FORKLIFT DANCEWORKS IS REDEFINING DANCE P.48
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Publisher Nillo Studios, LLC Creative Director Will Bowling Publishing Editor Ashley Bowling Business Development Jessi Devenyns, Todd Meador, Tammy Smith Hall Photo Editors Eric Morales, Ashley Haguewood Copy Editor Pam Bowen Contributing Photographers Shelby Bella, Molly Culver, Leonid Fermansky, Parker Thornton, Thamica McCook, Casey Fry Contributing Writers Jess Hagemann, Jennifer Simonson, Sommer Brugal, Jessi Devenyns, Sam Lauron, Katy Chadwell, Amanda Covo Distribution Brian Phillips, Will Bowling, Todd Meador Submissions info@eastsideatx.com Advertising sales@eastsideatx.com
Copyright Š 2016 Nillo Studios, LLC. EASTside Magazine is published by Nillo Studios, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.
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eastside | publisher's letter
W
At Home
hat a blessing it has been (and continues to be) as we work with a topic that shapes the very community, the lives, and the geographic space in which we call home. What is a home? For some, it’s a place that shelters from the elements. For most though, it's more than a shelter. It’s a place to find comfort and rest, a place where life abounds, and a place where memories are made. For others, it’s a neighborhood staple that we hope will remain for years to come and hold tight to the stories and lives of those who have gone before us. Home is an expression of art and self, built on a foundation that has a story to tell. In this issue, we walk through some century old homes with a history that implodes and has, at the same time, been held sacred. We take a peek inside a Cherrywood home owned by fashionable DIYers who fell in love with their home and neighborhood through their many years of projects. It has now become a home that reflects them both while remaining true to its mid-century modern flare. We get to walk through a home in Rosewood that has turn-of-the-century character to which the current homeowners couldn’t help but accentuate while honoring the stories told by neighbors of the memories past.
LET US SHOWCASE WHAT'S GREAT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
While preserving homes is its own feat, Sean Guess, architect and homeowner, found his own little piece of paradise for $50K in the Montopolis neighborhood. With cost effective materials, clean lines, and a conscientious design, Sean tackled the elephant in the room. His minimalistic approach created economy at its finest. No matter the cost, home is typically one of the biggest investments. It’s where you spend most of your time. It is intended to be a shelter and safe place. It is intended to be a place to invite people in to share that safety and those memories. My hope is that, as we write about the few places that our neighbors call home, it serves as a reminder to share your home, that it inspires you to make new memories, that it encourages you to be hospitable. There is nothing more important than taking care of your neighbor. Make them feel like family in the process. Warmly, Will Bowling FORKLIFT DANCEWORKS IS REDEFINING DANCE P.48
RESIDENTIAL PROS TO KNOW P.39
THE FRIENDLY
side
OF AUSTIN
On the Cover Blake and Adam’s home is truly a treat. With open windows that face a creek, their home is a thoughtful expression of beauty that is as much for the enjoyment of the passersby as it is for those who live within its walls. Photo by Ashley Haguewood
at
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contents
14 Publisher’s Note 05
features 20 Home is
Local 08
Where the Heart is
Art+Entertainment 11
17
Style+Beauty 17
50
Go+Do 29 Home+Away 35
24 A Period Project
Walk into a home whose walls hold history of the Rosewood neighborhood in the 20th century but whose design bridges the decades into the 21st
Sip+Taste 47 6 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
After years of traipsing across the globe and collecting memories, an East Austin couple finds a home that becomes the canvas onto which they display their international finds.
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Social Media & Social Social Media & Social EventsEvents Local • Fresh • Argentine
WE ARE SOCIAL. EASTside Magazine readers and social media followers are swayed and connected by WE ARE SOCIAL. EASTside Magazine readers and social media followers are swayed and connected by our brand content and storytelling wherever they are. our brand content and storytelling wherever they are.
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eastside | local
Growing Pains
CREATING A SAFETY NET WHILE IN TRANSITION WORDS BY JESSI DEVENYNS PHOTO BY WILL BOWLING
Lifeworks plans to end youth homelessness through programs like affordable housing.
A
s Austin grows, so too do all segments of its community including the homeless youth population. Unfortunately, the systems that serve as a safety net for this vulnerable population are not able to grow at a rate that can keep pace with the exploding numbers. Not even Lifeworks, who for decades has provided transitional living programs for homeless and at-risk youth of Austin, has the capacity to shelter hundreds of youth who call the pavement of our city ‘home.’ “We’re just not keeping up with the population,” says Lifeworks Executive Director Susan McDowell who explains that the “risks for youth falling into homelessness are exacerbating with that growth.” Although Lifeworks currently houses 140 youth in their housing units in East Austin, “At the same time, we haven’t necessarily made any progress 8 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
in reducing youth homelessness,” laments McDowell. In the hopes of changing the statistics, McDowell shares that a year ago, Lifeworks elected to alter their approach. Now, instead of independently providing supportive services, they are working with community partners, most notably with Mayor Steve Adler and Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, to end youth homelessness by 2020. Ending youth homelessness does not necessarily mean 100 percent eradication of the systemically problematic state. "It means making it rare, it means making it brief, and making it non-recurring," clarifies McDowell. Although there are several avenues through which Lifeworks is pursuing this goal, one of the most tangible is their affordable housing program. In 2008, the non-profit purchased six acres of land in East Austin where they planned to construct a resource center alongside transitional and affordable housing. Their Works I project, which has been complete for several years, offers 45 units for families who are at 30-50% of median family income.
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Works II, which recently had its groundbreaking ceremony, will offer 29 additional housing units for youth and families at 30, 60, and 80% of the median family income. “Twenty-nine is about the right size for an apartment that is focused on a specific population. It allows us to provide the right level of service support,” explains McDowell. However, she admits that there is still a gulf between their 74 soon-to-be units and ending youth homelessness. “Now we’re having to think very creatively in this very land-expensive town about how we put more housing on the ground.” McDowell articulates that doing so involves engaging in a bigger goal of community preservation. “We have to use every bit of land and resource at our disposal to put more housing on the ground, not just for youth but in a wider context to preserve affordability in the central city.”
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Arts+ entertainment “My work as an artist feels very much like a vocation. It’s a compulsion.” - Caitlin McCollom p.12
Spring+
Summer 2018
12 fine
arts
"BEAUTY IS PAIN." EMOTION EXPRESSED IN PRIMARY COLOR.
14 built
arts
THE AUSTINITE WHO DESIGNED THE ARCHITECTURAL ICONS THAT ADORN THE STREETS OF EAST AUSTIN.
PORTRAIT BY GABRIEL SARABIA
eastside | art&entertainment
Painting with Purpose
ART BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF TRUTH AND EXISTENCE WORDS BY SAM LAURON PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
The driving forces behind Caitlin McCollom’s paintings have always led her to create what she feels and knows to be real.
G
rowing up as an artistic child, always drawing and creating, Caitlin McCollom knew that art was something she wanted to pursue. “I always thought of myself as an artist, from the time I could talk,” she remembers. Continuing on the artistic path, McCollom majored in painting and minored in art history at Texas State University. While there, she also experimented with performance and video work but always found herself coming back to painting. Shortly after graduating, McCollom opened
12 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
an apartment gallery called Red Space before deciding to move to NYC to follow her career. While the move didn’t pan out the way she had hoped, McCollom used it as an opportunity to re-establish herself back in Austin. Her first show upon returning was titled “Blood and White.” Using only red and white acrylic paints, it focused on the fragility of life and the pain she felt during that season. McCollom’s work is largely influenced by spirituality and energy. Drawing inspiration from the idea of the physical realm and the spiritual realm colliding, McCollom began adding blues to her typically red find more at eastsideatx.com
and white work to “talk about what is completely real and totally invisible and that you only know exists from experience,” she explains. Set against a bright white background (on Yupo, a synthetic paper made of polypropylene), the acrylic paints take form in pops of color that represent a true moment. “Color has always been hugely symbolic for me,” she adds. McCollom’s striking paintings undoubtedly make an impression on anyone who encounters them; her work has been purchased by Vogue, Kendra Scott, Hilton, the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, and most recently, Angelo State University. The school is outfitting the entire interior of their new medical school building with thirty of McCollom’s original paintings. With big exhibitions on the horizon, including her first solo international exhibit, McCollom hopes to continue doing what she’s doing in the years ahead. “My work as an artist feels very much like a vocation. It’s a compulsion,” she grins. “I don’t feel like I could be doing anything else.”
Contact:
Canopy, 916 Springdale Rd. Studio #122 cgmccollom.com @cgmccollom
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eastside | art&entertainment
Architecting History ART BUILT ON A FOUNDATION WORDS BY AMANDA COVO PHOTOS FROM HUMANITIESTEXAS.ORG
You likely know him; his iconic buildings have adorned the corners of Austin for decades. John S. Chase, the first Black licensed architect in Texas, charted designs for some of East Austin’s most eye-catching structures—and his own course in the process.
I
n cities and towns across America, delegations gathered on April 4 in observance of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
It was a symbolic moment, serving as a reminder of the pioneers who blazed trails through America’s darker days: pioneers like John Sanders Chase. Yet, Chase never set out to be a trailblazer; he simply wanted to pursue his passion for design. Born in Maryland in 1925, Chase loved to draw and build toy airplanes as a child. After high school, he got a job in Philadelphia. 14 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
“It was at that time that I began to realize just how few black architects there were,” Chase recalled in an interview. He was given an offer to join the African-American owned Lott Lumber in East Austin and at first was reluctant to take it: “I said ‘Oh, no. No way in the world, I can’t go down to Texas.’” But Chase’s dreams of design brought him to Austin, Texas, in 1949 where he would soon get his big break when, one year later, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of desegregating graduate and professional schools. Two days later, Chase stood in a packed Gregory Gym at The University of Texas at Austin, amid a crowd of white faces, to enroll for graduate school. He was 25. Two years later, Chase became the second African American to graduate from the University of Texas and the first to graduate from its School of Architecture. After graduation, Chase taught for a decade at Texas Southern University in Houston while building his own practice. According to an interview his wife, Drucie, gave to the Austin American-Statesman, Chase wanted to join an architectural firm, but no one would hire the first Black licensed architect in Texas. His early design work includes residential homes, churches, banks and schools: designs he brought with him back to Austin’s Eastside. Chase’s modern approach, whose unique building designs serve as East Austin focal points, surpassed that of architecture alone. Chase drew inspiration from the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly Wright’s fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces. Perhaps no better example of Chase’s work is at the corner of MLK Jr. Boulevard and Maple Avenue. There, Chase designed the modern, light-filled Phillips House in 1964. Commissioned by Eastside socialite Della Phillips, Chase was given free reign to design a prairie style home inspired by Wright’s work. Phillips had only one request: the house must be designed for lavish parties. Chase delivered, designing an airy home with large living spaces and
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
EAST WOMEN’S ISSUE COMING
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A PLACE TO LEARN ABOUT THE STRENGTH OF LOCAL WOMEN & PROFESSIONALS A PLACE TO BE INSPIRED BY THEIR SUCCESSES AND LEARN FROM THEIR TRIALS smaller rooms tucked away. The home’s diamond -shaped fascia and angular lines stand in stark contrast to the traditional Eastside bungalows. Chase’s other works include the David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (across the street from the Phillips House), Austin’s headquarters for the Colored Teachers State Association of Texas (1191 Navasota Street), which was influential in school desegregation, and Olivet Baptist Church (San Bernard Street). He also designed two buildings at his alma mater: the Mike A. Myers Track and Soccer Stadium and a $7.5 million 750-car parking garage at 25th and San Antonio Street. Chase was considered by those who knew him best to be a gentle man who set out only to change a physical, not a racial, landscape. But he did both and, in doing so, left a lasting mark on East Austin.
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N E W E AS T AU S T I N L O CAT I O N We’re excited to share great coffee with the East Austin community. Swing by our cafe for a fresh brew or get comfy and stay a while in our 6000 square foot state of the art roastery and training lab.
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Style+ beauty Spring+
Summer 2018
18 style
&beauty CREATING EYE-CATCHING EMBELLISHMENTS, INTRIGUING TEXTILES, AND BEAUTIFUL PRINTS IS JUST THE CUSP OF WHAT KATIE KIME IS CRAFTING IN HER EASTSIDE COTTAGE.
"...the female entrepreneurial community [in Austin], is abnormally supportive and collaborative.” -Katie Kime p.18
eastside | style
Print Perfect WHEN BOLD COLORS AND UNIQUE TEXTURES COLLIDE WORDS BY SOMMER BRUGAL PHOTOS BY MOLLY CULVER
On the Lookout Featuring both classics and newly designed prints, Kime is especially excited for the launch of the brand’s swimwear line that will feature bolder patterns that often don’t translate well onto larger items like a couch. The brand is also expanding the pajama and loungewear line. The new line is expected to launch later this spring.
Katie Kime has always been drawn to bright, bold colors: the result of her North Carolina roots. But by age 20, she had traveled to six continents, adding new elements and influences to her design aesthetic. Today, as the founder, president, and creative director of Katie Kime, a lifestyle brand of fashion, furniture, and accessories in Austin, she’s pulling from both her upbringing and her travels to create a look that’s unique and grounded.
L
ocated in a cottage on East Cesar Chavez, Kime’s studio is flooded with natural light. Bright color combinations anchor each room’s décor; bold pillows sit against patterned couches, creating an inviting contrast the untrained eye would never think to combine. Each item is thoughtfully placed, yet the overall look is effortless. According to Kime, the design aesthetic is preppy-chic goes globetrotting. The combination is what draws people in. “Austin is southern, and it doesn’t try not to be, but it’s also eclectic,” says Kime. “[Austin] is this kind of melting pot of people and ideas, and I think there’s a bit of that eclectic-ness in our brand as well.” Despite the line’s collection of home décor
and clothing items, Katie Kime is a printbased company. Though Kime considers herself to be much more of a product designer than an interior designer. She admits that it’s the prints that bring the entire line together. Continuously pulling from her Southern roots and international travels, Kime has learned to find inspiration in Austin, too, finding new ways to balance both. One day it’s recreating vintage items with a modern, bold twist, then next she’s pairing geometric classics, like gingham, with statement images the brand is known for, like the bee or banana leaf. In just five years, Katie Kime has grown from an online store to a nationally recognized lifestyle brand. For Kime, though, that growth didn’t happen on its own accord. “Be-
{the friendly side of austin}
ing in Austin [has definitely been] part of our success,” Kime smiles. “And I think a part of that is because I really believe that the entrepreneur, specifically the female entrepreneurial community [in Austin], is abnormally supportive and collaborative.” Looking to the future, Kime points to the brand’s new tagline: Live Well, Celebrate More, Travel Often. Though it’s hard to stop and celebrate the little things without thinking about her next goal, Kime hopes to embrace the second factor in the motto’s equation: to celebrate her accomplishments a little more.
Contact:
512.358.4478 1405 E Cesar Chavez St. katiekime.com @katiekimedesign eastsideatx.com
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20 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
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Home is Where the Heart Is Two travel guides turn their home into another adventure. WORDS BY JESSI DEVENYNS PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD
On a corner lot at the north end of Cherrywood is a white house that contains more windows than walls. Originally a show house for the expanding East Austin Cherrywood neighborhood, Blake and Adam Sparks’ mid-century home hasn’t lost any of its exemplary style over the last 80 years.
W
hen the young couple bought their home at age 25, neither had any idea what to expect. Formerly the home of an octogenarian, the bright eyed and bushy tailed pair found themselves faced with a home in desperate need of renovation. Unfortunately, as tour guides, neither of them had any experience in the field other than knowing that there was a Home Depot up the street. “It needed a lot of love,” remembers Adam. “It still had a lot of the original 1940s things—for good and for bad.” The bad included a shower that Blake describes as an amenity that seemed designed for a battleship. It was so cramped that “I couldn’t even take a shower!” she exclaims. 22 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
The good, however, was laid in the foundation. Sloping walls cut through the house creating a curious, narrow silhouette that seems to flow with the windows to optimize natural light. Despite being narrow, the rooms are open with the only fully closed rooms being the bedrooms. In the living spaces, you’re left with the sensation of floating in an aquarium through which you can watch the world. Although beautiful, reaching the home’s current design, Adam admits, was a precarious DIY project. “This house has been an experiment. I wish I had another house now because I’ve learned how to do floors, I’ve learned how to use a jackhammer, I’ve learned how to do all these different things,” he explains. Blake sees things otherwise saying, “It’s all very not professional. We weren’t really ready.” find more at eastsideatx.com
She relates an episode where they were replacing a window mid-December, one of the few that’s not original in the house, and when the window came in the wrong size, they were left to hang a blue tarp over the gaping hole and hope the new one came quickly. Adam laughs as he recalls when they “washed all [their] pots and pans in the bathtub” while giving new life to the kitchen. Another trial they faced was installing their sliding glass door. They had barely loaded up the doors from Home Depot when they realized that they lacked the manpower to put them in. “As we were driving home, there were some guys in the park, and we stopped and asked them if they could help us put it in,” remembers Adam. Even with the extra muscle, Adam admits that it was still a struggle.
In fact, according to him, the entire six-year project could qualify as a foolish undertaking. Blake is kinder in saying that “I think we were probably just naïve.” However, she explains that the slow pace of renovations had its benefits. Due to financial and temporal restrictions, Blake laments that much of her original design plan had to be scrapped. Despite having her initial ideas unrealized, she concedes that it was a blessing in disguise. The delay has allowed her to select the exact right piece for every room as she roams the globe with their travel company. “Every piece that we have, I really love,” she smiles. And the love put into the restoration shines through. So much care has been put into this 1947 home’s rehabilitation that Adam says he’s never leaving. “If I have my way, I’ll never move,” he effuses. “I like that we built it, I love the neighborhood, and I love Austin.”
Blake and Adam own Sofia Travel Company, a boutique tour company that offers personalized trips to Italy and Greece. Adam, whose family is from Greece, specializes in classical architecture and leads every tour along with Blake. sofiatravel.org
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A Period Project
WITH A TOUCH OF MODERN WORDS BY JESS HAGEMANN PHOTOS BY CASEY FRY
There’s a show-stopping home in Austin’s Rosewood neighborhood that defies all categorization. 24 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
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BUILT IN
1939 and renovated five years ago by Avenue B Development, the steep A-line roof and graceful arches of the yellow brick exterior preserve the home’s original Norman Tudor Revival style architecture, while the clean, bright interior smoothly ushers the space into the twenty-first century. An electric mix of vintage pieces and bespoke furniture, curated by Austin designer Ann Edgerton, help the otherwise brand new remodel feel well-loved and comfortably lived-in—like it’s okay to kick your feet up on the concrete coffee table, made by local artist Larry Massif, or mix an evening cocktail in a crystal tumbler at the mid-century bar cart. The house at 2005 Richard Overton Avenue originally belonged to Ada Simond, a highly-regarded activist, writer, educator, and co-founder of the George Washington Carver Museum. Current homeowner Catherine Lucchesi calls Simond “an incredible woman, African-American pioneer, and stalwart of the neighborhood.” People who remember Simond
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and her house often stop by to say hello and express their support of the renovation. After it was designated a historical landmark in 2015, both the Lucchesis and their Rosewood neighbors are “happy to know the house will be saved.” Except for a new roof and windows, the exterior of the house remains untouched. Catherine, who works for I Live Here I Give Here, and her husband bought the Simond House when work and school caused them to relocate from New York City. “We looked at ten other houses,” explains Catherine, “but when I saw this one, I fell in love.” Even covered in decades of dirt and grime, and lacking any kind of HVAC system or working plumbing, Catherine says she could see its potential. “The intensity of the project was attractive to me. The brick is beautiful; the original wood doors and floors were in great shape; there are tons of windows and natural lighting … all of those details I just loved. You don’t find that in new builds.” To really make the home shine, the Lucchesis hired historical restoration experts Katie and Jeff Bullard of Avenue B Development. Unlike other contractors that Catherine interviewed, the Bullards “weren’t scared” of the challenge. They also let Catherine take the lead in the remodel design; she chose the light paint colors, navy cabinets, unlacquered brass hardware, floating walnut shelves, and marble countertops in the kitchen, plus the hand-glazed Zellige tile in the master bath. At the Bullards’ suggestion, the wall separating the breakfast nook from the rest of the kitchen was torn down, creating a more open floor plan and plenty of space for Catherine’s husband, who went to culinary school, to entertain guests. The renovation took a year. Upon completion, Catherine hired Ann Edgerton Designs and Styling to outfit the 2,000 square foot space. Previously a student of art history, Catherine admires “modern design—a little bit of whimsy and bright pops of color,” but also wanted to honor the older home’s history. Period light fixtures and floor-to-ceiling mirrors abound; so do oversized framed prints by Catherine’s favorite photographers. “We tried to pick out pieces we’d want to live with forever,” she says. “It’s our home now, and we love it here.” Note: These photos were taken pre-interior design.
Contact:
512.910.9656 avenuebdev.com @interiorsbyavenueb 26 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
find more at eastsideatx.com
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(512) 452-9296
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27
SPECIAL PROMOTION
BUILT WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD
For years, the southwest corner of East 6th and Chicon didn’t have much going for it – an uninspiring office building from the early 2000s and a dilapidated warehouse. But what may have seemed an unlikely canvas for a new hotel provided the ideal foundation for ARRIVE East Austin, the 83-room hotel now being constructed on the site. The project’s adaptive reuse of the warehouse is just one example of ARRIVE’s goal to honor and integrate with the neighborhood. Burton Baldridge (Burton Baldridge Architects), the architect of the project, says, “we drew largely from the materials already present in the neighborhood like steel framed windows, concrete and masonry. While it is a large structure, we wanted the hotel to be more of an extension of the pre-existing East Austin aesthetic, paying particular attention to the sense of pedestrian scale that really defines the area.” Baldridge has been working as an architect in Austin since 2002 and has adeptly navigated a variety of neighborhoods within the city, designing homes and commercial spaces, including the Kimber Modern in South Congress. With his experience in creating structures with a focus on the needs of individuals and communities, he says it was only a natural extension that he work with ARRIVE to conceptualize a hotel that is a community space first and a hotel second. The entrance of the hotel is specifically designed to welcome in the neighborhood. Forgoing a traditional lobby, the front doors of the hotel open into two restaurant and bar spaces where you can kick back, grab a drink and mingle with the locals. As Baldridge explains, “you show up basically at a bar, they take your bags, hand you a drink, and you are there. It’s kind of a cool deal.” Baldridge also reveals that ARRIVE purposefully invested in quality materials to ensure the longevity of this culturally concepted structure. He underscored that the idea was to create a cohesive design that integrated with the character of East Austin.
28 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
WORKING TOGETHER ARRIVE Hotels works closely with the Worker’s Defense Project, an organization that was founded in 2002 by employees and volunteers of Casa Marianella, a local Austin shelter. Together they address the problem of unpaid wages for Austin’s low-wage workers through education and strategic partnerships.
Slated to open in early 2019, the construction team recently laid the last support beam into the framework of the hotel and celebrated at a top-off event where they honored those who worked to weld, pour, and erect the structure. ARRIVE is proud to be among the first to build under the Worker's Defense Project's Better Builder Program, which ensures that construction staff are paid a living wage and are protected by stringent health and safety guidelines. “As a new member of the East Austin community, it was important for us to demonstrate our commitment to workers’ rights,” says ARRIVE CEO Matt Steinberg. The full personality of the hotel will emerge over the next eight months as its neighborhood-focused design and functional features fully take shape within the just-completed frame. According to Baldridge, “It’s difficult to look at a large building and say that there’s a community ethos there, but there really is.” 1813 E 6t St., Austin, TX 78702 arriveenterprises.com @arriveeastaustin @arriveeastaustin
find more at eastsideatx.com
Go+ do
Spring+
Summer 2018
30 go
&dance EIGHT MEN WHO KEEP AUSTIN POOLS IN WORKING ORDER.
32 go&do
restrooms DON’T LET YOUR EVENING BE RUINED BY AN UNINSPIRING RESTROOM.
“I feel like the lesson we get to learn over and over again with Forklift is to see the passion that city staff and government workers have for their work and their job.” –Krissie Marty p.30
eastside | go&do
Did You Know? Peter Bay of the Austin Symphony conducted the musical score for the Austin Energy electric utility show, PowerUP, that Forklift Danceworks put on in 2013. Visit forkliftdanceworks.org/ video-gallery/ for the video recap.
City Dance WORDS BY JESSI DEVENYNS PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
FORKLIFT DANCEWORKS REINTERPRETS DANCE WITH MACHINERY
30 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
find more at eastsideatx.com
Imagine a mobile sub-station performing a pirouette. Picture a tree trimmer imitating a rond de jambe. Now visualize synchronized swimming with a pool brush. What do you see? Movement. Art. Collaboration.
2ND LOCATION OPENING MAY 5TH
A
t Forklift Danceworks, creative directors and choreographers Allison Orr and Krissie Marty are trying to reframe everyday movement. “It’s not modern dance vocabulary; it’s not ballet vocabulary,” explains Marty. “I think we’re really trying to redefine what dance is and what creativity is.” So why machines with jagged movements and no inherent suppleness? “We’re really drawn to the choreography that sustains our daily lives and sustains our communities,” Marty shrugs. “We make dances with people and machines that you [normally] don’t think of as dancers.” In the past several years, Forklift Danceworks has reimagined the work of a variety of city departments and reinterpreted their everyday functions into a beautiful study and expression of form and motion. Their most recent project, however, has led them to the heart of East Austin to facilitate a discussion about our pools. After weeks of attending meetings with Parks and Recreation staff about the state of Austin pools – the average age of which is 50 years old and they’re only intended to last 25-30 years – and some encouragement by acting City Manager Sarah Hensley, the two dancers realized that a conversation needed to begin. “It’s a big deal for the city, it’s a big deal for planning, it’s a big deal for livable communities, it’s a big deal for affordability, [and] it’s a big deal for people’s lives,” insists Marty. Without them, she laments that our city would lose one of its greatest assets.
Despite the importance of the 51 pools in town, there are only eight staff members on duty at any given time to maintain them. Although they work in two shifts 7 days a week, it’s no surprise that it can be troublesome to service all the pools in the city. “It’s tough, let’s put it that way,” says Paul Slutes, City of Austin Aquatic Maintenance Supervisor. Even with a grinding schedule, in his off hours, Slutes moonlights as a dancer in Forklift’s 3-year pool dance project: My Park, My Pool, My City. He shares that dancing out his daily routines gives him a voice in the community. “It’s a positive story that your city government actually is doing good for the community, and most of your city staff want to do good for your community,” he explains. His first performance took place at Bartholomew Pool last summer where each show sold out, and the public in attendance was encouraged to participate in the aquatic spectacle. This year, the performance will be repeated with a different story at Dove Springs Neighborhood Pool. According to Marty, the story will only begin to unravel as they “ask the questions, being curious, people’s imaginations just start to activate.” She explains the rest is left up to the dancers’ intuitive movements which the creative duo will then capture and guide into an amphibious ballet. Visit the website and find tickets when they go on sale: forkliftdanceworks.org/projects/mypark-my-pool-my-city
Contact:
512.222.5287 forkliftdanceworks.org
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WholeFamilyChiropractors.com eastsideatx.com
31
6
eastside | go&do
best
Restrooms
Tired of boring public restrooms? So are we. As the hunt began for the best bathrooms in all of East Austin, we found that mod prints, unique materials, and creative ideas abound in the most unsuspecting places. WORDS BY SOMMER BRUGAL PHOTO BY SHELBY BELLA
1
KITTY COHEN'S
Suerte
Suerte combines Mexican flavors with Austin flare. The food and beverage offerings are bound to impress, but it’s the beautiful wallpaper donning the restrooms that landed this East Austin newcomer on our list of favorites. The ladies’ room is lined with purple and red flowers, greenery, and pink flamingos. The men’s room, however, displays colorful rooftop patios with checkered floors and an array of plants and shrubs. Each will have you lingering in the restroom, admiring the intricate designs.
suerteatx.com | 1800 E 6th Street
2
Native Hostel
This unique business is a highclass hostel, bar, and restaurant. The space is trendy, which further enhances the spot’s incredibly niche market, so it’s no surprise the restrooms offer that same stylish flare. Simple in design, the modern minimalism, paired with contemporary tile, brings life to what would 32 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
otherwise be a fairly dark room.
nativehostels.com | 807 E 4th Street
3
Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse Mueller offers delicious meals, local drafts, and a high-quality movie watching experience. It’s a triple threat that boasts success. But when sleek restrooms are added to the mix, it’s a combination that can’t be beat. The restrooms are unisex, with each stall separated by actual walls. There isn’t a door to the room itself, so it feels more like a large, open corridor that everyone shares. While the long hand washing basin becomes a modern sink, patrons can enjoy the busy tile patterns on the wall that give the space a vibe that’s modern with classic Hollywood embellishments.
drafthouse.com | 1911 Aldrich Street
4
Kitty Cohen’s
Walking into the women’s bathroom at Kitty Cohen’s, patrons find more at eastsideatx.com
are confronted with bold, bright colors and walls covered with pink flamingos. It’s a defining, memorable image. However, it’s the large portrait of Burt Reynolds that anchors the room. Created as a patio bar to celebrate “rebel women,” Kitty Cohen’s quirky restroom décor perfectly complements the bar’s theme and vacay inspirations.
kittycohens.com | 2211 Webberville Road
5
The Butterfly Bar
The dimly lit, almost dark restroom sets The Butterfly Bar apart from the other mainly brightly colored restrooms on our list. Dark curtains separate each stall, which to some may seem ineffective: an intrusion waiting to happen. But in our opinion, the dark, simple patterned curtains simply add to the theatrical, artistic community of The Vortex that lives at the bar’s patio.
butterflybaraustin.com | 2307 Manor Road
6
L’Oca d’Oro
L’Oca d’Oro stands out with its simple, yet quirky, bathroom tile that lines the walls from the floor up. White tile hexagons offer a clean background while black tiles are situated to create small florets around the room. The comfy sophisticated touches are a perfect set for the classic Italian fare being served by the kitchen. Not to mention, all the restrooms are unisex, and each has ample space.
locadoroaustin.com | 1900 Simond Avenue
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33
NOTHING FEELS!
as good as home EASTON LPARK ife Austin
Located just 12 miles from downtown, Easton Park is a vibrant community with more than 350 acres of planned trails, parks, and green space. It’s everything you love about Austin, with a welcoming lifestyle, state-of-the-art amenities and leading homebuilders. Our newest neighborhoods, Union Park and Skyline Park, are coming soon—keep an eye on our website, newsletter and social media for more information. Or come out for yourself and see what all the excitement is about.
VISIT US AT eastonparkatx.com
“Economical architecture is to have great architecture, but not have it cost money for the sake of complexity.” p.36
Home+ away
Spring+
Summer 2018
36 home
MINIMALISTIC AND BUDGET CONSCIOUS IS WHAT TWO EAST AUSTIN HOMEOWNERS KEPT IN MIND WHILE BUILDING THEIR DREAM HOME.
38 away
LONDON CALLING? ANSWER THE CALL AND TAKE A NON-STOP FLIGHT ACROSS THE POND FOR A LONG WEEKEND.
eastside | home
The Elephant in the Room ECONOMY AT ITS FINEST WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS PHOTOS BY LEONID FERMANSKY
Everything comes with a price; for Sean Guess, that was 50K dollars.
A
lthough Guess is the owner and principal architect at Faye and Walker Architecture, like many Austinites, owning his dream home became a question of finding balance between finances and creativity. However, life happens and after years of living in a one-bedroom apartment on South Congress with his wife and two children and an office squeezed in Tetris style, Guess knew that it was time to upgrade. But first, he had to reimagine his idea of a dream home on a $50K budget for a piece of land, hopefully as central to downtown Austin as possible.
36 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
find more at eastsideatx.com
“Doors are always open, so why have a door?”
As an architect, Guess figured the solution was to take a piece of land that everybody else overlooked and reimagine the space. Eventually, he found his answer within East Austin in the Montopolis neighborhood. Today, on the busy corner of 183 and Montopolis rises a monolithic structure that silently stares out into the continuous flow of traffic just south of the Colorado River. Encased in corrugated fiber cement, the Elephant House earned its name from the texture of its walls which play with light and shadow. In fact, it was this material that inspired the entire construction of the home. “It really just compelled me to make the form of the house quite simple,” explains Guess. From the outside, this simplistic form has echoes of the past: its presence on the property seeming ancient despite only standing for two years. At roughly 3,000 square feet, the home spans three floors which are stacked on top of one another before smoothly draping upwards into a pitched roof. The simplicity continues throughout the house where the walls are lined in pine plywood that gives an airy quality to the already incredibly open space. Guess is a proponent of foregoing doors. “Doors are always open, so why have a door?” he shrugs.
{the friendly side of austin}
Welcoming guests into the home is a ground floor that consists of rooms dedicated to what Guess calls “public living.” Similar to his indifference to doors, he is adamantly opposed to shutting his family off from the outside world, so the expansive windows that encircle the kitchen/dining/living area offer an uncovered view to the world. On the second story, the family lives more privately as each of their rooms feature Luis Barragán-inspired window shutters. The hallway is a communal space where the walls are lined with a banquette of desks that house a colorful explosion of arts and crafts. The third level is a multi-purpose, sunny space that doubles as the children’s playroom and Guess’s athome architecture studio where he and his staff of two spend their days. Surprisingly, this carefully orchestrated home was constructed at $140-per-square foot for materials and labor, making this an incredibly economical approach to a design-build concept. That’s exactly what Guess is interested in providing. “Economical architecture,” he says, “is to have great architecture, but not have it cost money for the sake of complexity.” Having that discussion, however, is addressing the ‘elephant’ in the Austin property market.
Contact:
fayeandwalker.com sean@fayeandwalker.com
eastsideatx.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
KINDERGARTEN READINESS First tooth, first steps, and their first word. As parents, we look forward to celebrating these exciting milestones, but what about the first day of kindergarten? This is another tremendous milestone in our children’s lives, but unlike the first tooth or their first word, the transition to kindergarten can be daunting. How do we know if our children are ready for this next chapter? Research shows that a high-quality preschool can prepare children for the academic rigor and highly social and stimulating kindergarten environment. Preschool provides an opportunity to learn how to socialize, compromise, collaborate, and problem solve with same aged peers, promoting children’s social and emotional development and school readiness. The Rise School, a fully-inclusive preschool in East Austin, has designed its pre-k program based on these principles to prepare children for their academic career. At The Rise School, children are educated within the context of a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Every child receives individualized instruction that is grounded in research in early childhood education and is tailored to meet their individual needs. This personalized approach enables teachers to help each child reach their full potential. Rise parent Katie Hoglund shares, “My son was reading before he even started his first day of kindergarten. His love for learning and for reading has made kindergarten an enjoyable experience for him. He feels confident in his ability to learn new things, share ideas, and accept challenges. My husband and I are beyond grateful for the expertise and attention that helped him reach his full potential and has now allowed him to continue to soar.”
Rise students also benefit from a rich social and emotional curriculum enhanced by Conscious Discipline, a leading approach to classroom management. Conscious Discipline is based on teaching children the skills needed to express and manage their emotions and learn the importance of communication, empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork. The fully-inclusive classrooms and the use of Conscious Discipline at Rise fosters an environment where children of all abilities learn to work and play together. Rise parent Laura Arnold shares, “Our kindergartner is ahead of many of his peers academically. But more importantly, being around those different from him has given him the opportunity to develop extremely high levels of empathy, compassion and imagination. These life-long qualities are essential for our family, and it’s difficult to imagine anywhere else that could have helped our child develop these skills.” Rise also focuses on developing a partnership with parents, children’s first and lifelong teachers. With access to experts in child development, high-quality parent trainings, and ongoing communication, families are given the tools to be the best advocates they can be for their children. Parents leave Rise with a deep understanding of their children and how they learn best, thus, making the transition to kindergarten that much easier. When a Rise pre-k student proudly walks across the graduation stage, they leave Rise with confidence in their ability to play with friends, learn new concepts, share ideas, and persevere even when a task is difficult. At The Rise School, children are provided a firm foundation from which they can become the future leaders of our great community. Acceptance, flexibility, determination, and love are just a few of the tools they will take with them for a lifetime. THE RISE SCHOOL IS NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR. 512-891-1682 RISESCHOOLAUSTIN.ORG 4800 MANOR RD BUILDING J
@riseATX
IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? He or she...
• Completes simple puzzles
• Recognizes, copies, or repeats patterning sequence
• Identifies up to five colors
• Retells and sequences short stories • Repeats a familiar song, poem, or finger play
• Recognizes own name in print • Beginning to write own name • Demonstrates book awareness
• Recognizes letters of the alphabet
• Demonstrates independence in personal care
• Understands numerical concepts up to ten
• Uses writing, drawing, and cutting tools appropriately
• Interacts appropriately with other children
• Demonstrates gross motor skills such as hopping, jumping, running, and catching a ball
For more information refer to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, State Standards for Pre-Kindergarten Students
38 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
find more at eastsideatx.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION
RESIDENTIAL Pros To Know
PROMOTION
RESIDENTIAL Pros To Know
PATRICE RIOS & MANUEL HERNANDEZ
TROO DESIGNS K.B.I
In everything we do, we believe in the beauty and function of a space. We understand how a well-designed space can not only create a home, but the power it has to breathe new life into an old space. With a passion for design, technology, & craftsmanship, we help our clients take an idea and turn it into a finished space. Co-owners Patrice Rios and Manuel Hernandez, know and understand that each job is unique, so they tailor their services for each client’s specific needs. From all types of cabinetry and full interior design to 3d renderings and renovation consulting, they are able to help a wide variety of clients from the seasoned home builders to the first time homebuyer. CONTACT
40 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
find more at eastsideatx.com
512-596-2927 TROODESIGNSKBI.COM HELLO@TROODESIGNSKBI.COM 4646 MUELLER BLVD STE 1050
PROMOTION
RESIDENTIAL Pros To Know
DALTON TRACEE & ELLIOT JAMES PURE APT LOCATING
Some people have wild dreams. Some own businesses. Some seek a hyper affordability, while others need the sleekest bachelor(ette) pad for their bumble dinner dates. Everyone's story's different, and so is the way we do business. When folks say "it's only an apartment," we see it as a stepping stone. If you own a business, we want to help your team save the most money possible. If you make that "bank," let's help you get the place of your dreams. As our client, Isabella says: They ask the questions I'd never think to ask, offer advice that is genuine and creates a comfortable environment in a situation that can be stressful! 10/10-- would recommend over and over again! #GrowWithPure CONTACT
512-576-7368 PUREAPARTMENTLOCATING.COM DALTON@PURELOCATING.COM
{the friendly side of austin}
eastsideatx.com
41
PROMOTION
RESIDENTIAL Pros To Know
KRISTIN SCHUMANN, BRIAN QUICK, & TEAM BUDGET BLINDS
Cooling your house this summer is essential. Studies have proven that the largest portion of a home’s energy demand comes from the heating and cooling of the interior, while heating and cooling loss is drawn through uncovered windows. Using products such as shutters, solar/roller shades, cellular shades, and drapery are just a few of the many energy efficient solutions that Budget Blinds offers to help your home stay cool. Budget Blinds of East Austin is owned and operated by Brian Quick & Kristin Schumann. The company proudly provides window coverings to local homeowners and businesses, offering complimentary in-home consultations, professional measuring, and precise installation. Budget Blinds only partners with the most reputable vendors to offer a rich selection of quality window coverings.
CONTACT
42 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
find more at eastsideatx.com
512-900-8299 BUDGETBLINDS.COM/EASTAUSTIN BQUICK@BUDGETBLINDS.COM
PROMOTION
RESIDENTIAL Pros To Know
HOLLY HUGHES
AUSTIN CRAFT REALTY Austin is an easy town to fall in love with, but soon you’ll find yourself wondering how to turn a fling into a long-term relationship. With a guide like Holly Hughes, a savvy REALTOR specializing in both apartment locating and first-time homebuyer representation, to putting a (key)ring on it seems, well, natural. Holly is well-versed at illustrating your unique path from renting to owning a piece of Austin. In fact, she blazed the trail herself when she bought her first home at age 27 with her rescue pup, Olive. As an avid rock climber and newly certified yogi, Holly loves sharing all the best outdoorsy locales to get out and enjoy ATX. CONTACT
{the friendly side of austin}
(512)420-7941 AUSTINCRAFTREALTY.COM HOLLY@AUSTINCRAFTREALTY.COM
eastsideatx.com
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RESIDENTIAL
PROMOTION
Pros To Know
JOY PADILLA,
REALTOR ® If you’re looking to buy a home on the east side of Austin or just getting to know the community, Joy brings exceptional service and knows the east side of Austin well. From searching for the perfect home to fulfilling her client’s dreams, she offers an unsurpassed level of commitment to each client. Joy is an advocate for her clients and believes education and communication are key. Understanding people, listening, and using proven processes make all the difference when buying and/or selling a home. Joy brings 10 years of Sales and Marketing to her business. She understands economic and market trends and is proficient at researching the real estate market. Her clients receive a comprehensive assessment of the market enabling them to make educated decisions about the property they are buying or selling. “The best realtors, like the best therapists, help you see past difficulties to the promise of the future. Our future in Austin looks bright because of Joy!” -Landry Family (Redeemer Presbyterian)
CONTACT
512-968-7799 JOY PADILLA, REALTOR ® JOYPADILLA@REALTYAUSTIN.COM
JUSTIN PISTORIUS,
OWNER LOCAL LIFE REALTY Have you ever looked at the vacant lot across the street and imagined yourself sitting in the summer sun sipping a Topo Chico on the porch you designed? Justin, the owner of Local Life Realty, opens the door to this life of possibilities. With access to new and off-market construction in highly coveted urban zip codes, Justin offers his clients not just a lot of land but homestead where they can build the home that will anchor them into the community.
CONTACT
44 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
find more at eastsideatx.com
512-502-5117 LOCALLIFEREALTY.NET INFO@LOCALLIFEREALTY.NET 3718 MANCHACA AUSTIN TX. 78704
• Access to 600+ therapeutic-grade oils and oil-infused products • 24% off retail pricing • Buy what you want when you want • Access to a community who offers support + educational resources
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61
WHEN YOU BECOME A MEMBER WITH YOUNG LIVING YOU GET:
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult individual product labels for safety information.
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eastside | away
A Weekend In
London
enticing & enchanting WORDS BY KATY CHADWELL
WHETHER YOU RECEIVED A COVETED INVITATION TO THE ROYAL WEDDING OR SIMPLY WANT TO ESCAPE THE TEXAS HEAT THIS SUMMER, LONDON IS AN ENCHANTED CITY TO EXPLORE AT ANY AGE. WITH NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM AUSTIN, THERE’S ALSO NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO GO.
Friday
if you go...
Hit the ground running after an overnight flight. Check in to The Chesterfield Mayfair, located near Hyde Park. From there, it’s easy to walk to some of the quintessential London sites: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben. Pop into the Soho Hotel for afternoon tea in their luxurious sit-
ting room designed by Kit Kemp. History buff or not, stop by the Churchill War Rooms to learn the fascinating history of how the Allies conducted WWII operations underground near 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence, which is fun to explore. Time your visit to coincide with sunset as you take a spin on the London Eye while sipping cham-
How to get there: With nonstop flights to London Heathrow and Gatwick, it’s never been easier to cross the pond. Norwegian
pagne and enjoying the view of the historic skyline.
Saturday Make all your foodie dreams come true with a trip to Borough Market in the South Bank. This eating paradise will have you sampling British sausages, cheeses, and fish and chips to your heart’s content. You may also see the world-famous Tower Bridge on the River Thames nearby. Once you’ve eaten your fill, take a stroll down the embankment to the Tate
Air recently launched new direct flights, which means lower fares and easy connections to other European destinations.
Modern, a contemporary art museum located in the former Bankside Power Station. Take time to enjoy some of the best views London has to offer from the observation deck. Hopefully you’ve worked up an appetite soaking in the culture. If so, head to Padella for fresh, hand-rolled pasta for dinner. They don’t take reservations so get there early before they run out of pici cacio e pepe. Your taste buds will thank you! End the night with a show at the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s
Where to stay: We like St. Ermin’s Hotel if you’re traveling with a family, the Chesterfield Mayfair if you’re looking for classic
plays were originally performed.
Sunday A perfect Sunday consists of a visit to the Columbia Road Flower Market in east London. There you will find yourself immersed in the sights and smells of countless varieties of beautiful flowers and plants, along with lots of interesting design and antique shops you can peruse. For lunch, walk over to Brick Lane for the best Indian curries the city has to offer. Spend the rest of the
English vibes, and any of the Firmdale Hotels for their contemporary style. Should you choose to live like a local, consider booking a
afternoon exploring the Shoreditch neighborhood where you can view some of London’s best street art and pick up one-of-akind gifts at the area’s boutiques and vintage stores. If you’re a Muggle itching to get out of the city, take a trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to learn all about the behind the scenes magic of the Harry Potter films. There you can see original sets and costumes, enjoy a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, and explore Diagon Alley. Mischief managed.
flat through onefinestay, a vacation rental company where all properties are vetted and come with concierge services.
Katy Chadwell is a member of the Austin-based Century Travel team and would welcome the opportunity to help you plan a trip to London or wherever your travels may lead you! Contact her at katy@century-tvl.com and enjoy complimentary room upgrades, food and beverage credits, and more on your next vacation!
46 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
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“Surrounded by modern buildings and the hustle and bustle of East 6th Street, walking into Licha’s Cantina feels welcoming, original, and warm.” p.48
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AUTHENTIC CUISINE STRAIGHT FROM CENTRAL MEXICO IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR.
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feature A REFRESHING COCKTAIL AND A REBELLIOUS WOMAN GO HAND-IN-HAND AT KITTY COHEN'S
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A Mother’s Inspiration WHERE MEXICO CITY’S STREET AND SOUL FOOD MEET WORDS BY SOMMER BRUGAL PHOTOS BY SHELBY BELLA
If we can make people feel like they’re eating at my mom’s house,” smiles Brooks, “then I know we’re doing something good.” 48 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
W
hen Daniel Brooks explains the inspiration behind Licha’s Cantina, you can’t help but notice the contagious smile stretching across his face; his passion for food, community, and family are at the forefront of conversation. With every dish he describes, it’s clear Licha’s Cantina is simply an extension of home.
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Surrounded by modern buildings and the hustle and bustle of East 6th Street, walking into Licha’s Cantina feels welcoming, original, and warm. White wood panels couple with light blue shutters, sparkling lights wrap around tree trunks, Mexican prayer candles line the entrance’s small staircase, and a community picnic table sits to the right of the large front patio. The smell of freshly made masa, mole, and sautéed vegetables and meat fills the air. “Our menu [combines] Mexican street food [with] soul food,” explains Brooks, who is the owner and chef of the restaurant. “If you ask for a Pambazo on the streets in Mexico City, this is what you’d get.” A sandwich might not be the first thing that comes to mind when ordering at a Mexican restaurant, but the Pambazo is easily one of the restaurant’s standout dishes. Stuffed between two slices of guajillo peanut salsa-soaked bolillo is a generous portion of a potato and chorizo blend, topped with fresh guacamole, crema, queso
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penala, and Napa cabbage. Additional crema, queso, and cilantro are drizzled on top for an extra burst of flavor. Perhaps one of the more surprising dishes on the menu is the Salpicon de Rez. A bed of romaine lettuce is topped with fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, avocado, radishes, and layered with cold, shredded brisket, an unexpected, yet welcomed addition. The salad is dressed with a citrus vinaigrette, dusted with Parmesan cheese, and served with two tostadas. While every arrangement at Licha’s Cantina is a guaranteed delight, Brooks recommends two additional dishes on the menu: Arroz con Huitlacoche, a corn smut dish sautéed with epazote and served atop rice with corn, avocado, and
Parmesan cheese, and the Huachinango Tikin Xic, a Tikin xic rubbed red snapper served with spicy potatoes and chorizo, cactus, a Swiss chard salad, and avocado. Licha’s Cantina offers an array of options and flavors in their laid back dining experience. Yet, every dish and recipe comes from the same source of inspiration: Brooks’s mother, Alicia. In Mexico, Licha is short for Alicia and is the vision behind the restaurant’s name. “If we can make people feel like they’re eating at my mom’s house,” smiles Brooks, “then I know we’re doing something good.”
Contact:
512.480.5960 1306 East 6th St. lichasaustin.com
MORE THAN EXCELLENT COFFEE BEVERAGES, SMOOTHIES, BEER, & WINE.
TRY THE TASTY TACOS, FRESH MADE SANDWICHES, & MOUTH-WATERING BURGERS.
CHERRYWOODCOFFEEHOUSE.COM 1400 E 38TH 1/2 ST. | (512) 538-1991 HOURS: 7AM- MIDNIGHT EVERYDAY
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3317 Manor Road/Dharma-Yoga.net
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3317 Manor Road/Dharma-Yoga.net
3317 Manor Road/Dharma-Yoga.net
Melons & Tomatoes Coming Soon. Fresh, Local, & Organic Vegetables Delivered Straight to your Home or Neighborhood
A Rebellious Woman WORDS BY SOMMER BRUGAL PHOTOS BY SHELBY BELLA
T
he design aesthetic at Kitty Cohen’s is Palm Springs meets summer time. It’s quirky and fun. It’s a reflection of Kitty: a strong woman who can drink anyone under the table, swear like a sailor, and have a good time while doing it. When the owners of Kitty Cohen’s set out to open their Eastside bar, they wanted to create a space that capsulated the cool, older women in their lives, to pay homage to the great aunt that rode motorcycles and smoked cigars. “Kitty Cohen isn’t a real person, but she also kind of is,” says Samantha Phelps, the Marketing and Creative Director at Kitty Cohen’s. “She represents the wild woman in all of our lives. She’s retired, back from her worldly travels, and has opened up this little bungalow.” According to Phelps, Kitty exists somewhere between 65 and 85 years old. Classic 70s-inspired cocktails like the Harvey Wallbanger, Grasshopper, and Singapore Sling have a place on the original menu, which also focuses on spritzers, low ABV combinations, and refreshing summer drinks. The Frosé, a simple
50 EASTside | Spring/Summer 2018
With a strong female like Kitty at the forefront, it’s no surprise that much of the bar’s vision aims to create an inclusive space for everyone, especially women. To further support its efforts, the bar encourages visitors to partake in Ultimate Kitty, a selfie donation program that urges patrons to snap a photo of themselves and post it to Instagram using the hashtag #UltimateKitty. For every photo posted, the bar donates $1 to SAFE Austin. Visit kittycohens.com to learn more.
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combination of rosé and house-made strawberry puree, is one of the bar’s more popular offerings. “Our patio is [the bar’s] biggest attraction,” explains Phelps. “It’s light and airy, and it feels like you’re on vacation, and the Frosé is part of that experience.” No matter the weather, Phelps confidently states, “It’s always time for Frosé at Kitty’s.” With Kitty’s image and spunky attitude at the bar’s core, visitors can expect to see an updated drink menu that focuses on the craft and production behind its cocktails. A few original Kitty cocktails, like the Frosé, will be available, along with a variety of new drink combinations as well. With its vacation-like charm, complete with a small wading pool for adults and palm trees, fun music, stellar events, and culinary pop-ups, Kitty’s is an escape from Austin’s bar scene. Paired with a craft cocktail or refreshing Frosé, Phelps says Kitty Cohen’s is an East Austin oasis.
Contact:
2211 Webberville Road kittycohens.com
O U R FAV E R E S TA U R A N T S
Pick 10
FOR THE EASTSIDE
eastside dining guide Austin Daily Press
Eden East
Under the wizened oak trees of a 4-acare farm is an unmarked trailer whose plain façade belies hyper-seasonal, farm-totable dishes. Whether it’s a farm-fresh breakfast on market days or a sit-down prix fixe dinner under the stars, Eden East reinvents the idea of eating local. Be sure to visit for their a-la-carte nights every Thursday evening. 755 Springdale Rd. | edeneastaustin.com
Austin Daily Press has spent the last five years honing their craft, and it shows! The ADP team, led by Chef Reed Faitak and co-owners Dustin Knef and Chase Rushing, have found their voice through creating incredibly flavorful experiences sandwiched between locally baked telera. 1900 E MLK Jr. Blvd. | 4620 E Cesar Chavez St. | austindailypress.com
La Matta
La Matta is a cozy corner shop featuring classic Italian paninis, salads, salumi boards and hand-selected wine & beer on tap. It’s the perfect spot for a quick business lunch, casual dinner & drinks on the patio, or soccer watching with friends. 501 Comal St. | lamattaaustin.com
If the idea of a strong cup of coffee and smallbatch pastries make you smile, then try Café Nena’í. This mother-daughter duo have deep South American roots that can be savored via pastafrola, empanadas, and arepas. 1700 Montopolis Dr. Ste. A | cafenenai.com
Artessano
The fresh tropical fruit juice and the arepas are why you need to visit Artessano. As a food trailer specializing in Colombian food, expect dance music and lots of friendly conversation when you visit. 1211 E 6th St.
Flyrite Chicken
Disrupting the fast food industry one sandwich at a time, Flyrite is a drive-thru with all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options. 2129 E 7th St. | flyritechicken.com
Café Nena’í
Hillside Farmacy
Something about Hillside Farmacy’s happy hour oysters, weekend brunches, and dinner cocktails just make you feel better. Perhaps that's due to its historical location in the lovingly renovated 1950s Hillside Drugstore. Or perhaps it’s because the fresh, carefully selected seasonal food that comes from local farms and onto your plate is just good medicine. 1209 E 11th St. | hillsidefarmacy.com
Tso Chinese Delivery
Unlike most eateries around, Tso is carryout and delivery only, but that doesn’t mean that the cuisine suffers. Each meal is made fresh to order, delivery is free, and tipping is discouraged. (512) 774-4876 | tsodelivery.com
Buenos Aires Café
American cocktails and Argentinian fare make their home side by side at Buenos Aires Café. The locally inspired menu offers Argentinian mainstays like empanadas as well as seasonal favorites. Don’t be surprised to find yourself falling in love with the live Latin music and flavors that come out of this restaurant. 1201 E 6th St. | buenosairescafe.com
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
With an expansive patio and a continual rotation of events, you’ll find yourself frequenting for the community as often as food, which is an inviting array of tacos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and smoothies. 1400 E 38th 1/2 St. | cherrywoodcoffeehouse.com
WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS
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