Vi Chetan - 2/2 - The Austinot

Have You Done Brunch at These 6 Local Restaurants in Austin?

November 13, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Fried chicken sandwich at Native

Brunch is a way of life. There’s an art to finding the perfect place, with the perfect vibe, that serves that egg just the way you like it. Austin originals Magnolia Cafe, Kerbey Lane, and Juan in a Million have fan followings that could put a celebrity to shame. The oldies are goldies, and nobody doubts that. But consider having a go at some of the newer restaurants Austin has to offer. I did the research for you, and suggest these six local spots to satisfy your brunch cravings.

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Plan a Full Day at Treaty Oak Ranch With Addition of Ghost Hill Restaurant

October 19, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Tasting the Experimental Collection Treaty Oak

Tasting the Experimental Collection at Treaty Oak

Treaty Oak Ranch opened in 2015 with a focus on creating the best locally-distilled whiskey our area had ever experienced. The Dripping Springs establishment spans 27 acres and takes pride in creating small batch, craft spirits from the best ingredients. As a happy side effect, the distillery brews beer with malts and ingredients from whiskey-making. The Fitzhugh Ale gets its name from Treaty Oak’s location on Fitzhugh Road, and serves as the perfect mid-afternoon glassful of fresh.

As if you needed another reason to visit, Treaty Oak has a new eatery called Ghost Hill Restaurant. It serves up snacks, BBQ, and a full selection of the distillery’s spirits and beers. With a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, the 3,500-square-foot space boasts a minimal interior full of warm woods and a fully-stocked bar. The Texas-inspired food lives in the casual, friendly home it deserves. [Read more…]

Old Thousand Releases Dope Chinese Menu for Lunch

October 3, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Dope lunch spread at Old Thousand

It’s been almost a year since Old Thousand opened its doors on 1000 E. 11th St. The eatery has delivered on its promise of eclectic, modern interpretations of Chinese food, with innovative dishes that are an adventure for the palate. Its tagline is simple: Dope Chinese. Not “authentic,” not “traditional,” but “dope” Chinese food.

And the food is dope, indeed. No Panda Express orange chicken here. Each dish carries Old Thousand’s creative touch. The food also hints at the restaurant’s Texas origin by including brisket and other smoked meats.

A weekend brunch service followed the runaway success of dinner. And now, Old Thousand has expanded again by introducing lunch service. [Read more…]

Batch Brings Kolaches and Over 400 Beers to Manor Road

September 25, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Fresh-baked kolaches at Batch on Manor Road

Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches opened its doors in early August 2017, filling the Manor neighborhood with the delicious smell of fresh-baked kolaches. Many Austinites take kolaches as seriously as breakfast tacos. The soft, puffy, sweet dough comes stuffed with a variety of fillings, ranging from fruit to meat. Though many argue the savory-filled ones should be called “klobasniky” (Czech for “little sausages”), it’s a mere technicality that falls away at the first bite. [Read more…]

Burnet Road Eats Puts Spotlight on North Austin Foodie District

September 21, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Inside The Peached Tortilla on Burnet

Burnet Road Eats is a dinner series that highlights local dining spots on Burnet Road. On the first Wednesday of the month, each participating restaurant offers a food and drink combination for $10. Burnet Road has been catching up with SoCo and Lamar. The north Austin neighborhood is giving its southern counterparts a run for their money when it comes to dining and entertainment.

Daniela Marcone, owner of Andiamo, is the creator of the Burnet Road Eats series. With 13 years of operating Andiamo in north Austin, the evolution of the dining culture is apparent to Marcone. By creating the event series, she hopes to shine a light on quality local restaurants like The Peached Tortilla, Bonhomie, and Bufalina Due, as well as Andiamo.

Back in Europe, Marcone would go on tapas tasting adventures with friends. By keeping portions small, she hopes Burnet Road Eats participants can do the same. The pairings offered by participating restaurants are true to each location’s style and cuisine.
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Look for Katie and Her Snack Cart at Your Austin Office Building

September 11, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Meet Katie, queen of the cart

Austin is amazing, fun, and special because of its people. Yes, there are a lot of transplants, including me, but y’all made this city too lovable for us to stay away. I officially blame you, the locals, for making me fall in love with this city. Speaking of locals, I recently had a chance to meet a young lady named Katie. I learned about her from my office manager, who had circulated a flyer about her wonderful service, Katie’s Snack Cart. [Read more…]

Swamp Daddy’s Ra-gin Ka-jun, Preserving East Austin’s Soul

August 15, 2017 by Vi Chetan 1 Comment

Bobby Mitchell’s smiling face is easy to spot, just like his bright red food truck, Swamp Daddy’s

East Austin has a rich cultural history. From segregation to assimilation, the area has been a deemed a “City within a City” at times, but continues to retain and add to the distinctly Austin vibe.

The area has come a long way since the 60’s, when it was infamous for crime and low standard of living. Amidst the infamy, a strong sense of community and culture thrived. The remnants are still visible, an integral part of what makes East Austin so special. Those who have persevered through the gentrification continue to preserve what was, and keep East Austin’s culture alive. [Read more…]