Odam Embraces Texas Pride at Tim Love’s Lonesome Dove Austin

Statesman's Matthew Odam found out what Texas looks like from outside of Texas with celebrity chef Tim Love’s Austin outpost of Lonesome Dove. Along with the western decor details (taxidermy, antlers, cowhide), Love’s state pride shines through the finely-honed food. The striking dishes included the charcuterie-like fettine and steak, which highlighted game meat:

Supple elk loin interspersed with rippled waves of crispy collard greens and musky hen of the woods mushrooms relied on candied grapes for sweetness instead of an overwhelming sauce on one thoughtful entrée ($44). Ruddy lamb chops bristled with a fierce salt-and-pepper char on a dish that paid homage to the Southwest with a refreshing corn-and-avocado salsa ($42), and a trio of rabbit — grilled juicy tenderloin, confit leg wrapped in a crunchy sheath, and pulled threads stuffed inside a decadent shepherd’s pie — was a filling meal fit for a cattle baron ($42).

THE BLOGS: Foodie is the New Forty brunched at Prelog’s, Forks Up tried JuJu Juice, Dine With Shayda opted to dine in at Sala & Betty, and Mike Sutter had way more tacos, including his final Tacodeli one.