the Blog
You’re going to find my in-depth reviews about places I’ve traveled to, kitchen adventures (and maybe mishaps) , restaurants I’ve visited far and wide (looking at you, Dublin) and tons more behind the scenes of what happens at The Monique Story!
September 13, 2017
There’s a new spot in town that have the views AND the noms to make you swoon! Nestled right on the lake, Shack 512 is bringing real culinary cuisine to the lake scene. In my personal experience, lake food isn’t always the tastiest. Shack 512 has majorly changed that! You have to start the evening […]
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September 11, 2017
Brooklyn is such a beautiful place full of amazing food, greenery, food, sights, and food. Half the reason I was excited about Joel and my trip to New York was for all the amazing noms that were to happen. Brooklyn did not disappoint! Brooklyn Botanic Gardens $15 to enter into this paradise! We could’ve spent […]
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September 6, 2017
It was such a joy and pleasure cooking for the Meals to Heal dinner last month which benefited LIVESTRONG and all the important work they do! I created a 4 course gluten free menu that emphasized nutritional foods (while still tasting great). It all took place at the beautiful LIVESTRONG office on East 6th Street. […]
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Hotel restaurants in Austin are changing the food scene from bad greasy burgers to upscale dining. Knotty Deck has especially done an amazing job with elevating hotel eats. Nearly everything is locally sourced from farms around the nearby area and turned into fantastic culinary creations! Let’s talk about this charcuterie board. A lot of places […]
September 5, 2017
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September 1, 2017
There’s a new BBQ food truck in town and I’m 100% in love with everything they do. Big Delicious Food Co. is changing the game in smoked meats and BBQ dishes. From tacos to sandwiches and frito pies, BBQ is represented in all the best ways. They also donate 10% of each purchase to Dell […]
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August 31, 2017
Alright y’all. The search is over. I’ve found the best queso in Austin and you will not believe where it’s from… Soco Bar and Bites in the Embassy Suites Hotel! Their queso is so flavorful, spicy and filled with pico and peppers. You can add avocado, chorizo, or shrimp to it – we went with […]
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August 23, 2017
El Chile Cafe y Cantina has a new brunch menu and it is the perfect tex-mex hangover cure! Their rajas queso is super creamy and served with double fried tortilla chips, Pro tip: ask for a small side of guacamole and mix it in for extra yumminess. Their agua frescas are incredible fresh and flavorful […]
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Boiler Nine Bar + Grill have a brunch that’s beaming with bright, beautiful, and delicious drinks and eats. Not only is their gorgeous bar and grill filled with natural light due to their large windows, but the funky, modern, industrial decor invites you in to eat all of the things. I can’t believe I never […]
August 22, 2017
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August 14, 2017
I had the honor and joy to cook at Forthright’s kitchen once again for a pop-up dinner on August 2nd. I titled this night “A Slice of Summer” to represent some of summer’s best ingredients. Best of all – everything was gluten free! The first course featured red beets with walnuts, goat cheese, and reduced […]
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August 9, 2017
I had the incredible honor and pleasure to dine at The Carillon and be treated to their Chef’s Tasting Menu by Chef Dan and their team. I can’t believe I’ve never visited their amazing restaurant before because I was blown away by everything they made. Course’s 5 and 8 were my absolute favourites, but I […]
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August 7, 2017
There’s a new happy hour in town and it’s delicious. Almost every dish is only $5 – I’m talking fried green tomatoes with harissa aioli, white bean puree with house bread, and chaat chicken wings! There are also great $5 wines like the Mont Gravet Rosé and $5 featured cocktails. The white bean puree is […]
