Artista
Can you be overflowed with art? My afternoon started with a lecture on the dawn of Cubism (when abstracts paintings were still somewhat legible if you really try hard to make sense out of it). At 3 I rode in the car with my physics professor and advisor across the countryside to downtown Houston, filled our eyes with sight of uniform corn fields, carpets of bluebonnet (yes, they’re still out and blooming!), and relaxing cattle. At 5 we reached the Wortham center garage, parking for the Rigoletto performance later in the evening. At 5:10 we were at Artista, 2 blocks down the street. It’s owned by a Nicaraguan family, featuring South American dishes, ranging from high class to what you might find around the corner for a good tummy-filler. So I’ve heard. You’ve gotta have a nice dinner before an opera, spend your TA check of the week on a single meal, and feel good, right?
Act I: chupe. “maine lobster bisque, charred tomato and smoked panela cheese” is what on the menu.
I found lobster, corn, rice, and mysterious white cubes underneath the calm surface. Not unexpectedly, it was thick, a little peppery, just luke warm, and cries South American. The most interesting thing was the white cubes, which taste very much like tofu, except for the extra firmness, or perhaps the almost gummy-bear texture, plain and pure. Was that the panela cheese?
Act II: churrasco. I saw it on almost every dinner banquet menu, and I like my meat, so why not?
Beautiful combination of colors. At the left we have béarnaise, made from egg yolk and spices, but by itself it really doesn’t have much of taste other than fatty. In the middle, just a simple steak. On the right, (roasted ?) ripe plantain. This is the best thing. I had to sacrifice the meat to have room for the plantain. It was sweet and compact. It enhances the steak. Oh, did I forget to mention that we had plantain chips while waiting? So much better than potato chips and corn chips. Thin and crisp, but they break nicely, you don’t get a mount of crumbs in front of you. The Dominican in our group told us that they make the chips from green plantain, and keep the ripe ones for side dishes (like with the churrasco) and for dessert.
Now I couldn’t take a picture of my dessert because there wasn’t enough light. Half of the group was persuaded into getting the Tres Leches, and was very happy they did. A sponge cake soaked in milk it was, but it is much lighter than it sounds. The Dominican said that it’s their best dessert, the final touch that makes you come back, the ultimate satisfaction that you must have before you die. Well, it was good. But I like my rich cocoa tart with “fudge and chocolate ganache and coconut ice cream”, which was absolutely not coconut, but more like sweetsop sorbet. (Don’t let the name fool you, sweetsop, i.e. sugar-apple, is neither sweet nor apple, but rather pulpy and a little sour, and beware of the seeds if you’re eating the fresh one.) Well, does this swapping of tropical flavors occur on regular basis? I don’t know. I did enjoy my “coconut ice cream” very much, and the chocolate quiche too, but each on their own. The combination wasn’t a good match.
We were an assorted group of 15, several Americans, a Swiss, a Dominican, a Peruvian, a Mexican, a Vietnamese, a lot of wine, and different levels of cuisine adventurousness. Guess how much was on the bill? 1186 dollars and some. Well, of course it got that high because Dr. Agnolet and Sandi were kind enough to pay for most of it. But, there you go, physics students don’t always eat cheap. 😉
See the menu.
I will eat this soon.
1Let me know what you think!
2ohh 🙂 looks good.
If you’re ever in the ‘spending’ mood again, you should try Wink restaurant in Austin. It is AMAZING.
-Rashmi
3We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with helpful information to work on. You have done a formidable process and our whole group will probably be thankful to you.
4I have not checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
5Wow! Thank you! I permanently needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I take a part of your post to my blog?
6Very well written information. It will be supportive to everyone who usess it, as well as myself. Keep up the good work – looking forward to more posts.
7Thank you for another fantastic article. Where else could anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.
8Hey there I am so delighted I found your webpage, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Aol for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great job.
9he blog was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Thanks
10Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Wonderful. I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your effort.
11Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
12Great work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my website . Thanks =)
13Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
14I would like to voice my passion for your kindness supporting women who really want help with the study. Your special dedication to getting the message all over had become astonishingly significant and have consistently permitted men and women like me to reach their pursuits. Your new warm and friendly guidelines means a whole lot a person like me and a whole lot more to my office workers. Best wishes; from all of us.
15Your home is valueble for me. Thanks!…
16Appreciate it for helping out, fantastic information. “Considering how dangerous everything is, nothing is really very frightening.” by Gertrude Stein.
17I am glad to be a visitor of this everlasting blog! , thankyou for this rare info ! .
18I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
19Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
20Lovely blog! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also.
21Merely wanna input on few general things, The website style is perfect, the subject material is very good : D.
22Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for! “I have a hundred times wished that one could resign life as an officer resigns a commission.” by Robert Burns.
23Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!
24Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
25Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent concept
26Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
27Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last few posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
28I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
29Hey! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the great information you will have here on this post. I will likely be coming back to your weblog for more soon.
30Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.” by Aristotle.
31Hi there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.
32I used to be recommended this website through my cousin. I am no longer positive whether or not this publish is written by him as no one else know such targeted approximately my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks!
33You have observed very interesting points! ps decent internet site.
34Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
35There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made sure nice points in features also.
36I gotta bookmark this site it seems very beneficial invaluable
37Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.
38I’m so happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.
39I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this information for my mission.
40What i do not understood is actually how you’re not really much more well-liked than you might be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it up!
41Thank you for sharing with us, I believe this website truly stands out :D.
42Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.
43Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I want to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all appear to get something done.
44It is really a great and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
45Hiya very nice site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I am glad to seek out numerous helpful information here in the put up, we want work out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
46I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site :).
47Exactly what I was looking for, appreciate it for posting.
48Admiring the dedication you put into your blog and in depth information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
49