Every year we take a trip during my kids' spring break. This year we had originally planned on spending the break in Los Angeles but since we haven't visited our families in Austin, Texas for a while, timing couldn't be any better. This is why we purchased the airline tickets and, hey, here we are, having jetted off to Austin also known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and "Keep Austin Weird".

On our first night in Austin, we visited our friends Kurt 'Irish Chef' Ramborger and Paul Rutowski's restaurant in Buda. They opened ViUDA Bistro last summer. We were excited to visit their restaurant like I mentioned in my previous post there aren't many restaurants owned and run by Deaf people in America. The cuisine is New American.

I recalled Kurt telling me when he lived in Bay Area and even catered several events at my place several times - that he dreamed of opening his restaurant. I am so glad to see his dream become alive.

ViUDA Bistro offers a new spring menu. I had hoped to try Kurt's famous ‘Corruption Dish’ but it wasn't available that evening. We started off with a complimentary French sliced loaf with honey butter. We ordered the Rosemary Shrimp on Skewer. The presentation looked lovely. I learned that Carrington Steak was almost sold out, and I asked the server if I could have the last Carrington Steak. Lucky me :) I was in mood for some juicy, mean Texan steak. Ending the night with desserts was a must for me. I ordered Tiramisu and Orange Cake. I had tried Kurt's Orange Sorbet before, and Kurt was creative with the orange cake. We stayed a bit late and chatted with Kurt afterwards. It was really great comparing notes among fellow restaurateurs.

On a side note, I should mention that Kurt Ramborger was recently crowned as Eater.com's Hottest Chef in America. Congratulations, Kurt!