The Taste of Texas Independence
Austin Woman savors the new Texas-themed menu at The Carillon.
March 2, 1836, Texas officially declared independence from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas. What better way to celebrate 180 years of Lone Star pride and culture than with a Texas-themed dinner date?
The current dinner and bar menu at The Carillon, the upscale restaurant located within view of the University of Texas’ iconic tower, will whet your appetite with country favorites that will please cowboys and cowgirls alike. Austin Woman took the liberty of pairing our favorites from the menu with a healthy helping of libations:
Start as most memorable nights do, with a cocktail. We recommend the Sidecar, if only for the fact it’s shaken, not stirred.
Sidecar: Martell VS Cognac, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, all shaken and served up in a chilled cocktail glass with lemon twist
The grilled romaine salad pairs smoked duck, grapefruit and Apache blue cheese with pecans and jalapeños, giving this dish a classic Texas flavor.
Pairing: 2014 Clos Henri Petit Clos sauvignon blanc Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
A not-so-traditional take on a Texas favorite, the sweet potato croquettes are Instagram- and rave-worthy, with Asian pear, frisee, pistachios and smoked maple syrup.
Pairing: G.H. Mumm pinot noir blend Cordon Rouge brut Champagne, France
Anything that includes a Texas cheddar biscuit is sent straight from Southern heaven, so the crispy pork belly, complete with chow-chow (pickled relish) and a kick of hot sauce, tops the list as an absolute must-try.
Pairing: Casa Ferreirinha, Tinta Roriz tempranillo blend, Douro DOP, Duriense, Portugal
It would not be a truly Texan menu without quail, and The Carillon delivers a melt-in-your-mouth variation with a chicken-fried quail that incorporates poblano peppers.
Pairing: 2014 Richard Betts, MS dry rosé of grenache, “My Essential,” Méditerranée IGP, Provence region, France
Not to be missed, the rack of lamb is bursting with flavors. The combination of sumac, apricot, barley and mint create a mouthwatering aroma. This is a dish to be savored.
Pairing: 2010 Les Allées de Cantemerle cabernet sauvignon blend, Haut-Médoc AOP, Bordeaux region, France
Dessert in Texas is a tradition that should never be skipped, which makes the Texas cheddar cheese-topped fried apple pie a must-have.
Pairing: 2014 San Silvestro moscato “Dulcis” Frizzante Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Piemonte region, Italy
Everything truly is bigger in Texas, including the palates of the foodies who reside here, and on Texas Independence Day, or any day, for that matter, this menu is the perfect mixture of exquisite flavors, home-on-the-range-style dishes and Texas tradition.
Photo courtesy of facebook.com/TheCarillonRestaurant.
Restaurants for Celebration
Share