Chronicle Enjoys the Southern Feast Despite Some Stumbles at Colleen’s Kitchen - Eater Austin
"At the Chronicle, critic Melanie Haupt generally enjoyed the Southern food and eclectic decor at Colleen's Kitchen. Haupt calls the Mueller restaurant 'cheery and airy,' though she notes she has a high tolerance for dining among the babies and dogs that are ubiquitous at Mueller. Dinner started with bacon-wrapped dates ('an umami-caramel marriage made in heaven'), 'elevated' pimento cheese, fried chicken, and green tomato sliders on a 'buttery' biscuit. She was also a fan of the cocktails, particularly the house punch with apricot and lemon. However, while entrees were enjoyable and generous, Haupt found the starchy sides fell flat: grits were 'bland,' mashed potatoes were 'meh,' and mac and cheese 'appeared to be just buttery noodles topped with seasoned bread crumbs.' On a return visit, Haupt sampled catfish bites ('tender chunks of expertly seasoned fish') and avocado shrimp toast (though she noted, '[f]or $13, I want at least half an avocado to show up on the plate.'). Haupt was particularly taken with her salad." - Erin Russell
