On the far end of east Austin is Contigo, a farm-to-table restaurant with arguably the best outdoor setting in town. Maybe it’s the long drive in the opposite direction of civilization, or the layout of the large communal tables, but the sky just looks bigger here… especially on this particular night when some moody purple & grey storm clouds were just beginning to loom overhead. I love it here in the summertime because the menu is lighter and includes more veggie-friendly options. (In other seasons it can be a pretty meaty-pork-heavy place). But this time the highlights for me were: Shishito Peppers with Peanut Sauce (not pictured – we must have eaten those too quickly), Grilled Zucchini & Fennel with Smoked Tomatoes, and my top favorite, the Beet and Potato salad with Arugula and Caraway Seeds. The cocktail highlights are the El Pepino (tequila, cucumber, mint, lime), and the Smokin’ Gypsy (vodka, benedictine, balcones brimstone, angostura bitters). I was way too full for dessert but I’m still kind of kicking myself for not trying the Smoked Peaches with white chocolate and oatmeal crisp. Oh, and one last tip… probably don’t show up here without cowboy boots.
