Back in Austin!

Boy, does it feel so right to be back in Austin! I was out of the country for nearly all of July, and was in Dallas for the rest of the time. I tried to go to the movies as often as I could, and hit up some awesome restaurants in Dallas. Ziziki's, Eno's, Rise nº1, The Porch, Park on Henderson, The Common Table, Lumi, and La Duni were just a hanfull of some of my new favorite spots I ventured to this summer in Dallas. The majority of films I saw were decent... nothing stuck out as 'the must-see summer blockbuster', but my two favorite films were JJ Abram's secretive 'Super 8' and The New Times' 'Page One'.

 Abram's sci-fi epic was captivating and fresh. The cast's camaraderie and youthful spirit was reminiscent to Speilberg's 'Goonies', while the plot steered more towards Abram's bulk of work ('LOST', 'Fringe'). The film had me laughing, sympathetic, and on the edge of my seat -- a true roller-coaster of emotions! The short film that the kids entered into their contest (titled "The Case") played during the credits and was genius. A neat side-fact is that the children actually wrote and filmed the humorous film without any intervention from Abrams.

The New York Times' all access documentary was great. A film crew followed the newspaper tycoon for over a year - a very interesting period for print media as social media outlets and online news has taken over the 'age of information'. The current global recession occurs, and forces major cutback and layoffs within the media giant. During that same time, Wikileaks breaks on the scene and turns the news industry upside-down. The New York Times eventual compliance with the rouge media source eventually lands much them much critisism.. all the way up to the White House.

Dallas: Eno's Pizza Tavern

I love pizza of all shapes and sizes: cheese-crust, Chicago deep-dish, New York, and thin-crust. Eno's Pizza Tavern has not only mastered the thin-crust pizza in Dallas, but has a great atmosphere (often with live music multiple times a week), great service, and a beer selection that would please even the most sophisticated beer nerd. As a Dallas native, I've had pizza from all over the city. It was not until just recently I was introduced to Eno's Pizza Tavern... and my perception of Dallas' pizza capabilities were changed.
For starters, I ordered the Honey Chile Hog Wings, which the table ended up ordering another because they were amazing. This tender piece of pork came still on the bone (although it fell off instantly) in a cast iron skillet. The pork was glazed with local sweet honey and a red chile sauce. While the hog wings were sweet from the honey, the after-burn from the red chile was enough to make you reach for that cold brew -- but a good temperature burn.. the kind that makes you want to take another bite! The bleu cheese buttermilk dip was a great way to neutralized the spice and added a great deal of flavor. I also ordered the Harvest Pear Salad. Consisting of a mix of Arugula, local greens, and fresh Basil. The salad contained Bleu Cheese crubles, sliced Pears, Pancetta, and was all brought together with a Champagne Vinaigrette. The contents of the salad worked wonderfully together,  and the dressing really brought out their flavors.

When I go to a pizzaria like Eno's, I know I should just trust them and choose a pizza that is a selection on the menu, but when they offer customized pizzas.. I can't help but indulge. The pizza that I concocted was: Pepperoni, Hot Sausage, Charred Green Onion, Garlic, Fresh Basil, Jalapenos, Artichoke, and Sun Dried Tomatoes. These customized pizzas are called 'iPies' at Eno's. These thin-crust pizzas are the perfect size to split with somebody, or fully satisfy you if you are pretty starving.
In addition to great pizzas, Eno's offers a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, and Italian pastas.
It was quite unlike me, but I just couldn't push myself to get any dessert -- I was stuffed! I was regretting my decision when I saw some kind of Hot Brownie Sundae brought to the table next to me.

-- Their dedicated beer menu is vast and contains variety and character. From seasonal draughts, many local Texas microbrews, to 'Micro Cans', they have almost every flavorful beer you can think of. They also have a great wine selection.

Emo's Pizza Tavern is a must if you live in Dallas, or stopping by the area. I can't wait to venture back for dinner, possibly to try a sandwich or homemade pastas -- and most probably a desert!
A must-go for any pizza or beer lover!
Overall I give Emo's Pizza Tavern 5/5 stars! ★★★★★


Eno's Pizza Tavern: Menu (Dinner)

Eno's: Drink/Dessert Menu