A Glimpse into Austin's Freshest Seafood Restaurant

Youtuber: Bon Appétit

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bonappetit

Restaurant Name: ESTE

Restaurant Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nrn7H3n5LudhEaBv9

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g30196-d25087827-Reviews-Este-Austin_Texas.html

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A Glimpse into Austin's Freshest Seafood Restaurant

Running a seafood restaurant is a labor of love, especially in Texas. The challenge lies in ensuring the freshest possible ingredients are served to patrons. Imagine spending $15,000 to $18,000 weekly on seafood? Well, that's exactly what they do, and they are dedicated to providing quality dishes.

🏢 **Organizational Skills**

Part of running a restaurant successfully is being organized. A well-structured kitchen relies on extensive prep lists that help the team maintain focus on tasks. Each station has its own prep list, and all highlighted items are transferred to a Master Prep list. This careful planning ensures that the service runs smoothly.

🚚 **Receiving Deliveries**

The excitement builds when fresh fish arrives. They receive approximately 250 to 300 pounds of fish daily, a routine that happens two to three times a week. The moment fish arrives is crucial; it’s essential to examine each piece. Fresh fish should be on ice, fragrant of the sea, and firm to the touch.

🐟 **Quality Inspection**

Inspecting the quality of the fish involves checking the ice conditions and ensuring the fish look lively. They spend around 45 minutes to properly inspect and store the fish, taking care to rotate stock efficiently using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method.

🦪 **Oyster Selection**

Oysters also play a critical role in their offerings. The team checks each oyster for size, temperature, and whether they are tightly closed. Open shells indicate that an oyster is spoiled. They also have to keep harvest tags for regulatory purposes, ensuring community health and safety.

🍽️ **The Menu's Heartbeat**

As lunch approaches, the kitchen buzzes with energy. There’s a pre-shift lineup where the team discusses reservations and menus for the day. A delicious array of new dishes has been added, and the real test comes with performing them consistently.

🐠 **Fish Butchering Process**

Breaking down fish is another vital step in their daily operations. They utilize a method whereby fish is kept as cold as possible to preserve freshness. Using specialized scissors and knowledge of fish anatomy, the chef removes fins and skins with precision, ensuring that every part is utilized, with even the head being valuable in the right context.

🌶️ **Creating Unique Dishes**

One dish to look forward to is grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves, served with handmade tortillas. Fresh ingredients from their backyard garden, including peppers and flowers, provide unique flavor profiles that elevate their seafood dishes.

🥘 **Sauce Mastery**

The creation of sauces is equally significant. For instance, while preparing a puya cream sauce, they blend toasted sesame and various chilies to elevate the dish. The careful seasoning adds complexity, ensuring the sauce enhances the taste of the fish.

👨‍🍳 **Team Collaboration**

Finally, the success of a restaurant relies on teamwork. During busy services, everyone pitches in, checking on each other to ensure efficient operation. This collaborative spirit helps them handle the kitchen’s pace and demands, ultimately delivering excellent food to their guests.

With a commitment to quality and a passion for seafood, this restaurant exemplifies the vibrant culinary scene in Austin, Texas. The meticulous attention to detail, from sourcing ingredients to crafting exquisite dishes, keeps patrons returning for more.