Foreign & Domestic – Austin, TX

Named one of the Top 50 New Restaurants in the U.S. by Bon Appetite, and as Restaurant of the Year for 2014, by the Boston Eater, the Foreign & Domestic, located in Austin, Texas, has proven that great food and true passion are the heart of any restaurant. The 47 seat location may be small, but the buzz it’s created, especially under the guidance of chef and owner Ned Elliot, who specializes in inventive, seasonal, New American cuisine. It’s become a neighborhood favorite, known for its expertly prepared food at reasonable prices.

“My mantra is attention to detail,” said Elliott. “…it is an important part of how we define Foreign & Domestic.”

Although the menu is always changing, that’s part of the appeal. Guests always have a new dining experience each time they sit down. From a pop-up bake shop, to hosting an Indie Chefs table, with special culinary guests, and East Coast Oysters on Tuesday for a buck.

Unique Appetizers

Appetizers are intended to warm up the palate, and prepare you for the main course. The Foreign & Domestic offers a new twist to traditional American cuisine, paring some of the most unusual ingredients in to mouth-watering dishes. From honeyed ham with warm cornbread and tomato jam to carrot butter with a soft, poached egg over spring time vegetables, the appetizer menu has something for everyone looking to be adventurous with their grub.

Excellent Entrees and Specialties

Locals know the Foreign & Domestic for some excellent cuts of beef, pork, fish, fowl, and the incorporation of organ meats. There is a selection for vegetarians which include a Portabella Mushroom Steak and Gnocchi alla Romana. For the carnivores, dishes such as the Salt & Time Butcher Shop Pork Belly comes with collard greens and a Gouda fritter, smothered in brown gravy. Lighter options include a Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon with fennel kimchi, topped with rhubarb, strawberries, and a kick of horseradish. If you’re looking for something unusual, in limited supply, check out their seasonal option, which rotates frequently.

Succulent Sweets

If you’ve saved room for dessert, the Foreign & Domestic has something to hit the spot. A rotating selection of sweets include a Butterscotch Budino with whipped cream, caramel, and cacao nibs, or go for the Coconut Sorbet topped with dill syrup, strawberries, and graham crackers.

Bubbles and Brew

Along with its seasonal selection of ingredients, the Foreign & Domestic has an offering of specialty cocktails and local brews. If you’re looking to wine and dine a guest consider a rose Pinot Noir from Sonoma or a white Chardonnay from Tuscany. Their list of champagne and wine are all biodynamic and/or organic, and they only support sustainable, family-owned wineries whenever possible.

The Details

Located at 305 East 53rd Street in Austin, Texas, they are strictly a dinner-only service, open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They are closed Sunday and Monday. The Foreign & Domestic does not accept reservations, but if you’d like more information visit their website, www.fndaustin.com, check out their Facebook, or email them directly at [email protected].