What I Ate: October 31, 2009 (Pao's Mandarin House, Serrano's)

Lunch: We met up with a couple of new friends (and a bunch or even newer friends) for a twelve (or more) person gathering at Pao's Mandarin House (2300 Lohmans Spur, Lakeway, TX‎ - (512) 263-8869‎). Tina and I had been to Pao's almost a year ago on one of our scouting trips to Austin, but didn't think too much of it. The food was better this time around, but some of the dishes could have been better (the steamed dumplings and potstickers) while others were quite good (crispy tofu, scallion pancakes, and sesame pancake with roast beef).

Dinner: Tina and I dropped in on a Serrano's Tex-Mex Mesquite for dinner. After the unsatisfying fish tacos at Satellite Bistro a few days ago, I wanted fish tacos.

Fish Tacos Two Mesquite Grilled Tilapias served on Home Made Corn Tortillas with Lettuce, Red Cabbage, Pico de Gallo, and Chipotle Ranch Dressing. Served wtih Pacifico Rice and Black Beans ($10; I got charro beans instead of black beans). Two decent sized fillets were served (one on each taco) with a pile of lettuce, cabbage and wonderfully acidic pico de gallo. The salty and creamy ranch dressing worked really well with the bright tones of the vegetables and really made the tilapia (which eaten on it's own was bland and unflavorful) pop. I really enjoyed the fish tacos and found the flavors to be refreshing. There was quite a bit of food (especially compared to how much fish is served at other places for a similar price).