Anne Marie B.'s Profile

This is strictly a dessert and coffee review.

A friend and I went here today for a quick coffee and dessert to talk business.  The dessert case wasn't very full - which should have been a clue....

I got a brownie, and she a mudslide cookie.  My brownie was totally stale and not fresh - as was her cookie.  But the coffee was excellent!

The few entrees I saw served looked delicious and fresh - and a courier service actually hand delivered fresh spinach while we were there!  

So all I'm sayin' is - if you take this much pride in your food - make sure the desserts are FRESH!  I will definitely go back for a meal.

Well I just saw the funniest thing.  Vivo is hiring hostesses and their ad says "We are looking for someone with EXCELLENT communication skills, a big smile, and customer service experience."

Last Friday I went to dinner there with a group of friends for a birthday.  We had a large party, and tried to get our names on the list about 30 minutes before the whole party had arrived.  The hostesses were all really rank - I guess no cussing allowed on here.  They wouldn't even let us put our names on the list until the whole group had arrived.

The hostess yelled at my friend - it was her birthday - at least three times.  She had absolutely no customer service skills, was rude, loud and needs to work in a tanning salon.  Even the valet agreed that the hostesses were "something else.  I think they get ready to argue with people for about 2 hours before coming in.  They like to argue."

Now - I like Vivo - the atmosphere is really unique.  Sexy art, cool DJ, hot people.

The food?  Well, it's just ok.  The salsa has a heavy chili powder/grainy texture.  I ordered the fajita plate - it was supposed to be two tacos with grilled meat - the meat was definitely pre-cooked in a skillet, wrapped in a tortilla and warmed up - it was NOT grilled, and it was really salty.  We had to ask for tortillas with our meal - and they forgot the butter twice.

Vivo is a place to go for appetizers on a slow night - unless you like being yelled at by crazy hostesses, mobbed at the bar, and paying for the valet to park your car in a front door spot he has conveniently blocked off with a cone.  

Having said all that - our waitress was very good.

This is the first not good review I've written, and I can see that a lot of people have already commented a lot.

I just want to add a few things - the tea/soda cost is $2.75.  For a drink - are you kidding!?!

I went last week with a bridesmaid's group after a spa day, and it was a total downer from the fabulous morning.  Our waitress was way off of her game, and the only good thing - the wheat/rye rolls we had to ask for repeatedly - they ran out of.

I ordered a baked potato with Cajun chicken and Alfredo sauce.  It looked really yummy, but the chicken tasted like it had been pre-cooked and frozen - the overall feel was like a frozen dinner heated up in the microwave.  There was not even a hint of spicy blackening seasoning on the chicken.

On decor - blah.  On service - she was very busy, but not at all friendly, so blah, on cost - way overpriced, on food - not good.  I will not be going back to BJs.

I have to make a correction on the Milk Punch my dear, it's Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla, no self-respecting Texas restaurant would serve any other brand...  They do have a recipe on their website for a version to make at home :)

Green Pastures boasts an on site bakery - that's right, homemade rolls, pastries, and cakes are baked daily.  I highly recommend ordering a cake from them for your next event - GP is one of the most well established places for a wedding - and all the cakes are made in house.  Oh yum, must try the Italian Cream Cake!

I should say I worked there for about a year - so I was intimate with the kitchen and bakery.  Wonderful chef, very professional staff, always the best ingredients for the food.  Traditional Continental menu - amazing steaks, salads, soups - everything on the menu is delicious.

Green Pastures is an Austin Legend - it is one of the few surviving homes from the 19th century in this neighborhood, and the grounds are gorgeous.  GP also plays an important civic role to South Austin by hosting many weekly luncheons for groups like the Rotary Club.  It is still a family owned business - originally opened by  the home's owners in the late 50s, it's still a treasure.

Another one of those places I've been going to forever - 14 years I guess.  Consistently great salsa and queso.  The queso flameado is good but tricky to eat.

The best enchiladas in Austin are here - the San Antonio Plate.  It's cheese enchiladas with carne guisada on top.  Damn damn good - perfect Tex Mex.

The fajitas are good - a bit too much of the onion and bell pepper for me, but the grilled tomatoes are a nice touch.   Great guacamole, pico de gallo, tacos, charro beans, chalupas and more.   Amazing flour tortillas. Always very friendly service - a very traditional, homey South Austin joint.

I judge all Mexican food joints on the quality of their salsa - La Tapatia's is always FRESH, spicy and very very good.  I think the best way to enjoy their food is to call in an order for pick up, get lots of extra salsa and tortillas, and enjoy at home.

I think their breakfast tacos are really the best.  I have about 15 options within a 5 minute drive, and I would choose their bacon, egg and cheese tacos first.  Hands down.  La Tapatia now takes plastic!!!  

(This word editor needs to be updated for Spanish words - we're in Texas, people.)

I would just like to add a bit to the review - the Joseph Family, who owns El Patio, is one of the nicest groups of people you will ever meet.  My parents started taking me to El Patio when I was barely able to walk - I even had my High School graduation dinner there.  

The waiters are all so nice, and the same guys have been working there forEVER.  Order Queso and enjoy the freshly fried corn toritillas.  Be sure to get a praline or sherbet for dessert, and appreciate the fact that this family owned joint is still in operation.