T h e
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o f
e v e r y t h i n g
kevin costner INSIDE
More than a Movie Star
Healing
Horses Equine Therapy in Austin
FOOD F IGH T!
Father and Son Talk Local Cuisine
OUTSIDE IN
LOCKS of
An Eco-Friendly Addition Bridges Indoors and Out
Hair Products & Accessories
july/august 20110 5 0 5
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the patio at Shoreline Grill an austin original
patio seating for happy hour—$6 food and $6 martinis • and the bats are back!
austin’s new wave in sustainable seafood 98 san jacinto blvd next to the four seasons
512.477.3300
www.shorelinegrill.com
Contents austin lifestyle july/august 2011
58 features 50
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50
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Portrait of a Man
After a storied career in film, Kevin Costner continues to pursue his passions and talks about all things music, family and baseball
Like Father, Like Son
good taste runs in the gilmore family
The Healing Power of Horses Equine assisted therapies are empowering the youth of Austin
A Natural Addition A Central City Oasis Celebrates Nature and the Outdoors
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Contents austin lifestyle
8 Contributors
july/august 2011
10 Letter from the Editor th e a * L i f e 13 Noteworthy happenings, reviews and openings that highlight the best of every-
f g lf
thing Austin has to offer a * s t y le Fashion
s u mme r
21 Fore Fashion 23 The Perfect Polo Travel
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beauty 29 All the Trimmings 31 Natural Attraction 33 Blown Away
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loc ks of
25 Mad about Maui
st yle
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Home 35 Swap your Setting p h i l a n th ropy
31
Social Register 39 White Party 40 The Hope Ball 42 Cattle Baron’s Ball 43 Heart Ball of Austin 44 Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Classic 29
46 Man & Woman of the Year 47 Sportsman’s Club Kickoff Dinner, Ice Ball, Brian Jones Classic Q & AT X 48 Travis Lofland
35
a * Ta s te savor 72 Brown Bag Delivers sip 74 Agave Allure 76
accidental epicurean 76 Burger Beef Co s m i c c a d e nce 78 Horoscopes for July and August K e e p au s ti n we ll 81 Your guide to staying healthy
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t The Hill Country Lo a h W e oks e S e Lik m o e C
ON THE INSIDE!
Estancia has a range of furnishings wide enough to suit any style. Explore 12,000 square feet of everything from furniture collections that can fill up a room to eclectic accents that will give your home its own distinctive brand.
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12703 HIGHWAY 71 WEST AUSTIN, TEXAS Bee Caves’ most historic building, directly across from Hill Country Galleria Mall 512.263.8781 Complimentary Design Services Store Hours: Mon - Sat 10 to 6 Sun 12 to 5
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www.estanciahome.com
contributors t h e
publisher
Sophie Block is a Minnesotan turned Chicagoan turned Austinite, who is passionate about food, music, style and words. In addition to writing and editing for Austin Lifestyle, Sophie has the pleasure of writing concert reviews for online nonprofit local radio station, Live Music Capital Radio (www.lmc.org). Chad Harlan has been an artist all his life. Being a photographer is an extension of that. He works with fashion designers, local clothing boutiques and national brands to bring his unique artistic approach to photography. Harlan has won awards in the 2009 and 2010 Austin Fashion Awards. His work has been published in a long list of magazines, and he has worked with a variety of celebrity and commercial clients as well as numerous Austin nonprofit organizations. www.lapistola.com Linda Hughes, also known as Fuzebox photography, is a bit of a rare breed in Austin’s male-dominated field of photography. In the last six years she has seen her hobby of taking photos for friends and family become an overwhelming urge to photograph someone or something at all times. Her portfolio is testament to her discerning eye for capturing timeless moments. Find her on Facebook at Fuzebox Photography. Becky Kittleman has a degree in Art History from the University of Texas and has been in the portrait business since 1993. Thanks to years of practice with children, she has learned that a photographer must have patience and must understand a child’s point of view. She loves working with adults and children and her experience in photography results in portraits that capture heartfelt moments. www.kittlemanphotography.com Before going out on her own, Amy E. Lemen worked for 14 years in public relations and organizational communications for companies. She has a master’s degree in liberal arts and English from Southern Methodist University. She also has a “Bike the Volcano” certificate from Mt. Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii and has run five marathons, eight half marathons and numerous 10-mile, 10K and 5K road races. www.writeouswords.com
Veronica Meewes graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in New York, where she studied writing, art and sociology. She works at Helping Hand Home for Children and moonlights as a freelance writer and photographer when she’s not in the kitchen, supervised by her dog Chef. She primarily pens food, drink and feature articles which have appeared in the Austin-American Statesman, Edible Austin, Eat & Drink Austin, Soundcheck magazine, Scion magazine, Whole Lifestyle magazine and the Austinist. Garrett Mikell came up through the ranks of City Grocery, a 2009 winner of the James Beard award for the best restaurant in the South. He won Bombay Sapphire’s “Most Inspired Bartender” award for Austin and competed in Vegas for the title of Most Inspired Bartender in the country. Mikell currently operates a small bar consulting business and bartends at Péché. He enjoys reading, listening to music, writing and woodwork. Aspen photographer, Jim Paussa, specializes in portrait photography. His work ranges from editorial to families to author photos. It is important to him to capture an image that tells the story of a moment in life. Paussa says of the process, “The client must like the image today, but I also want that image to produce a smile or tear when it is seen ten years from now. If I’ve done my job correctly that image will have an impact forever.” www.paussa.com It took years for Daniel Ramirez to discover his true passion—the city of Austin. Now in his sixth year in his beloved town, he is a graphic design consultant, a director of communications and a writer and contributor to several magazines. Daniel, a champion of live music at any time of year, claims that he only works to support his music habit. Follow his blog at www.austinlifestylemagazine.com. A true Renaissance woman, Donna Woodwell is an astrologer, hypnotist, writer and entrepreneur. She owns Four Moons Astrology, consults with clients from across the country, launched the Astrological Society of Austin and served as membership director for the largest US astrology organization. She can be reached online at www.fourmoonsastrology.com.
b e s t
austinlifestylemagazine.com
e v e r y t h i n g
Shawn K. Lively
associate publisher
Michelle Steves
Editorial editor
Dana Reinart
associate Editor interns
Meredith Merritt
Sophie Block, Amber Groce,
Kait Miesch contributing Writers
Sophie Block, George
Fuller, Ashley M. Halligan, Amy E. Lemen, Elizabeth Leverson, Veronica Meewes, Garrett Mikell, Daniel Ramirez, Tracy Stewart, Donna Woodwell Art & Production design
Creative & Sons
www.creativeandsons.com creative services / web design
Kasandra Cruzcosa, Daniel Ramirez contributing PHOTOGRAPHERs
Kasandra Cruzcosa, Field Photography, George Fuller, Chad Harlan, Korey Howell, Linda Hughes, Jonathan Jackson, Becky Kittleman, Knox Photographics, Matt Lemke, Kerri Lohmeier, Julie Patterson, Jim Paussa, Nathan Schroder, Andrew Sterling, Bill Wilson videographer
Robert Leake
sales & Marketing director of marketing and pr
Tracy Stewart
director of business development and social media
Tori Tinnon business development
Ashley Halligan,
Krystie Giesy, Tyler Guthrie medical business development
Kristen Donner
For advertising information, please e-mail ads@austinlifestylemagazine.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@austinlifestylemagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@austinlifestylemagazine.com Subscribe online at www.austinlifestylemagazine.com JOB INQUIRIES jobs@austinlifestylemagazine.com interns@austinlifestylemagazine.com Austin Lifestyle is Austin owned and operated and published by Texas Lifestyle Media, Inc. © and ™ 2011 Texas Lifestyle Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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brenda ladd; Styling: MOSS
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I think that’s why we are so discerning about the qualifications of what makes someone an ‘Austinite.’ But what does being an Austinite really mean? Well, in terms of family, no one attribute defines it. Families, like cities or towns, are a group of people who learn from and support each other, through good and bad. You have your lovers, fighters, caregivers, family friends, those whom you admire, those whom you learn from, but in the end, it is a sense of home – a belonging – that is permanently inscribed in your heart. You may marry in, be adopted or perhaps born and raised, but once this inscription is made—when you are officially part of Austin’s family—the spirit of the city is pumping through your veins. Such is the case with the founder of RED (Riding Equines for the Disabled) Arena, Jennifer Young, in our feature, The Healing Power of Horses. Her touching story attests to how truly miraculous the people in our community are. A caring heart led her to discover the majestic healing quality horses provide when used as assistants to therapies. The concept is hardly new to the area, as a handful of similar facilities dot the Hill Country, but the need is growing at a tremendous rate. By empowering patients, she not only improves their quality of life, but also the lives of their families. She experiences firsthand the capacity of Austin’s support with their time and resources for causes they believe in. Those who bear witness to the healing are forever touched, compelling them to share these stories with their own friends and family, as we aimed to do this issue. From the ranches of the Hill Country to the peaks of Colorado, Austin’s family spreads far past our city limits. Honorary Austinite, and perhaps the city’s coolest friend, Kevin Costner, solidified his spot on the family tree when our staff visited his Aspen retreat, where his day-to-day is much like that of a true Texas rancher. While his reverence for his great fortune leaves him happily at ease amongst the mountain vistas, it comes as no surprise that he keeps a home in Austin, as he will likely be in town to visit a longtime friend, Augie Garrido, at a UT Baseball practice; for a gig at Antone’s as the front man of his band, Kevin Costner & Modern West; or to scout out the location of his next big film project. Either way, Costner has a long history that resides in Austin and his presence will always be welcomed and celebrated in our city. Most families have that crazy (but lovable) uncle—well, I think we found Austin’s: Jack Gilmore. The founding chef of Z’Tejas and now owner of Jack Allen’s Kitchen knows the key to Austin’s heart is through its belly. He’s even known to extend family holiday dinners to restaurant employees. And one such employee that was always in attendance was his son, Bryce Gilmore. Bryce has grown from his father’s guidance and his own personal experiences into a renowned Chef, perplexing the taste buds of patrons indulging in his off-beat food trailer, Odd Duck, and acclaimed brick-andmortar restaurant, Barley Swine. Recently named one of the country’s top ten best new chefs by Food and Wine magazine, Bryce’s success (and Jack Allen’s Kitchen’s, for that matter) is partially attributed to the community of farmers in Austin, of which they both support wholeheartedly by using local, seasonal ingredients on their menus. Find out more about this father/son chef duo in our feature. Like our local famers, nurturing is one characteristic that epitomizes Austin’s family. One such couple employed this philosophy in the outdoor renovation of their central city abode in our home feature. Their love for the earth and its creatures shines in the sustainable addition to their green space, and the importance of building a sense of community is evident in their front yard garden, where time spent digging in the dirt was moved closer to pedestrian walkways. And community support went a step further when the couple decided to use local architect, Gregory Thomas from CG&S Design-Build, who made full use of local talent and materials whenever possible, and even commissioned local artisans for design details. The result is a space that reflects the enchanting essence of Austin. Austinites come from all different backgrounds and in many shapes and sizes, but it takes each and every one of us to make up our city, our family: each perspective, each purpose and, most importantly, each heart; and that is what generates the spirit of the city—the spirit you feel when you know you are an Austinite. Simply put, it is when Austin becomes your true home, because, indeed, home is where the heart is. us tin is l ik e a fam ily.
A performance five thousand years in the making
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PERFORMANCE BY Shen Yun is traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be—a profound study in grace and wisdom distilled from 5,000 years of civilization. Shen Yun features one of the most expressive, and also one of the most demanding, art forms in the world: classical Chinese dance. It is a complete system of dance refined through thousands of years. The classically trained dancers, musicians, and singers of Shen Yun dedicate themselves to reviving the essence of humanity’s divinely inspired culture. They believe that to create true art, there must first be inner purity. Thus, they are sure to include study and meditation into their rigorous training regimen.
“A visually dazzling tour of 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture.” — San Francisco Chronicle
Choreographers find an inexhaustible source of inspiration in China’s many dynasties and ethnic groups. They bring to life tales of well-known legends and time-honored values, displaying goodness and loyalty, courage and tragedy. This winter, Shen Yun will again debut a spectacular original production with all new dances, costumes, and music. Experience the extraordinary.
Dec. 29, 7:30pm Dec. 30, 2:00pm & 7:30pm LONG CENTER ALL-NEW PROGRAM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA TICKETS: 512-474-LONG (5664) TheLongCenter.org Shen Yun also performs in Dallas: Dec. 16-18, Winspear Opera House Houston: Dec. 21-27, Jones Hall
ShenYunPerformingArts.org
Presented by Southern USA Falun Dafa Association
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The
*Life
Noteworthy happenings, reviews and openings that highlight the best of everything Austin has to offer
john pesina
Austin Fashion Week Austin Fashion Week kicks off at Cowboy Harley Davidson Showroom on Saturday, August 20. The highlight of the kick-off party will be a runway show featuring looks from Austin Fashion Week mash-up teams comprised of an apparel designer, accessories designer, makeup artist, hair stylist, photographer and model. Throughout the week, selected Austin-based “showcase” designers will present their apparel and accessories at events ranging from fashion shows to cocktail parties at participating Austin Fashion Week retail and beauty locations. With over 100 soirees and happenings, the events will once again be grouped by neighborhood, for ease of organizing your fashion calendar. New this year, regional and national designers and labels will present their collections at the landmark Driskill Hotel during nightly
presentations. Matt Swinney, founder of Austin Fashion Week explains, “Each evening after the ‘showcase’ designer events conclude, VIPs, badge holders and buyers will be invited to the Driskill Hotel for fashion presentations. Monday and Tuesday will be set up as a curated trade show and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we’ll have a permanent runway with three fashion shows per night. We’re excited to have a centralized place where Austinites can see the latest styles from those outside of our market.” The week’s festivities will conclude at the Austin Fashion Awards taking place on August 27 at ACL Studio at The Moody Theater. Check out Austin Lifestyle’s fashion section in the September/October issue for pictures from the winning Austin Fashion Week mash-up teams! www.fashionweekaustin.com
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Crop Circle Creation As the desert-like climate set in, a beer fanatic and art lover’s oasis was seen on the horizon. Stan Herd, renowned earthwork artist, was commissioned by Shock Top Belgian White Beer to create one of his acclaimed crop circle masterpieces about 11 miles from the airport. A pioneer of the art form, Herd has been manipulating acres of green space by digging, plowing and strategically placing organic materials to produce aerial artworks for more than thirty years. With the Shock Top piece, he wanted to focus primarily on employing the raw materials used to make the actual beer; so oranges, limes, wheat, colored mulch, top soil and crushed limestone were his palette for the 5-acre canvas of a local farmer. After hundreds of hours of work over an eight-week period, the piece was revealed May 24. www.shocktopbeer.com– D. Reinart
We all scream for it, so let’s celebrate it! August 13 marks the 5th anniversary of the Austin Ice Cream Festival in Waterloo Park. From 10 am–7 pm, there will be countless frozen treats, contests and family friendly fun inspired by ice cream. Channel your inner icy architect for the popsicle stick sculpture making contest, or serve up your best creamy fare in the homemade ice cream competition. If you’re wild about cold treats but don’t feel like making them, prove your enthusiasm in the screaming contest, which is judged on decibel, enthusiasm and style. In addition to delighting taste buds, the fest has helped out charities including Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Austin Children’s Shelter. We can’t think of a better excuse to indulge than a Saturday dedicated to summer’s signature treat. www.icecreamfestival.org – S. Block
Marble Falls Lakefest Start your engines! The 20th Annual Marble Falls Lakefest attracts boating enthusiasts to the shores of Lake LBJ August 12-14 for a lively three-day boat race party. The event will showcase over 120 slicked-out, souped-up drag racing boats. Spectators will have the opportunity to get an up close view of these innovative vehicles and mix and mingle with the drivers at the Test & Tune and Show & Shine on Friday. Saturday and Sunday, a liquid quarter-mile track pits boats one on one against each other for an exhilarating dash reaching speeds of up to 240 miles per hour. Watch the competition heat up from Lakeside and Johnson Parks or opt for a VIP experience with your own personal table and covering in a semi-private viewing area right on the shoreline. www.marblefallslakefest.com
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Fall Home and Garden Show Mark your calendars for an opportunity to save big bucks on all your home improvement needs at the 16th Annual Fall Home and Garden Show on August 26-28. The Austin Convention Center transforms each year into a mega market of builders, contractors, materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants, landscape displays and materials, kitchenware and much more. From relaxing gazebos and Texas-centric displays to handy cooking gadgets and live food demonstrations, inspiration abounds. And with direct buy deals, expert opinions and the ability to compare prices, you’re sure to leave this emporium with a hefty honeydo list. www.austinhomeandgardenshow.com – D. Reinart
crop art: Weber Shandwick; ice cream: courtesy ice cream festival; home show: courtesy fall home and garden show
Austin Ice Cream Festival
NOW OPEN
Woof Gang Bakery Austin 1204 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78703 512-391-WOOF (9663)
the A * life New Biz Buzz by Ashley B. Halligan
Container Bar Austin’s eclectic Rainey Street District is anxiously anticipating the arrival of its newest Bridget Dunlap innovation, Container Bar, scheduled for opening in January 2012. Equally as thoughtful as her other three creations thus far (Lustre Pearl, Bar 96 and Clive Bar), but at the other end of the spectrum, Container Bar will certainly spruce up the Rainey Street area with an ultra-modern flair: A LEED compliant, green hot-spot crafted from retired 4-ton shipping and storage containers. Innovative is an understatement. The new bar, designed by architect Jay Knowles, will house approximately 7000 square feet, 70% of which will be outdoor space, framed by the recycled contraptions fully installed with new flooring, windows, air conditioning and touches of Dunlap’s love of quirky art. Decidedly, the outdoor space will host largescale music events and movie screenings as well as other events of magnitude, swank and premier-esque nature. Cazamance, a nearby West-African food trailer, will be serving up its healthy, native dishes on premise, continuing the theme of Lustre Pearl’s well-known taco stand, Bomb Tacos. Thanks to Dunlap’s business-savvy, creative mastermind, the Rainey Street District will continue to thrive as diversely as ever. And by the sounds of it, she’s planning on continuing her consulting and planning expertise around the world as an international bar and restaurant consultant, using this successful project as a (pretty solid) launching point. Good thing Dunlap “doesn’t like mediocrity,“ because Austin doesn’t either. www.raineydistrict.com
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The Brothers Lane team, a small Austin-based company, chose the perfect locale to launch their newfangled concept when they decided to head up the nation’s first “package-free, zero-waste“ grocery store right here in Austin. Healthy, green, resourceful, sustainable and eco-friendly are all adjectives that fellow Austinites both embrace and encourage. The (very intent) difference in their concept is that their locally sourced, organic groceries and household supplies are shipped in bulk, lessening the abundant waste of pre-packaged products and that customers are encouraged to bring in their own containers to purchase solely what they need. One statistic that makes this conscious-forward task seem all the worth it: packaging makes up 40% of the nation’s waste. Furthermore, packaging waste has risen 1.8% annually between 2005 and 2010. This is compelling data highlighting the Brothers Lane conception. Their inventive idea doesn’t stop at packaging. The company is hoping their concept can override many of the common, yet unhealthy consumer trends that stem from purchasing packaged foods: impulse buys, purchasing out-of-season produce and poor spending and eating habits. “in.gredients’ business model will counter these trends by encouraging portion control, seasonal eating and the reduction of energy used to transport food from farms to customers,“ all while maximizing farmers’ revenue. Healthier consumers and more profitable farmers sound like an overall win-win situation. in.gredients’ stock will include dry bulk, dairy, wine, household cleaners, meats, oils, grains, etc., all organic, and all derived from local resources when available. And they’re hoping to make their very-welcomed debut in Fall 2011. www.in.gredients.com
Mirror Mirror Praised Austin stylist, Martha Lynn Barnes, turned Burnet Road into an illustrious red carpet with the opening of Mirror Mirror, a full service beauty salon reflecting Martha Lynn’s inventive and sophisticated tastes. With a background of styling for notable figures such as BMW, Ballet Austin, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the Home Shopping Network, her acclaimed talents can be validated. Pair that with her growing vitae and accolades, and Mirror Mirror developed an irrefutable reputation before its doors even opened this past May. Martha Lynn received a top five nomination for “Readers Choice Best Hairstylist“ at the 2009 Austin Fashion Awards and was named Rare magazine’s “Rarest of Them All“ Best Hairstylist in 2010. Her staff consists of handselected rock-stars to accompany her on her latest business venture and is primed to make all their clients feel as beautiful as they are. With a distinct focus on beauty being in the eye of the beholder, Mirror Mirror’s staff will transform your hair and skin, and offer makeup applications and beauty treatments to your liking. Head to toe, you’ll leave satisfied and spruced-up, ready to make sassy eye contact in every mirror you see. Likewise, Martha Lynn has applied her styling and design expertise to her Bohemian-chic studio, seasoned with pretty white-framed mirrors, colorful rugs, an antique chandelier, and an armoire filled with her personal collection of fashion, design and beauty books. If her fruitful background and ethereal boutique are any indication of Mirror Mirror’s growing success, Martha Lynn and her staff have a delightfully busy year ahead of them. 4410-B Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78751, 512.420.8868, www. MirrorMirrorAustin.com
container bar: courtesy container bar; mirror mirror by rita quinn
in.gredients
the A * life
| events
Au g u st 8
The Decemberists with Caitlin Rose Stubb’s www.stubbsaustin.com Au g u st 13
Second Saturdays are for Families Austin Museum of Art Downtown www.amoa.org Au g u st 17
Blues on the Green: Los Lonely Boys Zilker Park www.kgsr.com Au g u st 17
S e p t e mb e r 4
Batfest Congress Avenue Bridge www.roadwayevents.com
J u ly 8
Footloose Zilker Park www.zilker.org J u ly 1 2
The Civil Wars Cactus Café www.cactuscafe.org J u ly 14
Design Talk: Herman Miller: The Purpose of Design Austin Museum of Art Downtown www.amoa.org J u ly 1 5
Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison One World Theatre www.oneworldtheatre.org J u ly 1 6
Opening Reception: Drawings and Watercolors d berman gallery www.dbermangallery.com
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July 17
J u ly 3 0
An Evening with Country Music Legend Ray Price The Paramount Theatre www.austintheatre.org
Bob Schneider Antone’s www.antones.net
July 2 1
august
Tennessee Williams Film Series: Sweet Bird of Youth Harry Ransom Center www.hrc.utexas.edu
Au g u st 2
July 2 2
Au g u st 4
The Peddler Show: Perfect Street of Shops Cedar Park Center www.cedarparkcenter.com
Clerks at Austin Book & Comics Hot ‘n’ Nerdy Films Blue Starlite Mini-Urban Drive-in Theatre www.bluestarlitedrivein.com
July 24
Bob Dylan and His Band with Leon Russell Whitewater on the Horseshoe www.whitewaterrocks.com July 2 8
Talk: Cold War, Cold Cocktails Austin Museum of Art Downtown www.amoa.org
Arctic Monkeys Stubb’s www.stubbsaustin.com
Au g u st 6
Advanced Young Artists at Arthouse Arthouse at the Jones Center www.arthousetexas.org
Au g u st 25
AYC 3rd Annual Night of Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament The Parish www.austinyc.org Au g u st 25
Unplugged at the Grove: Uncle Lucius Shady Grove www.theshadygrove.com Au g u st 27
4th Annual Dia de los Toadies Festival Whitewater on the Horseshoe www.whitewaterrocks.com Au g u st 27
Le Garage Sale Palmer Events Center www.legaragesale.net Au g u st 28
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival Waterloo Park www.austinchronicle.com provided by
Au g u st 6
Chicago ACL Live www.acl-live.com
dan harron
july
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Barnum 200 Frank Erwin Center www.uterwincenter.com
A DVE R TISEMENT
TASTE REIGNS SUPREME
Austin LifestyLe And Zu VodkA Put Austin BArtenders to the test
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW STERLING
T he era of flair in cocktail culture has occasionally left thirsty bar-goers lacking in a critical quality: TASTE. To support the idea of taste over flash, Austin Lifestyle partnered with ZU Vodka to sponsor a blind taste test of nine of Austin’s best bartenders’ offerings, using the unique flavor makeup of ZU Vodka. Taking place at Frank and including such vaunted cocktail purveyors as Peche, Perla’s, East Side Show Room, and the host restaurant, the event invited a number of industry experts and a panel of judges to size up the various drinks. The prize was the opportunity to compete this month in New Orleans at the fabled “Tales Of The Cocktail,” which invites the best from around the world to compete in bartending and cocktail creation.While the judges were sequestered, the party hit its stride, with ZU being featured and showcased in unique and inventive ways. The final result of the competition fell as follows, while the final result of the gathering was a great time had by all. Congrats to all the participants and to Justin, we wish luck and a good showing for Austin!
The Pulaski Bridge Swizzle
1st place – Justin elliott, peche the pulaski Bridge swizzle ZU Vodka, homemade Jujube (green date) cordial, Prosecco, Hand-cracked ice, Swizzled with a candied bison bone.
Justin Elliot From Peche
2nd place – cassie stewart, Frank summer grass ZU Vodka, cucumber, blood orange juice, fresh lemonade, soda water.
3rd place – chauncy James, east side show room polish pony ZU Vodka, Galliano, Cocchi Americano, Aqua Vit, Campari, orange twist.
n o w o pe n i n dav e n po r tv i l l i age
fashion |
A * St yle
s u mme r f g lf Women’s Fila Golf Glove: $16. Fila Golf, www. golf4her.com
Active Skort in Sunkissed Pink Bubbles, White, Luxury Blue Bubbles, and Black: $54. Jockey Person to Person, www.jockeypersontoperson.com
Fore Fashion golf style for summer fun on the course
“Moonball” Pleated Skirt in Grey: $69. Quagmire, www. quagmirestyles.com ECCO Women’s Golf Street, in White, Melon, Fire, Imperial Purple and Black : $130. ECCO Golf, www.eccousa.com
Women’s Low Profile Skinny” Golf Sock: $19.95. KENTWOOL, www.kentwool.com
keri golf “Hailey” stand bag by Adams Golf: $335. keri by adams golf, www.kerigolf.com.
“Roofed” Polo in Purple: $69. Quagmire, www. quagmirestyles.com
A throwback to the Hypercolor fad from the early ‘90s with heat-sensitive, color-changing effects austinlifestylemagazine.com
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| fashion
s u mme r
f g lf
A * St yle
“Blast Out” Cap in Navy: $25. Quagmire, www.quagmirestyles.com
Summer Bright Golf Glove: $36 and Wing Tip Summer Bright Golf Shoes: $195. Equipt for Play, www.equiptforplay.com
“Last Bag” The Ultimate Golf Travel Bag in Mocha/Pink: $299. Club Glove, www.clubglove.com
“Barefoot” Pants in Black: $85. Quagmire, www. quagmirestyles.com
“Wyatt” Skirt in Navy: $79. Quagmire,www.quagmirestyles.com
“Verona” Visor in Shocking Pink/Black: $20. Fila Golf, www. amazon.com
a bag durable, functional that integrates pockets of every size for every purpose Sleeveless Woven Blouse in Primrose Pink, White and Wind Swept Blue: $54 and Sweet Shell in Wind Swept Blue, Primrose Pink and In the Pink: $49 - $57. Jockey Person to Person, www.jockeypersontoperson.com
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“Rosebloom” keri Sport Stand bag by Adams Golf: $199. keri sport by Adams Golf, www. kerigolf.com
fashion |
A * St yle
s u mme r f g lf
The Perfect Polo criquet’s founders refine a vintage-inspired classic by Sophie Block
or a tree-hugger, a man or a woman, you’ll look great in their shirts. You’ll feel great in their shirts. And you’ll be keeping it local and organic. Billy Nachman and Hobson Brown created the ultimate polo in their brainchild Criquet, an organic cotton shirt company based here in Austin that launched last fall. The pair knows a lot about collared shirts, having worn them ever since age 5 at their all-boys school in New York. Nachman and Brown, like many of us, have been on a lifelong quest for the perfect shirt. They found many Criquet Shirts of the qualities they liked www.criquetshirts.com (i.e. texture, knit, fit and style) in vintage golf shirts. These were worn-in from days on the golf course sipping Sinatra-style drinks with friends. They combined the inspiration of classic, beloved style with a green conscience. “There were a lot of vintage blends,” Nachman says. “We were looking for who was dealing with organic fabrics.” Not many. So they hit the grass running to create what is a truly fashionable, functional and eco-friendly shirt.
courtesy criquet shirts
W h et h er yo u’ r e pr eppy
Nachman, who is both Criquet-eer and an architect, brings his expert eye to their signature shirt blue print. The Players shirt, a cotton short sleeved collared number, features removable collar stays to keep your collar corners crisp and a small stash pocket on the left side of the wearer’s breast pocket. They use organic cotton: why not use an eco-friendly option, especially when it feels so fantastic? The guys are laid back when discussing their green efforts and even offer earth-friendly inspiration and information on their blog (criquetshirts.tumblr.com). They consider themselves a part of a movement toward a more natural way of doing things in golf, which is generally not the greenest of sports. In addition to the environmental benefits, the fabric is lightweight and breathable. It’s a shirt you can wear every day. Since the launch in Fall 2010, Criquet features the men’s Players shirt (available in an array of bold colors), the Thin Stripe and Wide Stripe Players shirts (white stripes, the latter’s spaced out in groups of two and three, on a colored shirt) and The Perfect Pique shirt (more texture with the same
top left: Criquet’s founders Hobson Brown and Billy Nachman; top right: The Lady’s Players shirt in Peacock Blue; above: Men’s Thin Striped Players shirt in Blue
softness as the Players shirt). The Lady’s Players shirt comes in six colors with a female-friendly fit that is just as flattering as the original is on a man. Proportioned with a longer backside than front, the women’s shirt provides coverage without crawling up, while the soft, stretchy fabric and deep V-neck contours to a woman’s figure. Brown, who has a self-described “more classic, preppy style,” and Nachman, the “eclectic Mountain Man,” both wear their cozy garments every day. But whom would they love to see in one of their designs? “George Clooney!” says Brown. “Or the Obamas,” Nachman adds. Both agreed that it would be pretty awesome to see Alice Waters, the queen of the slow food movement in their Lady’s Players shirt. Criquet will continue to clothe city streets and country clubs the world over, and hopes to grace us with more colors, materials and even shorts in the future.
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Mad About Maui take off and tee up at two of the most beautiful courses in the world
courtesy kapalua resort
By George Fuller
Celebrated author James A. Michener once referred to those irresistibly drawn to flecks of land in distant seas as “nesomaniacs,” i.e., “mad about islands.” I must admit to being so afflicted. Never have I felt more at peace in the world than when my hair is caressed by the trade winds found thereupon and my body buffeted by warm and salty waters. Of course, it is also true that when all the comforts of home are readily available, when you can drink the water, speak the language and are protected by the laws of the good old USA, that island experience is so much the better. Thus, with all of the above-described attributes in its portfolio, I am mad about Maui. Who isn’t? Maui combines the best of all the Hawaiian Islands. It’s green and lush like Kauai; entertaining and full of fun like Oahu; big, with open spaces and sweeping vistas like the Big Island; and has tradition and spirit like Molokai. Yet it has its own distinct history and sense of place, too: the old whaling village of Lahaina—formerly the capital of Hawaii; the majesty of Mount Haleakala, from the summit of which scores of bicycle riders glide downhill everyday after watching the blazing sunrise; the charm and isolation of Hana. And, like all of Hawaii, the Pacific Ocean is front and center. Visitors find it all before them: surfing, swimming, whale watching, snorkeling. Maui is also home to the PGA Tour’s season-opening event each January, the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, and
An aerial view of Kapalua, home of the PGA Tour’s season opening each January, on the island of Maui.
offers two of Hawaii’s best resort golf experiences: the Plantation and Bay courses. Kapalua Plantation—set amidst the 23,000 acres of Kapalua Resort—is a big, hilly layout with broad ocean views from every hole. On a windy day—which is pretty much every day in Hawaii—golfers will understand what director of golf operations Mike Jones means when he says, “Hawaii’s courses are defenseless without wind.” This is perhaps most evident come tournament time, when the world’s best players tee it up at the Hyundai, featuring an elite field of previous year’s PGA TOUR winners. This past January, Jonathan Byrd flew home with the $1.12 million first prize. Asked after the first round what he thought it was going to take to win at Kapalua, Byrd replied, “I have no idea. It depends on the weather.” Architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore did a masterful job designing the 7,411-yard, par 73 Plantation Course with the wind in mind. The fairways are wider than found on many Mainland courses and the green complexes larger. As it unfurls across former pineapple plantation fields in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains with broad views down to the coast and across the Pacific Ocean to the island of Lanai, golfers discover that most holes need to be played strategically, depending on conditions. Hole 18, for example, is a 663-yard par-5 from the tournament tees, but as it plays downhill and most often downwind, the pros can go for this green in two. Hole 9, conversely, is only 521 yards, but when
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above: The Kapalua Golf Academy is the ideal spot for fine-tuning your game to Hawaii’s wind; left: Kapalua Bay Course is a resort-style layout
it plays against the prevailing wind to an elevated green, it becomes the hardest hole on the course. Though the course record is 62, set by K.J. Choi in relatively windless conditions at the 2003 at the Mercedes-Benz Championship and matched this year by Graeme McDowell in low-wind final round, don’t expect that when you visit. While the Plantation is the premier course at Kapalua, the Bay Course—an older Arnold Palmer/Francis Duane design—is a fun, resort-style layout that boasts one of Hawaii’s prettiest holes, No. 5. It is a par-3 with an ocean inlet between tee and green. Golfers
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can rest assured that it’s better to be long than short, as a wide landing zone presents itself behind the green, whereas anything short requires scuba gear to retrieve. As of March 1, Troon Golf took over the management of Kapalua’s courses. “As expected with a Troon Golf facility,” Jones says, “you’ll see a focus on customer service. Troon is also well known for its stellar agronomy standards, and we plan to maintain the same high standards throughout the year as are now seen during tournament time.” The Kapalua Golf Academy, run by Jerry King, is the ideal spot for fine-tuning your game to Hawaii’s wind. Several dining experiences are well worth trying at Kapalua, as well, including Merriman’s for unsurpassed Hawaii Regional Cuisine (farm-to-table produce, local meats and seafood expertly prepared), Sansei Seafood Restaurant for sushi and—guaranteed to be one of your favorite stops for breakfast or lunch—Honolua Store, located in a charming, plantation-era building. Accommodations at Kapalua include The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, which offers relaxed elegance; and the Kapalua Villas, perfect for families and longer stays as they come equipped with full kitchens and laundry facilities. In Hawaii, there’s a saying, “Maui no ka oi,” meaning, “Maui is the best.” That’s a statement hard to argue, particularly for those of us mad about islands.
George Fuller
designed by Arnold Parmer/Francis Duane. Pictured is Hole 3.
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1 Deepa Gurnani crystal loop headband: $78. Maya Star, www.mayastar.com 2 “Lulu 2” chain and silk chiffon headband: $41. Eugenia Kim, www.eugeniakim.com 3 Swarovski crystal flower comb: $150. Tigerlilly, www.tigerlillyjewelry.com 4 “Chantal” bejeweled headpiece: $271. Louis Mariette, www.louismariette.co.uk 5 Crystal, tulle and velvet headpiece: $245. Twigs & Honey, www.twigsandhoney.com 6 Deepa Gurnani crystal flower headband: $108. Maya Star, www. mayastar.com 7 Silk flower comb: $40. Tigerlilly, www.tigerlillyjewelry.com 8 Peacock feather headband with Swarovski crystal detail: $50. Tigerlilly, www.tigerlillyjewelry.com 9 Glimmering crystal headband: $415. Twigs & Honey, www.twigsandhoney.com 10 “Lily” 12-layer rhinestone headpiece: $466. Louis Mariette, www.louismariette.co.uk 11 Deepa Gurnani purple and gold headband: $88. Maya Star, www.mayastar.com
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Please join us for the Ninth Annual Brian Jones Classic to be held Monday, August 22, 2011 at the one and only University of Texas Golf Club. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area. Special guests who have appeared in the past are legendary former Dallas Cowboys All Pro linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, former Dallas Cowboys legend and All Pro Ed “Too Tall” Jones, former NBA All-Star Otis Thorpe, NBA Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes, Dallas Cowboys great Billy Joe Dupree, and more! For more information visit www.bgcaustin.org/event-list. SPONSORED BY
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Natural Attraction organic styling products
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1 Giovanni Cosmetics Frizz Be Gone, $8.95. Ulta, www.ulta.com 2 Simply Organic Bangs & Ends Creme, $24. Whole Foods, www.wholefoodsmarket.com 3 Aromachologie Control Mist, $24. L’Occitane, www.loccitane.com 4 John Masters Organic Hair Pomade, $20. Whole Foods, www.wholefoodsmarket.com 5 Phyto Professional Curl Energizing Cream, $24. Roar Salon www.roar-roar.com 6 Shea Moisure Yucca & Aloe Volumizing Hair Spray, $9.99, Target, www.target.com 7 Root 66 Root Lifting Spray, $7.95. Ulta, www.ulta.com 8 John Masters Organic Sea Mist, $16.50. Whole Foods, www.wholefoodsmarket.com
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Abercorn International School Academic excellence and global learning in the heart of Texas
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A AS TR BOU K U A T S OP NS OU TI PO R ON RT S
Call us now to schedule your private tour: 512-309-1111 Or visit us at: 601 Ranch Road 620 South Lakeway, TX 78734
Donna Woodwell, MA, CH Radiant Mind Hypnosis www.radiantmindhypnosis.com Call (512) 659-5494 today to schedule your free evaluation consultation.
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Blo stylist Jenny Reese. below: Blo’s exterior on West 5th Street; far right: Blo’s hair menu among Unite’s styling products.
Blown Away the hottest hair trend is heating up downtown by dana reinart photography by linda huges The hot test new bar on West 5th Street isn’t slinging cocktails or dishing out fried delicatessens, rather, they are indulging Austin in a fruitful new service that is sure to banish bad hair days blo blow dry bar for good. Blo Beauty 1611 West 5th Street, Suite 145 Bar introduces a new Austin, TX 78703 twist on the everyday 512.355.1256 salon by elimnatwww.blomedry.com ing scissors and dye; what’s left is a wash-blow-go concept that gives patrons a fabulous, long-lasting hairstyle in 30 minutes, for just $33.
This playful, pink-infused parlor first opened in Canada in 2007 and holds the title as North America’s original blow dry bar. Since then they have expanded to fourteen locations, including two U.S. locations in San Francisco and the W Hotel Hollywood. Alina Poulsen and Athena Boyd, owners and founders of the Blo Austin, are not stylists themselves and admittedly relate to the frustrations of tress taming. What they found was a quick, affordable way to get a polished look without cheating on your hairdresser. The process begins with a quick peruse over the Blo hair menu. Rather than flipping through a stack of magazines in search of your favorite celeb, the menu simplifies the selection with seven signature styles: red carpet, executive sweet, hunt club, high society, holly would, boho braid, and hugs, sex and rock and roll. They also offer extensions, deep conditioning treatments and updos, as well as blow outs for men and children, fittingly called the blo bro and blo girl. Make your selection and get ready to be blown away! In just 30 minutes, it’s wash-blow-go. Their stylists are friendly, personable and experienced—in fact, my stylist had over 15 years experience, working at prestigious salons in New York City and often participating in Fashion Week—and all are extensively trained in the Blo technique. They are able to determine the best interpretation of your style selection based on the texture, length and cut of your hair in order to give you optimal results. (Check out a video of Austin Lifestyle’s blow out session as well as before and after pictures of the staff at www.austinlifestylemagazine.com.) Blo uses a premium, boutique line of products called Unite, which is primarily 100% vegan. You can’t leave the bar without the
7 Second Dry Shampoo. It revives volume between blow outs and gives day-old hair a fresh scent. One Blo partisan claims to use the product for days after a blow out and still gets, “Your hair looks great,” as she’s walking through the supermarket on day five. Texans will fall in love—I know I did—with the unique Expanda Dust volumizing powder. Lighter than baby powder, but more potent than Aqua Net, it gives that teasing some serious hold! Still yet, the most exciting aspect of the entire business is its overwhelming convenience. Blo boasts long hours, open Monday – Friday 7 am – 9 pm (early morning services are by appointment only), Saturday 9 am – 9 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm, and a walkin welcome policy. But Alina and Athena really pulled out all the stops by extending their services outside the salon. Blo stylists will go on-location for anything from a simple freshen up between business meetings to wedding parties, photo shoots, fashion events and more. By request they will have talented Austin makeup artist Felicity Fromholz of City Life Studio there to complete you beautification needs. Felicity is an Austin native with over ten years experience in makeup media (and she is also featured on AL’s online Blo experience). Affordable. Convenient. Style. What more could you ask for? Make an appointment, walk-in or have them come to you, because this is one beauty craze you have to try!
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Permanent Makeup Semi-Permanent Eyelashes Mineral Cosmetics Boutique Clothing and Accessories
THE NEW LIVE MUSIC VENUE OF NORTH AUSTIN
THE SHOPS AT RIVERPLACE 10601 FM2222, SUITE I AUSTIN , TX. 78730
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Geometric Grandeur 1 Olympia “Faux Gold Leaf” Wallpaper in Oro Chiaro: pricing
Swap your Setting
available online. Designer Wallcoverings, www.designerwallcoverings.com 2 Source One Handcrafted “Seriphia” Wallcovering: trade sale only. TRI-KES, www.tri-kes.com 3 Source One Ulf Moritz “Shades” Wallcovering: trade sale only. TRI-KES, www.tri-kes.com Floral Flair 4 York “Parisian Poppy” Wallpaper: pricing available at local retailers. York Wallcoverings, www.yorkwall.com 5 Financial Newspaper Digital Damask Wallpaper: pricing available online. Designer Wallcoverings, www.designerwallcoverings.com 6 Blazing Poppies Wallpaper: pricing available online. Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com
Rejuvenate your rooms with the latest trends in wallcoverings
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Wallpaper: pricing available online. Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 3 Versa “Avia” Wallcovering: trade sale only. TRI-KES, www.tri-kes.com Decals Galore 4 Cattails and Grass: $135. Dali Decals, www.dalidecals.com 5 Ctrl Alt Delete – Restart: $29. Dali Decals, www.dalidecals.com 6 Mod Branch: $65. Dali Decals, www.dalidecals.com 7 Airplane Landing on the Runway: $65. Dali Decals, www.dalidecals.com 8 Coco-Labelle pattern, created through the online “design your own” process: prices vary. Design Your Wall, www.designyourwall.com 9 Chandelier Mirror: $99.99. Design Your Wall, www.designyourwall.com
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The White Party lifeworks photographs by bill wilson photography
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Hope Ball juvenile diabetes research foundation photographs by mat t lemke photography
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Bella Maui Boutique for all Four Seasons and Year-Round Resort Wear Located at The Arboretum, 10,000 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759. Tel: 512-372-1600 www.serendipitymaui.com austinlifestylemagazine.com 41
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Cattle Baron’s Ball american cancer society photographs by kasandra cruzcosa photography
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1 Rose Lamendola, Rosanne Easton, Ann Jacobson, Marjorie Burciaga 2 Melynda & Kevin Shephard, Rich & Heidi Martindale 3 Mike & Gina Pounds, Carrie & Todd Turlington, Jill Turlington 4 Debra & Hanoch Patt 5 Heather May, Christine Yonge, Rosie Hagan 6 Kim & Sammy Unberhagen 7 Bill Leamons, Pat Green, Tracy Stewart 8 Catherine Parks, Leigh Richards 9 Jarrett Anderson, Catherine Parks, Tracy Anderson, Melissa Perry, Kyle Parks
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Heart Ball of Austin the american heart association photographs by kerri Lohmeier photography
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Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Classic buoniconti fund to cure paralysis and the gridiron heroes spinal cord injury foundation
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photographs courtesy Beyond the lights Celebrit y Golf Cl assic
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Austin’s Premiere Wedding Planning & Design Boutique
Good Life Furniture available exclusively thru Liv by Design and Premiere Party Central
Olivia Sharratt
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Man & Woman of the Year The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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1 Woman of the Year candidates: Susan Hale, Angela Bartero, Emcee Quita Culpepper, Winner Elaine Candelas, Karie Meltzer 2 Man of the Year Brian McClure and Woman of the Year Elaine Candelas 3 Karie Meltzer, David Holmes 4 Tracy Zbranek, Shannon Bourland 5 Girl of the Year Georgia Moore and family 6 Boy of the Year Nikman Sarraf and family 7 Susan Hale with Capitol City Dancer Michelle 8 John Drugin, Gemsong Perry 9 Makenna Hatter, Karie Meltzer
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by meredith merrit t
social register
Upcoming Events our highlights for your social and giving calendars
Ice Ball big brothers big sisters
The Rise School of Austin is a nonprofit organization providing the highest quality of early childhood education services to children with developmental disabilities and children without disabilities. The program provides schoolbased services for children from 18 months up to 6 years of age. A number of services are offered to families that include physical, occupational, speech and music therapies, using a collaborative/consultative delivery approach. Services are offered through an integrated therapy model, meaning therapeutic recommendations and strategies are incorporated into the daily activities of each classroom. Rise teachers and instructional teacher assistants implement the therapeutic activities with ongoing monitoring and input from a team of therapists. The 5th Annual Sportsman’s Club Kickoff Dinner will provide an exclusive preview of the upcoming Longhorn Football season by Head Coach Mack Brown and the UT Football coaching staff. The event is hosted by the Sportsman’s Club: a premier men’s volunteer network dedicated to providing financial and moral support for The Rise School of Austin by enlisting a membership of committed leaders, conducting events and educating the community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Central Texas provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. For 40 years, the Central Texas agency has matched children, ages six to sixteen, with supportive adult mentors who build friendships and offer encouragement and support to each child. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct screening on volunteers to ensure child safety, and to provide on-going support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. BBBS of Central Texas serves children in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties and achieves impressive results: in 2010, of all youth participants, more than 97 percent stayed in school, improved their grades and avoided teen parenting. Attend the 7th Annual Ice Ball benefiting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Texas to beat the heat of the Austin summer and make a powerful contribution to the future of our youth. Help create life-changing relationships between children in need and their volunteer mentors. This fun gala features a live auction with adventure packages to Breckenridge and Cabo San Lucas, gourmet food, dancing and ice sculptures. Since its inception, the Ice Ball has raised more than $250,000 for BBBS.
August 3, Four Seasons Hotel Austin www.risecshool.org
August 20 , Hilton Downtown www.austiniceball.org
Sportsman’s Club Kickoff Dinner
brian Jones Classic: courtesy boys & girls club
sportsman’s club: courtesy rise school; ice ball: courtesy big brothers big sisters;
The rise school of austin
Co-chairs Brian Jones and Helen Jobes
Brian Jones Classic the boys & girls club of the austin area
Brian Jones, former NFL All-American linebacker and University of Texas Longhorns football standout, founded The Brian Jones Classic and co-chairs this year’s event. Brian Jones is a former Boys Club member and devotes a significant amount of his time to helping kids in the same way that the Boys Club helped him. The Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area (BGCAA) is a nonprofit youth development agency dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to all young people, especially those who are “at-risk,” between the ages of 6 and 18. BCGAA serves more than 10,000 kids each year and nearly 1,500 every day by giving them access to life-enhancing programs and experiences in five core areas: education and career development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts and sports, and fitness and recreation. The 9th Annual Brian Jones Classic will be held at the University of Texas Golf Club on Monday, August 22. Registration begins at 8:30 am with a shotgun start at 10 am. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area. The Classic features former and current NFL players and celebrities such as Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Otis Thorpe, Elvin Hayes, Eric Metcalf and Brad Childress. August 22, University of Texas Golf Club www.bcgaustin.org/event-list
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by tracy stewart / photograph by andrew sterling
Q&ATX
Travis Lofland The Deadliest Catch Crewman Comes to Austin A s s ea s o n s ev en of the Discovery Channel’s top reality show The Deadliest Catch opens, crab fisherman Travis Lofland was taking a break from King Crab season to hang out with family and friends in Austin and New Braunfels. He was first beckoned to the area in 1993, at age 19, to serve the United States Army at Fort Hood. After fulfilling his duties, he started attending community college in Austin and bartending at the popular Sixth Street bar Lucy’s, but he soon found himself looking for more excitement. The winter of 1999 he set off for an Alaskan adventure that changed his life. He spent that season on the F/V Seafisher on the Bering Sea: the home to what is considered the most dangerous fishing in the world. And that’s when his love affair with the sea began. Three years into the business, in 2002, he started working onboard the F/V Wizard, one of the crab boats featured on The Deadliest Catch. Now at 38, he is a full-share crewman, a champion offshore powerboat driver/throttleman, and a soon-to-be published cookbook author. When I meet Travis he is wearing jeans, boots and a Time Bandit tee shirt. My first comment is “I thought you were on the Wizard!” Travis says, “I’m jumping ships!”
When and why did you make the decision to go to the Time Bandit?
I made the decision last summer. The race team has been branded Time Bandit. John and Andy [Hillstrands, Captions of F/V Time Bandit] help sponsor the race team so they know that I’m out chasing the world championship during King Crab. It works perfect. What was the hardest storm you’ve experienced at sea like?
It was probably 48 to 60 hours. I mean truly savage weather. You just hunker down until you get a break in the clouds and maybe go out on deck to try and haul in a few pots and just get something done. And inevitably the tide will turn around and you’re back inside. It’s just days and days and days of brutal weather. How tall is the biggest wave you’ve seen?
Fifty-ish feet. This year on the Time Bandit, for the first time, they actually got footage of us hauling gear in truly epic 40-foot seas. Everybody was like, “This is really happening?” The boats were disappearing behind, you know, 40-footers. Suddenly we pop back into frame and here we are pulling crab on and landing in the rack. Do you ever want to Captain your own boat?
I’ll captain something sometime, but right now I’m having fun racing boats. That’s a kick in the pants, running around at 95 miles an hour with 7 other boats 3 feet off the side of you. It’s a rush. What is the idea behind your cookbook?
I’ve always been the cook on the boat and my little brother is a Le Cordon Bleu-certified chef. The whole concept of the book is one brother is the adventurer, world-traveler, powerboat racer, crabber, harvester and the other brother is the magician of flavors.
What is your favorite recipe?
I do a Roasted Red Pepper Crab Bisque with Cilantro Cream. It’s real simple. Roast a bunch of vegetables…throw in some tomatoes just to get a puree with a little half and half and seafood stock. Then add your crab in and a real simple cilantro cream. What have you enjoyed the most while in Austin?
Pretty much just seeing everybody, spending time with my goddaughter. That’s the highlight. I’ve got to get a place in Texas. Do you think you would ever move back to Austin?
I really do. Business-wise, if there’s a few t’s crossed and i’s dotted here in the next month, I’ll probably start looking for property. I’ll always have my place in Hawaii and that’s where I like to call home, but I spent 10 years in this town and it’s always going to be family. I love Austin. It’s great! Tell us about your dive off the 360 Bridge.
I decided I was going to do it [ jump off the bridge] the morning of my 23rd birthday. So I ran up the bridge in my boxer shorts and I got on top. People thought I was crazy and started slowing down. I said, “Well this isn’t good,” so I just went for it. Is that the craziest thing you’ve done in Austin?
No. Skinny-dipping in San Marcos [was the craziest]. They took my buddy and me to jail naked. No sense of humor. What advice have you received since becoming famous?
Tony Thomopoulos, former head of ABC TV, told me “Kid, don’t forget your powerbase,” meaning keep being a crab fisherman. Don’t let everybody else blow your head out. Keep your engine going and if you sink on something you’ve still got [The Deadliest Catch]. Which I thought was very sound advice. I mean 13 years ago when I went fisherman, I had no intention of doing a TV show. Shoot, I would be the deckhand or the cabin boy on the boat with you guys [today]. My life’s not so bad. Why do you do so many charity events?
It really gives you a good feeling inside and that’s the number one thing through all of this that kind of keeps you humble. If you can make a difference in somebody’s life a little bit, that’s all that matters. What is one of your favorite charity events that you are involved in?
I’m going to do a fishing tournament in Sarasota, Florida. It’s for physically and mentally challenged children. We take them out on the water and everybody catches a fish and has a good time. They call it The Friendliest Catch—a little play on words with The Deadliest Catch. This will be my fourth year doing that. It’s a great event.
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After a storied career in film, Kevin Costner continues to pursue his passions and talks about all things music, family and baseball
Portrait of a Man By Daniel Ramirez
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photography by jim paussa
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e’s just a man. He isn’t a mythical being and he doesn’t possess superpowers. He is not 10 feet tall. He can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound; and despite the fact that he has recently been cast as Jonathan Kent, father to Superman in Zack Snyder’s next project, he cannot fly. Yet, as he walks up to greet our crew, invited to his Aspen ranch to talk all things music, movies and Texas baseball, it is difficult to think of him as “just a man.” After starring in over forty film roles, directing four movies and taking home two Oscars, Kevin Costner’s legacy precedes him, and the power of his presence is tangible. Luckily, he soon sets our intimidation at ease with a smile, a laugh and an invitation to walk and talk on a tour of his summer retreat.
At first it may not seem like an obvious connection to link the film star who was born and raised in Ventura, California with our fair town of Austin, Texas. Certainly Costner has visited before, having made two films here. He starred in Fandango in the ‘70s and returned to the area again to film A Perfect World in the early ‘90s. More recently he has played Antone’s as front man of his band, Modern West. But his ties to Austin become still clearer when one considers that in May, he contributed a heartfelt introduction to UT baseball coach Augie Garrido’s book, Life Is Yours To Win: Lessons Forged from the Purpose, Passion, and Magic of Baseball. Filled with a reverence for the man and their friendship, the book’s introduction shows just how much Garrido’s guidance and wisdom have meant to Costner over the years. And as the Texas Longhorns were, on that day of the interview, playing for a chance at the College World Series, it came as little surprise that Costner was the one to deliver the news of their victory. “I don’t even know how to put a year on it,” Costner offers when asked about how long he and Garrido have been friends. “It seems like a long time, but friends don’t count right? Other people count.” He confesses his love for the town and Coach Garrido, head on. “I made two movies there, Fandango and A Perfect World; and I have two good friends there, Todd Allen and Augie Garrido. So, Austin’s been a very lucky place for me in that way. And a certain part of my own history is tied there.” Costner keeps a home in Austin to make visits to his friends more convenient. He also considers the city to be an ideal locale for future projects, “I’ll never hesitate to put a movie there.” Though he isn’t one to put a number on it, Costner has known the celebrated Texas baseball coach long enough to have many stories to share. One such tale took place over the weekend of his wedding, some seven years ago “George Horton [coach of the Cal State Fullerton baseball team] and my good friend, Augie, had just played each other for the national championship and Fullerton won. Two months later, they were standing out in my baseball field, together. That was a very hard moment for them…. George was Augie’s assistant and as it worked out, one broke the other’s heart. These two guys were
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standing out in left field together as friends and it wasn’t a moment that was lost on me to see them together. And Augie’s just the most competitive guy in the world and he’s a gentleman…. George wants to win just as badly and probably the one guy he didn’t want to beat was Augie, and there they were.” Having played baseball-related roles in over four films, from Bull Durham and Field of Dreams to For Love Of The Game and The Upside Of Anger, it is no wonder that talk often wanders toward the game. As we toured the grounds and the field he built, complete with mountain vistas, it solidified that Coster’s love is for more than just baseball on the silver screen. When invited to talk about where that connection came from, he lets us in on his personal history, rich with examples that could have be pulled from a movie script. “I grew up playing it. I grew up following my dad. When he’d go to play, he’d put his steel cleats on and we’d have to walk through this school. I didn’t know it was a school, because I was probably three or four years old. But, I would make him put those on to hear that sound—the click, click, click—because I liked it.” That admiration didn’t stop with his father, extending to his older brother, a measure for competition. “My brother played. And when you’re the littlest, the youngest (my brother had a four-and-a-half, five year difference), you learn so much faster…because you want to hang,” he throws in. From there, the story grows, as he tells tales of when he would race home to beat the streetlights coming on, or his father coming to retrieve him for dinner. Like all typical males, he had visions of grandeur, signing baseballs as though he were already a Baseball Hall Of Fame Inductee. That continued enthusiasm for the sport shows, not only in his films and selection of roles, but in his support of his friend’s team and his occasional appearance at UT Baseball practices, where he’s been known to work out with the team. What is even more obvious, from stories like this, is how much a part of Costner’s life baseball actually plays. Even his wedding to Christine Baumgartner in 2004 included more than a few innings, as they played pickup games throughout the extended weekend. “In fact, no one wanted to stop for the wedding,” Costner admits.
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ostner, now into his mid-fifties, is a curious study in successfully starting again. After having married young and raising three children, then experiencing the struggle of divorce, he has almost started anew as a husband and father with his wife, Christine, and their three children: Caden, Hayes and Grace. “I have friends who have done this, so to speak, twice, and the common thread is, ‘Boy, I wish I would have paid more attention the first time…. I was so busy building my career; and, gee, the second time, I’m really enjoying it.’ I’m so thankful that I don’t feel that way about raising Annie, Lily and Joe. I feel like I gave them every-
“Austin’s been a very lucky place for me. And a certain part of my own history is tied there.”
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“I grew up playing baseball. I grew up following my dad. My brother played. And when you’re the littlest, the youngest, you learn so much faster.” 54
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“I gotta have my Carole King. I gotta have my Motown. It was no surprise that I cast Whitney because the first girl I fell in love with was Diana Ross.� 56
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thing. I went to all of their plays, all their games. So, if anything, I was worried just the opposite. Would I be able to give these three that energy, that same thing, as opposed to, ‘I had my eyes closed the first time and now they’re open the second.’ I don’t have that particular guilt at all.” That dedication to his family is an ethic that began forming in his own childhood, as Costner explains, “My parents were at every game.” His priorities have shifted along with this second time, and a typical day looks nothing like one would imagine for a movie star of Costner’s caliber. Costner’s routine is one that many parents are intimately familiar with and it manages to bring the star into clearer focus and make him more real. “It starts for me about 5:30 am. The boys want their bottle and their mom is sleeping upstairs with Grace,” he began. “I go in, do a little bit of writing, a little bit of work on the computer, and then I come down and meet the guys at the barn and we get started with the day.” The day he refers to is one spent working the 165-acre ranch, located along the Continental Divide, teaching his children about sustainability and the value of work and of sharing with others. “It’s not this generation, but the generation after I’m gone that will feel entitled in a place like this…. It’s really important to me that my children learn how to share this and learn how to teach their children to share it.” It makes for a blue collar routine and enables him to live on pristine land that is a representation of his own hard work and efforts. Costner employs a number of friends on the Aspen property to maintain the land, clear deadfall and make room for wildlife. The entire estate is soundly irrigated and carefully planned, and his children are taught to cherish their good fortune and share it with friends and family. Costner’s desire to have others share in the ranch has even extended beyond those he knows personally. He has happily donated the use of the ranch to local charities on numerous occasions. “Ex-tennis player Andrea Yeager had a thing called Silver Lining Ranch, for kids who had contracted cancer…. She [initially took] them out on a fishing [trip] to a place called Rude Eye, which is a pretty big haul from Aspen. And these children, number one, probably didn’t catch anything, and they were tired by the time they got home. She asked if they could come up here and fish. I was excited for my children to be a part of that and
help, but they couldn’t catch any fish because they were wild fish and would only take the flies and things like that.” Costner laughs as he recalls his resolve for the next year’s visit and some lively additions to the pond. “I stocked it and they came back and I let them fish with bobbers. We had 30 bald heads out here and you’re just heartbroken. I thought, ‘whatever I paid for this, it was worth it.’” It is the humility and genuine joy with which Costner recounts this story that grants it authenticity. He’s no saint, even by his own accord, stating that he knows what all he’s done and that he’s not spotless. “I think Jim Morrison was right. ‘Nobody gets out alive.’ We’re all bruised, but I still have great enthusiasms about things.” One of those enthusiasms is a profound desire to help stop the ravages that human consumption and carelessness have on the environment. From such a natural setting, it is easy to see how this thought is reinforced, over and again. Costner’s name was most recently mentioned, perhaps surprisingly, when the BP oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico became news. It was technology developed by Costner and his associates that became indispensible in removing the oil from the seawater, eventually prompting a significant purchase of that technology by BP itself. “It’s something I started over 15 years ago, thinking that we didn’t have to see these images being replicated, which of course we have seen for 20 years before…. And in the 15 years after I developed something I thought would be a very important step in mechanically removing oil from water. I just felt militant that we shouldn’t be sinking the oil to the bottom.” It is this conviction that gave birth to the development and commercialization of a mechanical centrifuge that separates oil from water on site. The inspiration is one that is familiar to most of us. “I think probably the Exxon Valdez was the big moment. I had been seeing those images before that, like everyone.” Unlike most, the plight moved Costner to action. “We used to fight fires with buckets, then we decided we would get a fire department. We upgrade our technology and [oil cleanup] was an industry that did not do it.” Only now are the rewards of his efforts being reaped, but one gets the impression that the monetary rewards are the least of his considerations. “It’s really not that deep of thinking, actually. You don’t want people to be casual with something important.” As one who
looks at the world in such ‘simple’ terms, the success of his endeavors acts as a testament to the man Costner is.
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t is with that compulsion and confident attitude that Costner has embarked on yet another adventure, taking on the role of front man for a rag-tag band known as Kevin Costner & Modern West. The band is a bit of a barroom folk throwback, which could easily call the Broken Spoke or any respectable honkytonk their home. But their appeal is universal, as he is about to embark on a tour that leads to Moscow. He cites his personal influences, claiming that, although he listens to such progressive bands as The Supreme Beings Of Leisure, “I gotta have my Carole King. I gotta have my Motown. It was no surprise that, when making The Bodyguard, I cast Whitney because the first girl I fell in love with was Diana Ross.” The temptation of holding a guitar for our photo shoot is too much to bear and, as cameras whirr and click, he breaks into a few Modern West tunes, which seem ideally suited for the environment. When asked about making a choice between movie star, musician and ballplayer, Costner immediately responded with observations from his most recent passion. “You can kind of make music forever. Sometimes the movies tend to ebb and flow. But I like the drama of life, which is why I think I like sports. If people are going to boo you at sports, it’s legitimate.” He introduces our crew to a song about the scars he bears through failure and struggle, singing “I’ve Got Enough Tattoos.” The man seems at ease—a man comfortable in his own skin and gratefully aware of his good fortune. “I stop myself all the time. I can retrace the steps and understand that it was work and it was choices…. But it really doesn’t explain how lucky…. I feel so lucky in so many ways.” With a life so well lived and with so much to offer, the day is nearly gone and we’re left with the same impression from the beginning of our time with Costner. No, he doesn’t possess superhuman abilities. But after spending a day with him, talking through accomplishments and aspirations, baseball and babies, he is, nonetheless, impressive in a very real way. Here, for all intents and purposes, with all of the struggles and triumphs, is a true man. AL
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Like Father, G o o d Ta s t e Ru ns i n t h e Gi l m o r e Fa m i ly
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, Like Son by veronica meewes
photography by chad harl an
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one can only imagine how proud Jack Gilmore was when his son Bryce was recently named one of the country’s top ten best new chefs by Food & Wine magazine. Having already made a name for himself here in Austin as the executive chef at Z’Tejas for years, and now as the proprietor of Jack Allen’s Kitchen, life was already looking good for Jack before his son joined the ranks of David Bull and Tyson Cole. “Now, [Bryce]’s getting more recognition than me, which is fine because you always want your kids to do better than you!” laughs Jack. “I respect his food so much and I knew he was going to be one of the top chefs in the country a long time ago.” Jack can also reminisce about a time when Bryce would spend his time sketching houses rather than shuffling skillets; he and his wife were certain their son would end up becoming an architect. But Bryce began bussing tables and running food at Z’Tejas when he was 14 and became increasingly more interested in the culinary world. “I loved going out to restaurants and eating all kinds of stuff,” recalls Bryce, “but it wasn’t until senior year of high school when I started actually working in the back of the house at Z’Tejas that I really got into cooking and wanted to explore it more.”
Upon graduating high school, Bryce had the opportunity to travel around the country discovering new regions and cuisines while working alongside Jack as he opened up five new Z’Tejas locations, from Seattle to Baltimore. Soon afterward, Bryce enrolled in San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy, where he began to cultivate a way of thinking that would come to seriously influence his edible body of work. Upon graduation, he gained further experience in the kitchens of Moonshine, Wink and Café 909, before returning to the West Coast for a position at Boulevard. “I think just being in San Francisco was a big eye-opener,” Bryce recalls, “and then living in Aspen, Colorado. I worked with Ryan [Hardy of Montagna] who used a lot of ingredients from his farm, which fueled more of my passion for using local ingredients.” After some time spent traveling and cooking in Aspen, Bryce decided it was time to return to his hometown. “I was ready to settle down here and start building relationships with the farmers…see what was growing around here and start building a name for myself,” says Bryce. As the food truck craze crescendoed in Austin, he saw a trailer as a perfect way to make farm-fresh meats, cheeses and produce more readily available to the public. He purchased a 1980 Fleetwood Mallard trailer off eBay and renovated it almost entirely on his own. The crown jewel of the masterpiece is a four-foot-long Aztec wood burning stove which he installed inside. The Odd Duck Farm to Trailer debuted in December of 2009,
offering a variety of small plates, which fluctuate with the offerings from local farms like Milagro, Countryside and Springfield. The menu recently included a Richardson Farms pork belly slider with sauerkraut and aioli, and an heirloom tomato salad with watermelon, goat ricotta and Texas olive oil. Opening up Austin’s first farmto-table establishment on wheels subsequently solidified Bryce’s position as a key figure in our city’s locavore movement.
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ack shares a similar dedication to supporting local farmers and credits Bryce with opening his eyes to the weekly farmer’s market circuit. “I think we need to support the farmers in any way we can, especially nowadays with lack of water and it being so hot.” Farmers will often approach Jack Allen’s Kitchen with harvest in hand, and Jack prides himself in never turning them down. “If they come knocking on the door and they just worked hard producing what they have in their hand, I’m gonna buy it. And I’m gonna honor it and I’m gonna take care of it and, hopefully, I don’t screw it up.” Though shopping straight from local farmers is a more recent practice for Jack, cooking with a palette of fresh, local ingredients is a hardly a paradigm shift for him. Growing up on the Gulf Coast in the 1970s, Jack was always surrounded by a fresh bounty of produce and seafood, and draws influence from the region’s bold flavors, which you can
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If they come knocking on the door and they just worked hard producing what they have in their hand, I’m gonna buy it. And I’m gonna honor it and I’m gonna take care of it and, hopefully, I don’t screw it up.
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above: Bryce and Jack Gilmore face off in Barley Swine’s rustic dining room. below: A rangetop of steaming stockpots and saucepans at the ready; freshly rinsed zucchini, still warm from the farmer’s market.
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above: The Gilmores will stir up some friendly competition at a cook-off this fall with Austin Lifestyle. below: Bryce and his team of like-minded kitchen scientists prep for an inevitably busy night.
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When we go to the farmer’s market, my goal is to get there before Bryce so I can buy all the stuff that he would normally buy, but the farmers respect him so much that they won’t let me buy it all because they want to save some for him!
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taste in his food today. “I always loved good food because, where I grew up in the Valley, there were always fresh vegetables, stuff out of the Gulf, and I still remember the flavors from going to friends’ houses and cousins’ houses out on the farm or the ranch. You see the fields and you remember the chiles and the tomatoes and fresh pico de gallos. I can still remember those flavors and I try to reproduce that.” After twenty years of infusing homegrown Southwestern flare in the ever-popular cuisine at Z’Tejas, Jack left to open his own restaurant. Just one month before Odd Duck was born, Jack Allen’s Kitchen launched—and once again, the father-son duo was cooking alongside each other as Bryce prepped food for the trailer. “He started a successful Odd Duck and I started a successful Jack Allen’s next to each other, sharing the same walk in,” recalls Jack. “And we got in each other’s way and we pissed each other off sometimes, but I knew where he was going and I knew where I was going.” To their colleagues, the scene must have looked very familiar, but this time around, Bryce had a few tricks up his sleeves. “I was very weary of the stuff that he learned in his travels,” discloses Jack. “You can talk to any old school chef like me and they’ll tell you the same thing. I hated the whole new approach of cooking techniques, with sous-vide and braising and curing and all that stuff. I was like, ‘It’s a piece of meat! I know what to do with it!’ But when he started showing me the stuff, I was like, ‘This kid knows what he’s doing!’”
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ritics and diners alike had a similar reaction to his Odd Duck fare…including Anthony Bourdain, who featured the trailer on an episode of No Reservations. All new-fangled culinary techniques aside, it is apparent that Bryce commits to maintaining the flavor and integrity of each well-loved and carefully harvested product he uses. When the nightly dinner crowd refused to
dwindle, Bryce knew he was ready to go brickand-mortar and, just one year later, Barley Swine opened in December of 2010. With a little more kitchen space, he is able to offer a slightly larger menu, this time showcasing shared plates against the canvas of a nose-to-tail gastropub. It is not uncommon to see lamb’s tongue, sweetbreads, kidney and liver mousses, or pigs’ feet and tails offered on the menu. “I’d rather use it than throw it away, especially if it tastes good,” Bryce states matter-of-factly. The plates at Barley Swine are thought-provoking yet unpretentious, simply stated by a list of main ingredients. Jack taught him how to play with his food by pairing unexpected flavors and textures and Bryce took the concept and ran with it, never losing touch with his Southern roots. That is apparent in combinations like “foie gras, chicken fried duck confit, and waffle” and “pork belly, refried beans, and octopus salad.” Meanwhile, Jack Allen’s menu has an entire section boasting “Chicken Fried Anything” and offers flavorful twists on regional classics like chorizo stuffed pork tenderloin and chile mango shrimp tacos. Diners can order mason jars of pimiento cheese, pickled beets and salsa for the table. Family-style dining is encouraged at both establishments, but Bryce even endorses inter-table mingling with communal seating at Barley Swine. While Jack Allen’s is spacious and sunlit, with sweeping earth tone curtains and wide picture windows looking out onto the lush Greenbelt, Barley Swine is intimate and dimly lit, evoking the atmosphere of a farmhouse cellar. And while Jack can be spotted across the kitchen by his silvery curls and jovial laugh, Bryce’s presence is more discreet, though he chops, tastes and moves with the same sparkle in his eye. “I think I passed three things onto him,” muses Jack. “One is, I passed on a great work ethic. Number two, I passed on being involved in the community and number three…is building a team of people that really believe in what you are trying to accomplish. If you have those three, then you are going to be very success-
ful.” Community service had always been a part of the Gilmore household. When Bryce was growing up, Jack would open up his house on Thanksgiving to Z’Tejas employees with no family in town. He’s also been known to host dinners for firefighters, police offers and other civil servants of our community. “I really believe in giving back,” Jack affirms. “It’s just the right thing to do.” Last year alone, Jack Allen’s Kitchen gave $40,000 to the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation, among other charities. Carrying on the tradition, Bryce has participated in several fundraisers for the Sustainable Food Center and supports Urban Roots each week at the farmer’s market. Now the two are planning a joint project at the end of the year to support Share Our Strength, a non-profit aimed at fighting childhood hunger. “We’re trying to help steer this country in a direction of eating more responsibly and thinking about where their food comes from,” says Bryce, “But still, it starts with kids growing up and how they are raised.” It is safe to say that good taste runs in the family, and the Gilmores are living proof. Now Bryce’s brother Dylan runs the Odd Duck and preps side-by-side with Jack, who dreams of opening a restaurant with both his boys one day. “The cool thing about [Bryce] is he inspires me!” Jack declares proudly. “When we go to the farmer’s market, my goal is to get there before him so I can buy all the stuff that he would normally buy, but the farmers respect him so much that they won’t let me buy it all because they want to save some for him!” He lets out a hearty chuckle, then a wistful sigh, eyes still smiling. “Sometimes it’s hard to beat him there, but I try!” AL
Jack and Bryce’s cooking skills will be put to the test in the fall. Watch for details about Austin Lifestyle’s Best ThrowDown 2011 coming soon. Go to www.austinlifestylemagazine.com and sign up for our newsletter.
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He The
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ealingPower Horses Equine assisted therapies are
empowering the youth of Austin
of
by Dana Reinart Photography by
Becky Kittleman
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inston Churchill once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” It is difficult to put into words the majestic quality horses possess. Their strong, powerful stature and ability to connect with their surroundings has benefited man for centuries. Today, they aren’t plowing our fields, providing transportation or leading warriors into battle; their role is much more fundamental. They connect us to the earth in a way that has become lost to our fast-paced, virtually driven society. It is their natural ease and level of emotional understanding that provides new avenues of healing through equine assisted activities and therapies. Being that horses have played such a critical role in Texas history, it comes as no surprise how quickly this philosophy is catching on in the Austin area. RED (Riding Equines for the Disabled) Arena, located past 620 off Highway 71 in Dripping Springs, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of children and adults with disabilities through a unique combination of equine and related therapies. Founder Jennifer Young discovered her calling in the midst of growing her successful physical therapy practice in Austin. “I had been working with kids for about 5 years and there was one child in particular that had Hemiplegia, which is like a stroke. One side of her body wasn’t working really well,” she explains. “I had been seeing her since she was 6 months old and she was about 5 and half now. And we were just running out of things to do, because with kids you have to be creative, to keep the kids engaged and make therapy fun.” Even though Young had learned about equine assisted therapy while getting her master’s degree, she wouldn’t have considered herself a “horse person” at the time. In fact, “I was scared of them,” she admits. “But I knew it would be so beneficial for her body to be on the horse because the weight shift you get is very symmetrical and it was exactly what we were working on.” So she decided to try her out at R.O.C.K., Ride On Center for Kids, an equine assisted therapy center in Georgetown. “They have a waiting list
so I started volunteering there and getting trained under their director and founder, Nancy Krenek. so they are naturally She’s been a great mentor to me.” more accepting and After seeing first hand the endless benefits of gentle with children. incorporating horses into her physical therapy This deep emotional practice, Jennifer knew she had a number of kids connection makes that would excel from equine assisted therapies. them born healers, Soon after she found a daycare center that had a able to adapt to the couple of horses they kept for summer camp, but specific needs of didn’t use them at all during the school year. “They each child. were the perfect horses to use for therapy…so I just kind of jumped in and tried it out,” she said. As the community caught wind of what Jennifer was doing, support came flooding in. It wasn’t long until she outgrew the facility. Catherine Cacioppo, a former school teacher and counselor, had jumped on board with Jennifer as her horse handler. Once she got the word out to her equestrian friends, they soon found the perfect facility in Dripping Springs to expand their business. “I was just doing this on the side under my other business, just as sort of an added gesture to the therapy we were already doing. But it started growing so much and so quickly that we needed more horses and more people that we thought we’d spin this off into it’s own entity.” Thus, in 2008 RED Arena was born. When they first opened at the new facility, Jennifer was still in limbo over letting go of her physical therapy business and fully committing to equine therapy. They had one fully trained therapy horse Bo, another horse in training and about five kids they were working with. It was then that she received a call from a very distraught couple interested in therapy for their child. Their daughter, who was 2 years old, didn’t enjoy therapy; she would constantly scream and cry during her sessions and her mother told Jennifer it was unlikely that she would participate. Jennifer thought, “Okay, no problem. I’ve had screamers before.” Horses sense the
innocence of a child
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What is Equine Assisted Therapy? Originally referred to as hippotherapy—“hippo” being the greek word for horse—the term has evolved into Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies. The concept uses horses as a treatment tool for physical, occupational and speech therapies in a variety of ways. It is effective in treating children, adults and even geriatrics with anything from physical and mental disabilities to addictions, behavioral issues and more. Why horses? Jennifer explains, “The horse is a natural healer. They have this incredible energy and power just to heal. They don’t have blocks emotionally. They are very accepting.” And their patience with children is even more astonishing. On several different occasions, staff members
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have witnessed children’s personalities transform when they come in contact with a horse: A child who rarely talks and primarily relies on sign language all of a sudden starts to use complete sentences saying, “Here comes my horse!” Or an autistic child finally finds ease from fits and tantrums and kisses his horse on the mouth at the end of a therapy session. “It’s magic!” Jennifer proclaims. From a physical standpoint, therapy relies on biomechanics. “When my child is sitting on the horse and the horse is walking, the weight shift through their pelvis is an exaggeration of the weight shift they would use to walk. So a lot of my kids have never experienced, in their pelvis,
what they need to shift their weight to take a step forward,” explains Jennifer. “It’s repetitive. There’s no other way to give their body that information and so that’s my first love.” From here, physical therapists also incorporate games that require exaggerated movements, like reaching to place rings on a target. These movements, and most importantly the pelvic shift, ultimately lead to faster brain development in children, therefore providing a base for other therapies. For speech therapy students, such as children with autism, riding horses is a very calming experience and the movement is organizing for their body. When they start engaging in communication, it is very natural. They are required to communicate with the horse and with the team in order to guide the horse where they want it to go. And a trip down RED Arena’s trail sparks conversation over the colorful characters and signs. Finally, with occupational therapy they are working on sensory integration and fine motor skills, which is achieved through weight bearing on the horse.
On top of all of that, the emotional and social aspect and sense of empowerment equine therapy provides makes the concept even more successful. “They’re on this huge animal; they tell them when to go and stop; they get to be up on top looking down at everyone versus being in a wheelchair all day looking up at people. Their families get to see them looking very ‘normal’ like any other kid on a horse, which does a lot for families to see that,” said Jennifer. The goal is to see children progress out of therapy and into lessons, ultimately making horseback riding their sport. “The rodeo was to show our families this is the next step. We do all of this and we are laying the groundwork so this can be their recreation. This can be their lifelong sport. They can go anywhere and do lessons.” For Jennifer this is this most rewarding part, “Just giving them the opportunity to be empowered… and seeing their confidence grow…because they can do anything; we just have to give them the steps to get there.”
When she met with Based on old cowboy games with kidt h e c o u p l e, “ T h e y friendly twists, the were both noticeably events at RED Arena’s sad,” she recalled. Round-Up were tai“They had just come lored to allow an even from a big work up in level of competition Houston, where they’d between those with been told that [their disabilities and those daughter] probably without. The idea is wasn’t going to walk. based on the therapy So they’d spent all this concept of inclusion, which is a critical astime since she was a pect of development baby going to physical and therapy success. therapy several times a week and they just kind of shot them down…and told them it was time to start looking at other means like a wheelchair.” Understanding the weight this session would play on the family’s spirit, Jennifer wanted more than anything for this to be a positive experience. “[The child] screamed and cried for about 10 minutes and all of a sudden she had a handful of balls and was throwing them in the net; she was doing awesome, just awesome. So we were all so excited!” she said with a smile. No one could have expected the emotional roller coaster that was to follow, which ultimately challenged Jennifer’s newfound passion. Bo, the only trained therapy horse at the time, started to kick his stomach, which is a sign of colic. “So we got her off and there was another
horse here that I had just started to train for therapy,” Jennifer explained. Therapy was once again going successfully. But Bo’s condition had worsened and he was rolling around on the floor of his pin, a sign of extreme pain. They had to stop the session. The family understood and was content just to see their daughter finally enjoying her therapy. Jennifer recalls that night at the veterinarian’s office, “We tried everything we could and we ended up having to put him down. We were heartbroken. And to have to make that decision was just awful. I thought ‘Why am I doing this?’ It’s so much work, I mean the output of work to get a kid on is tremendous…. Then we were down a horse and we don’t have this other horse ready; and we are trying to start it here. It was just kind of falling apart for me.” “I called [the child]’s mom later that evening and I was very upset. I said, ‘We lost our horse. I don’t know what we are going to do, I don’t know what our next step will be.’” One couldn’t dream up what happened next. At a point, when Jennifer was questioning the entire operation, affirmation came flooding in. As tears welled up of in her eyes, Jennifer recounted the mother’s response, “We’ll wait as long as it takes. Our daughter took her first steps today.” Simple as that her question was answered, “This is why we do this.” Now, just three years into the operation, RED Arena helps forty kids a week. They have built a
talented, caring staff that includes two physical therapists, two occupational therapists and two speech therapists, as well as forty to fifty volunteers each week. “We have our second adult that’s starting today so the need is here. It’s an incredible horse community. The support has just been word of mouth,” said Jennifer. This past June, RED Arena hosted their first inclusive rodeo fundraiser called the RED Arena Round-Up at Harris Ranch Park in Dripping Springs. The fundraiser attracted hundreds of supporters and in the end exceeded their goal by raising over $30,000. Riders of all ability levels and ages competed in old cowboy games with kid friendly twists like musical horses, ring race, ride-a-buck, barrels and more. The idea is based on the therapy concept of inclusion, which is also a critical aspect of development and therapy success. Jennifer explains, “That was the other big thing about our rodeo… to show that there are activities that kids with disabilities and kids without disabilities can easily do and enjoy together. I think everyone had such a great time. The kids without disabilities had no problem participating. And it was fair, which made it even better.” AL
To find out more about RED Arena’s programs or for ways to support their efforts visit www.redarena.org.
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a Natural addition A Central City Oasis Celebrates Nature and the Outdoors by amy e. lemen photography by jonathan jackson
An Ipe arbor frames the entrance to the house and its addition, and a stone path leads visitors to the new space. Opposite page: the addition was built to contrast with the house. “It’s Modern, but it’s also warm and rustic. You don’t usually see all those words together, but it works will in this case,” says architect Gregory Thomas.
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For some, an outdoor lifestyle means simply walking outside. But for those who live, breathe and revere in all nature has to offer— digging in the dirt and embracing the outdoor environment with pure joy and abandon—the lifestyle means something completely different. For the owners of a South Austin property, the outdoor living project they wanted has transformed their home and yard into a tranquil space that reflects their love of nature and simplicity of the built environment. Working closely with architect Gregory Thomas of Austin firm CG&S Design Build, the homeowners’ goals were simple, yet critical adjustments designed to bring the outside in and create relaxing outdoor living areas. “The home had recently been renovated; it was everything outside the house that they wanted,” explains Thomas. “They came with a vision — they’re gardeners, and they wanted to build around that.” Avid gardeners and birding enthusiasts with pet birds of their own, the homeowners’ vision included a screened porch, a garden storage room, a secure carport to replace a concrete pad, a larger entry court-
yard with a more defined entrance to the front of the house, and a better sense of connection to their backyard garden and to the wild birds that frequented the yard. The first step was in maximizing the property lines; the original design didn’t fully extend the property line, so Thomas extended it by removing the original courtyard walls and rebuilding one of them to the appropriate line - stretching the yard about 12 feet. With the extra space, the homeowners made the decision to move their backyard vegetable garden to the front to be more connected with neighbors passing by, and a new Ipe-clad carport replaced the other courtyard wall. The carport’s modern design and flat roof is in contrast to the otherwise traditional house, but it’s a contrast that works. “Most folks want a renovation to blend in with the house completely, but they wanted a modern feel and were open to working with different woods and materials,” says Thomas. “It’s modern, but it’s also warm and rustic. You don’t usually see all those words together, but it works well in this case.”
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An Ipe wood fence separates the house from the curb, and an entry arbor and basket weave steel gate with bright orange mailboxes designed by local artisans provides a colorful welcome to visitors, as well as privacy from street traffic. Now, the homeowners can access the front courtyard from the carport through a metal-clad rolling barn door, walking into the oasis of produce they’ve worked hard to grow and nurture. While the home’s new curb presence is certainly appealing, it’s the changes to the back of the house with the new L-shaped screened porch that really reflect the tranquil sense of connectedness with nature. Where before the only view of the homeowner’s extensive flower garden, which was planted with both beauty and birds in mind, was through French doors in the kitchen, the view now extends on three sides—and includes a new kitchen window that folds all the way back for a complete connection between in the inside and outside. The homeowners can also enjoy the crossbreezes on the L-shaped porch, which is open to both the north and east and allows for sun in the morning and shade the rest of the day. “Most screened porches are rectangles, but this one has two rooms that wrap around the yard, effectively giving the homeowners both an outdoor dining and living area,” says Thomas. With stained concrete floors and locally made custom screen doors on either side of the porch that have commissioned metal grill inserts by local artist Susan Wallace and feature sunflowers and morning glo-
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ries—both flowers in the homeowners’ garden—the connection between home and nature is complete. Carefully thought-out interior details include decorative sconces, copper gutter cove lighting, an integrated sound system, custom-designed end tables and a custom dining table made of the wood used in the screen porch: cypress on the ceiling and Ipe everywhere else. Much of the work was either done by or handcrafted by local artists, too. “They wanted to use local artisans and contractors wherever possible to bring beauty to the project,” Thomas says. “If you can find the talent to design and build something locally, you should. That’s their philosophy.” The porch’s exterior features steel planter boxes, as well as a rainwater collection system that includes decorative bowls, urns, and copper rain chains that direct rainwater into two 1,000-gallon galvanized metal tanks for environmentally-friendly irrigation. There’s even an organic outdoor space outside the porches —drill stem pipes with LED twinkle lights define the space, which is open to the sky and is a frequent gathering place for al fresco dining and connecting. All in all, the space is reflective of its owners’ philosophy and style. “Most people want landscapes that are done—have someone do it, look at it, admire it, but the owners of this home want to be in the dirt every day, and they are,” says Thomas. “This project reflects who they are and their passions.” AL
A basket weave steel gate provides privacy from street traffic. The sliding metalclad barn door gives the homeowners access to the courtyard from the new carport. Galvanized tanks store rainwater for irrigation. Opposite: the L-shaped enclosed porch offers a cool place to enjoy the day, adding additional living and dining space as well as views onto the garden. austinlifestylemagazine.com
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A * taste
| savor
Brown Bag Delivers healthy meal decisions made simple by Elizabeth Leverson Photography by Nathan Schroder
B row n B ag Del iver s is founder and
co-owner Benjamin Mendoza’s answer to a comfortable alternative to unhealthy, super-sized meal portions. He partnered with longtime friend and Brownsville native Joram Tapiero to start Brown Bag Delivers: a meal delivery service dedicated to bringing fresh, healthy, gourbrown bag delivers met meals to local www.brownbagdelivers.com Austin businesses. Operated out of a professional kitchen off Burnet Road, their team of innovative, environmentally-conscious chefs work with numerous local businesses to deliver fresh meals and healthy break room munchies straight to their office doors. While using only the freshest ingredients, Brown Bag provides an affordable alternative to restaurant dining (their gourmet meals average around $7.50, tax included with free delivery). They deliver on Mondays and Wednesdays to areas as far north as Anderson Mill and south past the Y at Oak Hill with food orders available from customizable menus. They even pick up the last shipment’s containers for recycling. Promoting sustainability on your lunch break? That’s serious productivity. Brown Bag takes a unique philosophy to their business model – they believe giving is a continuous process. Along with making lunchtimes more efficient for businesses, they also donate monthly to such local nonprofits as the Young Women’s Alliance, Young Men’s Business League and The Green Network, among others. Sharing Brown Bag’s simple yet inspired meals with colleagues saves time, gas and money. You can even try out a few of their favorite dishes at home with family and friends. Bon appétit!
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Carrot Ginger Soup
Carrot Ginger Soup Yields 4
1 tbs butter 1 onion chopped 3 cups vegetable broth 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced 1 tbs ginger, freshly grated ½ cup whipping cream 1 tsp salt and white pepper to taste 1 tsp tumeric 1 tsp nutmeg sour cream to taste parsley for garnish In a 6-quart pan, over medium-high heat, add butter and onions and begin to brown. Once they begin caramelizing add tumeric, nutmeg, carrots and ginger. Allow to brown for a few minutes then add vegetable broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup thoroughly. Finally add the cream, stirring over low heat. For a
smoother flavor bring the soup to a boil, add salt and pepper to taste. Note: When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth. Chicken Tagine Yields 6
4 lbs chicken breasts 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped 2 tbsp green chili peppers 4 cups chicken broth 2 baking potatoes, peeled and diced
savor |
A * taste
Middle Eastern Couscous with Chicken Tagine
1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup cilantro 1/2 cup black olives
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken thighs (in batches if necessary) and cook, moving them around every couple of minutes, until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside. Pour off fat. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to brown. Add garlic, ginger and chiles and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add broth, potatoes, olives, lemon juice, cumin and cinnamon and then reserved chicken. Bring to a simmer. Cover the pan, transfer it to the oven, and bake until the chicken thighs are tender, about 45 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and black olives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dried Fruit
Middle Eastern Couscous with Dried Fruit Yields 4
2 tbsp olive oil ½ cup raisins 1 garlic clove, minced ¼ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1/8 tsp coriander 11/2 cups couscous 2 cups boiling water ¾ tsp salt ¼ cup dried dates ¼ cup cranberries In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the raisins, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, dates and cranberries. Cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add the couscous to the saucepan, along with the 2 cups of boiling water and the salt. Stir once with a fork, cover tightly, and remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir with a fork before serving to fluff the couscous and combine the other ingredients. This recipe can be made up to a day ahead and reheated over low heat or in a microwave oven.
About the Chef Brown Bag Delivers’ co-owner and executive chef Joram Tapiero has an appetite for trying new things. He draws inspiration for his recipes from his unquenchable desire to create innovative dishes with simple ingredients. A lover of learning, he has been educated in everything from the culinary arts to astrophysics to enhance himself as a person, chef and businessman; a lover of others, he spends free time preparing and serving meals with local non-profit events and rehabilitation programs, such as Homeless Coach. He learned to cook from his mother at age 7 and continues to prepare Brown Bag meals with the same love and attention as though they were intended for her.
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A*taste
| sip
Agave Allure The complex beauty of Mescal by garret t mikell photograph by julie pat terson
On the surface, it is a term that seems to constantly change, thanks in part to the thriving realm of social media that we all know and embrace. Almost instantly, one is able to access the current idea of “standard” and make decisions based on the likes and dislikes of those you rely on and respect the most. In the face of this country’s recession, there is one thing that has certainly not declined—the sale of high-end, top-quality cocktails. If nothing else, this trend has gained a lot of traction. I believe it has a lot to do with the desire for standardized quality; and since drinking is one thing we have in common, it would make sense that more attention is paid to what is being consumed. This mentality drives us to a greater appreciation of products that are given more personal care and attention during the process of creation, and mescal provides us with that experience. Technically, mescal is the generic word that covers a wide range of distilled agave spirits. (Historically, tequila was referred to as mescal.) Agave grows all over Mexico, but only a very few select states are allowed by the government to sell their product as tequila. In the larger, well-known brands of tequila, these agaves are harvested and processed in an industrial fashion, as mass production dictates, very quickly and efficiently. Plants are usually tossed by the hundreds into huge autoclaves and steamed to render out the sugars. For this reason, when we think of tequila we tend to defer to college memories Qualit y.
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quickly forgotten. It registers in our brains when a quick shot (that leads to some sort of B-Movie adventure that will never hit the silver screen) is needed. However, the better tequilas—the ones that aren’t shot—anejos, reposados, often neat and enjoyed with a beer—are a much closer cousin to mescal because of their handcrafted nature. There is a certain beauty to mescal. It is prevalent in Mexico in a way that tequila isn’t. There are over 20 varieties of agave, but the climate in the states that produce tequila lends itself primarily to blue agave. South of the tequila producing regions of Mexico is Oaxaca, a region that hosts a huge range of microclimates due to its diversity of elevations. It is also the world’s second largest agave producing area. The climate allows the wind, rain and sun to influence the soil in many different ways, all of which have a very distinct influence on the agave’s maturation, and therefore the character of the mescal created from them. With mescal, much more time and care is put into the product, yielding a spirit of deep complexity and character. Because several varieties of agave are used, every batch is different and cannot be reproduced. Most mescals are made by a single village, utilizing their immediate surroundings, and everyone in the community plays an important part in production, bringing a unique, artisanal quality to every bottle. It is this care and attention that has mescal gaining popularity in the world of spirits, where quality has become paramount. A number of Austin restaurants are now highlighting mescal on their cocktails menus, including Takoba on East Seventh Street, which has an extensive array of offerings. Ranging from the less complex to the deep and rich anejo mescals, its bold flavor stands alone. In order to fully appreciate this liquor, I recommend it to be sipped neat. Here are a few of my recommendations with local liquor store price approximations: La Penca: $16 Mild complexity, yet very rich with leather tones as well as toasted cacao and mild vanilla. This mescal is ideal for mixing. Try using it instead of tequila in your next margarita, with grapefruit instead of lime juice. Del Maguey Crema De Mescal: $40 A single village mescal that is fortified with agave nectar to help sweeten it, thus making it a great introduction to this spirit. Expect a quickly diminishing pungent beginning that tapers into notes of light tobacco and a smooth finish with a heavy smoky taste on the back end. Del Maguey Tobala: $120 Harvested from a maguey, which only grows in high altitude and is remarkably smaller than other agaves. It is filled with the taste of fruit and cinnamon, light smoke and a nice taper. Los Danzantes Anejo: Priceless (This cannot be purchased at a liquor store as quantities are so limited.) A truly amazing sip. It is dark and pungent on the front. As it washes over your tongue, expect to be taken to a very odd place in your palate, as this mescal completely embodies the great attributes of a distiller who cares. Lots of tanned leather and smoke, turning into a very long finish that leaves nothing overpowered or left to be desired.
A * taste |
accidental epicurean
phil’s icehouse
Burger Beef the texas-sized debate for best burgers photos by knox photographics
to break into the burger discussion in Austin. But, with summer in full swing, this staple of the hotter months deserves some attention. There are sacred cows that have solidified their legacies in town, from Hut’s to Dirty Martin’s. But in the past few years, more than a couple of challengers have set up shop, forcing a reevaluation of the hamburger hierarchy. Austin Lifestyle revisited both old and new eateries to find out if there is a new champion.
With a new location in South Austin, even more Austinites can now discover what visitors to the Burnet store already know which is that Phil’s Icehouse knows how to make a truly Austin burger. Each burger bears the name of an Austin neighborhood, and the combinations for each is as unique as their namesake. Again opting for a break from the normal meat-and-cheese combinaPhil’s Icehouse tion, we have to nominate something a bit spicier 5620 Burnet Road and recommend the 78704. Stacked atop a divine 512.524.1212 jalapeno and cheese bun, the jalapenos are offset 2901 S. Lamar Boulevard by the inclusion of avocado. Add to this the hint 512.707.8704 of chipotle mayo, and one discovers a taste that www.philsicehouse.com places the burger safely in the realm of Tex-Mex, as well as hamburger. Their other offerings are equally delightful, and if you cannot decide, get a slider sampler to help you find your preference. Accompanied by sweet potato fries and a family friendly patio, the burger experience at Phil’s is undeniable.
It takes a lot of courage
hopdoddy This is the new king of burgers in Austin, Texas, and we’re unapologetic about making that claim. At Hopdoddy, half named for the beer they serve (hops) and half for a Scottish term for cattle (doddy), they make their own bread, grind their own meat and have a menu that can make a burger lover out of nearly anybody. But if red meat isn’t your preference, they don’t judge. They also provide chicken, ahi tuna and vegetarian options that rival even the Hopdoddy best of quarter-pounders. Hopdoddy serves some 1400 S. Congress Avenue of the freshest tasting fries in town and brag about 512.243.7505 their “adult milkshakes,” all of which amplify our www.hopdoddy.com admiration. But our fandom of the place reaches its pinnacle in the Buffalo Bill, a burger made from ground bison paired with blue cheese, hot sauce and bacon. Not only does it all fit on a bun, creating a magical flavor combination, but it also warrants that Hopdoddy should sit nicely atop the burger discussion in Austin.
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casino el camino The legend of the Casino El Camino burger lives on, stronger than ever. Seated in a darkly lit bar, with a small window providing the only clue that incredible, dare we say legendary, food can be found here, the 6th Street landmark deserves its place in any mention of burgers in Austin. The wait is more substantial than most other burgers, but one cannot expect a masterpiece to be crafted immediately. Three-quarters of a pound is grilled to order, set atop a bun and cut in half to feature the burger’s intricate layers. It is a no-frills presenCasino El Camino tation, unless you decide to order their hand-cut 517 East 6th Street fries. But such accessories are unnecessary. Here 512.469.9330 instead, we opt for the Chicago Burger, a standard www.casinoelcamino.net bacon cheeseburger whose simplicity does not overshadow its deliciousness. Lettuce, tomato, bacon and cheese are all that adorn the perfectly grilled meat. After a few selections from Austin’s best jukebox, your order is called over a loudspeaker in true burger joint fashion. Then, dive into an Austin experience that is treasured and happily repeated. The newcomers may have wrestled the crown from Casino, but they can never keep them out of the debate. Disagree with our decision or have your own favorite you feel is worth a mention? Check out Austin Lifestyle on Facebook and keep the debate going all summer!
A*List
P RO M OTI O N
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cosmic cadence
by donna woodwell
Horoscopes for July & August Midsummer’s dreamy. A solar eclipse on July 1 heralds a season of new beginnings, hopes and dreams. The planets align for a fabulous Fourth of July weekend; enjoy some well-deserved hammock time. Plus July 7 (7-7-11) is one of the most magical days of the year. Wish upon a star and it just may come true. August finds us landing abruptly back on Earth-plain. Give yourself extra time to get things done during Mercury’s retrograde from August 3-26. Nothing goes quite as smoothly when the messenger planet is stuck in reverse. The summer heat has tempers flaring the week of August 8-12. Keep your cool, even if you have to crank the A/C. ARies mar 21–apr 20 Home is where your obsession is. The halls of Home Depot and Ikea will be filled with Aries looking to make a change. If there are any home improvement projects that you’ve been putting off, now is the time to roll up your sleeves and get ‘em done. When you’re done with your house, I’m sure your friends could use your help, too. Taurus Information overload is not your thing, Taurus, so find a way to simplify. Look at the big picture: if you don’t love it or use it, why keep it? You’ll find that by focusing on what’s essential to you, your life is automatically filled with more meaning and purpose, and less busyness. apr 21–may 20
Gemini
may 21–jun 21
Have you secretly been counting your Facebook friends as evidence of your coolness? Then you may discover that fairweather friends are fickle, your true worth comes from who you are, not how many people you know. It’s time to “Like” yourself. Cancer Jun 22–Jul 22 Everyone’s been waiting for you. Your partner. Your friends. Your boss. So get out of your squishy comfort zone and reinvent yourself. No one can create the life of your dreams except you. Decide what you want from the world, get yourself a makeover and go for it.
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Leo Jul 23–aug 22 Leo loves the limelight, but even you need some quiet time to learn your lines. If you haven’t had time to go this year, July’s the time for you to get away to that deserted island you’ve been thinking about. Take time to recharge your batteries, and you’ll shine even brighter than ever. Virgo aug 23–sep 22 Magic happens. The secret is in being prepared to take advantage of the opportunities when they arrive on your doorstep. You love being prepared, Virgo. Just don’t focus so much on your plans that you fail to hear the knock on your door. If you can learn to work on these two levels at once, even the sky’s no limit for you.
sagittarius
nov 23–dec 21
When it’s night and you can’t see the Sun, you know it’s still there. It’s just visiting China. So, if it’s dark where you are right now, Sagittarius, just keep moving forward. After all, having faith is something you’re really good at. And if that doesn’t work, try laughing. That always puts things into perspective for you. capricorn dec 22–jan 20 It’s your turn to compromise. But this doesn’t mean you have to give up your standards or your values. It just means that you need to take the standards and values of others into your equation when planning your next great endeavor. It might take you a little longer to achieve your goals, but what you end up with will be the greater for it.
LIbra sep 23–oct 22 Hello, hello? Is your phone ringing off the hook? Really, Libra, can you blame them? You give great advice, and they just want more. Don’t be shy about your opinions; right now you can see the solution for which others have been searching. And, by focusing on how you can help others, you’ll definitely get noticed yourself.
AQUARIUS jan 21–feb 19 Busy. Just accept it. That’s what you are and there’s no end in sight. So, you might as well make the best of it. Make yourself a list, put the most important stuff at the top, and do that first. It’s the only way to ensure that your busyness translates to productivity, not just paper-pushing.
scorpio oct 23–nov 22 Itchy feet? Then it’s time for a good quest. You’re searching for something, even if you don’t yet know what it is. Whether you’re traveling the outer world or inner, keep your eyes open for what you discover. You’ll find all the clues you need to chart your course along the way.
pisces feb 20–mar 20 Buddha laughed. You’ll know you’ve achieved illumination, and when you do your mission this summer is clear: practice the Zen of Playtime! Life’s just too short to be so serious all the time. Everyone needs to (en)lighten up. Give in to your giggles and you’ll lead by example.
austinlifestylemagazine.com The Best of Everything – Online!
Hairspray Giveaway Move over Baltimore! Austin is the new home for Hairspray—the soultastic, hair hoppin’, dance-til-youdrop musical! Zach Scott Theatre continues their 2010-2011 season with the production of Hairspray, running June 6 – August 28. Go to AL’s Web site to register for a chance to win a pair of tickets, courtesy of Austin Lifestyle, and to take a glimpse at Zach’s 2011-2012 season, starting this September with Spring Awakening. www. zachtheatre.org
You can’t stop the beat!
Behind the Scenes: AL visits Kevin Costner’s Aspen Ranch AL staffers were lucky to receive an invitation to visit the Aspen retreat with Costner as their tour guide! The day was truly magical and we’ve got all the behind the scenes action online, including pictures from their round of baseball on Costner’s home field and a serenade from Costner to fellow Ventura, California home-towner, AL’s publisher Shawn Lively.
Based on the John Waters film
Book
MARK O’DONNELL and THOMAS MEEHAN
MARC SHAIMAN Lyrics MARC SHAIMAN and SCOTT WHITTMAN Directed by DAVE STEAKLEY Musical Direction ALLEN ROBERTSON Choreography ROBIN LEWIS Music by
TICKETS START AT $20! JUNE 23-AUGUST 28 ON ZACH’S INTIMATE KLEBERG STAGE TICKETS:
T h e
b e s T
o f
e v e r y T h i n g
512-476-0541 x1 zachtheatre.org
OR ONLINE @
kEvin coSTnEr INSIDE
More than a Movie Star
HEALIng
HOrSES Equine Therapy in Austin
FOOD FIGHT!
Father and Son Talk Local Cuisine
OUTSIDE IN
LOCKS of
An Eco-Friendly Addition Bridges Indoors and Out
Hair Products & Accessories
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View interactive issues online! From Provence to Paris with Petite Peche & Co. Assistant editor Meredith Merritt took a French culinary excursion with Austin-based company Petite Peche & Co. Each day they went to local markets, brought home fresh food for that evening’s cooking lesson and paired Provencal recipes with wine from local vineyards. Read about her entire experience online.
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AL was blown away by Austin’s hottest new hair trend. See our video as well as before and after photos of our staff at AL’s online Blo Beauty Bar experience.
Follow us on Twitter: @lifestyleaustin Become a fan on Facebook!
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well Your Guide to Living Well Every Day
Marathon! Triathlon! What was I thinking? By Craig Collinsworth
Healthy Lunches, Healthy Kids By Tarie Beldin
Summer’s Necessities: Sunscreen & Skin Screenings By Mary Evers, D.O.
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Audiotoniq Introducing a Revolutionary Hearing System
Art Director: Stephen Arevalos austinlifestylemagazine.com 81
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Marathon! What Was I Thinking?
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Triathlon!
his is what many of you are saying to yourself about now. At this point, you have probably just started or are about a month into your training for a fall marathon, while others are knee deep in Ironman training for triathlon season. Whatever cool-aid you drank, remember that you decided to embark on this journey for a reason. Who am I? Well, I’m no trainer, coach or fitness guru by any stretch of the imagination; I’m just a normal guy with the same ambitions as you, sharing his life experience. I am currently training for my 16th marathon in October and base training for my second Ironman in May 2012. Why do I do it? A number of reasons, likely not much different than your own, from personal goals, bucket lists to charities and causes. Whatever your reason for signing up – own it; this will carry you through the most difficult steps of achieving your goal. If you haven’t signed up yet – do it already! Nailing a date on the calendar is the first critical step. Use this date to work back from while planning your training schedule, and don’t forget to plan for “rest days.” Between hill repeats, fartleks (I know, I chuckle every time too), pace runs, core workouts, speed work, swim training, bike training and the added intensity of 100 degree heat and humidity, you will pretty much be sore 24/7. Some of you may be starting at the basics. Have no fear; that just makes success all the sweeter. When I began my training for the Ironman last year, I really didn’t have any experience swimming. I started to train with the T3 group and learned how to swim correctly. It was difficult for a few months, but I kept on going and getting better at it. You should see the picture that was taken when I got out of the water after swimming 2.4 miles – huge smile! The same could be said about my bike training. For six months, I was out on Parmer Lane every Sunday morning, usually by myself, riding 50, 60 and up to 120 miles. Believe me, I wanted to turn around many times during the ride for whatever reason, but I kept on going, knowing it was all going to pay off on race day. The harder you train, the easier the race will be, so don’t give up! Keep your eyes on the prize. Preparing for your race requires more than sheer physical ability. On those days when it was 100 degrees and I was doing hill repeats on Wilke,
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By Craig Collinsworth
training for a marathon, I wanted to stop but I refused to give up. This is where the mental part of the training kicks in. It’s about 60% mental and 40% physical. Your body can do more than your mind tells it that it can. Keep on going! All that work in the heat only makes you body and mind stronger for your event in the fall. On your big day, prep carefully the day before. Make sure your clothes are laid out, nutrition “GU’s” are ready (yum), and shoes, socks, race bib/ belt, shorts and other gear is all accounted for. Get to the starting line early so you can take care of any last bathroom stops you will need (and you will need one). But, here is the most important part of whole day: Enjoy it! You’re ready; now trust your training. Thrive off the camaraderie of fellow competitors and allow the cheers of the crowd to carry you through the tough patches. When you’re at the end of your race and the finish line is in sight, relax. Don’t run the last 0.2 miles like your hair is on fire. If you honestly have the energy at that point, then you didn’t give it your all during the last 26 miles. For most of us, those extra seconds at the end really aren’t going to matter unless you’re trying to qualify for another race. Lift your head and see the people that are there to support you. And when you cross that finish line, look up, don’t look down at your watch…your picture is being taken. Also…listen! Your name is probably being called out. “____ you have just completed ____ marathon” or “____ you are an Ironman.” Some of the sweetest and most memorable words you’ll ever hear. Completing a marathon or triathlon is one of the most incredible, meaningful, difficult and rewarding things that you will ever do. The important thing in this adventure is to remember and cherish it all—from the pain of training day one to euphoria of completing your race. Every time I’ve crossed the finish line in a marathon, it’s like my first. I’m thankful to be able to be running and accomplishing something that many wish they could do. Honor your purpose, trust your training and respect the event, because this is a journey that will last forever in your soul. Craig Collinsworth is a local runner and triathlete. He works in the fitness industry for a running watch company called Soleus Watches.
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well well
Healthy Lunches, Healthy Kids
By Tarie Beldin
S
ince 1980 obesity rates for children have nearly tripled, and childhood obesity is perhaps more of an epidemic than the adult obesity crisis we are facing. Making a fresh lunch allows parents to control the nutrition of the food their children are eating, whether it’s at school, summer camp or at a friend’s house. According to the American Dietetic Association, 55 percent of kids “brown bag it” to school five-days-a-week and research has shown that when kids eat healthy, their grades are better and behaviors improve. Involving children in the lunch preparation encourages them to learn about nutrition and helps parents to find healthy options for “picky” eaters. If you are making a lunch for your child, these are the key things you should think of:
Nutrition: Try to include food that represents three to four food groups, such as protein, grain, dairy and fruit or vegetable. There are many options for protein lunch items, such as: lean chicken, turkey, left over ham or roast beef, tuna, beans, cheese, cottage cheese, hard boiled egg or even hummus. Many schools have a no-nuts/nut butter policy, due to allergies; however, nuts would also be a source of protein. Try to use whole grains if possible such as, whole wheat bread, pita bread, tortillas, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, whole grain crackers and cereals. Skim or one percent milk, low fat cheese, yogurt or cottage cheese are ideal ways to incorporate dairy into children’s lunches. For vegetables, try cutting them up and packing them with a dip.
The Planet: We place a lot of emphasis on cutting back on the amount of waste we create and we should continue this theme when packing lunches. To cut back on waste, use an insulated lunch bag and a reusable water bottle (it can be frozen and will thaw as the day goes on, acting like an ice pack for perish able foods). Instead of plastic bags, plastic utensils and paper napkins use reusable plastic containers, a thermos, flatware and a cloth napkin.
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Food Safety: A minimum of three to five hours can pass between the time the lunch is packed at home and when it is eaten. Harmful bacteria can begin to multiply if food is not kept at the proper temperature. Perishable foods should not remain un-refrigerated for longer than two hours. In hot weather, this is reduced to only one hour.
Make Lunch Fun: Include your children as much as possible in the planning and preparation of their lunches. If they are involved, they are much more likely to eat it. Children love fun shapes and being able to “dip” foods. Cut sandwiches or cheese with cookie cutters and make a dip with low fat yogurt for vegetables or fruits. Use dry cereal and fruits to make your own trail mix. Many children today are overweight, but undernourished. Their diets are lacking whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy. If parents can focus their meal planning around these food groups, limit fat and added sugar and make sure their children get a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity each day, it will help to fuel their bodies and their minds. Tarie Beldin is a registered and licensed dietitian at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.
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Summer’s Necessities:
Sunscreen & Skin Screenings By Mary Evers, D.O.
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ummer is here and that means high temperatures, plenty of sunshine, suntans and sunburns. While being in the sun and enjoying the outdoors is part of many Central Texans’ lives, people need to be conscious of the dangers created by ultraviolet overexposure from the sun. According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, more than two million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year—outnumbering all other cancers combined. Of these two million cases of skin cancer, more than 68,000 of these will be melanoma, the most life-threatening form of skin cancer.
(1) A spot or sore that itches, is painful, crusts or bleeds.
Having routine skin cancer screenings conducted by primary care physicians or dermatologists helps people identify problem areas and provide education on proper sun protection. The benefit of a skin cancer screening is the potential to find cancer at an early stage, as many skin cancers can be asymptomatic. The earlier that doctors are able to diagnose and treat skin cancer, the better the outcomes. While formal screening from a healthcare professional is important (at least once a year is recommended), there are a number of warning signs you can check for at home. During self-exams pay particular attention to sun-exposed areas (scalp, face and hands), as well as the following:
(2)
(3) A mole or birthmark
A skin growth that appears translucent or pearly and changes in size or shape.
that is irregular, changes in color, increases in size, or is itching, bleeding or tender.
If you see anything suspicious, contact your primary care physician or dermatologist as soon as possible. In addition to the importance of routine skin checks, it’s equally important to protect yourself while in the sun. Below are several steps you can take to help prevent sun dam-
age and the development of skin cancer: Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt • • • Schedule your outdoor activities during non-peak hours, which are before 10 am & after 4 pm • • • If you are outdoors, seek shade—do not allow your skin to burn • • • Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or greater & reapply every two hours • • • Do not use tanning beds • • • Give yourself extra protection when you’re around water, snow & sand, because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun & can cause you to burn easier. Mary Evers, D.O., is a dermatologist with Texas Dermatology Center, who practices at St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.
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Audiotoniq
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he Audiotoniq system consists of the innovative Audiotoniq Professional Hearing Test and the revolutionary Audiotoniq Hearing Aid. The testing system will be available first in Austin, and then will be rolled out to other major Texas markets and eventually nationally. The self-test system is a portable device that will allow greater access to hearing health by providing accurate audiogram and baseline hearing assessments that can be conducted in a variety of settings, such as schools, physician offices and pharmacies. Currently, only 14 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. “Audiotoniq has been working on the hearing test system for nearly two years, and we are excited that it is finally coming to fruition,” Russ Apfel, founder and CEO of Audiotoniq, said. “The system will make hearing testing easy and affordable, helping to identify any hearing problems for those who might have never planned on getting tested.” The self-test device does not require an operator to administer the test and has wireless connectivity, which allows for results to be printed or sent to an electronic medical
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Introducing a Revolutionary Hearing System
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Audiotoniq, an Austin, Texas-based company dedicated to providing the latest in hearing-loss technology at a lower cost to consumers, announced the introduction of its first-generation hearing system at the 2011 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention in Washington, D.C. on June 17, 2011.
record system. The low-cost testing system includes a computer with video instructions and easy-to-follow prompts. Live, online chat capabilities with audiologists and Audiotoniq customer care representatives, as well as live video conferencing, will also be available. The company’s first hearing aid is scheduled to be released in early fall 2011. The personally programmable audio device will cost considerably less than comparable hearing aids currently on the market. It will utilize cutting-edge technology that will allow users to control their hearing aid settings without having to schedule time-consuming appointments with a service provider. Applications have been developed for smart phones that will allow a wide range of adjustment options at the touch of a finger. The hearing aid is also adaptable for use with digital media devices such as MP3 players and contains a re-chargeable lithium ion battery that will last approximately 30 hours between charges. The Audiotoniq Live Life Log, an online journal, allows individuals to examine the impact of their hearing problems—recording, tracking, and sharing life experiences
and information related to hearing loss. The tool is currently available at www.audiotoniq. com, and will be available as a smart-phone application at a later date. “When we decided to form Audiotoniq in 2009, we shared a belief that we would offer customers a choice in how they purchased and controlled their hearing aids,” Harold Mindlin, vice president of sales and marketing, said. “With this announcement, we are in full motion towards accomplishing that goal.” About 17 percent of American adults (36 million) report some degree of hearing loss, yet only one out of five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one. Since Audiotoniq’s inception, engineers and entrepreneurs with the company have been working to develop products and distribution channels that will provide consumers with a new and improved option for hearing aids, enabling people to make on-the-fly adjustments to their hearing aids to better their overall quality of life. To learn more about Audiotoniq, please visit www.audiotoniq.com.
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