The Food Austin Network

Teo’s - 1206 W 38th St - Austin, Texas 78705
512-451-9555

Well here’s the deal.  By now, everyone already knows I love gelato.  Gelato, Doe’s Eat Place, and Dreamland barbeque sauce, amongst a few other things are things I live on.  As long as you don’t take away these three things, I am willing to lose everything else.  Now I know this is a bold statement, and those who haven’t tried the complete trifecta may have a hard time coming to grasps with the magnitude of such a statement.  Now while, we aren’t blessed enough in Austin to have all three present, we do have the good fortune of having a couple of tasty gelato shops.  Some people swear by Dolce Vita, and for good reason because it is a consistent delight.  I however, have grown partial to Teo’s, the cross town rival of sorts.  It is less ritzy than Dolce Vita and the place let’s the gelato speak for itself.  The coffee is also tasty, but I swear by the gelato.  The peanut butter hazelnut is to die for, it’s the perfect blend of an icy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and Nutella….I mean can you ask for something more decadent?  Likely, not.  Teo’s offers a wide variety of flavors and I would recommend that you try them all; they definitely have something for everyone.  Now as a bit of an aside, gelato is meant for lovers, it is something to be enjoyed with someone you love, it’s like Venice in the spring, or April in Paris – always better with the special someone by your side.  Now if you’re lucky enough to have that certain prerequisite, I would highly recommend getting some decadent gelato, and enjoying it outside next to the fireplace.  You’ll be cold, but you’ll enjoy every minute of it.  Now I don’t want Food Austin to become a date planning service, but say… we were a dating service, gelato and fireplace would make a killer combo, now add in a couple comfy big leather chairs and a polar bear soft rug and we’re in business, alas we’re not in Turin, so we’ll settle for the authentic flavors of Italy to satisfy the sweet tooth we all have.

 Check out Teo’s, you won’t regret it.

Price: $

Quacks - 411 E 43rd St, Austin, TX - 78751

Nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, Quacks is one of Austin’s sweet tooth institutions.  The deserts options at Quacks make it one of the purveyors of fixes for the midnight sweet tooth craving.  The fact that they are open late is definitely a plus, but what keeps bringing US back is the assortment of cookies and cakes.  The Ginger Crinkle cookie is definitely of note as is the Carrot Cake.  There are always several options to choose from and they tend to have something for everyone.  There are even sandwiches and the like if you’re not in the mood for a sugary delight.  Also of note - The Ginger Bread - it is some of the best we’ve ever had.  It isn’t the gingerbread of gingerbread house fame - not hard and crusty - much to the contrary it is soft and moist and full of gingery flavor.  Now, keep in mind that this may not be what every professed gingerbread fiend thinks of when they think of GINGERbread, but it is definitely a treat for those with a discerning palate.  The coffee isn’t bad either.  In the mood for a place to hang out with some old friends or maybe just sit down and get that midterm studying done.  Between this place and Dolce Vita, they’ve got your Hyde Park sweet tooth fix covered like a well iced cake. 
Check it, Check it out.

price: $

Progress Coffee - 500 San Marcos - Austin, TX 78702 - http://www.progresscoffee.com

Progress is still fairly new in the Austin Coffee scene but has become one of my favorite places to go and just hang out and read a book or have a nice meaningful discussion.  The coffee is fair trade and actually quite good.  There are also several choices for foodstuffs on a daily basis.  But I’m a firm believer that a great coffee shop has to have an atmosphere where you feel comfortable both by yourself and with others in order to become a staple of the neighborhood.  Progress is one of those places where if you’re in the mood for a nice quiet yet not depressing place to study or if you’re just meeting with someone special over coffee you’ll be at ease.  When you first step into the converted warehouse, you can’t help but look around and see a brick and mortar affirmation of the character of Austin: addictive, bright and full of exciting and energetic young people.

So if you’re in the mood to just hang out and enjoy some coffee, go ahead, support local business and hit  up Progress.