I came for dinner.
I left hoping Lana's Café becomes an Austin institution.
Anton, the head waiter, recommended the tuna tartare, and Nara took wonderful care of me all evening. Both are from Ukraine (not siblings, despite my being completely convinced they were). Their warmth made eating alone feel like having dinner with friends.
Lana's was having an amazing night. Apparently not every restaurant in the area had that same luck tonight.
"Somebody burned some food," Anton said.
"We need eight fire trucks for that?" Me.
"Slow day. Not us--them." Nods to some other restaurant outside the doors.
I laughed so hard.
Anton also introduced me to the Hugo Spritz.
Think somewhere between a mojito and an Aperol Spritz--but lighter, sparkling, and finished with elderflower.
Unfortunately, I can't tell you much more than that because I was thirsty.
It was fantastic. Clearly.
Ten minutes later it had disappeared, and somehow I was ordering a Cosmopolitan. Friends, how did I make it to forty eight years without having a Cosmo? Won't be making that mistake from hence forth and forevermore.
As we talked, Anton shared that he fled Ukraine hoping for a freer life. Lana's is a woman-owned business, much of the staff is Ukrainian, and many have over fifteen years of culinary experience throughout Europe. Every dish reflects that level of care. He quietly said something that stayed with me:
"Lana's needs to survive."
If you care about supporting people rebuilding their lives after war, come eat here. No, dinner won't solve a war--but supporting small businesses like this matters.
Yelp currently only has a handful of reviews. That's why I'm writing to you, dear reader. We need a few good people to leave a review. Cut copy and paste the following prompt if it helps.
What I loved about Lana's food was_________. What I loved about the ambiance was_____________. I especially loved my server__________. The reason that stands out most for why I am glad I came is ____________. I ___________ be coming back!
Just a suggestion :)
I ordered the tuna tartare which is layered with mashed avocado, mango purée, shallots, capers, chives, parsley, cilantro, a citrus-soy dressing, and finished with extra virgin olive oil.
This dish made me irrationally happy.
The tuna tartare was incredible: hand-cut sushi-grade Ahi tuna with avocado, mango purée, capers, chives, herbs, and a citrus-soy dressing. Every bite was perfectly balanced. I also learned the "chopsticks" were actually toasted crostini after one snapped in my hand. We both got a good laugh out of that.
Every bite somehow gets sweeter, saltier, brighter, and richer at exactly the same time. I didn't even need to reach for the salt. Which if you know me is HUGE.
Anton insisted I come back for the traditional Ukrainian borsch, served with all the traditional accompaniments because, as he put it, "It's home." I'll happily take him up on that. Probably next week or the one after. Grandkittens always need to be cat-sat.
One tip: don't leave without your receipt. The QR code on it gets you out of the parking garage with three hours of free parking. Ask me how I know.
Finally, Lana's reminded me of my daughter Maddie, who lives nearby on South Lamar. Lana would adore her. Then again, most people do. If you can't make it to Lana's, I highly recommend having a daughter like Maddie--just be prepared for a three-year-old to snatch your Barbie and announce, "No, Mommy...that's not what your Barbie says." Truth bombs, Ken.
If you care about supporting people rebuilding their lives after war, come eat here. No, dinner won't solve a war--but supporting small businesses like this matters.
I also recommend Austin,Texas. Where women + rights = inalienable. Not a political movement.
Spasibo, Lana. Thank you for extraordinary hospitality, beautiful food, and reminding me that restaurants can nourish far more than hungry people.
I'll definitely be back.
Mostly for the borsch which reminded me of a past trip to Kyrgystan.
But honestly...
For the people.
I will drive well out of my way to support a local, women's owned restaurant. Had I known it would be this good? I would have driven hours.
Come here. You won't be disappointed. read more