POLISH PIEROGIES
TEXAS STYLE
DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME
MUELLER PARKS NATURE, FUN AND FITNESS
POLISH PIEROGIES
TEXAS STYLE
DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME
MUELLER PARKS NATURE, FUN AND FITNESS
Even though it has felt like spring for the past couple of months, there is something about the actual start of the season that feels fresh and exciting. We all look forward to outdoor activities and fun that seems to ramp up as soon as the calendar turns to March.
In this issue, we welcome the season and all that comes with it. Packing a picnic? Visit Rebel Cheese for its incredible vegan delights. We tell its owners’ story this month—from how they got started to how their appearance on “Shark Tank” has elevated their business nationally.
Ready for a spring refresh in your home? Whether you are in a new home and starting from scratch or ready for a redo, we could all use some design inspiration. This month, we introduce a new feature showing a Mueller home and how— with the help of interior designers at Be Unica—the owners made their home uniquely theirs. We hope to show more home design features in the months to come.
Looking for a fun outdoor activity right in the neighborhood? Take a walk to our very own Southwest Greenway and check out the natural beauty we have in our own backyard. Haylee Killebrew takes us on a journey right here in Mueller.
Hungry after all that outdoor activity? This month in our Meet Me at the Market story, we feature delicious pierogies. Carmen Gray sat down with Asia Gonczar to learn about her Polish delicacies with a Texas twist.
Whatever spring means to you, just get out and enjoy it. We all know what’s coming next, so savor the sunshine and moderate temperatures while we have them!
Liz Reingold PublisherAlamo Time Capsules is a cinematic yearlong trek back through time that revisits beloved blockbusters and forgotten favorites spanning six landmark years in film: 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979 and 1974. The retrospective runs throughout 2024 and includes nearly 150 different selections.
During March and April, this Alamo Drafthouse Cinema retrospective journeys back to the Gen X-iverse of 1994, with over 30 films returning to the big screen, including culturally redefining movies such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Chunking Express” and “Clerks,” alongside landmarks like “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Forrest Gump” and “Interview with the Vampire.”
For schedules and to purchase tickets, visit www.drafthouse.com/1994.
Take your event to the next level at Thinkery, a unique, multilevel venue perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a social gathering, corporate retreat or private celebration. You and your guests get exclusive access to the museum. Dive into two hours of private play, learning and exploration. To learn more, visit www.thinkeryaustin.org/host.
There is definitely something new in the neighborhood. We have been following Duckie Dale outside L’Oca d’Oro for the past few months as she prepared for her spring arrivals. She was given a comfortable place with plenty of food and water. We watched her daily as she laid her eggs and, before we knew it, they hatched—and ducklings were out in the world. Welcome to Mueller!
April is looking sunny at Lazarus! Come join the fun!
• April 8: Come watch the total eclipse with us! Special glasses will be provided to the first 75 guests with purchase.
• April 20: Volunteer with Keep Austin Beautiful and get 50 percent off your beer when you come to Lazarus.
• April 27: Special dog event and a screening of “Best in Show” for Movie Night at sundown.
Join V/O Med Spa for a body-focused evening. Spa experts will be highlighting Emsculpt Neo, CoolSculpting, injectable biostimulators Sculptra and Radiesse, and skin rejuvenation with Morpheus8. April 18, 5 to 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Growing up in Poland fed Asia Gonczar’s love of a traditional staple that she now shares with enthusiastic customers.
BY CARMEN GRAY Asia Gonczar made pierogies a menu highlight of her catering business before bringing the savory Eastern European favorite to the Farmers’ Market.Pierogies (pronounced “pyeh-ROHghees”) are an iconic dish originating from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, Ukraine and Russia. Originally, pierogies were a simple dish consisting of unleavened dough filled with ingredients readily available in the region, such as potatoes, cheese, onions and various meats. They were a convenient and portable meal for farmers and workers, providing sustenance during long days in the fields or forests.
Here in Austin, we can enjoy this traditional tasty food because of Asia Gonczar.
Gonczar, the owner and executive chef of Apolonia Catering, was born and raised in Poland. At age 17, she started working in the restaurant industry. Ever since then, even amid jobs in other fields, hospitality and cooking have been her passion.
Thanks to her family in Poland, she has always loved homemade food and everything that goes with it. She loves sharing homemade, healthy and tasty food with friends and family.
Gonczar says that simplicity, taste and
good quality are the keys to success in the kitchen. “Food tastes better when we put love and feelings into it,” she says.
For many years, Gonczar pursued a career in information technology before pivoting back to her passion of providing healthy and delicious Polish food for Texans and homesick Slavs alike.
A business venture began with her opening a 2,000-square-foot commissary kitchen in Pflugerville in early 2021. At this kitchen, there is a catering menu that includes elaborate charcuterie boards and elegant appetizers—but pierogies are the specialty!
They are handmade with love and fresh ingredients that include traditional Eastern European as well as Texan flavors. The kitchen caters to business lunches, dinner parties, weddings and small family events.
But you don’t have to drive to Pflugerville to enjoy Gonczar’s fresh, homemade delicacies!
Stop by the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on Sunday mornings, and you’ll find that Gonczar’s business has a stand on Philomena, right along Branch Park.
Gonczar says she started selling pierogies at the Farmers’ Market during the COVID-19 pandemic. That period was a life-changing experience for many, and this opportunity helped bring in new clients and much more exposure. She has quickly become one of the market’s favorite vendors.
Gonczar employs a wonderful team that is very committed and dedicated. The team includes Heath, Phillip, Sasha and Jason, who make sure that the market outlet runs smoothly every single week.
You can buy pierogies ready to eat (six for $10) or buy them frozen to eat later (six for $8, two-packs for $15 or threepacks for $22).
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer and contributing editor for Latino magazine.
With the arrival of spring, local trails and greenways offer ideal spaces to relax and recharge.
BY HAYLEE KILLEBREWSpring has sprung, and we are all itching to get outside to soak up some vitamin D! What better way to shake off those winter blues than to step right out your front door?
Spanning approximately 140 acres of parks, trails and open spaces, Mueller is not just a neighborhood; it’s a vibrant community where nature and urban living harmonize. This season, let’s celebrate the beauty that surrounds us and take a stroll through our neighborhood’s very own Butterfly Garden.
Mueller’s five-mile hike/bike trail and the Mueller Greenway are easily accessible from anywhere throughout the
community, and they make for a perfect route to the Butterfly Garden.
Once along the trail, it’s impossible to not connect with nature and each other. Enjoy the sound of the birds and the feel of the breeze through your fingers as you make your way to the Butterfly Garden. Upon arrival, you may find an inspiring sculpture, educational opportunities and plenty of space to explore and relax.
Amid the natural beauty, the outdoor sculptures stand as a testament to our community’s appreciation for art, adding layers of visual interest to our green spaces.
These artistic installations not only enhance the aesthetic of our neighborhood but also encourage a dialogue with nature. Bask in the imagination of larger-than-life pollen as you circle the grounds and take in the relaxing essence.
As we explore, we’re also invited to learn about the delicate ecosystem of Central Texas, with signs and guides educating us about the native flora and fauna that find a home in our local prairie.
This spring, the butterfly population is expected to flourish, transforming our parks into a bustling hub of biodiversity and beauty. Returning throughout the season will reveal a new show each time.
Seek shade on one of the many benches under the oaks, pack a lunch to enjoy on a picnic table or bring a blanket to lay out and get a few pages in of your new book.
As the sounds and sensations of the garden reawaken you, simultaneously witness the rebirth of the Texas Blackland Prairie surrounding you.
Let the open spaces invite you to enjoy games of Frisbee, soccer—or the pleasure of simply running around. Feel the grass beneath your toes
and the radiant sun on your skin.
This spring, Mueller invites you to step into the great outdoors and embrace the season of growth and renewal. Whether it’s a leisurely walk on the hike/bike trail, a moment of reflection by a sculpture or a family picnic in the park, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature and community.
Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate spring and enjoy the simple pleasures that our green spaces offer.
A goal of revolutionizing cheese led vegan entrepreneurs Kirsten Maitland and Fred Zwar to launch Rebel Cheese—and get a deal on “Shark Tank.”
What happens when lifelong foodies and cheese lovers decide to go vegan? They learn how to perfect the art of making their very own artisan, plant-based cheese. This is the story of husband-and-wife duo Fred Zwar and Kirsten Maitland, owners of Rebel Cheese.
Their names may sound familiar because this dedicated duo recently appeared on the ABC TV program “Shark Tank” and got a deal with two sharks.
This is an amazing accomplishment on its own, and it has catapulted their business into the stratosphere in a journey
that, to this point, has been nothing short of inspirational.
Originally from England, Maitland made her way to the United States, where she became an air traffic controller on a U.S. Navy destroyer.
The Navy brought her to Seattle where she, quite by accident, met Zwar at a local Putt-Putt golf league. Their mutual love of food, particularly cheese, made them a perfect match until, for lifestyle and health reasons, Maitland decided to go vegan.
What were they to do then? Zwar, knowing how much it meant to her, did the same. They wondered how this would impact their lives, their date nights and their picnics!
Rather than dwell on the negative, they decided to do something positive and create a business that not only satisfied their cheese cravings but also helped others who were making the same lifestyle changes.
“I wanted to work with my best friend,” Maitland explains. “We make a great team since I am more analytical and he jumps before he looks. We balance each other out.”
This power combo set out to change the vegan cheese community, and that is exactly what they have done. They became food scientists and dairy experts in addition to being cheese aficionados.
They studied the industry and researched every aspect of the cheese world, and there was quite a bit of trial and error until they got it right. They knew that many vegan cheeses were highly processed—and tasted that way. Their goal was to create cheeses that even the most discerning cheese lover would appreciate.
Their cheeses are predominantly made from nuts—80 percent cashew-based, 5 percent almond-based and 10 percent rice-based. They employ the same processes used to make dairy cheeses but substitute plant-based ingredients for the dairy.
Results include a variety of cheeses from cheddar to gruyere to parmesan, but the crown jewel—the cheese they are most proud of—is their cave-aged brie.
Once the couple perfected their craft, they set out to bring products to the public. Enter Rebel Cheese, their business right here in Mueller.
They have fond memories of those early days. “Mueller welcomed us with open arms,” Maitland says. “Our business was different and unique, but the community got right on board.”
And then, COVID-19 happened. Once again, instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they decided to make lemonade out of lemons and immediately pivoted their business to sell wholesale and online. They created a monthly cheese club, which became hugely successful.
These changes ultimately increased their business—and led them to “Shark Tank.”
It took a few years to get there: They applied for the show in 2020, but their turn didn’t come until September 2023. Just making it to the show was a dream come true, but getting a deal—with sharks Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner—was an incredible accomplishment.
Neither Maitland nor Zwar felt like Hollywood types. They just knew they had a product that, given the opportunity, would take the country by storm. And they were right. Since the episode aired in
December, sales have skyrocketed.
Where do they go from here? If you ask them, they are just getting started. Production now happens in their 9,000-square-foot facility in Austin.
They are working on even further perfecting their already delicious brie by extending shelf life and improving flavor.
They also dream of creating their own blue cheese. This is a complicated process that requires production in its own facility, which they hope to build on the same property that they currently have.
Maitland and Zwar would also like to increase distribution of their products and make their cheeses even more accessible to people around the country—which is the reason they started their business in the first place.
But no matter how big or successful the business becomes, they will always love Mueller. Their bistro here in the neighborhood continues to hold a special place in their hearts. Says Maitland: “Mueller is our home. It’s our community. It is where we belong!”
dream house
Who doesn’t love to get a glimpse into houses in the neighborhood—either out of pure curiosity or to get inspiration?
Many of our homes are similar in layout or even the same model. How do we then put a unique stamp on them to distinguish each from all the others?
When a young family moved into their new build in the neighborhood with a clear vision of what they wanted for their new home, they wondered how to make that vision a reality. They reached out to Be Unica Interior Design here in Austin to make it happen.
We talked with Julia Harrison, CEO and lead designer at Be Unica, to learn how the firm turned a completely blank canvas into the home of a client’s dreams.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KIERAN REEVESJulia Harrison, CEO and lead designer at Be Unica, with her team, made a Mueller client’s home stand out with custom cabinetry, a range of colors, versatile furnishings, durable materials, strategic layout planning and attention to detail.
Since Harrison and her partner in the firm, Bridget McCullough, had previously worked on the same floor plan in a different home in Mueller, they were comfortable with the layout and some of the nuances of the house. However, it was important to make this home unique to the needs of this family and to stand out from houses around them.
“Our goal was to transform a standard, literally blank, sterile home into a mature, elevated and functional kid-friendly space,” Harrison says. “I was especially excited about the main living space since the clients requested that—instead of designing and anchoring the living area around a TV and fireplace as usual and expected—they wanted the piano to be the focal point.”
Be Unica embraced this challenge and took it to the next level by incorporating extra storage space for books, games and other family treasures.
One of Be Unica’s specialties is to design personalized cabinetry and built-ins to integrate functionality and aesthetics into a
project. For this family, it turned out to be a most unexpected blessing.
The clients tell Harrison that they are beyond thrilled that their kids now often opt not to watch TV upstairs but instead choose to play the piano or games in the family room while their parents prepare dinner—just so they can all be together.
Bold use of color was another way to make this home unique. The clients were “fearless,” Harrison says, when it came to mixing it up with a wide range of colors, from soft pastels and creams to deep hues of blue, orange and purple.
“The experimentation with color along with durable materials, versatile furnishings, strategic layout planning and attention to detail added an extra layer of personality and vibrancy, transforming a cookie-cutter home into a unique gem!” she says.
This home is one of several that Harrison and McCullough have worked on in Mueller.
Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Be Unica rose to the challenges of the times as people’s homes became their offices, their playgrounds— and their sanctuaries. The firm’s goal is to find creative solutions that can elevate any space.
Originally from Brazil, Harrison believes that her background inspires her work and allows her to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives and influences.
McCullough, an Austinite, brings local authenticity to their projects. The partners feel that Mueller as a community is very open to their creative ideas.
“We love the various styles of homes that you can find in Mueller,” Harrison says. “The blend of nature with modern city vibes in a sustainable and welldeveloped neighborhood presents an exciting canvas for creativity and innovation in interior design.”
To see additional projects from Be Unica, visit www.beunicainteriordesign.com.
Mueller’s newest public space honors a local Japanese-American farmer and benefactor.
Mueller is excited to welcome the opening of its 10th named park: Isamu Taniguchi Park.
This new space is between Taniguchi, Chennault, Margarita and Sorin Streets and is now open for community use. It is truly a beautiful and environmentally friendly addition to the neighborhood.
The park boasts more than 1,200 square feet of covered space perfect for gathering regardless of weather and the elements. The roof of the covered structure has an unusual butterfly-style slope so that rainwater will be collected in a natural cistern. Runoff will then be dispersed throughout the park to help
water the lawn along with fruiting and flowering plants.
In addition to the covered area, an open terrace overlooks the park, where there are a few public grills and a concrete “harvest” table that seats 20, making it ideal for small gatherings and community functions.
The park is named for Japanese native Isamu Taniguchi and pays tribute to his life’s work and family history.
Taniguchi and his family immigrated from Japan to California, where he managed a farm co-op. However, during World War II, he and his family
were imprisoned in South Texas. When they were released, they stayed in Texas and developed a successful vegetable and cotton farm in the area.
When Taniguchi retired, he relocated to Austin to be near his son, who was dean at the University of Texas School of Architecture. His son helped him connect with the Parks and Recreation Department to fulfill his dream of creating a Japanese garden dedicated to peace, which he created for free in Zilker Park.
Mueller is proud to pay tribute to this incredible man by naming our new park after him and the legacy he left to the city of Austin.
Programs and resources at Mueller Lake Park can help you plan workouts, join groups or get coaching.
BY CARMEN GRAYSpring is underway in Austin, and it is one of the best seasons in Central Texas: Days are generally mild, with plenty of sun and opportunities for being outdoors.
Mueller Lake Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the blooming flowers, green grass and shady trees—and to work out on your own or with a group. The following are just some of the many choices available for exercising outdoors in our neighborhood.
• Mueller Boot Camp meets at the catwalk behind Browning Hangar at Mueller Lake Park. On Saturdays, there are free community sessions at 9 a.m. Available monthly memberships give members unlimited access to any training session, with many times and days as options.
• Camp Gladiator also offers plenty of choices for training sessions, with your first month free. Find out more at www. campgladiator.com.
• Synergy High Intensity Training has donation-based sessions at Mueller Lake Park each Saturday at 9 a.m. Arrive about 20 minutes early to secure a spot in the class. The classes benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. These classes are not competitive, so don’t feel pressured—have fun. Always remember to bring any gear you may need such as proper shoes, water or a towel.
Maybe you want to bliss out and relax. There is a group that meets from 7 to 8 p.m. on Mondays called Wind Down Yoga/ Reflective Journaling in Mueller Lake Park.
SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WIND DOWN YOGA/ REFLECTIVE JOURNALING.
You can plan your own running/walking exercise at Mueller Hike and Bike Trail or join an event or an informal running club (check Facebook and Meetup) that often uses the trail for practice. For example, on February 3, Kerbey Lane Café hosted the Mueller Tower 10K, which began at Kerbey Lane Café.
SCAN TO FIND A MAP THAT’S HELPFUL FOR PLANNING YOUR OUTINGS.
Austin Youth Fitness biking clubs are for kids from kindergarten to fifth grade who can bike 1½ to 2 miles without needing a break. Mountain bikes are suggested, as is carrying water in a water cage or a wearable water bladder such as a CamelBak. Rides take place on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine. SCAN TO JOIN MUELLER BOOT CAMP.These smart strategies can stifle sneezes and other symptoms before they even start.
For people with seasonal allergies, the arrival of spring is a mixed blessing. Along with warmer temperatures that make the outdoors more inviting come classic symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, sore or itchy throat and dry cough.
When nasal congestion isn’t controlled, sinus headaches can result. Red, itchy, teary eyes are another common symptom. And if you have asthma, common allergens such as grass and tree pollen can trigger an attack.
Seasonal allergies can begin in childhood or arise in adulthood. At most ages, over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops can help relieve mild to moderate symptoms. But even before seeking solutions, you can prevent or minimize seasonal allergies with steps like these:
1 Shower as soon as you come in from outdoors.
Whether you’re an adult who’s been for a run or a child who’s been playing outside, pollen can stay in hair or on skin and cause symptoms. Soap up and rinse off, wash hair and change clothes when you come indoors to minimize ongoing contact with pollen.
2 Rinse your sinuses.
When you breathe during exercise outdoors, pollen gets into your nostrils and sinuses. The simple process of squirting an over-the-counter nasal saline rinse into nostrils can help.
3 Keep car and home windows closed.
This reduces exposure to outdoor pollen. When temperatures get hot, keep air conditioning running instead of inviting outdoor air inside.
4 Don’t dry laundry outside.
Clothes and sheets that hang outdoors gather pollen that settles on fabric from the air.
5 Consider using an air purifier.
Units with HEPA filters force air through a fine mesh to trap particles—a process that can remove airborne pollen and other allergens (such as dust or mold) from your home or office.
6 Wear a mask outdoors.
Masks that people wear to prevent COVID-19 exposure can also help block allergens. Particles can collect on a mask, however, so wash or dispose of masks regularly.
If you have chronic seasonal allergy symptoms that aren’t relieved by over-thecounter medications and they’re interfering with your life, it’s time to seek medical help. Start with your primary care provider, who can determine if you should make an appointment with an allergist.
Untreated allergies can lead to sinus infections. They also can be accompanied by other, sometimes related medical conditions such as eczema or seasonal dermatitis (a form of hives).
Chronic rhinosinusitis— inflamed and clogged sinuses—can eventually lead to nasal polyps. Some people eventually need to see a surgical specialist such as an ear, nose and throat doctor to have polyps removed.
Physicians can prescribe more powerful antihistamines than those available over the counter. In addition, new biologic therapies, administered by injection, can help people with severe, persistent symptoms. These new drugs are approved for most adults over 18, and some have pediatric indications for children as young as 6.
Five tips from the experts at V/O Med Spa will keep your skin healthy, hydrated and luminous.
With the sunny days of summer fast approaching, it’s time to shed the layers and welcome the warmth. However, as we eagerly anticipate flip-flops-andshorts season, it’s crucial to remember that radiant, healthy skin is your ultimate summer accessory.
Preparing your skin for summer begins with understanding and implementing a comprehensive skincare routine. Here are some expert tips to ensure your skin is luminous, protected and summer-ready.
The foundation of vibrant skin lies in adopting a basic skincare regimen that addresses the core needs of cleansing, exfoliating and toning.
Medical-grade skincare products like those from ZO Skin Health are specifically formulated to combat dullness, oiliness, redness and roughness, restoring your skin to its healthiest state. The Getting Skin Ready protocol from ZO Skin Health is an excellent starting point, designed to:
• Remove surface impurities, including oil, makeup and pollutants, which contribute to
breakouts and premature aging.
• Kick-start the renewal of the skin’s upper layers to enhance texture.
• Boost the effectiveness of corrective skincare products through improved penetration.
• Stimulate microcirculation for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.
Incorporating antioxidants into your daily skincare routine is essential for defending against the environmental stressors that accelerate aging.
Products such as Daily Power Defense and Illuminating AOX Serum by ZO Skin Health, along with Alto Defense Serum by Skinbetter Science, are packed with antioxidants, enzymes and plant stem cells. These ingredients work together to fortify the skin’s barrier, promoting hydration, luminosity and resilience. And including vitamin C can significantly brighten your complexion, even out skin tone and diminish signs of aging.
One cannot overstate the importance of sunscreen. Daily application is vital—not just during summer but yearround—to shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. This simple step can prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer and curb early signs of
aging. Always look for broadspectrum sunscreens that offer comprehensive protection.
Integrating retinol into your nightly routine can dramatically improve your skin’s appearance, targeting lines, wrinkles and uneven tone and texture.
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is celebrated for its ability to promote smoother skin, enhance renewal, increase exfoliation and visibly even out skin tone. Products from ZO Skin Health and Skinbetter Science come highly recommended for their efficacy and quality.
Investing in your skin’s health is a form of self-care that yields dividends in confidence and radiance. V/O Med Spa is committed to offering only the highest-quality, medical-grade skincare products. Its experts can guide you in selecting a skincare routine tailored to your unique needs and goals, ensuring that your skin not only survives but thrives this summer.
Remember, effective skincare doesn’t have to be complex. With the right products and routines, you can enjoy beautiful, glowing skin not only this summer but all year long. Let V/O Med Spa help you make this summer your skin’s best yet.
Parkside at Mueller offers a unique opportunity to own ground-floor commercial space in the award winning Mueller neighborhood. Direct-entry commercial units are available for sale, and range in size from 2,500 – 3,400+ square feet.
Delivering early 2024, please reach out for more information!