Thursday, May 20, 2010

Restaurant Review: Gumbo's of Austin


Gumbo’s of Austin
710 Colorado Street, Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78701

With four different locations around Austin, Gumbo’s has definitely made its mark in central Texas. The Louisiana style Cajun restaurant has earned a reputation as a connoisseur of “southern comfort seafood.” I had heard good reviews of the place and I finally got to try it for myself.

The downtown location, where I dined, is tucked in the Brown Building on 7th Street near Colorado. The two story restaurant conjures thoughts of the “Big Easy” with jazz inspired artwork and music.  The second level is a delightful space, long and narrow with single tables overlooking the ground floor which, despite its spacious volume, is quiet and allows for intimate conversation.   Their menu is a seafood lover’s dream, wrapped in a Cajun blanket. Of course, gumbo is at the heart of the menu, but it also features a variety of fresh seafood and meat dishes all with a Cajun flare. I ordered the shrimp combo platter with a side of sausage and chicken gumbo, and was delighted. My lunch companion ordered the grilled salmon with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. Everything was delectable. All the items had great flavor and not too much salt, which I find to be a problem with similar restaurants. Even the butter for the bread, which came before the meal, had a delicious Cajun seasoning. What I especially like about Gumbo’s is the variety of cooking options for your meat – fried, blackened, grilled or pan sautéed. You can choose to have an indulgent, nap-inducing lunch or a healthier alternative.

If you choose to eat at Gumbo’s, be ready to spend a little – entrees start at $12 and go up to $28. It’s not a meal to take lightly, for the price or the portions. However, it is a perfect place for a special business lunch, especially if you are trying to impress a client. I recommend Gumbo’s for fine dining, intimate setting, and a bit of southern comfort in the heart of downtown.



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