Political strategist and foodie-about-town Matthew Curtis dropped us a note to confirm that, even in these times of great iciness and despair (generally caused by everyone driving like an asshole when it gets below 38 degrees in Texas,) Katz's never kloses. Like, ever. Thanks, Matt.
Baby, it's cold outside. After falling on my ass three times today, and spending a good chunk of the morning de-icing my car, my hunger pangs set in this afternoon.
Everywhere I went downtown, closed.
Frustrated, I saw a healthy-sized crowd leaving Katz's at... well, you know where it is.
Marc Katz was sitting at the bar yucking it up with the customers. Everyone was excited to be in out of the cold and both sides of the restaurant were packed with an Austin-style mix of people.
I sat at the bar, turns out I was sitting next to Mary Mason of Brava House Bed and Breakfast (1108 Blanco, www.bravahouse.com).
I can't help it, I gotta tell ya, I've been avoiding Katz's when I had a bad experience while his son was running the place. But, the regulars at the bar let me know that the food and service since Marc's return has been magnifique.
I ordered Chicken in a Bowl. Knowing I would need something this evening, and with every wimp closing their doors, I also ordered some to-go items; the NYPD Chicken Dinner and some Chicken Wings to snack on.
Salvation arrived in the form of my Chicken in a Bowl. It's huge! It comes in a big dutch-oven of deliciousness! Removing the lid, I saw a half a chicken breast simmering in a broth with carrots and potatoes. I was saved!
Price-friendly and patron-friendly, the meal and service - with a little comedy provided by Marc Katz - was well worth my icy drive around town.
When my to-go items showed up, just as I was prepared to call it quits with the soup, I was aghast at the see-thru containers. Inside was a delicious looking chicken breast smothered in cheese and mushrooms with an ample side salad and the biggest chicken wings I've ever seen
(I honestly wouldn't have ordered them if I knew the immense size).
I can't wait to dig into those later.
So, if you're looking for something tonight, and you're not finding anything open, call Katz's for some to-go, or go in and sit down. You'll find an excited crowd that's happy to finally find a place to eat and be warm.
Thank you Marc Katz, for saving Austin in a time of need!!
photo by misocrazy on flickr
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East Side Pies was open. Hell yeah.
The ice really sucks and like you said most wimps are closing their doors. I wish a good restaurant like Katz was here where I am in Missouri. But no such luck. Most of the businesses are closed and even if they weren't there are no cabs in this hole and my truck is under a tree that fell in storm. Too bad because I am "not finding anything open," and I am too far away to just "call Katz's for some to-go..."
If you want to see some photos of the damage click here.