TRIBEZA December 2021 Movers & Shakers Issue by TRIBEZA Austin Curated

Movers The

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CONTENTS

DECEMBER DEPARTMENTS

Tribeza Talk p. 20 Social Hour p. 24 Kristin’s Column p. 30 Arts & Entertainment Calendars p. 84 Karen’s Pick p. 92 Dining Guide p. 94 FEATURES

Actress Gen Padalecki p. 32 Black Pumas p. 36 Stirring Up Memories p. 38 Austin Eye View: Influencers p. 46 Brad Stuver, Austin FC p. 54 GUIDES

Gifts That Keep On Giving p. 86

THIS PAGE Photo by Bryan C. Parker ON THE COVER Actress Gen Padalecki Photo by Skylar Reeves Editor: Didi Gluck Stylist: Cristina Facundo Makeup: Lauren Andersen Hair: Ange Bebbington Photo Shoot: Two Wishes Ranch in Lockhart, TX

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

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Accolades are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees pay a fee in exchange for these ratings. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. For more information on a particular rating and for designation disclosures, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. CIMA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth InstituteTM in the United States of America and worldwide. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business, that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the PDF document at ubs.com/relationshipsummary. Private Wealth Management is a division within UBS Financial Services Inc., which is a subsidiary of UBS AG. © UBS 2021. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. VIP_10292021-1 Exp.: 11/30/2022

AUSTIN CUR ATED D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Carrie Crowe

ART DIRECTION

October Custom Publishing DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

Holly Cowart

DIGITAL EDITOR

Meher Qazilbash

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

David Clough

COLUMNISTS

Kristin Armstrong Karen O. Spezia WRITERS

Holly Cowart Darcie Duttweiler Sam Lauron Laurel Miller Tolly Moseley Bryan Parker Meher Qazilbash Amanda Ward

PUBLISHER

Mark Fisher

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Krissy Hearn

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Julia Grisemer

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Paul Krushin

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Dylan Sack

PRINCIPALS

George Elliman – CEO Chuck Sack Vance Sack Michael Torres

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Brown

PHOTOGR APHERS

Holly Cowart Jenna McElroy Skylar Reeves Brittany Dawn Short CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Shaylin Wallace

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 @ 2021 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. S U B SC R I B E TO TR I B EZ A VISIT TRIB EZ A .COM FOR DE TAIL S

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EDITOR’S LETTER

S WE REACH THE END OF 2021, WE REFLECT ON THIS

year’s Movers & Shakers — those Austinites that wield power and influence in their field. Kicking things off, actress Genevieve Padalecki graces our cover, with a tale that speaks to the power of story and sustainability. You’ll recognize Gen from “Wildfire,” “Supernatural” and now “Walker” on The CW (where she stars with her husband, Jared Padalecki). She also recently launched Townn, a community that’s centered around treating the natural world with respect — allowing people “to rethink the way we live and grow together.” “I love being outside and have always found comfort in nature,” Gen writes on her popular blog, “Now and Gen.” “But, perhaps naively, I always assumed nature would be there for me — and my children,” says Gen. Also making a difference in the lives of others is Austin FC fan favorite Brad Stuver, who’s stopping shots and starting conversations. Several years ago, Brad and his wife Ashley got involved with The Laundry Project, a nonprofit-backed movement with a simple mission: to wash clothes and linens for low-income families. In his interview, Brad also describes the incredible amount of local support the Austin FC has seen, remarking on the gorgeous Q2 Stadium and noting that ATX fans are all too ready

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

to bust out jerseys and paint themselves green and black! That sounds Alright, Alright, Alright. Also in true Austin fashion, a new band has emerged as Austin’s preeminent ambassadors. The neo-soul outfit, Black Pumas, received a Grammy nomination in 2020 and returned in 2021 to perform live at the Grammy’s behind another nomination. The Pumas also played two dozen or so festivals in recent months, but state that none were better than playing at the ACL Festival saying, “It felt like a homecoming.” In addition, our December issue spotlights this year’s people that are Making Their Mark and Ones To Watch. Some of whom include Fermín Núñez (Suerte), Amy Mills (Emancipet), Mike Wiebe (stand-up comedian, Riverboat Gamblers and Drakulas) and Elaine Abels (fashion designer, Art Institute of Austin). You’ll definitely want to check out our Stirring Up Memories feature where eight Austin chefs and bartenders share their favorite cocktail and culinary recipes. We hope you and your family celebrate in style this holiday season! Carrie Crowe Executive Editor

P H OTO S B Y B R I T TA N Y DAW N S H O R T AT A U S T I N A N I M A L C E N T E R

Emancipet’s partnership with the City of Austin to provide free spay/neuter services to low-income pet owners is the oldest continuously running publicprivate partnership for spay/neuter in the country. They partner with Austin Animal Center in many ways — referring adopters and providing heartworm treatment plus spay/neuter services for some shelter animals. Emancipet also runs the Mobile Free Day program, which is a $1M/year program with the city. To adopt a shelter animal, visit austintexas.gov/department/adopt-pet. Adoption fees are currently waived!

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T R I B E Z A TA L K

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Traditions

T WELVE DAYS’ WORTH OF SE ASONAL CELEBR ATIONS TO SHARE WITH THOSE YOU LOVE By Laurel Miller

‘Tis the season to enact established family rituals or invoke new ones, no matter who you consider close kin. Whether your nearest and dearest is a significant other or your kids, friends, neighbors or pets, our short list has a little something for everyone (including you).

PAMPER YOUR PET Treat your best friend to a spa day, replete with a massage, mud bath or “pawdicures.” All three locations of Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen and Bath also make human-grade, small-batch dog food from locally sourced meat and produce. Bathing and grooming packages are available. Gussy up the feline in your life at As The Fur Flies. barkincreek.com asthefurflies.com

SEE THE LIGHT(S) It’s not the holidays in Austin without The Trail of Lights; this year — its 57th — will again be drive-through. For a festive stroll, visit the Heritage neighborhood to view the 37th Street Lights or head to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters for hot chocolate and their annual Christmas Light Show (tickets required). austintrailoflights.org thirtyseventhstreetlights.gihub.io mozartscoffee.com

BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE If you’re short on time or counterspace, nab one of Central Market’s preassembled gingerbread houses and skip straight to the really fun part. The Thinkery also sells kits, and offers Gingerbread Workshops for all ages. Budding bakers ages eight and up can partake in cookie, cake and confection classes at Make It Sweet. centralmarket.com thinkeryaustin.org makeitsweet.com

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

5 VISIT A TREE FARM Go full Paul Bunyan and harvest your own tree at Elgin Christmas Tree Farm. You’ll be provided a bow saw and hay ride out to the cutting fields; after harvesting your Virginia Pine or Leyland Cypress, pop into the Christmas Cottage for a wreath and some ornaments. From $25. elginchristmastreefarm.com

4 HOLIDAY STAGE CLASSICS After a two-year hiatus, the musical production of “A Christmas Carol” returns to the ZACH Theatre, along with Ballet Austin’s “Nutcracker.” Pre-performance, enjoy a cocktail or glass of bubbly in Lenoir’s fairy light-festooned garden. zachtheatre.org lenoirrestuarant.com

SHOP-TILL-YOU-DROP RESET Running holiday errands requires stamina. Refuel at Easy Tiger South Lamar, Home Slice North Loop, Bouldin Acres or Littlefield’s Tacos & Coffee — all of which provide playgrounds to keep antsy kids occupied. easytigerusa.com homeslicepizza.com bouldinacres.com littlefieldsatx.com

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T R I B E Z A TA L K

7 GO ICE SKATING You may need to skip the layers of clothing, but gliding across the rooftop rink at Whole Foods Lamar is an Austin tradition. Take it inside at Chaparral Ice in Austin or Cedar Park. chaparralice.com

SHOP AND STROLL The 27th annual Downtown Holiday Stroll, which takes place along Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th Streets, features shopping passports that offer discounts at participating stores, pop-ups, brilliant light displays, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the star attraction — a decked-out 45-foot tree. downtownholidaystroll.com

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

HIT THE HOLIDAY BAZAARS Get your decoration inspiration and Austin-inspired stocking stuffers and gifts at ATown or seek out locally made handicrafts from hundreds of local artisans at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Blue Genie Art Bazaar and the Kwanzaa Ujamaa Marketplace at the George Washington Carver Museum. Come for the shopping, and stay for the food trucks and live music. keepatownweird.com armadillobazaar.com austintexas.org bluegenieartbazaar.com

JINGLE BELL 5K Burn off those Christmas cookies by running or walking the 26th annual Austin Jingle Bell 5k and Kid’s 1k Fun Run at The Domain, December 12th, benefitting MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Don’t forget your Santa hat. austinjinglebell.com

FESTIVE FEASTING Arlo Grey at The LINE Austin is bringing back its cozy poolside yurts for holiday dining, featuring seasonal, family-style dishes by executive chef Kristen Kish. Canoodle with your significant other or break out the bubbly for up to eight guests. Reservations required. thelinehotel.com

HOLIDAY BARHOPPING Indulge in a little holiday cheer at Lala’s Little Nugget, where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. Other hotspots for revelry include The Eleanor, which is bringing back its extravagant Miracle on 5th Street pop-up, The Gibson and Donn’s Depot, which go all out with the holiday frippery. lalasaustintexas.com miracleon5thstreet.com donnsdepot.com gibsonstreetbar.com

tribeza.com

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Social

HOUR

IMAGINE A WAY’S TOUCH THE STARS GALA

WILD BY DESERT DOOR Desert Door welcomed WILD on October 15 and 16 at Spoke Hollow Ranch in Wimberley. The unique food and drink series connected people to local wild spaces with campfire stores, a concert in the water and a hunter gather feast from Chefs Julien Hawkins of Hestia, Amanda Turner of Olaime and Ty Burton of Contigo, complemented by Desert Door cocktail pairings.

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CONTEMPORARY ART DINNER The 8th annual Art Dinner presented a cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner on the beautiful grounds of The Contemporary at Laguna Gloria on October 16. Guests were also treated to an after party with live music by Riders Against the Storm and a custom dessert bar. The event raised nearly $1.7 million for the museum’s impactful exhibition programs. TOUCH THE STARS GALA 1. Lauren Petrowski 2. Dale Holder & Jan Niels 3. Lanie & Brooke Jordan 4. Jared Greathouse & Erica Greathouse 5. Bobby Lewis, Lauren Lewis, Bernadette Lewis & Robert Lewis 6. Phillip Price & Julie Eaton 7. Lenore Shefman & Sinda Mitchel WILD BY DESERT DOOR 8. Etinosa J Ogbevoen & Laolu Onabanjo 9. Richard Hackey & Bobbi Lee Hitchon 10. Scenes from WILD 11. Rob Fletcher, Liz Fletcher, Lindsey Sokol, Claire Zinnecker & Adam Mink 12. Olamaie Brunch 13. Sara Barge & Shelby Goodwin CONTEMPORARY ART DINNER 14. Richard & Susan Marcus 15. Kathleen Loughlin & Kristen Gish 16. Lemel Humes & Suzanne Deal Booth 17. Elle & Brad Langston 18. Birgit Enstrom & Hugh Jefferson Randolph 19. Moyo Oyelola 20. Teresa Windham

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I M AG I N E A WAY P H OTO S B Y B E N P O R T E R . CO N T E M P O R A RY A U S T I N P H OTO S B Y B R I A N F I T Z S I M M O N S

On October 15, over 300 philanthropists gathered at downtown Austin’s JW Marriott for Imagine A Way’s 10th annual Touch the Stars Gala. Following a cocktail hour and silent auction, attendees also took part in a spirited live auction before hitting the dance floor. The monumental event raised over $453,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission to ensure Central Texas children with autism have access to critical therapies.

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HOUR RANCH RIDER MIGAS FEST

BLACK & WHITE BALL On October 22, Texas Advocacy Project’s 15th annual Black & White Ball, presented by Accenture, was held at Austin Marriott Downtown. The nonprofit honored community leaders Andrew Weber, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Madison, a former survivor-client. The evening featured a live auction and Raise the Paddles portion benefiting TAP, which empowers survivors of abuse through free legal services, education and more.

FORKLIFT DANCEWORKS’ PLATINUM PARTY Forklift Danceworks hosted its Platinum Party in celebration of its 20th anniversary at UMLAUF Sculpture Garden on October 28. The day commemorated the nonprofit’s history of inclusive dance performances that amplify Austin’s unique communities. Proceeds will support Forklift’s future productions that foster civic dialogue and deepen the understanding of essential urban jobs. RANCH RIDER MIGAS FEST 1. BLK ODYSSY 2. Gabby & Allie Byers 3. John Page of Discada 4. Alex Reichek 5. Shakey Graves BLACK & WHITE BALL 6. Jimmie Captain, Ashley Turner & Shannon Buggs 7. Michi & Terence Spielman 8. Dr. Rocco Piazza and The Piazza Center for Plastic Surgery and Advanced Skin Care team 9. Kevin Stutz & Jeannette Spinelli 10. Kristina & Jorge Elizondo FORKLIFT DANCEWORKS’ PARTY 11. Tigre Liu & DJ Mahealani 12. Michele Martell & Jan Bozarth 13. Bill Hopkins & Yavonna Glenn 14. Allison Orr 15. Cody Pruitt

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B L AC K & W H I T E B A L L P H OTO S B Y O B S I D I A N + B L U S H & Z A P P Y S P R I N G S P H OTO G R A P H Y. F O R K L I F T DA N C E W O R K S P H OTO S B Y C A S E Y S M I T H .

Austinites enjoyed migas tacos from some of Austin’s best taco purveyors at the first-ever Ranch Rider Migas Fest. Taking place at Butler Pitch & Putt on October 17, tickets included complimentary Ranch Rider, a putting competition and a live music lineup with Nané, BLK ODYSSEY and a surprise special guest. Tasters awarded Rosewood restaurant Discada with the title of best migas taco!

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Social

HOUR FIELD GUIDE FESTIVAL

PARAMOUNT ANNIVERSARY GALA 2021

Paramount Theatre’s Anniversary Gala transformed Congress Avenue into the Crescent City for a night to remember on October 30. The fundraising bash helped raise over $500,000 to help protect and preserve the historic theatre. The event included a seated dinner, dancing in the streets, an auction and memorable performances from Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL’S AUTHOR COCKTAIL PARTY On October 30, Texas Book Festival honored its distinguished authors with a cocktail party at Symphony Square ahead of its annual Lit Crawl. Guests grazed on appetizers under the Waterloo Creek live oaks while mingling with this year’s literary luminaries. Proceeds went to the organization’s many community programs. FIELD GUIDE FESTIVAL 1. Fiore Tedesco, Joi Chevalier, Mark Jackson & Joah Spearman 2. Sarah McIntosh of Epicerie 3. Kate Rousset of Storehouse 4. Lea Scott, Hannah Beall, Blair Fowler, Anamaria Gutierrez & Trisha Bates 5. Philip Speer PARAMOUNT GALA 6. Teri & Jerry Naiser 7. Louis Phillips & Dayne Damme 8. Shunne & Milton Powell 9. Brian & Karen Burgess and Dinah & Rod Welsh 10. Trombone Shorty 11. Mark Burnett & Carolyn Lane AUTHOR COCKTAIL PARTY 12. Lois Kim, Amor Towles, JB Milliken, Nana Smith & Steve Harrigan 13. Max Krochmal, Leslie Hay, Hopeton Hay & Shana Naomi Krochmal 14. Audrey Garcia, Cat Duong & Nancy Cruz 15. Logen Cure & Lorelei Willett 16. Ravi & Archana Vemulapalli

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F I E L D G U I D E F E S T P H OTO S B Y H A N N A H E D E L M A N A N D S Y D N E Y G AW L I K . PA R A M O U N T G A L A P H OTO B Y R AC H E L PA R K E R A U T H O R CO C K TA I L PA R T Y P H OTO S B Y B O B DA E M M R I C H .

Field Guide Festival toasted to the farm-to-table movement with a weekend of innovative conversation and cookouts. Attendees participated in a four-course dinner from top female chefs, an East Austin 5K, an all-day tasting with the city’s best restaurants, a farmer’s market, live performances and more. A portion of proceeds from the inaugural fest went to the Central Texas Food Bank.

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KRISTIN'S COLUMN

What’s My Why By Kristin Armstrong Artwork by Shaylin Wallace Portrait by Laura Doss

N MY WORK I HEAR THE SAME SENTIMENT, THE SAME ACHING EXistential question phrased in a variety of ways. There has to be more than this. What am I supposed to do with my life? Why am I here? What’s my purpose? I want to make a difference, but I don’t know how. I want my life to mean something. I feel like I’m just spinning my wheels. I want something deeper, but I can’t figure out what it is or how to find it. I want to do something meaningful with my time. What’s my legacy? These phrases are not just mid-life crisis pleas; I hear them from people of all ages. People seem to understand on some level that they are designed for a higher purpose, and they feel restless and even empty when they can’t get a sense of what that higher purpose is. I like thinking of it this way. If we are all divine beings traveling around in skin suits on this planet for a prescribed period of time, our appearance, our roles or our employment are kind of like undercover agents. This occurred to me years ago when I got my hair done by a woman named Suzanne. Every time I left her salon, I felt like a new person — not just with pretty hair, but better in every way for having spent time in her company. When you sit in her chair, you are the most important person in the world and the focus of all her good energy. Her cover is as a hair dresser, but her real job — her calling and purpose — is to love people and help them love themselves. In her own way, she makes the world a more beautiful place. I once heard calling described as the intersection between your greatest challenge and the world’s great need. The idea being that each one of us goes through different seasons of trial or difficulty, and they refine us in a specific way, if we are cooperating with our curriculum. It changes you, whatever it is. And as it changes you, it gives you a gift. That gift is the thing you pass on to other people as you go on with life. The gift expresses itself in different ways depending on your personality, your abilities and what you naturally like to do. Some people work a day job that funds their calling. Others find a way to integrate their calling into their job, and work becomes less effort, more about being than doing.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

This can get tricky. A client told me about a woman who loved to bake; she started a social media channel about her baking, and later opened a bakery. Sounds like a dream come true story, but she ended up so stressed out about her business that she closed it. She decided it was better for her to retain baking as a source of great happiness rather than making it her job. In this case, her passion was not her purpose — it was her pleasure. I like to think that it isn’t so much what we do that brings meaning or makes a difference; it’s more about how we do it, who we are as we’re doing it, and our why. I like to ask myself and my people, “What’s your why?” Often when we can answer this question on a deep, authentic level, it answers all of our questions simultaneously. If the front door of Meaning or Calling is locked, there is a way to go around and get in the back door. Sometimes a better question is not what (what should I do, what is my purpose), but how do I want to feel? Or how do I want others to feel in my presence? I say this all the time, but the only reason we ever want anything at all, ever, is because we believe it will make us feel a certain way. Once we determine how we want to feel and start moving toward the feeling, intentionally creating ways to feel more of the feeling here and now, things outside of us start lining up. As Maya Angelou said so beautifully, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” If we carry this idea into our relationships, our parenting, our workplace, our creative expression, our service and our communities, then we will — connection by connection, day after day — find ourselves aligning with our unique purpose and bringing more love and light into the world.

tribeza.com

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By Tolly Moseley Photographer: Skylar Reeves Editor: Didi Gluck Stylist: Cristina Facundo Makeup: Lauren Andersen Hair: Ange Bebbington Photo Shoot: Two Wishes Ranch in Lockhart, TX

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

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Actress Gen Padalecki on the Power of Story and Sustainability

en Padalecki picks up the phone to chat with me, and I can tell she’s smiling. “Mommy,” I hear in the background, a common reflection of post-COVID life: lots of us are combining work and home. But for an actress like Gen, whom you know from “Wildfire,” “Supernatural” and now “Walker” on The CW (where she stars with her husband, Jared Padalecki), work itself is a sprawling, creative endeavor. You could say she’s married to it. “I fell in love with my husband working alongside him,” says Gen. “We’re both really type A personalities, so our biggest challenge is turning our ideas off.” On “Walker,” Gen plays the late wife of the show’s title character (and if you’re wondering if it’s a reboot of the ‘90s Western, you’re right), who’s played by none other than her IRL partner. But the ideas Gen’s talking about aren’t just between their fictional characters; Jared and Gen actually have three show con-

cepts in development at the moment. Two are being scripted as we speak. “The stories that excite me run the gamut,” Gen tells me, when I ask her what tales she wants to tell. “Even if it’s an epic book or film, what I most enjoy is the human element. What drives us, what we love. We crave human connection, and through story we get to explore it.” Stories are a driving force of Gen’s life: over COVID, she started a book club (currently reading “On Animals,” by Susan Orlean). She rhapsodizes about “Pony,” a YA book by R.J. Palacio where a young boy is startled in the night to the sounds of his father being kidnapped. When he sets off to find him, he’s helped by Mittenwool ... who, btw, is a ghost. “I honestly cannot stop talking about this book,” Gen gushes, excitement in her voice. “And it’s slightly supernatural and YA, but it’s that human thing, you know? You’re right there tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

the norm, but in 2019, only six or seven roamed the area. Gen was inspired to create a community, starting with a newsletter, that helped people embrace environmentalism in a new way — one that transcended politics. “I was tired of all the doom and gloom, the ‘we’re all going to die’ message,” says Gen. And to be clear, her eyes are open (see: extinct salmon runs), but the conversation she wanted to start was one that was more hopeful, more inclusive. I laugh with her at the phrase underlining Townn’s newsletter sign-up: “no patchouli, granola or Birkenstocks required.” “Yes! Communing with the natural world is pleasurable, and I want to help folks feel that. I want them to know that everyone is welcome,” says Gen. “How can we invest differently, how can we shop differently? We can’t give up everything, but we can do more things to nurture our planet. I just want to make environmentalism more accessible.” I remark to Gen that this ethos, of living a sustainable life, also seems to extend to her family’s chosen home: Austin. We’re green around here, sure, but what I really mean is that they chose a place to live that isn’t our country’s showbiz capitol (Los Angeles). And that choice seemed to be a deliberate one, based on sustainable joy. “We thrive here,” says Gen. “When Jared and I were dating, we’d come to Austin for family gatherings, for fun. It was a blossoming city, alive with ideas, and once we got pregnant we knew it was the home for us. I was almost looking for excuses not to come here, since my family is in the mountains of Idaho ... but I couldn’t come up with a single excuse. I couldn’t!” she laughs. Turns out, we’re all glad she couldn’t. instagram.com/genpadalecki instagram.com/towwn

Violet Brinson as Stella Walker, Kale Culley as August Walker, Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker and Genevieve Padalecki as Emily Walker

with the boy, who just wants to find his dad. And he does this incredibly brave, scary thing, going into the woods to find out what happened, and confronting all these secrets from the past. It’s unbelievable.” We nerd out about books and our mutual fondness for Susan Orlean, the author who turned orchid thievery into a thriller, and the author whose collection of animal-focused essays is lighting Gen on fire. You can tell that this is a person who loves being immersed in worlds beyond this one, which makes sense (Gen got her bachelor’s degree in English). But that isn’t to say she’s disconnected from this world, right here. Quite the opposite. “I was born in California, but when I was growing up my family moved to Montana, then Idaho,” says Gen. “And in high school, we were all taught survival skills, like how to build a snow cave. I was taught to pack out, to treat the natural world with respect. And I wanted to integrate this way of being into my daily life.” She’s talking about Townn, a community she launched earlier this year to help folks (in her words) “to rethink the way we live and grow together.” It arose out of a shocking realization, one she witnessed with her own eyes. “I love being outside and have always found comfort in nature,” Gen wrote on her popular blog, “Now and Gen,” upon Townn’s launch. “But, perhaps naively, I always assumed nature would be there for me — and my children.” She goes on to describe a trip she took with her family in 2019, to Nimmo Bay Resort in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. They were excited to see grizzly bears, salmon runs and orca whales, “a place ripe with wildlife,” as she puts it. But what they saw was something quite different — and diminished. A salmon run had gone extinct, due to deforestation. Bears were sparse. Seeing 50 is

I love being outside and have always found comfort in nature tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

BLACK PUMAS EMERGE AS AUSTIN’S PREEMINENT MUSIC AMBASSADORS The neo-soul band has had a banner year, rife with accolades By Bryan C. Parker

o band has had a more exciting two years than Austin’s own Black Pumas. After a Grammy nomination in 2020, the neo-soul outfit returned in 2021 to perform live at the Grammys behind another nomination. In the hours after the band performed their hit song “Colors” on the television broadcast, it rocketed up the iTunes sales charts, moving from outside #1,000 to inside the top 10. More recently, local brewery 4th Tap named a beer after the group’s song “Stay Gold,” and Torchy’s Tacos teamed up with the band for a Black Pumas taco. The band toured Europe and the U.S. throughout the fall, bringing the gospel of Austin music to international audiences, including an opening

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

date for The Rolling Stones in Minneapolis. Everyone wants to hang with the Pumas. “I’m speechless; it’s nothing short of surreal,” front man Eric Burton says about their billing alongside the rock legends. The front man recalls that he was busking for money on the Santa Monica Pier just a few years ago, and calls his band’s success “craziness.” Guitarist and producer Adrian Quesada notes that the show with the Stones marked the band’s first time performing in a stadium. “I remember when anything bigger than C-Boys felt like a stadium to us,” says Quesada in reference to the small South Austin club where the band first rose to renown.

L E F T P H OTO B Y J O DY D O M I N G U E . TO P R I G H T P H OTO B Y B RYA N C . PA R K E R . TO P R I G H T M I D D L E P H OTO B Y PA U L J E N D R A S I A K . R I G H T B OT TO M P H OTO B Y L I I N A R A U D .

Burton and Quesada have been thrust into roles as de facto ambassadors of music for Austin, a job that comes with the weight of responsibility. Burton says he’s comfortable bringing everything he’s learned from Austin’s music scene to the world and that his primary goal as an artist is to stay true to himself. Built around Burton’s powerful voice and Quesada’s impeccable approach to recording, the Pumas’ distinct sound has an allure that’s easy to understand. The band’s songs manage to be both fresh and timelessly classic. As the primary producer for the Pumas’ lauded debut album, Quesada says he sees Austin becoming a coveted spot for bands to record. Over the years, he has produced music for bands like the Grammy Award winning Grupo Fantasma and heavy metal group The Sword, among many others. But he’s not just talented behind the control board. As a guitarist, he also played with Grupo Fantasma when the band served as Prince’s backing band for a pre-Super Bowl party in Miami in 2007. But even with all of his flirtations with fame, Black Pumas is Quesada’s first project to go stratospheric. Despite being booked for live dates months into the future, Black Pumas have already begun to think about material for their sophomore record. “We have a ton of ideas,” said Burton, adding that we might hear new music as soon as this time next year. Quesada says Burton has taken on more of a role in production conversations, as the two approach their new material more collaboratively than before. The Pumas have quickly become music industry movers and shakers, but Burton takes the phrase to a literal level with his electric onstage dance moves. Drawing on a background participating in theatre arts in high

school and a childhood spent around the exuberance of a church congregation, Burton’s live performances vibrate with a joy that’s contagious for audience members. “What we bring to the stage is a conversation,” he says, “and you can’t have a conversation without the second party.” Known for climbing down from the stage and scrambling out into the sea of concertgoers, Burton first started that practice to get fans engaged. Now playing to swarms of fans, he says crowds can sometimes be too enthusiastic, which has curtailed his straying from the stage. But Burton knows that his energy means something special to those who watch him perform. “People are liberated by our freedom onstage,” he says. Meanwhile, Burton is finding some freedom as he begins to adjust to the pace of his life in a world famous band. Amid the fervor of the group’s first few trips overseas to tour Europe, Burton says, “It was overwhelmingly magical; now, I feel like I’m settling into absorbing more.” For him, getting to travel the world has benefits beyond sharing his music. “I’ve always been very attracted to delving into different cultures and understanding people,” he says. That tendency toward intimacy shows up in how immediate and passionate the band is during shows. Quesada says that when the band is out on the road, they always measure a crowd’s level of enthusiasm with Austin as a barometer. The Pumas played two dozen or so festivals in recent months, but Quesada says none were better than playing ACL Festival right here in Austin. The group had just wrapped up their first string of post-pandemic shows at that time. Reflecting on playing to a sea of Austinites in Zilker park, Quesada says, “It felt like a homecoming.” theblackpumas.com

PEOPLE ARE LIBERATED BY OUR FREEDOM ONSTAGE

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

Stirring Up Memories By Darcie Duttweiler

EIGHT AUSTIN CHEFS AND BARTENDERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE COCKTAIL AND CULINARY RECIPES Sure, everyone’s mom makes the best stuffing, but this holiday season it’s high time you branch out from your traditional recipes and try something new. We asked eight Austin chefs and bartenders for the dishes, desserts and cocktails they make their loved ones during the happiest time of the year. From homemade graham crackers to pork rechaad, these culinary masters offer tips to help you celebrate in style.

Chef Susana Querejazu LUTIE’S RESTAURANT / LUTIES.COM

Joining partner and Executive Chef Bradley Nicholson at Lutie’s Restaurant, which opened in the heart of the Commodore Perry Estate in spring 2020, Executive Pastry Chef Susana Querejazu has more than a decade of professional pastry experience, working at several beloved eateries, like Enoteco Vespaio, Uchi, Uchiko and Odd Duck. Her gorgeous desserts are one of the huge highlights of dining at the beautiful hotspot. Here, she shares her graham cracker recipe — perfect for making s’mores with the kiddos.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

Graham Crackers • 850 grams whole wheat • 510 grams brown sugar • 3 tablespoons soda • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 300 grams butter • 3 tablespoons whole milk • 255 grams honey • 6 tablespoons vanilla Cream butter and sugar. Add in honey, salt, vanilla, and soda. Mix in dry, then wet. Wrap and chill for 15 minutes. Roll out to 4 sheets, each at 1/8th inch thick. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Then, use a wheel cutter to portion into 3-inch squares. Continue to bake until cookies are dark and well cooked. Yields 60 cookies

PIC TURED WITH PARTNER CHEF B R ADLEY PHOTOS COURTE SY OF COMMODORE PERRY E STATE, AUB ERGE RE SORTS COLLEC TION

Baking graham crackers fills the house with the smell of toasted honey and butter. I like to use red fife whole wheat from Barton Springs Mill when they have it because it has notes of baking spice in the wheat to add extra seasonality to your day

Hot Buttered Painkiller The Hot-Buttered Painkiller is a great mash-up of a classic hot drink that makes you think of sitting under a cozy blanket next to the fireplace while simultaneously transporting you to the Caribbean at the Soggy Dollar Bar sipping on the flavors of coconut, tangerine and pineapple with a tasty blend of rums

• 1 1/2 oz Caribbean Rum Blend (Starr suggests a blend of rums from Jamaica, Guyana, and Barbados) • 1 heaping tablespoon Butter Batter (Recipe below) • 4 oz Hot Coconut Chai Tea Zhi Tea Coconut Chai Tea • 2 oz Painkiller Whipped Cream to garnish (Recipe Below) • Fresh grated nutmeg Add rum and Butter Batter to your favorite festive coffee mug. Pour piping hot tea over batter and rum, stir to

PIC TURED WITH TATSU-YA B E VER AGE DIREC TOR MICHAEL PHILLIPS (LEF T) AND TATSU-YA SAKE SOMMELIER B RYAN MA SAMITSU PAR SONS (RIGHT) COCK TAIL PHOTO BY GABY DEIMEKE, PORTR AIT BY JANE YUN

combine. Top with Painkiller Whipped Cream. Grate fresh nutmeg over top and enjoy! Butter Batter • 8 oz highest quality unsalted butter • 6 oz Steen’s Louisiana Cane Sugar • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 teaspoon allspice • 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon shiro miso Combine all ingredients. Can be made ahead of the season in larger batches

Cory Starr TIKI TATSU-YA / TIKI-TATSUYA.COM

and kept in the freezer for up to three months. Painkiller Whipped Cream • 8 oz of Thai coconut milk • 1 oz dark rum • 2 oz fresh tangerine juice • 4 oz fresh pineapple juice

Leading the Tiki Tatsu-Ya beverage program is Cory Starr. While the Tatsu-Ya group is wellknown for their inventive cocktails, their new tiki bar takes things to a whole other level. Starr learned about tiki concoctions while working at The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai for five years before moving to Chicago to bartend at the award-winning Three Dots and a Dash. In Austin since 2019, Starr has passionately worked on crafting some of the most creative tropical cocktails in Austin alongside Tatsu-Ya beverage director Michael Phillips and Tatsu-Ya sake sommelier Bryan Masamitsu Parsons. His Hot-Buttered Painkiller is a Yuletide twist on a tiki classic.

• 6 oz granulated sugar Combine all ingredients. Chill very well. Use a stand mixer for 3-5 minutes to whip into stiff peaks, or alternatively use an ISI whipped cream charger.

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

Pork Rechaad • 3-pound pork butt roast • 1 large yellow onion diced Trim fat from roast. Cut remaining meat into 3-oz pieces. Fry fat down until dark brown and use it for cooking oil. Sauté onion with the fat. Make rechaad paste. Rechaad Paste • 1/3 cup garlic cloves • 1/4 cup ginger peeled • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon cloves • 4 Kashmiri chiles • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 1/8 teaspoon mustard seeds • 1 tablespoon paprika • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper • 1 cup apple cider vinegar • 1/8 cup jaggery or molasses • 1/4 cup tomato paste • 1/8 cup sugar • 1/8 cup honey • 3 tablespoons lemon juice Grind all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add meat and paste to pot. Cover and cook slowly on extremely low heat for 3 1/2 hours. Prepare one pineapple Clean off peel and eyes. Cut down the spine on 4 sides.

This dish stems from my experience in Goa, combining two traditional dishes and flavors, rechaad chili used in fish dishes and sorpotel, a pork stew, adding some more tropical elements that are local to the area. This is also a great dish to make for the holidays, as pork is often thought of as a good luck food to inspire progress and ring in the New Year

Cut long pieces in 3/4-inch thick chunks. Sauté in 1 cup apple on the grill for smokiness or roast in the oven on parchment until brown at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Braised red cabbage Pan roast one ear red purple cabbage shredded with 1/4 cup ghee, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, and 3 table-

Sidney Roberts

MUMTAZ MARKET BY G’RAJ MAHAL / MUMTAZMARKETATX.COM

spoons apple cider vinegar. To assemble: Layer platter with each of the three components slightly overlapping; first cabbage, then pork, then pineapple. Garnish with cilantro leaf and sliced limes.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

An Austin native, Sidney Roberts is most known for her Rainey Street food truck turned brick and mortar, G’Raj Mahal, which opened in 2009, but she has spent most of her life in the hospitality industry, training as a chef at 19 years old. It was during an early trip to jolly ole England that she fell deeply in love with Indian food. Her newest concept, Mumtaz Market (opened in October 2020) is a natural evolution of G’Raj Mahal, dubbing itself “cuisine fit for a queen.” Her Pork Rechaad recipe will whisk your family away to Goa and bring good luck into 2022.

PHOTOS COURTE SY OF MUMTA Z MARKET

dark rum and caramelize in 1/4 cup sugar. Finish pine-

Robert Bjorn Taylor

The story of this cocktail is a nod to the Vinarterta holiday cake of Manitoba, Canada. It’s an Icelandic traditional fruit layer cake usually composed of prunes, cardamom and vanilla. By marrying the flavors of the Vinarterta cake with Crown Royal Black’s rich flavors, it creates a harmonious festive cocktail! The egg white sour gives it the beautiful mouthfeel of an airy cake and balances out this holiday treat

IG: @KINGBJORNCE

COCK TAIL PHOTO BY ROB ERT BJORN TAYLOR , PORTR AIT BY LOUIS LORENCEZ

Robert Bjorn Taylor is as famed for his hearty hugs as he is for his high-end cocktails. For the better part of the past decade, the gregarious bartender has crafted libations for some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, like Vixen’s Wedding, Otoko, Emmer & Rye, Peché and Midnight Cowboy. Nowadays, you’ll find the sober bartender freelance consulting on some hush-hush upcoming projects, working as a graphic designer and writing a book called “NAH: Non-Alcoholic Handbook,” which will focus on the alternative lifestyle and drinking culture of a bartender and recovering addict. He aims to create an inclusive positive influence within drinking culture and the service industry by promoting mental health alongside constructive consumption. His version of a wintery sipper takes you to the Great White North.

Gimli Club

Winter Spiced

• 3/4 oz Crown Black

Simple Syrup

• 3/4 oz Crown Vanilla

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 1/2 oz Winter Spiced Sim-

• 6 cardamom pods cracked

ple Syrup (Recipe below)

• 2 star anise pods

• 1 egg white

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• Bar spoon raspberry

• 1 teaspoon allspice berries

preserves

• 1 teaspoon whole black

• Grated nutmeg to garnish

peppercorns • 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger

Add egg white to the shaker

thinly sliced

ed spices and ginger to the pot. Cover and simmer for 10

first, then all ingredients and

minutes, stirring occasionally.

dry shake. Add ice and shake.

In a small pot, combine the

Remove from the heat, let

Strain into a chilled cocktail

sugar and the water. Bring to

cool to room temperature for

glass.

a simmer, stirring occasionally

about 30 minutes. Using a

to dissolve the sugar for about

fine-mesh strainer, strain the

10 minutes. Toast spices for

syrup into a suitable container.

about a minute until you smell

Bottle and refrigerate for up

the aromatics. Add the toast-

to 2 weeks.

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

Holiday Sipping Chocolate • 16 oz 60-70% Favorite Couverture Quality Dark Chocolate Callets or Chopped • 2 oz Red Brute Cocoa Powder • 4 oz granulated sugar • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt • 1 6 oz milk or milk alternative

Sipping chocolate is the decadent version of everyone’s favorite nostalgic winter drink, and this hot cocoa has a special indulgence added to keep you extra warm

In a food processor, finely blend chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whip Cream Top • 8 oz whipping cream

INTERO RESTAURANT / INTERORESTAURANT.COM

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon In a mixer with whisk attachment or large bowl, whisk by hand. Add all ingredients together and whisk to medium-soft peaks.

Native Austinite Krystal Craig is the Managing Co-Owner & Chocolatier/Pastry Chef of Intero Restaurant. At 21, the self-taught chocolatier co-founded her first dessert company, focusing on small batch, sustainably sourced handcrafted artisan chocolates. After years of producing sweets for The Four Seasons, Jeffrey’s and Hotel Van Zandt as well as a signature chocolate line at Armadillo Christmas Bazaar for more than 14 years, she opened Intero in 2018 with Chef Ian Thurwachter. Her recipe will transport you back to your childhood.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

To make: Heat milk in a pot on the stove on low heat until warm, whisk continuously. Once warm add cocoa mix, turn up and heat on medium. Whisk constantly until completely melted and blended. Pour into espresso cups, add whipped cream to top, and serve.

PHOTOS COURTE SY OF INTERO

Krystal Craig

• 1 oz powdered sugar

Northern Cardinal • 1 oz Waterloo Yaupon Gin • 1 oz Cranberry-Infused Italicus Liqueur • 1 oz Campari

Sarah Rahl

AUSTIN PROPER / PROPERHOTEL.COM/AUSTIN

• Smoked rosemary Add all ingredients to the mixing glass, add ice, and stir. Strain over one large ice cube and finish with a sprig of smoked rosemary.

Sarah Rahl has been shaking up the cocktails at Austin Proper’s outlets, Goldies, La Piscina and Peacock, since November 2019. Prior to honing her skills at the downtown hotel, she worked at Ellis Bar and the Four Seasons Austin. Originally hailing from Maine means that the bartender knows her way around a cold-weather drink or two, especially bourbon. For her recipe, however, she puts a spin on a classic gin sipper.

COCK TAIL PHOTO COURTE SY OF AUSTIN PROPER HOTEL , PORTR AIT BY KIR STEN HOLLIDAY

I love to drink negronis when the weather gets colder, so the Northern Cardinal is the perfect holiday cocktail because it’s a fun themed spin on a classic negroni

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

chiles and garlic with the cooking liquid,

• 2 29 oz cans Maiz Pozolero (White

strain through a medium-mesh strainer.

Hominy for pozole) or 4 cups

Set aside.

• 3 1/2 to 4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder that will yield 2 1/2 pounds

Open the maiz (Hominy) cans and

• 1 tablespoon salt

place them in a colander, rinse out all the

• 2 bay leaves

canning liquid and any extra starch there

• 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano,

might be. Set aside.

without stems • 2 cups diced onion

When the meat is tender, remove it

• 5 garlic cloves

from the cooking stock, take all the meat

• 3 oz Guajillo chiles, stems removed

off the bone and shred it, add it to the

• 2 Ancho chiles

chopped cooked meat, set it on a baking

• 1/2 oz Arbol chiles, crispy fried or

pan to cool down if you are not serving

toasted

the pozole immediately, or a bowl if

• 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage

you are. Add the chile seasoning, the

• 1 lime, cut into quarters

maiz-hominy, the leftover cup of onions,

• 4 radishes, thinly sliced

and the oregano to the soup stock. Sim-

• 16 tostadas

mer until the soup is a little thicker and all the flavors have come together for

Take as much meat off the bone and cut

about 20 to 30 minutes. Carefully add

into 1 1/2-inch-thick pieces, place all the

the cooked pork back in. Bring back to a

pieces and the bone in a large stockpot,

soft boil, check for consistency; it should

cover with 5 quarts of cold water or

look hearty and brothy enough to be a

chicken stock, add 1 tablespoon of salt.

soup or light stew. If it looks too thick

Cook over medium-high heat, bring to

add some water or chicken stock. Taste

a hard boil, skim off all the grayish foam

the broth for seasoning; you might need

that rises to the top, and discard. Add

to add 1-2 teaspoons of salt to make up

1 cup of onion, bay leaves, and 1 table-

for what the hominy has absorbed. Let it

spoon of oregano. Partially cover the pot

sit off the heat for 10 minutes.

and simmer over medium heat, cook until the meat is tender but not falling

Crush the rest of the Arbol chiles in

apart, about 60 to 80 minutes.

a Molcajete or chop them. Serve the pozole in a deep bowl, garnish with the

While the meat cooks, prepare the chile

cabbage, and a couple of slices of radish.

seasoning, remove the stems and seeds

Also serve with the limes, crushed chiles,

from the Guajillos and anchos, toast

and tostadas on the side, or let your

them in the oven at 375 or on a comal

family serve and garnish their own.

until lightly brown and fragrant. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high

Serves 10-12 generous portions. If you

heat, add the toasted chiles, half or less

are not going to serve the pozole right

of the Arbol chiles, and garlic cloves.

away, divide it into smaller containers,

Turn the heat off and let them soak until

and cool it down immediately. You can

soft and the water has cooled down. In

freeze it once it is completely chilled.

a blender working in batches, puree the

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

Alma Alcocer EL ALMA / ELALMACAFE.COM

Although she’s the Culinary Director for El Chile Group overseeing menus and dishes for El Chile Group concepts, El Chile and El Chilito, Alma Alcocer is also executive chef of her namesake, El Alma, the Barton Springs hotspot known for authentic Central Mexican cuisine. A native of Mexico City and an alumnus of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Alcocer’s Austin culinary career began at Jeffrey’s, where she started as pantry chef and worked her way up to executive chef. A stint at Fonda San Miguel reconnected her with her Mexico City roots, and she began exploring the flavors of Central Mexican cuisine. In 2011 she partnered with El Chile Group to open El Alma. Slurp your way into Christmas with her Christmas Eve pozole recipe.

Pozole is a classic Christmas Eve meal, but it’s perfect for groups all winter! It can be made in advance, it freezes well, and everyone makes their bowl exactly the way they want it

RECIPE PHOTO BY TONO DA AL , PORTR AIT BY ERIC A WILKINS PHOTOGR APHY

Pozole Rojo

Dante McGrath VERBENA / VERBENAATX.COM

Located in the Canopy Austin Downtown Hotel, Verbena is a cozy spot with a lush open-air courtyard and a wood-burning hearth. Paired with the old-world farm-to-table fare, the cocktails at Verbena complement both the sophisticated dishes as well as the colorful restaurant, thanks to General Manager Dante McGrath. Raised in Atlanta, the mixologist-slash-manager has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years with almost a decade in Austin, cutting his teeth at The LINE Austin and W Austin Hotel. His festive sipper will have you painting the town red.

Wish You Were Here • 2 oz Hibiscus-infused Casamigos Blanco Tequila (See below) • 1 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

PHOTOS BY SHE-SHE MEDIA + DE SIGN

• 1/2 oz honey Hibiscus-infused Tequila Steep 1/2 cup of hibiscus flowers with 750 ml of your favorite blanco tequila for one hour. Strain and serve. Combine ingredients and hard shake with ice. Strain and serve

The vibrant red color embodies the season, while the freshness of the hibiscus tequila paired with the citrus and elderflower liqueur provides a softly sweet finish, perfect for sipping with friends around the tree

in a coup with a garnish of fresh lemon wheel.

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

AUSTIN EYE VIEW INFLUENCERS

ASHLEY HARGROVE @dtkaustin

By Darcie Duttweiler / Photos by Brittany Dawn Short

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

Ashley Hargrove is dressed to kill. The fashion blogger’s Instagram handle is an acronym for the adjective, after all. Hargrove is a commercial wardrobe stylist who has styled and modeled for brands including Neiman Marcus, BMW, Bud Light and many more. She joined Instagram way back in 2010 as a personal style page, but nowadays she posts stylish photos of her outfits — often head-to-toe black — elaborate nail art, home and accessories, dogs Steven and Walter, behind the scenes of photo shoots and her travels. She says she doesn’t follow trends and feels that she stands out against other fashion influencers for her fondness for the color black — although white outfits will pop up in the feed occasionally. When do you feel like you became an influencer? “Oh gosh, at times I still don’t even think I’ve made it as an influencer! I think I started feeling a little more ‘influential’ when I began to receive messages saying that sharing my style started making others feel more comfortable with themselves. When someone says how they never really felt comfortable in what they wore, could never figure out what to wear, just didn’t feel confident in certain pieces until they started following me, that was a huge game changer for me. I really felt that I was doing something a little bigger than just sharing clothes for fun but maybe making a very small difference in someone’s life.” How do you describe your style? “My style is more on the edgy side with lots of

black and pieces you could easily wear for any type of occasion. I try to stick to classic silhouettes and timeless pieces.” What fashion trends are inspiring you currently? “I actually don’t really follow trends. I focus on pieces I truly love that will last me season after season. I am all about quality over quantity.” What goes into getting the perfect shot for you? “First and foremost, I have to truly love what I am shooting. I remember back in the day when I would just create mindless content, and I wasn’t really in love with what I was creating. Now, I am way more focused and intentional on what I want to put out there for myself and my brand. But after that, what doesn’t it take to get the perfect shot?! We have to find the perfect location that will complement the outfit or product, then we have to think of lighting and the time of day we’re planning to shoot. Thankfully my house has been the shooting location for 90 percent of my

photos lately, so it makes it pretty easy. Getting that perfect shot is harder than most people think, but I’m pretty OCD about how my photos look.”

whether it is via social media or even in person, if I see someone out and about. I try to engage and talk with my followers for hours each day via DM or commenting on their photos and showing them some love. I adore the little community we have all created and absolutely love getting to know the people who have been following me for years or those who just stumbled upon my page. It is truly amazing that people enjoy following along with my crazy life with my crazy dogs! Actually, my two dogs, Steven Jalapeño and Walter, are way more popular than I am!” How do you balance your life with your relationship to Instagram? “I always prioritize ‘real’ life and the needs of myself, my family and friends before anything Instagram-related. I have no problem ‘shutting it off ’ during those times, and I really think that is necessary for my mental health, as well as for anyone else consuming content on social media.” What makes you stand apart from other influencers in your industry?

“I don’t really follow trends and I stay true to myself and my aesthetic, which I have found really sets myself apart from other influencers. Not to mention my affinity for the color black is quite different from most!”

What do you wish your followers knew about you that they don’t already? “A lot of people don’t really know that I own my own company and have a career outside of Instagram. I also don’t think a lot of people know how much of a tomboy I actually am! I started my @ justabadash Instagram account to show some of that edgy/nerdy side.” How do you like to connect with your followers? “I absolutely love connecting with my followers

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

AUSTIN EYE VIEW INFLUENCERS

JIMMY HO @thesmokingho

By Darcie Duttweiler / Photos by Brittany Dawn Short Photo Shoot at Terry Black’s Barbecue DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

immy Ho knows ‘cue. The barbecue influencer dazzles his over 61K followers not only with his favorite meat meccas around the state, but he has also been showcasing his own smoking and searing skills on his Instagram account @thesmokingho since 2013. The Supervisor at Progressive Insurance even recently contributed to Texas Monthly’s best barbecue issue, which named the top 50 BBQ destinations in the Lone Star State. The avid runner — which was actually the first hobby Ho started profiling on Instagram — recently completed an eight-day Carolina barbecue tour, further expanding his BBQ repertoire. How did you get interested in your Instagram niche? “It’s kind of a long story. I was a bit heavier and wanted to lose weight. So I started to run. Never ran in my life. Finally got up to three miles and have been hooked ever since. I was training with

Rogue Running for a marathon, and they asked if I wanted to be a guest blogger on my training experience — I said sure. At the same time, we moved out to Kyle, so I went to Lockhart a lot. We started to do BBQ runs, and my friends encouraged me to blog about it because I actually enjoyed writing. And now here we are. Take that, eighth grade English teacher!” How do you feel about being considered an influencer? “I hate the term. I am just a dude with a camera who loves BBQ. I hope my followers can feel my passion for it through the captions and photos.”

How has Instagram changed for you during the pandemic? “I actually spend a lot less [time] on it. Before March 2020, I would spend easily four hours on it every day. Now? About an hour or so a day. It’s funny though because this year has been the busiest I have ever been. Got any recs on accountants?”

Favorite “secret” Texas BBQ spot? “Rollin Smoke on E. Sixth Street. It’s in an unassuming truck lost among the condos. It flies under the radar quite often, so it’s sort of a hidden gem. They’re slinging top notch ‘cue with a lot of variety like crispy barbacoa and carnitas tacos, pork belly burnt ends and burritos.”

What do you wish your followers knew about you that they don’t already? “I’m an introvert, so inviting me to lunch is kind of uncomfortable for me.”

How do you balance your diet with eating so much meat? “Running at least four days a week and a lot of salads and smoothies during the weekdays. But I don’t get in trouble with the meat. It’s the sides and desserts that get me!”

What goes into getting the perfect shot for you? “Color and lighting. Everything needs to be bright enough, and the color needs to pop and stand out. I think I have a good eye.”

What’s on your barbecue bucket list? “Probably doing a Kansas City BBQ tour. That’s one region I need to sample from.”

Favorite Austin spots? “LeRoy & Lewis, Valentina’s, Franklin, Via 313, Home Slice, Veracruz, Sway, Pho Dan, Red Ash, Ramen Tatsuya and Odd Duck.”

I AM JUST A DUDE WITH A CAMERA WHO LOVES BBQ I HOPE MY FOLLOWERS CAN FEEL MY PASSION FOR IT THROUGH THE CAPTIONS AND PHOTOS

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

AUSTIN EYE VIEW INFLUENCERS

HALEY PLOTKIN @readysetjetset

By Darcie Duttweiler / Photos by Brittany Dawn Short Photo Shoot at Austin Mural and South Congress Ave. DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

referring to be labeled a “travel blogger” instead of “influencer,” Haley Plotkin is excited to travel internationally again after a very long quarantine. She recently returned from Spain and the Maldives and has a trip to London on the docket, but during 2020 she had to pivot her website and Instagram to focus more on Texas destinations and showcase road trips that were accessible in the Lone Star State. When she’s not traveling, Plotkin likes to flex her music photography skills and enjoys attending live shows at Stubb’s, the Mohawk, Emo’s and Antone’s. Although she admits it’s hard to balance a “normal” life as someone who travels so often, especially with meeting new people, she loves that she parlayed her travel “hobby” into a full-time career and gets to discover new places all over the world — and share them with her followers. How did you get interested in your Instagram niche? “I discovered my passion for travel while in college studying abroad in the U.K. I had so much fun backpacking and using credit card points hacking to fund my trips. I was already a photographer, focused on shooting live music for the past several years. It just made sense to combine my loves of photography and travel.” How did you get started working on Instagram and when? “I started @readysetjetset in late 2013. At the time, the word ‘influencer’ was not a thing, but people were starting to create niche pages on Instagram instead of just personal pages. I was inspired by that and became what was part of the first wave of Instagram travel bloggers.”

How do you balance your life with your relationship to Instagram? “It’s tough. I’m not home a lot, so it’s hard to have a normal life and stay close with friends. You miss a lot of things that others do with their more routine lives — like taking a weekly art class or joining a sports league or even just going out for trivia nights. I just can’t commit to anything like that since I never know what my schedule will be. It’s also hard to meet new people since you don’t exactly have traditional coworkers.”

Favorite Austin spots? “I’m a big fan of Fresa’s for Tex-Mex. That’s one of my favorite places to eat right now. I will always be obsessed with the Alamo Drafthouse for a night out at the movies, especially for fun events like Master Pancake Theater. And of course, I love all our local live music venues, like Stubb’s, The Mohawk, Emo’s, Antone’s and so many more. Attending music during SXSW is probably my favorite week of the year.”

What do you wish your followers knew about you that they don’t already? “That I’m also a music photographer. I don’t really get to shoot shows often anymore, but I used to have so much fun capturing festivals and shows big and small. I wish I could combine music into my travel work more often.”

Why is travel so important, especially now? “A lot of places rely on tourism for a large part of their economy. As long as we’re being safe and respectful, I think it’s important to get back to traveling to keep the world’s economy going. I also think visiting other countries and meeting people of different cultures is a necessary learning experience to broaden your worldviews.”

What goes into getting the perfect shot for you? “It can mean getting up at sunrise to stake out a location when no one is there yet and the lighting

Travel bucket list? “Antarctica cruise for sure. Kenya is high on the list, especially staying at the Giraffe Manor. I think I may be the only travel blogger who still

is perfect, or spending hours editing the photo to get the coloring perfect and clone people out of the background. People on Instagram have high standards, so a lot of time if the photo isn’t ‘wow,’ it just won’t perform well.”

hasn’t been to Bali yet. And I’d love to go back to Japan properly during cherry blossom season! Last but not least, Tahiti.”

How has Instagram changed for you during the pandemic? “I started focusing a lot more on video content, especially as I’ve been building my TikTok this past year. Also, I had to change my niche to showcase Texas destinations since I couldn’t travel far from home. My whole TikTok has really been built with Texas-themed content!”

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

AUSTIN EYE VIEW INFLUENCERS

JARED TENNANT @jaredten

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

By Darcie Duttweiler / Photos by Brittany Dawn Short Photo Shoot at Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge

eing a professional photographer in the time of COVID-19 wasn’t easy for Jared Tennant. He saw several months of corporate bookings disappear overnight. Luckily, he had recently started a new business designing and prototyping medical device accessories, which was very successful during the lockdown. That business has allowed him to cherry pick the photography projects he’d like and only shoot the things he enjoys or the people he enjoys working with. Since starting his Instagram page for his photography in 2012, Tennant has photographed a wide array of subjects and places, such as monkeys in Spain, scuba diving in Mexico, Mayan ruins, Brazilian beaches and so much more. How did you get interested in your Instagram niche? “I’ve always loved photographing mundane things and finding the beauty in them. I started

photographing the Austin city skyline and then transitioned into international travel. I started building drones from scratch before you could buy them commercially, just trying to get angles I couldn’t get from any building. That was a game changer for me.” How do you feel about being considered an influencer? “I’ve never really felt like an ‘influencer.’ My intentions aren’t really to influence. I just want to share the beauty that I see with other people and hope they’re inspired from it.”

Is there a time you loved a post you shared, but people didn’t respond to it as much as you thought they would? “This happens more times than not. I’m always surprised by the photos I post that go viral. It’s never the images I think that will do well. It’s always a random photo I post and it gets blessed by the Instagram algorithm Gods. I think most photographers will agree.” How do you balance your life with your relationship to Instagram? “I don’t have any issues with Instagram dominating my personal time. I honestly don’t put a lot of time into my posts. I have spent some time traveling with other Instagram influencers, and their phone just dominates their life.”

Where are you dying to photograph but haven’t yet? “I have flown my drone in over 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica. But I haven’t been to Iceland or New Zealand. Those are on the short list.” What piece of equipment can you not leave home without? “Honestly, my iPhone 13 Pro Max has such an amazing camera and it fits in my pocket. Sometimes I prefer to use it over my professional Sony cameras. If you know how to use it, shoot in RAW and nail your composition, your photos will be great. The best camera is the one you have with you.”

Why is Instagram so important to a photographer? “Instagram gives photographers a platform to share their work with so many different people from all over the world. It’s also a place to gain inspiration from photographers that you have

followed for years.” What goes into getting the perfect shot for you? “The perfect shot for me takes years of preparation — getting ready for that one moment of luck where ‘the everything’ comes together perfectly.” Favorite Austin spots to shoot? “I’m partial to the Austin skyline shots taken from Auditorium Shores or from one of the three to four bridges that cross Lady Bird Lake.”

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

AUSTIN FC FAN FAVORITE,

BRAD STUVER T H E G O A L I E W H O S T O P S S O C C E R B A L L S , A N D S TA R T S C O N V E R S AT I O N S By Tolly Moseley Photos courtesy of Austin FC

or fans of Austin FC, goalie Brad Stuver is something of a darling. “We are a tight-knit group of people who look out for one another,” he wrote recently, in an open letter to supporters. “We stand by each other regardless of the circumstances and we rally behind each other in the good times and the bad.” The letter was a collaboration between Stuver, his teammates and Austin FC staff. But still, it says something that he put his name on it, that he had the impulse to speak directly to fans, and that he

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

wanted to lift up his community. A community, by the way, that he’s relatively new in: he got to Austin at the tail end of 2020, after three seasons with New York City FC, and five seasons before that with Columbus Crew SC. But Stuver and his wife, Ashley, didn’t waste any time jumping into Austin, and learning how they could make a difference. Several years ago, the two got involved with The Laundry Project, a nonprofit-backed movement with a simple mission: to wash clothes and linens for low-income families. “Working with a group like that makes you realize that for a lot of people, having clean clothes isn’t a part of everyday life,” Stuver explains. “Peo-

ple budget their money for the month, and if they need a little more gas or a little more groceries, their clean clothes money goes away. But if volunteers come to the laundromat and help, that’s huge,” he says. “A child can have clean clothes when they go to school. And maybe they feel more confident, they pay more attention. They don’t run the risk of having other kids mock them,” Stuver tells me. In essence: a laundromat becomes a place of community care. Loads are getting washed, kids are entertained, volunteers and beneficiaries hang out and talk. It’s the kind of thing that makes you understand Stuver and his priorities, which include doing a killer job on the field (he made a whopping nine saves in a single game last June against Sporting Kansas City). But they also include giving back to a city that’s embraced him. Born in a small town in Ohio, Stuver is the son of a veteran and a nurse, who modeled community service to him and passed down that practice to Stuver and his brother. “My mom worked in a nursing home, and both my father and my grandfather were in the military, so we were very much raised with the expectation of, ‘how do you give back?’” It’s an ethos that not only explains Stuver’s heart, but also his sense of discipline. Which is precisely the ingredient Austin FC was looking for, as a fledgling team that built its lineup from scratch. “Historically new teams do struggle, as you’re still building a style of play, a locker room culture, how you go about day to day work,” says Stuver. “All first year teams go through these same things. But the ones who weather it well, go on to perform well, and ultimately, the way our club will be remembered is by how we operate. Starting with, do we take care of the community that allows us to do this?” It’s a reflection that makes me stop and pause, because in true “Ted Lasso” fashion, Stuver isn’t just talking about winning when he talks about “weathering it well.” He’s talking about something slightly less tangible, something more along the

lines of individual growth and leadership, not to mention gratitude. “The support here is something I haven’t seen anywhere before,” says Stuver, remarking at the gorgeous Q2 stadium, the fans all too ready to bust out jerseys and paint themselves green and black. Which is a testament to Austin, a quickly growing city that craved this: our own professional sports team. As a boomtown that doesn’t always

know how to handle its popularity (see: infamous traffic), we clearly wanted a place where we could come together, natives and newcomers alike. We wanted to root for someone, but not just bruisers. We wanted cool people. We’ve got high standards, y’all. Which makes Stuver a natural choice for 4ATX Foundation’s 2021 Legend of the Year Award, an honor he earned alongside Central Texas Food Bank President and CEO, Derrick Chubbs. Stuver has been a leader on the field, and is passionate

about The Laundry Project, but three years ago, during his stint with NYC FC, he also became an Athlete Ally, advocating for inclusion in sports. It’s an organization that strives to “educate athletic communities at all levels — sport governing bodies, teams, and individual athletes — to understand obstacles to inclusion for LGBTQ people in sports and how they can build inclusive communities on their teams or within their organizations.” It’s a little remarkable to think back to 2018, right around the time Stuver was getting involved with Athlete Ally, and also right around the time gay male players were starting to publicly come out. In fact, 2021 marks the first year that pro baseball, basketball, football, hockey and soccer all have an openly out gay male player. Naturally, Stuver seized the opportunity to join the Playing for Pride initiative, a fundraising effort spearheaded by pro soccer player Austin da Luz several years ago. For every save or shutout made, you as the player agree to put a little bit of money away, and ask folks to match you. “It’s not a grand gesture, it’s more grassroots. But we raised a lot of money this year!” Stuver says happily, who explains that the money went to organizations like Equality Texas, who have been fighting for months at the capitol to shut down anti-trans bills. I ask Stuver about the team culture that’s starting to emerge at Austin FC, and how he feels about the 4ATX Award. “I’m honored to receive it, and I was a little surprised too, because the truth is, there are so many guys on our team who do charitable actions, who help this community,” says Stuver, who tells me in the same breath about a GoFundMe Matt Besler (Austin FC defender) started in the wake of the deadly winter storm, to help people pay for damaged homes and businesses. “And that’s what I’m seeing, really. A team that doesn’t just benefit from this community. But a team that wants to be part of the community as a whole.” austinfc.com tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

Asahi Imports: More Than a Grocery Store SALLY MATSUMAE CARRIES ON HER FAMILY’S LEGACY WITH A NEW LOCATION ON SOUTH L AMAR By Meher Qazilbash Photos by Holly Cowart

ALLY MASTUMAE’S FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMOries take place in the unconventional setting of a grocery store. Asahi Imports, the only Japanese market in Austin that sells exclusively Japanese products, was a paradise to young Sally. She stared at the mesmerizing wall of colorful candies and indulged in the large stock of Japanese confections. When the excitement of the store’s goodies finally left Sally exhausted, she would take naps on the plump sacks of rice. Sally’s grandmother, Shigeko Burnie, first started the business in 1967 in North Loop as an immigrant from Japan who wanted to share the delicacies from her homeland with Austin. Later on Sally’s father took over and taught Sally the trade as she helped her family run the show after school every day. Once she graduated college she was working full time and eventually became the sole owner. Running the business herself came naturally, and now she is taking it to new heights. Since 2003 Asahi has sat happily on Burnet, but due to high demand a second location opened on South Lamar this fall. The expansion marks exciting times not just for the store itself, but for the Austinites in the area who don’t have any of these special products nearby.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

Both locations feature a wide variety of Japanese pantry delights from 30 types of rice to 100 kinds of sake and beer, all different from what you’d find on your typical grocery run. The real treasure and specialty of Asahi Imports, however, is their fresh onigiri, or rice balls, and bento boxes that sell out daily. The Onigiri Counter is a more recent addition created by Sally, with all of the different recipes developed by Sally herself and handmade with love. “I really enjoy making people happy,” Sally expresses. “To have shoppers come into our store and find fun, interesting and unique products, seeing customers excited about having visited us, and really just making someone’s day, gives me the drive to keep going.” Those who are unfamiliar with Japanese foods and products, don’t be afraid. The employees will gladly walk through the store with you and help you navigate the over 30,000 products that fill the store. I experienced it firsthand.

“We like to think of Asahi as being a cultural ambassador from Japan,” says Sally. “When customers shop here, we like to not only help them find specific ingredients, we also love to educate them so that they understand how to use those different ingredients. We’re empowering our customers to feel confident when shopping at ethnic markets.” Asahi comes from people. You feel that constantly when you go, with the food from family recipes, the employees and customers that have been a part of the shop for generations, and the jazz music that plays in the shop as a commemoration to Sally’s father who loved traditional jazz. Asahi Imports is bringing the wonders of the world right here to Austin with its own personal touch. asahiimports.com

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

MAKING THEIR

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE “The One You’re With” offers a satirical spin on quarantine, Austin-style By Laurel Miller Photos by Brittany Dawn Short

“A

movie about the pandemic was made possible by the pandemic.” The events of the past 21 months have been such a blur, Chad Werner needs to take a moment and say these words aloud, mid-interview. “Disaster films always show everyone running and hiding in crevices, but I think most people would just be happy they don’t have to go to work.” Werner is one-third of the team behind the new absurdist satire, “The One You’re With,” which began streaming on Apple TV and Amazon in September, followed by premiers at Fort Worth’s Lone Star Film Festival and the Austin Film Festival. Werner’s cohorts, Jon Michael Simpson and Jeff McQuitty, produced “TOYW,” while Werner wrote, directed and starred in the film, which follows 34 days in the life of two virtual strangers stuck together during quarantine due to a mysterious new virus.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

“Obviously, this was inspired by recent events,” says Werner. “But it’s not autobiographical, other than the fact that my wife and I got married in December 2019, and relocated back to Austin from Los Angeles in March 2020, before our home was finished. Because of the lockdown, we ended up couch hopping for months. It was a stressful time.” Werner wrote the screenplay “as a coping mechanism” in April 2020. “It’s about a girl running from her past who moves to Austin and has a one-night stand with a lovelorn guy,” he says. “The next morning, the nation goes into lockdown, and these two complete opposites are forced to come together.” Werner, Simpson and McQuitty met in the fall of 2011, while enrolled in film school at UT. Friendships cultivated while working on a documentary project quickly evolved into a “hive mind mentality” that led to the formation of their sketch group, “The Cuddle Squad,” says Werner. Over the years, the three men have collaborated on six feature films, several documentaries that have premiered on Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network and various television shows. Werner eventually moved to L.A. but returned to Austin frequently for work. “We’ve always believed in the city’s film scene,” says McQuitty. “It’s enabled to us to continue working in the industry, and we’ve had fun making cool stuff together. There’s not a lot of ego here, and tax incentives from City Council and the Austin Film Commission have made it much easier to make movies and television here. There are also a lot of skilled technicians.” “We love the community here,” adds Simpson. “When we made our first film, ‘A Perfect Host,’ we had no budget, and businesses like coffee houses would allow us to film for free, as long as our crew bought beverages. People made meals for us. Austin is the perfect city for that kind of support.”

Filming for “TOYW” commenced in July, with six crew members (including Simpson on camera and McQuitty handling sound) and a small cast including leads Koko Marshall and Werner. “Once Chad gets an idea, it comes together quickly and competently,” says McQuitty. “It’s a testament to his skills and ability.” “There’s a purity to this kind of stripped-down filmmaking,” says Simpson. “It’s like we’re going back 10 years.” Prior to the 17-day shoot, the principals talked to other productions, the city and the Centers for Disease Control about protocol, but COVID-19 safety measures came down to “complete trust

in the cast and crew,” says Werner. As for the collaboration, “It was really fun,” he says. “We have this shorthand when we work together — there are very few questions, and we all kind of had the same brain and hands on this one. I couldn’t have done it without Jon and Jeff.” The community stepped up to assist with filming. Local businesses, including Central Standard restaurant and Tillery Street Plant Company, offered their locations for scenes, and “people opened up their homes to us and loaned us gear,” says Simpson. McQuitty describes the shoot as, “cathartic for everyone involved. It gave us all something

to look forward to and brought levity to an otherwise scary global situation. Shooting when we did, we really needed to be able to laugh.” While the film is at times biting (the scenes depicting a paint thinner-as-curative endorsing President comes to mind), Werner says, “I wrote the ending before the current reality was even in place. I think the film shows that people are generally kind and caring, but that’s easy to forget when looking at the media. On a macrolevel, the film is a reminder that relationships we have are important and worth nurturing.” threehairproductions.com

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

MAKING THEIR

COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE Emancipet is paving the way for affordable veterinary

care for all, and leading the organization for more than a decade is CEO, Amy Mills By Sam Lauron Photos by Brittany Dawn Short Photo Shoot at Emancipet

hat began in 1999 as a single mobile-only clinic that served families with pets in Austin, Emancipet has grown its network to include seven walk-in clinics across Central Texas, Houston and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mills, who joined the non-profit as CEO in 2006, is largely responsible for taking the organization to new heights by expanding its reach to a national level. But the immense growth the non-profit has experienced in recent years certainly didn’t cultivate overnight — and neither did Mills’ unmatched non-profit expertise. Mills, who just celebrated her 15th anniversary with Emancipet, has committed her entire career to the world of non-profits. “I’ve never worked at a for-profit company,” she admits. “My whole career has been [working in] non-profits. I’ve just always wanted to be a community servant.”

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

Before joining Emancipet, Mills worked with non-profits that focused on helping youth and families. As an animal lover, however, she spent her weekends volunteering at the Austin Humane Society. It was through these overlapping experiences that she noticed the intersection between families and animals and was naturally drawn to Emancipet’s mission. “There are over 50 million dogs and cats in the United States that live with families who cannot afford veterinary care at a traditional for-profit clinic,” says Mills. “When I think about my own [pets] and the role they’ve played in my life, I don’t know who I would be without my animals. And so, when I think about the many millions of animals who are loved just as much and who play that same role for all of those millions of families, and those families don’t have the ability to take care of them if something goes wrong, it’s a gripping mission for me.” Though Emancipet is not a full-service veterinary clinic, the organization offers crucial preventative care for animals including vaccines, microchips, check-ups and spay and neuter services. Services like these are integral to the longtime health of a pet, yet Mills emphasizes that many families aren’t able to afford these essential services, which is what drives Emancipet to make veterinary care accessible to underserved communities. “This is an equity issue. We have to make sure that pet ownership isn’t just for wealthy people. It matters a lot that everybody, no matter how much money they have, is able to create the kind of love [with a pet] that I know firsthand has been really life changing for me.” With affordability and access at the forefront of the organization’s values, Emancipet never turns anyone away from a clinic. Instead, they rely on donations to operate their vet services; a $1 donation can be used toward $5 of

vet services. And after the pandemic, the demand for Emancipet’s affordable pet care is greater than ever. In 2020 alone, Emancipet cared for more than 200,000 pets at their clinics. Since 2013, the non-profit has expanded at a rate of one clinic per year, but with the significant increase in demand they experienced last year, Mills knows they’ll need to expand faster — and soon. “Pre-pandemic, we set this bold goal that by the year 2028, everyone in the United States would have access to veterinary care they can afford,” she says. And, thanks to Mills’ 15-year dedication to the organization, the tireless work of her staff — which has grown from 15 to 200 under Mills’ lead — and a long-term partnership, that bold goal may not be too far out of reach. Emancipet recently received a grant from longtime supporter PetSmart Charities, the largest non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare. The monumental funding will help Emancipet build a team that’s solely dedicated to opening new clinics, allowing them to increase their rate of clinic openings and grow their national presence. Additionally, PetSmart Inc. (it’s important to note that these are separate entities) plans to donate veterinary clinic spaces inside a couple PetSmart stores for Emancipet to operate starting next year. Achieving this incredible feat has only fueled Mills’ fire. She describes her work as “addictive” and credits the non-profit’s growth as a reason she remains motivated to continue. “A new clinic is this incredibly beautiful thing in a community,” she says. “We go into neighborhoods where there has never been a veterinary clinic before, and on day one, the people who show up are just so excited because they’ve never been able to have access to veterinary care before. The difference that you know you’re making in their life is just so incredibly fulfilling. And I can’t wait for the next clinic. I want to keep going and going.” emancipet.org tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

MAKING THEIR

TRANSFORMING AUSTIN INTO A HUB FOR VIDEO GAME DEVELOPERS Dallas Dickinson brings decades of experience to Crystal Dynamics’ new studio By Bryan C. Parker Photos by Brittany Dawn Short Photo Shoot at Cidercade

oasting an impressive resume with his work on “Star Wars Galaxies” and “Star Wars: The Old Republic” as well as the launch of his own gaming company, Dallas Dickinson was recently tapped by Crystal Dynamics to head the gaming company’s new studio in Austin, which launched in June. “The opportunity to work on arguably the best cinematic storytelling games in the world was the thing that got me excited and got me here,” he says, citing Crystal Dynamics’ long track record of success. Dickinson grew up in North Texas, but it wasn’t until Sony Online Entertainment offered him a job in Austin in the early 2000s that the producer returned to the state. After leaving Texas to attend Princeton back in 1992, he was surprised to return to a booming Austin, “where the cutting edge stuff is

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

going on.” Dickinson, who studied literature and theatre in college and began his career working on location for Disney productions, has always been drawn to narrative storytelling. He says his new role at Crystal Dynamics allows him to work on both “high quality interactive gameplay as well as the cinematic character-driven elements of game play.” One focal point for Dickinson and Crystal Dynamics is the wildly popular “Marvel’s Avengers,” a game which has seen four story expansions, including the most recent, “War for Wakanda,” released in August. The studio will also work on a reboot of the beloved first-person shooter game “Perfect Dark,” which currently has no set release date. Additionally, Dickinson himself serves as the executive producer for the Tomb Raider franchise, a role that includes overseeing any video game development and managing relationships with MGM, who is working on a motion picture, and Netflix, who is developing an animated series. “I’m pretty good at context switching,” says Dickinson, who may find himself jumping from a press interview to a design conversation to a budgetary conversation within the span of a few hours. That versatile skill set and quick thinking makes him a crucial part of Crystal Dynamics’ expansion. The quality of life Austin affords has helped Dickinson stay sharp in his new role. An avid runner, he usually logs six miles around Town Lake each morning.

“I have an hour when I’m either alone with my thoughts or have music on in the background,” he says. “It really clears my head space and makes me feel truly prepared for the challenges of the day and the 1,001 hats I need to swap through.” From his home in East Austin, he loves stopping by neighborhood haunts like Quickie Pickie on East 11th, which he says has great cold brew and migas tacos. The spacious patio at farm-fresh restaurant Contigo is a favorite dinner spot for Dickinson, who calls himself “an Austin foodie guy.” He adds, “The kind of games we make have always come from a place that culturally vibes with Austin.” Such lifestyle perks also help Crystal Dynamics hire top talent in Austin. “We are looking to have better quality of life

for our developers, and Austin is a city that offers that,” Dickinson says. Improved technology and the pandemic have given companies opportunities to rethink approaches to their structure and location. According to Dickinson, distributed development — in other words, working across multiple sites and locations — is just part of the industry culture now. To staff their new studio, Crystal Dynamics has both hired new personnel as well as relocated employees from their offices in the Bay Area and Seattle. While Austin’s cost of living has risen, it remains more affordable than those West Coast cities that are among the nation’s most cost-prohibitive. “Many other studios over time have been putting nexus here in Austin, and I think that at-

tracts people and keeps people here in Austin,” Dickinson says. In the past, finishing a major project in Austin might have necessitated a move to L.A. or the Bay Area, but the growing video game development ecosystem in Austin allows the city to preserve its talent. He sees the city as a tremendous place for business to expand and says Crystal Dynamics’ new studio broadens the company’s footprint and allows them to offer opportunities to a wider swath of developers. Akin to assembling a team of Avengers, Dickinson and Crystal Dynamics are focused on building a cooperative team with elite talent. He says, “It’s all about Crystal creating more spaces for people to join us.” tombraider.com

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

MAKING THEIR

LEADING WITH PURPOSE The president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University has made significant strides, and she’s just getting started By Sam Lauron Photos by Brittany Dawn Short Photo Shoot at Huston-Tillotson University

r. Colette Pierce Burnette may carry the esteemed title of being the first female president of Huston-Tillotson University, but she’s quick to acknowledge those that came before her. As she reflects on her past six years at the helm of Austin’s oldest higher education institution, she points to a portrait hanging in her office. The woman in the portrait is Mary Elizabeth Branch, the first female president of Tillotson College (which later merged with Samuel Huston College to become Huston-Tillotson University) and the first female to lead an accredited college in Texas. Branch held this position back in the 1930s and 40s, and, though it took some time for another female to step into this leadership role, Burnette is proud to follow in Branch’s footsteps.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

“I often say that it took the university 70 years to get it right again, to hire another woman,” she says. Burnette’s career didn’t begin in education. The Ohio native went to school for engineering and spent the first 20 years of her career working as a computer engineer for companies like Procter & Gamble and the Washington Post. At one point, she even pursued entrepreneurship and ran her own computer consultancy firm called CompuMent. Looking back, Burnette is grateful that her career and personal life — her husband is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, and their family spent a lot of time traveling for the military — took her to many places outside of the familiar place she calls home. “All the magic happens outside of our comfort zones,” she says. “And I’ve lived a life outside of mine.” Burnette made the shift toward higher education when she took a faculty position at a community college teaching computer science. As a first-generation college student herself, Burnette firmly believes that “education is the great equalizer” and is passionate about serving the traditionally marginalized through greater education opportunities. “Oftentimes, we mistakenly equate poverty with how smart you are, but really what’s missing is the lack of opportunity or exposure to opportunity,” she says. “It has been a passion of mine to bring those opportunities to young people of color, such as myself, because my opportunity came when people really cared about me.” The second half of her career has been spent committed to this mission, and in 2015, Burnette began her current role as president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. As she hadn’t even visited Austin prior to interviewing for the position, she needed time to get familiar with her new city. But once here, it didn’t take her long to come to the disappointing realization that not everyone was aware of the university’s deeply rooted history, let alone its presence in Austin.

She recalls taking rideshares to work during her first couple of weeks here. “Out of my first 10 rides, the Uber [drivers] did not know that there was even a university here. It made me sad that the city of Austin did not recognize the beauty of having a historically Black college in the center of the city.” But Burnette didn’t let this discourage her. Instead, she used it as fuel for everything she does on both an institutional and personal level. As a co-chair of Mayor Adler’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities, as well as a member of numerous boards around the city,

Burnette uses her voice to advocate not only for the university but for people of color. “There’s a purpose for me being at this university at this point in history here in Austin,” she says. “And I own that fully.” Another testament to the lasting impact Burnette seeks to make not only at the school, but in the education system entirely, she created the African-American Male Teacher Initiative at Huston-Tillotson, a program that encourages male students to pursue a career in education in an effort to increase the number of Black male teachers in the country. The program provides

scholarships to the students, which are funded by the program’s partner, Apple Inc. Burnette admits that leading an HBCU and strengthening its brand within the city — not to mention, during a global pandemic — doesn’t always come with consistent “wins.” But when things get tough, she reflects on the portrait of Mary Branch that hangs in her office to remind herself of her power to make change in this place in time. “If [Mary] could do it in the ’40s, I can do it in 2021.” htu.edu/faculty-directory/dr-pierce-burnette tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

MAKING THEIR

THE SECRETS OF MASA Suerte’s Fermín Núñez is thrilling diners on Austin’s East Side By Amanda Eyre Ward Photos by Brittany Dawn Short Photo Shoot at Suerte

hen Chef Fermín Núñez was 28 years old, he decided to gamble on himself. A native of Torreon, Mexico, Núñez had lived in Austin since 2009, working at local hotspot La Condesa. “I climbed my way through the ranks, from cook to management,” he says. He went on to create magic at Launderette and Uchiko. But Núñez was considering a move to New York City, ready for something new, when restaurateur Samuel Hellman-Mass proposed they open a restaurant on Austin’s East Side that would celebrate masa, the maize dough that comes from ground corn. “Well, if I fail, I can still make it to New York by the time I turn thirty,” Fermin thought. Long story short: he did not fail. Masa at Suerte is made inhouse daily from Texas-grown heirloom corn. And once you’ve tried a tortilla at Suerte, I can attest, it’s very hard to go home and eat tortillas from the grocery store. And the masa made at Suerte is also used for tamales, tostadas, tlayudas, tlacoyos, tacos ... the list goes on. Each item is beautifully prepared and

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

presented. Standouts on my recent visit included “Suadero Tacos” with confit brisket and “black magic oil” and “Tamal En Mole Blanco” made with pine nut-almond tamal, goat queso fresco, pineapple gremolata and the decadent mole blanco. “I’m inspired by Mexican cooking techniques rather than a certain dish or flavors. Mexican cooking, to me, is more about the techniques that are used to create those layers of flavors and dishes that we all love,” Núñez explains. “With traditional mole,” he says, “you take all these different chilies, a recipe that has sometimes between twenty to thirty ingredients. And it takes, you know, three days of making it. And then, on the third day, you add chocolate. Because if you were to add it at the beginning, the chocolate would sink to the bottom and the sugar would burn, and you’d have a bitter taste. Instead, it’s delicious and complex, with acidity from tomatoes and a little bit of sweetness from chocolate.” My mouth is watering as I type. And I haven’t even mentioned the desserts, like the “Chocotaco,” with a chocolate-masa shell, peanut caramel and cinnamon semifreddo. “I have so many local favorite restaurants,” Núñez says. “Birdy’s, they’re doing amazing stuff. Nixta Taqueria, Discada taco truck ... hopefully they’re going to reopen soon so I can get my taco cravings filled!” Núñez also mentions Canje, helmed by Guyanese chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who is exploring techniques from Guyana to Jamaica to Puerto Rico. What’s is Núñez’s favorite thing on the Suerte menu? The chef has a hard time deciding. “Well,” he says, “we’ve perfected our way of cooking barbacoa, so that’s been really exciting ... and the butternut squash, oak-grilled with a pumpkin mole.” Núñez was named among Food & Wine’s Best Chefs of 2021, and when he recently went to New York, it was for a weekend visit, he laughs, not to pursue a life. “This is a dream come true,” he says. suerteatx.com tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

MAKING THEIR

OUR WRINKLES TELL A STORY Lindsey Sokol wants to make wellness and community engagement an ongoing dialogue By Laurel Miller Photos by Brittany Dawn Short Photo Shoot at Comedor

ulturally, we don’t embrace wrinkles. In our clothing or on our faces, creasing and crinkling are viewed as signs of age and neglect. When events coordinator Lindsey Sokol and C3 talent buyer Margaret Galton named their membership-based women’s organization, however, “Guaranteed to Wrinkle” was the only moniker they considered. “The name came from a New York Times article that discussed the counterintuitive value of wrinkled clothing,” says Sokol. “Since the 1970s, the labels of linen suits designed by Ralph Lauren included the phrase, implying that the more creased, the more classy. We’re all guaranteed to wrinkle, just like those suits. As women, our wrinkles tell stories.” Sokol, who is originally from Plano, has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. As the former festival director for C3 Presents, she’s produced ACL, Lollapalooza and the 57th Presidential Inauguration; as founder and current CEO of Blue Norther Live, she’s the force behind Austin’s New Year and events like Beto for America and the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

When Sokol and Galton conceived GTW in 2018, their goal was to create an organization that “aligns passion for wellness and community involvement with connecting like-minded female leaders.” Today, GTW has 120 members in Austin, who unite for events including panels on health and wellness and community volunteerism to salon dinners focused on education. Previous topics have included mushrooms, women in the arts and sourcing food locally. “The culture of GTW is built around the members, board and team,” says Sokol. “I want to empower everyone to be able to take a step forward to shape it into what they see is needed for the community.” The concept was born over coffee, and scribbled on a napkin. “It was about creating an authentic connection with other women and focusing on causes that we cared about so that the conversations and membership would be rooted in purpose.” Over the past year, mental health and wellness have been one of the main focuses for GTW. Members have participated in panels on women’s relationship with stress and talks on clean beauty to expert-led meditations and a monthly Walk Club. “We’ve made a conscious effort to encourage our membership to take care of themselves and help them understand that self-care if more than a luxury. It’s a necessity,” says Sokol. Blue Norther Live also jumped into the health arena, running a mass vaccine drive-through at Circuit of the Americas and Travis County EXPO Center. Sokol also used 2021 to focus on a new passion put into sharp focus because of the pandemic: local food security. Her Field Guide Festival debuted in late October; it was a twoday event that included farm tours, chef dinners, tastings and symposiums. “My partner in Field Guide, Trisha Bates, is such an inspiration in our local food community,” she says. “Her company, Urban American Farmer, has been engaging both growers and chefs to come together to build connection in the food community. With the festival, people can enjoy and appreciate our foodshed, not only through

meals and tastings, but through conversations with chefs and farmers on where and who their food comes from.” Despite her hectic schedule, Sokol practices what she preaches. While it can be overwhelming to try and tackle the other challenges we currently face as a society, Sokol advises starting small.

“Pay attention to the issues and concerns of your community, and go from there,” she says. Taking time to decompress is also important. To unwind, Sokol walks away from the computer and phone for an hour each afternoon, often taking a Pilates class at her friend Brooke Bowerstock’s studio, ALIGN. Sokol also enjoys cooking for her family and friends and spends

time with her dog, Winston. “I’ve spent the last 14-plus years traveling event-to-event, and I loved it, but recently I’ve found a new love for Austin,” she says. “There’s joy in slowing down.” bluenortherlive.com fieldguidefest.com guaranteedtowrinkle.com tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

ONESTOWATCH

SPARKING JOY Meet Elly Abels, a young designer her teachers call “a ray of fashionable sunshine” By Amanda Eyre Ward / Photos by Jenna McElroy Photo Shoot at The Art Institute of Austin

ELIANA ABELS (who goes by “Elly”) defines her fashion sense with three words: bright, retro and colorful. Her work is inspired by Betsy Johnson. “I love her use of color,” says Elly. “It’s always so unique.” “I immediately noticed Elly’s voice in her work,” says Elly’s professor at the Art Institute of Austin, Karen Abels. “As you can tell from her style, she has a very fun, positive, upbeat, bright personality, which she translates into her fashion.” Elly grew up in the Greater Austin area. “Living in such a creative and free environment allowed me to have so many opportunities to learn and grow in my artistic passions,” says Elly. She taught herself to quilt with the help of YouTube and her grandmother, whom she calls Nana. “I would experiment with different sewing techniques through my quilts. And then I was like, I wonder if I can do that in a skirt ... or I wonder if I can do that in a dress,” Elly explains. Now, she says, “I donate my quilts to local pregnancy centers and use my fashion skills to create chic outfits for my friends.” Elly’s personal style is inspired by vintage fashion from the 60s and 70s, as well as Japanese streetwear. “I love to wear bright colors, vivid prints and layered textures. In my own designs, I incorporate various colors and prints to create garments that are bright, happy and fun,” she notes.

She’s also an advocate for slow fashion, which prioritizes sustainability and ethically made clothes. “Many clothes are made in such a rapid way that it damages the environment and the people that make those clothes.” Instead, Elly’s designs are “small batch.” She explains, “I want to be sure that everyone, everything involved in one of my garments is, you know, okay, in terms of taking care of the planet, taking care of the people. And in order to do that, I make small batches of clothes, kind of like a limited edition, one of a kind.” When we speak, Elly is wearing one of her own designs, a shirt with tiny rainbows and a square neckline paired with an embroidered denim vest. She’s working on her winter collection, which she dreams of showing at Austin Fashion Week. She shows me the designs for a rainbow-colored, faux fur coat. “The big buzzword for my winter collection is rainbow fur,” she says. “A lot of texture.” She also adores a splash of color, despite the current trend of using a natural palette. Elly likes to “throw in a little bit of pink, a little bit of blue, you know, lighten that up and bring a little flash.” And each Elly Designs creation includes a tiny tag that says, “Handmade with Love.” She wants people to be happy when they’re wearing her creations. “I want to make things out of love ... out of joy.” ellyabels.wixsite.com/my-site-1

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

ONESTOWATCH

THE UNITED STATES OF MIKE WIEBE This multi-hyphenate performer continues to make his mark on Austin By Darcie Duttweiler / Photos by Jenna McElroy Photo Shoot at Buzzmill

When MIKE WIEBE met Bruce Springsteen in 2007 while touring with punk band Against Me!, The Boss told him that between the two of them and James Brown, they were the hardest working front men in show business. For anyone who has seen the Riverboat Gamblers or Drakulas, both bands Wiebe fronts, you’ll definitely know what New Jersey’s favorite son is talking about. Wiebe is a ball of adrenaline bouncing around the stage, performing all the way for the “cheap seats” in the back. But, for Wiebe, a self-deprecating jack-of-all-trades, he calls it a “Make-AWish moment” and refuses to admit that Springsteen would actually mean it. The musician-slash-stand-up-comic-slash-actor, of course, has a more hilarious anecdote to share, in which he drunkenly got Springsteen to say “pickle” instead of “cheese” while taking a photo, something Wiebe’s mom would get him to say as a child. “I guess you could say we’re good friends — we’re pickle buds,” Wiebe laughs. It’s an understatement to say Wiebe is a hard-working front man. He literally bleeds for his art, having broken his ribs and collapsed his lungs during a stage dive gone awry during a Riverboat Gamblers concert at a South by Southwest showcase in 2016. While he’s no longer flinging himself about on stage with reckless abandon — he is now 46 years old after all — the consummate showman is prancing around as Savage Lord Mic, the arrogant, often salacious front man of the Drakulas, which he describes as a “Warriors-esque concept band.” He dons spiked sunglasses and sings tunes about a seedy 1970s New York in an act that even he admits some people don’t quite get. “To be mediocre is way worse. Extreme like is the best, but a visceral dislike has something behind it. It shook them,” Wiebe explains. Riverboat Gamblers formed in the late 1990s and released the band’s first album in 2001, which means the band is now, as Wiebe puts it “legally able to rent a car.” The band members have all grown and evolved with the band, getting married, buying houses and having kids. While Wiebe says it could be easy to claim that the band has broken up, it’s simply on a hiatus, as “Jupiter

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

has to align with Mars to get everyone together in the same room,” but that everyone still really loves making music together. During downtime with Riverboat Gamblers, Wiebe formed Drakulas in 2015 in order to flex his creative muscles. He also records songs solo for various comedy specials, theme songs and films, but he admits he loves to collaborate with his talented friends way too much to fully concentrate on recording songs on his own. In fact, it was an industry friend who first got him on stage as a stand-up, and the naturally comedic Wiebe has been seriously pursuing comedy projects ever since that first stand-up act 10 years ago. He jokes he enjoys comedy because he doesn’t have to “carry gear” like when he tours with his bands. In addition to weekly shows at Buzzmill East called “Excelsior! With Mike Wiebe and Doug Mellard,” he also performs with Avery Moore as married childless fundamentalist youth ministers called the McCuewans, and he most recently opened up as a stand-up for Kyle Kinane. In addition (seriously, when does this guy ever sleep?), Wiebe can also be found on several podcasts, including “International News Service” and “Zach and Mike Make 3” with Zach Blair from Rise Against, as well as Drakulas. Wiebe cites his “horrible ADD” as the reason he experiments with so many different types of projects and muses that he’s really “committed to making [his] parents mad” with his career choices, but hearing him talk about his work and seeing him on stage, whether at a stand-up show or in concert, it’s easy to see why he continues to write and perform. Wiebe practically oozes stage presence, which isn’t surprising considering his lanky, Iggy Pop-esque 6’3” frame, long dark hair, and (sometimes) mustache — plus his insane amount of energy. All of his projects seem to reveal little pieces of his personality and creative aspects, and Austin is the better for it. When asked what else he could possibly want to try his hand in next or strive toward, Wiebe deadpans, “I’m pretty sure I’m going to get named People Magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive,’ but we’ll see — that stuff can be so political.” linktr.ee/mikewiebe

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

ONESTOWATCH

DRAMA QUEEN Actress Stefanie Scott is ready to live her best life in Austin By Laurel Miller / Photos by Jenna McElroy

At 25, STEFANIE SCOTT has a resume that would make even veteran actors envious. The newly Austin-based multihyphenate (the actress also sings and writes her own songs, plays a mean ukulele, dances and does her own stunts) has worked with Oscar winners Gary Oldman and Octavia Spencer, as well as Emily Mortimer and Steve Carrel. From her early work playing a youthful version of Natalie Portman’s character in 2011’s “No Strings Attached,” a turn as Timothée Chalamet’s girlfriend in “Beautiful Boy” and a co-starring role that also featured her own music in “Jem and the Holograms,” Scott hasn’t slowed down since she began auditioning for commercials as a child. Born in Chicago and raised in Florida, Scott relocated to Austin in 2021. “I love Austin so much, but moving here sooner wasn’t an option because of work,” she says. “Now, with Austin’s film scene, it’s realistic to live here if you don’t want to do the L.A. thing — you just get on a plane. At this point, I’m more about having a real life. I value my relationships with people more than chasing my career all the time.” That career has earned Scott raves, most recently for her starring role in Lifetime’s “Girl in the Basement,” in which she delivers a harrowing portrayal of an 18-year-old held hostage by her domineering, narcissistic father, played by Judd Nelson. The film is based on the true story of Elizabeth Fritzl, whose father, Joseph, kept her imprisoned in their basement and sexually abused her for 24 years, during which time she gave birth to three children. As Sara, Scott is both heartbreakingly vulnerable and indomitable, morphing from teen naïf to a 38-year-old mother of three hellbent on liberating herself and her children from her father’s abuse. Of playing such a challenging character, Scott says, “You have to be as present as possible — it can’t be performative, especially with a true story like this one. The movie wasn’t even as intense as the reality, and I wanted to be cautious and respectful. This actually happened to someone who now leads a very private life.” Scott’s newest show is Peacock’s “Girl in the Woods,” an edgy supernatural series that debuted in late October. She laughs when asked if she’s drawn to dark roles. “In real life, I try to be quite lighthearted, but sometimes the right

opportunity just comes along — a lot of the interesting roles for women today are more complex characters. I’m attracted to projects based on the director, and their vison for the story, as opposed to the role itself,” she says. Scott participated in theater as a child, eventually landing an agent and some local commercials. Her first television and film roles came in 2008, when she was subsequently cast as Katie in “Beethoven’s Big Break,” and appeared on an episode of the comedic spy series “Chuck” on NBC. Scott also had a recurring role as Lexi on Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm.” “I’ve always loved performing, making home videos,” she says. “As a kid, I bonded with my grandma watching old movies, like ‘The Sound of Music.’” Small wonder that some of Scott’s greatest mentors have been older women. “I’ve had strong connections with some of my co-stars. They’ve taken me under their wing,” she says. Her passion for films from other eras hasn’t diminished with time or success, either. “There are definitely many roles for women now that are new and exciting,” she says. “But I also think we should celebrate earlier work. Some of the women in film from the 70s, 80s and 90s were taking the risks that brought us to this point. They were so ahead of their time.” When asked for an example, she mentions Helen Slater in 1985’s “The Legend of Billie Jean,” in which the actress plays a do-good outlaw on the lam. “The girl is crazy badass in that movie; she shaves her head on camera ... women like [Slater] paved the way for [modern roles] featuring strong female leads.” While Scott’s passion for film is evident, she felt 2021 was the year to make a major change and step away from Los Angeles, despite her love of the city. “I really enjoy the energy in Austin,” she says. “People are very kind here, and always down to have a great time.” As for future roles, Scott hopes to do more comedy and a musical, but she’s wise beyond her years when it comes to the big picture. “I want to keep making great movies, but I also want to spend more time with my family and people I love. I feel good in my reality right now.” instagram.com/stefaniescott/?hl=en twitter.com/stefaniescott tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

ONESTOWATCH

MAKING ORGANIC EASY From Austin to Harvard and back again, Heather Emerson’s story is inspirational … and her meals are delicious! By Amanda Eyre Ward / Photos by Jenna McElroy

HEATHER EMERSON, co-founder of food delivery company Prep to Your Door, is recognized by “Austin Under 40” and even “Forbes Next 1000.” She and her co-founder (and fiancé) Faiez Rana met in class at Harvard University and have become leaders with a passion for sustainability, food systems and education. But this gleaming resume doesn’t tell the whole story. Emerson’s story, in fact, began far from Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2005, Emerson was hired at the Whole Foods flagship store in Austin. “I was in a really bad place, and I needed stability and they offered, you know, $10 an hour with benefits,” she says. Emerson recounts her first day at work, when her new boss, Joy, showed her around. “She treated me with such dignity.” Joy was the first vegan Heather had ever met. Her first station was the Smoothie Bar, next to the Raw Vegan Bar. “The guy who worked at the Raw Vegan Bar was so alive and so present,” Emerson remembers. “I was like, I want what you have. He told me, you should go vegetarian!” Emerson gave it a try. “My life changed,” she marvels. “I could see better, hear better and I didn’t feel bogged down. I lost a bunch of weight, and I was on a big bag of psychotropic meds and all of that went away. I realized the power of food. I realized that I have control over how I feel and how I show up. Not only was I learning the power of food for me personally, but I was learning the power of food for our planet and for our future.” Emerson became an evangelist for the plant-based lifestyle and says, “a

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

bunch of my friends went vegetarian. They felt great.” Upon moving to New York after graduating from UT, Emerson made organic meals and stored them in glass jars. “I could throw them in my bag, and they wouldn’t leak in my purse all day.” When she posted her meal prep on Facebook, she recalls, “People were like, what are you doing? Can you make it for me? What’s the recipe? This looks amazing! And I remember thinking, I really want to start this business.” At Harvard for graduate school, she met Faiez Rana. “We had similar interests, but my wealth of knowledge was about food and sustainability, and his wealth of knowledge was about entrepreneurship and business.” The two started “Prep to Your Door” and moved to Austin, where they are enjoying success and planning a wedding. To research this story, I had a week of “Prep to Your Door” delivered to my house. The meals arrive in a recyclable bag in jars — zero-waste. They are plant-based, organic, gluten-free and ready to eat. And from Kung Pao Brussels to the most delicious Caesar salad I’ve ever tasted, I was stunned by each delicious meal. So even though we’ve always been a “Pizza or P. Terry’s?” kind of family, Emerson’s flavorful dishes and inspiring path to success may just make me the newest plant-based eater in Austin. preptoyourdoor.com

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

Pickleball Craze In Austin HOW THE PANDEMIC BIRTHED OUR CIT Y’S FAVORITE NEW PASTIME

ickleball is suddenly all the rage right now. The sport that we all vaguely remember from childhood is now the number one growing sport in the U.S., with major celebrities like the Kardashians, Bill Gates and George and Amal Clooney participating in the game. For those who aren’t entirely familiar, pickleball is an amalgamation of tennis and ping-pong. It’s played with a wiffle ball and a lightweight plastic paddle on a court that’s slightly smaller than a tennis court. When it comes to the skills necessary to play, no extensive training is required. The trick is to master placement and pace. It’s not exactly revolutionary, so what’s the explanation for pickleball’s sudden popularity? Perhaps the friendliness of it. When the pandemic struck we were all starved for a sense of community as well as the ability to make memories. Physical and mental health was also at an all time low, increasing our search for hobbies that encouraged us to get moving and involve ourselves in a communal experience. Voila! Pickleball offered it all in an outdoor, socially distanced setting. Opportunities for your own perfect pickleball experience are emerging more and more right here in Austin. One must-see destination for players is Dreamland, the huge outdoor playground in Dripping Springs. Along with its many other fun features, Dreamland offers pickleball courts, equipment and lessons from professional players. They also recently launched Major League Pickleball (MLP), a four-day pickleball festival featuring amateur tournaments for all skill levels, professional clinics and a team competition where 32 of the top male and female professionals in the world have been drafted into eight teams of four players (two men and two women) to compete in a round-robin event against one another. “The league has full gender equity with the same court time and same prize money,” says Dreamland Creative Director Gareth Maguire. Another exciting venue is Austin Pickle Ranch, an estate that will feature over 30 pickleball courts and

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

additional spaces for other outdoor amusements like sand volleyball, pilates and yoga. Austinites can expect to see Austin Pickle Ranch and all it has to offer in 2022. Equally important as it is to find wonderful establishments to play in, Austinites need brands that help them play in style. Recess Pickleball is a women-owned local company that’s adding more playfulness to the pickleball world by offering paddles with unique patterns and pastel colors. A response to the seriousness that typically is associated with sports and sport equipment, founders Maggie Brown and Grace Moore decided to approach the sport from a recreational standpoint. With its lighthearted athletic accessories, Recess shares the message that pickleball is meant for everyone to enjoy. “We say it takes about five minutes to get a hang of hitting the ball and 15 minutes to really love the sport,” says Brown on the accessibility of the game. It makes a lot of sense that pickleball is so ardently loved here in Austin. A game that’s centered around community, amusement and the outdoors is the perfect activity for the people of our city. dreamlanddstx.com/pickleball austinpickleranch.com recesspickleball.com

TO P R I G H T I M AG E B Y R A N K I N W H I T E & M A J O R L E AG U E P I C K L E B A L L 2 02 1. B OT TO M R I G H T A N D I N S E T I M AG E S B Y G R AC E M O O R E .

By Meher Qazilbash

WE BELIEVE EVERY CHILD DESERVES A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS. And we believe you can make a difference. Believe with us this holiday season. Donate today and help make a real difference for local children and families. unitedwayaustin.org/tribeza

United Way for Greater Austin

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

ART PICK

Kelly Framel Gallery AN E X TR AORDINARY SENSE OF POSSIBILIT Y SEE THE EVER-EVOLVING MASTERPIECES THAT EVOKE P H OTO S CO U R T E S Y O F K E L LY F R A M E L G A L L E RY

By Meher Qazilbash

ELLY FRAMEL IS AN AUSTIN-BORN MULTIDISCIPLINARY artist whose enigmatic works display both masterful skill and unrestrained experimentation. A creator who’s lived a colorful life with a diverse background in a number of fields, Framel uses her many influences to create layered and profound pieces. Her adventure-seeking attitude led to years of traveling and residencies in Los Angeles, New York and an extremely remote area near Oaxaca. After 17 years away, Framel is back in Austin and is bringing her rich life experiences with her to cultivate creativity and community in her hometown. Kelly Framel Gallery opened on the East Side this October. The gorgeous creations that fill the environment are all vibrant and worldly with a touching

display of innocence. The space shows the stunning evolution in Kelly’s work after her return to Texas where she’s found clarity as an artist. “This plant grows fastest in its native dirt,” she explains. Framel’s collection of work shows her journey to mastering her craft and finding her voice as an artist that is more primitivistic and freer than before. Her glorious art space displays a determination to pay tribute to the weird little place that made her. Framel’s gallery and the unconfined nature of her work exists to remind fellow Austinites to be in touch with their instincts and let their inner child free to create. Visit Kelly Framel Gallery at 2000 E 6th St Suite 3. kellyframel.world tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

C ALENDARS B E S U R E T O C H E C K W E B S I T E S F O R U P D AT E D I N F O R M AT I O N A N D S A F E T Y P R O T O C O L S

Entertainment SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE December 6 ACL Live at the Moody Theater ASO: HANDEL’S MESSIAH December 7 Riverbend Centre LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM December 8 Paramount Theatre TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA December 9 Frank Erwin Center NEIL MCCOY December 9 Haute Spot BLACKBERRY SMOKE December 10 ACL Live at the Moody Theater HAYES CARLL December 10 – 12 Antone’s Nightclub NINE MILE RECORDS 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY December 10 – 13 Empire Control Room BRUCE & KELLY’S HOLIDAY SHINDIG December 11 Paramount Theatre IAN MOORE FAMILY CHRISTMAS December 11 Stateside at the Paramount DAWES December 11 Stubb’s Amphitheater

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS December 12 Stateside at the Paramount LOVELYTHEBAND December 13 Emo’s Austin PINK SWEAT$ December 14 Emo’s Austin MOTOWN CHRISTMAS: TJE AUSTIN December 15 Geraldine’s

AKINA ADDERLEY December 29 Geraldine’s CHARLEY CROCKETT December 29 ACL Live at the Moody Theater ASO: PAUL SIMON SONGBOOK December 29 & 30 Palmer Events Center GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY December 31 Emo’s Austin

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS December 15 Republic Square

SPOON December 31 ACL Live at the Moody Theater

MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY’S COWBOY CHRISTMAS December 18 Paramount Theatre

BOB SCHNEIDER’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY December 31 Paramount Theatre

PAUL WALL & FRIENDS December 18 Empire Control Room THE GLITCH MOB December 18 Emo’s Austin ROBERT EARL KEEN’S CHRISTMAS SHOW December 18 & 19 ACL Live at the Moody Theater

FILM OTHER WORLDS FILM FESTIVAL December 2 – 12 Galaxy Highland CAPITAL CITY BLACK FILM FESTIVAL December 3 – 5 Various Locations + Virtual

MIDLAND December 22 & 23 ACL Live at the Moody Theater

ALL IS BRIGHT HOLIDAY SCREENINGS December 7 – 19 Paramount Theatre

THE JUNGLE SHOW December 28 & 29 Antone’s Nightclub

LOU’S MOVIE NIGHT December 7 – 28 Lou’s Austin

TOADIES December 29 Emo’s Austin

ELF MOVIE PARTY December 8 & 12 Alamo Drafthouse - Village

AGFA’S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL December 13 Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar MOVIE NIGHT: DIE HARD December 15 Central Machine Works DARK STAR W/ SPACEFLIGHT RECORDS December 17 AFS Cinema HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS December 20 – 26 AFS Cinema MOVIE NIGHT: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS December 22 Central Machine Works A CHRISTMAS STORY December 25 Alamo Drafthouse - Village MOVIE NIGHT: MAD MAX December 29 Central Machine Works

THEATER A CHRISTMAS CAROL Through January 2 ZACH Theatre

UNEXPECTED JOY December 2 – 19 Ground Floor Theatre STRANGE, BUT PERFECT December 2 – 19 Hyde Park Theatre BALLET AUSTIN: THE NUTCRACKER December 4 –23 Long Center HAMILTON December 7 – 19 Bass Concert Hall THE PRECIOUS PRESENT - IN LOVE & LIGHT December 9 – 12 Long Center A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET CLASSIC RADIOCAST December 9 – 19 Penfold Theatre Company THE ELF ON THE SHELF: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL December 10 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS December 13 ACL Live at the Moody Theater LIGHTWIRE THEATER’S A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS December 24 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR December 27 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park

A C H R I S T M A S C A R O L P H OTO B Y K I R K T U C K .

MUSIC

COMEDY A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS December 6 Paramount Theatre CHELSEA HANDLER December 9 ACL Live at the Moody Theater KRAIG SMITH December 10 & 11 Vulcan Gas Company BENDELACREME & JINKX MONSOON December 12 Paramount Theatre ROSEBUD BAKER December 13 The Creek and the Cave STEPH TOLEV December 15 – 17 The Creek and the Cave THE CAPITAL CITY TAKEOVER - NYE COMEDY KICK-OFF EDITION December 29 Bass Concert Hall

A C H R I S T M A S C A R O L P H OTO B Y K I R K T U C K .

OTHER THE FRONT MARKET POP UP Through December 12 Ani’s Day and Night GROUNDED BY FAREGROUND Through December 21 Fareground Austin CHRISTMAS WINE AFFAIR Through December 24 Texas Hill Country Wineries

BLUE GENIE ART BAZAAR Through December 24 Blue Genie Art Bazaar + Virtual THE HOLIDAY MARKET Through December 24 Hill Country Galleria DECEMBER IN THE DISTRICT Through December 26 2ND Street District PEPPERMINT PARKWAY Through December 26 Circuit of the Americas MIRACLE ON 5TH STREET Through December 28 The Eleanor GINGERBREAD VILLAGE Through December 28 Four Seasons Hotel Austin AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHTS Through December 30 Zilker Park

SIPPIN’ SANTA Through December 31 Nickel City MOZART’S 2021 HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW Through January 6 Mozart’s Coffee AUSTIN FASHION WEEK December 2 – 5 The Domain

LUMINATIONS December 2 – January 30 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

AUSTIN JINGLE BELL 5K December 12 – 19 The Domain + Virtual

SCREAM HOLLOW TWISTED CHRISTMAS December 3 – 18 149 Split Rail Ln.

STARS ON ICE December 15 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park

WINTER IGLOOS December 3 – 25 Geraldine’s

JONATHAN VAN NESS December 16 ACL Live at the Moody Theater

CHERRYWOOD ART FAIR December 7 & 8 Maplewood Elementary

ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR December 17 – 19 Palmer Events Center

FLOURISH: JEWELRY SHOW December 8 – February 4 The Hive Gallery at Bee Cave

KWANZA A UJAMA A MARKETPLACE December 29 George Washington Carver Museum

THE MOTH MAINSTAGE December 10 Paramount Theatre

2022 AUSTIN NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY GATSBY’S HOUSE December 31 Hilton Austin

SANTA LOUNGE December 11 3TEN ACL Live ATXGALS HOLIDAY POP-UP December 11 The Cathedral

AUSTIN’S NEW YEAR December 31 Virtual

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

C ALENDARS B E S U R E T O C H E C K W E B S I T E S F O R U P D AT E D I N F O R M AT I O N A N D S A F E T Y P R O T O C O L S

Art SPACES

Arts REHAB EL SADEK: PATTERN LANGUAGE Through December 16 Women & Their Work LAURA LIT: FAR IN Through December 18 Northern-Southern CENTRAL TEXAS PASTEL SOCIETY JURIED SHOW & SALE Through December 18 Tiemann Art Gallery 12 SQUARE EAST Through December 19 Link & Pin ANNIE LYLE HARMON: ON HER OWN PATH Through December 19 Neil-Cochran House Museum JON LANGFORD Through December 24 Yard Dog Art Gallery AMAR GUPTA: OUT OF SERVICE Through December 24 Asian American Resource Center FILIPINO-AMERICAN NAVY Through December 24 Asian American Resource Center RAKHEE JAIN DESAI Through December 31 Austin Public Library (Virtual) CONCRETE TO CANVAS Through January 2 West Chelsea Contemporary WE ARE THE [HACKERS], BABY, [HACKERS] ARE WE Through January 8 Big Medium CARA JACKSON: ICONIC TEXAS Through January 8 Julia C. Butridge Gallery

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

THE ART OF PEACE Through January 8 Julia C. Butridge Gallery LETICIA MOSQUEDA: MY PEOPLE AND THEIR TRADITIONS Through January 8 Julia C. Butridge Gallery LANDMARKS VIDEO: “WE, THE MASSES” BY ROBYN O’NEIL December 1 – 31 ART Building Media Station WOLF GARDEN: ALCHEMY December 2 – 20 Art for the People WILL KLEMM: THE MATTER OF ENCHANTMENT December 4 – 30 Wally Workman Gallery 2021 - HOLIDAY TIME! December 4 – January 1 Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking DANIEL JOHNSTON IN THE ’80S December 8 AFS Cinema TALKABOUT PATTERN LANGUAGE December 11 Women & Their Work ASSEMBLY: NEW ACQUISITIONS BY CONTEMPORARY BLACK ARTISTS December 11 – May 8 Blanton Museum of Art ROOFTOP SESSIONS December 16 The Contemporary Austin Jones Center TERRY ALLEN: MEMWARS December 18 – July 10 Blanton Museum of Art

MUSEUMS BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART 200 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 471 5482 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 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) 974 1625 Hours: W–Su 12–5 austintexas.gov/department/ elisabet-ney-museum FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM 802 San Marcos St. (512) 463 7948 Hours: Tu–Su 1–5 frenchlegationmuseum.org

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM 1165 Angelina St. (512) 974 4926 Hours: M–W 10–6, Th 10–9, F 10–6, Sa 10–4 ci.austin.tx.us/carver HARRY RANSOM CENTER 300 W. 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) 974 1398 Hours: W–Su 12–5 THINKERY AUSTIN 1830 Simond Ave. (512) 469 6200 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, Sa–Su 12–4 umlaufsculpture.org

GALLERIES ADAMS GALLERIES OF AUSTIN 1310 RR 620 S. Ste C4 (512) 243 7429 Hours: M–F 10–6, Su 10-2 adamsgalleriesaustin.com 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: Tu–Th 11–6, F-Su 11–7 artforthepeoplegallery.com ARTUS CO. 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 118 (512) 761 6484 Hours: M–Su 12–6 artusco.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: Tu–Su 11–6 austinartgarage.com AUSTIN ARTSPACE 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

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

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

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

CAMIBA GALLERY 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 CHRISTIAN-GREEN GALLERY 201 E. 21st St. (512) 471 0254 Hours: T & Th, 1-3 galleriesatut.org CLOUD TREE STUDIOS & GALLERY 3411 E. 5th St. (512) 797 8852 By appointment only cloudtreestudiosandgallery.com CO-LAB PROJECTS 5419 Glissman Rd. (512) 300 8217 By event and appointment only co-labprojects.org CONTRACOMMON 12912 Hill Country Blvd. #F-140 Hours: M–F By appointment only Sa–Su 12-6 contracommon.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 CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY PRINTMAKING 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 IVESTER CONTEMPORARY 916 Springdale Rd. Bldg 2, ste. 107 (737) 209 0379 Hours: Tu–F 10-6, Sa 10-4 ivestercontemporary.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 LA PEÑA 227 Congress Ave., #300 (512) 477 6007 Hours: M–F 8–5, Sa 8–3 lapena–austin.org LINK & PIN 2235 E. 6th St., Ste. 102 (512) 900 8952 Hours: Th–Sa 1–5 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: Tu–Sa 10–6 lotusasianart.com LYDIA STREET GALLERY 1200 E. 11th St. #109 (512) 524 1051 Hours: Sa–Su 12–5, By appointment M–F lydiastreetgallery.com MARTHA’S CONTEMPORARY 4115 Guadalupe St. (512) 695 1437 Hours: W-Su 12-7 facebook.com/ marthascontemporary 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

STEPHEN L. CLARK GALLERY 1101 W. 6th St. (512) 507 0828 Hours: Tu-Sa 11–4 stephenlclarkgallery.com

MONDO GALLERY 4115 Guadalupe St. (512) 296 2447 Hours: Tu–Sa 12–6 mondoshop.com

TIEMANN ART GALLERY 1706 N. Mays St., Round Rock (512) 551 9774 Hours: M–Sa 10-5 tagroundrock.com

NEBULA GALLERY 217 W. 2nd St. (512) 239 9317 Hours: Tu–W 1–6, Th–F 1–7, Sa 12–7, Sun 12–6 thenebulagallery.com NORTHERN-SOUTHERN 1902 E. 12th St. 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 ROADHOUSE RELICS 1720 S. 1st St. (512) 442 6366 roadhouserelics.com SOCO MODERN ART GALLERY 2900 S. Congress Ave. #100 (512) 409 9943 Hours: M By appointment only Tu–Su 11-7 socomodern.com

VISUAL ARTS CENTER 2300 Trinity St. (512) 471 3713 Hours: Tu–F 10–5, Sa 12–5 utvac.org WALLY WORKMAN GALLERY 1202 W. 6th St. (512) 472 7428 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–5, Su 12–4 wallyworkman.com WEST CHELSEA CONTEMPORARY 1009 W. 6th St. (512) 478 4440 Hours: M–Su 12–6, By appointment 10–12 wcc.art WOMEN & THEIR WORK 1311 E. Cesar Chavez St. (512) 477 1064 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 12–6 womenandtheirwork.org WONDERSPACES AUSTIN 1205 Sheldon Cove, Ste. 2-A Hours: W–Th 3–10, F 4–11, Sa 10–11, Su 10–8 austin.wonderspaces.com YARD DOG 916 Springdale Rd. #103 (512) 912 1613 Hours: F–Sa 1–5, yarddog.com

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

Delysia Chocolatier

Gifts

Giving

that Keep on

Let us help take some of the stress out of holiday shopping, with these gift ideas from local businesses.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

Blue Door Dental Design

Blue Door Dental Design is excellence in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. With an elevated experience in a lounge-like setting, patients can see their dream smile using noninvasive, 3-D technology to test drive their transformation. With 15 years of experience, Dr. Robin Bethell and his team of expert designers and master ceramists are bringing world-class, evidence-based dentistry to Austin. Give the life-changing gift of a dream smile to your loved one this holiday season through a Blue Door Consultation and Smile Test Drive. They will help you be the best you can be with a beautiful, healthy smile. Their work comes with a 10-year guarantee and can be gifted through their website. bluedoordentaldesign.com/gift @bluedoordentaldesign tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Living In Stereo

Living in Stereo is a music lover’s paradise. Featuring an eclectic mix of vinyl records, guitars and high-end audio equipment, the South Congress store is sure to have the perfect gift for the audiophile in your life. The unique music shop also offers a curated selection of mid-century modern furniture and home decor. livinginstereoatx.com @living_in_stereo

The White House Historical Association

Give the gift of history with the Official 2021 White House Christmas Ornament! Since 1981, the White House Historical Association has been proud to design and manufacture the Official White House Christmas Ornament. Collecting and giving these unique ornaments has become a holiday tradition for millions of Americans. This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament features the presidency of Lyndon Baines Johnson. One side of the ornament features a painting of the 1967 Blue Room Christmas Tree. On the other side of the ornament, there is a quote from President Johnson. shop.whitehousehistory.org @whitehousehistory

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

tribeza.com

| OCTOBER 2021

Estella Hannah

Alvies

Alvies makes beautiful women’s and men’s boots that are as comfortable as they are stylish. Unlike most of the shoes in your closet, each handmade boot is designed to break in quickly, be comfortable enough for all-day wear and durable enough that you’ll be able to hand them down. alvies.com @alviesboots

Native Austinite and TX MBA grad Hannah Sierra paints the town in watercolor! Shop her Best of Austin Collection available as hand-signed prints, holiday cards and original paintings featuring over 30 local businesses and iconic Christmas scenes. Follow Hannah’s mission to commemorate life’s sweetest moments with hand-painted designs. estellahannah.com @estellahannah

Floral Sea

‘Sustainably stylish’ is the new fashion statement with FLORAL SEA’s CRISSxCROSS bracelet collection. Our floral-inspired jewelry collection is comprised of a wide selection of bold color options, featuring our signature criss cross style. Mix and match to create a color story that showcases your aesthetic. Each jewelry piece is designed and handmade in-house with a madeto-measure option. floralsea.co @shop_floralsea.co

Farmhouse Delivery

Exclusively available at Farmhouse Delivery, Taste of Hill Country Gift Bundle brings you the best of central Texas. This variety gift pack offers some of Texas’ best pantry favorites, including nationally acclaimed Greater Goods Coffee, Texas Olive Ranch olive oil, Youngblood’s small-batch local honey, and Farmhouse Kitchen’s best seasoning blends. farmhousedelivery.com @farmhousedelivery

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Korman

This half and half diamond eternity band is like a built in mood ring. With your choice of diamond shape and size, you have the ability to create a piece of wearable art. Design your own custom piece at Korman today. kormanfinejewelry.com @kormanfinejewelry

Petticoat Fair

From lingerie, pajamas, nightwear, swim and clothing, Petticoat Fair has you covered this holiday season. From their store to your home, give a gift that fits. Providing Austin with professional bra fittings since 1964. petticoatfair.com @petticoat_fair

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

Mozart’s brightens up Austin with its annual light show and joyful holiday gifting experiences online and in store at its Taste of Austin Gift Shop. Commemorate the season with Mozart’s limited-edition Twinkle Twinkle Art-Decor Trees, a box of Handmade Chocolate Truffles adorned with designs by local watercolorist, and Blossoming Cocoa Bombs. mozartscoffee.com @mozartscoffee

Precision Camera

Skip the stress of buying multiple gifts and shop their Sony Alpha a7 III Essentials Kit for the photographer in your life. Assembled by their staff photography experts, this kit is packed with the best accessories. Feel good shopping at Precision Camera knowing you’re supporting local and getting the lowest price, guaranteed. Precision-camera.com

Refine Aesthetics

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Give the gift of beauty this holiday season! Refine Aesthetics hopes to help you achieve your personal version of beauty. They offer an array of cosmetic services from skin care to injectables to lasers and more. The providers at Refine Aesthetics will customize a beauty roadmap to help you and your loved ones feel more refreshed, rejuvenated and refined. Treat yourself, beautiful! Use code “TRIBEZA” for 15% off refineaesthetic.com @refineaestheticsatx

Sparrow Interiors & Gifts

Sparrow Interiors & Gifts is a luxury, full-service boutique interior design firm and showroom featuring a curated mix of vintage and new furniture, art, lighting, rugs, accessories and gifts. Their objective is to provide exceptional customer service, livable yet elegant interiors and a uniquely personal design experience that brings joy into the lives and homes of their clients. sparrowinteriors.com @sparrowinteriors

The NOW MassageSouth Lamar Give the gift of relaxation with gift card bundles from The NOW Massage. Purchase three, six or 12 massage gift cards and receive savings of up to 20% through December 31, 2021. The NOW Massage, a new concept massage boutique, offers high-quality, affordable massage services in a beautiful setting. thenowmassage.com @thenowmassage

Urban Betty

GIVE THE GIFT OF GREAT HAIR Urban Betty Salon, an award-winning salon in Austin, has created a clean and sustainable line of hair care products that includes an unscented option ideal for scent sensitivities. Urban Betty is dedicated to lifting up other women entrepreneurs, so they are dedicating 1% of all Urban Betty Hair Care profits to Big Austin! shopurbanbetty.com @urbanbettysalon

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

KAREN'S PICK

Fonda San Miguel SOPHISTICATED TR ADITIONAL ME XICAN CUISINE SERVED IN A COLORFUL, ART-FILLED, HACIENDA-ST YLE SPACE By Karen O. Spezia Photos by Holly Cowart

F YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME, YOU’VE HAD A LOT OF COMPANY lately. Folks in town for the holidays, UT games, ACL, F1 or simply to break free from the shackles of quarantine. It’s been a busy season. When I have out-of-towners, there are only a handful of restaurants I insist on, and Fonda San Miguel is one of them. After my guests have gorged on the obligatory Austin trinity of breakfast tacos, barbecue and Tex-Mex, I escort them over to Fonda. In a city filled with great restaurants, Fonda San Miguel is a legend. Open since 1975, this resplendent, sprawling hacienda is a beloved destination for both local and global gourmands. Its authentic Mexican cuisine and ambiance makes diners feel transported to a stylish restaurant in Mexico City, Oaxaca or the Yucatan. But Fonda is much more than one of Austin’s best Mexican restaurants; it’s also an unofficial art gallery, social salon and culinary archivist. There’s no place quite like it. And there’s no one quite like Tom Gilliland, its venerable co-founder/ owner, who has graciously presided over it for almost 50 years. Sadly, his original co-founder/owner, chef and restaurant namesake, Miguel Ravago, passed away in 2017. But Gilliland continues to honor Ravago’s legacy with his ongoing commitment to unparalleled Mexican cuisine and hospitality. On most nights, you’ll find Gilliland circulating in the dining room or holding court in the lounge, greeting customers both old and new with equal enthusiasm. Gilliland has a similar passion for art and has spent decades collecting museum-quality Mexican and international pieces — paintings, sculptures, textiles and handicrafts — that he showcases throughout his gorgeous restaurant. It’s a kaleidoscope of colors and textures that he frequently rotates so diners will see something new and unexpected with each return visit. Gilliland has also kept the menu fresh by hiring Executive Chef Adolfo Schwalge, a recent transplant who cooked in some of Mexico City’s finest restaurants. Chef Adolfo brings a youthful sensibility to Fonda’s kitchen while still embracing the classic techniques and regional specialties that are Fonda’s calling cards. Classic starters include ocean-fresh ceviches, bite-size tostadas in multiple flavors and sublime guacamole. Another perennial appetizer is Angels on Horseback: plump Gulf shrimp stuffed with cheese and jalapeños, wrapped in bacon, then grilled until caramelized and bursting with flavor. My husband can never resist the cordero: succulent grilled baby lamb chops served with a smoky salsa de mor-

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

ita. And Chef Adolfo is also introducing his own appetizer creations, like the exotic yet rustic Tacos Durados de Jamaica, flautas stuffed with dried hibiscus flowers. One of my favorite entrees is the Huachinango Veracruzano, a broiled fish fillet smothered in piquant Vera Cruz tomato sauce studded with capers, onions and Spanish olives. The Cochinita Pibil is my husband’s go-to, shredded pork seasoned in Yucatan spices, baked in a banana leaf until fork-tender, then tucked into one of Fonda’s warm homemade tortillas. A garnish of pickled red onions and homemade salsa make it all sing. Enchiladas de Pato is a Fonda signature dish. Elegant, savory and rich, they’re stuffed with shredded duck and topped with creamy poblano-spinach sauce. The Carne Asada A La Tampiquena is an upgraded version of the requisite combo plate: grilled beef tenderloin served with a cheese enchilada, black beans, rajas and guacamole. On a lighter note, the Calabacitas Rellanas is a favorite vegetarian option: a whole zucchini stuffed with corn and cheese, baked until tender, then covered with jitomate tomato sauce. On some evenings, Chef Adolfo offers original specials, like a recent dish of seared duck breast with a lip-smacking pink mole. For dessert, there are sweet classics like tres leches cake, flan, and ice cream. But the showstopper is the Crepas de Cajeta, a tender crepe served with creamy goat’s milk ice cream and drizzled with silky caramel sauce and toasted almonds. Not matter how full I am, I can’t say no to this tempting finale. The bar at Fonda is not only a beloved local hangout, but it also mixes some of the best margaritas in town. The wine list is equally impressive. Service is first–rate and always friendly yet professional. And Fonda’s legendary Sunday brunch buffet (temporarily on hiatus) is an impressive spread that always makes my visitors’ eyes — and waistbands — pop. But I don’t save Fonda just for houseguests. You’ll find me perched at its bar for a light mid-week meal; lingering in its dining room on a weekend date night; or lounging under its atrium skylight, rehashing my day over cocktails with work colleagues. It’s a place I return to again and again, year after year. Unlike those unfortunate, infrequent tourists, I’m lucky enough to visit Fonda San Miguel any time I want. fondasanmiguel.com tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

24 DINER

BUFALINA & BUFALINA DUE

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

6555 Burnet Rd. | (512) 215 8662

Chef Andrew Curren’s casual eatery promises delicious plates

This intimate restaurant serves up mouth-watering pizzas,

24/7 and a menu featuring nostalgic diner favorites. Order up

consistently baked with crispy edges and soft centers. The fa-

the classics, including roasted chicken, burgers, all-day

mous Neapolitan technique is executed by the Stefano Ferrara

breakfast and decadent milkshakes.

wood-burning ovens, which runs at more than 900 degrees. Lactose-intolerants beware, there is no shortage

34TH STREET CAFE

of cheese on this menu!

1005 W. 34th St. | (512) 371 3400 This neighborhood spot in North Campus serves up soups,

CAFÉ NO SÉ

salads, pizzas and pastas — but don’t miss the chicken piccata.

1603 S. Congress Ave. | (512) 942 2061

The low-key setting makes it great for weeknight dinners and

South Congress Hotel’s Café No Sé balances rustic décor and a

weekend indulgences.

range of seasonal foods to make it the best place for weekend

ARLO GREY 111 E Cesar Chavez St. | (512) 478 2991 Arlo Grey is the debut restaurant from “Top Chef ” 10 winner and “Fast Foodies’’ star Kristen Kish. Found inside the LINE

brunching. The restaurant’s spin on the classic avocado toast is a must-try.

CICLO 98 San Jacinto Blvd. | (512) 685 8300

Hotel, the picturesque lakeside spot has received praise for its

Ciclo is a modern Texas kitchen featuring locally inspired

intentional design and elegant, French-and-Italian-inflected

flavors and ingredients with a Latin influence, all brought

take on Texas ingredients.

to life through a unique collaboration between Chef de Cuisine James Flowers and world-renowned restaurateur, Richard

ASTI TRATTORIA

Sandoval. Ciclo’s name reflects its focus on menu offerings

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

that change seasonally from ceviches, crudos and grilled and

The chic little Hyde Park trattoria offers essential Italian dishes

smoked meats to inventive cocktails.

ELDORADO CAFE

3300 W. Anderson Lane | (512) 420 2222 eldoradocafeatx.com Eldorado Cafe exemplifies old school Austin, resonating the beat of the early 90’s, sending out hot plates of the most decadently delicious and sometimes healthy eating you will find in Austin. Mexican style comfort food with a deep honor towards the historical eateries that have made Austin great. Come see us.

EASY TIGER 3508 S. Lamar Blvd. | (512) 964 8229

along with a variety of wines to pair them with. Finish off your

CLARK’S OYSTER BAR

6406 N I-35 Frontage Rd., Ste. 1100 | (512) 494 4151

1200 W. 6th St. | (512) 297 2413

1501 E. 7th St. | (512) 839 8523

BARLEY SWINE

Small and always buzzing, Clark’s extensive caviar and oyster

Easy Tiger lures in both drink and food enthusiasts with a

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

menu, sharp aesthetics and excellent service make it a re-

delicious bakeshop upstairs and a casual beer garden down-

James Beard Award–nominated chef Bryce Gilmore encourag-

freshing indulgence on West Sixth Street. Chef Larry McGuire

stairs. Sip on some local brew and grab a hot, fresh pretzel.

es sharing with small plates made from locally sourced ingre-

brings East Coast-inspired vibes to this seafood restaurant.

Complete your snack with beer, cheese and an array of dipping

meal with the honey-and-goat-cheese panna cotta.

sauces.

dients, served at communal tables. Try the parsley croissants with bone marrow or Gilmore’s unique take on fried chicken.

COMEDOR 501 Colorado St. | (512) 499 0977

ÉPICERIE

BLUE DAHLIA BISTRO

Hiding in plain sight on one of downtown’s busiest street

2307 Hancock Dr. | (512) 371 6840

3663 Bee Cave Rd. | (512) 306 1668

corners, Comedor is a restaurant full of surprises. Lauded

A café and grocery with both Louisiana and French sensibili-

A cozy French bistro serving up breakfast, lunch, and

chef Philip Speer delivers a menu that is equally clever and

ties by Thomas Keller–trained chef Sarah McIntosh. Lovers of

dinner in a casual setting. Pop in for the happy hour to share a

unexpected, with contemporary cuisine riffs on Mexican

brunch are encouraged to stop in here for a bite on Sundays.

bottle of your favorite wine and a charcuterie board.

culinary traditions.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

FONDA SAN MIGUEL

HILLSIDE FARMACY

JUNIPER

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

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

2400 E Cesar Chavez St #304 | (512) 220 9421

At Fonda San Miguel, authentic interior Mexican food is lov-

Hillside Farmacy is located in a beautifully restored 1950s-style

Uchi Alumni Chef Nicholas Yanes fuses central Texas influenc-

ingly served inside a colorful hacienda-style restaurant. The

pharmacy with a lovely porch on the East Side. Oysters, cheese

es and local farm produce with Italian fare. Start with puffy

art-adorned walls and indoor, plant-filled courtyard provide a

plates and nightly dinner specials are whipped up by chef

potatoes and the Chef ’s Brand New Cadillac Negroni.

pleasant escape in North Austin. Visit the Sunday brunch for

Sonya Cote.

JUSTINE’S BRASSERIE

a new menu with the most delicious interior Mexican brunch

HOPFIELDS

4710 E. 5th St. | (512) 385 2900

3110 Guadalupe St. | (512) 537 0467

Justine’s is a quaint French brasserie deep in East Austin.

FOREIGN & DOMESTIC

A gastropub with French inclinations, offering a beautiful patio

Don’t let the short drive deter you — the experience of eating

306 E. 53rd St. | (512) 459 1010

and unique cocktails. The beer, wine and cocktail options are

traditional French plates among exquisite works of art and

Small neighborhood restaurant in the North Loop area serving

plentiful and the perfect pairing for the restaurant’s famed

decorative string lights makes for one idyllic evening with a

unique dishes. Chefs-owners Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley

steak frites and moules frites.

significant other.

JEFFREY’S

KEMURI TATSU-YA

1204 W. Lynn St. | (512) 477 5584

2713 E. 2nd St. | (512) 803 2224

GOODALL’S KITCHEN AND BAR

Named one of Bon Appétit’s “10 Best New Restaurants in

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is a Japanese-Texan mash-up that injects se-

1900 Rio Grande St. | (512) 495 1800

America,” this historic Clarksville favorite has maintained the

riously good food with a sense of humor. The East Austin joint

Housed in the beautiful Hotel Ella, Goodall’s provides modern

execution, top-notch service, and luxurious but welcoming

features Asian-inspired smoked meats and seafood, along with

spins on American classics. Dig into a fried-mortadella egg

atmosphere that makes it an Austin staple.

yakitori, ramen, and izakaya classics meant for sharing. Drinks

cuisine.

serve thoughtful, locally sourced food with an international twist at reasonable prices. Go early on Tuesdays for $1 oysters.

sandwich and pair it a with cranberry-thyme cocktail.

are also an integral part of the meal, so come thirsty.

JOSEPHINE HOUSE GRIZZELDA’S

1601 Waterston Ave. | (512) 477 5584

LA BARBECUE

105 Tillery St. | (512) 366 5908

Rustic Continental fare with an emphasis on fresh, local and

22401 E Cesar Chavez St. | (512) 605 9696

This charming East Austin spot lies somewhere between tradi-

organic ingredients. Like its sister restaurant, Jeffrey’s, Jo-

Though it may not be as famous as that other Austin barbecue

tional Tex-Mex and regional Mexican recipes, each fused with

sephine House is another one of Bon Appétit’s “10 Best New

joint, La Barbecue is arguably just as delicious. This trailer,

a range of flavors and styles. The attention to detail in each

Restaurants in America.” Find a shady spot on the patio and

which is owned by the legendary Mueller family, serves up clas-

dish shines and the tortillas are made in-house daily.

indulge in fresh baked pastries and a coffee.

sic barbecue with free beer and live music.

HANK’S

JUNE’S ALL DAY

LAS PALOMAS

5811 Berkman Dr. | (512) 609 8077

1722 S. Congress Ave. | (512) 416 1722

3201 Bee Cave Rd., #122 | (512) 327 9889

Delicious food and drinks, an easygoing waitstaff and a

This wine-focused restaurant is complemented by serious

One of the hidden jewels in Westlake, this unique restaurant

kid-friendly patio all work together to make Hank’s a favorite

cocktails and a menu of approachable bistro favorites. Inspired

and bar offers authentic interior Mexican cuisine in a sophisti-

neighborhood joint. With happy hour every day from 3-6:30,

by Paris cafes, Spanish tapas bodegas and urban wine bars,

cated yet relaxed setting. Enjoy family recipes made with fresh

the hardest task will be choosing between their frosé and fro-

June’s encourages sipping, noshing and lingering.

ingredients. Don’t miss the margaritas.

zen paloma.

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

LENOIR

LICHA’S CANTINA

QI AUSTIN

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

1306 E. 6th St. | (512) 480 5960

835 W 6th St. #114 | (512) 474 2777

A gorgeous spot to enjoy a luxurious French-inspired prix fixe

Located in the heart of East 6th, Licha’s is a quick trip to the

Created by visionary chef Ling Qi Wu, also the owner of the

meal. Almost every ingredient served at Lenoir comes locally

interior of Mexico. With masa made fresh in house and a large

esteemed Lin Asian Bar, Qi Austin dazzles with its top-notch

sourced from Central Texas, making the unique, seasonal spe-

range of tequilas and mezcal, Licha’s Cantina is a celebration of

Chinese cuisine and vibrant artwork. Located in Shoal Creek

cialties even more enjoyable. Sit in the wine garden for happy

authentic Mexican cuisine. The music, food and ambiance will

Walk, Qi Austin is a restaurant that pleases the eye as well as

hour and enjoy bottles from the top wine-producing regions

get you ready for a night out on the town.

the stomach.

in the world.

LORO

THE PEACHED TORTILLA

LIN ASIAN BAR + DIM SUM

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

5520 Burnet Rd., #100 | (512) 330 4439

1203 W. 6th St. | (512) 474 5107

Created by James Beard Award winners Tyson Cole and Aaron

This cheerful spot is sure to clear your weekly blues with

Located in a vintage West Sixth Street bungalow, Chef Ling and

Franklin, this Asian smokehouse is a welcome addition to

friendly staff, fun food and a playful atmosphere. Affordably

her team create sophisticated Chinese dishes that draw enthusi-

South Lamar. The expansive indoor-outdoor space, designed

priced, you’ll find culinary influences from around the world

astic crowds day and night. Make sure to stop by during week-

by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, is welcoming and open,

with a healthy dose of Asian and Southern options.

end brunch to taste the full mouthwatering dim sum menu.

and unsurprisingly the food does not disappoint. Don’t miss out on the sweet corn fritters, smoked beef brisket, thai green

PICNIK

curry or those potent boozy slushies.

4801 Burnet Rd. | (737) 226 0644 1700 S. Lamar Blvd. | (512) 293-6118

MATTIE’S

A perfect place to find wholesome food for any type of dietary

811 W. Live Oak St. | (512) 444 1888

restriction in a bright and airy setting. This place truly lives

Mattie’s is a glorious urban paradise offering upscale American

out the “good and good for you” concept with paleo-friendly

classics. While the cocktails are top-notch and the cuisine is

options and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

nothing short of outstanding, Mattie’s ambiance and atmosphere are unmatched.

POOL BURGER 2315 Lake Austin Blvd. | (512) 334 9747

ODD DUCK

Tiki meets Texas in this neighborhood burger bar. Located

1201 S Lamar Blvd | (512) 433 6521

behind Deep Eddy Cabaret, crunchy crinkle-cut fries and juicy

Famed food trailer turned brick-and-mortar, Odd Duck is

burgers are served from the window of a 1968 Airstream Land

GUSTO ITALIAN KITCHEN + WINE BAR

the first venture from acclaimed chef Bryce Gilmore. Expect

Yacht.

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

locally whenever possible.

Nestled in the Rosedale neighborhood of north-

PARKSIDE

Red Ash Italia strikes the perfect balance between high-quality

central Austin, Gusto captures the warm,

301 E. 6th St. | (512) 474 9898

food and enticing ambiance. This Italian steakhouse is led

comforting, every-day flavors of Italian cuisine.

Patrons flock to this downtown hideaway for its wide selection

by an all-star team, including executive chef John Carver. Sit

Dishes range from house-made antipasti to hand-

of oysters and other modern-American specialties. The 6th

back, relax and enjoy an exceptional evening.

formed pizzas, salads, panini, fresh pasta, entrees

Street locale is filled with industrial details and plenty of natu-

featuring Texas farm raised meats, and scratch

ral light, so it’s no wonder that reservations are often necessary

desserts. Craft cocktails, beer on tap, and boutique

to get a table in the inviting space.

wines.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

seasonal fare and drinks with a strong Texas influence sourced

RED ASH ITALIA 303 Colorado St. #200 | (512) 379 2906

tribeza.com

| DECEMBER 2021

ROSEWOOD GULF COAST CHOP HOUSE

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

1209 Rosewood Ave. | (512) 838 6205

222 West Ave. | (512) 777 2430

Housed in a historic East Side cottage, this spot is quickly be-

11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 100 | (512) 992-0685

coming a staple. Chef Jesse DeLeon pays outstanding homage

Inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet, True

to his South Texas roots with seasonal offerings from Gulf

Food Kitchen combines decadent favorites with health-con-

Coast fishermen and Hill Country farmers and ranchers.

scious eating. The restaurant, located in downtown’s Seaholm district, offers a full range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free

SUERTE

options.

1800 E. 6th St. | (512) 953 0092 Helmed by executive chef Fermín Núñez, Suerte was inspired

UCHIKO

by extensive travels through Central Mexico. Artisanal masa

4200 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 140 | (512) 916 4808

is the highlight, made from local heirloom corn and used in

The sensational sister creation of Uchi and former home of Top

distinctive dishes rarely found on Austin menus. Order the de-

Chef Paul Qui and renowned chefs Page Presley and Nicholas

WATERLOO ICE HOUSE

lectable Suadero Tacos, perfect for sharing with friends.

Yanes, Uchiko is an Austin icon that everyone should visit at

Escarpment Boulevard: 9600 Escarpment Blvd | (512) 301 1007

least once. Try the bacon tataki.

Burnet Road: 8600 Burnet Rd | (512) 458 6544 360 & 2222: 6203 N Capital of Texas Hwy | (512) 418 9700

TEXAS FRENCH BREAD 2900 Rio Grande St. | (512) 499 0544

VERBENA

For decades, TFB has been a go-to destination for high-quality

612 W. 6th St. | (512) 991 3019

European-style breads, pastries and seasonally inspired bistro

Located in downtown’s chic new Canopy hotel and designed by

meals. Whether grabbing a coffee and pastry on the fly, having

Lake Flato Architects, Verbena offers vegetable-forward dishes

casual business lunches with colleagues or enjoying the charm-

that highlight regionally sourced meat, fish and poultry. Chef

ing patio for an alfresco dinner, this neighborhood spot is an

Nic Yanes (Juniper, Uncle Nicky’s) is at the helm.

Austin favorite.

VIXEN’S WEDDING THAI FRESH

1813 E. 6th St. Suite A | (737) 242 7555

909 W. Mary St. | (512) 494 6436

Vixen’s Wedding is a charming space creating something truly

A restaurant, cooking school and market all in one place.

unique. Helmed by culinary super-couple Todd Duplechan and

When you’re done dining on traditional Thai favorites, stop by

Jessica Maher, the restaurant specializes in Goan cuisine, a

the adjoining coffee bar for freshly brewed joe, homemade ice

cultural mash-up of bright and complex flavors.

Southpark Meadows: 9600 S IH 35 Frontage Rd | (512) 292 7900 waterlooicehouse.com

Waterloo Ice House has been an Austin Original since 1976. In celebration of their 45th anniversary, guests are invited to enjoy a limited-edition Throwback Thursday menu featuring iconic original items at reduced prices. Visit any of their four Austin locations every Thursday in December to try the special, celebratory menu!

WU CHOW 500 W. 5th St., #168 | (512) 476 2469

cream and an array of baked goods.

WINEBELLY

From the curators of Swift’s Attic, Wu Chow is expanding Austin’s

TINY BOXWOODS

519 W. Oltorf S. | (512) 487 1569

cuisine offerings with traditional Chinese dishes sourced from

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

Named one of the top-20 wine bars in America by Wine Enthusi-

local purveyors and farmers. Don’t miss the weekend dim sum

This Houston-based brand now serves its simple and delicious

ast, Winebelly boasts an international wine list and Spanish-Med-

menu.

food in Austin’s Bryker Woods neighborhood. Favorites include

iterranean small plates.The bistro maintains a local feel with its

house-ground burgers, salmon Provencal

comfortable, laid-back interiors.

salad and their chocolate chip cookies.

DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

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| DECEMBER 2021

Mind the Gap AUSTIN FASHION INITIATIVE EMBRACES THE POWER OF NETWORKING TO TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS Words and photos by Holly Cowart

ENNIFER MILLSPAUGH HAS ALWAYS LOVED FASHION, but it was never just about what you put on your body. Dressing up meant special occasions tied to beloved memories and the ability to not only showcase your personality, but your community. It wasn’t until she began looking at fashion academically that it would become a part of her career. It started with research — hours upon hours spent in the library combing through articles. She noticed that while there was plenty to find on high-end designers with well-established international success, there really wasn’t accessible information on entrepreneurship and what it meant to create a fashion brand from scratch. Then, while completing her master’s degree in London, the industry model began to change. Emerging and independent brands weren’t relying on top retailers to make big bucks like their predecessors; they were selling direct-to-consumer. “The number one thing that made people successful — it wasn’t money,” she explains. “It was their network. It was the relationships that they formed.” Millspaugh began to wonder how she could use these insights to help grow and invest in businesses within this space. When she returned to Austin in 2017, she experienced the power of networking first-hand. “I saw that Candice Digby, who I took one class with in college, had launched Austin Design Week. So I reconnected with her and said ‘I have this idea, what do you think?’” Where she could have been turned away, Millspaugh’s plan was met with immediate enthusiasm and before she knew it, Candice was introducing her to various contacts and helping her prepare to host her very first meet-up. Thus, Austin Fashion Initiative was born. The consulting and networking organization has since brought together countless creatives, and works directly with companies to develop scalable e-commerce strategies, strengthen branding and rethink the longevity of business models so they’re set up for success. Before COVID-19, AFI

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DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

relied heavily on collaborations and events, eventually hosting up to one per month. Although the in-person component has been momentarily put on pause, Millspaugh still continually finds ways to help local entrepreneurs who are ready to take their idea to the next level, or at least connects them with someone who can. “And that seed of a relationship can turn into a business, a collaboration, a new opportunity.” As for Austin’s sense of style and place within the industry as a whole? Millspaugh shares, “I’m really excited about Austin and its potential for fashion. We have people in the industry moving here from all over the world. And they’re moving here for the lifestyle, so that says a lot.” “And I like mixing things that are very elegant and high-end and also very casual and easy to live in,” she continues. “If you look at our arts scene, we’re home to an opera, a symphony, a ballet. We have this elevation of fine art, and yet at the same time it’s casual and accessible and welcoming. There’s a kindness to it. I feel like if you can bottle all of those things up into a fashion aesthetic, that’s how I look at Austin.” For many, there are still gaps in understanding how to turn their passion for style into a self-sustaining business. But Millspaugh sees this as an opportunity to invest in her community’s potential and future innovation. The benefits that come from simply connecting with like-minded individuals and developing relationships can be life-changing. Even now, after ten years out of touch, she finds herself taking weekly walks with Candice and chatting about business, design and life. “You’re just paying it forward. JENNIFER’S TOP 5 That’s what AFI is,” she says. “It’s LOCAL BRANDS this mechanism to be able to 1. Amberleaf make a connection and create this 2. Suave Shoes continuous momentum. And if I 3. LU+CO Studios can play one small part in helping 4. Pennyluck Shoes the city that I love, it just makes 5. Raven + Lily me so happy.” austinfashioninitiative.com

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LEVY Architects...................................................... 10

United Way Austin .................................................. 79

Compass - The West Team.................................. BC

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Living in Stereo........................................................88

Urban Betty ............................................................. 91

Delysia Chocolatier............................................... 8-9

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urbanbetty.com

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Maaribu ..................................................................... 11

Urbanspace Real Estate & Interiors....................... 16

Domain Northside....................................................13

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urbanspacelifestyle.com

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Mozart’s.....................................................................90

Waterloo Ice House ................................................98

Douglas Elliman Real Estate............................. IFC-1

mozartscoffee.com

waterlooicehouse.com

elliman.com

Omni Hotels & Resorts........................................... 14

West Chelsea Contemporary ................................ 27

Eldorado Cafe .........................................................94

omnihotels.com

wcc.art

eldoradocafeatx.com

Petticoat Fair............................................................90

Wilson & Goldrick ....................................................12

Elite Austin................................................................. 5

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wilsongoldrick.com

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Precision Camera.....................................................90 precision-camera.com

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Check out these incredible performances from beloved Texas musicians coming to Austin venues this month. tribeza.com/austin-music-events-december-2021

Experience the lush outdoor space, elegant tasting room and craft-driven spirits of Southeast Austin whiskey destination, Fierce Whiskers Distillery. tribeza.com/fierce-whiskers-distillery

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DECEMBER 2021 | tribeza.com

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

F I E R C E W H I S K E R S P H OTO B Y A U S T I N CO C H R A N . W I N T E R W O N D E R L A N D P H OTO B Y J A S O N R I S N E R . LO C A L S O N LY P H OTO B Y H A R P E R S M I T H .

Head to festive Fredericksburg for the holiday season, featuring German Christmas traditions, unique holiday shopping and stunning light displays. tribeza.com/ fredericksburgtexas-travel-holidays

Doing real estate The West Team Way

Tara West The West Team tara.west@compass.com 512.632.3110 | thewestteam.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. 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. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

TRIBEZA December 2021 Movers & Shakers Issue

Articles inside

Brad Stuver, Austin FC

Tribeza Talk: Holiday Traditions

Kristin’s Column

Stirring Up Memories

Arts & Entertainment Calendars

Actress Gen Padalecki

Black Pumas