O C TO B E R 2 02 1
215 LAVACA ST. AUSTIN, TX 78701 Shop Tito’s Apparel, Accessories, Barware and Dogware Every purchase gives back to a nonprofit.* Please note, there is no Tito’s Handmade Vodka served, sold, or sipped at the Love, Tito’s retail store, but check out local spots around our hometown serving a mean Tito’s cocktail. *Net proceeds constitute an average margin of at least 25% of the retail price of a product, excluding the cost of tax on the purchase.
C LAR K SV I L L E LIV I NG LUXURY. SIMPLICITY. PEACE OF MIND. NEAR DOWNTOWN AUSTIN STARTING AT $1.9MM WESTLINEAUSTIN.COM 512-637-0992
LIFESTYLE LETTER
OCTOBER 2021 PUBLISHER
Stephanie Callihan | stephanie.callihan@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
“Food is a celebration of life.” - Sophia Loren
Deborah Hamilton-Lynne deborah.hamilton@lifestylepubs.com
IN THE PAST 29 YEARS I HAVE SEEN AUSTIN GROW FROM A FOOD DESERT TO A
Chad Jensen
FULL-BLOWN FOODIE DESTINATION WITH CELEBRATED CHEFS AND DIVERSE
L AYO UT DESIGNER
CUISINE. THROUGH IT ALL NO MATTER WHAT THE RESTAURANT OR CUISINE
Kelsey Proctor
AD DESIGNER
DU ‘JOUR, AUSTIN HAS REMAINED A TACO TOWN - WE ARE TACO OBSESSED.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
During the shutdown I found myself longing for my favorite tacos and dreaming of the
Stephanie Callihan, Erin Geisler, Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, Jeff Nash, Mary Kaye Stuart
day when I could feast on a whole day of tacos. Beyond my daily taco dreams, one of
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
the things I missed most was meeting friends at my favorite restaurants to enjoy a meal
Weston Carls, Spencer Davis, JPM Real Estate Photography, Austin Stuart
and a Margarita or a good glass of wine. Isolated and alone I could certainly cook lavish gourmet meals, watch every cooking show for hours on end and experiment with all of the recipes I had been meaning to try and never got around to but it just wasn’t the same and it definitely was not satisfying. That is when I knew for certain that it wasn’t just about the food - it was about the moments, the laughter, the occasion, the ambience, the company and the shared experience. Food indeed is a celebration of life. Fine dining is far and above the food and yet our memories begin and end with the food - the look, the taste, the smell. These things are etched in our reptilian brain while our higher level memories feast upon the total experience. The best meals aren’t necessarily the most sumptuous. The best meals are those prepared thoughtfully with heart and soul and shared with those that you love.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
With that in mind we set out to bring you the “recipe” to do just that. Start with a dash of
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
Austin’s favorite dish - Tacos - add the freshest ingredients now delivered directly to your
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
door while listening to a podcast for your culinary education and advice from a rockstar
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
chef on how to build a food destination bucket list. Stir in a 24 hour foodie tour and ways
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
to make the kitchen the heart of your gastronomic adventures and gatherings. For the smooth finish check out some of Austin’s most enticing local food experiences and a dynamite comfort food chili concoction made using leftovers from one of our favorite spots. Hippocrates once said, “Let food be thy medicine.” As we begin the healing process
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
let us go forth and seek all of the “medicine” Austin’s marvelous culinary scene has to offer. Food nourishes us in body and soul. As we share the experience with those we love we not only give them food - we give them our hearts. ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA
Go forth and celebrate life! A toast to your hearts and your health.
IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, Editor
CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX ON THE COVER Manuel’s Tacos De Camarones PHOTOGRAPHY BY WESTON CARLS 4
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin TX Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Austin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Austin TX Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2021
FEATURES 10 Tacos of Texas Meet Mando Rayo
16 Hardie's The Big Pivot
22 Taco Town On the Trail of Austin's Best Tacos
22 16
30 24 Hours of Food An off the beaten path food tour of ATX.
30
10
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Local Limelight
12
Hometown Hero
14
Our Town
30 Trend Setter 32 Culinary Creations 34 Inspired By
SY LV IA SHA R P L I N (5 1 2 ) 9 1 3 - 7 1 8 1 923 Westbank Dr., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78746 www.wilsongoldrick.com/agents/sylvia-sharplin
GOOD TIMES
Porsche Austin the Premiere Luxury Experience Beautiful cars and people filled the room for the grand opening of Porsche Austin. Ribbon cutting dignitaries included; Aldo Abad, GM, Porsche Austin, Antonio Ballesca, Partner, PA, Kirk Franceschini, COO, PA, Martine & Ricardo Weitz, Founder and Chairman, PA, Kjell Gruner, President and COO, Porsche Cars North America, Inc., Joe Lawrence, Exec. Vice Pres. and COO, PCNA, David Kurtz, VP, Area South, PCNA, Steve Krysil, RM, PCNA.
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9
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
who Mando Rayo
title Podcast host “Tacos of Texas”, author The Tacos of Texas and Austin Breakfast Tacos
where https://www.npr.org/podcasts/ 1020705155/tacos-of-texas
advice “In Austin, finding the best tacos is easy: Just look for Mexicans ordering or making them. Ha! Seriously, just head to the barrios of Austin, whether it’s the East Side, Riverside or the Rundberg area, and you’ll find some great taco trucks, trailers and old-school restaurants.”
“TEX ANS LOVE TACOS BECAUSE IT’S PART OF THE CULTURE.” 10
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
ARTICLE ERIN GEISLER
Meet Austin's
RESIDENT TACO EXPERT AND HISTORIAN, MANDO RAYO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN MEXICAN FOOD CULTURE IN TEXAS THROUGH THE LENS OF TACOS.
WHETHER YOU WERE RAISED IN TEXAS OR ARE NEW TO THE
“’Tacos of Texas’ takes you deep into Texas taco culture by invit-
STATE, TACOS HAVE PROBABLY BECOME PART OF YOUR
ing the people behind the mom-and-pop taquerias to tell their
GO-TO CUISINE. “Taco Journalist”, Mando Rayo loves all things
own stories in their own ways – which means you’ll hear English,
taco and is the author of Austin Breakfast Tacos: The Story of the
Spanish and a little Spanglish on the podcast. We use tacos as a
Most Important Taco of the Day and co-author of The Tacos of Texas.
Trojan horse to help people understand where tacos come from,
“Texans love tacos because it’s part of the culture. Tacos were
as well as the people, culture and traditions behind them,” says
here before Texas was ‘Texas,’ so it makes sense that it’s part of our
Rayo, host and producer of the podcast. “In each episode, we
Texan identity,” says Rayo. “To be honest, who doesn’t like to wake
hyperfocus on a very specific taco style and the history behind it
up to breakfast tacos por la mañana?”
with the goal of educating and entertaining.”
Produced by IDENTITY Productions and KUT and KUTX Studios, Rayo’s new podcast “Tacos of Texas,” features Tejano, Mexican and Mexican-American voices from across the Lone Star
The 12-episode podcast launched in July, with new episodes dropping every other week. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1020705155/tacos-of-texas
state sharing culinary traditions around tacos, alongside culture, history and social justice. “Too often, people outside of our culture talk about tacos without actually talking to the people who make them,” says Rayo.
CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
11
HOMETOWN HERO
ARTICLE JEFF NASH PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JPM REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Kitchens The Heart of the Home ARCHITECT, ALICE ARTERBERRY, TALKS KITCHEN DESIGN.
ALICE
ARTERBERRY
IS
A
PARTNER
AT
ARTERBERRY COOKE ARCHITECTURE. A native of Boston, she has a fondness for the beauty of the New England seasons and the classic backdrop of historic Boston, Walden Pond, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Currently, she divides her time between Southern California and Austin using her combined background of architecture and landscape in her approach to design. In Austin, she partners with Danny Spears and CAPTEX Construction to create many of the most beautiful homes in our city. A guiding principal is Alice’s belief that the kitchen is the heart of the home. ATX Lifestyle sat down with Alice to learn more about her thoughts on kitchen design for our October Food issue. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARCHITECT? I have always loved to build and create space, even as a young kid. I believe that the quality of space has a direct relationship on our experience of life. I am passionate about creating functional and beautiful environments that positively impact people. WHY DO YOU ENJOY DESIGNING KITCHENS? Kitchens require a tremendous amount of design and planning, and they have endless potential for offering beauty and functionality. Kitchens are the place that people gather, and a great kitchen design is key to how a home connects people to space.
12
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION
WITH THE SUPPLY CHAIN A MESS,
THAT HOMEOWNERS MOST FREQUENTLY FAIL
WHAT EXPECTATIONS ARE YOU SETTING WITH
TO ASK DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS?
YOUR CLIENTS FOR A BUILDING TIMELINE?
How can we get all the features we would like in our
Depends on many factors, but 8-12 months for most
desired square footage?
new construction homes at minimum.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE
WHAT APPLIANCE BRAND IS YOUR FAVORITE?
DESIGN TREND?
Thermador and Subzero/Wolf/Cove
Working pantry or back kitchen. DO YOU LIKE OPEN FRONT CABINETS? WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE
Love!
DESIGN TREND? Glossy laminate cabinetry.
ARE BUTLER’S PANTRIES COOL? Yes, extremely.
IF MONEY WASN’T A CONSIDERATION, WHAT WOULD YOU PUT IN EVERY KITCHEN YOU DESIGN? A 60” range.
IS MULTI-MEDIA NOW A NECESSITY? While not a necessity for great space, we always incorporate it.
ONE KITCHEN OR TWO, IS THE PREP/LIFE
WHAT’S THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF SEATS
KITCHEN THE WAY TO GO?
IN A KITCHEN?
If you have the space, absolutely. IS THERE A REALISTIC SQUARE FOOT PRICE YOU’D RECOMMEND FOR A KITCHEN REMODEL?
4 at an island. IS BOOK STORAGE OBSOLETE? No, Not obsolete.
The kitchen is typically the costliest room in the house. With so many finishes and fixtures and choices
IF YOU WERE DESIGNING YOUR OWN KITCHEN,
within, kitchen costs vary dramatically. It’s also the
WHAT COULD YOU NEVER LIVE WITHOUT?
room used more than any other and a great place to focus your investment.
An island that creates daily opportunities for family connection.
“ K i t c h e n s a r e t h e p l a c e t h at p e o p l e g at h e r , a n d a g r e at k i t c h e n design is key to how a home c o n n e c t s p e o p l e t o s pa c e .” CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
13
OUR TOWN
LOCAL EXPERIENCES
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! Austin is a foodie’s dream. We have street food from literally dozens of diverse cultures and cuisines, entrees from James Beard award winning chefs, chicken-fried steak served at a honky tonk, and arguably the best tacos, BBQ and margaritas in Texas, if not the nation. The culinary scene is diverse served with a whopping dose of healthy choices fed by an abundance of creativity and locally sourced ingredients. While festival goers and F-1 attendees may come for the music and the race, they leave talking about the FOOD! Explore all ATX has to offer this month. Austin Restaurant Week 14
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
Austin Food and Wine Festival
Central Market Cooking School
AUSTIN RESTAURANT WEEK
10TH AUSTIN FOOD AND
+ October 1-10
WINE FESTIVAL. SAVE THE DATE.
+ Brings local chefs and foodies together to fight hunger
+ November 5-7
+ Benefitting Central Texas Food Bank
+ Benefitting Austin Food and
+ Prix fixe meal options
Wine Alliance
+ Lunch and brunch starting at $20
+ Auditorium Shores and Republic Square
+ Dinner starting at $35
+ Award winning chefs and wine and
+ Cocktail and beer options available + Restaurants include Peached Tortilla, Gusto, Siena and Intero + Austinrestaurantweeks.org
spirits experts + Grillin’ and Chillin’ KIck0off dinner party hosted by Chef Tim Love + Rock Your Taco competition
CENTRAL MARKET COOKING SCHOOL
+ Pitmaster demonstrations
+ Class is back in session with safety protocols
+ Wine, beer and cocktail sessions
+ North Lamar location + Wide range of classes - demonstration, hands-on and interactive + Classes for everyone age 6 and up. + Wine classes and experiences + Classes include recipes, demonstrations and tastings + Wine tastings included in most evening classes
and tastings + Sample signature dishes from local chefs and restaurants + All in passes for the ultimate experience, Weekender passes also available + austinfoodandwinefestival.com
+ Want the Chef to yourself? Private events available in the CM kitchen + Editor’s pick for October: Parent and Child Decorate Cupcakes, October 17 + https://www.eventbrite.com/o/central-market-cooking-schoolaustin-north-lamar-30370421142
CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
15
Hardie's Fresh Foods NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION.
ARTICLE STEPHANIE CALLIHAN
16
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
L IGH T S FA N TA S T IC
WE BRING OUR EXPERTISE, IDEAS, AND U N I Q U E P R O D U CT S TO S H O W YO U W H AT
LIGHTING CAN DO
I N WAYS T H AT YO U N E V E R I M AG I N E D CALL TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION
5 1 2 -4 5 2 -9 5 1 1 L I GH TS FA N TA ST I C.COM CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
17
HARDIE’S FRESH FOODS (CONTINUED)
“NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION”, IS A WELLKNOWN PROVERB OFTEN CREDITED TO PLATO. In early March of 2020 Greg Rowe, CEO of Hardie’s Fresh Foods, one of Texas’ and America’s great family-owned businesses since 1943, knew change was imminent. Rowe, like other executives was beginning to hear stories of a virus hitting the west coast. Rowe and his Hardie’s team had an advantage. They held an existing pandemic plan and immediately began working on potential scenarios. While the team was a few steps ahead, they had no idea of the devastating challenge that was looming. That the United States would be shut down for two weeks in a matter of days was something they could have never imagined. Hardie’s Fresh Foods is a three-generation, family-owned business. In 1943, John Hardie purchased a single farm-to-market delivery truck to fulfill a need during wartime in Dallas. More than 75 years later, Hardie’s Fresh Foods has grown into one of the premier fresh food distributors in the Southwest with more than 150 trucks and 163,000 square feet of refrigerated warehouse space across Texas.
18
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
19
HARDIE’S FRESH FOODS (CONTINUED)
Grocery shelves were empty across Texas. Hardie's had the fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, and meats that Texan's needed to feed their families. The scene was the same from H-Town to Austin, to Big D.
In the third week of March 2020, Hardie’s was
coronavirus proved to be accelerating not dissi-
an institutional distributor with no direct to con-
pating. Concern grew over the safety of families
sumer distribution. As the coronavirus launched
gathering to pick up their food needs. Once again,
into a full on assault, in the US the Hardie’s team
the Hardie’s team was ahead of the game quickly
knew they were headed toward crisis. They also
developing an Amazon quality platform for indi-
knew the restaurants, hotels, groceries, and
viduals to place their food order for curbside pick
communities they served were struggling as well.
up safely at area distribution centers.
Rowe, immediately called his team together to
When the pandemic dragged on much longer
brainstorm through their current predicament with
than anyone anticipated the Hardie’s team used this
three priorities as the focus of their plans: Hardie’s
time to create space and innovate. Rowe describes
employees, millions of dollars of perishable goods
it this way, “When electronics don’t work some-
warehoused, and how to save their company, yet
times you have to just reboot”. With the extra time
serve their customers and communities.
they had been given due to the shutdown they
In a matter of hours, a plan was developed to
perfected business systems and fixed flaws in
load all perishable goods onto trucks across the
their current strategy. Necessity allowed them to
state. Current customers were contacted to use
discover a new distribution stream to deliver their
their parking lots, which served double duty as
exceptional quality fresh foods directly to consum-
a staging area and allowed restaurants to serve
ers. Rowe and his team used this gift of additional
curbside meals.
time to improve and build their new model.
Grocery shelves were empty across Texas.
Hardie’s Fresh Foods now owns new, smaller
Hardie’s had the fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, and
refrigerated delivery trucks to deliver directly to
meats that Texan’s needed to feed their families.
your home. They source most of their food from
The scene was the same from H-Town to Austin,
the highest quality farms and growers in Texas
to Big D. SUVs were lined up around the block at
and California. When I asked Rowe why families
these staging areas and the trucks were emptied in
should order from Hardies, his answer was sim-
less than two hours.
ple, “Because you’re getting the quality products
The Hardie’s team knew they were onto something and started with a series of pop-ups
20
that your best local restaurants serve, delivered at home safely and quickly.”
over the coming weeks. Social Media was the
For Hardie’s and for their customers, old and
primary tool to let consumers know where the
new, a COVID pivot born of necessity turned out
trucks were located. As the weeks passed the
to be just the right move.
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
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Ta c o To w n
ARTICLE DEBORAH HAMILTON-LYNNE | PHOTOGRAPHY WESTON CARLS
TAC O
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
22
ON THE TRAIL OF AUSTIN'S BEST TACOS
THERE CANNOT BE A TOWN MORE TACO OBSESSED THAN AUSTIN. We start our day with breakfast tacos and end it with chocolate tacos for dessert. When we are away we dream of the tacos we are missing. An entire evening’s conversation and sometimes heated debate among family and friends can center on tacos how to make them, what spices and ingredients the best and what makes them the best.
On the platter are shrimp, grilled to perfection, along with all of the fixings for a perfect taco -
While you can spend your life on the “Taco
pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, queso blanco,
Trail” in a quest to find Austin’s best tacos, ATX
guacamole, salsa fresca and warm, freshly
LIfestyle wanted to give readers a head start
made tortillas. Served with rice and black beans,
by introducing our favorite tacos for breakfast,
slow cooked and delicious, Manuel’s Tacos De
lunch, dinner and dessert.
Camarones is one of the “Manuellians’s” (as the
For 37 years Manuel’s has been serving Austin’s
regulars refer to themselves) favorite dishes. Add
freshest, healthiest and best tacos. Jennifer
Mario’s Maraca Margarita and you have a meal
McNevin and Greg Koury tell us what keeps
that memories are made of.
Austin’s most loyal clientele coming back for more.
Back in grad school at the Institute of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas, Greg Koury had a vision of creating a restaurant that would serve authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by Mexico’s interior and coastal regions. In 1984 his vision became reality with the opening of Manuel’s on Congress Avenue and he has been true to that vision ever since. Khoury and his wife, Jennifer McNevin, partner to design and run Manuel’s as well as create the menus and oversee all aspects of the business. McNevin with a background in interior design has complemented Khoury’s vision adding sophistication to the aesthetics of the restaurants. The nurturing, healthy quality of the Mexican cuisine is reflected in Manuel’s menu featuring dishes that come “from the soil and the sea.” Dishes are influenced by the cuisine of the Mexican highlands as well as the Pacific coastal regions. Koury took his inspiration from visits
T OW N
to include, what “fixings” are a must, where to find
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
23
TACO TOWN (CONTINUED)
24
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
to the Pacific coast where he enjoyed as many as 20 kinds of freshly caught fish grilled and served simply with fresh limes and citrus. In the interior highlands he experienced the tastes of homemade dishes - freshly made - and was determined to bring those tastes to Austin. Manuel’s recipes begin with traditional touches. Using a base recipe, the owners, chef and the staff are encouraged to “riff” off the base until it becomes a Manuel signature dish. Just the mole recipe alone went through 15 to 20 incarnations before it became what it is today. The result is cuisine that is authentic with a distinctive, signature taste that sets Manuel’s apart from familiar Tex-Mex restaurants. For McNevin, the secret that sets Manuel’s apart is a commitment to quality on every level. “We only use high-quality, fresh ingredients - locally sourced as often as possible. We don’t take shortcuts or cut
Loyalty extends to the staff as well as clientele.
corners. For example, our shrimp is wild caught and
Following the pandemic no one at Manuel’s makes
fresh from the Gulf. We are not only supporting the
less than $15 an hour. Staff is very important to Koury
Texas shrimpers and the Texas economy, but we
and McNevin and the commitment to a respectful
are also serving shrimp and fish that are caught
work environment shows. Many servers, bartenders
using sustainable practices. Yes, it costs more but
and kitchen staff have been with the restaurant for
it is important to us to serve only the freshest and
five years or more. The feeling that they are “family”
healthiest ingredients. It is a choice we make to
is the reason many servers and staff have returned,
honor our commitment not only to our customer but
but hiring and keeping a full cadre remains a chal-
also to our community. Ask the source of your fish or
lenge especially as Manuel’s ramps up to reopen
shrimp next time you order and I doubt that it will be
the Congress Avenue location.
wild caught or from the Gulf.”
Friendly service and happy servers and staff
Koury emphasizes the consistency of the food
are all elements of what keeps the “Manuellians”
and the quality of the preparation with everything
coming back. Customers often ask for their favor-
absolutely being homemade. Food that is made
ite servers. The clientele is multi-generational with
from scratch daily is only one of the ways Manuel’s
family groups often consisting of three genera-
keeps its loyal customer base coming back.
tions - grandparents, parents who grew up dining
“Our customers trust us,” says Koury. “They know they will get a fresh, healthy meal at a rea-
at Manuel’s and their children who are all enjoying their favorite dishes while making memories.
sonable price. When they order their favorite dishes
To stay afloat during the pandemic, Koury and
they know they can expect consistency in taste and
McNevin merged their teams while deciding to keep
quality. The food touches everything, but it is so
the Great Hills location open. They pivoted with
much more than the food. Manuel’s is a gathering
take-out cuisine and drink kits at the height of the
place and has been a safe harbor where people can
shut-down. They also relied on government grants
meet and relax, especially these days. We estab-
and were recently named a Legacy business by the
lished safety protocols early on and have observed
city which enabled them to receive funding desig-
them to keep our staff and our customers safe.”
nated for businesses that were over 20 years old and
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
25
TACO TOWN (CONTINUED)
26
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
were considered essential to the “culture” of Austin. To add to their challenges the Congress Avenue location also experienced severe freeze damage during the February “snowpocalypse”. Fortunately
WE’RE IDEA HEALTH PROFESSIONS
there is good news of renewal. The Great Hills location has just been remodeled and updated with a fresh color palette and more sophisticated decor. Repairs and renovation are in progress at the
Austin’s only public charter school focusing on science, math, public health, and health professions to prepare students for college success and a wide variety of careers.
Congress Avenue location with an anticipated opening date in late fall. The menu has also been revamped while retaining familiar favorites. On the Taco Trail hunt for Austin’s best tacos, in addition to Tacos de Camarones, Manuel’s offers Tacos De Pescado with grilled fresh fish, and Signature Tacos
DEDICATED TEACHERS
with a choice of all-natural chicken, pork, beef or mushrooms. But what would a taco be without a Margarita by its side? Manuellians swear
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
by Mario’s Maraca (Corazon Blanco, Cointreau, limes and olives) and the El Amado (Don Julio Reposado, St. Germain, Contrieu, lime, Chile Pequin &Arbol, sim-
PERSONALIZED LEARNING
ple syrup) as well as the Mexican Martinis. If a shot is more your style the bartender’s offerings consist of seventeen premium and seven super premium tequilas - everything from Patron to Casa Dragones. Whether it is date night in a cozy corner booth, a gathering of old friends on the patio or a family celebration, Manuel’s
EAST MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD
continues to be an iconic Austin restau-
N
rant serving authentic Mexican cuisine with an eye on quality. When out of town guests want to hit the Austin Taco Trail
and reconnect with the best customers in Austin. It’s been a lot of work and a challenge like nothing we have ever faced but we’re coming back fresh and better than ever.” So what’s the secret behind Austin’s best dinner taco?
Fresh high-quality
ingredients consistently prepared to perfection proudly served in a familiar gathering spot that feels like coming home.
BLVD
ered the storm and to be able to serve
IDEA HEALTH PROFESSIONS
ORT
“We are just happy to have weath-
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27
TACO TOWN (CONTINUED)
I n A u s t i n A n y T i m e i s Ta c o T i m e
1 . D E S S E R T TA C O
28
2 . B R E A K FA S T TA C O
Tacos for dessert? Why not when it’s the
Austin is well-known for breakfast tacos and
Chocotaco from Suerte.
the king of them all is Valentina’s Real Deal
With a fried, milk-chocolate dipped shell filled
Holyfield Taco. Created by pitmaster and owner
with cinnamon mouse, Suerte’s Chocotaco is
Miguel Vidal with a nod to his father’s favorite
a pastry built for the sweet tooth that craves a
breakfast, huevos rancheros, this extravaganza
sweet yet crunchy taco,’’ said Suerte pastry chef
includes refried beans, potatoes and bacon
Derrick Flynn. “Chef Fermín and I had a lot of
wrapped in a tortilla topped with a slice of bacon
fun developing this over last year and it’s quickly
and a fried egg. Bring your appetite and order
become a local favorite.” suerteatx.com
ahead for pick-up. Valentinastexmexbbq.com
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
QUALITY CARE. QUALITY SERVICE. “ This company is top-notch! Great customer service, experienced techs, trustworthy and fair prices. We highly recommend them and will use them for all of our future needs.” Aaron P
3. LUNCH
Matt’s El Rancho bills itself as “The Original Austin-style Tex-Mex”.
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Founded by Matt Martinez who in 1923 at the age of 6 was selling tamales from a wooden pushcart in front of the Texas Capitol, Matt’s El Rancho has been an Austin favorite since 1952. For authentic tacos served on fresh homemade torti-
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llas you can’t beat Matt’s lunch specials - a bargain at $10.99. We recommend the Tacos Al Pastor - marinated pork shoulder tacos in corn tortillas grilled with pineapple or the Asadero Tacos - beef tenderloin with grilled Asadero cheese, onions and rajas in corn tortillas.
512-608-4999 INDIGOSERVICES-TX.COM
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29
TREND SETTER
24 HOURS O F AT X FOOD
01
WAKE UP!
I began the day by heading to the hip and cool East Side to Try Hard Coffee Roaster. “We work hard so you don’t have to.”, is their mantra. They serve micro-batch roasted coffee and made from scratch treats including homemade tortillas and sourdough bread. Beyond the food, they had me at vinyl with a curated soundtrack
AN OFF THE BEATEN PATH FOOD TOUR OF ATX. ARTICLE MARY KAYE STUART
playing from open to close on a rockin’ sound system.
Staying on the East Side to hit Sawyer and Company a restaurant that pays tribute to their predecessor, Arkie’s. In 1948, Faye “Arkie” Sawyer opened his diner serving hearty breakfasts and blue-plate specials all day. For over 60 years Arkie served Austinites with the motto, “Where good food, friends and fair prices meet.” In the same vintage building, Sawyer and Co. carries
24 HOURS TO EAT AROUND AUSTIN WAS
on the tradition today with a full bar and the best food
THE CHARGE. A daunting task no doubt so where
choices from East Austin to New Orleans.
to start? Did I want to choose a certain palette, or a
BREAKFAST BABY!
specific area of town? The restaurant scene in Austin has gone up more than a few pants sizes as the size of our city continues to grow, it’s become “gastronomical”! In Austin, there are restaurants to satisfy every taste, craving, and budget. Holding the belief that the key ingredients to a successful food tour are curiosity and an appetite, off we went.
30
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
02
05
WHINING IS ALLOWED!
03
DAY DRINKIN’!
I must admit it, it’s a thing in ATX. On this hot day we head toward our favorite hideaway just off downtown, backing up to Shoal Creek, Irene’s. This classic
I’m stuffed, but the tour must go on. After careful con-
American restaurant and bar named after one of the
sideration and loosening of my pants I head toward
partners grandmothers is described as a “drinking,
Winebelly. Named one of the, “Top Wine Bars in
smoking, gambling woman with an immense heart
the US” by Food and Wine magazine, this south
and a keen understanding of true hospitality.” The
Austin tapas-and-wine destination has over 150 wines
restaurant fits the bill and is known for great food and
by the bottle with none costing over $99. The menu
better cocktails.
nods toward Spain with many eclectic selections. The
04
vibe is always Austin laid-back-cool.
There’s been only one stop for a midnight snack for true Austinites since 1948 - Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery on Airport Blvd. What to make of a donut shop that doesn’t start baking until 7:30pm? Obviously, they know their crowd and they’ve perfected the late night hot, dripping, sweet, goodness that brings complete joy to your senses after hours. It’s the perfect exclamation mark to punctuate a self-indulgent day. MIDNIGHT SNACK!
TRUCKIN’! Food trucks and Austin fit together like peanut butter and jelly, and peas and carrots. It’s the great weather and the social gene of Austinites that act as the fertilizer for our Food Truck Parks. The convenience of
06
having so many choices in one spot is helpful when feeding a crowd. A favorite spot is the Rainey Street Food Truck Lot. A walk down Rainey Street has my appetite revved back up and ready to try a few trucks for a late lunch.
CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
31
CULINARY CREATIONS
PE RRY’ S FAMOUS P ORK CHOP
NO OTHER FOOD SAYS, “FALL” TO MY FAMILY QUITE LIKE A FAMOUS PERRY’S 7 FINGER HIGH PORK CHOP. The best extra gift of this delicious meal is that you’ll most likely end up with leftovers. You can thank Celebrity Chef Rick Moonen, a James Beard Best Chef West nominee and Perry’s Master Development Chef for curating a mouthwatering collection of fresh, creative ideas for repurposing your Famous Pork Chop leftovers. These delicious meals let you savor the Perry’s experience all over again. As the temperatures begin to cool, a pot of chili for football watching is our favorite family tradition and this White Bean Pork Chili never disappoints. Enjoy!
THE ULTIMATE LEFTOVERS ARTICLE STEPHANIE CALLIHAN
32
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
WHITE BEAN PORK CHILI + ½ lb Perry’s Famous Pork Chop leftovers, finely diced + 3 strips Bacon, cut ¼” wide + 1 tbsp. Unsalted butter + 1 ½ cup Yellow onions, finely diced + ½ cup Poblano pepper, finely diced
1. In a heavy bottom pot over medium-high
+ 5 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is
+ 1 tbsp. Oregano, chopped
melted, add the bacon and, stirring frequently,
+ 1 tbsp. Cumin powder
cook until it begins to brown.
+ 7 oz. can Diced Hatch Green
ingredient s
chiles, medium heat + 10 oz. Cannellini beans + 2 cups Chicken stock
2. Add onions, poblanos, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook until tender.
+ ½ tsp. Kosher salt
3. Stir in beans, canned chilis, oregano,
+ ½ tsp. Black pepper
chicken stock and diced pork chop. Reduce heat to low and let simmer as it continues to
GARNISHES: + 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
cook for 15-20 minutes, until thick.
+ 1 cup Crisp tortilla strips
4. Garnish with Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla
+ 1 cup Red onions, finely diced
strips, red onions, and cilantro. Serve with
+ 1 cup Cilantro leaves
flour tortillas.
+ 12 Flour tortillas, served warm on the side
ins t ruc t ions CityLifestyle.com/AustinTX
33
INSPIRED BY
Br i ng i ng Joy B ack i nt o t he K it chen
WHETHER YOU KNOW HIM FROM THE NETFLIX HIT RESTAURANTS
CHEF DENNIS PRESCOTT TALKS FALLING IN LOVE WITH FEEDING PEOPLE AND THE CONNECTION FOOD CREATES
ON THE EDGE OR FROM HIS ABSOLUTELY MOUTH-WATERING FOOD PHOTOS AS @DENNISTHEPRESCOTT ON THE ‘GRAM, THIS FORMER-MUSICIAN TURNED INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED CHEF IS AN AMAZINGLY TALENTED, THOUGHTFUL, AND GLOBE-TROTTING FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis
T r avel R ecom mend at ion s for Food ies
The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.
S c a n fo r t h e f u l l article online.
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are
a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.” Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland. “Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.” 34
Austin TX Lifestyle | October 2021
K AT BROOKS Fo r o v e r 2 0 y e a r s Ka t h a s he l p e d b u y e r s a n d s e l l e r s a c h i e v e t he i r r e a l e s t a t e g o a l s . I t t a ke s a n e x p e r i e n c e d a g e n t t o n a v i g a t e t he c u r r e n t A u s t i n m a r ke t . Ka t a n d he r t e a m will successfully guide you through t h i s u n c h a r t e d t i m e w i t h t he i r l u x u r y approach to your real estate needs.
K A T B R O O KS
Realtor Associate, CIPS, ABR, CRS, Five Star Professional
512-656-2722 katbrooks.com // kat.brooks@sothebysrealt y.com 2700 Barton Creek Boulevard Austin, Texas 78735
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