Salty Sow

Following the wild success of Hopdoddy, its entrepreneurial, carnivorous owners are trying out a new eatery experiment – this time on the east side. Dieters need not apply. We were heartbroken when Red House Pizzeria closed last year, but rising from the ashes came a phoenix – or more specifically, a pig. Austinites, welcome to Salty Sow, where pigging out is a classy affair. Salty Sow (created by Team Hopdoddy) bills itself as a "head-to-tail" restaurant, featuring local and sustainable fare. Usually that's code for "brains and intestines," but so far, diners are less likely to encounter aggressive organ meats and more likely to encounter "cheap meats" (think chicken thigh and turkey leg) prepared with gourmet flair. However, if you order just one thing at Salty Sow, allow me to guide you toward the vegetables section, where you'll find the most mind-blowing brussels sprouts you've ever had in your life. Preparation like this makes me wonder why I, or any child, gave them such a hard time; served as a plate of light, crispy flakes with just the right amounts of salt and cheese, they taste just like popcorn. Finish things off with the Butterscotch Budino, whose salty caramel will either render you speechless, or making some pretty inappropriate moans at the dinner table.