Thursday, April 7, 2011

Iconic Ski Shores Café Reveals Extensive Renovations & New Menu Just In Time for Summer


Iconic Ski Shores Café Reveals Extensive Renovations, New Menu Additions and
Upgraded Service: Restaurant Features Casual Lakeside Dining
Year-Round and Family Fun Just Down the Road

(April 7, 2011) Austin, TX — Fun in the sun and relaxed lakeside dining are on the menu this summer and year-round at the recently remodeled Ski Shores Café, the 57-year-old iconic Lake Austin family restaurant and bar. Over the course of a full year, Ski Shores received extensive indoor and outdoor renovations, added parking and boat slips, as well as tasty menu additions and a new specialty cocktail menu, making Ski Shores Café the ideal in-town getaway for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Located just off City Park Road south of Austin’s famous 360 Bridge, Ski Shores Café opened in 1954, and, thanks to its great-tasting food, laid-back atmosphere and perfect lakeside spot, it quickly became a prime restaurant destination. Recently taken over by longtime Ski Shores fans Rick Engel and Mark Turner of Austin’s Restaurant Freedom, Ski Shores Café spent most of 2010 undergoing a widespread restoration and countless upgrades that appeal to all diners while still maintaining the sun-soaked charm and character of this symbolic eatery.

The revamped Ski Shores Café now boasts expansive outdoor accommodations, including added deck seating and a shady covered palapa ideal for casual lakeside events and private gatherings. The giant playscape will enthrall the kids while Mom and Dad kick back, sip on a cool beverage from the full bar, catch a game on the big-screen TVs, or enjoy live music performed from Ski Shores’ new and improved outdoor stage. Previously offering only counter service, Ski Shores is now a full-service restaurant, so families can relax and enjoy the scenery and amenities while the wait staff handles all orders. Other outdoor upgrades include lush new landscaping, additional parking and added boat slips that make it easy to step off the lake and into the restaurant for a quick afternoon bite or an entire evening of dining while enjoying the lake atmosphere. Ski Shores’ interior has also been entirely remodeled, now offering plenty of dining space in a cozy, beach-style environment, with more arcade games for the kids, and indoor TVs so diners never have to miss their favorite sporting events.

The menu at Ski Shores Café, which includes daily and weekly specials, is just as iconic as this captivating establishment. The menu still features longtime favorites like the Border Burger ($9.25), a third-of-a-pound, fresh-cut Ski Shores original hamburger topped with cheese, mayo, grilled onions, jalapenos and fresh guacamole; the infamous Scooter Burger ($11.50), two third-of-a-pound grilled patties topped with cheese, mayo, jalapenos and veggies; and Ski Shores’ legendary 14- and 16-inch pizzas ($13 – $21) like The Wakeboard, a meat-lovers’ pie covered with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage and hamburger; and The Hydrilla, the veggie delight pie topped with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions, green peppers, diced garlic, and green and black olives.

From appetizers and burgers, to tacos, pizzas and dessert, Ski Shores’ updated menu has something to please every taste. Some new classics and Austin staples include the Fish Tacos ($9.25), grilled fish fillets in warm flour tortillas with red cabbage, tomatoes, cheese and a fresh remoulade sauce, and served with chips and salsa; Catfish and Shrimp Baskets ($9.95 – $15.50), featuring fresh, hand-breaded catfish and/or shrimp served with hush puppies, French fries or coleslaw and Ski Shores’ homemade cocktail and tartar sauce; the light, refreshing Ceviche ($9.95) served with tortilla chips; and the Garden Fresh Salad with Grilled Chicken ($10.25), a “fave on the lake,” dish of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, cucumbers, carrots, a sprinkle of cheese, topped with grilled chicken breast and served with a choice of dressing. The new kids’ menu ($3.99 – 5.99) features all-time classics like Chicken Tenders, Grilled Cheese, Corndog Bites, Cheese Quesadillas, and PB&J, all served with a drink and a choice of fries, coleslaw or chips. Kids will also love Ski Shores’ dessert menu, including delicious Funnel Cakes.

On Friday Family Nights at Ski Shores, families can gather around the fire pit at sunset, enjoy some free gooey S’mores and take in a family-friendly movie. And on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., families can enjoy Ski Shores’ brunch menu ($5.99 to $10.99), featuring a variety of Texas breakfast favorites like Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs; Migas; Breakfast Tacos served with a side of chips and salsa; Texas Toast-style French Toast; as well as Breakfast Sandwiches; Three-Egg Omelettes served with a choice of crispy hash browns, toast or fresh fruit; and an array of kids’ plates. Also available during brunch is a selection of Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Sangria.

Now offering a full bar, Ski Shores’ drink menu includes an array of domestic and imported beers, various wine selections, sangria and tempting specialty cocktails ($7.25 – $9) like the Colorado Gold, also known as “the best margarita on the Colorado River,” made with Sauza Hornitos Reposado, Grand Marnier, freshly squeezed lime and orange juice, and sweet and sour; the Grandstrand Lemonade, fresh lemonade mixed with Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka and served with a lemon wedge; a Lake Austin Breeze, Cruzan Rum on the rocks with pineapple and cranberry juice, served with a lime wedge; or the classic Mexican Martini, a choice of Don Julio Anejo or Silver, or Patron Reposado or Silver, Patron Citronge liqueur and a splash of olive juice.

The historic Ski Shores Café is located at 2905 Pearce Rd., on Lake Travis. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday for breakfast at 8 a.m. and closing at 9 p.m., and Sunday for breakfast at 8 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. For more information about the iconic Ski Shores Café, the recent renovations, or the newly updated menu and full bar offerings, please call (512) 394-7511, or visit http://www.skishoresaustin.com/.



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