Foodie Rave

Throughout the Italian countryside you can see posters advertising local sagras. A sagra is a celebration of the bounties of the earth-meaning food, of course. Austin has its very own sagra at 17th and San Antonio, named for the small town festivals that are so popular with the food-obsessed Italians.


I don't know why it has taken me so long to discover this place, but thanks to the briliant recommendation of my friend, it has become an instant favorite. Housed in a vintage cottage with outdoor patio tables lining the front walkway, this trattoria with its deep red awning looks very inviting. If you have never been to Sagra, you are in for a treat.

Freshly cut flowers on crisp white tablecloths and apricot walls bathed in soft lighting give off a warm and romantic ambience. The feeling is relaxed as you
pore over the menu with a glass of wine, and sample the warm house bread. Everything on the menu sounds appealing from the argula proscuitto pizza made in their wood burning oven, to the braised short ribs served over a creamy polenta. I opted for the chicken stuffed with apricots, pistachios and a goat cheese ricotta with a decadent cauliflower risotto on the side. I have to say it was the best chicken dish I have ever eaten, anywhere, including Italy. 

Believe me, this photo does not do justice to the stuffed chicken

                      

 Sagra is open for lunch, and happy hour is from 4 to 7 with half price pizza. Dinner reservations are recommended.