Austin Restaurant Week

One of the greatest events in Austin (and there are many to speak of) is Austin Restaurant Week. For $25 or $35 per person, you can get a three-course, gourmet meal that would normally cost upwards of $50. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity, a portion of delicious food goes to your belly...what more could a compassionate foodie ask for?

Something a bit more delicious. 

Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with my meal from Kona Grill. As much as I wanted it to be delicious, it fell short. (To be fair, Ryan enjoyed his meal quite a bit more than I enjoyed mine, but we both left feeling somewhat unsatisfied).                                   


Ryan ordered the ATX roll, the Sushi Sashimi, and the Mochi dessert (along with a 'Bama Roll chaser). I ordered Potstickers, Lemongrass Crusted Halibut and for dessert, the Fudge Brownie.

 

Ryan's Sushi Plate 

The 'Bama Roll 

  

My Lemongrass Crusted Halibut

 Triple Fudge Brownie

I know what you're thinking...what's wrong with these? Kona's menu for Restaurant Week did offer a decent variety of items and although none of them were bad, none of them were show-stopping, either.


So, what was the problem? Well...


My potstickers, which happen to be a favorite treat of mine, were on the chewy side. They definitely appeared to be homemade (I admire the effort), but the dough was difficult to cut through with a fork. 
My halibut was seasoned well and the sauce was excellent (anything coconut curry is alright in my book) but it was overcooked...enough that it was a bit dry, and even the yummy sauce couldn't save it.
The brownie was fudgy...and rich...but somehow it was also a bit bland. How can that be? A chocolate brownie, topped with ice cream and drizzled with caramel and more chocolate? Sounds heavenly and believe me, I wanted to like it. It just seemed to be missing something. Sort of like those low-fat desserts (which I'm sure wasn't the case here) that sound good in theory but leave you wanting more.


On a scale of one to ten, Ryan and I gave Kona an overall seven-and-a-half. Not bad, but when you're always in search of delicious, you can't settle. So the search continues...    


Looking forward to the next Restaurant Week!


Happy Searching,