Texas LIVE Magazine – September, 2011
End of Summer Splash Trip – 45 of Our Favorite Places
With an ever-changing menu and awe-inspiring ingredients, there is always a new taste to discover at The Leaning Pear.
The Texas Hill Country – 2011 Edition
A Food and Wine Lover’s Paradise
From the beginning Matthew has sourced his ingredients from local farmers, many of whom also grow specific crops for the restaurant. In the tiny kitchen Matthew and his staff prepare all of the stocks used in the soups and sauces. Everything is made from scratch, including the innovative desserts, so the menu reflects the seasonality of ingredients.
Food Lovers’ Guide to Austin – 2011
Best Local Specialties, Markets, Recipes, Restaurants & Events
…an oasis of fresh gourmet fare in the beautifully restored stone Lowery House…the restaurant strives to use local ingredients to create inspired soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as daily specials. If you’re in Wimberley for a day of shopping, be sure to stop by for a delicious and relaxing lunch…
Texas Monthly – December, 2010
Street Smarts: “A Quickie Guide to Wimberley”
It’s hard to predict what creative dishes are in your future at Matthew and Rachel Buchanan’s cozy restaurant.
Austin American-Statesman – July, 2010
“A Fresh Look at Wimberley”
A peach and arugula salad offered recently is indicative of the couple's mission. Fredericksburg peaches with ripe, crackling skin were served atop verdant and flavorful greens that offered surprises in each bite, with cilantro, basil and mint all mixing together to provide bursts of their unique flavors.
The Buchanans have not been hesitant to introduce new flavors to their loyal customers. A chilled potato soup with a perfect balance of cream punctuated by bright fresh dill and the crunch of chopped chives was likely not seen in Wimberley before the Pear opened.
None of which is to say that this upscale rustic restaurant shies away from more traditional fare — the corned beef Reuben is a Texas twist on a New York standard with house-cured brisket topped with pungent sauerkraut, smothered in Swiss cheese and served on a hearty marbled rye that you can hear crunch from the other side of the small restaurant.
Southern Living – May, 2010
“Foodie’s Guide to the Hill Country”
The Leaning Pear is an oasis of fresh but still bold flavors. Try the Hill Country Cobb Salad with bacon, avocado, julienned jicama, Jack cheese, and a Southwestern Ranch dressing. The seasonal soups are always luscious, too, especially the spicy pureed corn-and-poblano chowder.
Texas Monthly – May, 2010
Blanco River
Reward yourself: Stop in at the Leaning Pear, in Wimberley, for a gourmet sandwich.
Austin American-Statesman – October, 2009
Renee’s Roots: “Kieffer: A backyard pear that’s worth keeping”
Edible Austin – Summer, 2009
Seasonal Plate
Local Fried Green Tomatoes from Montesino Ranch (Wimberley) with Oma's & Opa's Farm sunflower sprouts (Fredericksburg) and Buttermilk Dill Dressing (dill from Wholesome Harvest Farm, Seguin)
The Austin Chronicle – 2008
Critics Pick Restaurant Poll
Voted “The Freshest Oasis in Wimberley”
Texas Monthly – September, 2007
The Filter: Dining
Spare yet cozy, the cafe seems well balanced despite its name. The house salad, with fresh pear, was boosted by a zippy dressing. Terrific French peasant bread with a great chew raised a B.B.L.T (that’s bacon, Brie, lettuce, and tomato) to gourmet caliber. Fredericksburg-peach chutney gave luscious panna cotta a Hill Country accent.
The Austin Chronicle – July, 2007
“Exit Here to Eat”
Leaning Pear offers what Wimberley needs: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, great food, and nice prices.
The Austin Chronicle – 2008
Critics Pick Restaurant Poll
Voted “The Freshest Oasis in Wimberley”
Texas Monthly – September, 2007
The Filter: Dining
Spare yet cozy, the cafe seems well balanced despite its name. The house salad, with fresh pear, was boosted by a zippy dressing. Terrific French peasant bread with a great chew raised a B.B.L.T (that’s bacon, Brie, lettuce, and tomato) to gourmet caliber. Fredericksburg-peach chutney gave luscious panna cotta a Hill Country accent.
The Austin Chronicle – July, 2007
“Exit Here to Eat”
Leaning Pear offers what Wimberley needs: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, great food, and nice prices.