My first visit to Fabrik, a vegan fine dining establishment, was an overall positive experience with some truly exceptional highlights and a few minor disappointments.
Highlights
The meal started on a high note with several standout dishes:
Amuse Bouche: A delightful introduction to the meal.
Yeast Treats: The Parker House Roll, in particular, was exceptional. It easily joins my list of elite bread in Austin, alongside Luties Estate Bread and the Sourdough from Pasta|Bar.
The Garden: This dish was the star of the show. The gazpacho featured incredibly balanced flavors with just the right amount of heat, while the garden elements showcased the chef's skill with vegetables. It was probably my favorite course of the evening.
Middle Courses
The menu seemed to reach its peak just before the main courses. While still quite good, the following dishes were slightly less memorable:
- Backyard Potato: Enjoyable, but didn't leave as strong an impression as earlier courses.
- Calabria: Well-executed, but not as memorable as some of the other dishes.
Desserts
The dessert courses were where I encountered some disappointments:
Peaches & Cream: This dish, featuring kombucha-poached peaches and tonka bean ice cream, was a mixed experience. The peaches were more tart than expected for a cream-based dessert. While the ice cream had good flavor, its texture didn't quite match that of traditional dairy ice cream.
Deconstructed Banoffee: This was the least successful dish for me. As a non-vegan, I found the vegan cheesecake elements less satisfying compared to traditional cheesecake.
Value and Service
At $85 per person, Fabrik offers incredible value for this type of fine dining experience. The portion sizes were generous, leaving me feeling satisfyingly full by the end of the meal. The service throughout the evening was attentive and professional, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Overall Impression
Fabrik's menu is impressively crafted, showcasing the potential of vegan fine dining. While some aspects, particularly the desserts, may be less appealing to non-vegan diners, the restaurant offers a unique and largely successful dining experience.
The early courses and bread are standout features that make Fabrik worth visiting. Given the quality of the food, the skill demonstrated in the kitchen, and the overall dining experience, it wouldn't be surprising to see Fabrik receive recognition from the Michelin Guide in the future.
For those who follow a vegan diet or are open to innovative plant-based creations, Fabrik provides a high-end dining experience that rivals many traditional fine dining establishments, and at a price point that offers excellent value for the quality and creativity on display.
by Thirtysixx