Austin, Texas: Blue Dahlia Bistro + Local Shopping
Wow, I can’t even begin to tell you about the weekend I had. Brandon arranged for us to go back to Texas for a few days to see an Aggie game and to celebrate my 29th birthday so I wasn’t quite sure what exactly was in store.
Our flight left Thursday morning and we landed in Austin with enough time to have lunch and do a little shopping before driving to College Station.
We’ve been to a handful of places in Austin that we love to eat at, especially since the city as a whole is pretty big on sourcing local and organic food. I wanted to try something new though so I did some quick research once the plane landed and stumbled upon Blue Dahlia Bistro.
Blue Dahlia is a quaint little French bistro and bakery that prides themselves on supporting local farmers.
They serve breakfast all day long and I was extremely tempted to order a big plate of waffles but decided on something with a little more substance instead.
To start, we got the hummus and tabbouleh platter with assorted fresh bread {homemade olive, cranberry-apricot and French bread}, olives and sundried tomatoes.
For my meal, I ordered the mushroom, red pepper, and feta frittata which turned out to be one of the best frittatas I’ve ever had, and I’m not exaggerating.
Brandon got the egg salad sandwich with olive oil, dill and capers which he also thoroughly enjoyed.
I wanted to stuff the both the stone platter and the wooden table in my purse to use later for food styling but I was afraid they might notice so I decided against it.
And of course, I couldn’t leave without trying a chocolate croissant.
Do I even need to tell you that it was good? No.
Lastly, I enjoyed the finishing touch they leave along with the bill.
Well said, Pericles.
Overall, I was very impressed by Blue Dahlia and would go back without question. Actually, I think they should open a location in San Francisco.
Right next to the restaurant are a few small, local boutiques and I was able to convince Brandon to peruse with me for a little while.
Take Heart had a nice selection of unique household items and I was sucked into buying a candle {the animal lover in me couldn’t say no} and a few other things to use as food props.
Next door to Take Heart is a local fashion boutique called Mana Culture.
They also had a lot of really unique items and I was very tempted to buy something but most of it was yellow gold which I usually don’t wear so I refrained.
After that, we made the two hour drive to College Station to get settled in for the rest of the weekend. This is only a small snippet because the rest of our time there deserves it’s own, separate post which I’m so excited to share with y’all! Coming soon!!!
Have you ever been to Austin? Do you go back to the same place to eat when you travel or do you like to try something new?
That bistro looks absolutely adorable! I’d love something like that over here…actually there probably is somewhere, but I just have no clue where;)
It looks too cute.
Oh, I always love checking out little boutiques to see what unique things they have! I definitely prefer it to those big shops where everyone has the exact same things. You can find such interesting things.
Austin looks adorable – I’ve been wanting to go for a while now and we have friends who moved there about a year ago. Hopefully we’ll make it out there at some point!
And happy birthday! I just turned 29 too : )
That bistro looks amazing! Also the number of times I have wanted to steal “food props” from restaurants…I have a slate platter which you are welcome to borrow once I move to SF!!!
I might have to take you up on that offer! ;)
The bistro looks so cute! One of my favourite things about travelling is trying new restaurants, even if it’s to a place I’ve been to before. And I love little boutiques like that! There’s a couple of lakeside towns near here that are full of them, and you can find such unique jewellery in them.
I actually went to the Blue Dahlia when I was in Austin for SXSW and I loved it!! It was so cute and they had so many vegetarian options!
Yes, I was pleasantly surprised by their menu! Austin is one of the more vegetarian friendly cities in Texas, I love it!
Oh my gosh, that bistro looks amazing! I was definitely drawn in by the hunks of bread and decided it’s my kind of place. I would have gotten a chocolate croissant too!
I know I’ve been to a big town in Texas, but I can never remember if it was Dallas or Austin haha. I think I should go to Austin just in case. ;) I’ve heard so many great things about it, and I was so little last time I was in Texas that even if I did go there I don’t really remember it!
That bistro sounds like the perfect little place! Would you believe that I’ve never had a chocolate croissant?! This needs to change asap :P
I’m not sure if your birthday already happened or is about to, but either way, happy birthday!!!! :D
OMG, Alex! You are missing out girl. You should have your first one in Paris!! :)
Sounds like an amazing weekend! Wow I want that frittata right now (followed by a bite of the croissant) I am obsessed with almond croissants.. I’ve been to Houston before but that’s it!
Sounds like a great way to spend a birthday…. Happy birthday! Austin is definitely on my list of places to visit; I hear great things!
I’ve never been to Austin, but it is on my list of places to visit. I’ve only heard good things. The restaurant sounds amazing… I want a big bite of that hummus plate! Can’t wait to hear more.
Happy Birthday! :) I have never been to Austin but it is a definitely place to visit soon for Hubby and I. The food you ate looks great and I want one of those necklaces, especially the torquoise one. Love!!!
I know, I was this close to buying a piece of turquoise jewelry- so pretty!
YAY for a trip back to Texas! I love Austin. I’ll have to remember to try this place next time we are there…it looks great!
Happy Birthday!!
I’ve never been to Austin before, but it looks great. That bistro sounds amazing – totally my kind of restaurant too! I love that jewelry! It’s so unique!
Thank you Holly! :)
I’ve never been to Austin before but there is a possibility that Fitbloggin may be held there next year and I think it would be so fun to go there. Blue Dahlia looks amazing! Yum! :)
Oh, how exciting! I hope they have it there. I would love to go next year.
I have always wanted to visit Austin TX. I am super jealous of your trip. The bistro looks so stinking cute. Glad you had a great weekend. Happy Birthday dear!
Thank you Andrea! :) I think you would love Austin. It’s my favorite city in Texas.
I’ve never been to Texas! I need to go!
Never been to Texas before. I’ve heard so many great things about the Austin area and wouldn’t mind stopping by there.
When we go back to San Diego (our college town), we like to hit up a couple of our favorite places and then try a couple new places. Mix things up and get the nostalgia in.
So sweet for Brandon to arrange such a birthday weekend for you! Happy Birthday :)
I haven’t been to Austin but would love to go one day! The restaurant sounds fun, the starter with homemade bread looks wonderful.
Are you back in California? They should definitely open a Blue Dahlia in San Francisco and it looks like both did some kitchen utensil shopping. :)
Happy to see that you had a great time. I am itching to travel too, school is becoming a drag.
Yep, we got back Sunday. I’m still running around like a headless chicken trying to get back on track.
Hang in there with school, you’ll get a break in a few months! :)
Yay for a birthday weekend of fun!!
I’ve never been to Texas but I think I’d love it there, especially that adorable French place! :) Your foodie pictures always make me drool over here! That’s adorable that the restaurant gives quotes like that.. Super cute touch!
I have GOT to get to Austin! Nothing makes me happier than a city that has a great focus on local and organic foods. Ben has been and said it’s one of the coolest places.
Hope you had a fabulous birthday! Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story ;).
You would love it there! Austin has such a great vibe.
Happy belated birthday Sarah!
Your trip sounds awesome, what a nice idea from Brandon.
You should have told me that it´s your birthday, I would have written a birthday mail.
The food looks great..makes ma hungry :D
Thank you Anne! I don’t like to make a big deal out of my birthday but thank you for thinking of me! :)
The food there was amazing.