Dinner In Gwinnett: Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery

Growing up the oldest of four kids, the ability to have alone time with my parents was kind of hard to come by. Getting out of the house with just one parent was a treat, and it was a bonus if the trip included a dining experience. Well, my dad and I would sneak out once a month for lunch at Schlotzsky’s Deli in Tucker, Georgia.  Sure there were other times we would hang out and spend time together, but this lunch outing became our thing.  We lived in Gwinnett County, which means that we had to drive a distance.  But that gave us a chance to catch up and talk and really get some daddy-daughter quality time in.  We simply loved Schlotzsky’s sandwiches! Now, some years later, I still visit Schlotzsky’s, and it’s better than ever.  I had a chance to experience the location in Duluth, Georgia.  My experience was 15 out of 10!  I was invited to try a five-course meal created by the incredible Chef Maira Morales.  She is truly a gem.  Not only is she gorgeous, she is extremely talented and knowledgeable in her craft, and it shows in her passion and love for what she does. When you first walk into the eatery, you will see that the restaurant feels like a local spot in Austin with eclectic décor and unique objects, materials, and textures that imperfectly just fit.  You’re going to love how Instagram-worthy their sign is: Austin Born and Bread. I was excited about trying their new menu.  It was inspired by the Austin food truck scene.  It’s a unique combination of handcrafted dishes, fresh baked bread, and includes their famous sandwiches and bold, flavorful, shareable dishes. The cherry on top is that Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery has beer, wine, and live music.  The vibe puts you in a good mood.  This dining experience was truly a treat because it was paired with wine and beer that Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery offers in-house. I was excited about trying their new menu.  It was inspired by the Austin food truck scene.  It’s a unique combination of handcrafted dishes, fresh baked bread, and includes their famous sandwiches and bold, flavorful, shareable dishes. The cherry on top is that Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery has beer, wine, and live music.  The vibe puts you in a good mood.  This dining experience was truly a treat because it was paired with wine and beer that Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery offers in-house. The five courses we enjoyed were all different and delectable. When you visit you should order:

Picante Papusa  

       A sweet corn cake with slow roasted pork carnitas, mozzarella, salsa verde, jalapeños, pinnacle kale coleslaw, queso fresco, cilantro-cumin dressing and cilantro.

The Deluxe Original

 More than double the meat of The Original Lean smoked ham, genoa and cotto salamis, cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, black olives, red onions, lettuce, tomatoes, mustard, and signature sauce on sourdough.

 Santa Fe Flatbread

Hickory-smoked brisket and pineapple with mozzarella, queso fresco, roasted red peppers, pineapple kale coleslaw cilantro and cilantro-cumin dressing on artisan flatbread.

Wine: Gio Cato

Sweet N Sassy+ The Other Cuban

Hickory-smoked brisket, apricot jam, jalapeños, Swiss and honey cream cheese on Hawaiian bread. Slow roasted pork carnitas ham Swiss pickles and mustard on  Hawaiian bread.

Beer: Hop Dang

Smoky Brisketeer Mac

Hickory smoked brisket with chipotle pesto, cheddar, jalapeños and roasted red peppers topped with BBQ sauce nd cilantro atop savory Mac and cheese

Wine: Rosso Di Ca Momi . Land & Sea+Saucy Chick 

Bacon, shrimp, chipotle sauce,Italian dressing, mozzarella, tortilla strips, anchor chili powder and avocado on a corn and flour tortilla.

Since I am older, I have more of an appreciation for bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and wine.  The entire dinner was delicious.  Each course was different, and my favorite had to be the smokey brisket mac and cheese.  It was so creamy and savory with the hearty brisket atop.  It made this dish really amazing.  I loved the smokey flavor, and of course, I couldn’t stop eating it.  The portions are the perfect size.

What I loved most about my dining experience is that Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery brings an eclectic spirit.  From Chef Maira Morales, to the decor, my dinner from start to finish was superb!

Make sure you visit for Happy Hour each day from 4 p.m. till 7 p.m.

Enjoy!