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ROMANCE & BRIDAL
February
column/kristin armstrong 16 events 18
exposed/jessica ciarla 26
perspective/hillarey & ryan squires 28
real weddings 30
carla mcdonald/an audience with... 38
event pick 40
arts guide 42
arts calendar 44
events calendar 46
the couple that works together... 54
the marrying kinds 66
column/tim mcclure 76
behind the scenes 78
style pick 80
eat, drink & be married 84
dining pick 92
our little secret 102 Cover and TOC | Joanna & Sam Parigi; Photography by La Dolce Vita Photography. Copyright Š 2011 by TRIBEZA. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. TRIBEZA welcomes editorial content and photography for publication consideration. TRIBEZA is a proud member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
10 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Love. Love. Love.
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EDITOR’S LETTER
george t. elliman publisher lauren smith ford editor avalon mckenzie designer carolyn harrold editorial assistant/ event coordinator ashley beall kimberly chassay sr. account executives erin miles dylan sack account executives autumn ashley stephanie kuo lisa siva interns
Who better to have on the cover of our annual Romance & Bridal issue than a real Austin couple that is very much in love? When we saw this photo of Joanna and Sam Parigi, an outtake from pictures taken of them for their Save the Date invitation, we knew we had stumbled upon an authentic, sweet moment shared between a young couple just before one of the most exciting times in their lives—their wedding. Held at Green Pastures, their reception was full of music, dancing, and many unique details special to them—a send off for the life of adventure and laughter that we are certain is ahead for these two. Get an inside look at their nuptials in our “Real Weddings” feature, where we profile three of our favorite and most inspired weddings. Alina Prax of La Dolce Vita Photography thoughtfully captured our cover image as well as the whimsical, lively photos from the Parigi wedding. We also caught up with other brides, like designer Robin Finlay who decided to get married to her boyfriend at the time, photographer Adam Voorhes, a week before her summertime ceremony on the shore of Red Bud Isle (so her bulldog Emma could come). For Robin, “a wedding is just another day, and it is every day afterward that you stay together and get through life as partners that is important.” We could not agree more, and we sat down with five Austin couples who somehow
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manage to live and work together. Even though they do everything together, each duo finds time
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for romance and many professional achievements. From graphic designers Sean and Wendy Carnegie of Lewis Carnegie (you have probably seen their work on the new Uchi website or on husband Rich, each couple shares insights on how they make their busy lives work. In “The Marrying Kinds,” we showcase looks and home accessories for four styles of brides from vintage-inspired to classic. It’s hard to believe that next month marks TRIBEZA’s 10-Year
www.tribeza.com
Anniversary. With the launch of the March 2011 issue, we will unveil a refreshed look and design
Founded in March of 2001, TRIBEZA is Austin’s leading locally-owned culture and lifestyle magazine.
and old, featured in this issue remind you of your own great romances.
for the whole book. We can’t wait to share it with you and hope that the unique love stories, new
Lauren Smith Ford, Editor lauren@tribeza.com
12 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
spring 2011 Isda Eileen Fisher Yansi Fugel Bell by Alicia Bell Johnny Was Collections Helios & Luna Tracy Reese Lauren Vidal Paris Lundström Collection Three Dots Marisa Baratelli Robin Kaplan Designs Beauty Mark by Byron Lars
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FEBRUARY CONTRIBUTORS
writers kristin armstrong pamela colloff tim mcclure carla mcdonald jackie rangel karen spezia camille styles photographers jonathan allen michael thad carter cody hamilton jake holt michael muller chris patunas john pesina annie ray hillarey squires ryan squires chad wadsworth dan winters la dolce vita photography
CAMILLE STYLES
CHAD WADSWORTH
AVALON MCKENZIE
Camille Styles is the owner of Camille Styles Events a design and planning firm that transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences. Her modern aesthetic and eye for detail come together to create parties that are simply chic and all about fun. She is also the editor of popular lifestyle blog camillestyles.com, where she shares the unique sources
Austin photographer Chad Wadsworth joins us again this month for a feature on couples that work together. A prolific and nationally recognized concert photographer, recently he has successfully turned his eye to the world of environmental portraiture. It wasn’t just couples that he worked with this issue. He says: “We recognized that
and stylish discoveries that inspire her events and her life. This month, she gives us all the tips on throwing a bridal brunch in “Eat, Drink, and Be Married.”
children, and in one case a new puppy, were a big part of the relationship between couples that work together and I didn’t want to ignore that. Working and living together 24-7 is scary as hell to some people but these couples are rocking it everyday.”
This month, designer and native Austinite, Avalon McKenzie joins TRIBEZA. McKenzie studied Communication Design at Parsons the New School for Design. While living in New York City, she worked for Cosmopolitan Magazine and launched her blog, Lashes and Bones. McKenzie has also worked as Senior Designer for fashion brand, A Rosy Outlook Designs Inc. Her accessory designs for A Rosy Outlook were recently featured in Texas Monthly and Country Lifestyle Magazines. McKenzie loves running, shopping for vintage clothes, and spending time with her family in beautiful Llano, Texas.
illustrator joy gallagher
14 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Featuring over 30 independent designer jewelry collections, including AUSTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST
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KRISTIN ARMSTRONG
Long Lost Friend Illustration by Joy Gallagher
Every year when i sit down to write for the romance issue, I tell myself that surely by the time this comes around next year I will have a beautiful love story to share. Lord knows anyone that has been a regular reader would probably delight in my delight, if for no other reason than to hear something fresh and hopeful. Alas, this year finds me still waiting. My dating life has been really quite amusing for the past seven years. The finest man I dated was right after my divorce when I was too broken to appreciate him, and he is happily married and living in Sausalito. Sigh. Aside from him, my second term of single life has mostly been a comedy of errors. Allow me to chronicle a few for you. I have dated several men I call NEDs, which stands for Not Even Divorced. These poor souls are either in the throes of divorce or freshly divorced, and as such they are typically angry and confused. They are either skittish or all too ready to forge ahead into the land of New is Better in spite of their lack of healing, and in either case it ends up messy. I no longer date NEDs. I dated one guy for a while who was sweet but totally lacking in ambition. For a time I considered this to be a fun-loving departure from my highly motivated ex. I call this dating phenomenon an “Ice Skid” which basically means an over-correction leading to an off-road collision. In other words, an abrupt turn from our past can cause us to skid way too far in the opposite direction. I have since made peace with the fact that I love motivated men, and in fact am well-suited to many of the characteristics I originally found attractive in my first husband. I no longer date men who are unemployed or always need to borrow my car. I dated a fireman who was so hot it hurt my eyes to look at him. I call this phenomenon “Backdraft” because if the doorknob is hot and smoke
is pouring under the door, it is not a good idea to open the door. Find the nearest exit. My mother calls these types “White Sofas” because while they are lovely to look at, they are highly impractical for a woman with three kids and four dogs. I no longer date men whose image burns on my retina or whose main character trait rhymes with schmarcissist. I dated a man for about a month, until he told me he had a girlfriend, living with him. Granted, I thought this was slightly better than a confession about being married, but the lack of integrity is essentially the same. His live-in gal ended up spying on his email (never good) and emailed me, devastated, asking about what had transpired between us. I responded to her, copied him, and told them to talk it out amongst themselves, effectively throwing both of them under the bus—him for being a liar, and her for being a spy. He tried to ask me out again, after they broke up. Um, yeah, right. I told him I was living with someone… myself. That must be hard for him. I recently dated someone I actually thought had potential, having narrowed down my specifications to include men over 40 who already have children. Unfortunately, although he has children, he also prefers dating them. I call this type Mougars, for male cougars, and I no longer date “grown” men who prefer women in their twenties. While I have not met Mr. Right, I have been the source of some good entertainment for my married friends. I have had the chance to work on my patience and my sense of humor, and pour my heart into three people who really appreciate it—my kids. Maybe it’s true that we learn the most about what we do want by experiencing what we don’t want. Eventually the difference is immediately clear. I have a feeling that when the man for me finally walks into my life, he will be as recognizable and comfortable as a long lost friend. FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 17
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AUSTIN
Events
2
GivingCity’s Givers Ball Paint Party at the Four Seasons
GivingCity Austin celebrated the area’s young professionals who give back with their second annual Givers Ball. Hosted by the Austin Community Foundation, the ball was held at El Sol y La Luna on Red River. The young professional groups in attendance included Austin Involved, Austin Junior Chamber, The Long Center’s Catalyst 8, LifeWorks’ LEAP, and the Association of Women in Communications, among others. GivingCity is a web-based guide to doing good in Austin offering actionable community content with the goal of connecting more Central Texans to philanthropy and improving communication and collaboration across the community. For more information, visit givingcityaustin.com. Giving new meaning to the phrase ‘paint the town red,’ Austin’s Four Seasons Hotel invited the city’s movers and shakers to kick-off the redesign of its Lobby area with a Paint Party at the Hotel. When not scribbling and adding their personalized graffiti to the walls, guests enjoyed color wheel cocktails, representing the warm color tones in the new Lobby, and delicious appetizers presented on artist palettes by banquet servers garbed in painter attire. Donations will benefit the Seton Shivers Cancer Center.
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photography by john pesina & melissa weston
GivingCity Austin: 1 Andy Langer & Harper Scott. 2 Veronica Cantu, Aleida Kasir & Melissa Olszewski. 3 Virginia Cumberbatch, Graham Cumberbatch & Nikki Green. 4 Monica Williams & Thom Singer. Four Seasons Hotel: 5 Armando Zambrano, Cindy Perkins & Ken Gladish. 6 Susan Lubin. 7 Tim Taylor.
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18 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
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Events
Jack & Carla McDonald’s Holiday Party at the “Stork Club” It was without a doubt the party of the year, as Jack and Carla McDonald recreated the famous Stork Club, which was the place to be in New York City in the 1940s and 50s. In seeking a “glamorous, fun, and retro” theme, she came across an article by Dorothy Killgallen about all the people who held court at the Stork Club. Think Frank Sinatra, the Kennedys, and Marilyn Monroe. For the food, she enlisted Word of Mouth to develop a menu inspired by the original recipes of the club, like the Walter Winchell Burger and Crab Louie, from a Stork Club cookbook she found on eBay. The Mandarin Flower Company created the décor with red roses throughout the McDonalds’ glam Westlake home. The 200 guests sipped on Stork Club cocktails (gin, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, orange juice, and a dash of bitters), as Kevin Ahart and his band played holiday classics. Carla was the perfect hostess, as she mingled with all her guests in a vintage (early 1950s) Bogani sequin and tulle gown. For Carla, “the devil’s in the details,” and there were so many special elements to this magical evening—a male model served as the doorman greeting guests in costume as they stepped over a Stork Club doormat, waiters donned white jackets and bow ties in “Stork Club green,” ‘Santa baby’ girls passed candy cigarettes and cookie cigars. Not a single detail was left undone, and guests left already talking about next year’s event.
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photography by mimi klasson
5 1 Michael Barnes & Carla McDonald. 2 Turk & Christy Pipkin. 3 Anna Anami, Lance Avery Morgan & Mary Tally. 4 Sarah Strother. 5 The Scene. 6 Tom & Lynn Meredith, John Thornton. 7 Andy Hinman & Rebecca Campbell. 8 Joe Liemandt, Chris Ney & Jack McDonald. 9 Carla McDonald. 10 Palmer Earley & Jan Mirkin Earley, Eric & Toni Simone. 11 Eric & Maria Groten 12 Stork Club Doorman. 13 George Elliman, Graydon Parrish, Nina & Frank Seely. 14 Candy Cigarettes. 15 Erin Driscoll. 16 George Jones & Sarah Bird.
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Events
Guests gathered at La Sombra Bar and Grill on Burnet to ring in the New Year with a special dinner inspired by the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of Central and South America. A recent addition to the Rosedale neighborhood, La Sombra serves up dishes ranging from empanadas to cebiches for lunch and dinner to an enticing selection of weekend brunch specialties. El Jimador Tequila provided delicious signature cocktails for the occasion, and Cienfuegos, one of Austin’s most exciting salsa orchestras, played a mix of original compositions and traditional Latin standards. Texas’ tallest residential building, The Austonian, and the award winning Laura Britt Design welcomed guests to a special New Year Happy Hour with a view on the downtown high-rise’s 41st floor. Held in the recently completed model unit designed by Laura Britt Design, guests explored the exquisite interior with the Austin skyline as a backdrop, while enjoying wine and the low key tunes. Chef Brian Trumbull of McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant prepared a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres for the evening and was on hand to answer any dining queries.
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photography by john pesina
La Sombra: 1 Caleb Watson & Krysti Chozick. 2 Heather McKissick & Cameron Lockley. 3 Brian Scofield & Erin Watson. 4 Alina Poulsen, Mai Quach & Athena Poulsen. The Austonian: 5 Lorie Marrero, Laura Britt & Eric Moreland. 6 Teddy Druss & Joe Feshbach 7 Eric Moreland, Cindy Greenwood, Trey Phillips, Linda Druss & Cindy Feshbach.
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Exposed What city’s character best represents your own personality? A combination of cities—NYC and Positano in Italy—I love the small, quaint European beach town of Positano and the intense fast-paced energy of NYC. My personality is a little of both. If you could have the hair of any Hollywood celebrity who would it be? Nicole Richie has fantastic hair. She looks great with any length, color, or style, and I like how she can pull off a rock-n-roll edge and still look classic for a black tie event. Who would you like to exchange wardrobes with? Rachel Zoe has everything! I would probably be overwhelmed with her closet but she would have the best of the best from every top designer in the world along with the most eclectic vintage selection. photography by cody hamilton What would you eat for your last meal? Spicy tuna rolls, a side of my mom’s homemade mashed potatoes, and a glass of champagne What do you believe makes a successful JESSICA CIARLA, Fashion Designer, CIARLA Jessica Ciarla is a wedding day renegade—transforming generations of frilly and frothy life? Finding your passion in life and working hard to achieve into functional. Blasphemy! Can a bride really be a bride without layers of ivory tulle? it as well as having someone to share it with who you really Ciarla believes so. With an astute eye for pragmatic design, she proves that fashion and connect with and challenges you in a positive way. If you function aren’t mutually exclusive. “My client is the Sex & The City Carrie Bradshaw could design a dress for any celebrity, who would it be? bride,” says Ciarla, whose rare aesthetic averts the traditional taffeta A-line. “I always Natalie Portman. She is such a sophisticated, talented, and try to mix vintage with modern,” she says. “My inspiration comes from old Hollywood gorgeous young woman with exquisite, elegant style, and I movies, Europe, and old art. I mix all those for the city girl who wants boutique style but would love to make her a dress for a red carpet event. If you also has practical needs.” These dresses are meant to be worn again, she adds. Following had to eliminate one emotion from your life, which would the launch of her line of high-end evening wear in 2005, Ciarla founded CIARLAbride in it be? Regret. I think it’s counterproductive and unless you Austin in 2009. And Ciarla has since acquired an extraordinary national presence, sell- can do something to change what you regret the emotion is ing to clients in both New York and Beverly Hills. However, currently based in an atelier just going to interfere with you moving on and progressing on East Fifth Street and selling garments to Bella Bridesmaid, Ciarla hopes to expand to a happier future. If you weren’t in your current career, locally and become an Austin essential for southern nuptials. “We produce everything what else would you try? I don’t remember having any fear locally, and that doesn’t really exist out there,” she says. “It’s all about individuality and as a child. I still take risks as an adult, but I think about the consequences a lot more now. a bride who wants everyone in her wedding to be as beautiful as she is.” S. Kuo 26 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
PERSPECTIVES ON LOVE
Hillarey & Ryan Squires He fell in love with her in first grade—from pen pals to husband and wife, the Squires share their sweet love story. Photography by Jonathan Allen
Hillarey Squires Mother of Three, Sellars (6), Winslow (4), and Story (9 months) I had an emotionally tough childhood. I lost my father in a plane crash when I was six years old. But I sometimes wonder whether I would be married to Ryan had that tragedy not occurred. My mother remarried when I was 11, and we moved from Waco to Dallas. Sometime after we arrived, I remember my mother asking me whether I would agree to be Ryan’s pen pal. I knew Ryan from elementary school. We weren’t best friends. He was several years younger than me. But I agreed. 28 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
We exchanged many letters over the next 16 years. Some letters simply described our days, our summer plans, etc. Other letters included pictures. I specifically remember one letter from Ryan in which he included his sixth grade photo. I put that picture on my bathroom mirror. I also remember receiving a Valentine’s Day card that was so big that the mailman had to deliver it to the door. I always considered Ryan a special friend. But I knew that Ryan had a crush on me. When I would go back to Waco, my best friend would tell me that Ryan had asked about me. It made me smile. Ryan and I kept in touch, even as we attended different schools
and lived in different cities. It was not until my mid-twenties that I recognized him as more than a friend. I was living in Austin at the time. He was in California. I remember receiving a postcard from him. He indicated that he was moving back to Texas and wanted to see me. He gave me his email address. I lost that postcard. But I wanted to email him so I sent several emails to a variety of email addresses that I thought were similar to his. Fortunately, one of those turned out to be correct. When Ryan returned to Texas, I agreed to meet him for lunch in Austin. I will never forget that day. At the time, my typical morning consisted of jumping out of bed and racing to work. But for some reason, that particular morning, I took my time getting ready. And I took three outfits to work. Ryan picked me up for lunch. I remember feeling nervous when I heard his knock. When I opened the door, I just knew. I knew that he would be the one I would marry. Its crazy how my feelings immediately changed that day even though I had known him for almost 16 years. I eventually moved to Waco where Ryan was attending law school. Things had come full circle. We were living in Waco again. And I was teaching third grade at the elementary school where we first met. About a year and a half later, Ryan asked me to marry him. The proposal was heartfelt. We were on a walk in downtown Waco. We stopped at a fountain that was dedicated to my father after the plane crash. Ryan dropped to a knee and asked me to marry him at my dad’s fountain. He wanted my dad to be a part of it. We then celebrated with friends and family. Life with Ryan has been filled with precious moments. We now have three children. I am so thankful that I agreed to be his pen pal, stayed in touch all those years, and agreed to that lunch date. I still have some of the letters we wrote. And I still have the same sixth grade photo of Ryan. Several years ago, I hung it on our bathroom mirror, where it remains to this day.
through sixth grade was on the second floor. I remember realizing that I only had the current school year to catch her attention. The following year she would move up to the second floor. For the rest of that school year, I did my best to catch her eye. I even conspired with my friend to arrange play dates at his house when his older sister had invited Hillarey to play. But for the most part, I settled for calculated run-ins with Hillarey on the playground. I remember returning to school as a second grader with full knowledge that Hillarey, now a fourth grader, was on the second floor. I would rarely see her. I looked forward to functions that involved the entire student body. When my fourth grade year finally came, I was excited to be on the same floor as Hillarey again. But when I arrived, she was not there. I was devastated. I asked my mother what had happened. It appears that Hillarey had moved to Dallas with her family only months before. I asked my mom whether Hillarey could be my pen pal. My mom called Hillarey’s mom and fortunately, Hillarey agreed. I began sending letters to Hillarey that year. I knew her address by heart. Hillarey was always good about writing me back. I kept every letter from her. I knew that Hillarey considered me just a friend, but as long as the communication continued, I thought I had a chance. In fact, when I was around 11, I remember taking a marker to my neighbor’s closet and writing, “Ryan S. loves Hillarey H. forever.” Every summer, Hillarey’s letters would come from a camp she attended. When I was convinced that Hillarey attended the same term at the same camp every summer, I enrolled. I was around 12. She was around 14. But when I arrived, she was not there. Hillarey had decided to go to a different camp that summer. Throughout middle, high school, and college, I continued to write her letters. When I was 22, I was living in San Diego. But I had plans to move back to Texas. I decided to send Hillarey one last letter. I wrote to Hillarey on a postcard from San Diego. I told her about my plans to move back to Texas. I gave her my email adRyan Squires dress. Several months later, she contacted me and we agreed to Attorney, Scott, Douglas & McConnico meet in Austin for lunch. After 16 years, I finally had a date with I first met Hillarey when I was six years old. I was in the first her. That date lasted all afternoon. We went to lunch and talked grade. I went to a friend’s house to play. Hillarey was there play- for hours. We eventually started dating and several years later we ing with my friend’s older sister. Hillarey was older. She was in married. At our rehearsal dinner, my neighbor gave us that piece the third grade. I specifically remember her hair—pigtail braids. of drywall from her closet with my marking on it, framed. It now Despite being only six, I remember thinking that she was the most hangs in our home. beautiful girl I had ever seen. And she went to my school. It is hard to imagine that this journey started almost 27 years When I returned to school, I looked for her. At our elementary ago when I first saw her at my friend’s house. We now have three school, first through third grade was on the first floor. Fourth wonderful children. I love her today more than ever. FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 29
Real Weddings By Lauren Smith Ford; Photography by Michael Muller
“We were walking beside the water watching our dog hop around, and he asked if I would hold his hat. He pretended to get down on one knee to tie his shoe, but asked me to marry him instead. I was shocked...it was wonderful.” -Katie Wantland
Katie Wantland & David Volk Fredericksburg, Texas
An art installation in the middle of a field—that was the inspiration for the kind of wedding this nature-loving couple wanted for their nuptials. The idea of a "simple, but thoughtful" aesthetic carried through in every beautiful detail of the outdoor ceremony and reception. The wedding was held in Fredericksburg, where both the bride and groom moved within a week of each other (without knowing each other). Katie just returned from living overseas and David moved there to learn the craft of carpentry and construction. David heard of Katie through mutual friends and stopped in the Rather Sweet Bakery where she worked to introduce himself. A friendship eventually blossomed into a relationship, and they were engaged after a picnic lunch on the Llano River. "We were walking beside the water watching our dog hop around, and he asked if I would hold his hat. He pretended to get down on one knee to tie his shoe, but asked me to marry him instead. I was shocked...it was wonderful." The decor utilized wood, simple and clean log lines, wire, turkey feathers, and found objects. The bride wore her mother's wedding dress, and the groom chose brown Carhart pants with a brown and white gingham shirt from J. Crew and a pair of brown suspenders. 30 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Decorating was a family affair as everyone joined forces to hang lights and clear and trim trees at the home of the bride's aunt and uncle where they were married. Katie's father and David made the wedding backdrop out of wood and wire, suspended by an overhanging tree, and David made all the cake stands with found wood. Since the couple spends most every night cooking together, the food was an essential element. Guests sat at four long wood tables, and the couple enlisted the help of West End Pizza to cater with a selection of gourmet pizzas like pear, gorgonzola, onion, and walnuts and italian sausage with shallots. David and Katie's favorite records played during dinner and the first dance was "O Girl" by the Chi-Lites. And who better to make the cakes than the gals at Rather Sweet Bakery, who made three options—chocolate buttercream, carrot, and white chocolate and raspberry with macadamia nut. The bride looks back on her favorite memories from the night under the stars—"I loved the actual ceremony. We all sang my favorite hymn, “Come Thou Fount,” and that was really special. I also loved dancing with David, and then my dad, and then all of our friends and family. We pretty much danced all night!"
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 31
Photography by La Dolce Vita Photography ladolcevitaphoto.com
Joanna Lea & Sam Parigi Green Pastures
After Joanna and Sam met in Oceanography class at UT, they always found a way to sit together. Pretty soon, they were best friends listening to old Stones' albums after class. Six and a half years later, after a proposal on top of Enchanted Rock, where they vowed "how much fun they were going to have" throughout life, they were married at St. Austin's Catholic Church. Following the ceremony, they headed to Green Pastures, the same place where the bride's parents were married in 1979. "My sister was married this past June in Aspen, so I wanted to pick a place in Austin where our family and friends could easily make the trip. Yes, my poor mom had to pull off two weddings in five months!" she says. "Green Pastures has an antique, warm feel to it. The lawns are breathtaking and the peacocks, bamboo, and secret rooms make it playful and stunning. Our idea of an afternoon fair with balloons and dancing outdoors came to life. It was so special for us and for our entire family." The bride looked stunning in a strapless ivory silk organza gown by Vera Wang, and the groom donned a black peak-lapel tuxedo by Calvin Klein with a black-and-white polka dotted bow tie. For which the bride gushes, "He looked adorable." Later in the night, she changed into the purple floral chiffon garden dress that her mother wore for her own wedding. "I will always remember running outside in my mother's wedding dress and seeing the look on her face," Joanna says. Guests dined on tasty selections from food stations that served up filet mignon with truffle mac 'n' cheese, shrimp and grits with asparagus, miso-glazed salmon, spring rolls, and seared tuna. 32 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Then, it was warm chocolate chip cookies with large shot glasses of Green Pastures' famous brandy milk punch. But the main focus of the night? Music and dancing! First it was the East Side Dandies playing New Orleans-Style jazz. Their seven-foot tall banjo player even incorporated a bit of tap dancing into the routine in honor of the bride's long-time affection for it. Sam had his good friend, Andy Barham, surprise Joanna by playing Santo and Johnny's "Sleepwalk" for their first dance. The bride says: "It was just the sweetest moment of my life thus far, and I'll never forget how thoughtful it was." The party really got started when Soul Happening (formerly Waxploitation) started spinning old funk and soul records. Even the people who typically refuse to dance got out on the floor. Another major theme of the wedding was making things as waste free and green as possible, like videographer Ashley Chiles of Ladyflash who purchased carbon offsets to counteract energy use, and they used local vendors when possible. As the magical night came to an end, guests started banging tambourines as the couple exited to Sam's favorite song, Bob Dylan's "Tambourine Man." Their pedicab drive took them to the Hotel San Jose where friends convened for a nightcap. Joanna remembersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;"It was a dream. After six and a half years, we were super excited to get married. Everyone there had always been such fighting fans of our love, so it was as if we were celebrating togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so much love and warmth surrounded us, and we felt blessed. Oh, and Sam and I got to do our 'albatross mating dance.' We are two lucky birds."
â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a dream. After six and a half years, we were super excited to get married. Everyone there had always been such fighting fans of our love, so it was as if we were celebrating together...â&#x20AC;? -Joanna Lea
Joanna changed into the purple floral chiffon garden dress that her mother wore for her wedding.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 33
Photography by The Wedding Par t y
:WJQV .QVTIa )LIU >WWZPM[ Red Bud Isle
Sometimes all you need to get married is your partner, a best friend who got ordained to be a minister online, and your beloved bulldog. Neither Robin nor Adam had planned on getting married, but a conversation about buying a house and taxes on a Sunday night lead to a trip to the county clerk on Monday. "Early in the relationship, I had told him I was not going to get married, but we were planning on buying a house together so when we started talking about it one night over supper, it seemed like a good idea. It was more of an impulsive decision than a proposal. I ďŹ gured it would cut down on the paper work and save on taxes...That and I could not imagine a future without him." Robin, who worked as an art director, met Adam, a photographer, when she hired him for a job. Adam remembers the ďŹ rst time he saw 'Robbie' as he affectionately calls her. "I was in a meeting with my friend Evelyn, an editor at the magazine Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been working with. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just hired a new art director, who just so happened to be my future wife. Evelynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ofďŹ ce overlooked the parking lot, and we could see Robin walking up. I told Evelyn I liked her shoes. She had this edgy meets artsy look to her. I liked that a lot. When she made it to the ofďŹ ce I introduced myself. Robin responded by complaining about my work, being horribly rude, and making me despise her. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a feisty one." On the drive back from the County Clerk ofďŹ ce that Monday morning (when they discovered there is a three-day waiting period in the State of Texas for marriage licenses), Robin remembered that their mutual close friend Matt Rainwaters had taken an online ministry course in college, so he would be the perfect man for the job. 34 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
"Besides someone important to both of us performing the ceremony, my only other want was to have it at a place that was very Austin. The city brought us together, and we both are in love with this town. For me, the wedding is just another day and it is every day afterward that you stay together and get through life as partners that is important," Robin says. They worked all week, and on Saturday, the day of the wedding, Robin put on a yellow summer dress and Adam buttoned up his vintage pearl snap, and they headed to Red Bud Isle with their bulldog Emma and an old Polaroid camera to meet a few of their friends. Adam says: "Matt married us with the Pentagram Design Bible that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d picked up at one of their parties a few weeks prior. His sermon was non-denominational and witty. I remember â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until death or by mutual agreement do you part.â&#x20AC;? But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be death." After the ceremony, they headed to Opal Divine's for its dog friendly patio and margaritas. Today, the couple works together, with Robin helping to produce and style Adam's shoots (for everyone from Esquire to major ad campaigns). "I feel like we have two lives, and we share them both. At the studio, we work on our careers. Robin has guided me to become a better and more focused artist, and my career has thrived with her help. And I do everything I can to feed and nurture her creative passions," Adam says. "At home we have our beat up old house that we are restoring one room at a time, and our garden and our chickens where we try and raise our own food...not to mention our familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;now two English Bulldogs, Emma and CatďŹ sh, who do just about everything with us. We just want to have fun and enjoy our lives together.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 35
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CARLA MCDONALD / AN AUDIENCE WITH…
Erin Ivey
Listening to broken gold, the new record from singer-songwriter Erin Ivey & The Finest Kind (Rolf Ordahl, Ross Alexander, and JJ Johnson), brings me back to the first time I heard Erin sing. It was a beautiful night last May and I had invited a group of women—including Erin, who was a new friend—over to the house for margaritas. When she walked in with her guitar in tow, I knew we were in for a treat. After about an hour, she pulled me aside and asked quietly, “Would you like me to do a song or two?” Does a margarita have salt? Cocktails in hand, we gathered around as Erin—gorgeous without a stitch of make-up—sat down on the edge of the sofa, lifted her guitar onto her lap and began to sing. Her voice as warm and breezy as the summer night, the moment was sublime. Erin sang two songs for us that evening: “Chocolate,” a French ditty about “her favorite drug,” and “Go! Go! Go!,” a smooth-flowing rap. Both are among the 11 urban folk originals on Broken Gold, all featuring Erin’s glowing vocals and stories that will touch your heart. When I found out that Broken Gold would be released this month, I had to ask for an audience with Erin Ivey. 38 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Tell me about Broken Gold. What inspired you to make it? Rolf, Ross, JJ and I had the Kaleidoscope Project (a collaboration among Ivey, The Finest Kind and a group of other artists) under our belts, so I decided to take them into the studio to see if we could capture some magic on tape. We recorded the basic tracks for the record live in a day and a half. It was so much fun. In the song, “You Got Your Wishes Wrong,” I was dancing like crazy while I was singing. The band was slamming! That song has one of those great unscripted moments where Rolf and Ross stopped playing, like it was the end of the song, but JJ and I just kept on going. It creates the coolest breakdown and is one of my favorite parts of the album. I know the stories behind your songs are an important part of your music. Tell me about the title track. “Broken Gold” was written for a friend who lost his fiancée in a tragic car accident in West Texas. I wrote the song for him as a method of healing. It took over a year to write and is really emotional to perform.
Photo by Andrew Shapter
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FEBRUARY
Event Pick
KLRU Opening Night February 24, 2011 Moody Theatre This month, KLRU will be unveiling the Moody Theater’s Austin City Limits Stage, a state-of-the-art venue that will serve as the show’s new backdrop. Embodying the creativity of Austin’s spirit, Moody Theater marks a new piece of music history, and KLRU invites Austinites to commemorate it at Opening Night. For 36 years, PBS filmed its celebrated television series, Austin City Limits, from KLRU’s Studio 6A. The studio has seen performances by the likes of Ray Charles and Elvis Costello. After an emotional final performance by Grammy award-winning Lyle Lovett, Terry Lickona, the series executive producer enthuses, “if you think the past 36 years have been great, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!” In fact, Moody Theater is an answer to Austin’s rapidly growing music scene. With 800 seats in comparison to Studio 6A’s 300, more music fans will be able to watch live tapings in the future. The theater will nevertheless maintain the intimacy characteristic of Austin City Limits: a low stage and a backdrop featuring the current Austin skyline will ensure that audiences continue to enjoy an enhanced festival experience. 40 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Steve Miller Music fans can have a first glimpse of the theater during KLRU’s Opening Night event, which will inaugurate its stage as the future of Austin City Limits. The evening will begin with a performance by Austin’s own Carolyn Wonderland, whose flawless bluesy musicality earned her the attention of Bob Dylan and Ray Benson. The legendary Steve Miller Band will conclude the evening with unforgettable music that has typified the American rock genre for four decades. Having earned 17 studio albums and several hit singles throughout its enduring career, the Steve Miller Band is a pioneer of American rock and the perfect group to usher in a new chapter of music in Austin. Guests can enjoy balcony seating during the performance, sweet and savory snacks, and a chance to explore the new home of Austin City Limits. Performance tickets are available online for $150 per person. If you miss this performance, the 2nd Street District is presenting a “Soundcheck” event that is open to the public free of charge featuring the Matt Wilson Band, Dale Watson & His Lone Stars, and Rick Trevino on February 26 from 3 to 7:30pm. For more information visit 2ndstdistrict.com. L. Siva
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Arts Guide MUSEUMS Arthouse 700 Congress Ave. (512) 453 5312 Hours: Th–F 11–7, Sa 10–5, Su 1–5 arthousetexas.org Austin Children’s Museum 201 Colorado St. (512) 472 2499 Hours: Tu 10–5, W 10–8, Th–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 austinkids.org AMOA Downtown 823 Congress Ave. (512) 495 9224 Hours: Tu, W, F 10–5, Th 10–8, Sa 10–6, Su 12–6 amoa.org
FEATURED GALLERY Visual Arts Center at The University of Texas At the core of the Visual Arts Center’s mission is experimentation in art practice within our community and art education. “Our goal is to contribute in shaping and supporting the contemporary art culture in Austin as well as a new crop of artists, designers, curators, and educators,” says Jade Walker, VAC director. “A large part of our mission is to support new works being created both by UT artists and artists outside of the region.” In addition to the collection and programs at the Blanton, Walker notes that “there is a vital need to showcase the talent of students and faculty, provide a venue for emerging artists to produce new works, and an environment for more established artists to experiment and encourage dialogue across disciplines and communities.” The gallery’s selection is an impeccable fusion of artists here and there, novice and seasoned—expanding a contemporary repertoire beyond the conventional knowledge and awareness of many Austinites. And appropriately so, as the VAC strives to usher into the art world a new movement, promoting “experimentation in art practice and the intersection of ideas for developing artists, designers, art historians, administrators, and educators.” This month, the VAC welcomes its spring 2010 artist-in-residence Amanda Ross-Ho in the Vaulted Gallery. Ross-Ho’s installation, UNTITLED NOTHING FACTORY, is an evolving site-specific piece that examines the products of creative expression and the connectivity of the visual world. It will run through March 12. S. Kuo
42 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
AMOA Laguna Gloria 3809 W. 35th St. (512) 458 8191 Driscoll Villa hours: Tu–Sun 10–4 Grounds hours: M–Sa 9–5, Su 10–5 amoa.org Blanton Museum of Art 200 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 471 7324 Hours: Tu– F 10–5, Sa 11–5, Su 1–5 blantonmuseum.org The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum 1800 Congress Ave. (512) 936 8746 Hours: M–Sa 9–6, Su 12–6 thestoryoftexas.com Elisabet Ney Museum 304 E. 44th St. (512) 458 2255 Hours: W–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 ci.austin.tx.us/elisabetney French Legation Museum 802 San Marcos St. (512) 472 8180 Hours: Tu–S 1–5 frenchlegationmuseum.org
George Washington Carver Museum 1165 Angelina St. (512) 974 4926 Hours: M–Th 10–9, F 10–5:30, Sa 10–4 ci.austin.tx.us/carver Harry Ransom Center 300 E. 21st St. (512) 471 8944 Hours: Tu–W 10–5, Th 10–7, F 10–5, Sa–Su 12–5 hrc.utexas.edu LBJ Library and Museum 2313 Red River St. (512) 721 0200 Hours: M–Su 9–5 lbjlib.utexas.edu Mexic–Arte Museum 419 Congress Ave. (512) 480 9373 Hours: M–Th 10–6, F–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 mexic–artemuseum.org O. Henry Museum 409 E. 5th St. (512) 472 1903 Hours: W–Su 12–5 Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. (512) 445 5582 Hours: W–F 10–4:30, Sa–Su 1–4:30 umlaufsculpture.org
GALLERIES Art on 5th 1501 W. 5th St. (512) 481 1111 Hours: M–Sa 10–6 arton5th.com Artworks Gallery 1214 W. 6th St. (512) 472 1550 Hours: M–Sa 10–5 artworksaustin.com Austin Art Glass 1608 S. Congress Ave. (512) 916 4527 Hours: Tu–Su 11–6, F–Sa 11–7 austinartglass.com
Austin Art Garage 2200 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. J (512) 968 6796 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 austinartgarage.com
d berman gallery 1701 Guadalupe St. (512) 477 8877 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6 dbermangallery.com
L. Nowlin Gallery 1202 W. 6th St. (512) 626 9301 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–5 lnowlingallery.com
Russell Collection Fine Art 1137 W. 6th St. (512) 478 4440 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–6 russell–collection.com
Austin Art Space Gallery and Studios 7739 North Cross Dr., Ste. Q (512) 771 2868 Hours: F–Sa 11–6 austinartspace.com
El Taller Gallery 2438 W. Anderson Ln. (512) 302 0100 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–6 eltallergallery.com
La Peña 227 Congress Ave., #300 (512) 477 6007 Hours: M–F 9–5, Sa–Su 9–3 lapena–austin.org
Stephen L. Clark Gallery 1101 W. 6th St. (512) 477 0828 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–4 stephenlclarkgallery.com
Flatbed Press 2830 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 477 9328 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–6 flatbedpress.com
Lora Reynolds Gallery 360 Nueces St., Ste. C (512) 215 4965 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6 lorareynolds.com
Studio 107 411 Brazos St., #107 (512) 477 9092 Hours: Tu–Sa 1–6 studio107.com
Gallery 5619 5619 Airport Blvd. (512) 751 2360 gallery5619.org
Lotus Gallery 1211 W. 6th St., Ste. 100 (512) 474 1700 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–5 lotusasianart.com
Testsite 502 W. 33rd St. (512) 453 3199 Hours: Su 2–5 fluentcollab.org
Maranda Pleasant Gallery 2235 E. 6th St. (713) 922 8584 By appointment only bigmodernart.com
Wally Workman Gallery 1202 W. 6th St. (512) 472 7428 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–5 wallyworkman.com
Mass Gallery 916 Springdale Rd. Hours: W 7–9, Sa 12–5 massgallery.org
Women & Their Work 1710 Lavaca St. (512) 477 1064 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 12–5 womenandtheirwork.org
Austin Galleries 1219 W. 6th St. (512) 495 9363 Hours: M 10–3, Tu–Sa 10–5 or by appointment austingalleries.com Birdhouse 1304 E. Cesar Chavez St. By appointment only birdhousegallery.com Brocca Gallery 1103 E. 6th St. (512) 628 1306 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–5 broccagallery.com Bydee Art Gallery 1050 E. 11th St., Ste. 120 (512) 480 3100 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–7 bydee.com Champion 800 Brazos St. (512) 354 1035 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–7 championcontemporary.com Creative Research Laboratory 2832 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 322 2099 Hours: Tu–Sa 12–5 uts.cc.utexas.edu Davis Gallery 837 W. 12th St. (512) 477 4929 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 10–4 davisgalleryaustin.com
Gallery Black Lagoon 4301-A Guadalupe St. (512) 371 8838 Hours: W–F 3–7 galleryblacklagoon.com Gallery Shoal Creek 2905 San Gabriel St., Ste #101 (512) 454 6671 Hours: Tu–F 11–6, Sa 11–4 galleryshoalcreek.com grayDUCK gallery 608 W. Monroe Dr. (512) 826 5334 Hours: W–Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 grayduckgallery.com Haven Gallery & Fine Gifts 1122 W. 6th St. (512) 477 2700 Hours: M–Sa 11–6, Su 11–4 havengalleryaustin.com Jean–Marc Fray Gallery 1009 W. 6th St. (512) 457 0077 Hours: M–Sa 10–6 jeanmarcfray.com Kathy Womack Gallery 411 Brazos St., #100 (512) 288 0238 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6 kwomack.com
The Nancy Wilson Scanlan Gallery 6500 St. Stephen’s Dr. (512) 327 1213 Hours: W–F 9–5 sstx.org Okay Mountain Gallery 1312 E. Cesar Chavez St. Hours: W 7–9, Sa 12–5 okaymountain.com Positive Images Gallery 1118 W. 6th St. Hours: M–Sa 10–5, Su 11–4 (512) 472 1831 Pro–Jex Gallery 1710 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. C (512) 472 7707 Hours: M–F 10–6, S 12–4
Yard Dog 1510 S. Congress Ave. (512) 912 1613 Hours: M–F 11–5, Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 yarddog.com
ALTERNATIVE SPACES
Big Medium 5305 Bolm Rd., #12 (512) 385 1670 bigmedium.org Clarksville Pottery & Galleries 4001 N. Lamar Blvd., #200 (512) 454 9079 Hours: M–Sa 10–6:30, Su 12–4 clarksvillepottery.com Domy Books 913 E Cesar Chavez St. (512) 476 DOMY Hours: Tue–F 1–9, Sa 12–9, Su 12–7 domystore.com Julia C. Butridge Gallery 1110 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 974 4025 Hours: M–Th 9–9:30, F 9–5:30, Sa 10–2 ci.austin.tx.us/ dougherty/gallery.htm Pump Project Art Complex 702 Shady Ln. (512) 351 8571 pumpproject.org Quattro Gallery 12971 Pond Springs Rd. (512) 219 3150 Hours: M–Tu 10–3, W–Sa 11–4 quattrogallery.com Roi James 3620 Bee Cave Rd., Ste. C (512) 970 3471 Hours: By appointment only roijames.com
ARTPOST: The Center for Creative Expression 4704 E. Cesar Chavez St.
United States Art Authority 2906 Fruth St. (512) 476 4455 unitedstatesartauthority.com
Austin Presence 2785 Bee Cave Rd., #336 (512) 306 9636 Hours: Tu–F 10–6, Sa 10–4 austinpresence.com
To have your gallery considered for listing in the Arts Guide, please send a request to calendar@tribeza.com.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 43
FEBRUARY
Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2026;Calendar FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 10
FEBRUARY 23
Harry Ransom Center Becoming Tennessee Williams and Culture Unbound: Collecting in the 21st Century Reception: Feb 4, 6pm Through July 31
AMOA Downtown Evening Tour, 6-7pm
Arthouse Rooftop Architecture Film Series: Koolhaas Houselife 7pm
FEBRUARY 2 Poetry on the Plaza Tennessee Williams Noon
FEBRUARY 3 AMOA Downtown Evening Tour 6-7pm Blanton Museum of Art Perspectives: Salvator Rosa as Etcher 12:30-1:30pm West End Galleries First Thursday 6-8pm
FEBRUARY 4 Blanton Museum of Art B scene: Carnival! 6-10:30pm
FEBRUARY 5 Arthouse Talking Art:Michelle Handelman & Graham Hudson 2pm Blanton Museum of Art Special Concert: Soundspace 2-3pm Wally Workman Gallery Eliza Thomas: New Works Reception: 6-8pm Through Feb 26
FEBRUARY 9 Visual Arts Center Centerpiece Theater: Pink Floyd & Lightning Bolt Concert Films 7-9pm
Arthouse Lecture Series: Paul Ha 7pm Gallery Shoal Creek Milt Kobayashi Through March 5
FEBRUARY 11 Austin Art Space Gallery and Studios For the Love of ART Reception: Feb 12, 6-9pm Through March 5
FEBRUARY 12 AMOA Downtown Family Saturday 12-4pm
FEBRUARY 14 Mexic-Arte Museum Totally Cool Totally Art Through Feb 28
FEBRUARY 17 Blanton Museum of Art Third Thursday 5-9pm
FEBRUARY 19 Blanton Museum of Art Marcelo Pombo & Sebastian Gordin in conversation With Andrea Giunta 12-1pm
FEBRUARY 20 Blanton Museum of Art Recovering Beauty: The 1990s in Buenos Aires Through May 22
FEBRUARY 22 Visual Arts Center Feedback Lecture: Folasayo Dele-Ogunrinde 6:30pm
4 4 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
FEBRUARY 24 Harry Ransom Center Lecture: Thomas F. Staley, The Thrill of the Chase 7pm
FEBRUARY 26 AMOA Downtown New Art in Austin: 15 to Watch Through May 22
FEBRUARY 27
grayDUCK Departure Through Feb 13 L. Nowlin Gallery Austin Photography Group Through Feb 12 Lora Reynolds Gallery Out of Place: Curated by Noah Simblist Through March 5 Russell Collection Fine Art Power of Layers and Light Michael Kessler and Arturo Mallman Through February 26 Testsite Just Because 10.6 Cached Curses: Eileen Maxson Through Feb 27
Visual Arts Center Rock Hard/ Soft Rock Through Feb 19 Amanda Ross-Ho: UNTITLED NOTHING FACTORY, Daniel Rudin: The Working Homeless, Natasha Bowdoin: The Daisy Argument, New Prints 2010, and Womanscape: Race, Gender & Sexuality in African Art Through March 12 Women & Their Work Wura-Natasha Ogunji: The epic crossings of an Ife head Through Feb 17
Harry Ransom Center Lecture: Thomas F. Staley, The Thrill of the Chase 7pm
ONGOING AMOA Downtown Advancing Tradition: 20 Years of Printmaking At Flatbed Press Through Feb 13 Arthouse Sofia Cordova: Fiebre Tropical Through Feb 6 Nathan Baker: Let it Shine Through March 6 Tony Feher: Dr. Hawking Ongoing
Ryan Davis Galler y Black Lagoon
d berman gallery Sydney Yeager Through Feb 26 Beverly Penn Through March 12 Gallery Black Lagoon Incarnation: Causation & Non-Causation of the Universe & Multiverse Through Feb 28 Through March 12
Ryan Davis Galler y Black Lagoon
FEBRUARY
Events Calendar MUSIC
Tokyo Police Club Feb 2, 7pm La Zona Rosa An Evening with Emory Quinn Feb 2, 8pm The Parish Free Energy with The Postelles Feb 2, 9pm Emo’s Blues at the Crossroads: The Robert Johnson Centennial Concert with Big Head Todd And the Monsters Feb 4, 8pm The Paramount Theatre Sara Hickman & Friends: The Best of Times Feb 5, 8pm The Paramount Theatre Tina Dico Feb 5, 9pm Stubb’s The University of Texas Bates Recital Hall Lissie Feb 10, 9pm Antone’s Jerry Jeff Walker Feb 11, 7 & 9:30pm One World Theatre Amos Lee with Vusi Mahlasela Feb 11, 8pm The Paramount Theatre George Winston Feb 13, 7pm Feb 14-15, 7:30pm One World Theatre Kodo Drummers Kodo 30th Anniversary: One Earth Tour 2011 Feb 16, 8pm The Paramount Theatre
Broken Social Scene Feb 18, 7pm La Zona Rosa
The Capitol Steps Feb 5, 8pm The Long Center
Arturo Sandoval Feb 18, 7 & 9:30pm One World Theatre
Jerry Seinfeld Feb 25, 7 & 9:30pm The University of Texas Bass Concert Hall
Gladys Knight Feb 18, 8pm The Paramount Theatre Cadillac Sky Feb 18, 9pm Stubb’s The Austin Symphony Orchestra Presents Anne Akiko Meyers Feb 18-19 The Long Center Keiko Matsui Feb 19, 7 & 9:30pm One World Theatre Vienna Boys Choir Feb 20, 4pm The Long Center Miró Quartet with Colin Currie Feb 22, 8pm The University of Texas Bates Recital Hall Blue Man Group Feb 22-27 The Long Center The Chieftains Feb 25, 8pm Riverbend Centre John Pizzarelli Feb 27, 6 & 8:30pm One World Theatre
COMEDY Christopher Titus: Neverlution Feb 1-5, 8pm The Paramount Theatre Lewis Black: In God We Rust Feb 3, 8pm The Paramount Theatre
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THEATER The Italian Girl in Algiers Presented by Austin Lyric Opera Feb 2-6 The Long Center La Sylphide Presented by Ballet Austin Feb 11-13 The Long Center National Theatre of Scotland: Black Watch Feb 16-20 The University of Texas Bass Concert Hall
CHILDREN Little Lounge Lizards Winter Dance Party Feb 5, 1-4pm Qua Bottle Lounge Symphony of Clouds Presented by Ballet Austin Feb 5-6, 2, & 4:30pm Austin Ventures Studio Sesame Street Live Elmo’s Healthy Heroes Feb 17-20 Frank Erwin Center If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books Feb 27, 2pm The Paramount Theatre
FILM Essential Cinema: Kung Fu Master Presented by Austin Film Society Feb 1, 7-9pm Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
OTHER
“Social Contract Theory” Film Screening & Lecture Feb 3, 7-9pm Austin Community College Eastview Campus
Read-A-Thon Feb 4, 12pm BookSpring
Space Film Feb 3, 7pm-12am AMOA Downtown
Midwinter Festival Feb 5, 10am Doughtery Arts Center
Essential Cinema: The Gleaners and I Presented by Austin Film Society Feb 8, 7-9pm Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Take Your Brain to Lunch Feb 7, 10:45am Chez Zee
An Evening with Nora Ephron Feb 10, 8pm The Paramount Theatre The Metropolitan Opera: Nixon in China Feb 12, 12pm Cinemark Austin Southpark
Hula Hawaiian Dance Course Feb 7, 7:30-8:30pm Butler Community School FronteraFest 2011 Through Feb 12 Hyde Park Theatre 2011 Austin Human Rights Campaign Gala Feb 12, 6:30-10pm Four Seasons Hotel
Eat Drink Man Woman Valentine’s Day Feast Feb 14, 7pm Alamo Drafthouse Downtown
Austin Addy Awards Feb 12 Austin City Limits Theater
The Princess Bride Valentine’s Day Feast Feb 14, 7pm Alamo Drafthouse Village
Charity Bash Masquerade Ball Feb 19, 8pm-12am Austin Children’s Museum
Best of the Fests: MARS Presented by Austin Film Society Feb 16, 7-9pm Alamo Drafthouse Village
Paramount Break-a-Leg 5K Feb 20, 7am The Paramount Theatre
The Metropolitan Opera: Iphigénie en Tauride Feb 26, 12pm Cinemark Austin Southpark aGLIFF Oscar Party Presented by Austin Film Studios Feb 27, 5:30pm Austin Film Studios
Texas Rollergirls 2011 Season Bouts Feb 20, 6pm Austin Convention Center TRIBEZA Wedding Day Feb 27 1-4pm Mansion at Judges’ Hill To have an event considered for listing, please send press release and image to calendar@tribeza.com
W E D D I N G
P L A N N I N G
E V E N T
Sunday, February 27 1-4pm Mansion at Judges’ Hill Hosting Central Texas’ finest vendors, TRIBEZA Wedding Day provides brides-to-be with the best and most beautiful options for their weddings. Get to know the area’s top photographers, florists, bakers, event planners, venues, and more in the Mansion’s Grand Ballroom, while enjoying champagne cocktails and a delicious buffet. The event will also feature fantastic door prizes and an exciting wedding cake competition. $15 per person $25 per pair PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY GARMON ASHLEYGARMONPHOTO.COM
Tickets purchased at the event will be an additional $5.
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La Sylphide 8pm | Feb 11, 12 3pm | Feb 13 THE LONG CENTER Choreography August Bournonville | Music Herman Severin Løvenskiold Musical Accompaniment by The Austin Symphony A classical masterpiece, La Sylphide is a romantic story about the insatiable human desire to find true love. When a forest fairy uses her magical gifts to attract a young Scotsman on the eve of his nuptials, the story unravels in a forest of uncertainty about whether love or longing is worthy of self-sacrifce.
Tickets starting at $27 Visit www.balletaustin.org or call 512.476.2163 This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
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Catalyst 8 Presents the Second Annual
Mad Hatter Tea Party Tuesday, February 22nd 2011 | 7:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:30pm The Allan House | 1104 San Antonio Tickets available at www.catalyst-8.com Hurry, tickets sold out last year! All proceeds benefit the Boost program to support Austin-area performing artists.
Power of the Purse
THE COUPLE THAT WORKS
TOGETHER... It's live, work, play for these five Austin couples who find a way to balance it all. By Lauren Smith Ford; Photography by Chad Wadswor th
ELAINE + RICH GARZA, GIANT NOISE + PACHANGA FEST With a client roster of the new Austin City Limits Live venue, La Condesa, Bunkhouse Management (Hotel San Jose, St. Cecilia, and Havana), Arthouse, Outside magazine, Fun Fun Fun Fest, and the Soul Train Awards, Elaine Garza represents some of the coolest clients around—not to mention being beloved by people in every circle of Austin. Her husband Rich is equally accomplished, starting Pachanga, a fast-growing Latin music festival, working for Nacional Records, and serving on the board for the Music Commission. They collaborate with Elaine running the public relations side and Rich working on the events and sponsorship side. But what they are most proud of isn’t their impressive list of professional accomplishments, it’s their daughters, Luci Mabel (5) and Sabina Grace (3). Since their first work collaboration in 2002 travelling the country on a tour bus working on a music and sports adventure tour for Outside magazine and Jeep that featured Sheryl Crow and Ziggy Marley, team Garza has been on an adventure.
THE MEETING He Says: Elaine and I are both from Texas, but we met and dated in New York City. As cliché as it sounds, it really was a magical day. I had 54 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
just moved back to New York from a short stint in Sarasota, Florida— one of the world's most boring places for a 24-year-old kid. It was my first time back with a tight group of my friends from Brown University. Meeting up with them alone would have made it a great day. Then, another one of my good friends from Brown, a fellow Texan, who was going to law school at UT was in town with some time to kill, and that made it even better. Turns out this friend from Corpus Christi grew up with Elaine and invited her out with us all of us. Things have not been the same sinse. She Says: Our first official date was a blissful day at the U.S. Open, and we have tried to go every year since.
WHY IT WORKS She Says: First off, I love him madly. Second, he is much smarter than I am and is always coming up with really creative campaigns. And when either one of us has a big project, the other is there to pick up the slack at home. He Says: We trust each other, and I think our skill sets compliment each other nicely. We are both grateful for the ability to build our businesses while living in Austin. Doing what you want, where you want. It's literally living the dream.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 55
“ ANDREA + DEAN MCWILLIAMS, LOBBYISTS This political power couple still finds time for romantic surprises. Andrea recently arrived home from a business trip to China to Dean picking her up in a new black sports car with a big red bow on it. He’s been taking time for grand, romantic gestures like this one since their engagement at the Driskill Hotel. Together, they have three children and lobby for a diverse array of clients, like the Kickapoo tribe in Eagle Pass. The dynamic duo started working together before they were married during their junior staffer days at the Capitol, running a side business making political materials for campaigns. But, they weren’t juniors for long, as Andrea was the chief of staff for a state representative by the time she was 20. In 2009, Andrea was ranked by the Austin Business Journal as the number one Lobbyist in Texas. The Dallas Morning News also ranked her as one of Texas’ top grossing lobbyists in 2005, while Texans for Public Justice recognized her as the top female Texas lobbyist on their elite Million Dollar Lobbyists list. Their idea of a date night? Working out with their personal trainer together three times a week. They will have been married for 17 years this month. Andrea says: “Everything that we have accomplished we did together. Dean is my best friend as well as business partner." THE MEETING He Says: Andrea and I were both junior staffers working at the Capitol which meant we got the inferior parking spaces and had a trek to get into the building. One day I was stopped at the light and this woman with amazingly long legs walked across the street in front of me. It was a Kismet kind of moment, and I wanted to find out who she was. Later when Andrea crossed in front of my desk on her way into one of the representatives’ offices, I saw that walk again so I stopped her and that was our first interaction. At first my request for a dinner date was “denied” but that is where lobbying and persistence paid off. She Says: To be perfectly honest, when I walked in front of that car I knew someone was checking me out, and I did work it a little bit as I walked across the street. I wasn’t expecting to see him again. I played hard to get and started with conversation, then lunch, and finally dinner. So Dean was persistent and I was the negotiator—both qualities we still use in our personal and professional lives. 56 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
One day I was stopped at the light and this woman with amazingly long legs walked across the street in front of me. It was a Kismet kind of moment, and I wanted to find out who she was.”
WHY IT WORKS He Says: We built what we have by supporting each other and through a lot of hard work. We were married for nine years before we had our first child, but we see this as a family business. The three stars on our company logo represent our three children and are an ever-present reminder of why we are in this business. Sometimes a lot gets written about our differences—that Andrea is a Democrat and I am a Republican or she is a Longhorn and I am an Aggie. In truth we are a team and we run a bi-partisan firm and a bi-partisan family. We are friends and sometimes I say we "share a brain" meaning that we think alike, we have the same values and we are strengthened by our faith. She Says: We understand who we are and what we do. Even when we were first married we rented a house very close to the Capitol. Today our world is still encompassed in a small geographic area—our office and the Capitol, our home and the children’s schools are all within mere miles of each other. No work issue rattles us, although the legislative sessions are jam-packed and tense. We have an extremely high threshold for tension. We have seen it all together. When tough times come, Dean and I always close ranks and plow through it together. My cancer diagnosis five years ago while pregnant with our youngest son, gave our relationship tremendous perspective. I fought my cancer—Dean did too—and we learned to depend on and appreciate each other. Once you have been through that kind of health situation together everything else is just noise. He Says: Because we are married and in business together we share a bond and a trust that other business partners don’t have. They don’t have a family bond and a romantic bond. That level of trust allows us to take risks, be aggressive, and do a better job for our clients.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 57
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“
Everything we do requires a design solution—including how we work together.” THE MEETING She Says: We met while doing post-grad work at the Center for Creative Imaging in Camden, Maine. We had the same day off and ended up taking a hike up Mt. Battie, walking on the beach, swimming in Lake Meguntecook, and feasting on $3.25 lobsters from a roadside shack. Somewhere in the day it turned into a date. Camden was the ideal setting to meet, it was inevitable. He Says: We were 24, and we were engaged in six months. WHY IT WORKS
WENDY + SEAN CARNEGIE, LEWISCARNEGIE DESIGN Who is this Lewis Carnegie? For graphic designers/husband-wife Sean and Wendy Carnegie, he is a fictional character they created since they often get calls and letters asking for Lewis (they have been married for 15 years and working together under the Lewis Carnegie guise for five). Every year or two, they hire a different illustrator to create a story for Lewis. Wendy explains: “Lewis has nothing to do with the business of graphic design, but he's a great character full of personality. It's about us but not about us. Our work is about creative solutions for our clients, not Sean and Wendy or our relationship. We've tried to hang our hat on that.” The Carnegie’s impressive list of current projects includes the new Uchi and Uchiko website, By George, ZACH’s new Topfer Theatre, and pro bono work like the People’s Community Clinic and The Center of the Earth Visitor’s Center for the Austin Bat Cave.
She Says: We had to learn how to work well together. While we're both designers, our work experience and approach was very different. You can make a case against bad design, but it comes down to opinion as to what makes great design. There's no right answer. We had to learn how to communicate without it getting personal. We resolved that early on and it's been easy ever since. I'm a much better designer working with him than I am without—and I'm having more fun working now than I was five years ago. Everything we do requires a design solution—including how we work together. He Says: Working together has provided us a collective goal we are both personally invested in. The work has become an extension of our personal life, interests, and goals. Having been married and working independently for 10 years, we seemed to have come to a confusing point in our personal life and were unclear as to how to move forward. Taking on the risk of adopting new understandings of a collective process, as partners, forced our work and our lives into a new and shared place. Having a son, Thomas, is our best work by far. He's a great kid and always reminds me of what’s really important. FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 59
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
We think that the fact that our relationship has managed to thrive and get stronger every day in a completely demanding and unpredictable business is a great accomplishment and something to be really proud of.â&#x20AC;?
60 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
PENNY ARTH + PETER ZAVADIL , WARDROBE STYLIST + DIRECTOR Peter and Penny met on a music video set in 1998. Penny caught Peter’s eye right away: “I thought she was totally beautiful when I first saw her and was definitely trying to flirt with her and get her attention.” But Penny had no idea. “He’s a bad flirt, which is actually a good thing.” Eventually, she picked up on it. They were married in 2001 and have been collaborating on commercial, television, and music video projects ever since. Peter is the director and Penny is the wardrobe stylist. Peter has directed videos for everyone from Brad Paisley to the Black Keys. In fact, Penny worked with Peter on the Black Keys’ “Your Touch” video. He wanted her to find an egg that would serve as a “mystical oracle” and carry through each scene in the video. Penny says, “it had to have some visual interest, but it also had to be small enough that it could go in a mouth—not that easy to find. I ended up finding it online and had it FedEx’ed to Akron.” Peter adds, “In the same video, the Keys guys wanted to get shot like dudes in a Sam Pekinpah movie. Penny found some crazy effects guy from Cleveland who set Dan, the guitar player, on fire with a laser cannon sized monster squib! It was really cool…Seriously, I would have Penny on every one of my jobs, but I can't afford her!”
WHY IT WORKS She Says: We really have a similar work ethic and totally put 150 billion percent into every project we do, whether it's together or with other clients. He Says: That and the fact that Penny will always tell me exactly what she thinks when we work together. She is definitely not intimidated by me. She's completely called me out in front of the crew before—much to their enjoyment. Nothing like having the stylist call the director a meathead to get a few laughs. She Says: Well, there's that...and Peter gives me a lot of respect and freedom in making his characters come together. We think that the fact that our relationship has managed to thrive and get stronger every day in a completely demanding and unpredictable business is a great accomplishment and something to be really proud of. As we grow in our business life together, our personal partnership gets stronger too. We both love what we do and have a great amount of respect for each other’s roles in the business and in our relationship. He Says: That and Penny keeps getting hotter and hotter. Really.
THE MEETING She Says: I got a call from Peter that was a work related conversation for the music video, just going over wardrobe notes and character development. At the end of the conversation Peter said, "My producer is going to call you later to ask you when you might be available to go to a movie with me." I was really shocked because he was asking me on a date but not asking me out! So, I said, "If you want to ask me on a date, then you need to hang up the phone and call me back when you're ready to ask me out "officially," and then "if I say yes" you'll pick me up and take me out properly!" All of this took him really aback. He says: I didn't realize what a stupid way that was to ask her out! Major dating faux pas there....
She Says: Funny Peter!
UP NEXT He Says: As far as accomplishing things? Well, we do yoga together... and we run a wicked five miles around the Lake every day...and I don't burn dinner as much anymore. Future plans? Hmm, I was thinking we could start some sort of freaky restaurant based out of a trailer... She Says: Uh, Peter, it's been done. A Lot. He Says: Oh…My life would not have become what it is if I had not met my wife. I know this sounds lame, but 'she completes me'. She Says: You are such a dork, Peter. Let's go, we're late for yoga class. FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 61
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“
I am tied to work, but work doesn’t separate me from my wife, my new puppy, and my awesome house. If I want to take a swim break at three in the afternoon, then I’m going to take a swim break.”
ANNE SUTTLES + SAM SHAH, GENERAL PUBLIC MANAGEMENT It was love at first sight for Anne and Sam, who first met at Stubb's at an iTunes party during SXSW in 2004. Before moving to Austin, Sam headed up A&R for the record company ATO Records while managing John Mayer and Ray LaMontagne and Anne ran a floral design business. Today, they run General Public Management, an Austin-based boutique artist management company, primarily focused on musicians, out of the chic, modern, and AIA award winning home they built together. From selling their Manhattan apartment, buying one in Brooklyn, getting married (after a four-day engagement) to starting a company and building a house, life has been a whirlwind for these two, showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon! But, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
THE MEETING He Says: I was there with some friends and when they headed out I went to have a look around and that’s when I saw Anne. I just knew I had to say something to her. She Says: I knew there was this guy inching closer to me and could tell he was going to talk to me, and I almost moved. We ended up talking for an hour, not about music but about architecture and design and Dwell magazine. He Says: I was sharing a room with some other guys from NYC and that night I told my friend Steven about meeting Anne and that I was pretty sure I had met my future wife. But it wasn’t as easy as that. She lived in Austin, and I was in NYC, and we each were in serious
relationships. We stayed in touch through email over the next year and when I returned for SXSW in 2005, it was clear that we had something extraordinary, and somehow, some way, we were going to be together. She Says: I ended up moving to NYC in late summer 2006 after spending, oh, a total of 60 hours together in person. My family and friends thought I had lost my mind. Honestly though, I had never felt so strongly about a decision before in my life. Scared as hell. But I had to do it.
WHY IT WORKS She Says: The reason we work together so well is simple—we communicate. That is the reason our personal relationship works and that is the reason our professional relationship works. That and we like each other’s company. He Says: I love having Anne to bounce ideas off of. She is brilliant, absolutely brilliant and sees things from a totally different perspective than I do. That is so important for seeing the biggest picture possible. Also, we have the coolest home office so that helps make the 24/7 job of management easier. I am tied to my work, but work doesn’t separate me from my wife, my new puppy, and my awesome house. If I want to take a swim break at three in the afternoon, then I am going to take a swim break. This is the life I traded up for when I left the grind of NYC. I still work my ass off, but now I am calling the shots. Life is so much more balanced for me. FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 63
A SALON DEDICATED
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Creative Arts Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Art Exhibit
December 2- February 28, 2011 Bass Concert Hall 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX 78712
Featuring Fine Art by members of the Creative Arts Society Juror: Tina Weitz of studio2gallery www.studio2gallery.com
Columbine, Ink on paper, 14x11 inches
ELIZA THOMAS February 5 - 26 Opening Reception February 5th 6-8pm
Wally Workman Gallery 1202 W. 6th St. Austin, TX 78703 www.wallyworkman.com 512.472.7428 Tues - Sat 10- 5
For a listing of current and upcoming exhibitions please visit: www.creativeartssociety.org Sponsored by: Calton-Burchett Properties, Inc.
Photography by Michael Thad Carter; Location: Lustre Pearl Styling by Lauren Smith Ford; Prop Styling by Avalon McKenzie Hair by Lisa Brooks; Makeup by Adrienne Pitkin
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FACING PAGE: On Chris: Shirt by Hugo Boss $115, Vest and Pants by John Varvatos $49 and $99, Nordstrom. On Brigitte: Dress by Vera Wang $3,550, Julian Gold San Antonio; Hat by Stephanie James $250, Necklace by Erica Kessler $180, Unbridaled; Flowers by The Flower Bucket. THIS PAGE: Throw $48, Roller Skate by IF&D $190, Mercury Design Studio; Annabelle Table Lamp $395, Loft, Wooden Dolls by Alexander Girard $160 each, Design Within Reach; Vintage Cocktails by Assouline $50, Neiman Marcus; Clock $90, Wildflower.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 67
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FACING PAGE: On Anna: Dress by Vera Wang $5,100, Julian Gold San Antonio; Flowers by Merveille Flowers & Events. On Ryan: Suit by Shipley & Halmos $605, Shirt by Save Khaki $98, Barneys CO-OP. THIS PAGE: Pillows by Ryan Studio $195 and $175, Tillandsia Air Plant $28, Loft; American Fashion Designers at Home by Assouline $65, Neiman Marcus; Peacock Vase by Fringe Studio $98, A Rosy Outlook; Frame $160, Pedestal Bowl $605, Candle Holder $36, Maya Box $160, Breed & Co.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 69
FACING PAGE: On Teresa: Dress by Vera Wang $5,100, Julian Gold San Antonio; Flowers by the Mandarin Flower Company. On Jonathan: Tuxedo by Armani $1,995, Shoes by Gucci $495, Neiman Marcus. THIS PAGE: Black Table Globe $200, Design Within Reach; Rose Botanical $245, Loft; Pillows $285 and $198, Wildflower; Candles by Voluspa $20 each, PerriBerri; Stilettos by Badgley Mischka $200, Julian Gold Austin; Chair, Four Hands Home.
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FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 71
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FACING PAGE: On Kerri: Dress by Rivini $5,940, Veil with Floral Detail by Rivini $1,500, Julian Gold San Antonio. On Brian: Tuxedo by Armani $1,995, Neiman Marcus; Flowers by Mandarin Flower Company. THIS PAGE: Tray by John Derian $188, Wuthering Heights and Sense and Sensibility by Penguin Classics $20 Each, Box by Jonathan Adler $58, Mercury Design Studio; Vintage Vase $58, Langford Market; Frame by Olivia Riegel $119, PerriBerri; Le Creuset Cherry Oven $275, Breed & Co.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 73
TREK15
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MANSION AT JUDGESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; HILL Laced with sophisticated elegance, Mansion at Judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hill offers a romantic setting for your wedding day. Regardless of size, formality or budget you will receive five-star service as we transform your vision into a memorable occasion. From the exquisite interiors to the pristinely landscaped grounds, the Mansion beautifully accommodates events from 25 to 250 guests.
Hooked on Photography www.hookedphoto.com
Kate Mefford www.katemefford.com
76 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
To order a limited edition print of this illustration, contact joygallagher@gmail.com
TIM MCCLURE, COFOUNDER, GSD&M
Creatively Speaking Illustration by Joy Gallagher
What color am I? Synesthesia, a combination of the Ancient Greek words for "together" and "sensation," is a neurologically-based condition in which “stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.” Let me put that in plain English for you: In one common form of synesthesia, known as grapheme color synesthesia, letters and words and numbers are perceived as inherently colored. One of my wife’s business associates is a confirmed synesthete. She says “Sam” (short for Samantha) is red-orange, while “Tim” is blue. She also perceives every number as a color, objects as colors, even days of the week and months of the year as colors. For Rachael, letters and words and numbers aren’t just colors, they’re shades of colors. A frog is, not surprisingly, green. But not just any green, light green. She perceives everything in shades of primary colors—red, blue, and yellow for the most part. “Almost nothing,” she tells me, “is purple.” Yet plenty of things are yellow—like Monday, and September; the letters C, N, and Y; and the numbers 1, 3 and 5. The tricky part comes when you ask her about cross-sensory metaphors. A “loud shirt” is orange. A “bitter wind” is green. A “silly giggle” is pink. It is estimated that synesthesia could be as prevalent as 1-in-23 persons. Synesthesia runs strongly in families, but no one knows for sure what determines the precise mode of inheritance. Synesthesia is sometimes reported by people under the influence of psychedelic drugs, after a stroke, or during a temporal lobe epilepsy seizure. Although synesthesia was the topic of intensive scientific investigation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it largely slipped off the radar in the mid-20th century, although it’s making a bit of a comeback today. Many people, I’m told, use their synesthesia to aid in their creative process, and many non-synesthetes have attempted to create works of art that may capture what it is like to experience the condition. Georgia O’Keeffe, for instance, used such titles as “Music, Pink and Blue,” while some famous creative types have exhibited the genuine perceptual variety, including Russian painter Wassily
Kandinsky and French composer Olivier Messiaen. Contemporary synesthetic artists, including Carol Steen and Marcia Smilack, have described in great detail how they use their synesthesia to create their artwork. Synesthesia has inspired artists, composers, poets, novelists, even digital artists. Pieter Mondrian experimented with image-music correspondences in his paintings. Alexander Scriabin composed color music based on what is known as “the circle of fifths.” Vladmir Nabokov writes explicitly about synesthesia in several of his novels. Syd Barrett, the founder of Pink Floyd, is thought to have had synesthesia. Pharrell Williams, of the hip-hop groups The Neptunes and N.E.R.D., claims to have used synesthesia as the basis of the album Seeing Sounds. Back to my wife’s colleague, who recently explained synesthesia to me over lunch. She said she first realized that she was not alone in connecting colors to things when she overheard some friends talking about “seeing words in color” on a road trip a few years back. Ask Rachael what color a word or phrase is, and without hesitation she will state the obvious – to her, at least. A cat is orange. A dog is brown. A coconut is white. The United States is red. Italy is orange. A piano is black. Speaking of pianos, my wife and I actually met Rachael’s stepfather, Victor Grine, on an expedition to Antarctica six years ago. He is a gifted pianist who captured my attention one evening while playing Rogers and Hammerstein’s “These Are A Few of My Favorite Things.” When I noted that the chord progression sounded surprisingly similar to one of my Dave Brubeck favorites, “Take Five,” Victor effortlessly combined the two into a playful musical melody. Meeting his synesthetic stepdaughter Rachael six years later gave me a pleasant sense of, well, cognitive connection. How do you know if you’re a bona fide synesthete? Simple. Ask yourself, “What color am I?” If your answer is white, black, brown, or yellow, you might be a synesthete, but it’s not likely. If your answer is blue, or red, or burnt orange, there’s a very good chance that you’re either (a) a Smurf, sun-burned, or a Longhorn fan; or (b) an authentic synesthete. Color me blue…and gone! FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 77
MANDARIN FLOWER CO.
Behind the Scenes Young entrepreneurs Victoria + Sofia Avila are redefining Austin’s floral and business landscapes. Images by Annie Ray
It’s hard to imagine that floral design dynamos Victoria and Sofia Avila are only 23 and 28, respectively. However, after catching even just a glimpse of their creative ambition and business savvy, it is easy to understand why Mandarin Flower Co. has gained quite the fan base around town. From recently securing the exclusive contract with the new W Hotel and its restaurant, Trace, to designing the flowers for Gov. Rick Perry’s inaugural luncheon—for the second time—Sofia and Victoria Avila are the picture of local entrepreneurship. Taught from an early age to cultivate and refine their personal design aesthetics, it is no surprise that the Avila sisters eventually channeled their creativity into a lucrative business. “When we were younger, our mother used to always ask us how we would visually enhance a photo— how we would rearrange a scene to make it more beautiful,” says Sofia. Like many successful ventures, the idea for Mandarin Flower Co. was born out of opportunity and a vision. While studying together in France one summer, the pair attempted to send their mother flowers for her birthday, but weren’t thrilled by any of the options. Soon thereafter, Sofia and Victoria began dreaming up the framework for their future venture. Returning stateside with both a plan and another language in their collective repertoire (alongside Chinese, Spanish, and Italian), they presented the concept to their mother. Fully supportive but stern, she agreed to mentor the young businesswomen so long as they were fully committed to even the less glamorous aspects—everything from conducting thor78 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
mandarinflower.com info@mandarinflower.com [512] 300-3163
ough market research to overcoming logistical roadblocks. One of these not-so-insignificant obstacles was the fact that both young women were full-time students when they launched the company in 2006. Victoria was finishing at Westlake High and Sofia was beginning UT’s Plan II program. Although Sofia has now graduated (2010) and Victoria is now more than halfway through her degree at UT, coordinating their academic and work schedules is still a top priority. “We’re a cohesive team. Along with our mother and uncle, there is always at lease one of us available to return client calls, make deliveries, or create arrangements,” says Victoria. It is precisely this natural sense of dedication that fuels the duo’s creative synergy. “Even if not directly working on a project, it’s always there, in the back of our minds,” Victoria says. “Right, and then all of a sudden we’ll both see something—could be anything from a leaf to an abandoned piece of metal—that will take us down an entirely new path,” Sofia says, finishing Victoria’s thought. Whether taken from nature or a myriad of cultural influences, these inspirations are deftly transformed by the Avilas’ pure talent into uniquely architectural, yet fluid designs. So what does 2011 have in store for the sisters? Apart from maintaining the floral ambiance at the W and continuing to grow their local event design business, they’d like to move their home-based operation to a larger industrial creative space. No small feat. But for a pair of determined businesswomen for whom can’t does not exist, it’s just another stop along the way to continued success. J. Rangel
Style Pick Gilda Grace 1818 W. 35th St. (512) 407 8433 gildagracecollections.com Photogr aphy by Chris Patunas
Housed on 35th Street in the building that was once the beloved Gardens nursery, Gilda Grace is gracing Austinites with elegant offerings in fashion, gifts, and home accents. Originally from Nigeria, the boutique’s owner, Nere Emiko, draws from her travels around the globe, incorporating her finds into the store’s unique collection, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Following Emiko up the stairs of Gilda Grace to the bridal salon, there is a feeling of anticipation. The narrow staircase gives way to an expansive attic, with high ceilings, a comfortable seating area, and two grand dressing rooms. Exquisite gowns line the walls, primarily from Emiko’s own Beth Elis line. Launched in 2008, after only two years, her inspired designs have already been featured in Brides, The Knot, and Your Wedding Day Magazine, among others. Her gowns are unique, and she explains that she aims to make dresses that compliment a bride’s personality. In addition to her own designs, Emiko plans to round out the bridal selection with elaborate statement dresses by Katerina Bocci, modern designs by Jorge Manuel, and Peter Soronen’s well-tailored, classic looks. Emiko also creates custom bridal gowns and mother-of-the-bride dresses, and with each custom order, she grants the use of the store’s lovely gravel courtyard for an event. The boutique’s lower level is stocked with an eclectic mix of women’s apparel and accessories as well as gifts and offerings for the home. The 80 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
gabled ceiling and abundance of wood give the space a romantic, whimsical air, complimented by the restored and recovered antique furniture. Apropos to the name, Gilda Grace is sprinkled with touches of gold throughout, including what will eventually be 1,000 origami cranes, made from gold paper, hanging from the ceiling. The home accents and gifts range from dinnerware by Canvas, deconstructed gold platters, bowls, and angel wings by Lunares, to a vintage typewriter and discoveries from Emiko’s travels. Browsing the racks, the apparel is equally varied. Emiko explains, “This is my vision—a woman could walk in with her daughter and her mother, and all three of them could find something to buy. There’s something for every woman here.” There is attire for every occasion, from floor length gowns by Peter Soronen—a favorite designer of Michelle Obama—to cocktail dresses and everyday wear by young and emerging designers like Mike Gonzalez, Veronica Beard, and Nellie Partow. She also stocks her own Beth Elis Ready-to-Wear, as well as looks from Ockhee Bego, a local custom and couture designer, and vintage finds from New York. The bridal salon is available by appointment only, and Gilda Grace is open Monday through Saturday, 10-6pm, or browse her offerings at TRIBEZA Wedding Day on Sunday, February 27 at the Mansion at Judges’ Hill. C. Harrold
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DINING
Eat Drink&
Be Married! By Camille St yles • Photography by Jake Holt
S
he's been planning for months... organizing every
detail to make her wedding the fairytale of her dreams. Now that the big day has arrived, why not treat your bride-to-be friend to a good old-fashioned Southern brunch surrounded by all the important ladies in her life? Here, we’ll share a few insider tips from a bridal brunch we recently planned, with advice on how to do it up right and set a tone for the rest of the day that’s full of laughter and love. 84 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Bridal Brunch Basics
Be sure to have the brunch early enough that it doesn’t cut into the bride’s gettingready time. For an evening wedding, schedule the brunch from 10am to noon. For a morning or afternoon wedding, host the brunch on the previous day. Just because you’re throwing the party doesn’t mean you have to foot the entire bill. Consider selecting a committee of hostesses that can help with costs, as well as planning and serving at the brunch. Ask the bride to create a guest list that includes the wedding party, close family members, and anyone else who plays an especially important role in her life. No games necessary for this affair: the bride will want to spend as much quality time as possible conversing with family and friends before one of the biggest moments of her life.
The Invitation
A bridal brunch is the perfect time to nix formality and create an outside-the-box invitation. For a sweet and ladylike touch, have the party details printed on a handkerchief with a vintage pattern. Pop it into a pretty envelope, and delight guests with an invitation that will become a treasured keepsake.
Inspiration
Since the theme for this shower was inspired by the delicate pattern on the heirloom china that we used at each place setting, we created an atmosphere of modern femininity with a palette of blush pink, china blue, and white. Whatever colors you decide to use, incorporate them in every detail—from the napkins to the flowers to the menu—to give the party a major “wow” factor.
Decor
To lend a modern twist to the table, florist Amy Bodle of Merveille placed multiple arrangements at varied heights down the length of the table. Peonies, garden roses, and lilies are in keeping with the femininity of the occasion, and glass vessels keep the look light and airy. A bridal brunch is the perfect time to pull out the silver and china and set a table worthy of a southern belle. Add a layer of sentiment by creating a display of photos showing the bride at different ages and the mother-of-the-bride on her wedding day. And don’t forget to snap lots of pictures of the bride with her guests during the party; the wedding day is often such a blur that she’ll want to capture each moment on film.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 85
Get Crafty
To add a bit of whimsy to each place setting, we created handmade favors inspired by classic British holiday crackers. By writing guests’ names on each one, the crackers doubled as stylish place cards to help guests find their seats. Make them yourself in three easy steps: 1. Cut an 11-inch square of crepe paper and a four-by-seven-inch piece of paper in another color. Write each guest’s name in pretty script in the center. 2. Roll crepe paper around a candy-filled toilet paper roll; glue seams closed. Wrap paper rectangle around center; glue. 3. Tie ends with ribbon; snip for fringe. Pull ends to break open and find a sweet surprise!
The Drinks
It’s always fun to serve one signature drink that fits the party’s theme. For this Southern-style affair, we filled a large glass dispenser with “Sweet Love Lemonade” full of raspberries and fresh mint. It served as a pretty centerpiece to the bar and allowed guests to serve themselves freeing the hostess from playing bartender all afternoon. Alternatively, chill a couple of champagne bottles on ice with one or two pitchers of fresh fruit juice nearby, and let guests mix up mimosas to toast the occasion!
The Menu
Chef Raif and his creative culinary team at 34th Street Cafe created the menu for this colorful brunch.
86 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Serve a modern riff on classic Southern dishes that will provide sustenance for the busy day ahead. Fried green tomatoes, biscuits with gravy, and made-to-order omelets are comfort food favorites, and when made in small portions, won’t weigh guests down. Finish with a decadent coconut cake for a shamelessly sweet ending.
Coconut Cake Ingredients • ¾ pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans • 2 cups sugar • 5 extra large eggs at room temperature • 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract • 1½ tsp pure almond extract • 3 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pans • 1 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • ½ tsp kosher salt • 1 cup milk • 4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
for the Frosting • 1 pound cream cheese at room temperature • ½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature • ¾ tsp pure vanilla extract • ¼ tsp pure almond extract • 1 pound confectioner’s sugar, sifted • 6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans. Line with parchment paper. Grease again and dust lightly with flour. Cream the butter and sugar on mediumhigh speed for 3 to 5 minutes with electric mixer with paddle attachment, until light yellow and fluffy. Crack the eggs into a small bowl. With mixer on medium, add eggs 1 at a time. Add the vanilla and almond extract and mix well.
Justin “Raif” Raiford, Executive Chef & Catering Manager of 34th Street Cafe shares his delectable recipe.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With mixer on low, add the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter in 3 parts, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the coconut with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter evenly into the 2 pans. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the tops are browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on baking rack for 30 minutes, then take cakes out to finish cooling.
For the frosting, in the mixer bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and almond extract on low speed with paddle attachment. Add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until just smooth (don’t whip). To assemble, place 1 layer on a flat serving plate, top side down, and spread with frosting. Place the second layer on top, top side up, and frost the top and sides. Sprinkle the top with coconut and lightly press coconut onto the sides. Serve at room temperature.
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 87
Celebrate
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Westin Austin at The Domain provides a setting of distinction, service to elevate your senses and an intuitive staff to create just the moment you envision. With over 17,000 square feet of beautifully appointed special event space to inspire you, our catering and event team looks forward to designing moments to be savored and captured.
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1/12/11 2:33 PM
Dining Pick Photogr aphy by Chris Patunas
Like Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1988 blockbuster Twins, The Oasis restaurant and its new sibling, Soleil, couldn’t be more different. The Oasis is DeVito: rumpled, rowdy, and a little tacky. Soleil is Schwarzenegger: calm, cool, and sophisticated. Yet they share the same stunning views over Lake Travis—and the same parent. Restaurateur Beau Theriot opened The Oasis back in 1981 and expanded his family in November with the opening of Soleil. His new baby is more than just a pretty view: food, drink, ambiance and service will share center stage with its famous sunsets. As proof, Theriot brought in heavy-hitters like Houston chef Robert Del Grande of Café Annie to develop its Mediterranean-Italian menu and Austin darling Dick Clark Architecture to design its space. The results are impressive. The interior is so pretty I almost forgot to admire the views. The breezy "lake chic" Mediterranean décor features sun-washed wood, pale limestone, translucent azure lamps, and shimmery silver fabrics. I thought I’d sailed off to Portofino until the whimsical turquoise trophy heads directed me back to Texas. The service reflects the scenery and is polished yet relaxed. Local chef George Thomas (Kenichi, Paggi House, Maiko) oversees the kitchen and executes Del Grande’s vision with promising, yet mixed, results. We started with an appetizer of plump shrimp and crab topped with Catalan-style guacamole and garnished with glistening white anchovies. Although tasty, the piquant guacamole contradicted the seafood’s fresh sweetness. A riff on traditional bruschetta was topped with sliced pears, 92 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Soleil 6550 Comanche Tr. (512) 266 0600 soleilaustin.com
prosciutto, Italian Taleggio cheese, arugula, and drizzled honey. Again, a deft touch would have prevented the honey from overwhelming the other flavors. Our pizza from Soleil’s stone oven was topped with fresh mozzarella, teardrop tomatoes, and fresh basil. The toppings were good, but the crust was bland and dry. Soleil’s pastas are house made and our linguine with clams had good texture, but the dish was practically flavorless, perhaps due to the omission of red chile flakes promised on the menu? The Fresh Ground Steak Burger had potential but unfortunately arrived overcooked, yet the accompanying fries were delicious, hot and crispy. For dessert, the Tiramisu lacked the springy lightness of the traditional version. Although we found minor flaws in several dishes, I trust they’ll be quickly remedied as this young restaurant matures. The wine list makes up for any missteps in the kitchen. The selection is interesting and affordable, with wines starting at an astonishing $4 per glass. I enjoyed a refreshing glass of Schlumberger Pinot Blanc from Alsace, and my companion had a Texas Sipper, one of Soleil’s specialty drinks made of Tito’s Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, and grapefruit and lime juices. Unlike its sibling neighbor that accommodates over 2,000 diners, Soleil hosts a more intimate 400, including patio seating and a casual raw bar. But comparing Soleil to The Oasis is like comparing DeVito to Schwarzenegger: it’s not really fair since each has its own place. But hopefully, the competition will spur them both on to greater heights. Sibling rivalry has its advantages. K. Spezia
GUIDE
'LQLQJ AMERICAN 1886 Café and Bakery 604 Brazos St. (512) 391 7066 Everything about this place exudes classic Texas elegance—especially the decor and the extensive menu that touts breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining. 24 Diner 600 N. Lamar Blvd. (512) 472 5400 Get chef-inspired comfort food all day and all night at this welcome addition to North Lamar. 219 West 219 W. 4th St. (512) 474 2194
As a multi venue bar and restaurant that’s perfect for any occasion, 219 West’s cleverly designed menu pairs American tapas with cocktails.
serves mainly local and organic fare in its airy dining room. Don’t miss the free tango lessons every Wednesday night!
34th Street Café 1005 W. 34th St. (512) 371 3400 This unpretentious spot has earned a reputation for moderately-priced food that’s carefully prepared with fresh ingredients, and a warm, homegrown Austin feel.
The Belmont 305 W. 6th St. (512) 457 0300 A modern Ocean’s 11 crowd imbibes in stylish cocktails and eats at this buzzing, retro-Vegas supper club.
Annies Café & Bar 319 Congress Ave. (512) 472 1884 A welcome addition to Congress Avenue, Annies
Blue Star Cafeteria 4800 Burnet Rd. (512) 454 7827 This sleek space offers a local and season-driven menu with entrée options like maple chicken-fried quail with cheese grits. The
old-fashioned dessert case tempts with homemade favorites. Chez Zee Café and Bakery 5406 Balcones Dr. (512) 454 2666 Colorful decor and a huge menu with nice salads and lunchtime pizzas. Check out the dessert case near the bar. Cover 3 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Ste. 202 (512) 374 1121 Dining. Spirits. Sports. An Austin original, Cover 3 combines an exceptional upscale dining experience for lunch or dinner, full bar with outstand-
ing Happy Hour specials, great service and a pure love of sports into an amazing restaurant and lounge. Cover 3 captures the excitement and entertainment of having a private box at your favorite sporting event. Eastside Café 2113 Manor Rd. (512) 476 5858 Serving delicious and healthy fare from the organic garden out back since 1988, this quaint spot is a local favorite. Finn & Porter 500 E. 4th St. (512) 493 4900 Dazzles with steaks, chops,
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GUIDE
Dining seafood, and sushi. For an intimate gathering, reserve the oversized white leather banquette tucked in the corner. Foreign & Domestic 306 E. 53rd St. (512) 459 1010 With a menu that changes regularly to accommodate fresh local and seasonal ingredients, Foreign & Domestic is the delicious and creative collaboration between husband and wife duo, Ned and Jodi Elliot. Frank 407 Colorado St. (512) 494 6916 Now, this is our kind of hot dog. It’s well, porktastic! Choose from an assortment of artisan sausages like the Jackalope with local antelope, rabbit, and pork sausage, or the simple and delicious Chicago Dog. Galaxy Café 9911 Brodie Ln., Ste. 750 (512) 233 6000 1000 West Lynn St. (512) 478 3434 4616 Triangle Ave. (512) 323 9494 These quaint, contemporary cafés offer delicious all-day lunch, an exquisite selection for dinner, and even a glutenfree menu! Try the seared yellow fin tuna steak or the Zocala burger! Their sweet potato fries are also divine! The Good Knight 1300 E. 6th St. (512) 628 1250 Dark, cozy setting with clever cocktails and hearty comfort foods like chicken pot pie, shepherd’s pie, and meatloaf.
The Grove Wine Bar 6317 Bee Cave Rd. (512) 327 8822 Lively Westlake wine bar, retailer and restaurant. Wine list boasts more than 250 by the bottle.
Leaf 419 W. 2nd St. (512) 474 LEAF Countless variations on wonderfully fresh made-toorder salads with homemade dressings.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar 1400 S. Congress Ave. (512) 243 7505 At Hopdoddy, the perfect union of burgers and beer is prime. With fresh ingredients, from Black Angus beef to the baked buns and hand cut Kennebec fries, Hopdoddy means serious business when cooking up burgers.
M Two 208 W. 4th Street (512) 478 7222 Replacing Saba Blue Water Café, M Two’s laid back, yet sophisticated, modern twist on American cuisine proves every day food such as mac and cheese and steak churrasco can be divine.
Hudson’s on the Bend 3509 RR 620 N. (512) 266 1369 Best handling of wild game in town—á la delicious quail salad, rattlesnake cakes, and grilled venison chops with lobster tail. Hyde Park Bar and Grill 4206 Duval St. (512) 458 3168 4521 West Gate Blvd. (512) 899 2700 A neighborhood scene with fine food and a cool, central bar. J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge 710-B W. 6th St. (512) 433 6954 Pub fare at its best. Try the Texas Kobe beef sliders and signature thin-crust pizzas. Jack Allen’s Kitchen 7720 Hwy. 71 W. (512) 852 8558 Made with the freshest local ingredients and bold kicks of flavor, Chef Jack Gilmore cooks country favorites with Texas spirit, but with a twist. Try Gilmore’s pumpkin seed pesto marinated chicken breast or chorizo stuffed pork tenderloin medallions!
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Max’s Wine Dive 207 San Jacinto Blvd. (512) 904 0105 This Houston transplant goes by the motto of Champagne and Fried Chicken. Why the Hell Not? Their upscale comfort food combos work. A favorite late night dining spot too. Moonshine 303 Red River St. (512) 236 9599 Happy hour specials and fun appetizers, like corn dog shrimp, served on a stick with blueberry honey mustard for dipping. Paggi House 200 Lee Barton Dr. (512) 473 3700 Eclectic fine-dining in an inviting setting. Potatoencrusted wild salmon with spinach and oyster mushrooms was a highlight. Parkside 301 E. 6th St. (512) 474 9898 Fine dining highlight on Sixth Street. Impressive raw bar. Restaurant Jezebel 914 Congress Ave. (512) 499 3999 This one-man run kitchen
offers a menu of many great options. Intimate dining experience. Roaring Fork 701 Congress Ave. (512) 583 0000 10850 Stonelake Blvd. (512) 342 2700 The western bistro and “saloon” brings in the crowds for one of the best happy hour deals in town. The new Stonelake location up north is stellar all around. Shoreline Grill 98 San Jacinto Blvd. (512) 477 3300 Well-executed dishes exemplify comfort food taken to a whole new level—chickenfried steak and fish tacos are standouts. Snack Bar 1224 S. Congress Ave. (512) 445 2626 All-day brunch, cheap tasty eats, and a global menu, Snack Bar offers the best of all worlds. Star Seeds Café 3101 N. I-35 (512) 478 7107 This cosmic favorite serves tasty breakfast items to Austin’s night owls.
half price on Sunday and Monday nights. Zoot Restaurant 11715 Bee Cave Rd. (512) 477 6535 Eclectic American dishes with an infusion of different styles, thoughtfully pairing each flavor to complement its plate mate.
BARBECUE Blue Ribbon Barbecue 120 E. 4th St. (512) 369 3119 Following three generations of Texas BBQ, Blue Ribbon Barbecue is a blend of downtown chic and comforting country eats. Don’t leave without trying the banana pudding! County Line 5204 FM 2222 (512) 346 3664 6500 W. Bee Cave Rd. (512) 327 1742 A busy, casual spot on the way to the lake. The barbecue turkey is tender, and the beans are out of this world.
Urban An American Grill 11301 Domain Dr. (512) 490 1511 Urban offers classic comfort food in a modern, sophisticated atmosphere.
Franklin Barbecue 3412 N. I-35 (512) 653 1187 Yeah, the barbecue is served from a trailer, but don’t underestimate Franklin’s quality. It’s Meyer’s all natural angus brisket is smoky and moist and served in large slices. It’s no wonder there’s always a long line in front of the truck!
The Woodland 1716 S. Congress Ave. (512) 441 6800 Sip original handmade cocktails at this SoCo hipster haven, serving up modern comfort food, made fresh daily, in a cozy arboreal space. Bottles of wine are
Iron Works BBQ 100 Red River St. (512) 478 4855 No frills: grab your beer from the ice bucket, rip off your own paper towel, and get ready for some traditional dripping ribs. Succulent and sensible. Yum.
Lamberts 401 W. 2nd St. (512) 494 1500 Not your standard BBQ fare, meats are given an Austin twist, like the rib-eye glazed with brown sugar and mustard. The upstairs lounge swings with live music Tuesday through Sunday.
Suzi’s China Grill & Sushi Bar 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd. (512) 302 4600 Packed at lunchtime, Suzi sends ’em back to work high on eggplant with garlic sauce or shrimp with lemongrass.
Ruby’s BBQ 512 W. 29th St. (512) 477 2529 Campus-area, long-time joint where the greens are collard, the chili ain’t fake, the beef is hormone free.
Suzi’s China Kitchen 1152 S. Lamar Blvd. (512) 441 8400 Suzi’s Chinese Kitchen serves up a wide selection of traditional and modern dishes, from a classic Sesame Chicken to an unusual Beef Mimosa, which pairs beef, sun-dried tangerine, and red chili. With an extensive menu, complete with seafood and vegetarian dishes, Suzi’s Chinese Kitchen offers something for every diner.
Salt Lick 18001 FM 1826 (512) 858 4959 Serves up some of the best ribs, brisket, and sausage in the state. Bring a cooler and wait your turn for a spot at the picnic tables. Stubb’s BBQ 801 Red River St. (512) 480 8341 Known for its music scene as much as its barbecue, which is traditional and satisfying.
CHINESE Chinatown 3407 Greystone Dr. (512) 343 9307 107 W. 5th St. (512) 637 8888 Some of the best traditional Chinese in town. Fast service in the dining room. Sensational crab puffs. Fortune 10901 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. A-1-501 (512) 490 1426 Fortune serves dim sum every day of the week and an extensive menu of authentic Chinese cuisine in its 9,000-square-foot banquet hall.
T & S Seafood 10014 N. Lamar Blvd. (512) 339 8434 From the Dim Sum menu: delicate steamed shrimp dumplings, deep-fried egg rolls, crab claws generously stuffed with shrimp and deep fried, and the best: the Cantonese pan-fried dumplings.
CONTINENTAL Apothecary Café & Wine Bar 4800 Burnet Rd. (512) 371 1600 This charming new café and wine bar has quickly become a multi-purpose destination for lucky Rosedale residents. Bess Bistro on Pecan 500 W. 6th St. (512) 477 2377 A French bistro with a southern Cajun flair. The menu offers an eclectic choice of well-prepared European and American favorites like Creole Shrimp Bess, Steak Frites, and the wildly popular Tuesday-only special, Chicken Pot Pie.
austin
GUIDE
Dining Bistro 88 2712 Bee Cave Rd. (512) 328 8888 4404 W. William Cannon Dr. (512) 899 0488 Owner/chef Jeff Liu presents an inventive, playful menu. Try the steamed Canadian blue mussels in a light tomato sauce. Gorgeous sashimi plates. Blue Dahlia Bistro 1115 E. 11th St. (512) 542 9542 A European-style bistro on Austin’s eastside, the Blue Dahlia serves cheese plates paired with wines, openfaced tartines, as well as salads and soups at large family-style tables inside and smaller café tables on the front and back patios. Crú Wine Bar 11410 Century Oaks Ter., Ste. 104 (512) 339 9463 238 W. 2nd St. (512) 472 9463 A sophisticated crowd gathers over elegant small plates at this charming Domain stand out, boasting over 300 wine selections perfect for pairing. Daily Grill 11506 Century Oaks Ter. Ste. 100 (512) 836 4200 With the varied menu and the multiple television screens, the Daily Grill is sure to please all sports fans. Driskill Grill 604 Brazos St. (512) 391 7162 Retaining its dark, intimate feel. Inventive, rich American fare. A five star experience.
East Side Show Room 1100 E. 6th St. (512) 467 4280 Delicious vintage cocktails served up with loads of local options. Warm, eccentric space with unique design and people watching opportunities. Fabi and Rosi 509 Hearn St. (512) 236 0642 A charming eatery in the ‘so Austin’ Deep Eddy ‘hood. A husband and wife team cook up European style dishes like pork schnitzel and paella. FINO Restaurant Patio & Bar 2905 San Gabriel St. (512) 474 2905 Emmett and Lisa Fox’s baby. Mediterranean bites and plates for sharing. Lovely patio and fun all day menu. Olive and cheese plates. Great wine list. Flip Happy Crepes 401 Jessie St. (512) 552 9034 Housed in a charming vintage trailer, this spot off Barton Springs Road delivers warm crepes to a hungry crowd. Green Pastures Restaurant 811 W. Live Oak St. (512) 444 4747 An event center as much as a restaurant, Green Pastures is an Austin ancestral estate open for lunch, dinner, and serving a Sunday brunch buffet. Jaspers 11506 Century Oaks Ter., Ste. 128 (512) 834 4111 Beat the heat in Jasper’s modern Zen-like interior or
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grab a seat on the patio and sample selections from the multi-ethnic menu. Jeffrey’s 1204 W. Lynn St. (512) 477 5584 A New American cuisine pioneer, this neighborhood bistro tucked away in Clarksville opened its doors in 1975 and has established itself as an Austin staple. Now, with Chef Deegan McClung at the helm, the recently revamped menu incorporates a bounty of local and seasonal ingredients. Allow the friendly and knowledgeable staff to help navigate the extensive wine list, designed for pairing. Mulberry 360 Nueces St. (512) 320 0297 The coziest of wine bars at the base of the 360 Condominiums. Gourmet burger with Gruyere and pancetta topped with a fried egg is a winner. Olivia 2043 S. Lamar Blvd. (512) 804 2700 Menu changes nightly. Magnificent, modern interior by Michael Hsu. Committed to featuring all locally produced foods. Steeping Room 11410 Century Oaks Ter., Ste. 112 (512) 977 8337 Whether you’re looking for a spot of tea and a sweet treat or a fresh healthy lunch, the Steeping Room is the perfect place to unwind after a day of shopping at the Domain. Uncorked Tasting Room and Wine Bar 900 E. 7th St. (512) 524 2809 Build your own wine flights
or choose from the carefully edited list from around the world. Cheese plates or “earthly, oceanic, and vegetarian fare.” Wink 1014 N. Lamar Bvd., #E (512) 482 8868 The food is fantastic, and portions are meant for tasting, not gobbling. Fresh, local ingredients abound.
FRENCH Aquarelle 606 Rio Grande St. (512) 479 8117 Unfussy and fresh, dishes shine with pure, clean flavors rather than heavy-handed sauces or garnishes. Chez Nous 510 Neches St. (512) 473 2413 Favorites include veal sweetbreads and salad Lyonnaise. Start with assiette de charcuterie. Justine’s Brasserie 4710 E. 5th St. (512) 385 2900 With its French bistro fare, impressive cocktails, and darling décor, Justine’s Brasserie has all of Austin looking east. PÉCHÉ 208 W. 4th St. (512) 495 9669 Darling menu of simple French dishes. Duck salad is a standout. Absinthe bar.
INDIAN Clay Pit 1601 Guadalupe St. (512) 322 5131 Zip in for a buffet-style lunch or settle in for a long dinner at this nationally recognized restaurant serving Contemporary Indian cuisine.
G’Raj Mahal 91 Red River St. (512) 480 2255 With a cozy covered patio, G’Raj Mahal offers a surprising amount of ambiance for a food trailer. Whip In Market & Parlour Cafe 1950 S. IH-35 (512) 442 5337 This funky minimart-cumcafé satisfies Austin’s most stringent weirdness criteria: quirky location, offbeat décor, eclectic clientele, copious beer and cheap, tasty food.
ITALIAN 360 Uno Trattoria & Wine Bar 3801 N. Capital of Tx. Hwy. (512) 327 4448 This local European café in Davenport Village serves up creative caffeinated concoctions and a mostly Italian wine list complete with an outdoor patio for sipping. Asti Trattoria 408-C E. 43rd St. (512) 451 1218 The chic, little Hyde Park trattoria offers delicious Italian cuisine, like saffron risotto with seafood in spicy tomato sauce and classic noodle dishes like linguine with little neck clams. Botticelli’s 1321 S. Congress Ave. (512) 916 1315 An inviting trattoria with warm Tuscan colors. Small bar up front and cozy booths in back. Entreés showcase pastas and meats. Canoli Joe’s 4715 HWY 290 W. (512) 892 4444 Take a stroll through the winding villagio and sample
a variety of Italian favorites —a gourmet feast! Carmelo’s Restaurant 504 E. 5th St. (512) 477 7497 This romantic 19th-century “railroad house” is perfect for canoodling over cannoli. Don’t miss the old-school pastry cart. Cipollina 1213 W. Lynn St. (512) 477 5211 Mediterranean fare with an Italian accent. Crispy woodfired pizzas remain the headliner, along with signature items like stracciatella soup and lamb-braised-onion sandwiches.
within a well-stocked gourmet grocery. There’s a deli, bakery, espresso and gelato bar, too. NoRTH 11506 Century Oaks Ter. Ste. 124 (512) 339 4440 Guests enjoy modern Italian cuisine in a sleek interior at this Domain standout. Quatto Gatti Ristorante 908 Congress Ave. (512) 476 3131 This Congress Avenue newbie is dishing up an array of mouthwatering Italian dishes, from 4 Formaggi Pizza to Agnello Al Forno, oven roasted rack of lamb.
the bustling Second Street District. Taverna’s menu boasts sophisticated salads, pastas, pizzas, grilled meats, and trademark risottos in a variety of flavors. Trattoria Lisina 13308 FM 150 W. Driftwood, Tx. (512) 858 1470 Located at the gorgeous new Mandola Estate Winery in Driftwood, this inspired restaurant is the newest addition to celebrity chef Damian Mandola’s sprawling estate. Expect hearty portions of rustic Italian food. Vespaio 1610 S. Congress Ave. (512) 441 6100 Remains at the top of many critics “Best of” lists for divine Italian fare after 10 years. Daily rotating menus offer the best of the season and freshest from Vespaio’s bountiful garden.
Enoteca 1610 S. Congress Ave. (512) 441 7672 A venture from owners of Vespaio—Enoteca, right next door, offers a superb bistro menu with panini, salad, pasta and pizza, handmade pastries, fabulous deli counter and grocery selling imported Italian meats, cheeses, olives.
Red House Pizzeria 1917 Manor Rd. (512) 391 9500 With an interior designed by Joel Mozersky, The Red House is hardly your average pizzeria. Sit inside and admire the ranch-styled decor or enjoy your pizza al fresco at one of the many picnic tables. Happy hour specials include half-priced pizza.
La Traviata 314 Congress Ave. (512) 479 8131 A long-loved Austin spot for its fine Italian fare. Perfect spaghetti carbonara. Always consistent and fresh.
Sagra 1610 San Antonio St. (512) 535 5988 Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are a standout. Cozy atmosphere. Tuesdays are all-youcan-eat mussels for $12.
Bar Chi Sushi 206 Colorado St. (512) 382 5557 While this upscale, fanciful sushi bar offers mind-blowing sushi rolls and innovative, flavorful entrees, what makes it a standout is its killer seven-day happy hour menu.
Maggiano’s Little Italy 10910 Domain Dr., Ste. 100 (512) 501 7871 The family-style dining and the classic Italian cuisine make this the perfect location for large groups.
Siena Ristorante Toscana 6203 Capital of Tx. Hwy. (512) 349 7667 Set in a Tuscan-style villa, Siena’s dishes, which emphasize grilled seafood, wild game, and roasted potatoes, capture the essence of the region.
Dragon Gate by Phoenix 3801 N. Capital of Tx Hwy., (512) 732 7278 Don’t miss the savory, homemade pot stickers. Extensive menu filled with both Japanese offerings, like sushi and a nice Bento Box, as well as Chinese favorites.
Taverna 258 W. 2nd St. (512) 477 1001 In the middle of the action in
Enzo Austin 801 W. 5th St. (512) 250 3696 Embracing the upbeat
Mandola’s Italian Market 4700 W. Guadalupe St. (512) 419 9700 Celebrity chef Damian Mandola (of Carrabba’s fame) serves up casual Italian fare
JAPANESE
ambiance of downtown, Enzo Austin is the all in one place to dine, lounge, and party.
ed black cod and Kobe beef that you cook yourself on searing hot rocks.
Imperia 310 Colorado St. (512) 472 6770 One of the culinary highlights of the Warehouse District. Delectable Peking Duck and memorable specialty cocktails all in a sleek, modern setting.
Mikado 9033 Research Blvd. (512) 833 8188 Recent raves about this Japanese eatery, where robata (Japanese tapas) are grilled before the guest, and lovely entrees of sea bass and duckling are available all day long.
Kenichi 419 Colorado St. (512) 320 8883 Popular downtown spot for some of the best sushi in town. Give the menu a look too; don’t miss the Ishiyaki hot rocks or teriyaki specials. Kenobi Restaurant and Sushi Bar 10000 Research Blvd., Bldg. A (512) 241 0119 Innovative sushi in a beautiful setting. Try the lobster, shrimp, and creamy goat cheese dumplings. Kona Grill 11410 Century Oaks Ter. Ste. 144 (512) 835 5900 The Asian-inspired cuisine, ranging from sushi to steak, draws a swinging singles scene at this IBM and Dell after work favorite. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant 315 Congress Ave., #200 (512) 482 8108 Nothing fancy here: solid sushi masters, little closedoff rooms for sit-on-the-floor dining. Maiko 311 W. 6th St. (512) 236 9888 Maiko offers both classic sushi choices and original creations like miso-marinat-
Mizu Prime Steak & Sushi 3001 Ranch Rd. 620 S. (512) 263 2801 A blend of both traditional and contemporary takes on Japanese cuisine, Mizu serves the freshest fish from all around the world. Musashino 3407 Greystone Dr. (512) 795 8593 The locally famed Musashino is where die-hard sushi lovers flock when they crave near perfection. Piranha Killer Sushi 207 San Jacinto Blvd. (512) 473 8775 An oasis of calm and cool in the Warehouse District. Modern sushi with fresh dishes and fun drinks. Uchi 801 S. Lamar Blvd. (512) 916 4808 Garnering national attention (and awards) chef Tyson Cole has created and maintained a highly inventive menu in the little house that could: Uchi. Uchiko 4200 N. Lamar Blvd., #140 (512) 916 4808 Under the reign of Chef Paul Qui, Uchiko is the sensational sister creation of Chef Tyson Cole’s Uchi. From hot and cold appetizers to sinfully delicious entrees like rabbit
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GUIDE
Dining terrine to the bacon sen to mastermind desserts crafted by Chef Phillip Speer, dining at Uchiko is an out of this world food experience.
KOREAN Korea House Restaurant & Sushi Bar 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Ste. 501 (512) 458 2477 Bul Go Gi here. Grab a fourtop and cook it yourself in the middle of the table. Fun! Koreana Grill and Sushi Bar 12196 N. Mo-Pac Expy. (512) 835 8888 High-end, elegant Korean food. Koriente 621 E. 7th St. (512) 275 0852 Healthy, tasty Korean options like bulgogi and curry dishes all served up by the friendly staff.
LATIN AMERICAN Buenos Aires Café 1201 E. 6th St. (512) 382 1189 2414 S. 1st St. (512) 441 9000 Whether it’s a quick lunch or a lingering dinner, these inviting spots offer the best Argentinean specialties like meat sandwiches on baguettes, empanadas, and tasty pastries. El Arbol 3411 Glenview Ave. (512) 323 5177 Traditional stylings and creative twists on South American cuisine. One of the best places for outdoor dining in the city. Sleek mid-century design by Joel Mozersky.
La Sombra Bar and Grill 4800 Burnet Rd. (512) 458 1100 This Central Austin newcomer offers a unique menu of Latin American delicacies from land and sea, wonderful wines, and specialized cocktails. Enjoy dinner, weekday lunch, or weekend brunch.
LUNCH SPOTS Baguette et Chocolat 12101 Bee Cave Rd. (512) 263 8388 Authentic French bakery and fine pastry in Austin! Delicious Nutella Crepes and Croissants. Counter Café 626 N. Lamar Blvd. (512) 708 8800 This breakfast and lunchtime favorite serves up organic and local fare. Food Heads 616 W. 34th St. (512) 420 8400 This Austin treasure tucked away in a refashioned cottage on 34th Street serves inspired sandwiches, soups and salads made from fresh ingredients to a loyal lunchtime crowd. La Boite Café 1700 S. Lamar Blvd. (512) 377 6198 From brioche and croissants to pain au lait, the best of France is served on the quick in this cute, little café. The biggest standout of the café is by far the daily selection of traditional French macarons it carries, which are little pillows of heaven! Portabla 1200 W. 6th St. (512) 481 8646 Fresh sandwiches (love the roast beef), great salads, and
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seasonal fruit. Daily take-out specials like bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin and King Ranch casserole. Walton’s Fancy and Staple 609 W. 6th St. (512) 542 3380 A Gourmet Delicatessen/ Bakery and Café offering delicious Cuisine2Go, onestop floral services, catering and delivery. They also offer a variety of specialty cakes for all occasions, including the always popular HoneyAlmond Bee Cake.
MEXICAN Azul Tequila 4211 S. Lamar Blvd. (512) 416 9667 Home of the Blue Margarita and the acclaimed Blue Martini, Azul Tequila brings to Austin a menu that boasts a bevy of flavors virtually untouched by the Tex-Mex influence. The restaurant serves up an exquisite variety of South Central Mexican fare, including their famous Cochinita Pibil, Chile Rellano en Crema, and Albondigas en Chipotle. Cantina Laredo 201 W. 3rd St. (512) 542 9670 Don’t try to pigeonhole this cuisine; just enjoy it. For the guacamole starter, we licked the bowl clean. Chuy’s 1728 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 474 4452 Often a long wait for this beloved, packed cantina. Pillowy, fried flautas are the best in town. Serve yourself chips and hot sauce. Happy hour.
Corazon at Castle Hill 1101 W. 5th St. (512) 476 0728 Austin staple, Castle Hill, is reborn with an interior makeover and new menu that is “inspired by the treasured recipes of famous kitchens throughout Central Mexico.” Curra’s Grill 614 E. Oltorf St. (512) 444 0012 Delicious interior Mexican food in a casual environment. Campechana, enchiladas, fabulous fish, cabrito. Elsi’s 6601 Burnet Rd. (512) 454 0747 Fresh and tasty El Salvadoran and Mexican food served in a colorful, laid-back atmosphere. A large selection of flavored margaritas—try the watermelon. El Sol y La Luna 600 E. 6th St. (512) 444 7770 As quintessentially Austin as it gets. Great migas and fresh juices. El Chile Café y Cantina 1809 Manor Rd. (512) 457 9900 3435 Greystone Dr. (512) 328 3935 Start with the gooey queso flameado. The carne asada à la Tampiqueña—seared steak topped with grilled peppers and onions and paired with a cheese enchilada is a winner. El Chilito 2219 Manor Rd. (512) 382 3797 918 Congress Ave. (512) 291 3120 Little brother to El Chile, El Chilito offers a pared down menu of made-to-order items served quickly to Austinites on the go.
Fonda San Miguel 2330 W. N. Loop Blvd. (512) 459 4121 For more than 30 years we have flocked to Fonda’s traditional, interior Mexican menu. The house chile con queso made with queso Chihuahua is delicious, as are the entrees like the pollo en mole poblano. The Sunday brunch is not to be missed. Garrido’s 360 Nueces St. (512) 320 8226 Modern Mexican cuisine overlooking Shoal Creek. The flavorful menu is inspired by the kitchen of Chef Garrido’s grandmother. Gloria’s 3309 Esperanza Crossing, Ste. 100 (512) 833 6400 Perfect for date night, Gloria’s serves upscale Mexican cuisine in a dimly lit dining room and on the spacious patio. Güero’s Taco Bar 1412 S. Congress Ave. (512) 707 8232 No frills, very popular. Queso flameado with chorizo and jalapeños. Tortilla soup, fish tacos. Open kitchen. Large bar. La Condesa 400-A W. 2nd St. (512) 499 0300 Delectable cocktails, tasty tacos and appetizers, all inspired by the hip and bohemian Condesa ‘hood in Mexico City. Dishes range from street food faves to sophisticated specialites.
Maudie’s Cafe maudies.com With five locations around town, Maudie’s delivers solid tex-mex in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Enchiladas are tops. Order the ‘Skinny Sheryl’s’ if you’re feeling healthy and the ‘Hernandez’ if you’re feeling naughty. Manuel’s 310 Congress Ave. (512) 472 7555 10201 Jollyville Rd. (512) 345 1042 Described as “regional” Mexican food, Manuel’s offerings aren’t your usual Tex-Mex. The traditional chile relleno en nogada bursts with shredded pork and is topped with a walnut cream brandy sauce. Maria Maria’s 415 Colorado St. (512) 687 6800 Carlos Santana-owned, where music reigns. Mexican dishes with a modern twist. Matt’s El Rancho 2613 S. Lamar Blvd. (512) 462 9333 Start with the Bob Armstrong Dip, a bowl of velvety melted cheese topped with guacamole and taco meat. After 55 years, this Austin classic is still going strong. Nuevo León 1501 E. 6th St. (512) 479 0097 Family-run institution on the East Side with a loyal following. Try the Shrimp Saltillo, the enormous tortilla soup, or the Old-Fashioned Tacos. Polvo’s 2004 S. 1st St. (512) 441 5446 Between the salsa bar, patio seating, and delicious margaritas, this is one of Austin’s beloved Tex-Mex icons.
Sago Modern Mexican 4600 W. Guadalupe St. (512) 452 0300 Sago’s interiors are sleek and modern but also warm and inviting. The salsas, made each morning with fresh produce, are some of the best in town. Santa Rita Tex-Mex Cantina 1206 W. 38th St. (512) 419 7482 5900 W. Slaughter Ln., Ste. 550 (512) 288 5100 Not the typical Tex-Mex. Bright interiors, attentive service, and solid menu offerings. Crispy flautas to start, tender pork loin in the middle and tasty margaritas to begin (and end). Takoba 1411 E. 7th St. (512) 628 4466 This East Side newbie goes above and beyond in delivering bold, authentic flavors in its Mexican cuisine—the chiles, beans, and herbs are imported from Mexico! Enjoy handmade cocktails al fresco in the spacious backyard, which includes a giant sandbox, before heading into the modern interior for an incredible (and affordable) meal. With an abundance of TVs, Takoba is the ideal spot to catch the game. Vivo 2015 Manor Rd. (512) 482 0300 The fresh plates served up here would send a greasy plate of chile con carne enchiladas running to hide with shame. This may be the new wave of Mexican: Algo Lijero (on the lighter side) and lots of greens, like the Fiesta Salad and the Chalupa.
Extensive Menu, Full Bar & Take-out 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd. • (512) 302-4600 M-Th 11-9:30, F 11-10:30, Sa 5-10:30, Su 11:30-9:30 suzischinagrill.com Visit Suzi’s China Kitchen South: Beer, Wine & Take-out (no sushi) 1152 S. Lamar Blvd. • (512) 441-8400 M-Th 11-9:30, F 11-10:30, Sa 5-10, Sunday Closed
GUIDE
Dining SEAFOOD Café Josie 1200-B W. 6th St. (513) 322 9226 Tucked away behind the Wally Workman Gallery, Café Josie serves tropicinspired seafood dishes in a vibrant, colorful interior. Eddie V’s 9400 Arboretum Blvd. (512) 342 2642 301 E. 5th St. (512) 472 1860 Although Eddie V’s may be best known for its fresh seafood, the prime steaks are some of the best in town. When it comes to selecting sides, be prepared to share. Perla’s 1400 S. Congress Ave. (512) 291 7300 The latest venture from star chef Larry McGuire. Great selection of oysters, clever cocktails, and one of the freshest options for seafood in town. Shoreline Grill 98 San Jacinto Blvd. (512) 477 3300 The Shoreline Grill is an Austin original, serving up only the best in sustainable seafood, locally sourced produce, and a fresh new approach to American cuisine with a coveted view of Lady Bird Lake. Enjoy a variety of well-executed dishes that elevate classic comfort food to a new culinary level. The Shuck Shack 1808 E. Cesar Chavez St. (512) 472 4243 It’s all fun and games at this Eastside newbie. Sample offerings from the gulf in between rounds of bocce and washers.
Truluck’s 400 Colorado St. (512) 482 9000 10225 Research Blvd. (512) 794 8300 Both seafood and steak lovers will unite in admiration over every dish from this chef-inspired menu that is updated weekly with the freshest options available. Wine aficionados and novices can choose from over 100 selections by the glass or bottle. Nightly live music in the piano bar lounge sets the mood.
SOUTHWESTERN Ranch 616 616 Nueces St. (512) 479 7616 Chef Kevin Williamson delivers on fresh and flavorful seafood options like jalapeño maiz trout and gulf fish tacos. Lively atmosphere. Classic Austin cool. South Congress Cafe 1600 S. Congress Ave. (512) 447 3905 This SoCo staple draws quite a weekend crowd with its classic brunch fare. Taco and Tequila 507 Pressler St. (512) 436 8226 Chef Alma Alcocer is serving up a taste of the Southwest in this modern, industrial style space designed by Michael Hsu. With a bar stocked with over 100 tequilas, don’t miss 2nd Tuesday Tequila Tasting Happy Hours! Z Tejas Grill 1110 W. 6th St. (512) 478 5355 9400-A Arboretum Blvd. (512) 346 3506 Austinites wait hours to get into either the funkier
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downtown locale or the northern spot.
STEAK III Forks 111 Lavaca St. (512) 474 1776 Traditional steakhouse menu with seafood choices and lobster tails, traditional sides of mashed potatoes and onion rings. Delicious bread pudding with cinnamon ice cream. Dinner only. Austin Land & Cattle Co. 1205 N. Lamar Blvd. (512) 472 1813 This Austin favorite boasts an impressive wine list for pair with their sophisticated steaks, poultry and seafood. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 320 E. 2nd St. (512) 457 1500 11600 Century Oaks Ter. Ste. 140 (512) 835 9463 Excellent food, stellar wines, pleasant atmosphere, and polished staff. Steaks are all USDA prime and each cut is as delicious as the next. Astonishing wine program. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 114 W. 7th St., Ste. 110 (512) 474 6300 Start with the escargot or a lump crab cake. The main event, the steaks, could not be better. Close a perfect meal with bananas foster. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 107 W. 6th St. (512) 477 7884 The USDA Prime Steaks seared to perfection and topped with fresh butter are the ultimate. For the more classic steak-and-potato combo, diners can choose
from mashed, baked, au gratin, fries of many cuts, and sweet potato casserole. Sullivan’s Steakhouse 300 Colorado St. (512) 495 6504 Steak and potatoes. Music at the Ringside. Familiar wine list. Enjoyed the crab cakes. TRIO 98 San Jacinto Blvd. (512) 685 8300 This sleek space with a lovely trellised patio overlooking Lady Bird Lake in the Four Seasons Hotel serves up clever dishes, with several prime steak and seafood offerings.
THAI Satay 3202 W. Anderson Ln. (512) 467 6731 Noodles, curry, stir fry, dumplings. Try the Miang Khum. Thai Passion 620 Congress Ave. (512) 472 1244 Menu speaks mostly of Northeastern Thailand, moderately priced. Downtown locale draws lunch bunch.
VEGETARIAN Casa de Luz 1701 Toomey Rd. (512) 476 5446 Take yoga or tai chi classes before or after dining at this macrobiotic joint. Short hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daily Juice 1625 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 480 9501 2307 Lake Austin Blvd. (512) 628 0782 4500 Duval St. (512) 380 9046
Pop by this fresh juice and smoothie stand after a run or before a swim and get your fruit and veggie fix through a straw. For something different, try the Thai Curious juice, a blend of carrot, coconut, beet, ginger and cilantro. Mother’s Cafe & Garden 4215 Duval St. (512) 451 3994 From the veggie burger to the lasagna, this beloved Hyde Park spot offers everything beyond the garden variety. To submit a restaurant for inclusion in the TRIBEZA dining guide, or to submit corrections, please contact us by email at calendar@ tribeza.com.
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Savor the freshest Florida Stone Crab. From our traps to your table in hours. Downtown 4th and Colorado 512 482 9000 Arboretum 183 and Great Hills Trail 512 794 8300 www.trulucks.com
PAMELA COLLOFF, CHAD NICHOLS & JAKE'S LITTLE CITY
Our Little Secret Photogr aphy by Annie Ray
When Little City opened in 1993, Congress Avenue was lined with empty storefronts, vacant lots, and businesses that closed by five. Downtown was dead. Most Austin coffeehouses—Quackenbush’s, Les Amis—were less about the coffee than about hanging out. The proliferation of Starbucks was still a few years off, and a decent shot of espresso was rare. Little City was different. I wandered in for the first time in 1994, when I moved to Austin, and it felt like home. It stayed open until midnight, and it drew an artsy crowd. In 1996, when friends of mine wrote a radio play called The Intergalactic Nemesis—which recently enjoyed a successful run at the Long Center—it was first performed at Little City, in installments we watched on Sunday afternoons over steaming lattes. Little City was ahead of the curve, roasting its own coffee beans in a huge gas-fired German roaster called the Probat that looked as though it had been salvaged from the ruins of the Eastern Bloc. Little City’s servers knew how to pull a shot of espresso correctly, so that the crema—that beautiful, tan-colored foam that signals that your server knows what he’s doing—was frothy and thick. My boyfriend (now husband), Chad Nichols, started working at Little City’s second location on Guadalupe soon after it opened in 1996. For three years—from 1998 to 2001—he was Little City’s coffee roaster. He coaxed the Probat, carefully darkening the green coffee beans that arrived in 102 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
Little CIty 916 Congress Ave (512) 476 CIT Y
burlap sacks from far-away places. He poured them into the hopper, then watched vigilantly as the spun around the roasting chamber, careful not to let them cook too long. He always came home smelling like espresso. After Chad moved on to a desk job, we still went to Little City every morning for coffee. The Guadalupe location was a gathering place for most people we knew who played music, and our favorite times there were Saturday and Sunday mornings, when our friends would straggle in for coffee, groggily recounting the high points of the previous night’s performance. Chad and I had our son, Jake, in 2007, and Little City was the first place we brought him. Most of his first forays out into the world were to the coffee shop, where he slept while we downed much-needed caffeine. Little City is slated to close at the end of this year because a conservative think tank has purchased the building and plans to move in. Owner Donna DiFrank, who has owned Little City for nearly two decades, is looking for another space to move to, but she has not found one yet. When Jake is old enough to understand, Chad and I will make sure to walk him by 916 Congress and tell him about what used to be. Pamela Colloff is a senior editor at Texas Monthly. Chad Nichols is an MFA candidate at the Michener Center for Writers. Jake plans on becoming a fireman.
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Styling by Lauren Smith Ford, Hair by Ricky Hodge, Makeup by Megan Little; Dress $339, Feathers.
Photography by Dan Winters
104 TRIBE Z A ROMANCE & BRIDAL FEBRUA RY 2011
From de Sede - the playful, adjustable DS-164 sofa designed by Hugo de Ruiter.
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