The Stella Burger with White Cheddar, White BBQ Crispy Onions
The Westin Austin Downtown is officially open for business at the corner of San Jacinto Boulevard and Fifth Street. The Austin-American inspired restaurant Stella San Jac is located on bottom floor of the hotel serving an eclectic American-Southern inspired menu featuring a mix of multi-cultural influenced flavors that define the city.
The kitchen is helmed by Pennsylvania native and Executive Chef Michael Cerrie, with more than 25 years of cooking for celebrities, dignitaries and world famous chefs. His cooking style is inspired by his Sicilian great grandmother, “Nonni,” and family fish frys. Cerrie attributes his cooking style to an inherited appreciation for great food served simply.
Outstanding service is hard to come by these days, but with more than 20 handpicked servers and staff on hand, the restaurant is making a clear statement on the quality they wish to provide. After visiting the restaurant 3 different occasions and was highly impressed every single time. Our servers were very attentive, and knew the menu, cocktails and wine selections without even the slightest hesitation. This is a true testament of excellence from the guidance of chef Michael Cerrie and the staff.
The fully stocked bar features handcrafted cocktails, local craft beers and a very respectable wine selection. The highlight is the Porthole Infuser – a cocktail infused with special herbs, fruit and top shelf liquor in a custom made glass canteen. We enjoyed a jalapeno grilled pineapple infusion with Dulce Vida tequila which is both visually impressive and delicious. Get to the restaurant early, as only 10 infusers are made daily and will be served on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you miss out don’t worry, you’ll still be impressed with a signature cocktail or two to pair with your dinner experience. Go for the Rosy Bacardi with lemon basil and black peppercorn.
We went in with an empty stomach, but left full and slightly plump. Small plates include andouille deviled eggs, johnny cakes with chicken and Rebecca Creek barbecue sauce, and brussels sprouts with candied jalapeños. The #16 Biscuits ($5) , so named because they were Cerrie’s 16th attempt to make a perfect biscuit. To start we enjoyed a few small plates like the Beet Chips, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Deviled Eggs and of course the #16 Biscuits.
Our entrees included a hearty serving of Braised Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Mash and Green Apple Slaw as well as the Pan-Seared Chicken with charred corn grits and pork cracklin. I’m a sucker for a great steak so my favorite is the Prime Strip Steak cooked medium rare with a side of gratin potatoes. The Diver Scallops were among some of the best we’ve enjoyed in Austin. They’re plump and seared perfectly
The dinner service also features local musicians on an almost daily basis giving the restaurant a welcoming and lively atmosphere. Back in my parent’s days, if you felt the need to impress someone and didn’t mind paying for a great meal, you would probably dine at one of the fanciest hotels in town. The Westin Austin Downtown certainly fits in to that category as it is no stranger to a little taste of luxurious hospitality, and it aims to fulfill that long standing tradition with Stella San Jac!
Hours:
| Wednesday | 6AM–10PM |
| Thursday | 6AM–10PM |
| Friday | 6AM–10PM |
| Saturday | 6AM–10PM |
| Sunday | 6AM–10PM |
| Monday | 6AM–10PM |
| Tuesday | 6AM–10PM |
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…