Vi Chetan - The Austinot

The Carillon Models Uncomplicated Fine Dining on UT Campus

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Vi Chetan

The Carillon dining room faces the exhibition-style kitchen, so you can witness all of the action

It’s rare to describe a fine dining restaurant as “uncomplicated,” but The Carillon achieves this feat with ease. The restaurant is located on The University of Texas at Austin campus in the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, where standards are high.

So what makes The Carillon so special? For a fine dining restaurant, it’s surprisingly fitting for any occasion, such as Sunday brunch, quick lunch, or date night. You name it, and The Carillon is ready for the occasion.

[Read more…]

8 Happy Hour Burgers to Order at Austin’s Local Restaurants

Posted on July 5, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Happy hour burger and malt vinegar fries at Hillside Farmacy

Hungry Austinites know burgers are omnipresent. So what better time to get a taste of it all than during happy hour? Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or whatever your diet may be, you’re in for a treat! We did our research and put together a list of 8 local Austin restaurants that feature unforgettable happy hour burgers. [Read more…]

Take Two Steps Back in Time at The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Outside The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall in Coupland, Texas, north of Elgin

Dance halls hold a special places in Texan hearts. For much longer than I’ve been around, they’ve been places for the community to gather, share a dance, and be part of a bigger family. Many historical dance halls dot our state, and one such gem is The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall, east of Round Rock and about 40 minutes from downtown Austin.

The tiny town of Coupland became a center for live music and barbecue decades ago, drawing crowds almost as big as the population of the town itself. What is it about this quaint establishment that makes it so special? That’s exactly what I sought to find out by spending a day and night at the inn.

[Read more…]

Empowered Coffee Designs Meaningful Opportunities for Employees

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Vi Chetan

A friendly smile, as sported by William here, is served with each cup from Empowered Coffee (Credit: Josh Baker)

Editor’s Note: Empowered Coffee shuttered in January 2019 due to a rent hike.

What comes to mind when you think of coffee shops in Austin? Maybe an industrial interior, memorable coffee, latte art, or the barista–that bearded, tattooed, man-bun sporting espresso master. At Empowered Coffee, you will find all of these, except the barista you first envisioned.

This unpretentious coffee shop has one goal: serve a great cup of coffee. No long lines, complicated drinks, or pseudo-intellectual conversations. Empowered Coffee employs adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs). The mission is to empower IDD adults by providing meaningful employment and growth opportunities. [Read more…]

Hopdoddy Reveals New Menu Items Including First Breakfast Burger Ever

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Hopdoddy burgers and cocktails (Credit: Hopdoddy)

Carnivores, pescatarians, and vegetarians have all given their stamp of approval to Hopdoddy. Not only does this Austin staple serve a killer burger, but the milkshakes and cocktails are outstanding, as well. And this just in: Hopdoddy is cooking up new plates for 2018. The just-released menu features several new shakes and a “shareables” section with diverse fry flavors.

I had a chance to try the new items out (and loved everything). I would say, “read on to learn more,” but I’m mostly going to let the photos do the talking here.

[Read more…]

5 A-May-zing Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Start your Cinco de Mayo first thing at Chuy’s (Credit: Chuy’s)

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, y’all! Celebrating Mexico’s surprise victory over the French has been a tradition for almost two centuries. And it’s a tradition full of great music, food, and cocktails.

Every year, Austin organizations and restaurants put together some spectacular events for all to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of where to go for Cinco de Mayo in Austin this year.

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Preservation Austin Has Been Saving the Good Stuff for 65 Years

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Our first love, Austin (Credit: Stuart Seeger via Flickr CC)

Our city is full of culture, thriving communities, and rich history. The stuff that makes Austin “weird.” Can you imagine The Continental Club in shiny, new digs? No, right? Its location and character are what make it special. While Austin continues to grow at break-neck speed, Preservation Austin strives to keep places like The Continental Club alive and thriving. This important organization has been “saving the good stuff” for 65 years now!

[Read more…]

Women-led Filigree Theatre Honors Past, Present, Future Through Productions

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Delicate Ship Set by Filigree Theatre Austin

Set of “A Delicate Ship” by Anna Ziegler (Credit: Nicolette Mallow)

When Elizabeth V. Newman and Stephanie Moore met, neither one anticipated founding a theatre company together. But all the hard work paid off and Austin-based Filigree Theater came to be. With Newman as Artistic Director and Moore as Managing Director, the women-led artistic group has produced several critically-acclaimed shows. Newman and Moore have worked diligently to shine light on Austin’s visual and performing arts that go beyond the music our city is known for. [Read more…]

Aiko Lyne Helms Emmer & Rye Dessert Team at 20 Years Old

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Aiko Lyne, Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye

A high schooler who knows exactly what she wants to be professionally is a rare find. I remember my high school days. I was only concerned with making a C in all my classes, in the hopes of getting out of my parents’ home soon. If someone asked what I wanted to be, I didn’t have much to say.

But I recently met an extraordinary 20-year-old here in Austin. Her name is Aiko Lyne, and she’s Head Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye. On her day off, the two of us sat down for a chat at the restaurant. When I asked what she was doing there, she told me her definition of a day off is to help in the kitchen and plan for the next service.

This response gives you an idea of how much Lyne loves what she does, and how much she enjoys being at Emmer & Rye. [Read more…]

Mia Italian Tapas & Bar Fuses Italian and Spanish Cuisine in North Austin

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Vi Chetan

Mia Italian’s outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying summer nights with a cocktail and tapas
(Credit: Mia Italian Tapas & Bar)

Every day is a good day to be a foodie in Austin. People from all over the world bring flair to the food they serve. Dee Dee brings Thai street food straight from Thailand. Kemuri Tatsu-ya and Chi’Lantro blend Asian roots with Texas barbecue to yield mind-blowing dishes.

And hidden in Rock Rose at Domain Northside, Mia Italian Tapas & Bar brings its own little twist to the Austin food scene: a marriage of Italian and Spanish cuisine.

[Read more…]

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