TRIBEZA February 2020 Issue

Beautiful and useful furnishings designed to make your experience at home and at work more meaningful.

problem solving design exceptional quality expert craftsmanship

Austin 2236 West Braker Lane 512.451.1233

San Antonio 18603 Blanco Road 210.545.4366

www.CopenhagenLiving.com

Herman Miller Authorized Retailer

8700 Calera

2625 West 45th Street

Laura Gottesman

Elizabeth Shands

GOTTESMAN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE go ttesman r e s i d e nt i a l . c o m l 5 1 2 . 4 5 1 .2422

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3401 Mt. Bonnell

4401 Island Cove

Laura Gottesman

Shannon Windham

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Proven Success. Dedicated Team. Refined Expertise. © Compass 2020 ¦ All Rights Reserved by Compass ¦ All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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SOLD - 1202 Claire Avenue

SOLD - 6409 Soter Parkway

SOLD - 7901 Dadiva Court

SOLD - 9215 Silver Pine Cove

Nicole Kessler Broker Associate Compass Real Estate NI COLEKESS LE R .COM tribeza.com

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WE KNOW AUSTIN We’re offering what’s next, NOW. With over 35 years of experience in the Austin area, Prospect Real Estate is focused on providing the best urban living experience and attainable opportunities in the city. Our agents have their fingers on the pulse of Austin with exclusive access to new build inventory you can’t find anywhere else. We buy Austin, we sell Austin — we LIVE Austin.

We’re proud to be the exclusive listing agent for Natiivo Austin, powered by Airbnb 512-640-1881 • INFO@PROSPECTREALESTATE.COM

PROSPECTREALESTATE.COM 6 FEBRUARY 2020 |

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OWN WHAT’S NEXT The first luxury residences in Austin purposefully designed, built and licensed for homesharing.

Fully-finished and furnished from $500s NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION | DELIVERY FALL 2021 | 888 267 6353 | SALES@NATIIVOAUSTIN.COM | NATIIVOAUSTIN.COM

All images and designs depicted herein are artist’s conceptual renderings, which are based upon preliminary development plans, and are subject to change without notice in the manner provided in the offering documents. All such materials are not to scale and are shown solely for illustrative purposes.This condominium is being developed by 48 East Property,LLC (“Developer”), which has a limited right to use the trademarked names and logos of Natiivo and AirBNB pursuant to a license and marketing agreement with NEWGARD DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC “NEWGARD”. Any and all statements, disclosures and/or representations shall be deemed made by Developer and not by Natiivo, AirBNB and/or NEWGARD and you agree to look solely to Developer (and not to Natiivo, AirBNB and/or NEWGARD and/or any of its or their affiliates) with respect to any and all matters relating to the marketing and/or development of the Condominium and with respect to the sales of units in the Condominium. We are in compliance with Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. We have not, and will not, either directly or indirectly, discriminate against you or any other prospective purchaser on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Price and availability subject to change. Renderings, photos, and ©️ 2019. NGD Homesharing LLC and 48 East Property, LLC. All rights reserved.

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D E V E LOPE D B Y

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FEBRUARY / WELLNESS

The Wayback Café’s hearty farm-to-table menu entices Austinites to staycation in the Hill Country.

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Ojai’s magic is in its spectacular setting, rich natural food scene and the authenticity of the town's residents.

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DEPARTMENTS

ON THE COVER At The Little Yoga House, co-owner An Dang offers families a chance to hang out and spend quality time together while practicing lighthearted and playful yoga.

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Finding community is a motivation for achieving fitness at neighborhood workout groups like Comedor Run Club.

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Social Hour p. 16

Staycation p. 72

Kristin’s Column p. 22

Karen’s Pick p. 78

Tribeza Talk p. 24

Dining Guide p. 80

Arts & Entertainment Calendars p. 30

A Look Behind p. 84

Music Pick p. 31 Art Pick p. 32 Event Pick p. 34 Travel Pick p. 68

FEATURES

Team Work p. 40 Nurture by Nature p. 52 2020 Wellness Guide p. 56

P H OTO G R A P H S B Y M AT T R A I N WAT E R S , S H E L B Y T S I K A A N D M A R I A N N E M U E G E N B U R G (CC B Y-S A 2 . 0) .

CONTENTS

For those ready for what’s next Are you seeking the charm, character and urban lifestyle of Travis Heights? The quiet streets, exceptional schools and spacious yards of Rollingwood? The excitement, walk-ability and amenities at your doorstep of Downtown Austin?

The real estate team you choose to represent you and your property should understand you and the lifestyle you seek in your next chapter.

In Central Austin, Carl Shurr and Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty offer the expertise, unrivaled service and limitless opportunities to help get you there.

Carl Shurr YOUR LO CA L AN D G LO BA L R E A L ESTAT E A DV I SO R 512.944.5977 | carl@carlshurr.com carlshurr.kuperrealty.com

2021TRAVIS HE IG HTS .COM tribeza.com

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Los Angeleno friend of a friend who could easily live anywhere in the world recently reached out to me for advice on moving to Austin. She’s looking for a place to nest conducive to living with an illness and heard Austin would be a haven to support her concerns. Not because of a team of doctors but for the holistic wellness community. Could Austin be the new mecca for self-care? It’s not hard to argue yes.

For our annual wellness issue, we’ve endeavored to reflect the tremendous depth of services found locally to nourish the mind, body and soul. Austin is a fraction of the size of California, yet it now rivals the Golden State’s dominion over all things healthy. We have highly seasoned, supremely educated providers serving everything from salt cave to sound therapy. To help facilitate your journey to a better you, we have included a curated guide on the range of opportunities and best practitioners.

Because good health also means fitness, additionally we have a feature on community workout groups. It’s a charming testament to the power of exercise and teamwork in making everyday life joyful. One of my favorite elements is the story on Titan Evolution and Archer Hadley. I hope you’ll follow the link and support Archer’s Challenge in making schools more accessible for those who are mobility-impaired. Special thanks to Matt Rainwaters, who worked up quite a sweat photographing the whole series and shadowing the participants in their routines.

Finally, no wellness regime would be complete without good nutrition, so our great food writer, Karen Spezia, revisits the temple of ayurvedic dining, Casa de Luz. The institution lives by the mantra “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” We couldn’t agree more. To living your best life,

Suzanne Kilpatrick suzanne@tribeza.com

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P H OTO G R A P H B Y M AT T R A I N WAT E R S

EDITOR'S LETTER

The Allen Luxury Client Group Dara & Todd Allen | 310.426.0022 allenluxurygroup@compass.com

The Allen Luxury Client Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local laws. Equal Housing Opportunity.

TRIBEZ A

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AUSTIN CUR ATED

F E B RUA R Y 2 02 0

YEARS

CEO + PUBLISHER

George Elliman

EDITOR

Suzanne Kilpatrick ART DIRECTOR

September Broadhead

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Aaron Parsley

EDITOR-AT-L ARGE

Anne Bruno

DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

Holly Cowart

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Vanessa Blankenship

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Krissy Hearn

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Paul Krushin

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Joe Layton

PRINCIPALS

George Elliman Chuck Sack Vance Sack Michael Torres INTERN

Luna Estrella

COLUMNISTS

Kristin Armstrong Karen Spezia WRITERS

Nicole Beckley Vanessa Blankenship Laurel Miller COPY EDITOR

Stacy Hollister

PHOTOGR APHERS

Holly Cowart Matt Rainwaters Erin Reas

ILLUSTR ATOR

Hannah-Michelle Bayley Krista Perry

706A West 34th Street Austin, Texas 78705 ph (512) 474 4711 | fax (512) 474 4715 tribeza.com Founded in March 2001, TRIBEZA is Austin's leading locally-owned arts and culture magazine.

Printed by CSI Printing and Mailing Copyright @ 2018 by TRIBEZA. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of the publisher, is prohibited.

TRIBEZA is a proud member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

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1601 West 38th Street at Kerbey Lane Austin, Texas • 512- 458- 5407 Monday through Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm www.GardenRoomBoutique.com

follow us on instagram @gardenroomatx

MONTH ON S I H T TR

IBEZA.COM

SOBER SCENE

An East Austin watering hole with cocktails, music, dancing—but no alcohol.

Plus: The best booze-free drinks in town. tribeza.com/sans-bar-austin

THE ABCS OF CBD

A guide to Austin-based businesses and the CBD boom. tribeza.com/cbd-austin

Stories from this issue are available at tribeza.com, in addition to fresh content daily. Keep up by subscribing to our weekly Tribeza Talk newsletter. tribeza.com/sign-up-newsletter

GET WELL

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EQUALITY TEXAS 30TH ANNIVERSARY Equality Texas hosted a gathering on November 16 to celebrate its 30th anniversary of fighting for equal rights for the LGBTQ community. Featuring a performance by Austin’s Queen tribute band Magnifico, the night honored advocates, milestones and the Texas Legislature’s first LGBTQ Caucus, whose founding five members are queer women from around the state.

ANDY RODDICK FOUNDATION GALA The 14th annual Andy Roddick Foundation Gala brought together thousands of supporters, partners and concertgoers to ACL Live at The Moody Theater on November 17. The evening presented an extensive live auction, an elegant dinner and a concert by Grammy winner Seal.

The Foundation raised funds for its school and summer Learning Program, providing access to high-quality learning and enrichment for

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AUSTIN FOOD & WINE ALLIANCE 2019 CULINARY GRANT AWARDS The highly anticipated 2019 Austin Food & Wine Alliance grant award winners were announced on December 9 in a ceremony at the Fairmont Austin. Included with the $70,000 were nine special grants for projects meeting specific requirements, each reflecting the city’s diverse dining scene.

EQUALITY TEXAS 30TH ANNIVERSARY: 1. Paul Hollowell 2. Kai Shappley & Monica Roberts 3. Ricardo Martinez & Kenny Dann ANDY RODDICK FOUNDATION GALA: 4. Jen & Karl Hemmelgarn 5. Andy Roddick & Seal 6. Matt Davis & Brooklyn Decker 7. Vidar & Lieve Saether AUSTIN FOOD & WINE ALLIANCE 2019 CULINARY GRANT AWARDS: 8. Carter Lyon 9. Apis Restaurant & Apiary bar team

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P H OTO G R A P H S B Y T Y L E R S C H M I T T, CO U R T E S Y O F A R F A N D H U N T E R TO W N S E N D

children and youth.

Li v e t h e l u xu r y c on d o l i f e s tyl e Enjoy spectacular views of the downtown skyline and Texas hill country from this expansive three bedroom/three and a half bathroom residence on the 25th floor.

This custom floor plan lives like a spacious home, complete with dual entrances, his and hers master closets, walk-in pantry, mud room and separate utility room.

The main living area opens to the luxe kitchen and the outdoor terrace.

Stunning floor to ceiling windows allow for an abundance of natural light.

24/7 valet, private pool and spa all located in the heart of the Second Street District and steps away from fine dining, live music, and shops.

Listed at $2,750,000 Learn more at

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Melissa Meeks Kilian

Global Real Estate Advisor melissa.kilian@sothebysrealty.com 512.217.2020

SOCIAL HOUR

ESTILO MEN’S BOUTIQUE LAUNCH PARTY During its 15th anniversary, Estilo Austin welcomed the addition of its new high-end men’s store, E​stilo Men. Shoppers enjoyed instore cocktails, personalized styling sessions and more for a weekend of specials from December 13 through December 15. Located in the heart of Tarrytown, the unique men’s boutique will offer whiskey tastings, walk-in styling and hand-picked items by stylist and owner Stephanie Coultress O’Neill.

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ART OF CHAD SMITH RECEPTION Chad Smith, artist and member of the renowned rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, premiered his first fine art exhibition at the Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery this January. During its nine-day stay, the iconic musician made two in-person appearances, on January 11 and 12, to chat with fans about his work, which he creates using drumsticks to craft rhythm and capture light.

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#BBATX WORK CONFERENCE

ESTILO MEN’S BOUTIQUE LAUNCH PARTY: 1.

Laura Craddick & Tammy Caciola 2. Stephanie Coultress O’Neill & Lyn Graft 3. Corey Mercke, Samantha Abrego, Roslyn Bond & Austin York ART OF CHAD SMITH RECEPTION: 4. Elaine DeWolfe, Mason DeWolfe & Matt Specht 5. Lauren O’Connor & Sarah Sanchez 6. Chad Smith & Lisa Russell #BBATX WORK CONFERENCE: 7.

Madeline Enos 8. Tiffany Hammond, Cheyenne Doerr & Kristen Hubby 9. Jane Claire Hervey & Jackie Venson

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P H OTO G R A P H S B Y B E N P O R T E R , E R I N R E A S & J E N R AC H I D

On January 11, Boss Babes ATX welcomed hundreds to its biannual conference, WORK, to explore ideas and approaches to creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial work. Held at UT Austin’s Rowling Hall, guests were treated to panels, workshops and speaker sessions that touched on personal and professional development, marketing, wellness and more.

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GUADALUPE ST tribeza.com

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COMMUNITY + CULTURE

P H OTO G R A P H B Y H O L LY CO WA R T

GOOD VIBRATIONS Sound therapy is one of the many products and practices helping Austinites find harmony, pg. 24.

KRISTIN'S COLUMN

Well-being

By Kristin Armstrong Illustration by Krista Perry

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"I want everyone to be well, to deeply experience well-being in all the abundance of what that means to each person."

WELLNESS GETS A LOT of play these days.

There are wellness centers, posts and podcasts, articles and websites. There are wellness clinics, holistic practitioners and every kind of wellness promise — in the form of diet, pill, powder or supplement. There are therapists, counselors, guides, gurus, life coaches and mentors.

What does it really mean to be “well”?

For someone who is sick, it can mean to be healthy. For someone who is heartbroken, it can mean to be healed. For someone who is depressed, it can mean to feel energized or hopeful. For someone who is lonely, it can mean to feel connected or experience a sense of belonging. For someone who is anxious, it can mean to feel calm and centered. For someone who is exhausted, it can mean to feel rested or rejuvenated. For someone who is grieving, it can mean respite or relief. For someone who is stuck, it can mean freedom or momentum. For someone who is confused, it can mean clarity or focused intention. For someone who is overworked, it can mean creating a state of balance. For someone who is bored or restless, it can mean a feeling of stimulation or excitement. For someone who is overwhelmed, it can mean a sense of pace, priority, confidence and ease.

I ushered in this new year with a group of beloved people on my favorite beach in Santa Barbara, toasting with a glass of Champagne to the last sunset of the decade. God really put on a spectacular show, a grand finale, so to speak. Radiant colors of orange and pink cast a warm glow on everyone’s faces, then turned us to silhouettes as the colors faded and the last wink of the sun disappeared, falling over the far edge of the ocean. Just like that, the decade was

done. It was as if the curtains closed, a set change between acts in a play.

2020, welcome.

In this next decade, my children will graduate from college, start careers, possibly marry and start families of their own. I remember that decade of my own life well, so much change compounded in such a short amount of time.

When I think about my kids, and what I desire for them, it’s no different from what I desire for myself, my family, my clients, my readers and my friends. I want everyone to be well, to deeply experience well-being in all the abundance of what that means to each person. To step into the fullness of everything we have become.

The first step on the path to wellness is to consciously choose it. I dedicated 2019 to cleaning up my energy, and it was the most transformative year of my life so far. I am so incredibly thankful for my catalysts, the people and the experiences that helped me navigate my release and renovation. I honor you every time I help someone else navigate his or her own.

I recently made a packing list in my journal.

It includes every thing I am intentionally and gratefully leaving behind, as well as the things I choose to carry forward into this new decade. Because one of my main desires is to have more fun, I am deliberately packing light and leaving room for the unknown. I am ready to learn, share, serve, play, work, live and love in ways that create powerful currents of freedom, healing and connection.

Whatever wellness means to you, I wish you well. Your mind, your body, your heart and your soul — integrated, aligned and ready to welcome all that is coming to you, and for you.

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K L TRIBEZA TA AN ARR AY OF WELLNESS PRODUCTS AND PR ACTICES THAT USE BRIGHT HUES TO FOSTER HE ALING AND GROW TH

BY NICOLE BECKLEY

ROCK ON While searching for gifts for one another and other friends, Chrissy Loehman, Ashley Lapin and Carolyn Connolly found themselves routinely giving crystals. “We felt like it was a more meaningful way of telling someone you’re thinking of them,” Loehman says.

In early 2019, the trio formed Quartz Collective, curating 14 collections of

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stones meant to target intentions including confidence, weight loss and protection. “We want to make crystals accessible and fun,” Loehman says. Their ethically sourced gems come from the U.S., U.K. and India, and Loehman says they’re meant to be kept nearby. “As long as they’re near you, where you

“A ritual bath is different than a regular bath,” Deborah Hanekamp says. “It’s taking the bath with intention.” The author of the forthcoming book “Ritual Baths” and the driving force behind Mama Medicine, Hanekamp looks to these therapeutic baths as a form of self-healing. While bathing, she recommends focusing on the experience: “Feeling the water on your skin, the sensation of being held, trying to be present with the peace that the bath can bring,” Hanekamp says.

While she offers some kits for sale on her site, she says that simple natural elements like stones, bath salts and rosemary can be utilized to create a ritual bath. “The stone and the salts bring the love and the nurturing energy of the earth, and the water is cleansing,” Hanekamp says. “Rosemary really helps to protect the immune system, and anything that physically protects you in the herbal world will also psychically protect you as well.” mamamedicine.nyc

can see them and remember the goal you set for yourself — what the rocks are helping you to accomplish — that’s the key.” quartzcollective.com

P H OTO G R A P H S B Y A S H L E Y R I V E R B R A N T, A N D R E W LO E H M A N , C H R I S C H I E CO A N D S U S A N N A TAY LO R .

BATHING BEAUTY

TO DYE FOR After earning a degree in environmental studies and studying fashion design at Parsons, Susanna Taylor wanted to put her expertise to good use. In 2013, she launched Earthen Warrior, a brand focused on eco-fashion. Fast-forward seven years and Taylor’s newest venture is Flower Dye, a natural dye design studio that produces beautiful silk slips, pillowcases and custom dyed goods.

While Earthen Warrior lives on as an eco-lifestyle blog, Flower Dye promotes sustainable practices starting from the stem — generating its colorful dyes from plants grown on a farm in Vermont. “I want to bring intention to people’s lives and the way people shop,” Taylor says. “I want people to feel good with their purchase and feel good in their bodies when they’re wearing the items.” flowerdye.blue

GOOD LOOKING For more than 100 years, Morgenthal Frederics has specialized in luxury eyewear, but its newest ChromoClear collection is a vision of the future.

Crafted by hand from biodegradable acetate, each set of frames contains ZEISS BioChrom lenses in blue, red, yellow or green. Tested in labs in Germany and Italy, the lens color can correspond to specific biological responses, helping the body feel more invigorated (red), refreshed (blue), focused (yellow) or relaxed (green).

Three frame styles are available so you can feel like your most stylish self. morgenthalfrederics.com

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SONIC VESSELS

P H OTO G R A P H B Y H O L LY CO WA R T.

Melissa Grogan, a former Texas State University professor, has long specialized in voice and movement. “For 20 years, I’ve taught people how to use sound to heal themselves,” she says. In her home office in Barton Hills, Grogan uses crystal bowls, chimes and other instruments in her private sound therapy practice. While clients lie on a massage table, Grogan employs the techniques of reiki and sonic healing along with sound to help the body feel relaxed and grounded. “Through simple intention and holding space with the person in front of us, we’re inviting the body to come back to that space,” Grogan says. “As a sound therapist … we have the understanding of what the body needs to be in a state of balance.” austinvocalempowerment.com/somatic-sound

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©A U R A-S O M A P R O D U C T S LT D , S O U T H R D , T E T F O R D L I N C S U K L N 9 6 Q B

ALL THE PRETTY COLORS Entering Christina Dietz’s Bouldin “sensory therapy space” is like stepping into a jewel box. A buttery antique armoire stands front and center, its shelves lined with flacons of dual-colored oils distilled from organically and biodynamically grown plants, flowers and minerals. Sapphire, pomegranate, emerald, cotton-candy pink, sky blue — even if you’re a skeptic, the kaleidoscopic array is captivating.

Dietz is the founder of Heart Art Color Therapy, an integrative practice that uses Aura-Soma to help clients seeking to improve their lives. The color- and nature-based therapeutic discipline was developed

in England in 1983 by the late surgical chiropodist and apothecarist Vicky Wall. Forced into retirement due to clinical blindness, she began practicing meditation, which she claimed enabled her to “see” waves of color. Inspired, she created a line of colorbased, botanical-based elixirs — called equilibriums — guided entirely by feel and instinct. That intuition is the leading principle behind Aura-Soma, which is based on a client’s selection of four equilibriums or wellness combinations.

“Their choices structure and lead a transformative conversation, gifting the client to see themselves,

their story and their world in a new light,” says Dietz. “The products are like nature in a bottle and designed as a take-home therapy to be applied daily, calming the mind and harmonizing the energetic system.”

Dietz uses Aura-Soma to help clients tap into their subconscious, allowing them to “instinctively let go of self-imposed blocks,” reframe personal or professional obstacles, and expand their potential.

It’s not as out there as it might sound. Rather, it's a more playful, less intimidating discipline than traditional therapy. “Life can be rough,” says Dietz. “When you realize healing and evolving can be easy, joyful and profound, you let go of making things harder for yourself.”

An avid traveler and artist, Dietz discovered Aura-Soma after three years of chronic illness that nearly resulted in her death. Exhausted emotionally and physically and frustrated by a lack of a diagnosis and unsuccessful treatments (she eventually learned she had black mold poisoning), she found herself open to trying “just about anything that could potentially lift my spirits.”

An Aura-Soma consultation in Sedona, Arizona, in 2012 resulted in an epiphany, which eventually led to Dietz’s becoming a certified Aura-Soma practitioner. “I was able to hear myself clearly, and my life went from a hazy lens to experiencing a total, unwavering power and faith in myself.”

Dietz realized that her yearning for color was her brain and body’s way of healing itself. “I sought colors out: in fresh produce, my art and traveling to places like New Zealand, which nourished my soul appetite for lush green; my doctor later told me that trip was the best thing I could have done, because clean air is the most effective way to detox from black mold exposure. Aura-Soma allowed me to step on the path to be in control of my own healing.”

Initial sessions run 90 minutes and include a guided sensory meditation to assist in your healing. heartartcolortherapy.com

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nebulagallery fine art gallery

217 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 www.thenebulagallery.com

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RealtorÂŽ | 512.627.4849 cathy.romano@compass.com Cathy Romano is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local laws. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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GO FIGURE Nicole Eisenman’s first independent show in Texas, “Sturm und Drang,” arrives at The Contemporary Austin’s Jones Center, pg. 32.

N I CO L E E I S E N M A N , P E R P E T U A L M OT I O N M AC H I N E , 2 0 19 ( D E TA I L ) . B R O N Z E . 5 6 X 11 2 X 13 2 I N C H E S . E D I T I O N 3 O F 3 , 2 A P. I N S TA L L AT I O N V I E W, W H I T N E Y B I E N N I A L 2 0 19, W H I T N E Y M U S E U M O F A M E R I C A N A R T, N E W YO R K , 2 0 19. A R T W O R K © N I CO L E E I S E N M A N . CO U R T E S Y T H E A R T I S T A N D V I E L M E T T E R LO S A N G E L E S . I M AG E CO U R T E S Y W H I T N E Y M U S E U M O F A M E R I C A N A R T, N E W YO R K . P H OTO G R A P H B Y O B J E C T S T U D I E S .

ARTS + HAPPENINGS

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C ALENDARS

Entertainment SONGS IN THE SKYSPACE

February 2 – 23 James Turrell Skyspace, The Color Inside DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL

February 13 Emo’s Austin

LEANN RIMES

February 14 & 15 Gruene Hall

COLD WAR KIDS

February 15 Stubb’s BBQ

February 5 Stubb’s BBQ

GRACE POTTER

GARY CLARK JR. W/ THE DIXIE CHICKS

February 6 ACL Live at The Moody Theater ERIC NAM

February 7 Scoot Inn

February 15 ACL Live at The Moody Theater DOYLE BRAMHALL II & FRIENDS

February 16 ACL Live at The Moody Theater TEDDY SWIMS

PAT GREEN

February 7 ACL Live at The Moody Theater ASO: PICTURE PERFECT

February 7 & 8 Long Center

February 16 Antone’s Nightclub KAT EDMONSON

February 19 Paramount Theatre

SILVERSUN PICKUPS

CHARLIE WILSON

February 8 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS

February 8 ACL Live at The Moody Theater SARAH MCLACHLAN

February 8 Bass Concert Hall

February 19 Stubb’s BBQ THE USED

February 19 Mohawk Austin REVEREND HORTON HEAT

February 19 & 20 Antone’s Nightclub THRICE

CAMILA

February 9 ACL Live at The Moody Theater THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

February 10 Emo’s Austin

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ROB GARZA

February 20 Emo’s Austin TONES AND I

February 21 The Parish

JAUZ

February 22 Stubb’s BBQ AN EVENING WITH PITBULL

February 23 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park TORI KELLY

February 23 ACL Live at The Moody Theater REX ORANGE COUNTY

February 24 & 25 Stubb’s BBQ

BROTHER ALI

February 26 Antone’s Nightclub DWEEZIL ZAPPA

February 26 Paramount Theatre METRONOMY

February 26 Scoot Inn

NGHTMRE

February 27 Emo’s Austin

YBN CORDAE

February 28 Come and Take It Live

FILM SMITHEREENS

February 8 AFS Cinema

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI W/ LIVE SCORE

SHINYRIBS

February 29 Paramount Theatre MARC ANTHONY

March 1 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park

SISTER MOSES: THE STORY OF HARRIET TUBMAN

February 7 & 8 Huston-Tillotson University

RED CARPET VIEWING PARTY

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE

February 9 AFS Cinema

DON HERTZFELDT: REJECTED AT 20

February 21 AFS Cinema

INDIANA JONES RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK W/ LIVE SCORE

February 22 Long Center

TEXAS FOCUS: BECOMING LESLIE

February 27 Bullock Texas State History Museum LAKE TRAVIS FILM FESTIVAL

February 27 – March 1 Various Locations

THEATER FRONTERAFEST 2020

Through February 15 Various Locations A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN

Through March 8 ZACH Theatre

EVERY BRILLIANT THING

February 5 – March 29 ZACH Theatre

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February 7 Bass Concert Hall

February 9 Paramount Theatre

KOOL & THE GANG

February 29 ACL Live at The Moody Theater

THE ORIGIN OF LOVE: THE SONGS & STORIES OF HEDWIG

February 13 – 29 Ground Floor Theatre

BALLET AUSTIN: RESTLESS HEARTS

February 14 – 16 Long Center

COME FROM AWAY

February 18 – 23 Bass Concert Hall

MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET

February 26 – March 8 Oscar G. Brockett Theatre

COMEDY GREG FITZSIMMONS

February 13 – 15 Cap City Comedy Club

EXCUSED ABSENCE COMEDY FESTIVAL

February 15 – 17 ColdTowne Theater

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 LIVE

February 23 Paramount Theatre

MARY LYNN RAJSKUB

February 26 – 29 Cap City Comedy Club

P H OTO G R A P H B Y J OA N M A R C U S

MUSIC

THE WAIT WAIT …

STAND-UP TOUR

February 27 & 28 Paramount Theatre BIG MOOD W/ MINDA WEI

February 29 – March 1 ColdTowne Theater

FAMILY SAULPAUL’S ALIEN ADVENTURE

February 8 – March 1 Austin Scottish Rite Theater MUSIC OF PRINCE FOR KIDS

February 9 Mohawk Austin

TOTALLY COOL TOTALLY ART

February 14 – March 1 Mexic-Arte Museum BABY DAY

February 15 Thinkery

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE: NEIGHBOR DAY

February 17 & 18 Long Center

SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH

February 29 – April 4 ZACH Theatre

OTHER CRISS ANGEL RAW

February 9 Bass Concert Hall

JO’S CHILI COOK-OFF

February 9 Jo’s Coffee - South Congress

AUSTIN MARATHON & HALF MARATHON

February 16 Downtown Austin

ROBOTTERS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

February 17 & 18 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park OUTSIDER FESTIVAL

February 19 – 23 Various Locations

RONAN FARROW

February 21 Paramount Theatre

AUSTIN MODERN HOME TOUR

February 22 Various Locations

#BOSSBABESATX COMMUNITY MEET-UP

February 22 #BBATX HQ

CARNAVAL BRASILEIRO

February 22 Emo’s Austin

POP-UP MAGAZINE: WINTER 2020 ISSUE

February 22 Hogg Auditorium

LONE STAR LE MANS

February 22 & 23 Circuit of the Americas

2020 CHEF DINNER SERIES W/ CHEF MICHAEL FOJTASEK

February 24 Arlo Grey

FLASHBACK DANCE PARTY

February 28 The Parish

MUSIC PICK

A Night With Janis Joplin

By Vanessa Blankenship Z ACH THEATRE, JANUARY 29 - MARCH 8

Janis Joplin was one of the most electrifying performers of the late 1960s.

The Texas-born singer-songwriter had her humble beginning in blues, but the way her sound dominated and combined blues, soul, gospel, country and rock and roll made her an icon for decades to come.

Like many young rock stars before her, Joplin struggled with substance abuse and died from a heroin overdose at the age of 27. But her spellbinding songs like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Mercedes Benz” and “Summertime” come alive once again in “A Night With Janis Joplin.”

The cheerful yet dazzling musical stars Tony-nominated performer Mary Bridget Davies as Joplin and features some of the most captivating performers all under the direction of writer and director Randy Johnson.

“It’s an evening with Janis Joplin where she tells the story of her life, her influences, how she got there and her hopes for the future,” Johnson says.

The production, which has been featured in regional theaters and on Broadway, follows Joplin’s life a week before her death and “is the concert she has always wanted to give where she sets the record straight.”

Viewers can expect a score filled with Joplin’s famous tunes and hits from her icons, including Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Etta James and more. Joplin sings through the soul, and Davies perfectly captures both her essence and her powerful vocals.

“What I wanted to focus on in the show is the life and joy of Janis Joplin,” Johnson says. “I think that’s why the show has endured for 10 years.”

“A Night With Janis Joplin” plays at the ZACH Theatre from January 29 to March 8. tribeza.com

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ARTS C ALENDAR

Arts SANGMI YOO: STEREOTYPED ORDINARY Through February 15 Flatbed Press & Gallery STEPS ON STEPPES Through February 15 Northern-Southern LINDSAY SMITH: VIVID Through February 22 Dougherty Arts Center

ART PICK

“Nicole Eisenman: Sturm und Drang”

By Holly Cowart THE CONTEMPOR ARY AUSTIN - JONES CENTER, FEBRUARY 27 – AUGUST 16

This February, Austin will welcome a new set of visitors as Nicole Eisenman’s whimsical figures take over The Contemporary Austin’s Jones Center. The Brooklyn-based artist is this year’s recipient of the Suzanne Deal Booth / FLAG Art Foundation Prize, which every two years grants a specially selected artist a solo exhibition, scholarly publication, $200,000 in prize money and unlimited possibilities.

Having previously exhibited in galleries around the world, this is Eisenman’s first independent show in Texas. Her work often combines Western art history with figuration, displaying a subtle yet intricate view of the human form. Titled “Sturm und Drang,” the upcoming retrospective references the literary movement in 18th-century Germany that vehemently praised the individual over the group. Similarly, Eisenman’s art delicately navigates among themes of feminism, sexuality, humor and emotion while rejecting the imposition of social influence and elitist tendencies. Alongside her well-established paintings and drawings, the series also highlights Eisenman’s progression into sculptural work, including the installation of an outdoor piece at The Contemporary’s 14-acre campus, Laguna Gloria.

“The generous resources around this prize provide opportunities not only for the museum to present a full exhibition of current and past work, but also for the artist to explore new directions,” says the museum’s chief curator and director of curatorial affairs, Heather Pesanti. “In particular, Nicole’s recent turn to three-dimensional work is a testament to this next chapter: Her anti-monumental and enigmatic sculptures bring the painted bodies from her canvases into three-dimensional space.”

During the exhibition’s six-month stay, fully immerse yourself in Eisenman’s playful imagination and striking figures before they depart for The FLAG Art Foundation in New York on August 16.

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SPECTRUM: NEW WORK BY ROI JAMES Through February 22 Davis Gallery ANA ESTEVE LLORENS: SPACE IS A REALITY Through February 23 grayDUCK Gallery MIHEE NAHM Through February 27 Women & Their Work Gallery KRIS GRAVES: TESTAMENT PROJECT Through February 29 Austin Central Library Gallery JADE WALKER: IN THE ARCH OF YOUR MALLET Through February 29 Dimension Gallery UNSEEN PRINTS FROM THE MEXICARTE MUSEUM COLLECTION Through March 1 Mexic-Arte Museum

CIRCULAR SCORE February 1 – 29 Co-Lab Projects EVOLUTIONS February 1 – March 4 Old Bakery & Emporium ART OF CELEBRATION February 1 – April 25 Art for the People Gallery GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ: THE MAKING OF A GLOBAL WRITER February 1 – July 19 Harry Ransom Center 2020 ART SHOW February 3 – March 27 Santa Cruz Gallery JUAN LUIS JARDI: SOLO SHOW February 8 – 29 Wally Workman Gallery THIS LIGHT OF OURS February 15 – May 31 Bullock Texas State History Museum THE AVANT-GARDE NETWORKS OF AMAUTA February 16 – May 17 Blanton Museum of Art NICOLE EISENMAN: STURM UND DRANG February 27 – August 16 The Contemporary Austin THE CAT BEHIND THE HAT February 29 – March 29 Ao5 Gallery

I M AG E CO U R T E S Y T H E A R T I S T A N D S U S A N N E V I E L M E T T E R LO S A N G E L E S P R OJ E C T S . P H OTO G R A P H © N AT H A N P E R K E L .

THE CONTEMPORARY PRINT Through February 15 Big Medium Gallery

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PURCHASE AT centerforchildprotection.org BENEFITING

A R T S PAC E S

Art SPACES MUSEUMS BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART 200 E. MLK Jr. Blvd.

(512) 471 7324 Hours: Tu–F 10–5, Sa 11–5, Su 1–5 blantonmuseum.org THE BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM 1800 Congress Ave. (512) 936 8746 Hours: M–Sa 9–5, Su 12–5 thestoryoftexas.com

EVENT PICK

Ronan Farrow

By Holly Cowart PAR AMOUNT THEATRE, FEBRUARY 21

It’s sometimes forgotten that power is a separate entity from corruption, defined heavily by the moral compass of those who possess it. One glowing example of the impact an individual can have on societal progression is Ronan Farrow, a trailblazing journalist who has repeatedly used his post to shine a light on global injustices and give the public something invaluable: the truth.

Farrow is difficult to describe without starting to ramble off a long list of accomplishments. A child of famous parents, he became the youngest person to graduate from Bard College at 15. The next year he enrolled at Yale Law School. From there he’d go on to represent UNICEF and the Genocide Intervention Network before entering political work, including service as the State Department’s Special Adviser for Humanitarian and NGO Affairs in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Farrow later transitioned his focus to investigative journalism, writing for respected outlets and hosting regular news segments. A component in the surge of the #MeToo movement, his article published in 2017 by The New Yorker was among the first to uncover the widespread sexual assault allegations against movie giant Harvey Weinstein, chronicled in his 2019 book “Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators.” He is one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, GQ’s Men of the Year, a New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize recipient for public service. Incredibly, the list goes on.

At 32, Farrow has proved himself to be a reliable advocate for human rights and a critic of manipulative media culture. The noted orator arrives at the Paramount Theatre for a Q&A on February 21.

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THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN –JONES CENTER 700 Congress Ave. (512) 453 5312 Hours: W 12–11, Th–Sa 12–9, Su 12–5 thecontemporaryaustin.org THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN–LAGUNA GLORIA 3809 W. 35th St. (512) 458 8191 Driscoll Villa hours: Tu–W 12–4, Th–Su 10–4 Grounds hours: M–Sa 9–5, Su 10–5 thecontemporaryaustin.org ELISABET NEY MUSEUM 304 E. 44th St. (512) 458 2255 Hours: W–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 ci.austin.tx.us/elisabetney FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM 802 San Marcos St. (512) 472 8180 Hours: Tu–Su 1–5 frenchlegationmuseum.org

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM 1165 Angelina St. (512) 974 4926 Hours: M–Th 10–9, F 10–5:30, Sa 10–4 ci.austin.tx.us/carver HARRY RANSOM CENTER 300 E. 21st St. (512) 471 8944 Hours: Tu–W 10–5, Th 10–7, F 10–5, Sa–Su 12–5 hrc.utexas.edu LBJ LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 2313 Red River St. (512) 721 0200 Hours: M–Su 9–5 lbjlibrary.org MEXIC–ARTE MUSEUM 419 Congress Ave. (512) 480 9373 Hours: M–Th 10–6, F–Sat 10–5, Su 12–5 mexic–artemuseum.org O. HENRY MUSEUM 409 E. 5th St. (512) 472 1903 Hours: W–Su 12–5 THINKERY AUSTIN 1830 Simond Ave. Hours: Tu–F 10–5, Sa–Su 10–6 thinkeryaustin.org UMLAUF SCULPTURE GARDEN & MUSEUM 605 Azie Morton Rd. (512) 445 5582 Hours: Tu–F 10–4, Sat–Su 12–4 umlaufsculpture.org

“His energy and talents made for a seamless, successful, and rewarding home buying experience.”

— Karen & Steve Buyer Representation

Chris King Realtor ® 440.708.3381 chris.king@compass.com

Let’s get in touch! I’m ready to help you navigate Austin’s competitive spring market.

Chris King is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local laws. Equal housing opportunity.

A R T S PAC E S

Art SPACES GALLERIES ADAMS GALLERIES OF AUSTIN 1310 RR 620 S. Ste C4 (512) 243 7429 Hours: M–F 10–6, Su 10-2 adamsgalleriesaustin.com

BIG MEDIUM GALLERY 916 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 2 (512) 939 6665 Hours: Tu–Sa 12–6 bigmedium.org

AO5 GALLERY 3005 S. Lamar Blvd.

(512) 481 1111 Hours: M–Sa 10–6 ao5gallery.com ART FOR THE PEOPLE 1711 S. 1st St. (512) 761 4708 Hours: T–Th 11–6, F-Su 11–7 artforthepeoplegallery.com ARTWORKS GALLERY 1214 W. 6th St. (512) 472 1550 Hours: M–F 10–5, Sa 10–4 artworksaustin.com ATELIER 1205 1205 E. Cesar Chavez St. (512) 434 9046 Hours: Tu-F 11-4 atelier1205.com AUSTIN ART GARAGE 2200 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. J (512) 351 5934 Hours: T-Su 11–6 austinartgarage.com AUSTIN ART SPACE 7739 Northcross Dr., Ste. Q (512) 763 0646 Hours: F-Sa 11–5 austinartspace.com AUSTIN GALLERIES 5804 Lookout Mountain Dr. (512) 495 9363 By appointment only austingalleries.com

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BALE CREEK ALLEN GALLERY 916 Springdale Rd. #103 (512) 633 0545 Hours: By appointment only balecreekallengallery.com

CAMIBAart 6448 Hwy 290 East, Ste. A102 (512) 937 5921 Hours: F-Sa 12–6 camibaart.com CENTRAL LIBRARY GALLERY 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. (512) 974 7400 Hours: M-Th 10-9, F-Sa 10-6, Su 12-6 library.austintexas.gov/ central/gallery CO-LAB PROJECTS 1023 Springdale Rd., Ste. 1B (512) 300 8217 By event and appointment only co-labprojects.org

DOUGHERTY ARTS CENTER 1110 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 974 4000 Hours: M-Th 10–10, F 10–6, Sa 10–4 austintexas.gov/department/ dougherty-arts-center FLATBED PRESS & GALLERY 3701 Drossett Dr. (512) 477 9328 Hours: W–F 10–5, Sa 12–5 flatbedpress.com FLUENT COLLABORATIVE 502 W. 33rd St. (512) 453 3199 By appointment only fluentcollab.org GRAYDUCK GALLERY 2213 E. Cesar Chavez St. (512) 826 5334 Hours: Th–Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 grayduckgallery.com ICOSA COLLECTIVE 916 Springdale Rd. #102 (512) 920 2062 Hours: F–Sa 12–6 icosacollective.com

DAVIS GALLERY 837 W. 12th St. (512) 477 4929 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 10–4 davisgalleryaustin.com

JULIA C. BUTRIDGE GALLERY 1110 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 974 4000 Hours: M-Th 10–10, F 10–6, Sa 10–4 austintexas.gov/jcbgallery

DIMENSION GALLERY SCULPTURE AND 3D ART 979 Springdale Rd., Ste. 99 (512) 479 9941 Hours: Th-Sa 10–6 dimensiongallery.org

LA PEÑA 227 Congress Ave., #300 (512) 477 6007 Hours: M–F 8–5, Sa 8–3 lapena–austin.org

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LINK & PIN 2235 E. 6th St., Ste. 102 (512) 900 8952 Hours: F-Su 12–4 linkpinart.com

LORA REYNOLDS GALLERY 360 Nueces St., #50 (512) 215 4965 Hours: W–Sa 11–6 lorareynolds.com LOTUS GALLERY 1009 W. 6th St., #101 (512) 474 1700 Hours: T–Sa 10–6 lotusasianart.com MASS GALLERY 705 Gunter St. (512) 535 4946 Hours: F 5–8, Sa–Su 12–5 massgallery.org MODERN ROCKS GALLERY 916 Springdale Rd., #103 (512) 524 1488 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6 modernrocksgallery.com MONDO GALLERY 4115 Guadalupe St. Hours: Tu–Sa 12–6 mondotees.com NORTHERN-SOUTHERN 1902 E. 12th St. (646) 342 2969 Hours: Sa 3–6:30 northern-southern.com OLD BAKERY & EMPORIUM 1006 Congress Ave. (512) 974 1300 Hours: Tu–Sa 9–4 austintexas.gov/obemporium PREACHER GALLERY 119 W. 8th St. (512) 489 0200 By appointment only preacher.co/gallery PRIZER GALLERY 2023 E. Cesar Chavez St. (512) 575 3559 Hours: Sa 12–5 prizerartsandletters.org

PUMP PROJECT ART COMPLEX 3411 E. 5th St. (512) 351 8571 Hours: Sa 12–5 pumpproject.org ROI JAMES 3620 Bee Cave Rd., Ste. C (512) 970 3471 By appointment only roijames.com RUSSELL COLLECTION FINE ART GALLERY 1009 W. 6th St. (512) 478 4440 Hours: M–Sa 10–6 russell–collection.com STEPHEN L. CLARK GALLERY 1101 W. 6th St. (512) 477 0828 Hours: Tu-Sa 11–4 stephenlclarkgallery.com VISUAL ARTS CENTER 2300 Trinity St. (512) 471 3713 Hours: Tu–F 10–5, Sa 12–5 sites.utexas.edu/utvac WALLY WORKMAN GALLERY 1202 W. 6th St. (512) 472 7428 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–5, Su 12–4 wallyworkman.com WOMEN & THEIR WORK 1710 Lavaca St. (512) 477 1064 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 12–6 womenandtheirwork.org YARD DOG 916 Springdale Rd. #103 (512) 912 1613 Hours: F–Sa 1–5, yarddog.com

FREDERICKSBURG ARTISANS — A TEXAS GALLERY 234 W. Main St. (830) 990 8160 artisanstexas.com CATE ZANE GALLERY 107 N. Llano St. (512) 300 0898 catezane.com FREDERICKSBURG ART GUILD 308 E. Austin St. (830) 997 4949 fredericksburgartguild.us INSIGHT GALLERY 214 W. Main St. (830) 997 9920 insightgallery.com KOCH GALLERY 222 W. Main St. (830) 992 3124 bertkoch.com LARRY JACKSON ART & ANTIQUES 201 E. San Antonio St. (830) 997 0073 larryjacksonantiques.com RS HANNA GALLERY 244 W. Main St. and (830) 307 3071 rshannagallery.com URBANHERBAL ART GALLERY 407 Whitney St. (830) 456 9667 urbanherbal.com

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WELLNESS

FITTING IN Five Austin communities popped up and now flourish around members’ common drive for fitness and friendship, pg. 40.

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UNIQUELY LOCAL TRAINERS AND PROGRAMS THAT BUILD BOTH FITNESS AND COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATT RAINWATERS

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Of the Lion Fitness Owner and coach David De Leon founded his strength and conditioning facility, Of The Lion Fitness, by embracing the power of strong family values. Hence the name. (David’s surname directly translates to “of lion.”)

“Our name for me is so impactful,” De Leon says as he admires the gym’s sign bearing a lion with a golden mane. “Family has always been the most important, and that’s what’s most important about this place as well.”

De Leon and his wife, Courtney, the director of OTL’s boot camp program, were high school sweethearts and have been working as a team ever since.

With David’s outgoing personality and leadership skills and Courtney’s knack for being detail-oriented, this husband-and-wife duo created a place where members can work toward their fitness goals in a space that feels like a second home.

“We’re all going through something,” David says. “We understand that

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everyone at the gym has a completely different background. Maybe they are going through divorce or a job change.

But we want to create an environment where for one hour, they come in, they get after it and work super hard. It’s very challenging, but they can forget all about that other stuff.”

De Leon believes fitness is “a vehicle to create community and camaraderie,” and so OTL emphasizes the importance of positivity and quality.

Located in an upscale warehouse on North Lamar, the fitness center is complete with four certified coaches, high-end equipment, nutrition programs, indoor classes, boot camps and De Leon’s motto engraved on a white wall in front of the gym: “Effort over everything.”

Every indoor class revolves around an eight- to 10-week cycle built on three parts: warmup, strength and work. Whether it’s strength endurance or a volume cycle, the De Leons

believe that group fitness is more than just nailing that last round of a workout. It’s about finding support — and accountability — in being part of a team.

David says members can expect to be challenged physically and mentally during every workout. But the overall goal is to take these skills and apply them not only at the gym but in their everyday lives.

OTL member Jenne Fanning started taking her twin boys to the fitness facility and was surprised to watch her boys grow a great deal in maturity and mindfulness after becoming part of the OTL community.

“Being around adults making smart choices enables them to make smart choices,” Fanning says. “I didn’t know this when they started going, but in addition to physical strength, there’s also a mental strength they have gained in training with OTL.” -VANESSA BLANKENSHIP

OTL regulars working up a sweat.

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Chef Philip Speer stretching before the morning workout.

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Comedor Run Club

Say cheese! Club members lined up for their usual group photo.

The first rule of Comedor Run Club: You talk about Comedor Run Club. Austin’s food and beverage professionals are publicly — and proactively — fighting the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse, notorious issues within the industry given the punishing hours and permissive atmosphere.

Comedor co-owner and pastry chef Philip Speer has faced his own battle with addiction, some of it public knowledge due to his four DWIs. Following a 10-day jail sentence in 2015, he went to rehab, started running and found a new lease on life in the process. Today, he’s in good health, motivated, notably slimmer and on top of his professional game.

Speer credits much of his personal growth, professional redemption and the club’s success to living in a supportive community.

“Austin is very progressive with regard to health and wellness in general,” he says. “It just kind of bled into the food and beverage

industry, and now there are businesses and organizations that help employees who are struggling.”

When Speer and fellow chefs Gabe Erales and Alan Delgado started doing daily runs last April, it was a means of escaping the kitchen.

They documented their activity on Instagram, initially as a joke, but the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“People wanted to know how they could join us,” says Speer.

The club isn’t limited to the sober or sober-curious, experienced runners or even those in the industry. “We get people who walk or bring their dogs or strollers,” says Speer. “This is accessible to everyone, and we make a point of starting together and finishing together, no matter how long it takes. It’s important that we end every run with a group high-five.

It’s about building community and creating a new space in our industry for camaraderie and health.”

Comedor Run Club meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Speer estimates between 10 and 30 participants show up at any given time, and discounts are also offered to members at select running shops.

They follow the same 5K (3.1-mile) loop over Lady Bird Lake and back, sometimes ending at Fixe, where executive chef/ club member James Roberts refuels his colleagues with biscuits.

The club’s roster reads like a guide to the Austin area’s best restaurants, bars, farmers, ranchers and purveyors; even visiting industry professionals join when they’re in town, and chefs in other cities have reached out, asking how they can start running clubs. Speer, for his part, couldn’t be happier. “In this business, we all talk about being better, but this is about putting it into action. It’s changing the culture.”-LAUREL MILLER tribeza.com

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Robin Atwood With more than 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry, personal trainer Robin Atwood strives to create communal workout spaces where families can exercise without leaving the comforts of home. And with multiple professional certifications, including from the NASM, the NSCA and the AFAA, Atwood proves she has what it takes to guide people on their health and fitness journeys.

Utilizing the household by transforming the garage, library or even a spare bedroom into a home gym is easier than one might think, and Atwood argues it evens pushes homeowners to hold themselves to a higher accountability and commit to a workout schedule.

“Not everyone needs a giant gym to get a great workout,” Atwood says.

Atwood likes to take a holistic approach to wellness by combining nutrition, mind-body conditioning and one-on-one personal training sessions to help her clients focus on feeling better as much as looking better.

Clients begin with Atwood’s version of a detox, a six-week period when they focus on flexibility, stabilization, balance and strengthening the core, as well as healing practices like yoga and Pilates. Simple drills, like reteaching clients how to stand

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correctly, are a priority for Atwood during this period.

This method has been life-changing for the Anderson family.

Training with Atwood has allowed the Andersons to improve their physical fitness and heal injuries, some of which have been present for years.

Atwood’s fitness journey with the family started two years ago when she began training Dick Anderson. The family patriarch had played college football and was recovering from severe knee pain after undergoing five surgeries. Doctors told him he should never attempt to squat again, but Atwood kept him moving through water aerobics. The natural buoyancy of water helped him focus on flexibility, joint mobility and balance.

These water exercises are also helping him recover from a recent rotator cuff surgery.

“His shoulder is doing great,” Atwood says. “He’s going to see the best results from this surgery alone because we didn’t stop moving the entire time.”

Training with Atwood eventually became a family affair.

Twenty-year-old Charlie Anderson was experiencing shin splints and knee and ankle problems, on top of struggling to gain muscle mass. After

training with Atwood consistently five days a week and implementing her meal plans into his diet, he now has a successful career playing basketball at Rhodes College, in Tennessee.

“We’ve all been super athletic, but we have the tendency to get injured and not recover well,” says Lindsey Alfano, the oldest sibling in the Anderson family. “But Robin has completely changed that.”

The 26-year-old broke her tailbone last year while giving birth to her daughter. The new mother was struggling with alignment issues, but after starting trigger point therapy with Atwood, she made a full recovery. Since then, she trains with Atwood alongside her family twice a week.

Referred to as “the commune,” the Andersons’ home is where the family of five feels not only stronger but more connected when working on their health and fitness together.

“My parents’ house has always been the gathering place,” Alfano says.

“It’s the place where we feel the most at home, and we all get to be together. It just always made sense to have that be where we work out as a family.”-VANESSA BLANKENSHIP

Atwood and client Dick Anderson pumping iron. BELOW: Olivia Henderson lifting weights.

Atwood's program is tailored to everyone's individual needs.

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The Little Yoga House co-owners Abby Nagler and An Dang.

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The Little Yoga House For the past eight years, Abby Nagler has created a community for families to practice mindfulness at The Little Yoga House. There are few opportunities where parents can learn a new skill alongside their children. But at this wellness center, teaching families to incorporate lighthearted and playful yoga techniques is giving the whole family a chance to connect mind, body and soul — together.

Whether it’s “baby and me” yoga, family yoga, toddler classes or aerial yoga for older kids and adults, coowners Nagler and An Dang offer yoga practices that give families a noncompetitive bonding experience in a peaceful environment.

“Some parents won’t ever miss a Saturday morning family class because that’s their time to connect with their kids,” Nagler says.

Since the summer of 2018, Louise Ewing and her husband, Austin, have been taking their 3-year-old daughter,

Ellie, to the “toddler and me” class every Saturday morning.

From practicing breathwork to instilling yoga principles driven by nursery rhymes, the Ewings believe the classes benefit parents who want to learn more about self-care, meditation and calming techniques that will help their little ones navigate life’s future challenges.

“It’s important for us to be connected, and it really helps us do that,” Louise says. “My husband and I work full time, so this is a really nice thing for us to do as a family on a Saturday morning, to bring us all out of our heads and into our bodies.”

Nagler and Dang have been building a family-friendly yoga community since they opened their first yoga house in Clarksville back in 2012. The two yogis during that time were teaching yoga classes only for kids. Since then, they’ve expanded their teachings to focus on family connection by opening a

yoga studio in 2016 and a mindfulnessbased preschool in the fall of 2018 called the Yoga Peace School. Nagler operates the studio while Dang teaches at the school by using the peaceful approach to learning method.

“There is a peaceful way to resolve any sort of problem there is, and so that’s going to be our initial approach to any situation,” Dang says.

The studio also offers classes on aerial yoga, movements and poses that are practiced on silk hammocks that hang from the ceiling. For Nagler, the aerial sessions are magical because she gets to witness kids transform and grow after trying something new.

“It helps kids become just a little bit more in tune with their body, a little bit more aware of their interactions with other people and their surroundings,” Nagler says.

“We’re giving them all the tools they need to sort of strive and live a happy, healthy life.” -VANESSA BLANKENSHIP

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University of Texas senior Archer Hadley never thought he would be able to participate in high-intensity workouts. But now, he starts every weekday at Titan Evolution.

In a warehouse tucked away across some railroad tracks in downtown Austin, the glow of daybreak pours through the gym and onto the gray tumbling mats as Hadley wheels himself inside with his electric wheelchair.

Despite being diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, Hadley has been determined to improve his range of motion and strengthen his core with help from trainer and gym owner Kevin Edwards.

After being turned down by multiple trainers in the past, Hadley says “this is literally the only place in Austin where I can work out.” That's because Edwards, who opened Titan Evolution in 2013, is ready to do whatever it takes to help Hadley accomplish his goals.

“We’re going to start working and doing things he thought he could never do and things he wants to do,” Edwards says. When asked what makes Titan

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Evolution extraordinary compared with other gyms, Hadley’s answer is simple and sweet: Kevin.

“He just treats me like everyone else, and that’s what makes it so unique and so productive for me because there is no barrier of fear,” Hadley says. “He’s going to make me work as hard as everyone else does, if not harder.”

Before his workouts, Hadley greets the “morning crew,” a handful of Titan Evolution regulars who train every morning at 7 a.m., and the K-9 companions found running through the gym alongside his service dog, a 5-year-old black lab named Pepe, who’s off-duty and often playing fetch with a ball while Hadley works out.

Meanwhile, “Louis da bulldog” — Titan Evolution’s honorary mascot — frolicks with Pepe and enjoys napping on gym mats or howling at passing trains when he’s not building up his following on Instagram.

Hadley’s training sessions usually consist of four to five exercises ranging from cardio on a rowing

machine to pulling battle ropes to lifting kettlebells.

Edwards is constantly brainstorming new ways to test Hadley’s motor skills, and the rowing machine is one example of how he will tweak an exercise to meet the college student’s capabilities. Says Edwards: “What can we do with this kid that’s different but will help him?”

By elevating the front of the rower against the gym’s front desk, Hadley can complete an upper-body workout, often reaching over a thousand meters on the machine.

For Hadley and his mother, Barbara, coming to Titan Evolution has been life-changing, not only because Hadley’s physical strength is improving immensely, but because of the relationships they are forming with the other gymgoers, who sweat alongside Hadley as they complete the workout Edwards writes on a board at the front of the gym every morning.

Each week of the month has a different theme: strength, speed and strength, work capacity and barbell complex.

Barbara and Archer Hadley hit the gym weekday mornings with trainer and Titan Evolution owner Kevin Edwards.

“You have to watch your diet, and you have to be disciplined to exercise. But if you can find joy in it and if you can find a family while doing it — I mean, for us, it makes it so much better,” Barbara says.

The Hadleys’ nonprofit, Archer’s Challenge (archerschallenge.org), was an idea that developed when Archer was a student at Austin High School. After getting stuck outside when his aide wasn’t there to open the door, Hadley decided to raise money to install electric doors in the school. Students and teachers donated to the fundraiser for an opportunity to navigate their school day in a wheelchair.

The Challenge became a huge success and enough money was raised to install five doors as well as a ramp. Since then, Hadley has taken the Challenge to other schools and many local businesses to give others the chance to experience what it's like to use a wheelchair.-VANESSA BLANKENSHIP For more on Archer’s Challenge including how to participate, go to tribeza.com/ archers-challenge.

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NURTURE BY NATURE From facial oils to CBD-infused teas, these Austin-based wellness brands are all natural and perfect for any self-care routine. By Vanessa Blankenship

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VETIVER SKIN STUDIO Vetiver is a fragrant grass native to India that has been found to help with insomnia, anxiety and balance — and it’s one of the key ingredients in Carrie Sexton’s skin care products. The holistic esthetician created her own facial oil, body oil and body scrub that will leave your skin nourished while working against inflammation, aging and hyperpigmentation. Vetiver Facial Oil ($68), Vetiver Body Oil ($42), Vetiver Body Scrub ($32) vetiverskinstudio.com

OLIVE + M

CANVAS 1839 (OPPOSITE) Canvas 1839 relief creams are made with “99% pure CBD for the smoothest feel” and deeply penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Apply as much as you want, as frequently as you want for relief and a moisturizing boost. 5-Pack Travel Size Relief Cream ($45) canvasrelief.com

Olive + M founder Mariska Nicholson started her highquality yet affordable beauty product line in her Clarksville kitchen back in 2015. She was on a mission to create olive-based products that will cleanse and hydrate both the face and body and can be used by women and men. By using high levels of antioxidants, these products will restore your natural glow at an affordable price. Olive + M Shimmer Oil ($28) oliveandm.com

GOOD COMPANY HOME Good Company Home’s Mallary Carroll envisioned creating an apothecary line after beating her cancer diagnosis, which is why she makes organic products like a lip balm, facial serum and deodorant that are chemical-free. Carroll hopes people will reconnect with their bodies through these all-natural skin care items made right here in Austin. Gather Candle 10 oz. ($48) and 3.4 oz. ($28), Natural Rub Deodorant ($12), Lip Balm ($8), Hydrating Face Mist ($32), Rosehip Face Oil ($38), Fragrance Oil ($68) goodcompany.shop

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DOSED By using premium broad-spectrum CBD and all-natural ingredients, DOSED specializes in creating CBDinfused teas that can be enjoyed day or night. With five flavors, including black, green, white, rose herbal and nightly herbal, each has its own health benefits. No. 4 Rose Herbal ($28) dosed.com

AMMA AMMA’s mission is to bring “natural, effective, hempderived products to everyone at affordable prices.”

While its spectrum salve and hemp oil are great for soothing, its nanoemulsion CBD soft gel caps are designed to have a long-lasting effect. The CBD gel caps come in two options: Focus (Curcumin) and Rest (Melatonin). Soft Gels: Rest ($74.99) ammahealing.co

SOVEREIGNTY Sovereignty supplements are made with hemp-based cannabinoids and Eastern plant-based herbs to improve energy level, focus and sleep. Purpose is best used in the morning, Dream is recommended to use before bedtime, and Lift is when you need a midafternoon boost of energy. Just blend these powders into your drink. Dream ($80), Purpose ($80), Lift ($80) sovereignty.co

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RESTART CBD Co-founders and sisters Shayda and Sydney Torabi started their CBD wellness brand because they wanted to show the healing powers of using CBD cannabis oil as a natural alternative to prescribed medications. The sister duo offers CBD topicals, edibles and even pet products for furry friends. CBD Pet Treats 5MG ($12-$24) restartcbd.com

CURIE Curie infuses simple yet natural ingredients like aloe, jojoba, avocado and olive fruit oil to make soothing plant-based body care, hair products and fragrances that will nourish and cleanse from head to toe.

Its shampoo will enhance your natural hair volume, while the conditioner gives the perfect amount of hydration. Bella Flor Shampoo ($22), Chisos Shampoo ($22), Chisos Conditioner ($22) shopcurie.com

ELEVÉ COSMETICS Elevé Cosmetics founder Gertie Wilson crafted her vegan-based beauty line with the purpose to enhance one’s natural beauty while stressing the importance of wellness. The clean beauty line is packed with antioxidants, peptides and anti-aging ingredients to pamper your skin. Fountain of Youth Skincare Collection ($245), Age Defying Skin Care Kit ($140), Organic Golden Beauty Oil ($95), Infinity Serum ($60) elevecosmetics.com

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ACUPUNCTURE

From acupuncture to halotherapy, Austin is overflowing with opportunities to bolster personal wellness.

We’ve curated a list of the best practitioners and institutions to help support whatever your personal desires may be in nourishing the mind, body and soul. Illustrations by Hannah-Michelle Bayley.

LIGHT FAMILY ACUPUNCTURE Melissa Light’s last name says it all. For 16 years, Light has nurtured Austinites through traditional Chinese medicine with an abundance of warmth and spirit. Light Family Acupuncture focuses on treating the entire family, from children to adults, allergies and ailments, from preconception through pregnancy and parenthood. Clients typically enter her cozy studio to the sound of laughter. And each session begins with a thoughtful conversation to review symptoms and concerns so treatments are individualized as can be. lightfamilyacupuncture.com KIRSCH METHOD ACUPUNCTURE AND BODYWORK Matthew Kirsch brings an intuitive, textured level of expertise to his practice.

After placing acupuncture points, he supplements sessions with craniosacral and neural therapy, using gentle holding techniques. If needed, he will work through the abdomen, with contacts specific to the organs to correct motility and mobility. Amid Kirsch’s light-filled room, what might sound complicated feels quite simple and restorative in practice. kirschmethod.com SADIE MINKOFF AND MICH SCHREIBER Sadie Minkoff and Mich Schreiber have dedicated their life’s work to fertility and oncology. Their families were personally touched by both issues, and they endeavor to support others faced with the same challenges through sister studios, Sage Acupuncture and The Cancer Wellness Center. With a mile-long list of credentials, Minkoff

and Schreiber meet their passion with supreme expertise. If you cannot get in to see one of them, they employ a highly trained team of fellow practitioners. austincanceracupuncture.com reproductiveacupuncture.com ALLEN CLINE OF TURTLE DRAGON Allen Cline has been in practice for 33 years, and his work is notably informed by a stunning array of education in a variety of therapies, including polarity, craniosacral, Tibetan medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na and qigong, as well as traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean acupuncture. He has an unparalleled knowledge of herbal therapy and integrates said expertise with various modalities and functional medicine in his acupuncture treatments. No wonder Cline was appointed to the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners by the governor in 2008 and still serves as the presiding officer to this day. turtledragon.com

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY SALLY LEISSNER Sally Leissner’s practice focuses on therapies for infants and pregnant women.

Craniosacral therapy uses a soft touch, about the weight of a nickel, whereby practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

It’s beneficial for babies born by vacuum extraction, C-section or forceps delivery, helping to bring balance, decrease swelling and calm fussiness. sallyleissner.org

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FELDENKRAIS ELAINE DOVE As Elaine Dove simply puts it, “Feldenkrais is about moving better in order to live better.� The method uses gentle movement and directed attention to help people learn new and more-effective ways of living to increase ease and range of motion and to improve flexibility and coordination toward their innate capacity for graceful, efficient motion. Dove has been practicing for 15 years and is known for her work with LGBTQIA youth. bluestudio.org

CHIROPRACTIC BACK N BALANCE Back N Balance applies the NUCCA procedure, or National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association, for relief from spinal and spine-related conditions.

NUCCA entails gentle touch and controlled contact on the C1 vertebra, also known as the atlas, which affects the brainstem and central nervous system, thereby influencing one of the highest control centers over body balance.

Practitioners then employ detailed X-rays to precisely align the atlas with the head as well as the vertebrae below over time. backnbalanceaustin.com DR. MARY TRAVERSE / THE WELLNESS STUDIO Dr. Mary Traverse uses a technique known as Network Spinal Analysis, or Network Chiropractic. It is a light-touch method that focuses on connecting with the nervous system in order to free tension around the spine that is causing misalignment.

Network differs from traditional chiropractic treatments because it focuses on tensions caused by the malfunctioning nervous system. The tension is typically the root of the problem, so Network is effective at working on a cure, not just masking the pain.

In addition to people, Dr. Mary treats pets. marytraversedc.com

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REIKI MOON MEDICINE HEALING ARTS Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and gives us life. Diana Lane of Moon Medicine Healing Arts is a pre-med heart surgeon-turnedacupuncturist, herbalist and reiki master. She has more than 17 years of experience and specializes in women’s wellness. moonmedicinemagic.com

ENERGY CATALYST STACY DAVENPORT Stacy Davenport uses a system that is an advanced feng shui technology that incorporates science, spirituality and an environment’s energy grid to enhance harmony and balance in the space around us. She treats commercial or residential spaces. Davenport also specializes in energy clearing, supporting businesses such a Milk + Honey spas by regularly refreshing the energy in treatment rooms as well as new or old residential spaces in need of a spiritual cleanse. stacydavenport.com

SHAMANISM MARIA ELENA MARTINEZ Maria Elena Martinez is a mystical figure in the world of Austin wellness. She operates devoid of the digital trappings of modern business and relies on word-of-mouth for her practice. Local healers revere Martinez and seek her for wisdom as though she were an oracle.

She was involved in education reform and electoral politics during the Texas Chicano movement of the 1960s and ’70s. She was the first woman to lead

MEDITATION BAR a political party in Texas as the last state chair of La Raza Unida Party. Thereafter, Martinez worked in private and public education for 34 years. Since 1993, she has engaged in the study of shamanism through the Foundation of Shamanic Studies and trained with prominent Mexican curanderas, or healers. shamaria@grandecom.net CHRISTINA ALLEN / AUSTIN SHAMANIC CENTER By apprenticing with renowned masters of yoga, reiki and shamanism, Christina Allen has spent almost 30 years integrating the power and wisdom of ancient indigenous energy medicine with studies of physics, biology and neuroscience. Through the Austin Shamanic Center, Allen offers shamanic workshops, retreats, one-onone healings, private consultations and certification programs. Additionally, Allen is available to perform fire ceremonies, birth ceremonies, weddings, rites of passage and death rites. austinshamaniccenter.com

MEDITATION

Mediation Bar is widely respected in the wellness community for hosting some of the best teachers in the field and supporting their work with a strong infrastructure. It offers a fantastic array of classes, from aroma to breath, sound, divine feminine, drum and even meditation for entrepreneurs and parents. meditationbar.com SOUL SPARKS / PAIGE DAVIS Paige Davis is a mindfulness trainer, entrepreneur, author and cancer survivor.

She facilitates mindfulness and meditation programming designed to enhance communication and productivity and manage high-demand situations with more clarity, compassion and creativity. Davis has worked with a variety of companies, including C3 Presents and Whole Foods Market, and been a featured source in publications such as the Huffington Post and MindBodyGreen. She provides both corporate and individual mentoring.

Her book, “Here We Grow: Mindfulness Through Cancer and Beyond,” is an incredible resource for friends and family battling disease. soulsparks.com

AUSTIN ZEN CENTER Austin Zen Center’s mission is to offer a peaceful haven for engaging in the task of self-discovery through Zen practice. The intention is being present right here, right now and learning to meet everything that arises with an open mind and a forgiving heart. Experienced guidance from a teacher is encouraged. As such, the center offers ample support and programming toward meditation practice. The garden work and prison outreach programs are but a few of the special opportunities to expand skills. austinzencenter.org

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YOGA SUKHA YOGA Sukha holds true to the meaning of the Sanskrit word that can be translated as “happiness,” and a deep, lasting one at that. Owners Erinn Lewis and Mark Herron are the “real deal” according to regulars and have created a studio filled with divine energy. The teachers are one-of-a-kind artists, and the classes strike a balance between physical movement and soul connection. sukhayogaaustin.com DHARMA YOGA Dharma elegantly blends Buddhist meditation techniques with yoga practice. Founded by native Austinite, author and teacher Keith Kachtick in 2005, classes range from vigorous vinyasa flow to gentle hatha. In addition to regular programming, the studio offers one-on-one yoga therapy, integrating dialogue, restorative yoga, assisted stretches and guided meditation to help students explore and transform feelings that might be causing physical and emotional pain. dharma-yoga.net PRACTICE YOGA AUSTIN Practice has two locations on the East Side as well as one in Bouldin Creek, where it’s housed in an old chapel regulars lovingly refer to as “the yoga church.” All classes are by donation using a discreet box for cash and personal payment by credit card. We recommend teacher Shanti Kelley for her alignmentbased vinyasa approach and expertise in anatomy. practiceyogaaustin.com SANCTUARY YOGA Sanctuary is another nonprofit, donation-based yoga practice, and there’s something quite special about

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THE LITTLE YOGA HOUSE entering the studio canopied by ancient live oak trees, tucked back in a quiet nook off South Lamar. Classes span from power vinyasa to candlelit restorative.

Our favorite is the weekend Greenbelt yoga set against the backdrop of Barton Creek. The 90-minute hike includes yoga stops offering standing postures, partner stretches and meditation along the riverbed. Part of all proceeds support the Amala Foundation, which brings socialemotional learning programs to local schools. sanctuaryyogaaustin.com

Family and interpersonal connection is the focus of The Little Yoga House’s mission, which offers parents and children tools for social-emotional learning through sensory exploration, music and storytelling. Classes range from Baby & Me to toddler and family yoga classes as well as an expansive aerial program.

Owners Abby Nagler-Martin and An Dang have created a safe, nurturing environment that makes visitors feel at home. thelittleyogahouse.com

PILATES THE PEACH HOUSE The Peach House distinguishes itself with a boutique vibe that elevates the quotidian Pilates reformer class to a more soulful experience. Students can expect hands-on instruction during breath-based, creatively sequenced classes set to soothing yet encouraging music. peachhousepilates.com

EAST SIDE BALANCE East Side Balance offers highly individualized instruction for students.

The studio was founded with a mission to apply the health benefits of Pilates to improve overall well-being and to counter the physical strains of everyday life. Instructors take care in providing personalized programs to help students overcome unique imbalances. eastsidebalance.com

AURA-SOMA HEART ART COLOR THERAPY Aura-Soma is a nonintrusive, selfselective system that employs color to reach a higher level of consciousness.

A consultation includes choosing four brightly hued oils from more than 100 magnificent color combinations. A trained practitioner then gives you an understanding of your selection. For instance, you may uncover areas of your life where you need more space or balance. As Aura-Soma founder Vicky Wall stated, “You are the colors you choose, and these reflect your being’s needs.” Christina Dietz applies a master’s in counseling to her practice with positive psychology to help affirm one’s truth and inner voice. heartartcolortherapy.com

SOUND THERAPY SANDEE CONROY Sandee Conroy brings a unique blend of wit and wisdom to her sound meditation sessions. She plays nine quartz crystals and five metal singing bowls. People find that the sonic vibrations from the instruments effect positive change in mind and body, bringing harmony on a

cellular level. If you can’t make it to one of Conroy’s events, pick up one of her CDs. singingbowllady.com MELISSA GROGAN Melissa Grogan uses Tibetan and crystal bowls, drums, tingshas, chimes, a gong and other instruments designed to help clients reset and recharge. The energy work (reiki and pranic healing) helps your body clear away old, toxic energy and refill with the new. She grounds her work in somatic movement — how the body’s systems work together in balance. This helps put clients into a meditative state that is both therapeutic and enjoyable. austinvocalempowerment.com

NATUROPATHY JULIA STRICKLER, ND Julia Strickler works out of Austin’s so-called favorite pharmacy, Peoples Rx, which houses a plethora of holistic medicine, making the experience a one-stop shop. She assists patients through nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and mind-body awareness and has a knack for working with complex issues that involve the digestive and reproductive systems. peoplesrx.com DR. M. RAYNER DICKEY Walking into Dr. Dickey’s office is like entering a warm home. He doesn’t dictate as much as partner with patients in choosing the optimal approach to good health. Dickey is board-certified in family practice and specializes in preventive medicine, emphasizing lifestyle, activity and dietary modifications. hfmaustin.com

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HOLISTIC VET PAZ The doctors at Paz are trained in both Western and Eastern medicine and use a holistic approach to treating animals, prioritizing natural healing as much as possible but relying on conventional methods as needed. It also has a traditional Chinese veterinary medicine practice that uses herbal remedies, acupuncture and food therapy to treat pets. pazvet.com

In a community ripe with doula support, Stork sets itself apart with immensely compassionate, professional care.

Owners Leah Frederick and Katie Coyne are seemingly always on call for help, returning text messages promptly morning and night. Their

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team consists of some of the most educated, dedicated doulas in town, who beautifully nurture mom as much as baby. Services include labor, postpartum, lactation support, birth classes and massage, as well as custom nanny searches. We cannot recommend birth and postpartum doula Lyndsay Cochran enough. storkatx.com BRENDA THE DOULA Brenda Marlin has an infectious calm that lends itself beautifully to overnight care. She holds families with kind and unconditional support through all the ups and downs of the fourth trimester, offering unbiased education to help parents figure out what is best for their family. Better yet: permission to follow their intuition. Marlin’s top priority is making sure families get sleep. If your little one is hard to soothe, she will teach tried-and-true techniques to coax baby

back to bed. Marlin also offers birth support. brendathedoula.com LACRESHIA LANINGHAM All doulas are amazing, but what sets Lacreshia Laningham apart is her ability to not only hold space in the birthing process for jittery mamas and papas but also explicate what is happening clinically. Does the doctor want to induce? She can thoughtfully explain what your options are, using both natural and traditional medicine. Likewise, Laningham masterfully, impartially supports women, from conception, in making an intelligent birth plan based on her extensive experience with many hospitals and doctors in town. She also offers a wide variety of postpartum services, including nutritional, herbal guidance; daily meal prep; energy work for mother and baby; and breastfeeding support. the-living-well.com

AMANDA WYSZKOWSKI Amanda Wyszkowski’s passion is childbirth education, but if you’re lucky, she is also available for postpartum day support. She has a wealth of knowledge on caring for baby and can offer an unpretentious elegance that makes working together divine for both mother and child. Classical music during tummy time? Yes, please. amandawyz.com SHELLEY SCOTKA Shelley Scotka has been supporting families during the perinatal period since 1995. She has additional training specific to postpartum issues, including breastfeeding, mood disorders, coping with challenging babies, processing negative birth experiences and helping couples adjust to their new roles as parents. Scotka is one of the more knowledgeable doulas and educators in town. shelleyscotka.com

MAYA ABDOMINAL THERAPY CHARLOTTE WESTBROOK Maya Abdominal Therapy is a noninvasive, external massage technique that guides abdominal organs into their proper position. Maya massage improves organ function by releasing physical and emotional congestion from the abdomen. The benefits serve both men and women and are known to be highly effective for fertility, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance and a variety of common female symptoms.

No one has a better mastery of the practice than Charlotte Westbrook.

She identifies most with an approach described as shamanism-meetscraniosacral work and has an uncanny ability to communicate with and support major organs of the body. Westbrook now lives in North Carolina but comes to Austin quarterly. It’s definitely worth the wait to experience her care. charlotteshealinghands.com

one of the four women in the country on the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Specialty Council for Women’s Health Physical Therapy. sullivanphysicaltherapy.com

HALOTHERAPY AUSTIN SALT CAVE The walls and floor of Austin Salt Cave’s treatment room are lined with 11 tons of Himalayan pink sea salt, a magic ingredient for wellness. During 45-minute sessions, a halogenerator fills the room with dry aerosol, permeating the body with microscopically ground salt to ameliorate respiratory issues like coughing, asthma and bronchitis, as well as skin conditions like acne and psoriasis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. austinsaltcave.com

PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY KIMBERLEE SULLIVAN / SULLIVAN PHYSICAL THERAPY Kimberlee Sullivan specializes in diagnosing and treating impairments of the lower back, pelvis and pelvic floor, including cesarean, episiotomy and scar pain, pre- or post-natal pain and weakness, bowel issues, prolapse, post-surgical issues from hysterectomy and prostatectomy, painful sex and menstruation. She makes what could be terribly awkward more comfortable with an incredible bedside manner and immense expertise. Sullivan serves as

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TRUE REST Also known as sensory deprivation, floatation therapy eliminates the pull of gravity on the body to relieve pain and stress while promoting relaxation and better sleep. Infused with 1,000 lbs. of Epsom salts — which are wonderful for skin, hair, nails, muscles and joints — the water inside the True Rest tank is überbuoyant and allows you to experience weightlessness that elongates the spine and eliminates all pressure points and tension. truerest.com

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LIGHT THERAPY

DAY SPAS

PERSPIRE

VIVA DAY SPA

LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT

By avoiding harmful UV rays and focusing on infrared light and therapeutic visible light in a rainbow of colors, the sauna experience at Perspire is meant to rejuvenate the mind and body. Invisible infrared light penetrates skin, muscles and joints to increase circulation and eliminate toxins. The colored light of chromotherapy can energize (red), promote happiness (orange), spark creativity (yellow), stimulate healing (green), help you rest (blue) and calm the mind (purple). perspiresaunastudio.com

Owned by sisters Laurie and Maya Aroch and friend Shannon Mouser, Viva Day Spa continues to raise the bar on sumptuous day- and med-spa services.

Now with three locations around town, their wellness-focused treatments — from skin care to massages — employ both modern and classic techniques.

The Domain NORTHSIDE and Lamar locations offer non-invasive med-spa procedures, like laser hair removal and body contouring, that are both effective and natural-looking. vivadayspa.com

Inspired by ancient and modern therapeutic techniques, The LakeHouse Spa offers more than 100 treatments and services. For a full or half day of pampering, book a package and try two to three 50- to 80-minute treatments, like an Aromatherapy Massage, Deep Cleansing Facial, LakeHouse Lavender Scrub, Citrus Squeeze and so much more. Want to arrive in style for your getaway? Book a water taxi for a scenic and stress-free ride to your spa day. lakeaustin.com

MIRAVAL Overlooking Lake Travis, the 20,000-square-foot Life in Balance Spa, takes a personal approach to wellness through holistic spa services. With 30 treatment rooms, a pool, relaxation rooms, a salon, sauna, steam room and boutique, this center even has a farm, where it grows its own herbs. Abhyanga, an ancient healing massage, is a guest favorite, and the treatment restores balance by using herb-infused oils to ease muscle tension. miravalaustin.com MILK + HONEY With a philosophy that focuses on healing, wellness and relaxation, this Austin-born day spa and salon offers specialized treatments, including facials, lashes, peels, waxing, haircuts, non-toxic nail services, massages and body treatments. Now with four locations,

OMNI BARTON CREEK Austinites can decompress while nurturing their skin. Guests have the option of using organic aromatherapy oil or organic body butter with their massages. milkandhoneyspa.com ALIVE + WELL Known as Austin’s first integrative health and wellness facility, Alive + Well has a team of specialists who nourish the mind and body through an array of treatment options, including IV vitamin therapy. The intravenous treatment uses formulas of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acid fusions customized to fit a client’s needs, whether they’re looking for weight management, to boost immunity or enhance libido. aliveandwellaustin.com

The new 13,000-square-foot Mokara Spa features 17 treatment rooms, three couples’ treatment rooms and a range of spa and salon services. The 75-minute River Rock is its signature massage. By utilizing hot and cold stones and an aromatherapy blend, guests will feel a sense of ease while soaking up the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. omnihotels.com W HOTEL The AWAY Spa in the W Hotel offers body treatments, massages, facials, nail services and more right downtown. Four unique body treatments, ranging from 60 to 105 minutes, provide relaxation and nourishment. Hydrate is guaranteed to “leave your skin silky smooth” with a full-body dry brushing to exfoliate, a shea butter mask to replenish and a neck, shoulder and scalp massage to soothe. austinawayspa.com FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AUSTIN The Spa at the Four Seasons offers treatments infused with local products and ingredients that can only be found only in Texas. The Four Seasons Sensory Experience, one of the signature offerings, is a combination of aromatherapy, acupressure, acu-flex and energy-balancing chakra techniques.

The 80 minutes of relaxation includes a full-body massage using local river stones and a detoxifying dry body brushing. fourseasons.com/austin/spa HIATUS SPA + RETREAT Founded on holistic principles, the Hiatus Spa + Retreat uses all-natural products in every treatment. Whether you’re getting a massage or special body treatment, each 60-minute service includes a foot soak, the signature hand-and-foot massage plus a sensory journey and customized aromatherapy.

Hiatus offers a wide range of alternative therapies as well, like acupuncture and fire cupping. hiatusspa.com

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GREAT ESCAPE Peace out in a beautiful Hill Country setting at The Wayback, just minutes from downtown, pg. 72.

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T R AV E L P I C K

THE “OH” IN OJAI

THERE’S PLENT Y OF MAGIC IN THIS SLEEPY CALIFORNIA TOWN, INCLUDING ITS FOOD SCENE. BY L AUREL MILLER

IT’S 11 A.M. ON A SUNDAY, and I’m in line with several dozen strangers at the end of a tranquil residential cul-de-sac in the Ojai, California, foothills. The only indication we’re in the right place is a small chalkboard sign next to a mailbox.

“Kate’s Bread,” it reads. “12 – 1 p.m.”

Owner and baker Kate Pepper says her bread is “beyond rustic,” but that hasn’t stopped her exquisite baked goods from developing a cult following, of which I am now a member. Ojai’s reputation may be rooted in the transcendental, but my version of spiritual awakening comes from things like Pepper’s olive loaf, sesame rings and unfussy pastries. I wander into the woodsy, fairy light-festooned backyard with an almond croissant larger than my hand and sit at a farm table while next to me, a

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OPPOSITE: A scene from Tipple & Ramble. LEFT: An aerial view of Channel Islands National Park at dusk. BELOW: Settled as a cattle ranch in 1837, the Ojai Valley maintains a bohemian-western vibe.

P H OTO G R A P H S S A R A TO U FA L I

family digs into pizzas scattered with Ojai figs, arugula and honey. My croissant is a beautifully buttery, f laky, powdered sugar-dusted thing, light as clouds yet oozy with frangipane. It’s amazing, this croissant, but eating it under such enchanting circumstances elevates the moment to pure magic.

I’m here because I grew up on a small ranch 45 minutes to the southwest, but it’s been years since I’ve spent quality time in Ojai, which today is home to 7,600 residents. On a recent trip to see my parents, I allotted a couple days to soak up Ojai in a way I never had before: ditching my car in favor of a complimentary hotel bike and grazing my way around town between hiking and paddling excursions. What I didn’t anticipate was a series of simple, soulful meals that inspired me both professionally and personally; nor did I expect Ojai to be so blissfully unchanged otherwise. There’s a reason Ojai has become a growing mecca for regional foods enthusiasts, but it’s also determined to retain its independent spirit.

While a Google search of “Ojai alternative medicine” reveals practitioners of yoga, Pilates, massage, reiki, lymphatic health, acupuncture, energy alchemy and more, the valley’s natural charms indisputably play a role in its therapeutic effects. Fifteen miles from the Pacific Ocean and bordered by the Topatopa Mountains, which are part of the Los Padres National Forest, Ojai’s self-appointed nickname of Shangri-La

is fitting, what with the natural hot springs, Mediterranean climate and serene vibe.

That balmy weather and fecund soil attracted early adopters of “organic” agriculture. Today, the year-round Ojai Certif ied Farmers’ Market boasts a myriad of avocado and citrus varieties, from the famous Pixie tangerines to Meyer lemons to mandarinquats, as well as fragrant organic strawberries, walnut oil, responsibly raised meat and eggs, and seafood from the well-managed Santa Barbara fisheries.

These foods — so many of them representative of the region — were the inspiration behind Edible Communities, the largest media organization of its kind devoted to promoting and sustaining the efforts of North American farmers, ranchers, chefs, home cooks, fishers and craft food and beverage makers.

Ojai has attracted wellness-seekers for nearly two centuries due to its purported mystical energy, but the impact of its equally wellestablished family farms and ranches has been more under the radar. The valley was settled as a cattle ranch in 1837, and pioneer farm families followed suit. Ojai also played a seminal, if little-known, role in the birth of California cuisine when Alan Hooker established the Ranch House restaurant in 1950, cooking with ingredients exclusively sourced from the valley and his garden (a devout vegetarian, it wasn’t until several years later that he began serving meat and seafood).

Hooker understood the healing power of food.

He and his wife, Helen, had relocated to Ojai in 1949, leaving an Ohio commune to study under their guru, Jiddu Krishnamurti (the Indian philosopher’s influence eventually led to Ojai’s status as artist colony and countercultural refuge). Long before Hooker, the native Chumash people found abundant sustenance in the region’s acorns and other plants. “Ojai” is actually a corruption of the Chumash word “awha’y,” or “moon,” because the east-west positioning of the valley causes spectacular sunrises and sunsets (Pink Moments to Austin’s Violet Crown).

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T R AV E L P I C K LEFT: Wares from Summer Camp.

Ojai has remained true to itself in an era of Instagram- and inf luencer-driven tourism, which can drive artificiality with promotion by outsiders. Chain stores aren’t permitted in Ojai.

Two of the most popular hangouts in town are the Sunday farmers market and the natural foods store. There’s a token dive bar, and the only other late-night venue downtown is The Vine,

a restaurant that packs out on weekend nights when there’s live music. (Deer Lodge, a historic tavern on the nearby Maricopa Highway, is also notable.)

I end an afternoon bike ride with a visit to Tipple & Ramble. The housewares shop and wine bar is in a sweet little Spanish-style former home decorated w ith MoroccanLatin flair, but the patio proves impossible to resist. A lush oasis with rattan sofas and a retro teardrop trailer turned bar, it’s where locals and their dogs come to catch up over plump empanadas, mezze boards and seasonal small plates highlighting, of course, local produce. I loll in a handwoven hammock with a glass of sparkling rosé, as relaxed as if I’ve just come from a massage at the Ojai Valley Inn’s world-famous spa.

My most memorable meal is a dinner at Ojai Rôtie, which opened in April. Chef-owners

Larry Nicola and Claud Mann are longtime friends and former co-workers. When Mann, an accomplished baker, relocated to Ojai in the early ’90s, he developed close relationships with growers and the result is his restaurant, which Mann calls a “farm-driven, fast-casual rotisserie chicken-and-sourdough concept.” After eating there, I would argue that description is a disservice to the food and ambiance. It’s more a love letter to their heritage (Mann is of French descent; Nicola is Lebanese) and the Ojai Valley — an alfresco, communal dining experience that includes a patio kiosk called Winebox, which emphasizes bottles from within a 75-mile radius.

At Ojai Rôtie, I sip a Santa Barbara County Sauvignon Blanc exploding with grapefruit flavor on the buzzing patio, enjoying the sunset.

The warm air, olive trees and strings of tea lanterns feel like Provence, but the food is pure Ojai: Mann’s chewy grilled flatbread with za’atar and local olive oil and what Nicola only halfjokingly calls “Ojai AOC [appellation of origin] baklava,” made with walnuts, lavender, lemon and honey.

Before I leave town, I visit the pocket-size beer and wine bar at the 17-room Ojai Rancho

W H E R E T O E AT A N D D R I N K Caffeinate at Beacon Coffee before hitting the Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market (Sundays, year-round; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.); Kate’s Bread is open Sundays, noon-1 p.m.; get there early. For farmerdriven meals and regional wines, visit Ojai Rôtie and Tipple & Ramble; the latter also has beautiful textiles and

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small-batch house and kitchenwares.

The Ranch House is under new ownership but maintains Alan Hooker’s legacy. Food Harmonics and The Nest serve delicious vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meals from valley produce, as does the Farmer and the Cook, a wonderful grocer and café in

the nearby community of Meiners Oaks. The Hub is a biker-centric dive with pool tables, while The Vine has live music several nights a week. The oldest restaurant and tavern in Ojai, Deer Lodge, has lots of local color.

A dish from Tipple & Ramble.

Inn. The emphasis here is also on local, albeit in a different way. Botanical “cocktails” made with soju and sparkling wine get a delicious lift from shrubs; elixirs from Ojai’s Black Magic Alchemy, f lower-, fruit- and honey-infused mead; and jun from Carpinteria’s Apiary. Upon having a seat, I’m welcomed into a conversation with two couples who are guests at the hotel. Talk turns to Ojai’s ability to maintain its soul, in a state so aggressively, ruthlessly affected by development.

The bartender overhears us and sets down the glass he’s polishing. “Every hour I spend here,” he says, “is one hour less I have to spend in therapy.”

Magic, indeed.

S E A K AYA K I N G , S H O P P I N G A N D S L E E P I N G

P H OTO G R A P H B Y N A N C Y N E I L .

Ventura, 15 miles from Ojai, is the gateway to the magnificent, UNESCOdesignated Channel Islands National Park, Biosphere Reserve and Marine Sanctuary; it’s worth allowing an extra day or three to hike, dive, snorkel, sea kayak or camp. I spent a glorious day paddling the crystalline waters and sea caves off Santa Cruz Island with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, which operates kayaking and whale watching tours (December through May) out of Ventura Harbor in conjunction with Island Packers, the sole transportation concessioner to the park.

Ojai is a haven for hikers, thanks to the Valley View, Ventura River and Ojai Meadows Preserves and Los Padres National Forest. Biking trails also abound, including a path to the Pacific Ocean (rentals and tours).

Ecotopia Hot Springs (also known as Matilija) requires reservations.

Summer Camp, Tipple & Ramble and DeKor sell handcrafted and vintage housewares and apothecary

items from the region.

For a cultural fix, The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts has turned the former studio of the famed “Mama of Dada” into a museum featuring her work, folk art and memorabilia; Porch Gallery and The Basic Premise exhibit contemporary local art and photography.

The meticulously renovated Ojai Rancho Inn — established in the 1950s as a social club — provides a stylish dose of nostalgia, melding work from local artisans with the region’s boho-Western heritage. The Emerald Iguana Inn is a family-owned, Craftsmanart nouveau garden property with rooms and cottages. Both hotels offer complimentary bikes to guests.

Thacher House is a pastoral 19thcentury property with cabins and a main house, specializing in custom holidays.

Garden, milk goats and sheep, or take classes in making cheese, goat’s milk soap, wine, vinegar and preserves or baked goods.

LEFT: At Ojai Rancho Inn come for the charming interiors and stay for the beer and wine bar.

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By Nicole Beckley

Like any expanding city, Austin offers residents a world of metropolitan delights, from renowned arts and music to luxe shopping to exquisite restaurants and cocktail culture. But something that sets this city apart is how easily one can escape the urbanity and retreat, in a matter of minutes, into the tranquility of bucolic Central Texas. Between far-flung adventures or instead of taking on the task of planning extended travel, why not slip away for a night or two to experience serenity, beauty and down-home luxury in Austin’s backyard?

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THE WAYBACK

P H OTO G R A P H S B Y S H E L B Y T S I K A

Ten miles west of downtown, off Bee Caves Road, a collection of farmhouse-style cottages is nestled among the wildflowers and live oaks of the Texas Hill Country. Opened in December 2018 by mother-daughter team Vicki Bly and Sydney Sue, The Wayback is a boutique country retreat inspired by chic destinations like San Ysidro Ranch in California, Los Poblanos in New Mexico and the Hob Knob in Martha’s Vineyard.

Outside, along its 3-acre grounds, guests can enjoy the views and breeze, play lawn games or take a dip in the saltwater pool and sip a cocktail from the cabana bar. As day turns to night, there’s no better way to enjoy a sunset than by one of the fire pits that will keep you warm even as the stars come out in the big Texas sky.

The whitewashed cottages are chic and cozy with eco-friendly furniture, beds made with natural linens and plenty of gorgeous views.

“When someone goes into the private cottages, or the back porch, they’re always looking into nature,” Sue says. “Each cottage has a lot of natural light.”

The Wayback Cafe, which is open to the public, has a hearty farm-to-table menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On weekends, brunch is served, including buttermilk fried chicken and waff les topped with Good Flow honey. waybackaustin.com

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North of Austin, along Brushy Creek, The Ruby Hotel is a fantasy of color, retro vibes and comfort, near Veterans Park and just blocks from downtown Round Rock.

A shred of a love letter addressed to “Dearest Ruby” and pages of a scrapbook from the 1920s and ’30s — all found on the property — inspired the concept of the hotel, which is now perched cliffside among 100-year-old live oak trees.

Ruby, in the imagination of developers, grew up in small-town Round Rock of the 1930s. After adventuring around the world, expanding her mind and honing her tastes, Ruby returned to the site where she lived and entertained, stylishly, holding outdoor parties rich with color and music.

The Ruby, which opened in March 2019, has 39 rooms that are saturated in deep blues or bold greens. Accented with midcenturymodern furniture, each has a private balcony that overlooks the creek. Guests may walk the Brushy’s banks or paddleboard, canoe or kayak its waters. Or, if preferred, sit poolside in the shade and enjoy drinks at the Ruby Bar, once a 1960s-era home that still has a fireplace in a cozy living room-style lounge and a menu of vintageinspired bites.

“We wanted to honor the architecture of the house,” developer Bree Carrico says of the bar.

“There are very simple, clean lines, disturbing the natural setting as little as possible.” therubyhotel.com

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P H OTO G R A P H S B Y C A S E Y D U N N , C H R I S G R AY A N D J E N N A K A H N .

THE RUBY HOTEL

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Gifts 2714 S Lamar Blvd. | (512) 953-5615 | info@sparrowinteriors.com

FOOD + DRINK

HEALTH FARE A wellness institution in the heart of Austin serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, nourishing body and soul since 1991, p. 78.

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KAREN'S PICK

Casa de Luz

By Karen Spezia Photographs by Holly Cowart IT’D BEEN 20 YEARS SINCE I’D STEPPED FOOT IN

Casa de Luz. And after all this time, I wondered how much had changed. Not much, I happily discovered. It was still the hippie health food haven I remembered from long ago.

With so much of vintage Austin vanishing, Casa de Luz has stayed the course. Since 1991, this woo-woo wellness institution has been feeding Austin’s bohemian body and soul. And although it’s been three decades, Austin natives and newcomers alike are still discovering this Zen-like sanctuary for the first time.

There’s nothing else quite like it in Austin. To be clear, Casa de Luz is not a restaurant in the traditional sense. Instead, its dining room is part of a nonprofit community center that includes classes in yoga, meditation and healthy lifestyle education. Open to the public, the dining room is just one component of Casa’s offerings, yet undoubtedly its most popular.

Serving hundreds of organic, vegan meals per day, Casa de Luz was founded on macrobiotic principles that eschew dairy, oils, nightshades and meat. Ironically, it’s housed in a former meatpacking plant. And although it’s just a stone’s throw from the chaotic intersection of Lamar and Barton Springs, it remains an oasis of calm and tranquility. The discreet compound, along the edge of Zilker Park and Lady Bird

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Lake, is lined with shaded pathways and gardens, gurgling fountains and tinkling wind chimes. It remains sheltered from the downtown bustle and is surrounded by nature that is now surrounded by soaring new high-rises and paved parking lots.

The homey dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are a set menu at a fixed price, served cafeteria-style and eaten at communal tables, thus fostering a shared, collective experience. The open kitchen is manned by a personable staff and volunteers who prepare the plant-based, whole-food meals.

I’m no expert on the complex principles of macrobiotics, but I do know that the food looks beautiful, tastes delicious and that there’s plenty of it. Servings are so generous that some savvy regulars know to bring their own containers for leftovers. For those with smaller appetites, there’s a soup-and-salad option at a modified price, plus discounts for the kids.

The menu and portions are fixed, with lunch

CASA DE LUZ 1701 TOOMEY RD CASADELUZ.ORG 512.476.2535

and dinner always served with a salad, soup and main dish. Whatever produce is fresh and preferably local is reflected in each meal’s seasonal, rotating dishes. For lunch one chilly winter day, we began with a warm, comforting bowl of silky kabocha-squash-and-coconut soup, followed by a salad of arugula, romaine and red leaf lettuces, tossed in a toothsome almond-andbasil dressing.

Next came the main entrée, a large plate loaded with an assortment of tasty, healthy items, including stewed red beans sprinkled with herbaceous cilantro and a medley of steamed broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, yellow squash and onions. There was also a hefty scoop of cooked millet, an ancient grain that looks like couscous or quinoa but has the fluffy texture of mashed potatoes or steamed rice when cooked. It was topped with a velvety, vibrant green sauce and crunchy seeds. My favorite item was a combo of tender blanched kale and collard greens topped with a f lavorful creamy pecanand-dill sauce. For a pop of color (and to aid in digestion), pink pickled radishes adorned the plate. Desserts cost extra but look tempting and include homemade pies, fruit cobbler, cookies, flan and pudding.

Like lunch and dinner, breakfast is a hearty affair that includes soup, dark leafy greens with nuts and seeds, mixed vegetables and beans.

It also includes homemade tortillas (for DIY breakfast tacos, natch) and porridge served with granola and raisins. All meals include a variety of exotic hot and cold teas, plus fluoride-filtered, vortex-activated water (whatever that is, but I think it’s good for me). Every item, including the drinks, is labeled with nutritional info, making every meal a learning opportunity.

Casa de Luz is a nonprofit wellness retreat that just happens to serve great food. Every time I pass through its welcoming doors and enjoy a meal, it nourishes my stomach and my spirit. I must remember to return more often.

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24 DINER

BLUE DAHLIA BISTRO

BUFALINA & BUFALINA DUE

600 N. Lamar Blvd. | (512) 472 5400

1115 E. 11th St. | (512) 542 9542

1519 E. Cesar Chavez St.,

Chef Andrew Curren’s casual eatery promises deli-

3663 Bee Caves Rd. | (512) 306 1668

6555 Burnet Rd. | (512) 215 8662

cious plates 24/7 and a menu featuring nostalgic

A cozy French bistro serving up breakfast, lunch,

These intimate restaurants serve up mouthwatering

diner favorites. Order up the classics, including

and dinner in a casual setting. Pop in for the happy

pizzas, consistently baked with crispy edges and soft

roasted chicken, burgers, all-day breakfast and

hour to share a bottle of your favorite wine and a

centers. The famous Neapolitan technique is executed

decadent milkshakes.

charcuterie board.

by the Stefano Ferrara wood-burning ovens, which runs

34TH STREET CAFE

THE BREWER’S TABLE

1005 W. 34th St. | (512) 371 3400

4715 E. 5th St. | (512) 520 8199

This neighborhood spot in North Campus serves up

With an emphasis on quality and community, this

CAFÉ JOSIE

soups, salads, pizzas and pastas — but don’t miss the

East Austin restaurant leaves a seat for everyone

1200 W. 6th St. | (512) 322 9226

chicken piccata. The low-key setting makes it great

at the brewer’s table. Local ranchers and farmers

Executive chef Todd Havers creates “The Experience”

for weeknight dinners and weekend indulgences.

source the ingredients, which are utilized in both

menu every night at Café Josie, which offers guests a

the kitchen and the brewery to eliminate food waste.

prix fixe all-you-can-eat dining experience. The à la

ASTI TRATTORIA

The seasonally changing menu is unique but provides

carte menu is also available, featuring classics such as

408 E. 43rd St. | (512) 451 1218

options for even the pickiest of eaters.

smoked meatloaf and redfish tacos.

at more than 900 degrees. Lactose-intolerants beware, there is no shortage of cheese on this menu!

The chic little Hyde Park trattoria offers essential

CAFÉ NO SÉ

Italian dishes along with a variety of wines to pair them with. Finish off your meal with the honey-andgoat-cheese panna cotta.

BAR CHI SUSHI 206 Colorado St. | (512) 382 5557

1603 S. Congress Ave. | (512) 942 2061 E BL TA TWO 4

South Congress Hotel’s Café No Sé balances rustic décor BE

MIN

E

RECIPE 4LOVE

A great place to stop before or after a night on the

Small and always buzzing, Clark's extensive caviar and

features $2 sake bombs and a variety of sushi rolls

oyster menu, sharp aesthetics and excellent service

under $10.

34TH STREET CATERING

James Beard Award–nominated chef Bryce Gilmore encourages sharing with small plates made from locally sourced ingredients, served at communal tables. Try the parsley croissants with bone marrow or Gilmore’s unique take on fried chicken.

1005 W. 34th Street | (512) 323 2000 34thstreetcafe.com

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make it a refreshing indulgence on West Sixth Street.

Chef Larry McGuire brings East Coast-inspired vibes to this seafood restaurant.

One of the best and most creative full service

COMEDOR

catering companies in Austin. Acclaimed Chef Paul

501 Colorado St. | (512) 499 0977

Peterson brings his culinary experience and high

Hiding in plain sight on one of downtown’s busiest

standards to their catering and to your event. Call

street corners, Comedor is a restaurant full of surprises.

to save the date and they can start planning for any

Lauded chefs Philip Speer and Gabe Erales deliver a

occasion. They're coming to the party!

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classic avocado toast is a must-try.

1200 W. 6th St. | (512) 297 2525

a.m. on the weekends. Bar Chi’s happy hour menu

6555 Burnet Rd., Ste. 400 | (512) 394 8150

for weekend brunching. The restaurant’s spin on the

CLARK'S OYSTER BAR

town, this sushi and bar hot spot stays open until 2

BARLEY SWINE

and a range of seasonal foods to make it the best place

menu that is equally clever and unexpected, with contemporary cuisine riffs on Mexican culinary traditions.

V I S I T T R I B E Z A .CO M TO VIEW THE ENTIRE ONLINE DINING GUIDE

ÉPICERIE

HOME SLICE PIZZA

2307 Hancock Dr. | (512) 371 6840

1415 S. Congress Ave. | (512) 444 7437

A café and grocery with both Louisiana and French

501 E. 53rd St. | (512) 707 7437

sensibilities by Thomas Keller–trained chef Sarah

For pizza cravings head to Home Slice. Open until 3

McIntosh. Lovers of brunch are encouraged to stop

a.m. on weekends for your post-bar-hopping conve-

in here for a bite on Sundays.

nience and stocked with classics like the Margherita as well as innovative pies like the White Clam.

FONDA SAN MIGUEL

HOPFIELDS

2330 W N Loop Blvd. | (512) 459 4121

3110 Guadalupe St. | (512) 537 0467

At Fonda San Miguel, authentic Interior Mexican

A gastropub with French inclinations, offering a beau-

food is lovingly served inside a colorful hacienda-style restaurant. The art-adorned walls and indoor, plantfilled courtyard provide a pleasant escape in North

GUSTO ITALIAN KITCHEN + WINE BAR

Austin. Visit the Sunday brunch buffet for the best in

4800 Burnet Road | (512) 458 1100 gustoitaliankitchen.com

“interior Mexican” cuisine.

Nestled in the Rosedale neighborhood of north-

GOODALL’S KITCHEN AND BAR 1900 Rio Grande St. | (512) 495 1800

central Austin, Gusto captures the warm, comforting, every-day flavors of Italian cuisine. Dishes range from

tiful patio and unique cocktails. The beer, wine and cocktail options are plentiful and the perfect pairing for the restaurant’s famed steak frites and moules frites.

ITALIC 123 W. 6th St. | (512) 660 5390 Chef Andrew Curren of 24 Diner and Irene’s presents

house-made antipasti to hand-formed pizzas, salads,

Housed in the beautiful Hotel Ella, Goodall’s pro-

simple, rustic Italian plates. Don’t miss the sweet

panini, fresh pasta, entrees featuring Texas farm

vides modern spins on American classics. Dig into

delicacies from pastry chef Mary Catherine Curren.

raised meats, and scratch desserts. Craft cocktails,

a fried-mortadella egg sandwich and pair it a with

beer on tap, and boutique wines.

cranberry-thyme cocktail.

JEFFREY’S 1204 W. Lynn St. | (512) 477 5584 Named one of Bon Appétit’s “10 Best New Restaurants

GRIZZELDA’S 105 Tillery St. | (512) 366 5908

HILLSIDE FARMACY

in America,” this historic Clarksville favorite has

1209 E. 11th St. | (512) 628 0168

maintained the execution, top-notch service, and

This charming East Austin spot lies somewhere

Hillside Farmacy is located in a beautifully restored

luxurious but welcoming atmosphere that makes it an

between traditional Tex-Mex and regional Mexican

1950s-style pharmacy with a lovely porch on the East

Austin staple.

recipes, each fused with a range of f lavors and styles.

Side. Oysters, cheese plates and nightly dinner spe-

The attention to detail in each dish shines and the

cials are whipped up by chef Sonya Cote.

JOSEPHINE HOUSE

tortillas are made in-house daily.

HANK’S 5811 Berkman Dr. | (512) 609 8077 Delicious food and drinks, an easygoing waitstaff and a kid-friendly patio all work together to make

HOLY ROLLER 509 Rio Grande St. If all-day brunch is more your style, make a bee-line for downtown diner Holy Roller. Led by Callie Speer,

Hank’s a favorite neighborhood joint. With happy

the punk rock vibe plays out in creative combinations

hour every day from 3-6:30, the hardest task will be

like pancakes with fried chicken and migas kolaches.

1601 Waterston Ave. | (512) 477 5584 Rustic Continental fare with an emphasis on fresh, local and organic ingredients. Like its sister restaurant, Jeffrey’s, Josephine House is another one of Bon Appétit’s “10 Best New Restaurants in America.” Find a shady spot on the patio and indulge in fresh baked pastries and a coffee.

choosing between their frosé and frozen paloma.

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KEMURI TATSU-YA 2713 E. 2nd St. | (512) 893 5561 Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is a Japanese-Texan mash-up that injects seriously good food with a sense of humor.

The East Austin joint features Asian-inspired smoked meats and seafood, along with yakitori, ramen, and izakaya classics meant for sharing. Drinks are also an integral part of the meal, so come thirsty.

LIN ASIAN BAR + DIM SUM 1203 W. 6th St. | (512) 474 5107 Located in a vintage West Sixth Street bungalow, Chef Ling and her team create sophisticated Chinese dishes that draw enthusiastic crowds day and night.

Make sure to stop by during weekend brunch to taste the full mouthwatering dim sum menu.

LE POLITIQUE

LA BARBECUE 2027 E. Cesar Chavez St. | (512) 605 9696

110 San Antonio St. | (512) 580-7651 This stylish downtown restaurant is a deliciously

Though it may not be as famous as that other Austin

accurate ref lection of today’s Paris: a charming

barbecue joint, La Barbecue is arguably just as deli-

marriage of brasserie classics updated with modern

cious. This trailer, which is owned by the legendary

f lavors. Stop by the adjoining coffee shop and patis-

Mueller family, serves up classic barbecue with free

serie in the mornings for delightful baked goods that

beer and live music.

rival the French capital itself.

LAS PALOMAS

LICHA’S CANTINA 1306 E. 6th St. | (512) 480 5960 Located in the heart of East 6th, Licha’s is a quick trip to the interior of Mexico. With masa made fresh in house and a large range of tequilas and mezcal, Licha’s Cantina is a celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine. The music, food and ambiance will get you ready for a night out on the town.

3201 Bee Caves Rd., #122 | (512) 327 9889 One of the hidden jewels in Westlake, this unique restaurant and bar offers authentic interior Mexican cuisine in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting. Enjoy family recipes made with fresh ingredients. Don’t miss the margaritas.

LENOIR 1807 S. 1st St. | (512) 215 9778

LORO 2115 S. Lamar Blvd. | (512) 916 4858

A gorgeous spot to enjoy a luxurious French-inspired

Created by James Beard Award winners Tyson Cole

prix fixe meal. Almost every ingredient served at Le-

and Aaron Franklin, this Asian smokehouse is a

noir comes locally sourced from Central Texas, making

welcome addition to South Lamar. The expansive in-

the unique, seasonal specialties even more enjoyable.

door-outdoor space, designed by Michael Hsu Office

Sit in the wine garden for happy hour and enjoy bottles

of Architecture, is welcoming and open, and unsur-

from the top wine-producing regions in the world.

prisingly the food does not disappoint. Don’t miss out on the sweet corn fritters, smoked beef brisket, thai green curry or those potent boozy slushies.

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MATTIE’S 811 W. Live Oak St. | (512) 444 1888 Mattie’s is a glorious urban paradise offering upscale American classics. While the cocktails are top-notch and the cuisine is nothing short of outstanding, Mattie’s ambiance and atmosphere are unmatched.

OLAMAIE 1610 San Antonio St. | (512) 474 2796 Food+Wine magazine’s best new chef Michael Fojtasek creates a menu that will leave any Southerner drooling with delight over the restaurant’s contemporary culinary concepts. The dessert menu offers a classic apple pie or a more trendy goat cheese-caramel ice cream.

Also, do yourself a favor and order the biscuits.

ODD DUCK 1201 S Lamar Blvd | (512) 433 6521 Famed food trailer turned brick-and-mortar, Odd Duck is the first venture from acclaimed chef Bryce Gilmore. Expect seasonal fare and drinks with a strong Texas inf luence sourced locally whenever possible.

PARKSIDE 301 E. 6th St. | (512) 474 9898 Patrons f lock to this downtown hideaway for its wide selection of oysters and other modern-American specialties. The 6th Street locale is filled with industrial details and plenty of natural light, so it’s no wonder that reservations are often necessary to get a table in the inviting space.

THE PEACHED TORTILLA 5520 Burnet Rd., #100 | (512) 330 4439 This cheerful spot is sure to clear your weekly blues with friendly staff, fun food and a playful atmosphere.

Affordably priced, you’ll find culinary influences from around the world with a healthy dose of Asian and Southern options.

V I S I T T R I B E Z A .CO M TO VIEW THE ENTIRE ONLINE DINING GUIDE

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN 222 West Ave. | (512) 777 2430 Inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet, True Food Kitchen combines decadent favorites with health-conscious eating. The restaurant, located in downtown’s Seaholm district, offers a full range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

PICNIK 4801 Burnet Rd. | (737) 226 0644 A perfect place to find wholesome food for any type of dietary restriction in a bright and airy setting.

This place truly lives out the “good and good for you” concept with paleo-friendly options and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

POOL BURGER 2315 Lake Austin Blvd. | (512) 334 9747 Tiki meets Texas in this neighborhood burger bar.

Located behind Deep Eddy Cabaret, crunchy crinkle-cut fries and juicy burgers are served from the window of a 1968 Airstream Land Yacht.

UCHIKO 4200 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 140 | (512) 916 4808 The sensational sister creation of Uchi and former

JULIET ITALIAN KITCHEN

RED ASH ITALIA

1500 Barton Springs Rd. | (512) 479 1800 juliet-austin.com

303 Colorado St. | (512) 379 2906

The greatest stories are told with family over food

Red Ash Italia strikes the perfect balance between

and wine. Juliet Italian Kitchen embodies just that,

high-quality food and enticing ambiance. This Ital-

bringing nostalgic and classic Italian American

ian steakhouse is led by an all-star team, including

cuisine to the heart of Austin on Barton Springs.

executive chef John Carver. Sit back, relax and enjoy an exceptional evening.

ROSEWOOD

From family-style dinners, to weekend brunch al fresco, to neighborhood happy hours, Juliet Italian Kitchen is yours to call home.

home of Top Chef Paul Qui and renowned chefs Page Presley and Nicholas Yanes, Uchiko is an Austin icon that everyone should visit at least once. Try the bacon tataki.

VINAIGRETTE 2201 College Ave. | (512) 852 8791 This salad-centric restaurant off South Congress has one of the prettiest patios in town. Along with an inviting ambiance, the salads are fresh, creative, bold and most importantly delicious, with nearly two dozen options to choose from.

1209 Rosewood Ave. | (512) 838 6205 Housed in a historic East Side cottage, chef Jesse DeLeon pays outstanding homage to his South Texas roots with seasonal offerings from Gulf Coast fishermen and Hill Country farmers and ranchers. This new spot is sure to quickly become a staple.

SUERTE 1800 E. 6th St. | (512) 953 0092 Helmed by executive chef Fermín Núñez, Suerte was inspired by extensive travels through Central Mexico.

Artisanal masa is the highlight, made from local heirloom corn and used in distinctive dishes rarely found on Austin menus. Order the delectable Suadero Tacos, perfect for sharing with friends.

THAI FRESH 909 W. Mary St. | (512) 494 6436 A restaurant, cooking school and market all in one place. When you’re done dining on traditional Thai favorites, stop by the adjoining coffee bar for freshly brewed joe, homemade ice cream and an array of baked goods.

TINY BOXWOODS 1503 W. 35th St. | (512) 220 0698

VIXEN’S WEDDING 1813 E. 6th St. | (737) 242 7555 Vixen’s Wedding is a charming space creating something truly unique. Helmed by culinary super-couple Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher, the restaurant specializes in Goan cuisine, a cultural mash-up of bright and complex f lavors.

WALTON’S FANCY AND STAPLE 609 W. 6th St. | (512) 542 3380

This Houston-based brand now serves its simple and

Owned by actress and Austin resident Sandra Bullock,

delicious food in Austin’s Bryker Woods neighborhood.

Walton’s is a dreamy brick-walled bakery, deli and

Favorites include house-ground burgers, salmon

floral shop. Take some pastries home after indulging in

Provencal salad and their chocolate chip cookies.

gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads for lunch, or stay for the rotating dinner menu. Most importantly, make it before 2 p.m. to order the legendary biscuit sandwich served only during breakfast!

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A LOOK BEHIND

Pet Project AUSTIN PHOTOGR APHER CARLI DAVIDSON USES TAROT AND ICONOGR APHY TO CRE ATE OUT-OFTHIS-WORLD PET PORTR AITS IN A NEW SERIES CALLED "WILDLIFE"

By Aaron Parsley Humans learn so much from pets – about unconditional love, being present in a moment and appreciating life’s small pleasures. To honor furry family members, animal photographer Carli Davidson, whose bestselling book series Shake features astounding images of dogs and cats mid-jiggle, produces iconic pet portraits in a new series called “Wildlife.”

“I learn how to be a better person and how I want to be in the world from my pets,” says Davidson, who lives in Austin with her husband, cat and dog. “They are guides for me and I want to do them justice through this artwork.”

Her portraits are composites that place pets in scenic landscapes, among natural elements like f lowers and cr ysta ls and

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alongside meaningful astronomical symbols.

What surrounds a pet in the final image is determined by a process that includes reading tarot cards. This is not fortune-telling for dogs.

“It’s not that literal,” Davidson says. “It’s talking to the owner about how they can relate to the cards and what that might mean for their pet.”

Tarot-prompted anecdotes inform Davidson as she selects the imagery – much of which she photographs during solo backpacking trips in remote corners of the Pacific Northwest – for the final portrait. “It’s an artistic practice in

intuition and healing,” Davidson says. “What’s the right symbol that I’m putting together for this animal for who they are?”

The result, she says, is an “iconic image” of a beloved friend “that does justice to how valuable they are to our lives.”

Visit getawildlife.com for more information on Davidson’s portraiture for your dog, cat or … turtle? “Hell yeah,” she says when asked if she’d photograph a reptile. “There’s no limit. If someone said, ‘I have a hissing cockroach that I really love,’ I’d be like, ‘Bring it on.’”