Austin’s Best New York-Style Pizza with a Twist
We all spent the beginning of quarantine in different ways; some of us read a book for the first time in four years, others discovered the beauty that is whipped coffee. Issac Flores built a pizza oven in his backyard. Fast forward five months and this homemade, backyard pizza oven has transformed into Lost Creek’s newest pizza spot, Sammataro, with the mission of introducing Austin to the perfect pie (and one of Austin’s best restaurants in our humble opinion).
Their pizzas take inspiration from classic, thin-crust New York style-pizza while honing in on using the freshest possible ingredients, like their 48-hour fermented dough and sauce made from Bianco Di Napoli tomatoes. And all this in their 24’ long trailer.
When you walk up to Sammataro, you’re greeted with long, inviting picnic tables and their neighboring food trucks, one of which is Flores’s brother-in-law’s shaved ice truck. It’s a lovely little family affair! Sammataro’s menu is limited, currently, but that’s because of Sammataro’s emphasis on quality.
The Pizza
Let’s start on their standard pizza. This is a 16” pie topped with classic, organic tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, hand-picked basil leaves, and delicious gouda. While you can’t go wrong with this classic combination, if you want to spice it up, they offer all the fixing; pepperoni, anchovy, mushroom, serrano pepper, and calabrian chili, to name a few. The standard pizza is the perfect, just-greasy enough, just-saucey enough, just-cheesy enough slice. It’s everything you want out of a good, hearty pizza. Special shoutout to the basil leaves the Sammataro team picks out to put on their pizza. They’re massive, fresh, and have the perfect amount of bite to them. And it passes the stand test!
The current limited pizza is the white pie. It’s also a 16” pizza, but this one is topped with a ricotta cream base, fresh mozzarella, freshly chopped chives, basil, aged parmesan, and fresh lemon, all finished with an everything bagel seasoning crust and two lemon wedges on the side. This pizza is the creamy, rich pizza of your dreams. The extra lemon wedges squeezed on top create a tanginess mixed in with the velvety ricotta cream base, and honestly nothing can compare to it. The everything bagel seasoning crust is perfectly salty, and is the appropriate end to the perfect slice. On the white pie, we recommend adding some mushrooms or anchovies for a little extra bite, but it’s great on its own as well!
Our Recommendations
These are currently the only two pies Sammataro carries, but trust us, it’s all they need to carry. Both of these pizzas are absolutely delicious, and with the topping options, as customizable as possible. Even if you aren’t near Lost Creek, it’s worth the drive, for a little taste of New York.
Here’s your gameplan for making sure you secure your pizza from Sammataro: you visit their website or call ahead, you set a good pickup time for you, once your pickup time comes, you go, you get your pizza, you sit at their picnic tables, and you eat in peace knowing this is some of the best pizza in Austin.
Sammataro is also partnered with Free Lunch, a meal support program and magazine focused on the health of those experiencing homelessness within our community. Sammataro will be providing pizzas to unhoused people through supporters donations. If you’d like to make a donation, more information is available on their website!
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Paprika ATX | Thetexaststy
Austin is undoubtedly the best taco city in America. Austinite’s endless appetite for tacos allows for conversations (and even playful arguments) on who has the best, including both veterans and businesses that are new to the scene.
I rely heavily on word of mouth on who has the best of anything. I naturally root for the underdogs as I love to see chefs and businesses grow until they reach the recognition of being amongst the best.
Recently, I found a new taco truck that sets the competition apart. Paprika and its chef and owner, Margarito, has been generating buzz in the Austin taco scene. Many who have fallen in love with their food probably heard about their delicious tacos and amazing hospitality. But it was a unique way that I stumbled upon Paprika.
During the holiday season, the generator from their food truck was stolen. I was reading their post expressing their gratitude towards the Austin community who donated and supported their business to get back up and running. That was the driving force for me to immediately try Paprika. In a way, I felt outcasted from this community who has already fallen in love with a new joint in town.
First impressions matter tremendously and my first experience was anything short of amazing. I was greeted by a cheerful woman who I later found out is Margarito’s wife.
I anxiously scanned the QR code and was nervous that they would be sold out of most of the things I have been eyeing. Thankfully, they were not. Their menu constantly rotates but I have found that carnitas, nopalitos, suadero, and bistec remain their tried-and-true staples. I have seen them also feature campechano, gulf shrimp, and their Saturday special, trompo which is al pastor.
What I immediately loved about their tacos is that each bite consists of the perfect amount of meat. I tend to not like tacos filled with finely minced meat or overwhelmingly large pieces.
What truly sets their tacos apart for me is the perfect amount of sear from the grill. Their carnitas is juicy but balanced with just the right amount of shredded pieces that are seared to perfection, giving each bite that perfect texture.
Their suadero is my personal favorite that I’ve dubbed the headliner taco of Paprika. No joke, I always check to make sure they’re not sold out before I head over.
It’s consistently the perfect size cubes of brisket confit. It’s meaty and perfectly seasoned where it does not overpower the natural taste of brisket. What highlights the suadero is how each side of the cube is perfectly seared and just a thin enough layer of fat to give the meat added flavor.
I frequent Paprika at least 2 times a week. As I started becoming a regular customer, my curiosity grew on the background of the style of cooking.
Margarito bought the truck with no initial plan on what creation he would share with the Austin community. Ultimately, it was his love for comfort food that reminded him of home that sparked the concept of Paprika. While the food resembles his hometown of Matamoros, Mexico, it’s his upbringing from the Midwest and Austin that adds a unique flair to his cooking.
Margarito shared a sentimental compliment from one of his other regulars
“The tacos are interesting because they’re a little different, and a bit contemporary while keeping the intense and authentic Mexican flavors. What’s great about Mexican food is not how complicated the flavors are, but how intense yet balanced they are. I much rather have a perfectly done carnitas taco, than some weird but mediocre invention”
Paprika plans on introducing tinga tostadas, cochinita, and a few surprises with salsa macha as future features. Make sure you follow Paprika’s Instagram @paprikaatx to be in the loop of the day’s features and announcements of when they sell out.
Paprika is located at 6519 N Lamar located in the Michi Ramen parking lot.
Source:- https://www.thetexastasty.com/paprika-atx/
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Gourdough’s – An Austin Take on Donuts
Are you in town and seeking out a menu that will satisfy your craving for the weird in a way that only Austin restaurants can? Gourdough’s is a restaurant that answers the age-old question of, “What if we loaded Texas-sized burgers with ridiculous toppings and then put it on a donut?” with a resounding YES.
The History
Originally established as a food truck on 1st Street, Gourdough’s Big. Fat. Donuts has served the city its characteristic fried donut creations since 2012. A tale of entrepreneurship, success, and expansion as old as time, the restaurant has since opened up a brick-and-mortar location: Gourdough’s Public House on S. Lamar Blvd.
Already familiar with the food truck, I opted to visit the newer location. A cheerful donut man, whom I can only imagine to be a Mr. Gourdough, almost seemed to beckon to me and made it easy to spot the restaurant with its sheet metal roof. A spacious outdoor patio on the side of the building could seat several parties, even during times of social distancing.
Going inside the restaurant we found a fully stocked bar, with several guests talking and enjoying the game playing on the screens. A projector was set up to play television and movies on the wall across from the larger tables in the back that are suited to groups. It was nice to know that Gourdough’s has plenty of options for dining depending on the occasion or amount of people!
With its roots as a food trailer highly focused on donuts, it was a pleasant surprise to see the expanded version of it at the restaurant proper. Gourdough’s features a full brunch with coffee cocktails, signature donut sandwiches and burgers, and dinner entrees reminiscent of more typical southern food.
Menu
For an appetizer I wanted to start with one of the more popular choices on the menu – The Big Cheez. This starter consists of gooey mozzarella wrapped in donut dough and fried, then served with a cilantro buttermilk dressing. Not the cheesy bread you know, but a shining example of Gourdough’s willingness to experiment and improve upon familiar dishes.
I had known from the get-go that I wanted nothing more than to devour the entirety of whatever Donut Burger I ended up ordering, though the fact that everything looked good threw me for a loop. I ended up ordering the Gettin’ Piggy With It burger which featured sweet pulled pork, applewood smoked bacon, white cheddar, a potato pancake, and candied jalapenos all piled onto a burger and wedged between two donuts.
On another plate is the Mother Clucker, one of Gourdough’s original recipes that can be found at its food truck location. Crunchy deep fried chicken breast smothered in their house-made honey-butter sauce and served over a savory garlic donut – a perfect pairing for their hand-battered fried okra (that was probably also the best I’ve ever had).
Deserts
Finally, not wanting to leave without trying out the absurd desserts they are known for, I made my way to Gourdough’s extensive donut menu. Chocolate donuts, donut holes, peach cobbler donuts and even CBD donuts all enticed me, but I ended up deciding on the Fat Elvis which was easily the highlight of my visit.
A halo of glazed goodness topped with peanut butter icing, smoked bacon, grilled bananas, and a drizzle of honey, this beast of a donut was finally the thing to defeat me. Half-eaten, I boxed it up so that I could look forward to eating it when I got home.
If you would like to try Gourdough’s for yourself rather than just taking my word for it, both the Public House and original location are open 7 days a week with the brick-and-mortar location offering dine-in and delivery. Just be sure to bring an empty stomach, and a craving for donuts!
Source:- https://www.thetexastasty.com/gourdoughs-an-austin-take-on-donuts/
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New Year, New Resolutions, New Healthy Habits
We are officially in 2021 and we’re all looking forward to this new year! If I’m being honest, it felt like 2020 just flew by, don’t get me wrong it was a rough year, but despite being in lockdown, my days of binge watching Netflix shows still seemed short. By the time I paid attention to my Google calendar again, it was already time for me to take my finals.
Despite that, I am so glad that we are into this new year, and with that also comes all the new year’s resolutions. I will not lie, I am one of those that says I’m going to start eating healthier at the beginning of every year, but after this past year, I think it’s time to actually stick to this resolution. I know I am not the only one that has this on my 2021 goals list, so I have compiled a list of my top healthy breakfast ideas that I will be trying to make this year.
Avocado Toast with Egg
Avocado toast is one of my favorite breakfast meals ever since I moved into my own apartment back in 2018. I used to watch YouTubers make this all the time during their weight loss journeys and I always wanted to try it, but I was too lazy. Now it is one of my go-to breakfast items because it is simple yet so good and I love that I get my protein in. All you need is toasted whole wheat bread, an avocado, a sunny-side up egg. Lastly, just top it off with salt and pepper.
Berry Parfait
This has to be one of my favorite on-the-go breakfast ideas. It is seriously super quick and easy to make yet so healthy and filling. You just need to grab your mason jar, pour some light vanilla greek yogurt, your choice of berries, and some granola. You then repeat this process until you get to the top of the mason jar. It does not get any better than this.
Smoothie Bowls
I used to see my roommates making smoothie bowls all the time and I never really thought to try them out until recently. Now I find myself craving these all the time because of how quick and delicious they are, not to mention that the presentation is 10/10. All you really need is to throw your choice of frozen fruits into a blender with your choice of milk and your favorite toppings. You’ll probably spend more time making it look pretty then eating it because of how good it is!
Chia Pudding
Ahh yes, the famous chia pudding that we always hear about. I have been wanting to try this breakfast idea for a very long time now, but I have yet to actually make it. After seeing recipes for chia pudding all over Tik Tok, I think it is time to give it a try. You only need five small ingredients to make this – chia seeds, vanilla extract, honey, and your choice of milk, plus your choice of toppings. You will for sure find me making these and leaving them in my fridge overnight for the next morning.
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Tis The Season – Hot Cocoa Bombs
PREP TIME:
COOK TIME:
TOTAL TIME:
YIELD:
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Well in some parts of the U.S at least, whereas here in Texas by Dec 24th, it’s still 90 degrees outside. Leading to November 1st, people around the U.S began to celebrate Christmas early. If not by wearing their PJ onesies, by playing Mariah Carey “All I want for Christmas is you” on repeat while putting up the Christmas tree right when the clock strikes midnight. When talking about the holiday season, we begin to dive into all the sweets that we begin to make around the house and indulge in. One being the tik tok famous “Hot Cocoa Bombs”. These balls of Christmas cheer contain hot cocoa mix and marshmallows dipped into that hot cup of milk in your favorite Christmas mug. Today, I will be teaching you on how to make this delicious drink.
Step 1: Grab your comfiest Christmas pj pants and begin to play your Christmas playlist
Step 2: Gather your ingredients; For this recipe you will need, marshmallows, hot chocolate mix, chocolate wafers or any form of melting chocolate, and any shape of silicon molding for me, I used these round molds that I found at my local crafts store.
Step 3: In a pot begin to boil water and place an oven safe bowl on top of the boiling water
Step 4: Begin to put the chocolate wafers in the bowl and constantly mix the wafers so that the chocolate does not burn, nor does it stick to the bowl
Step 5: With a spoon begin to put the melted chocolate into the moldings making sure to coat the entire mold but enough to leave a hollow opening to place the hot cocoa mix later
Step 6: Once complete, place the mold into the freezer. With my experience the chocolate froze very quickly
Step 7: Once the molds are ready begin to take them out of the molds and onto a plate. Be careful not to break the mold when taking them out, so be gentle with them
Step 8: Once all the molds are out on a stove top, or a hot plate, grab a pair of the chocolate molds and melt the ends in order to “glue” them together once you fill them with the hot cocoa mix and marshmallows.
Step 9: Once they are sealed, I decided to make sure they are sealed completely by putting them back into the freezer for a few minutes
Step 10: Once the seals are complete you can either be creative and decorate the top of the bombs or dunk them into the hot milk and top with your choice of toppings. For me I decided to have fun by adding whip cream and a dash of cinnamon with a candy cane straw to get into the Christmas spirit.
Overall this is more than a one-man job, so invite friends or family over and have a safe socially distanced Christmas party at home. Maybe make some cookies to dunk into your delicious hot cocoa. I also found that the molds I used were a bit too small for my liking, so I dunked two of the bombs into my mug but next time I will go out and buy a bigger chocolate molding and see how that works out.
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The Travis Scott Meal
I get those Goosebumps every time I… order the Travis Scott meal from McDonald’s. All jokes aside, on September 8th, McDonald’s added their newest featured item to the menu, the Travis Scott Quarter Ponder. The Travis Scott is a beef patty with two slices of American cheese, thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, pickles, onions, mustard, and ketchup all on a quarter-pound sesame seed bun. It is a loaded burger that comes in at 630 calories.
It is no surprise that as soon as the burger was added to the menu of best texas restaurants it sold out at multiple locations. Travis Scott is currently one of the most popular rappers in the world. If you attach his name to a burger it is almost guaranteed that his fans will go, get it. Despite the ridicule that the burger received for being an average quarter pounder. The partnership between McDonald’s and Travis Scott has still found success. Scott currently has 33.4 million followers on Instagram. His multiple posts promoting the new burger received over 10 million likes.
Instagram is not the only social media platform that the burger’s popularity exploded on. Once TikTok heard about the new featured item the Travis Scott burger quickly became trending. McDonald’s employees all over the country would hear costumer roll up to the drive-through and say, “you know what I am here for”, followed by Scott’s song Sicko Mode. Just like that, a Travis Scott Meal would be added to the costumer’s order.
If you are a die-hard Travis Scott fan or a die-hard McDonalds French fry fan order the Travis Scott meal. This meal includes the Travis Scott Burger, medium fries with BBQ sauce, and a medium Sprite. This meal does not disappoint.
After personally trying the burger I will honestly say I was impressed by how good it was. Yes, it is a basic quarter pounder with cheese but what more do you want from McDonald’s? The burger is the perfect combination of classic McDonald’s toppings. When I took my first bite into the burger, I could imagine Travis Scott enjoying the same combination of flavors. The pickles were the perfect addition to the meatiness of the patty and bacon. This was also my first experience of dipping my fries into BBQ sauce. Yet again, I was thoroughly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Like Scott, my soft drink of choice is a sprite, so the meal was perfect for me. Not to mention it all comes in at only $6.00.
Just like McDonald’s says this meal “honestly slaps”. The excitement for the burger might be a little overdramatic but it doesn’t defeat the fact that it is still a good burger. McDonald’s marketing team was genius for making this partnership happen. It made the fast-food chain relevant again and brought thousands of young people to their front doors. At the end of the day, this partnership has done its job while producing a tasty, limited time, burger. Cactus Jack likes it and I do too.
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Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Recipe
PREP TIME:
15 minutes
COOK TIME:
35 minutes
TOTAL TIME:
50 minutes
YIELD:
8 servings
It’s holiday season and things are getting crazy, the last thing you want to deal with is hard to follow recipes that take forever! There are countless food options when it comes to TexMex and Texas food in general – we’ve got you covered with this easy to make Mexican chicken and rice recipe so you can focus on your Austin things to do list!
Ingredients:
Chicken Thighs
1 Yellow Onion chopped
3 Cloves of Garlic chopped
2 tbsp of Canola Oil
Salt and Pepper
2 tsp of Ground Comino
2 tbsp of Tomato paste
1 cup of white rice (uncooked)
2 cups of Chicken Broth.
Directions:
- Rinse Chicken Thighs and pat dry, season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium high heat. Add Canola Oil to the pan.
- Add Chicken Thighs to the pan. Brown on each side, about 4 mins each side.
- Take Chicken out of the pan. Add White Rice, Chopped Onion, and Chopped Garlic to the pan.
- Stir and toast white rice for 2 minutes. Then add Chicken Broth, Tomato Paste, and Ground Comino to the rice.
- Stir until well mixed. Bring to a boil. Turn heat to simmer.
- Add Chicken Thighs back to the pan. Cover.
- Cook until Chicken and Rice are done. About 35 mins.
Overall, this recipe is really easy to make for friends and family, especially with El Día de Los Muertos around the corner. This is the perfect recipe to relax on a cold weekend and austin things to do.
If you want it spicy, you can add Jalapeño peppers without the seed to give it that extra “kick”. Some great sides would be refried or charro beans, chips and queso, and corn tortillas. Also, can’t forget Arroz con Pollo without some great tasting Mexican beer such as Dos Equis, Modelo, or Corona.
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