: One of Austin’s most notable chefs --- David Garrido --- is at the helm of the most prized real estate in town, a restaurant overlooking Lady Bird Lake just across the South Congress Bridge at the gateway to downtown. The spot languished as a nondescript T.G.I. Friday’s, but the Radisson made a major upgrade to its hotel, including a complete overhaul of this space. But who needs a backstory when there are Garrido’s famous crispy oysters to be had, served atop a yucca chip with a dollop of pineapple pico and habanero aïoli. Or if you’re looking for something more classic, opt for the coast-to-coast oysters platter with cucumber mignonette and horseradish. Speaking of classics, the beef tartare, with mustard caviar, capers, flax seed wontons and a runny egg yolk, is worth ordering on every visit. Don’t be shy in requesting guidance on the wine list, which is carefully curated with varietals from over a dozen countries. For special evenings, bypass the house cellar and ask for the sommelier selections, a separate top tier-only book. And though it would mean a limited menu, dining outside in the über-swank pool area makes for an unmistakably quintessential Austin evening.

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