Friday, November 22, 2013

JuiceLand to Open Sixth Location on December 1 In East Austin - Austin, Texas

JUICELAND TO OPEN SIXTH LOCATION
ON DECEMBER 1 IN EAST AUSTIN



Locally Owned Juice Bar Expands to the East Side
With Newest Location on Cesar Chavez

JuiceLand, Austin’s favorite, locally owned juice bar, announced today the opening of its sixth Austin location. This is the first JuiceLand to open in East Austin and is the closest location to downtown. Scheduled to open on December 1, the new JuiceLand location will offer double stamps on juice and smoothie purchases for all of December.

“Our team is elated to open this location, which is housed in the former Good Flow Juice factory,” said JuiceLand Founder Matt Shook. “Lots of us grew up drinking Good Flow and for us to be able to serve fresh juice to the community out of that space seems very serendipitous. Also, having lived on Holly Street for several years, I have always had a certain affection with the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood. Serving that eclectic community feels like a homecoming of sorts for me personally."

This East Side location will act not only as a walk-up juice bar, but also as the commissary for all locations of the chain. JuiceLand hopes this location will provide convenient access to its patrons downtown and on the East Side with plenty of street parking and a close proximity to the airport.

Guests at this location will enjoy the beloved JuiceLand menu, which is consistent through all locations. Sample menu items include favorites such as Moontower with banana, rice protein, cacao, date and almond milk; Peachy Green with spinach, kale, apple and peach; and Originator with fresh apply juice, banana, blueberry, cherry, peanut butter, rice protein, spirulina and flax oil.

JuiceLand also offers fresh vegetable and fruit juices, aguas frescas, smoothies, raw superfood cocktails and more. JuiceLand also offers three levels of juice cleanses to assist patrons in achieving their health goals. Voted as Best Healthy Lunch in 2013 by Austin A-List, JuiceLand also offers premade food items including Clean & Soba Noodle Bowl, Kale Salad, Double Rainbow Quinoa Salad and Quinoa Ranchero.

JuiceLand’s newest location is located at 2601 Cesar Chavez Road, Unit A, in Austin, Texas. For updates, go to www.JuiceLandAustin.com and follow on Facebook @JuiceLandAustin and on Twitter @JuiceLandAustin.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Gourdough’s Public House Announces New Thanksgiving Donut, The Gobbler - Austin, Texas

Gourdough’s Public House Announces New Thanksgiving Donut, The Gobbler


Gourdough’s Public House, Austin’s famed donut shop turned restaurant and bar is excited to announce the latest edition to their menu, The Gobbler.  Available now through the end of November, Gourdough’s will be serving up the Thanksgiving inspired, fully loaded donut dish to their turkey loving patrons.  Order this holiday special and you will receive the famous Gourdough’s donut covered in thick slices of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and their own special habanero cranberry jam.

Perfect for a pre or post Thanksgiving Day meal, The Gobbler is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

2700 South Lamar Blvd
Austin, Texas 78704
512-912-9070

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

chavez: FÖDA, Michael Hsu and Chef Shawn Cirkiel Collaborate on Design of New Radisson Restaurant - Austin, Texas

chavez:
FÖDA, Michael Hsu and Chef Shawn Cirkiel Collaborate on Design of
New Radisson Restaurant


Celebrated Austin restaurateur, Chef Shawn Cirkiel, has partnered with design shop FÖDA Studio and renowned architecture firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture to collaborate on the unique design for chavez, Chef Cirkiel’s new contemporary Southwestern restaurant located in the Radisson Hotel & Suites in downtown Austin. Scheduled to open in January 2014, chavez is housed in the space overlooking Lady Bird Lake that was previously occupied by TGI Fridays.

The design collaboration began more than a year ago with Cirkiel’s inspiration of Southwestern style, and flourished with the influence of FÖDA and Hsu into a modern yet inviting design featuring clean architectural lines, oversized windows with views of Lady Bird Lake, and a contemporary, warmly crafted design aesthetic highlighting innovative and one-of-a-kind details. Hsu’s office and FÖDA collaborated with Cirkiel and the Radisson on the architecture specifics, as well as the scope and vision for the interior design.

“From the beginning, we’ve been working with Michael’s office, which is such a privilege. And I’m a big fan of Shawn’s, so it’s been a great collaboration with him,” said Jett Butler, FÖDA founder and creative director. “We feel very fortunate to be a part of this project.”

Particularly striking are the artistic details throughout chavez, including the unique entryway, which includes a backlit foyer etched with a pattern using the letters from the restaurant’s name — a nod to Cesar Chavez Street, where the restaurant overlooks Lady Bird Lake, as well as a reference to the Southwestern-style menu Cirkiel is creating. The foyer includes each letter stacked in different ways and weights, making reference to Mesoamerican textiles and culture. This innovative style was carried over throughout the restaurant, including dining room lighting fixtures made to evoke the letter “C,” and in the locally built wine case that plays off the chevron pattern in the foyer. The dining room is subtly separated from the bar with vertical light flats, and rich materials and colors, creative light fixtures and upholstery design, and light wood elements can be found throughout chavez.

“One challenge involved figuring out how to make the restaurant space inside a hotel feel very local and unique. So we used a lot of different materials: wood, steel and rich tiles to separate chavez in a way that’s tactile, in a way you can sense and feel,” said Brien Strelau, project designer with Hsu Office of Architecture. “We also wanted to make the most of what is a premier site. It’s not often you get to design a space that overlooks Lady Bird Lake. So we did things like use lighter colored woods and opened it up with lots of glass. We wanted it to appeal to people nationally and internationally while making it a very Austin restaurant.”

Indeed, both FÖDA and Hsu’s team insisted on working with and utilizing locally sourced products and services—from the materials used, to the craftsmanship of each design element—a tenet that will also be reflected in Chef Cirkiel’s menu choices for chavez.

chavez, Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s latest culinary adventure, is a contemporary Southwestern restaurant located in the Radisson Hotel & Suites at 111 Cesar Chavez St. in downtown Austin. Scheduled to open in January 2014, chavez was designed in collaboration with Chef Cirkiel, the Radisson, design studio FÖDA and architecture firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Walton’s Fancy & Staple Boasts Extraordinary Holiday Treats - Austin, Texas

Walton’s Fancy & Staple Boasts Extraordinary Holiday Treats


At Walton’s Fancy & Staple, West Sixth Street’s popular spot for catering, baked goods, and dine in or take out meals, über pastry chef Karina Akhavan makes some of the city’s most amazing desserts. Her passion for producing high-quality pastries and breads inspires her to develop new ideas and play with flavors—and she’s been busy in the kitchen constructing extraordinary treats just in time for the holidays.

Akhavan is constantly pushing the bar, providing patrons with otherworldly desserts, from the cookies and cakes in the pastry case to catered parties and dinners. She has even put together the perfect fall and Thanksgiving holiday offerings, including Golden Eggs (with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon; $1.50 each), Ginger Cookies (crisp and chewy; $3 each), Bourbon Vanilla and Brown Sugar Apple Pie (Akhavan’s take on a classic; $22 for a 10-inch pie), Pumpkin Cupcakes with Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting (moist spiced pumpkin cake with molasses-infused frosting; $2 each); Pecan Pie (a Southern staple with local pecans; $22 for a 10-inch pie), and Cayenne Cherry Chocolate Chews (a gluten-free chocolate brownie with some oomph; $1.50 each).

The Central Texas native enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in Austin shortly after graduating from high school, and at 18, she landed a job working as a pastry cook at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin. As a student by day and chef by night, Akhavan quickly honed her skills, learning how to run the line and master baking. At Walton’s, she splits her time between managing and training the team and creating desserts, from the baked goods menu featuring croissants and baguettes to the specialty items such as wedding cakes. Akhavan also bakes more than a dozen varieties of fresh bread daily for Walton’s and its sister restaurant, Bess, in addition to providing fresh breads every other day to Austin establishments such as Hyde Park Bar & Grill, Garrido’s, and Swift’s Attic.

Walton’s artfully-arranged space—a throwback to old general stores yet modernized with state-of-the-art appliances—boasts beautiful flowers and fancy gifts and is just right for a quick deli lunch or one where you can linger over a blue plate special and enjoy a cup of one of Walton’s own delicious coffee blends. Breakfast offerings and specialty breads start the morning off right too. With the holidays fast approaching, Walton’s is sure to be a bright spot on your list for everything from goodies for friends and family to pies and cakes for entertaining.

Walton’s Fancy & Staple is located at 609 W. Sixth Street, Austin, TX 78701. For hours, catering assistance, and more information, call 512-542-3380 or go to waltonsfancyandstaple.com.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Happy Hour Launch at Arro Tonight - Austin, Texas


We are launching Happy Hour tonight at Arro! Entitled "Cinq à Sept," the specials run weekdays from 5 pm to 7 pm and feature $5 and $7 food & drinks.


Arro
601 W. Sixth St.
512-992-2776
Open daily (Sun-Wed, 5 pm to midnight; Thurs-Sat, 5 pm to 2 am)
http://arroaustin.com

KENICHI Hires Retired Ballerina to Fuel Vision at Restaurant - Austin, Texas

New General Manager Reflects the Poise and Elegance of KENICHI Experience


Former prima ballerina, Nicole Braly on point for exquisite service, food and community

KENICHI, an edgy interpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine, celebrates the recent hire of Nicole Braly as the restaurant’s new general manager. With a strength and drive that comes from more than 20 years of rigorous physical output and mental commitment as a professional ballerina, Braly’s leadership is fueling growth and creativity at the restaurant.

With a degree in physical science from Cal State University and experience performing as a prima ballerina, Braly demonstrates a balanced passion for elegance, people, science and strength. Having performed with the New York City Ballet Company, London Ballet Company, San Francisco Ballet Company and the American Ballet Theatre, Braly now exercises her intense mental and physical capacities as a businesswoman immersed in the demanding lifestyle and long hours of the food service industry.

“I love the beauty of fine-dining and the joy of giving my guests a special restaurant experience,” said Braly, who began her fine-dining career when she was hired by Iron Chef winner, Chef Kent Rathbun, for a position at his Austin restaurant.

Braly previously served as the assistant general manager for Parkside Projects, which overlooks the restaurants Olive & June and The Backspace. She enjoyed promotions and held positions in bar management at Miyagi’s Los Angeles, Geoffrey’s Malibu and Jasper’s Austin, where she was trained to become the official wine buyer and a Level I Sommelier. Before joining KENICHI, Braly served as the restaurant, bar and live music manager at Sullivan's Steakhouse and Sully’s Sidebar.

"Nicole's vision for KENICHI is tantalizing," said one KENICHI partner, Mike Reynolds. "Her passion to focus on truly exceptional service, appreciation of Executive Chef Shane Stark and Executive Sushi Chef Richard Lee and commitment to hone the KENICHI experience of polished elegance, are already making a difference."

Anchored in the heart of downtown Austin, KENICHI packages an upscale fine-dining experience and tempting nightlife in a modern, relaxed setting. It also features the largest sake selection in the state of Texas.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Mulberry Announces Post-Formula One Lamb Roast Event - Austin, Texas


Join us, Sunday, November 17th for an evening of food, wine, beer and great company.

Mulberry is excited to announce their next series of annual events, the Lamb Roast.  Perfectly timed with Austin’s Formula One Race, Mulberry will be hosting the must attend post-race party for locals and visitors alike.  From 4 – 10 pm, Chef Kristine Kitrell will be serving up whole roast lamb with sides including lemon roast potatoes, a tomato coriander yogurt sauce, and a charred green bean & feta salad, all from locally sourced farms via Austin’s own Farm to Table distributors.

Prepared by Chef Kristine Kittrell, the menu will include:

  • Whole Roast Lamb
  • Lemon Roast Potatoes
  • Tomato Coriander Yogurt Sauce
  • Charred Green Bean & Feta Salad
  • Meze

Drink Specials:
  • $3 Austin Beerworks Cans
  • $4 Pints of Firemans No. 4
  • $5 Glasses of Bodegas Fuentespina Rose
*our full selection of wine and beer will also be available for purchase at regular price


Mulberry
360 Nueces Street 
Austin, TX 78701

Monday, November 11, 2013

New Cooks in the Kitchen at Josephine House - Austin, Texas

New Cooks in the Kitchen at Josephine House 


Chef Jen Jackson has left the Josephine house and the chic Clarksville eatery's kitchen has been taken over by a collection of the talented cooks at Jeffrey's.

At this popular spot in Clarksville, chef Rebecca Meeker, restaurateur-chef Larry McGuire, and pastry chef Alexandra Manley work with Libbey Goldberg, the new forager for both venues, to produce delicious simple cooking & baking based on the availability of the best local and national products. Goldberg, formerly of Berkeley's Chez Panisse & Oakland's Camino, sources from both local producers and the best small farms, mills and ranches around the country, for the culinary team to incorporate into the daily lunch, brunch and snack menus.

These eclectic menus feature everything from an Alsatian tart (potato, lardoons, rosemary, and Parmesan with a green salad) and a faro and porcini mushroom salad (arugula, gouda, marjoram, and balsamic) to carefully procured charcuterie and cheeses on the beautiful veined marble counter, which also features brunch pastries, wood oven baked breads, and desserts created by Manley.  The cottage's tiny kitchen turns out a wilted kale salad with Texas pears, chèvre, and pecans tossed with sherry vinaigrette; sweet potato beignets with Serrano and honey glaze; a manchego grilled cheese with red onion jam, blistered shishitos on toasted sourdough; curried Gulf red snapper with charred eggplant and okra, couscous, and pickled raisin; and a Josephine House burger with cheddar, tomato aioli, and roasted onions on a house-baked bun.

On Monday nights the small house hosts a raucous steak night featuring a classic steak frites menu, vinyl records and free flowing carafes of wine. Lunch: Mon- Friday 11-3pm., Brunch: Sat-Sunday 11-3pm., Snacks, Desserts, Coffee & Bar: Daily 3pm-Late. Happy Hour Mon-Friday 4:30-6:30.

McGuire and business partner Thomas Moorman are the driving force of McGuire Moorman Hospitality, the group behind Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, Elizabeth Street Café, Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon, and Clark’s Oyster Bar.

For more information on Josephine House, visit josephineofaustin.com or call 512.477.5584.

Cozy Up at Bess Bistro for Fall Offerings and F1 Toast - Austin, Texas

Cozy Up at Bess Bistro for Fall Offerings and F1 Toast


Bess Bistro, one of Austin’s beloved neighborhood spots along West Sixth Street, is getting cozier for the cool months ahead, with new libations, seasonally inspired menu offerings and a Formula One celebratory cocktail.

Patrons can cozy up to the über-sexy, custom-made pewter bar from France and sip on new cocktails such as the Bess Toddy (Knob Creek Whiskey, fresh lemon and orange peels, hot water, raw simple syrup, and a cinnamon stick; $9), the Walton (Ketel One Citroen Vodka, hibiscus liqueur, lemon juice, and an edible flower; $8), Atwood’s Vice (Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, Benedictine, Campari, and an orange twist; $9), and the Constable (Jameson Whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, Calvados apple brandy, lemon juice, and fresh thyme; $13) along with local favorites like the Champagne Cocktail and the Moscow Mule. Stop by this week, Thursday through Sunday, for a Formula One special cocktail, the "McLaren" (chilled Ciroc Vodka, Blood Orange, topped off with G.H.Mumm).

New menu items to try at the bar range from appetizers such as Fried Green Tomatoes (topped with crab-and-caper salad, arugula, preserved Meyer lemon aïoli, and crispy prosciutto; $13) and Endive and Watercress Salad (with thyme-roasted candied beets, horseradish vinaigrette, and Dijon dressed in Roquefort; $9) to entrées such as Pan-Seared Creekstone Filet (served over toasted challah bread with spicy kale chips, port gelée and a blood orange syrup; $19) and Roasted Quail (oven-roasted Lockhart quail served over organic quinoa and wild rice pilaf with cumin and cayenne-scented rainbow carrots, preserved quince, and a white port reduction; $24).

Bess is a seamless mix of French bistro and Louisianan flair, from the innovative offerings to the playful speakeasy feel. Inside this historic spot, which was originally completed in 1918 and boasts brick columns and arches, new Simon Pearce hand-blown glass chandeliers add a touch of luxe. The rooftop patio bar—the area’s most intimate—now boasts lush landscaping and a private bar upstairs that is also available for private parties.

Special drink and dinner offerings include Monday all-night happy hour in the bar, bistro, and terrace; Tuesday $20 bottle wine night; and Wednesday Date Night featuring a $49 three-course meal for two. Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the bar, bistro, and terrace areas only with half off all specialty cocktails and appetizers as well as $4 well liquors.

Bess, which turns seven this year, is one of the city’s most inviting spaces in the heart of West Sixth Street.

Bess Bistro is located at 500 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78701. For more information and hours, call 512- 477-2377 or go to bessbistro.com.  

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Finn & Porter Open For Thanksgiving Dinner - Austin, Texas

Finn & Porter Preparing a Traditional Three-Course
 Thanksgiving Dinner With Flair
----------------------------------------------
Enjoy a stress-free holiday dinner with a touch of class and side of Nutella Bread Pudding


Finn & Porter, located in the Hilton at 500 East 4th Street between Red River and Neches Streets, has planned a special Thanksgiving menu for those looking to enjoy a hassle-free holiday on Thursday, November 28th. In lieu of dealing with grocery store crowds and slaving over a hot stove, guests can relax and enjoy the company of friends and family while indulging in a traditional, stylish spread at Finn& Porter.

Chef Peter Maffei’s three-course menu will be available from noon to 8pm (bar opens at 2pm) - $45 for adults and $20 for kids. The first course will feature an option of Butternut Squash Soup or a Texas Winter Green Salad with cranberries, goat cheese, and pistachios, served with a smoked pecan vinaigrette.  The Thanksgiving Plate - the main course - will feature all of the traditional favorites with a Finn & Porter twist -- slow roasted turkey, green bean casserole, sausage-apple stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes and cranberry relish.  Of course, guests must save room for desert with an option of a Bourbon Pumpkin Pecan Pie or Nutella Bread Pudding served with a house-made brown butter ice cream and hazelnut ganache. Definitely not your grandmother’s bread pudding!  Wine pairings for each course are available upon request.

For more information and reservations, visit http://www.finnandporter.com/austin or call 512-493-4900.

"Let's Get Trashed" Sat, Nov 9 with Kung Fu Saloon: Town Lake Clean Up - Austin, Texas

“Let’s Get Trashed”!
Kung Fu Saloon to Host Town Lake Clean Up


The proprietors of Austin’s premiere vintage arcade and martial arts-inspired watering hole, Kung Fu Saloon, are hosting Let’s Get Trashed, a one-time Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Clean Up event benefitting Town Lake Trail. After the havoc wreaked by recent rains, Kung Fu invites lovers of the lake to join them on Saturday, November 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., to get ‘trashed’ and serve up a stout glass of tender loving care by SUP’ing to clean the beloved downtown oasis.

The event will kick off at the shores of the Capitol Cruises Dock located at 208 Barton Springs Road (just east of Auditorium Shores) at 1:00 p.m. ‘Trashed’ participants will SUP the debris away from the waters and shores of Town Lake on complimentary paddle boards provided by Austin Paddle Sports. Kung Fu Pro SUP rider Chris Tietz will provide demos. The SUP segment of the event will last until 3:00 p.m. when the party heads to  Kung Fu Saloon for a sponsored after party until 5:00 p.m., complete with a free beer and skeeball for all trashed participants.

Kung Fu Saloon is located at 501 Rio Grande in Austin, Texas. With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Kung Fu has a theme that’s part vintage arcade, part sports bar and part late-night dance party. Kung Fu features a full bar with 24 beers on tap, a specialty sake bomb menu, an arcade with 14 vintage games, Foosball, Skee Ball, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four and board games galore. For more information about Kung Fu Saloon and the Let’s Get Trashed event visit Kung Fu on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kungfusaloon and on Twitter at @KungFuSaloon, call (512) 469-0901 or visit www.kungfusaloon.com.