Made-from-scratch, authentic gelato is coming to South Austin this week. Owners Marco, Francesca and Leo were born in Italy, and they remember going to the gelato shop as children. “It was the best part of the day,” Marco recalls nostalgically.

All three had successful jobs and first-class educations when they decided to pursue the frozen treat that reminded them of home. A management consultant in New York City, Marco realized “he didn’t like what he was doing anymore.” When he told his sister Francesca, who was working on a Ph.D in Finance, she was in the same boat. “I wasn’t happy either.” [Read more…]

It’s a crisp early Autumn evening as you stroll through the neighborhood in no particular hurry, but eager to enjoy a good meal. You walk in and are instantly enveloped by a delicious aroma you recognize, yet can’t quite place. But it feels familiar. The place almost feels like home, but as you make your way through the entrance, you see strangers sitting in the dining room: laughing, eating, enjoying a glass of wine. “Welcome to Lenoir, thanks for joining us for dinner,” the hostess remarks with a smile as she leads you to your table.

Lenoir is a prix fixe restaurant nestled in the heart of the Bouldin Creek neighborhood on South 1st. Husband and wife owners Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher have managed to convert a small cottage just south of downtown into an establishment that fosters one of Austin’s most unique and delectable dining experiences. To put it simply, I had one of the best [Read more…]