Living Texas | Austin
something for everyone at austin’s fareground By Margaret Richards
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ince it opened its much anticipated doors in mid-February, Austin’s Fareground has transformed a tired office block on the corner of a busy intersection into a vibrant destination combining an on-trend food hall with a welcome family-friendly sunken garden. Picture hipsters, couples, friends and family groups indoors sipping (yes, there’s a full bar) and snacking at communal tables in a Michael Tsu-designed interior. Then, look outside to see kids rolling down the green banks while parents play along, or watch from the umbrellashaded tables on the patio directly outside the food hall. A street-level bar is also opening any day. Six of the city’s culinary greats, offering a wide range of cuisines, are under the Fareground roof: Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, Contigo, Dai Due, Easy Tiger, Henbit (from Emmer & Rye) and Ni-Komé (from the Komé/Daruma Ramen family). Here’s a whistle stop of what to expect at Austin’s newest downtown must-see. Bottom line: there’s something for everyone.
antonelli’s cheese shop Named one of the top cheese shops in America by Travel & Leisure, Antonelli’s has a curated selection of cut-to-order cheese, charcuterie and a variety of hot and cold items. Their take on mac ‘n cheese must not be missed! And yes, there’s complimentary cheese tasting.
contigo Fans of the laidback eastside shop are thrilled to see favorites such as the Contigo burger and crispy green beans on the menu. Exclusive to Fareground is locally sourced, natural chicken cooked on a rotisserie – perfect for dining in or an easy grab & go.
dai due taquería Hyperlocal Dai Due – helmed by Chef Jesse Griffiths (a James 8 Texas Lifestyle Magazine | Spring/Summer 2018
Beard Award finalist) – has evolved from on-farm supper clubs and farmers’ markets to a brick-and-mortar restaurant and butcher shop. The new concept at Fareground includes tacos, tortas and molletes filled with Texas game (including wild boar al pastor, bison picadillo and venison barbacoa), Gulf seafood and innovative veggie combos (such as beet longaniza).
easy tiger Named one of America’s Best Beer Gardens by Food & Wine – Easy Tiger pairs house-cured meats and sausages made by Andrew Curren (two-time nominee for Food & Wine’s People’s Best New Chef) with artisanal breads baked by head dough-puncher David Norman. Be sure to pick up a loaf of freshly baked bread to take home. (We challenge you to make it all the way home before breaking off a piece!)
henbit Launched at Fareground by the team behind Emmer & Rye (crowned one of America’s Best New Restaurants by Bon Appétit), this new concept’s menu spans an all day feast. For breakfast, try the red fife kolaches with chorizo, cheese and local chiles. Later in the day, nosh on avocado and spaghetti squash salad with burnt pecan dressing. Beverages include superfood lattes – try the matcha with lavender syrup.
ni-komé Husband & wife chef/owners Takehiro & Kayo Asazu melded elements of Komé Sushi Kitchen (named one of the Best New Sushi Restaurants in America by Bon Appétit) and sister shop Daruma Ramen (downtown’s first ramen shop) to create this new concept. The sushi bar will feature Komé’s signature rolls such as the spooky roll (spicy tuna, avocado, salmon and go-go sauce). The ramen menu will include Daruma’s famous Marudori (whole chicken broth) plus vegan options.
