Vi Chetan - The Austinot

The Original Hoffbrau: Bootlegging, Steak-slinging Austin Essential

February 7, 2018 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse Vintage Bar

The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse’s vintage bar (Credit: Hoffbrau)

Yes, you read the title correctly. I am indeed talking about bootlegging during the Prohibition. The Original Hoffbrau opened its doors in 1932, a year before Prohibition came to an end. Brothers Robert “Coleman” and Tom Hamby put in $125 each to buy the property now located in one of the most coveted parts of town: West Sixth Street. Now in its 83rd year with the fourth generation of family ownership, The Original Hoffbrau has become an iconic Austin steakhouse.

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Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden Unites Drinks, Music, and Permaculture

January 24, 2018 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Patrick Dean and Paul Oveisi Founders Cosmic Coffee

Patrick Dean and Paul Oveisi, founders of Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden (Credit: Julia Keim)

Coffee and beer have to be the top two beverages Austin survives on. It’s easy to find either–and often both–at cafes and breweries all over the city. The newest member of the coffee-beer-hybrid is Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden off South Congress near Ben White.

Cosmic isn’t an ordinary coffee shop or beer garden, but the culmination of co-founder Paul Oveisi’s passions: live entertainment, sustainability, beer, coffee, and food. I had a chance to sit down with the entrepreneur for a chat about the interesting history behind Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden. This fascinating story is full of surprises. [Read more…]

Second Bar + Kitchen Flourishes Downtown, Adapting to Changing City

January 9, 2018 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

Second Bar + Kitchen in downtown Austin (Credit: Bread & Butter PR)

Second Bar + Kitchen landed in downtown Austin in 2010. From pizza to burgers, weekend brunch to happy hour, Second’s repertoire is extensive. The restaurant now has three locations, including a satellite at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, so you have plenty of chances to pay a visit. [Read more…]

Rethink Holiday Gifting With Shop Zero Waste Program in Austin

December 8, 2017 by Vi Chetan Leave a Comment

The people of Austin love supporting the local community and culture with gusto! It’s a trait many of us hold near to our hearts, and try to abide by every day. Love for local artists and makers is evident all year round, at markets and pop-ups. Let’s continue to show support this holiday season by being part of The City of Austin’s Shop Zero Waste program. [Read more…]

Shop Local This Year With The Austinot Gift Guide 2017

November 24, 2017 by Vi Chetan 1 Comment

Once Thanksgiving turkey and the last bit of pumpkin pie have been eaten, it’s time to put your shopping prowess to work and get cracking on presents! Here at The Austinot, we work hard to put together a local gift guide like none other, with an emphasis on local businesses you may not visit often. Have a foodie in your life? We have that covered. How about furry family members? We’ve got something for them, too!

So let’s get to it, shall we? [Read more…]

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

Editor’s Note: As of October 2018, Ghost Hill has closed, but Treaty Oak has opened a new restaurant concept named Alice’s Restaurant.

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 1 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 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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