Let’s Mangia!

Cooking with Culinary Experts

DESPOIS

There is something about the tactile experience of preparing an elaborate meal that makes every bite that much better. Let’s Eat Austin offers a fully engaged educational and sensorial experience with their handson cooking classes in the heart of the Windsor Park neighborhood.

SO MUCH MORE THAN PASTA! Other course offerings: Sushi, Thai Noodle Primer, The King of Pizza, Cocktail Hour, Southern French Fare, Vegan Ramen & more

TRY IT FIRST!

If you want to check out the space and meet the team before booking your first class, be sure to join Let’s Eat Austin for their annual Spring Fling on April 15. This year’s theme is ice cream social.

Aneon sign peeking out the window to face the sleepy residential street that is Chatham Avenue is the first clue that beyond the threshold of this unsuspecting bungalow a culinary oasis lies in wait. The blue light spells Let’s Eat!, inviting soon-to-be food-making experts into the kitchen.

Megan Smith, Aaron Andersson, and Whitney Hazelmeyer are the talented crew behind the concept. Megan, a religion studies student and Aaron, a former chemical engineer, met in culinary school when they both chose to pivot their studies into the edible arts. It seems fitting that Megan tells stories about food history while she cooks, and Aaron is more likely to explain the precise egg to flour ratio he has weighed out and why he prefers to grind his own fennel. Whitney joined the crew shortly after when they all found themselves working for the same hotel group. With a decade's worth of mixology expertise, Whitney completed the triad, and Let’s Eat Austin was born.

At first, the newly founded company focused on restaurant consultations. When they realized the potential of the house on Chatham and their passion for sharing their deep love of good food and drink, they began to develop a slew of teachable recipes that any home cook could master.

While all their course offerings are well worth experiencing, the fresh pasta class represents the first concept the team executed.

Chef Aaron raises chickens to which he fondly refers to as “the girls” and found himself with an abundance of fresh eggs. Necessity being the father of invention, he began making his own pasta, and to this day, the eggs used in Let’s Eat Austin’s recipes come from “the girls” living on the property.

The atmosphere is lively as Aaron demonstrates the ins and outs of pasta making. Music plays in the background while Megan interjects here and there with a quip or an interesting tidbit of food history. The energy of the two creatives bouncing off one another brings the room to life. As the freshly made pasta is dunked into the boiling water, the aroma of garlic and tomatoes fills the air, and Megan makes a grand declaration, “Pasta is symbolic of civilization.” At first, this seems hyperbolic, but upon taking the first bite of tender capellini bathed in a delicate red sauce, the phrase feels fitting.

The space can accommodate up to 20 guests at a time. Most of the courses are open classes, meaning the participants often arrive solo or in pairs without knowing the rest of their classmates. Cautious and hungry culinary dabblers enter through the door only to leave as friends with full bellies and shared laughter, as well as newfound confidence and skills in the kitchen, a benefit that will allow them to create beautiful memories for years to come.

CONTACT: 1610 Chatham Ave. letseataustin.com

@letseataustin

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Long Play Lounge (East)

The former Stay Gold location has turned into a cool place to hang with your dog on the patio while listening to retro tunes played on vinyl. The patio has a utilitarian feel to it, and inside, the glittery curtains shimmer and bring a little glam to the live bands that play there regularly. Check the schedule and take your dance partner for a spin on the cozy dance floor. thelongplaylounge.com/lpeast | 1901 E Cesar Chavez St.

Sahara Lounge

Driving far east, just to the point when you think you must have missed it, you’ll bump into Sahara Lounge. Amongst the growing residential area, the bar might seem a bit dilapidated, but it’s not. A dirt parking lot and an uneven dance floor make this spot 100% Austin weird. Saturday night, a local fave, is Africa night and includes music and a buffet. Second is ladies night with '70s and '80s disco funk—just two examples of the breadth of music you can find at this quirky dive bar. saharalounge.com | 1413 Webberville Rd.

Nickel City best

By definition, a dive bar is an unglamorous setting serving up low-cost drinks. In East Austin, the dive bar culture runs deep. Beloved eclectic environments offering simple drinks to varying tunes is the heartbeat of this celebrated nightlife. Visit one of these unique local watering holes where jeans and boots are welcome.

Shangri-La

Located on the busy section of East 6th Street, this small entryway expands into a gorgeous patio serving unique drink concoctions. The Austin Tea Party cocktail is an unmissable local fave. With abundant pool tables and an on-site food truck most nights, it’s the perfect hideaway to hang with friends and enjoy the open air. shangrilaaustin.com | 1016 E 6th St.

Dive Bars

Nickel City is the quintessential neighborhood bar, sitting in an original brick building that has hosted watering holes for longer than anyone can remember. Their approach is simple cocktails for fair prices that keep locals coming back for more. They also have an extensive whiskey list that we love. No live music here, so there’s never a cover. nickelcitybar.com | 1133 E 11th St.

Skylark Lounge

King Bee

Considered by many to be ‘the’ dive bar in Austin, the Skylark Lounge is known for the blues bands that play there regularly. It’s not uncommon for musicians to jump on stage and start jamming with their friends, and you can often hang out with them on the patio out back after the set. Sunday with Soulman Sam is one of the best (and under the radar) blues acts this city has to offer. skylarkaustin.com | 2039 Airport Blvd. eastside | the best

Tuesday is the best night to visit King Bee on East 12th Street. Live bands bring down the house with the blues, the perfect midweek pick me up. This place has a dark interior where every conversation feels private and a large patio out back when you need fresh air. Despite the ownership change a few years ago, they still make their own pizza on-site, and that alone is worth a visit.

kingbeeatx.com | 1906 E 12th St.

4 5 1 32 EASTside | April/May2023 find more at eastsideatx.com