Rocco’s Italian delivers tastiness to Lakeway

When in Lakeway, Mr. and Mrs. Yum prefer Rocco’s Italian over Ciola’s Italian. We discovered that the meat seemed fresher, the sauces were more vibrant, and the pasta was more, well, pasteriffic. The battle for Lakeway dominance will continue. Check out the select half-priced appetizers for a daily preview 4:30 – 7 PM. Give it a try and enjoy the view!

900 RR 620 S. A106. 512.263.8204.

A glorious return to Ciola’s

As promised in our September 18th posting, we’d be paying another visit to Ciola’s. This took place during the third full week of October. Once again, a delightful and tremendously amiable waitstaff was there for our every need. I’m pleased to report that the pasta was better cooked this time around. The fetuccini alfredo was tasty, and we even got to try the Calamari Alla Fabbio – a delicious appetizer. Overall, I’d say the food improved a full Yum since our last visit. We truly want Ciola’s to be at a full 5 Yums. It’s got a bit farther to go yet before we can make that claim.

512.263.6966. 1310 Ranch Road 620 N.

The new Italian hangout: myplace

Were you able to make it to Bellagio Italian Bistro? It was an expensive, upscale Italian restaurant with white tablecloths and fancy artwork. The location may have proven effective five or ten years ago, but today, it’s a whole new world. Gone are the fancy table coverings and the expensive wall decorations. Enter myplace. Comfy sofas, relaxing chairs at the expanded bar, and HDTVs running constant sports in stunning high definition are a few of the welcomed additions. The next time you want to catch up with an old friend or just catch a game, head over to myplace and enjoy your stay.

512.346.8226. 6507 Jester Blvd.

North is unique

North is an interesting subject. It’s unique. They stem from chain of restaurants that are committed to the experience (and not just the food). The setting for North, or more appropriately NoRTH, is ideal for the target audience. As many are aware, The Domain is likely the most upscale shopping center in all of Central Texas. NoRTH is located right in the center of this mecca. Generally, we find that places that play on the whole “experience” thing are not nearly as tasty. Not so with NoRTH. They’re actually quite delicious. From the fresh pizzas to the salads to the pasta, the Italian-American cuisine is worth the drive to the north.

512.339.4400. 11506 Century Oaks Terrace #124.

Ciola’s… Authentic Italian or Italian-American?

The logo says Italian-American, but the advertisement says Authentic Italian. The two are not the same. What better way to determine if a restaurant is Italian or Italian-American than sampling it a few times? Our visits to Ciola’s did not go as expected. With multiple “Best of” wins in Wine Spectator, et. al., we seriously expected this to be outstanding. It wasn’t. The steak was mediocre and the pasta was undercooked. In fact, it was stuck together! Come on guys, add some olive oil and take care of a novice mistake! Our visits were consistent – equally disappointing. If you find yourself in Lakeway eating Italian at Ciola’s some day, I hope you have a far better experience than we did.

512.263.6966. 1310 Ranch Road 620 N.

September 21 Update: Manager Tommy Williams, Jr. of Ciola’s has commented on our recent review to ensure that we have a top-notch experience. This is an extraordinary gesture and much appreciated. A virtual round-of-applause to Mr. Williams and his staff for ensuring that we enjoy our time at his restaurant. It should be noted that while the food did not meet our high expectations, the service at Ciola’s was outstanding. While Mr. Yum’s identity continues to remain anonymous, we did indicate that we’d be offering a follow-up visit during the third week of October. Stay tuned for our highly-anticipated findings.

Garlic Lovers’ Delight: Tony C’s

We enjoy garlic. However, the resultant smell is awful. The food at Tony C’s certainly has no shortage of spices such as garlic. The location of this establishment couldn’t be better! It’s right outside the new Cinemark movie theater at the Bee Cave Galleria. If you like deliciously Americanized Italian Cuisine, Tony C’s is your place. The pizza, the pasta, the sandwiches, the salads… Yum! Even in the morning, it sounds appetizing. Go get some Tony C’s this weekend!

512.263.3473. 12800 Hill Country Blvd.

Bellagio Italian Bistro will not last

After returning from a trip to northern Italy this year, I quickly realized that most Italian food lacks the enormous amount of spice that American-Italian cuisine features. After eating at Bellagio at Jester and 2222, they’re mimicking that behavior. It’s not bad, but we think that Americans expect their Italian to be rich in flavor. While service was exceptional, remember – we’re all about the food here! The dishes at Bellagio are bland. If you find yourself seated there for dinner some night, avoid the Pasta Abruzzese, Tortellini Piselli, and the Fetuccine Alfredo. Sorry folks, I don’t believe Bellagio will be around much longer. Get it while you can.

September 26 Update: Bellagio has now been closed.

512.346.8228. 6507 Jester Blvd. #105.

Hill Country Pasta House, please bring back Pronto Italiano

Italian cuisine can be awfully tasty when prepared right. Unfortunately, Hill Country Pasta House did not meet those expectations in our visits. We did, however, find their “satellite” location, Pronto Italiano, quite delicious and affordable. Unfortunately, the wrong one went under. We expected Hill Country Pasta House to feature exceptionally unique and delicious entrees based on its location (adjacent to Hudson’s on the Bend), prices, and menu. Lakeway is becoming increasingly known for its devine Italian food. I’d recommend getting your Italian fix elsewhere.

512.266.9445. 3519 Ranch Road 620 N.