A Georgian restaurant in Cedar Park? Who would've thought?
-…read moreIf you're looking to expand your palate beyond Tex-Mex and BBQ, run, don't walk, to Sami Sumeli. For those who fondly remember the gone-but-not-forgotten Russia House in downtown Austin, Sami Sumeli is a more than worthy successor.
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Georgian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fresh herbs, walnuts, cheese, and bread, and it stands apart from traditional Russian fare. Sami Sumeli does an outstanding job showcasing these flavors, with a menu full of richly seasoned appetizers and expertly prepared entrées.
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On this visit, I convinced a Yelp OG and his lovely wife to brave the traffic and make the trek to Cedar Park for dinner. We proceeded to order enough food for six people, but here are the highlights.
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We kicked things off with flights of infused vodkas. The horseradish vodka definitely cleared the sinuses, while the cherry and sweeter varieties were smooth and surprisingly rich. Beware, these are stronger than they taste.
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For appetizers, we sampled the salted herring over potatoes with a touch of onion, eggplant rolls stuffed with cilantro, garlic, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds, and a side of sour cabbage that was much milder than expected. We all were impressed how the spices complemented the main ingredients. Nothing overpowered the dish.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Khinkali. These oversized Georgian dumplings are filled with savory broth and your choice of pork, beef, or cheese and mushrooms. The proper technique is to pick them up by hand, take a bite, and sip the broth before diving in.
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For entrées, we ordered the Beef Shashlik, featuring marinated and grilled skewers that were unbelievably tender, and the Chakhokhbili, a rich dish of chicken simmered with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and served with rice. Both dishes were easily five-star worthy.
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And yes, we saved room for dessert, too much dessert. The Honey Cake, with its layers of caramelized honey sponge and sour cream frosting, was light and refreshing. The Bird Milk Cake combines caramel-honey cake, white chocolate cream, dulce de leche, and prunes for a delicious dessert. Finally, the European Chocolate Cake, a rich cake, with an equally rich chocolate glaze.
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If you're adventurous enough to try something different, you'll be rewarded. We'll be back for sure.
Pro tip: They accept reservations