Yulia Dyukova - The Austinot

Austin’s Top Chefs: Reyna Vasquez of Veracruz All Natural

November 28, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Reyna Vasquez inside her Austin food truck, Veracruz All Natural

If we call Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue the king of Austin’s barbecue world, then can we all agree Reyna Vasquez of Veracruz All Natural is the queen of Austin’s taco world? Her name means queen, after all.

Veracruz All Natural has grown to four locations and an half-hour waiting line at the original trailer, and its migas taco is on Food Network’s list of the five best breakfast tacos in the country. The first trailer nearly a decade ago, which makes it easy to think the fame, devoted following, and lines have always been there.

In reality, Vasquez’ path to the top has been as challenging as it could possibly be for an undocumented immigrant with no money to spare, striving to bring the food of her native town of Veracruz, Mexico, to the saturated Austin market. [Read more…]

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest Brings the Best Meat With (Almost) No Lines

November 8, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova 1 Comment

Juicy brisket from Micklethwait Craft Meats at Texas Monthly BBQ Fest 2017

Getting out of my Uber in front of the Long Center last Sunday and seeing the crowds gathering to eat some of the best barbecue in Texas gave me a slight feeling of overwhelm. The 8th annual Texas Monthly BBQ Fest was the biggest one yet, with over 4,000 meat lovers in attendance.

Thirty BBQ joints from around the state–all featured in Texas Monthly’s latest list of the top 50 BBQ joints in Texas–were offering samples of their meat. The prospect of having all-you-can-eat brisket, ribs, and sausage from the best pitmasters was both exciting and intimidating. Especially when I realized I only had four hours to try them all! [Read more…]

Big Top Candy Shop Thrives on South Congress After 10 Years

November 6, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue

When I was six years old, my dream was to work in a candy store. I’m pretty sure it’s a dream shared by many kids around the world. My plan ended right after my dad explained to naïve little me that even those who work in a candy store have to pay for the candy. What’s the point, then? Shortly after this frustrating discovery, I switched to dreams of becoming a Hollywood actress.

But even several decades later, I can’t help but envy those lucky, lucky people who get to be surrounded by colorful candy wrappers, listen to the sound of soda hitting glass, and inhale aromas of chocolate and freshly-baked cookies all day long.

Brandon Hodge, owner of Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue, is probably every kid’s role model, and every adult’s reminder of unrealized dreams. For the past decade, this man has been uncovering the most unique candies all over the country and the world, and transporting them to Austin. [Read more…]

10 Instagram Accounts Every Austinite Should Follow

October 17, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova 23 Comments

I’m reluctant to admit how many hours I spent on Instagram to prepare this article. But I’ll tell you this: for once in my life, no one can accuse me of procrastinating. No, I wasn’t mindlessly scrolling through pictures on my phone; I was doing research!

As you check out these awesome, Austin-based Instagrammers, no one should dare accuse you of procrastinating, either. Just say you’re supporting local artists. [Read more…]

11 Best Picnic Spots in Austin

September 26, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

For me, summer was always the time to be out and about…until I moved to Texas. I don’t know about you guys, but when temperatures hit the high 90’s, I want to hide in the comfort of my air conditioned apartment and never leave. But with fall finally here and the air cooling down, I couldn’t be more excited about spending time outside, walking the streets of the city, and–my favorite–planning picnics! Thankfully, Austin has quite a few spots that are perfect for dining outdoors. In my experience, these are the 11 best picnic spots in Austin. [Read more…]

Russian House Through the Eyes of a Russian Transplant in Austin

September 19, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

I distinctly remember the first time I stumbled across Russian House. Still new to Austin, I was walking around downtown when I spotted the familiar khokhloma pattern on the side of a building. Above the name Russian House on the outside side, smaller letters read, “Na Zdorovye.” “Noooo,” I thought to myself, “No, no, no, no, noooo…Et tu, Brute?”

I was surprised to find a Russian restaurant in downtown Austin, but even more surprised to find a Russian restaurant using the term Na Zdorovye. You see, “na zdorovye” is what foreigners believe Russians say as “cheers.” But no native Russian has ever said that while drinking.

The misconception probably finds its roots in the fact that “na zdorovye” is indeed used in some eastern European countries. But if you want to drink like a real Russian, learning one phrase and saying it over and over is not enough, my friends. Here’s what you need to do. [Read more…]

Austin’s Top Chefs: Stephen Bonin of Geraldine’s

September 12, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

The hook on the restaurant website says, “Begin with an elevator ride to the fourth floor—that’s when the Geraldine’s buzz starts to kick in.” As I walk into Hotel Van Zandt off Rainey Street and those elevator doors close behind me, I do indeed start feeling the vibe. The vibe of fancy life.

When the elevator doors open, I find myself in a dimly lit space that makes me forget it’s lunch time and I am here for an interview. I wish I could sit at the bar and say something like, “Pour me some whiskey, sugar” to the bartender. Not that I like whiskey or have ever said anything so glamorous in my life.

The Geraldine’s menu includes items that may sound intimidating: corn yaki cake with tonkatsu sauce and bonito salad; bourbon glazed cauliflower with pistachio gremolata; and Akaushi steak frites.

So it’s surprising to meet Stephen Bonin, the man behind these creations, and realize he’s one of the most down-to-earth, humble chefs I’ve ever [Read more…]

One of the Best Bars in the U.S.A. Is Located on Rainey Street in Austin

August 17, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Half Step Bar on Rainey Street in Austin

Half Step on Rainey Street (Credit: Claire McCormack Photography)

If there’s one thing that unites Austinites, both natives and transplants, it’s the certainty that we live in the best city in the country. The grass is the greenest; the sky is the bluest; and the tacos are the tastiest. Although we don’t need any more proof, it’s nice to get an official confirmation every once in a while. Especially from a national publication like Esquire, which recently named Austin’s own Half Step one of the 24 best bars in the U.S.A. in 2017. [Read more…]

Before Austin Was a Foodie City, Chez Nous Served True French Food

July 24, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Sixth Street, with its never-ending chain of bars, live music pounding from open windows, and bright neon signs, is a restaurant that is quiet, cozy and feels like home. Our home. For that’s exactly what Chez Nous, the name of this French bistro off Sixth Street, translates to: “our home”, or “our place.”

How can such a cozy family restaurant operate in the Dirty Sixth district? Let’s rewind back to the late 70’s when three friends, Sybil Reinhart-Regimbeau, Robert Paprota, and Pascal Regimbeau, arrived in the capital of Texas from Paris, with hopes of introducing unsuspecting Austinites to the cuisine of their homeland. [Read more…]

Parkside Hosts Talented Chefs During Summer Social Series

July 10, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

Parkside’s second floor patio overlooks historic 6th Street

Parkside on Sixth Street has been a significant influence in the developing culinary landscape of Austin. The restaurant opened back in 2008 as one of the first to bring the farm-to-table concept to our city.

Summer Social Series Spotlights Talented Chefs

Parkside’s newest event, Summer Social Series, is designed to introduce Austinites to creative, upscale bar food prepared by some of the most talented chefs in the country. Three summer 2017 events feature three guest chefs who will work alongside Parkside’s own executive chef, Nathan Lemley. [Read more…]