Barlata's Barcelona Spirit; 'Neighborhood Gem' Winebelly

Matthew Odam at The Statesman reviews Barlata this week and praises the restaurant's "celebration of life and food." In addition to the authentic Spanish cuisine, he's especially impressed by the service and the atmosphere. "The energy of the space swept us to a table that felt like it was in the center of a party. Our server played the affable host, complementing the room's excitement with personal warmth while tempering the fervor with a measured cool. After delivering cocktails — including a robust and balanced Earl Grey Old Fashioned ($11), the tea-infused rye whiskey punched with orange bitters and cane sugar — he walked us through the various sections of the menu, pointing out many of his favorites while diplomatically steering us away from others." Odam finds plenty to enjoy on the menu, though some offerings are overly rich or salty. Overall, the critic rates Barlata an 8 of 10.

Kate Thornberry reviews Winebelly for The Chronicle, and she characterizes the tapas spot as a great 'neighborhood' restaurant. Thornberry defines a 'neighborhood' restaurant as one that's affordable, offers ample parking, and never has a wait for a table. On the food: "The tapas are more seasonal and local, with little of the Spanish emphasis on seafood. Standouts include the fried quail ($10), an ample portion served with arugula, roasted pears, and black-pepper honey, and the roasted carrots ($10), a superb dish of sweet, jewel-toned carrots and parsnips served in a pool of crème fraîche, and topped with cool slices of perfect avocado." Thornberry concludes that Winebelly has all the makings of a South Austin mainstay.

THE BLOGS: Fed Man Walking Mike Sutter is overall a fan of Epicerie, though he finds the price points a bit high. Ginny's Austin praises Parkside, South Austin Foodie rounds up a series of recent dinners including visits to Together Korean and El Chile, the Austinot recommends Peche, and Mad Betty lists her saddest shutters. Finally, Jane Ko of a Taste of Koko is nearly finished her list of 100 Things to Eat in Austin This Fall.
· Barlata Tapas Bar Brings Spanish Flair and Flavor to South Lamar [Statesman]
· Where Everybody Knows Your Name [Chronicle]
· All Week in Reviews Coverage [EATX]