’s largest private cake competition took place in Austin last weekend and yours truly got to be a judge. Not a judge of cake art and fancy fondant things, but a tasting judge. Even better, right? I got to eat cake.

That Takes the Cake has been going for almost a decade and gets bigger every year. Look at the line to get in!

This was my first year attending and my first time at anything like this, really. Here are some of the amazing things I saw:

From there, they just got crazier:

But my very favorite was this one:

The cakes I tasted were much humbler and I was glad for it. I was allowed to choose my category so I picked angel food cake. I was surprised that no one else picked it as their first choice. Not everyone likes the spongey, light texture, but I love it. Other categories included moon pies, candy, cookies, and mini-bottle cakes and the judges were a mix of bloggers, other types of food writers, and cake enthusiasts. It was a tough job but someone had to do it.

What did I learn from this experience? Cake is good. Even the cakes that didn’t win were pretty tasty. Also, sweet overload happens within minutes. The organization provided plenty of water, but next year I will sneak in some pretzels. What a fun way to spend a Saturday morning! A full list of winners and photos is posted here.

We’re known for our Tex-Mex, our barbecue, food trucks and vegetarian eats. Indian might be the food genre experiencing the most growth in Austin and I say Bring it on! The versatility and regional variations mean a limitless world of flavors and textures to explore. Ideal for carnivores, vegans, and everyone in-between, Indian food is simply divine.

Asiana

801 E. William Cannon Dr, Ste 205, Austin, TX 78745

Don’t let the rundown strip mall or sparse decor fool you, Asiana makes some great food. Delicious dosas, fluffy naan and some of the spiciest vindaloo in the city. Ask for it spicy and you shall receive.

Bombay Bistro

10710 Research Blvd. #126, Austin, TX 78759

4200 South Lamar #300, Austin, TX 78704

The elegant, romantic decor of the south location makes for a great date spot.

Bombay Express

13000 North I35, Bldg 12, Unit 216, Austin, TX 78753

Vegetarian.

Bombay Grill Indian Restaurant

3201 Bee Caves Rd. #148, Austin, TX 78746

Cheery service and wide range of options on the buffet.

Chola

2601 S. I35, Ste. B-400, Round Rock, TX 78664

Leans on Southern cuisine although has some Northern offerings. Known for their weekend buffet.

Clay Pit

1601 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701

A downtown favorite, Clay Pit offers a modern setting and delicious Bombay-inspired cocktails. The curried mussels alone are worth the trip.

Curry in a Hurry

2121 W. Parmer Lane #114, Austin, TX 78727

This vegetarian spot features a daily curry. Bonus: free wi-fi!

G’Raj Mahal

91 Red River, Austin, TX 78701

This popular food truck is distinctly Austin. The BYOB has lots of outdoor seating and makes for a great start when bar-hopping on Rainey Street.

Indian Spicy Kitchen

500 Canyon Ridge Dr, Ste L275, Austin, TX 78753

Extensive menu and online ordering system makes takeout a breeze.

Man Pasand Grocery

3601 W. William Cannon #750, Austin, TX 78749

A great place to stock up on spices, snacks, frozen meals, grains and more. The freshly made hot samosas for $1.00 at the counter are some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

Masala Wok

1100 Center Ridge Dr, Ste 300, Austin, TX 78753

10515 N. Mopac, Ste. A-155, Austin, TX 78759

This small chain has classic Indian and Chinese options.

Naan Sense

519 E. 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

This food truck satisfies late night bar-goers downtown. A popular dish is their Kathi Rolls: parantha with an egg, chutney, cabbage and cilantro.

New India Cuisine

2304 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

The South Austin Marathi-style restaurant offers lots of fish and yeast-free naan.

Nomad Dosa

1603 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

The popular Airstream cranks out soy and gluten-free vegetarian dosas. They often sell out so get there early.

Royal India

4894 Hwy 290 West, Austin, TX 78735

Located in the old Estancia Churrascaria building, favorites include a dosa bar and the Royal Feast, a $44 multi-course dinner for two people.

Sarovar

8440 Burnet Rd, Ste 100, Austin, TX 78757

This old Austin favorite specializes in thali and surly waitstaff.

Shalimar

9310 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

The biryani is a favorite.

Star of India

2900 W. Anderson Lane, Ste 12D, Austin, TX 78757

Standard buffet of classic dishes in a comfortable setting.

Swad

9515 N. Lamar Blvd #156, Austin, TX 78753

Vegetarian favorites and fun street food. The big-as-your-head dosas are a must try. You won’t even mind the lack of atmosphere.

Tarka Indian Kitchen

201 University Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665

2525 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757

5207 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX 78745

The little sister of Clay Pit offers many of the same classic curries and fantastic pakoras. The fast, casual counter service has proven to be so popular that they keep expanding, with three locations now.

Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine

12407 N. Mopac, Ste 200B, Austin, TX 78758

A budget hole-in-the-wall that frequently offers discounts for their lunch buffet.

Teji’s Foods

1205 Round Rock Ave #115, Round Rock, TX 78681

Part grocery, part restaurant, the widely-respected Teji’s has the fluffiest naan.

Whip In

1950 I35 South, Austin, TX 78704

A funky South Austin staple, Whip In is a convenience store with indoor and outdoor live music, a massive selection of craft on draft, and a large menu of fusion Indian eats.

There’s no stopping the ramen trend in Austin! The city can’t get enough of the hearty steaming bowls of rich broth and bouncy alkaline noodles. Those initiated into the ramen scene (and it is very much a scene, baby) are addicted to the umami, the toppings and the slurping. The uninitiated just need to give it a try.

If you need more convincing, check out local filmmaker Christian Remde’s Culinary Equation fantastic video all about ramen.

Ramen Tatsu-ya

A great option for first-timers,  Ramen Tatsu-ya provides a quirky guide on what to order, how to eat, and definitions for all the unfamiliar terms and ingredients. They offer classic toppings and fun flavors bombs, so you can customize every bowl.

In addition to the spectacular ramen, they have delicious appetizers and sides including katsu sliders and the world’s greatest Brussel’s sprouts.

Check out their website for the full menu. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 5-10.

Location: 8557 Research Blvd, Ste. 126, Austin, TX 78758

*Pro-tip: Get there before 5:00 or after 8:45 to avoid the long line. Or just show up whenever and stand in line chatting with fellow ramen-heads, letting the anticipation build. Also, check out the cool bathrooms.

Michi Ramen

The ramen groundbreakers of Austin, Michi Ramen started in a truck, took a break, and reopened in brick and mortar. They are the only game in town to offer a choice of broth thickness like old-school traditional places in Japan. The noodles are slightly thicker than other places and the broth tastes like love.

Included in the large selection of sides and add-ons is a barbecue-lovers delight, Chashu Don, burnt ends, bonito flakes and green onions over steamed rice.

Michi is the most comfortable establishment to sit and enjoy ramen, with plentiful tables and a cozy waiting area.

Check out their website for the full menu. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 11-2, 5-9.

Location: 6519 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78752

*Pro-tip: Leave room for dessert! The mochi, 2 for $3 is shipped frozen from Hawaii and just heavenly.

Komé

Known for their wide array of fresh and delicious sushi, Komé also makes a kickass ramen. Their efforts will only improve when their ramen-only location, Daruma Ramen, opens on East 6th. Being the most southern ramen-ya will surely earn them an instant following.

Check out their website for the full menu. Hours are Monday-Friday 11-2, 5-10 and Sat-Sun 12-3, 5:30-10

Location: 4917 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

*Pro-tip: Ramen is only available during lunch hours.

More Ramen!

When Paul Qui announced his intentions to make ramen, our collective ears perked up. His offerings at East Side King at Hole in the Wall are inventive and fun. Especially delicious is the Chicken Tortilla Ramen, a perfect fusing of Japan and Austin. Recent experimentation resulted in a bacon beer ramen that the combines everyone’s favorite two loves.

Check out their website for the full menu. Hours are Monday-Friday 11am-Midnight, Saturday 4pm-midnight

Location: 2538 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705

Chi’Lantro offers occasional ramen specials, delighting post-bar snackers with their Korean fusion ramen. Check the website for locations and hours of ramen offerings.

Banzai Sushi and Grill has nontraditional ramen offerings like meatball and tofu. Hours are Mon-Sat, 11am-9:30pm, Sun 12-9.

Location: 3914 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756

Should you stray from the sushi menu at Musashino Sushi Dokoro you can order from a variety of ramen flavors during lunch hours only.

Hours are Tues-Fri 11:30-2, 5:30-10, Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30

Location: 3407 Greystone Dr., Austin, TX 78731

24 Diner offers chef-inspired comfort food. Across the street from Whole Foods and next to Waterloo Records, they have the ideal location and are always busy. Since I’m from New Jersey, the land of diners, I find their name to be a misnomer. Other than being open 24 hours, this is nothing like a diner. It’s not a greasy spoon, it’s missing all the Greek dishes common at diners, and it’s definitely not cheap. But the food is delicious and the service is stellar. By the way, true diner service is provided by cranky older ladies.

On a recent visit, Mr. Betty and I had a late dinner after an event that ran long. We started with a couple drinks and some deviled eggs. The mister had a beer and I tried an Amarillo Lemonade. Oh, puke. What the hell is amarillo? This bitter concoction was not for me. Lesson learned.

I had the Chopped Salad and it was huge and filling. I was able to eat about half and enjoyed the rest the next day. I think $14 is a bit overpriced for a salad, but it was chock full of turkey, ham and all the good stuff. I skipped the tomatoes and buttermilk dressing and opting instead for a roasted shallot vinaigrette on the side.

Mr. Betty had the Bacon Avocado Burger. A true creature of habit, he’ll order pretty much anything with poblanos on it. Again, I feel that $15 is too much for a burger, no matter how delicious. I had a bite and was indeed a really good burger. One of the best I’ve ever tasted. The creamy avocado and smoked aioli were a beautiful contrast to the savory, well-seasoned burger and salty bacon. Fries also get an A+.

24 diner is super cool inside, another big difference from a real diner. I’d describe the decor as retro chic with an edge. Not at all a hammy throwback to 50′s era diners that so many places do (I hate that) but tastefully modern with a nod to the past in the details. Look how fun it was over the holidays.

Would I go back or recommend 24 Diner? Absolutely. The food, service, and entire experience were wonderful. This is a favorite among Austinites for very good reason. With tip, we got out of there for just under $70. This will not be my first stop when looking for a cheap meal, but I’ll definitely be back.

Firehouse Subs

Recently I was invited to a media event at Firehouse Subs, which I had never been to before. They plied us with sandwiches as they told us about their history, quality vendors, and philanthropic endeavors. Here’s what we ate:

Hook and Ladder

Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar Brisket

Corned Beef Brisket

Italian

I walked out full and impressed. The Hook and Ladder was my favorite. And the fresh crunchy pickles were some of the best I’ve had in a long time. Also impressive is the importance Firehouse Subs places on giving back. They have donated more than $5.7M (so far) to provide life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders in 36 states and their Public Safety Foundation continues to raise funds for ongoing financial help and disaster support. Please donate or consider simply rounding up your change when you shop there to contribute to their important mission.

Do you live near a Firehouse Subs? They generously gave me a bunch of gift cards to give away. Leave a comment telling me what your favorite sandwich is to be entered to win a $10 giftcard. I’ll randomly draw names next Saturday (2/16/2013) and contact the winners.

Thanks for all your entries! Winners have been contacted. 

Okay, not really cheese.  Just a creamy dream that makes you wonder why you ever needed cheese in the first place.

Vegan cookbook author, Dreena Burton, graciously let me reprint her recipe here. This was just too good not to share. You’ll need:

• 10 oz pasta ( I used elbow)
• ¾ cup raw cashews
• ½ cup raw Brazil nuts
• 3 TB lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tsp arrowroot powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp mustard powder
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup water*
• ¾ cup bread crumbs
• 1 TB olive oil

Dreena offers nut-free options, so check out her site for alternatives. The ingredients I’ve listed are the ones that I used.

While you are cooking pasta according to instructions, preheat oven to 375°. Pasta should be al dente. Do not rinse once it’s finished. Combine nuts, milk, water, juice and seasonings in blender. Puree until smooth. Note: *I do not have a Vitamix or other crazy powerful blender. So I soaked the cashews and Brazil nuts in water for three hours beforehand and drained them. If you choose to do this, adjust water to half a cup as the nuts will absorb a fair amount. If you aren’t accustomed to using almond milk, make sure to buy unsweetened and unflavored. I know many, many people who accidentally bought vanilla almond milk because the packaging is virtually identical. Hey, Blue Diamond, use a different color. Stop ruining lives. 

I used the juice of a Meyer lemon, from my gorgeous supply from Girl Gone Grits’ plentiful bounty, now legendary among Austin foodies. Thank you, Kristina!

When blended, combine the sauce with pasta in a 8 x 12 lightly oiled baking dish. It will be runny and saucy, but don’t fret. The starchy pasta will thicken and absorb the sauce. Mix the breadcrumbs and olive oil and sprinkle over the pasta. I use a light touch with the breadcrumbs, but if you are into it, use more!

Cover with foil and bake for 15-18 minutes. Then remove foil and bake another five minutes or so to brown the breadcrumbs.

If you wait a few minutes, you’ll be able to cut a better slice. But it’s hard not to just scoop it out and taste it right away. Both are okay! I am so impressed with how great this recipe is. Easy, too. I’ve made it a few times and it’s perfect each time. Dreena is a master of vegan recipes. Check out her lastest book, Let Them Eat Vegan and definitely make this.

Austinites may have noticed a new beer on the scene last week. Branchline Brewing is San Antonio’s hottest new brewery and we are getting a taste of the action in Austin, too. I was lucky enough to attend the soft opening party several weeks ago and sampled the offerings and enjoyed the sunshine.

Located at 3633 Metro Parkway, the operation is in a warehouse, giving the brewers lots of space to work, while affording drinkers the room and privacy to party and relax without much traffic in the way. Many brought chairs and chose to set up camp outside. Meanwhile, inside, we had a tour of the facility and met owner Jason Ard.

The Evil Owl Amber was popular in the tasting room and my personal favorite. Well, until I tried the seasonal Eggnog Stout. I feel confident in predicting that it will be the holiday craze of 2013 a la Cabbage Patch Kids or Tickle Me Elmo. There was also an oyster stout, which I didn’t get to try, but was described as unconventional and amazing. I can dig it. The Shady Oak Honey Blonde was light, mild and refreshing, and featured local Texas honey. Yum.

Local food truck Mars’ Mobile Kitchen fed the party. Mr. Betty and I shared a burger and fries which were inspired by the event with beer caramelized onions.

Here’s some inside scoop: The Austin market has ordered mostly Woodcutter Rye IPA, while San Antonio’s favorite seems to be the amber. Interesting. You’ll see the top bars in Austin as early adopters of Branchline, but I imagine it’s only a matter of time before you see it everywhere. Tweet me @blogmadbetty and let me know where you are finding Branchline beer.