Did you ever spend time checking out a good book in the library? I know now you can go online and click you have a book in your cart but this library on W. Cesar Chavez St. is definitely a place to ‘check out’. Why not take some time this weekend and grab a bite to eat while browsing the new Austin Public Library, it’s amazing, way more than just a book. Come in out of the heat, relax and cool down while finding some delicious recipes and food to tempt your taste-buds in one of its venues!
COOKBOOK BAR & CAFÉ http://www.cookbookatx.com/
The Cookbook Bar & Café is counter service only and is located in the Austin Public Library. It is the home of the Virginia B. Wood Memorial Cookbook Collection. Virginia was a 5th generation Austinite, an Austin Chronicle food editor, food critic and a champion of Austin food culture.
In the library, you have access to 500 cookbooks and many Texas cookbooks and authors along with at least 3 editions of the Joy of Cooking. The interior of the restaurant is a calming space with shades of white, browns and blues that is complemented by locally sourced white oak, steel & millwork by a variety of local artisans. The large windows let in a lot of natural lighting and there’s a shady patio with a steady breeze. A bonus is on the rooftop where there’s a coffee cart with drip coffee, pastries and more with amazing views of the city of Austin .
What makes The Cookbook so unique is their seasonal menu curated by Chef Drew Curren, taking timeless classics from cookbooks by famous chefs across the country. They offer a variety of styles and incorporate both organic & farm to table. Their specials come directly from cookbook publications of local chefs and touring authors and Cookbook also hosts cooking demos in the library. They carry the library theme over to the full bar that includes footnoted literary themed cocktails. There’s also craft beers, regional wines and a hot beverage service with top of the line espresso and teas.
A sampling of their menu….On the Breakfast menu (served all day) there’s PB & J French Toast – a home plate peanut butter with blueberry jam and maple syrup from Betty Crocker’s New Cookbook…there’s the Farmer’s Breakfast Grilled Cheese with eggs, potatoes, bacon, chive butter and cheddar in sourdough from The Grilled Cheese Kitchen by Heidi Gibson.
From the Forward menu there’s Mushrooms, Garlic, Shallots w/lemon ricotta from Plenty More by Yotam Ottolenghi…Artichoke Fritters w/Preserved Lemon Aioli from Shaya by Alon Shaya…and…Lamb Meatballs in tomato, pine nut & onion ragout from Little Foods of the Mediterranean by Clifford A. Wright.
On the Sandwiches & Mains menu there’s a Turkey Waldorf Sandwich from Emeril’s Kicked Up Sandwiches by Emeril Lagasse…a Shrimp BLT from A Great American Cook by Jonathan Waxman…and…Chicken Pot Pie from Ad Hoc at Home by Thomas Keller. The Afterward menu has a Chocolate Hazelnut Tart from Les Halles Cookbook by Anthony Bourdain…and…Rice Pudding, Strawberries & Spiced Hibiscus Syrup from Baking Chez Moi by Dorie Greenspan.
So, take some time to walk thru this beautiful library and grab a bite to eat while enjoying our beautiful city.
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As always, local events and information are brought to you as a courtesy of Dorie Dillard, Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, your NW Austin Real Estate Consultant. Watch for future Dorie picks for Austin dining experiences!
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