For years, Austin locals and visitors have flocked to Lake Travis for fun in the sun, lakeside relaxation and a respite from the hectic trials of everyday life.
But since nearby eateries have long consisted only of run-down pizzerias, mediocre sandwich shops and overpriced party spots serving little more than deep-fried fare, a daytrip to the lake often has meant settling for a not-so-spectacular post-retreat dinner. And few hungry diners would make the effort to drive to the Lake Travis area for only a meal.
Luckily, this is no longer the case, thanks to a legendary Houston-based chef whose vision for a casual, yet stylish lakeside eatery has forever changed the landscape of the Lake Travis dining scene.
Soleil, a Mediterranean-Italian seafood restaurant developed by James Beard-award-winning Texas Chef Robert Del Grande and his Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group, personifies “lake chic.” The restaurant offers guests a totally unique dining experience, solidifying the idea that fresh, well-prepared seafood tastes even better while admiring lake and sunset views.
Located next to the world-famous Oasis restaurant in the Oasis, Texas, village some 400 feet above the cliffs of Lake Travis, Soleil boasts a stunning panoramic view of the lake and may very well be the best spot this side of Big Bend National Park to take in a spectacular sunset – only fitting for a restaurant whose name translates literally to “sun.”
Aside from the breathtaking view, which itself is reason enough to visit Soleil, the restaurant features a number of enchanting characteristics that pleasantly enhance its overall charm.
The Azure Lounge, for instance, is a casual, welcoming space set off from the main dining area that is highlighted by a massive curved bar showcasing Soleil’s impressive cold and raw seafood selections. (The oysters are sweet and delicate, and the Crudo of Ahi Tuna with Black Olive Mousse & Tomato Caviar is divinely crave-worthy.) Perfect for appetizers and a pre-dinner cocktail, an after-boating gathering or a private party, the lounge is finished with yet another striking lake view.
Separating the Azure Lounge from the dining room is an alluring outdoor patio space adorned with low cocktail tables and cozy, oversized wicker armchairs – another ideal spot for kicking back with a cocktail and taking in the gorgeous surroundings. Even the spacious main dining area, which overlooks a wraparound deck, features picturesque glimpses from every table in the house.
But the Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group didn’t forego Soleil’s interior simply because its location lends itself to grand views. Rather, much attention to detail was given to the restaurant’s stylish, yet unpretentious décor. Influenced by the spirit of coastal Mediterranean seaside towns, Soleil is awash with colors and textures that make for an easygoing and airy environment, and the dining room’s many oversized windows help create a seamless transition from the outdoors in.
It’s the type of lakeside atmosphere that leads to cravings for seafood, and Soleil has got just the menu to fulfill any seafood aficionado’s culinary desires. Led by Baltimore native and emerging Austin Chef George Thomas (previously of Truluck’s, Paggi House and Maiko Sushi Lounge), the Soleil kitchen prides itself on its bountiful, full-flavored menu.
Though the seasonally changing menu was designed under the guidance of Del Grande, Thomas’ passion for cooking with fresh, all-natural and seasonal ingredients shines through every delightful dish.
Inspired by the seaside tastes of the Mediterranean and the rich, seasoned flavors of Italy, Soleil’s menu showcases a wide variety of dishes ranging from simple, yet sublime antipasti selections to the entrée of crabcake with crispy softshell crab, golden raisin grain mustard pesto and watercress.
The bruschetta with taleggio and pears with prosciutto and arugula; the shrimp and corn chowder; and the roasted sweet peppers with white anchovies, Spanish chorizo and parmesan are perfect starters, while pasta dishes like Soleil’s fettuccine with gulf crab, shrimp and lobster in a lobster cream with ricotta salata highlights how well traditional Italian fare marries with Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes.
Diners hankering for a less formal meal will delight in Soleil’s burger selection, which includes fresh-ground steak burgers, fish and chicken sandwiches and a delectable handmade ground shrimp burger with remoulade and market greens. There’s even a stone-oven pizza menu that will please even the most finicky of diners (the di gulfo pizza with shrimp, avocado, bacon and Fresno chiles is a winner).
The plates selection, while admittedly more polished, is just as accessible and enjoyable. Gems include the rainbow trout with crab meat, golden raisins and pine nut brown butter; the striped bass with polenta, smoked mussels, Spanish chorizo and salsa verde; the sea scallops with polenta, wild mushrooms and a prosciutto broth; and the filet mignon with gorgonzola dolce, mission fig steak sauce and arugula salad.
Like the menu, the wine and specialty cocktail selection is vast and includes something to cater to every taste. Soleil’s specialty drinks – the Grand Smash (Grand Marnier and Cordon Rouge with fresh lemon and mint), the El Jefe (Marker’s Mark, grapefruit soda and fresh grapefruit and lime juices) and the Elderflower Martini (Frozen Ghost Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower with a splash of gin, lemon juice and simple syrup) are best sipped while reclining on the deck just in time for a magnificent Lake Travis sunset.
It is here, with a cocktail in hand and a platter of raw oysters beckoning, that diners realize Soleil is not simply a wonderful restaurant. It’s an escape.
For more information on Soleil, visit www.soleilaustin.com.
