Judy Rae Merhar - The Austinot

Great Granddaughter Shows New Side of Melville in Theatre Production

May 19, 2016 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Poor Herman Play at The Off Center in Austin

“Poor Herman” is playing at The Off Center through May 28, 2016

Playwright Elizabeth Doss is comfortable in her petite frame and porcelain skin. She doesn’t hide behind caked-on cosmetics, jewels that sparkle or threads that scream “look at me.” The day we met over coffee, her solid cable-knit gray dress accentuated smoky blue eyes framed by shoulder-length blond locks and bangs, held back by a tiny green barrette.

As she began to speak about her upcoming play “Poor Herman,” her eyes began to shift quickly as one thought moved to the next, her hands expressively cutting through the air. It was obvious by her animation that this play is special–and close to her heart. [Read more…]

Nutritional Wisdom: My Path to Health Enlightenment

March 29, 2016 by Judy Rae Merhar 2 Comments

The team at Nutritional Wisdom: Jackie Gramlich, Carly Pollack and Lauren Deaton

I was determined things were going to change. Six weeks ago, I walked through the doorway of a little blue cottage on the east side of Austin. A wooden sign spelled out in two words what I was in desperate search of: Nutritional Wisdom.

My family history health report card does not warrant gold star stickers or words of kudos. Heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes course through our veins. These unwanted, persistent medical terms run rampant through our medical history, wreaking havoc and leaving chaos in their wake. [Read more…]

ArtisTree Creates Custom Treehouses for Young at Heart

March 2, 2016 by Judy Rae Merhar 5 Comments

The Nest Treehouse, created by ArtisTree (Credit: Shannon Vandivier)

“What do you dream of being when you grow up?” Do you remember your answer? Astronaut, pilot, super hero, author, dancer, veterinarian, musician or maybe a ship captain?

One man in Austin stayed true to his word. His head and heart are comfortable in the clouds, literally. His childhood dream led him into a successful career that allows him to sweep people off their feet, and into the air. Will Beilharz builds treehouses. [Read more…]

Austin Nutritionist Solves Health Dilemmas, One Case at a Time

February 17, 2016 by Judy Rae Merhar 2 Comments

The team at Nutritional Wisdom, L-R: Jackie Gramlich, Carly Pollack and Lauren Deaton

If you’re a fan of Nancy Drew or Hercule Poirot, you’re going to love Carly Pollack and Lauren Deaton. Both are in hot pursuit on a case of utmost importance, your health.

The stories from those who choose to walk through the quaint blue cottage of Nutritional Wisdom are as eclectic as the blue bowling ball and pumpkin sitting out front. Some individuals seek guidance to alter weight, improve skin, correct hormonal imbalance, re-align digestive tracts, lower cholesterol, improve mental clarity or simply improve overall health. I was there out of sheer frustration. [Read more…]

The Rocketboys’ Front Man Expands With Solo Project: The Wealthy West

February 3, 2016 by Judy Rae Merhar 1 Comment

His attire is simple and uncomplicated. Stormy blue eyes rest behind tortoise-rimmed spectacles. Disheveled strands of hair manage to find refuge under a black skull cap, tilting down toward scuffed brown loafers. A denim shirt attempts to hide under a frayed gray cardigan. His stride is heavy, but intentional.

You may be tempted to give him the once over and move on, but don’t. Brandon Kinder is no wallflower. Like many of us trudging through the day, he’ll be the first to tell you that he’s just trying to get by. [Read more…]

Pulp and Fiction Mingle at Paper Place

January 19, 2016 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Paper Place in Austin’s Central Park on N. Lamar

“The word that is heard perishes, but the letter that is written remains.” -Anonymous

It’s the time of year when chocolate and roses replace eggnog and pine needles. Grade-schoolers are giving empty shoe boxes second life, sprucing them up with glitter, stickers and cutout hearts. This cardboard box becomes a whimsical vessel carrying notes more precious than any pair of patent leather Mary Janes.

Handwritten notes and letters have become rare objects in the 21st century. But old and young, regardless of race or nationality, enjoy being on the receiving end of a letter. Thankfully, Austin is home to Paper Place, a local institution since 1979. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of pulp to satisfy those who appreciate the art of letters. [Read more…]

Dawn and Hawkes Capture Intimacy Through Music

January 6, 2016 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Miranda Dawn and Chris Hawkes of Dawn and Hawkes (Credit: Dawn and Hawkes)

“In a field of clovers, Miranda found one among millions with four leaves.” -Chris Hawkes

The lights are dim, but the stage glows. It’s a simple set: two individuals with acoustic guitars, not an uncommon sight in Austin, but the chemistry that sparks sets them apart.

Miranda Dawn and Chris Hawkes laugh, joke and tease each other with ease–putting on a fine show along the way. Throughout the concert, they share their creative process with the audience, providing backstory for tunes and lyrics.

Inspiration seems drawn from everywhere: sunsets, literature, creepy vans and possessive ex-girlfriends. Most of the set is composed of their originals, with a Springsteen cover thrown in for good measure. [Read more…]

Leander’s Farm To Fork Highlights Local Ingredients

December 23, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Farm To Fork in Leander, TX

It’s past time to share this culinary treasure, unassumingly nestled between a gun store and mattress outlet. As you enter Farm To Fork, you’ll quickly forget you’re in the confines of a strip mall.

Owner and Chef Shelley Pogue

A colorful tattoo of flames travels up the left arm of Farm to Fork’s owner and chef, Shelley Pogue. The fire stretches toward her left elbow, where colors dissipate and rays of the sun take shape. Short auburn hair frames intense blue eyes. Her posture exudes confidence and strength, softened only by a southern accent, a reflection of her past.

Those blue eyes turn into pools of water as Pogue recollects her biggest culinary influence, the grandmother she affectionately called Mawmaw. In 2004, Mawmaw passed away and bequeathed her home to her granddaughter. The following year, in pursuit of her dream, Pogue made the difficult decision to sell [Read more…]

Chez Zee American Bistro Adds Sparkle, Frosting and Frills to Austin

December 9, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Fried Chicken Belgian Waffle at Chez Zee in Austin

Fried Chicken and Belgian Waffle at Chez Zee American Bistro (Credit: Madison Pilkington)

Many in search of sparkle peer over jewelry and makeup counters. But there is an enchanting place in Austin offering more fulfillment than shiny objects sold in department stores. Like the crimson baby grand piano tucked in the corner, it’s one-of-a-kind. Welcome to Chez Zee American Bistro. [Read more…]

Coterie Market Curates Artisan Products So Austinites Can Shop Local

November 25, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Chelsea Staires Sun, owner of Coterie Market (Credit: Laura Morsman Photography)

Editor’s Note: Coterie Market closed product sales in January 2016.

Coterie Market owner, Chelsea Staires Sun, embodies the girl next door. A sprinkling of freckles dances across her nose, and her alert blue eyes and relaxed ease make her genuine and approachable.

She’s a wife, mother and small town southern girl. She’s also been successful in corporate and creative America, a highlight includes interning on the documentary film Fast Food Nation, directed by Austin’s own Richard Linklater. Her positions were rewarding and intense. But they deprived her of a luxury many yearn for but struggle to grasp: time.

Shop Local

Coterie Market stemmed from her desire to discover the mom and pop businesses that make Austin unique. Her mission is simple: to expose Austin’s creative artisans to consumers who want to support local vendors. [Read more…]