Aemon's Austin Reviews

Le Politique. You know, the brasserie, cafe & patisserie just across the street from work. The inside is huge. Seemingly going for a bustling French Salon -ish atmosphere, but at 5:35 on a Wednesday it was mostly empty and the cavernous surroundings made me feel a bit exposed. Service was friendly and attentive. The deviled egg starters, with roe, relish and pickled onion were beautiful. Tasted pretty good, too! For me the texture was a bit too smooth and uniform. Little, fried cheese ball things. I can't remember the name. They were yummy. Kinda like a spin on the Brazillian cheesy bread things whose name I also can't remember*. Cheese was gooey and warm inside. Fresh, warm sourdough bread with whipped, salted butter. NICE. I feel like a French restaurant has to get bread and butter right and they did not disappoint. *'Gougeres'. Thanks, Erin. Boeuf Bourguignon. The vegetables were done perfectly -- not mushy, not too crunchy, but with a nice bite. Carro...

A lot to like right off the bat at Old Thousand. It's big inside, but doesn't feel too big. For example, Fork & Vine was huge in side, and that set off alarms in my brain that equate small interior with exclusivity and quality. Old Thousand has divided sections, a continuos wall-mounted bench, a long bar, and (as Erin pointed out) lots of low hanging lamps that make it feel like an authentic Chinese tea-house. It's also sunk below street level, which always gives me that cozy, unobserved feeling. Service was friendly and attentive, but since we were the only ones there at 5:30 on a Wednesday this might not mean much. Our server explained the menu, recommending that we 'choose one thing from each section'. I started with an Old Fashioned which was fine: basic, without aromatic depth. Next up was a favorite of Erin's & mine: Scallion pancakes. These were served hot and crispy with some real heat in the sweet chile sauce. The soy-based dipping sauce was a...