Parkside Hosts Talented Chefs During Summer Social Series

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.

The lineup includes Chef Brandon Silva (Wooster’s Garden, Heights Bier Garten in Houston, Texas), Danielle and Wayne Van Steen (Crossroads in Austin, Texas), and Lyle Bento (Southern Goods in Houston, Texas).

“We want guests to be able to socialize with friends in a fun, lively environment while enjoying creative food and drinks,” said Lemley. “I’m thrilled to welcome and work alongside three very skilled chefs this summer.”

First Dinner of the Series With Chef Brandon Silva

Parkside kicked off its Summer Social Series on June 25, 2017, with Chef Brandon Silva. Silva is known for pop-up dinners and was a natural fit for the series. A native Houstonian, Silva received a Culinary degree from the Art Institute of Houston, worked in many local restaurants, and spent two months in Copenhagen working with top international chefs.

At the Parkside event, Silva presented a three-course menu of kanpachi with smoked trout roe, Brussels sprouts with sumac yogurt, and black soft shell crab.

Executive Chef Nathan Lemley’s menu for the evening included inventive dishes like fried chicken skin, feet, and comb, crispy squash blossom filled with corn pudding, and bratwurst served with fennel sauerkraut.

At these events, courses from both chefs are served at the same time, so you have an opportunity to compare their creative approach and skill, side by side.

Summer Social Series Cocktail Menu

Each of the three courses is paired with a specialty cocktail created by the event bartender and Parkside’s assistant general manager, Krista Church, who is also a certified sommelier. The duo considers the flavor profiles and thematic elements of the dishes prepared by both chefs, and creates cocktails that fit the menu perfectly.

The Summer Social Series takes place on the second floor patio at Parkside, which has a gorgeous view of the bustling Sixth Street below. One can’t think of a location more suitable for gathering with friends, and enjoying food and drinks on a warm summer night.

Two More Summer Social Events in the Series

Every Summer Social Series event includes three courses from Executive Chef Lemley, three courses from a guest chef, and three specialty cocktails.

The next event will take place on Sunday, July 16, and will feature power couple Danielle and Wayne Van Steen. The duo has worked in Los Angeles at both Scratch Bar and Kitchen, and Church and State, and has relocated to Austin to launch Crossroads on Barton Springs.

The last dinner in the series is planned for August 20 with Chef Lyle Bento of Southern Goods in Houston. Bento will showcase his modern interpretation of traditional southern cuisine.

Tickets to Parkside’s Summer Social Series are priced at $35:

• Chefs Danielle and Wayne Van Steen on July 16
• Chef Lyle Bento on August 20

Parkside is located at 301 E. 6th St.

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

What’s your favorite thing to do on warm summer days in Austin?

 

Disclosure: My meal was comped for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.