T HE
A u s t i n a r t s + c u lt u r e
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J U LY 2 0 1 2
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Contents
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T R IBE Z A
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on the cover: Cazamance owners Iba Thiam and Robin Hunter and their daughters at home in South Austin.
features Love, Loyalty & Labor Where We Hang Our Hats Airport Boulevard Gathering the Tribe
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d e pa rtm e nt s
C o v e r p h o t o g r a p h y b y C o d y Ha m i l t o n
Communit y
Style
Social Hour
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Street Fashion
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Kristin Armstrong
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Style Pick
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Exposed: Alex Gilliam
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Dining
My Austin: Caitlin & Trevor Yates
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Dining Pick
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Our Little Secret
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Arts
Arts & Entertainment Calendar
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Artist Spotlight
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Street Style by Paige Newton; Airport Boulevard by Davis Ayer; mary rodriguez by jay B Sauceda; Hillside Farmacy by Evan Prince; Pemberton Heights Easter Egg Hunt by Paige Newton; Jane Schweppe by Cody Hamilton; Image courtesy of Xochi Solis.
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Anniversary
Editor’s Letter
PUBLISHER George T. Elliman EDITOR + creative director Lauren Smith Ford editorial assistant Lisa Siva Events + Marketing Coordinator Staley Hawkins Senior Account ExeCutives Ashley Beall Andrea Brunner Kimberly Chassay principals George T. Elliman Chuck Sack Vance Sack Michael Torres interns Tyler Neal Paige Turner Raechel Kelley Issue Design by Robin FInlay
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year
Now that we have become parents (Ellie Louise was born on April 29), I have started to look at our neighborhood in a whole new way—as the overprotective mother (Why are those cars going so fast? We need speed bumps on our street.), but mostly it's made me more aware of sights and sounds I missed before. On evening walks through its streets (which, sadly, are sometimes the only outing of the day with a newborn), the sounds of children playing before the sun goes down or a family unloading after a baseball game spark an excitement about our family's future in the 78703.
Amazing illustrator and dear friend Joy Gallagher drew this for our birth announcement celebrating the birth of our daughter Ellie Louise.
Everyone always talks about how Austin is such a small town, but as we discover in this year's Neighborhoods issue, there are many different special communities and worlds within "our small world." From the owners of the Alamo Drafthouse, Tim and Karrie League, finding a family home in the unexpected West Campus 'hood to three takes on living off SoCo, we look inside some our favorite neighborhoods in "Where We Hang Our Hats." Each family or couple also gives us their top 10 list of what to see and do in each area, so we hope it inspires you to explore a new space. Our rising star editorial assistant, Lisa Siva, writes about some of the unique traditions neighborhoods celebrate each year, like the Pemberton Heights Easter Egg Hunt, Zilker's Oxford Avenue Block Party and Crestview's Ice Cream Social in "Gathering the Tribe." As it usually happens, having a child has made me reflect back on where and how I grew up. And I couldn't agree more with our beloved columnist Kristin Armstrong as she says so well in this month's column—"Perhaps a piece of every neighborhood has built the life we live today. The stones of the future are placed on the foundation of the past, so it's always good to remember where we came from."
Lauren Smith Ford lauren@tribeza.com
A us t i n a r t s + c u lt u r e
Columnist
Kristin Armstrong
Illustrator
Joy Gallagher
Writers
Redefining The Renovation Experience Download our free guide to a successful renovation at: WatermarkAndCo.com/Guide 512.426.8503 • WatermarkAndCo.com • contact@watermarkandco.com
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mailing address 706a west 34th street austin, texas 78705 ph (512) 474 4711 fax (512) 474 4715 www.tribeza.com Founded in March 2001, TRIBEZA is Austin's leading locally owned arts and culture magazine.
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Social Hour
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A selection of party pics from happenings in every corner of the city. 3 1
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Gala del Museo Arte y Glamour
The Mexic-Arte Museum hosted an elegant evening of Latino culture and arts at the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom. A celebration of past and present cultural accomplishments, the Gala del Museo recognized notable individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the visual arts and benefited the museum’s exhibition and education programs. 1. Jim Ritts & Lisa Jasper 2. Melodee & Michel Issa 3. Raul & Beatriz Cardenas 4. John Paul & Eloise Dejoria 5. Daniel Miranda & Yael Palma 6. Sylvia Orozco, Rico & Daphny Ainslie 7. Reina Lazo & Arturo Garcia Bustos 8. Marial & Toni Zalattini 9. Lara & Yamal Chamoun 10. Rosa Santis, President Vicente Fox & Georgina De Valdes 11. Delia & Ben Sifuentes. 12. Bill & Venus Strawn
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p h oto g r a p h y by a d d is o n m y r i c k
social hour
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Purple Party
Music aficionados gathered at The Long Center for its annual Purple Party, an Austin-style rock-and-roll spectacular. Guests danced the night away to the music of Elton John, interpreted by the renowned Jeans ‘N Classics and The Austin Symphony Orchestra, followed by a vibrant after-party on the Long Center City Terrace.
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Celebrating Voices in Ink
Badgerdog Literary Publishing honored Philip and Donna Berber with the Literary Light Award at its annual gala, recognizing the Berbers’ support for its writing programs, which serve thousands of Austinites. A celebration of creativity, the evening featured readings by Bret Anthony Johnston and writers from the youth and senior programs.
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Perfectly Pink
The Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure celebrated its inaugural Perfectly Pink Party, benefiting research efforts and breast cancer patients. The evening began with a VIPink cocktail reception and performance by Ruby Jane Smith, followed by dinner, dancing and Pink Diamond Awards in honor of longtime supporters. Purple Party: 1. Gary & Julie Geddes 2. Joe Longton & Teri Deanjelis 3. Zaza & Mark Floreani Badgerdog: 4. Bradley Bechtol & Tobin Levy 5. Jill Meyers & Callie Collins Perfectly Pink: 6. Hope Brusevold & Allyie Carberry 7. Tiffany Laveque & Ryan Vise 8. Nils & Julie Marchand 9. Kyle Fleisher & Kaitlyn Roche 10. Christy Casey-Moore & Julie Sanders 11. Amanda Snyder, Carter Hogan & Rachel Butler.
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p h oto g r a p h y by Mi g u el A n g el & j o h n p e si n a
david haynes e
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1801 S. Mopac #100 Austin, Texas 78746 (512) 844-0940 mobile d.haynes.texas@gmail.com
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social hour
austin
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Cocktails for a Cause
New and longtime supporters of Planned Parenthood showed their solidarity during a sparkling cocktail party at Six Lounge, benefiting the organization’s life-saving health care and education services. Guests shared their inspiring stories and remarks in the Annie Ray Photo Booth as they mingled over delicious hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails.
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TRIBEZA Mother’s Day Shop Hop
Moms and their families strolled the 2nd Street District for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. As they browsed gorgeous wares at Teddies for Bettys, Eliza Page and Girl Next Door, shoppers sipped on champagne and enjoyed cookies from Tiff ’s Treats, in addition to complimentary milk + honey massages and makeovers.
Cocktails for a Cause: 1. Cassie Lamere & Kathryn Ballay 2. Adam Zeplain & Alex Winkelman 3. Rachel Switzer & James Messenger 4. Elizabeth Wilson & Sara Gill 5. Desiré Taylor & Anne Olson 6. Brent Grady & Shelby Alexander Mother’s Day Shop Hop: 7. Stephan Kagen & Demi Dupre 8. Tori Fitzpatrick & Nicole Maddocks 9. Lauren Grasso & Ashley Kelsch 10. Kim Tucker & Melissa Lepore.
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p h oto g r a p h y by j o h n p e si n a
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Gilt Groupe
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Austin Tidbits hosted a fashionable reception with Gilt Groupe founder Alexis Maybank at the W Hotel. Co-author of the bestselling book, By Invitation Only, Maybank shared her story behind the flash sale site that has revolutionized the retail experience. Guests enjoyed poolside sips and a dynamic Q+A with the inspiring entrepreneur.
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Style Masters
Austin Tidbits presented a one-night al fresco shopping soirÊe at Malverde, where guests discovered top-tier designers from around the country. During this unique, private shopping experience, swag bags full of goodies were up for grabs, while guests sipped cocktails and indulged in summer’s latest styles from Blo Blow Dry Bar.
Gilt Groupe: 1. Sarah Wittenbraker, Anne Campbell & Elizabeth Gibson 2. Kristen Gehring & Mallory Hoke 3. Whitney Casey, Jenny Woys & Sara Stark 4. Lara Burns, Kimberley Parker & Caroline Lomax 5. Jenny Murphy, Lacey Miller & Amanda Sprague Style Masters: 6. Ruthie Broughton, Ali Zirkle & Mich Haskell 7. Graham Wasilition & Lauren Vesser 8. Charisse Sayers & Morgan Gaddis 9. Sarah Hoverson & Ross Bennett 10. Maureen Stevens & Jeannie Vianney 11. Brittney McKee & Megan Moore.
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p h oto g r a p h y by j o h n p e si n a
COOL
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1710 Windsor Road 4101 Churchill Downs
Laura Gottesman, Broker 5301 Maryanna
505 Lake Cliff Trail
512.451.2422 vm 103 gottesmanresidential.com
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The White Party
LifeWorks presented one of the most anticipated parties of the summer on the Long Center City Terrace. Guests indulged in cuisine by Paggi House, Swift’s Attic and more. The night continued with an after-party at TRACE at the W Hotel and benefited LifeWorks’ programs for youth and families in crisis.
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Through the Looking Glass
The Creative Fund spirited guests away with a Wonderland-themed evening at Laguna Gloria. As they sampled drinks and tasty bites, guests were treated to performances by grant winners, including Palindrome Theatre and Tapestry Dance Company. A night for the storybooks, the celebration continued with an after-party at Recess Arcade Bar.
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EmanciPet Luncheon
Emancipet’s “Free Love” Luncheon celebrated 13 years of service throughout Central Texas at the Four Seasons Hotel, benefiting Emancipet’s free and low-cost spay and neuter programs. Since its inception, Emancipet has served thousands of animals and their families, providing 150,000 essential surgeries in order to reduce the homeless pet population.
White Party: 1. Alex Winkelman & Adam Zeplain 2. Anna Anami & Cristina Pesek 3. Montana Brantley & Carly Christopher 4. Will Hardeman & Adam Zeplain Looking Glass: 5. Chancy Cone & Diana Rocha 6. Lauren Tuttle & Linda Huang 7. Chari Kelly & Adam Schramek 8. Marissa Patton & Ane Urquiola EmanciPet: 9. Mary Herr Tally & Amy Mills 10. Victoria, Rosa Maria & Sofia Avila.
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p h oto g r a p h y by j o h n p e si n a
SEATING SYSTEM DONOVAN DESIGN RODOLFO DORDONI
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community
column
Looking Backward Austin has changed so much since I and no dressing up to go out. I used to be a BY K R I STI N ARMSTRO N G moved here in 1998. regular on the live music scene, and longtime It used to bug me when I first got here how old-school Austinites Austin people loved to tell me how special it was that you could be always referred to the “good old days� (aka anytime before I arrocking out next to a homeless dude or a tech tycoon and never know rived?) when there was more green space, less traffic, less outsider the difference here. infiltration, less strip mall sprawl outside the hip nucleus of town In my 14 years of residency, I have made my way through varii l lus t r at i o n by j oy g a l l ag h er For a limite d- e dit i on p r int , c onta c t jo ygall agh e r@g m ail .c om .
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community
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It used to bug me when I first got here how old school Austinites always referred to the “good old days” (aka anytime before I arrived?)
ous neighborhoods. I began fresh out of college (after several days on my last dollar at the Holiday Inn on 183, scrapping around for my first job), with my first apartment up by the Arboretum. My first job was located off 360, so it made sense at the time. But aside from work, I spent all my time in the nucleus—Barton Springs pool, Hula Hut, Hike and Bike Trail, 6th street. I quickly broke that lease and moved central. I made it to a groovy little apartment complex in Barton Hills, within walking distance of Chuy’s. This was a good thing, because I was so broke that I would eat chips and salsa and refried beans from the happy hour bar as my meal, hoping someone cute would buy me a margarita. In those days, I wore Birkenstocks and cutoffs and had a belly button ring, which my kids still do not quite believe and my father is still trying to erase from his memory. My college boyfriend moved into the same complex, which was very convenient until we broke up, and I needed to move on. I broke that lease too. A friend of mine had a lead on a great house over in the Deep Eddy ‘hood. The problem was it was too big, and of course, we could not afford it. We hatched a plan. I would recruit more girls to move in, and she would date the owner and work on lowering the price. I asked my aerobics instructor (yes, of course, I was doing step aerobics); she and her boyfriend had recently dissolved, and she needed a place to stay. So she moved in, followed by several more girls until we had a full house. The price came down (I did not ask for details), and we moved in. We had so many parties and lived within stumbling distance of Magnolia Café and Deep Eddy Cabaret—what more could a girl want? At age 24, it was time to stop living like a college student, so I decided to act like a grown-up and buy a house. I put a pitiful offer
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in on a Tarrytown house that was in need of major work. My offer was accompanied by a letter explaining that I was 24 and poor, and this was the best I could do, so please don’t be insulted. Turns out the old woman who owned the house had just died, and she had moved into the house way back when she was 24. Her gracious and grieving son thought she would want me to have it, so it was mine in spite of my meager funds. I am pretty sure she died of lung cancer, because I had to scrub those walls until brown tobacco suds ran down them. But under the brown-tinged blue shag carpet were unfinished oak floors… and after a coat of white paint on the scrubbed walls, I was stylin’. Especially when I started dating my neighbor. We broke up, and I met someone else, who ended up being my first husband. So I moved from Tarrytown to a beautiful bachelor pad on Lake Austin. Several kids later and we were back in the bubble of Tarrytown, schlepping between preschool and the grocery store. We broke up, and that spawned two houses in Tarrytown and more schlepping kids back and forth. Last fall, the kids and I moved from that house into a smaller house made of stone on a street that curves and has umbrella trees shading the road. Life is sweet in our cozy little nest. But I spend more time passing through it, driving kids around. I sometimes miss the days of sipping a glass of wine and chatting with neighbors in the evenings while the kids play outside before bath and bedtime. One phase of life meets the next with gratitude as the bridge, and we cross over. Perhaps a piece of every neighborhood has built the life we live today. The stones of the future are placed on the foundation of the past, so it’s always good to remember where we came from.
SALES • LEASING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT RESIDENTIAL • INVESTMENT CATHERINE HANRAHAN
ANDY THIRION
ALEX LARSEN
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Realtor
NICOLE GARCIA
Assistant
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WENDY WARD
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Assistant
S U M M I T LU X U RY 3 B E D R O O M TOW N H O M E S For Sale
MARY ANNE MCMAHON
Broker
P OS H P RO P E RT I E S 5 North Peak West Lake Hills, TX 78746 (512) 947 9684 poshpropertiesaustin.com info@poshrealtyaustin.com
community
profile
exposed
Alex Gilliam
Founder, Public Workshop
I
n 2004, Alex Gilliam visited an underserved school in Alabama whose students were too embarrassed to even speak its name in public. Over the course of three months, he worked with the student body to repaint the entire gym, replace windows and create a new branding system for the school. “When we stepped back,” Gilliam says, “the sense of possibility had transformed completely. People were blown away by the things that the kids could do.” Today, Gilliam evokes this belief in children as social innovators at Public Workshop, an organization he founded to engage youth in reimagining their neighborhoods. Partnering with schools and architecture firms across the country, Gilliam aims to rethink the ways in which young people are inspired to get involved with their community: rather than holding planning meetings in an office building, for example, Gilliam instead immerses Public Workshop students in the spaces they are redesigning. From prototyping a bus shelter on the streets of Philadelphia to modeling Waller Creek with a six-foot chocolate cake, Gilliam offers youth unique, hands-on opportunities to profoundly impact the spaces they live in. “People don’t find a lot of satisfaction in filling out a survey,” he says. “However, if we challenge them to work together to build things that help them better understand their neighborhood, they are able to more deeply connect with their community and actively help create its very best future.” Find out more about Public Workshop at publicworkshop.us. L. SIVA
10 Questions f o r A LE X
What is the most beautiful place in the world you have ever seen? Granada, Spain and the area around my hometown in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Alhambra, the Generalife and the surrounding countryside in Granada are simply stunning. As for Virginia, I always feel an unparalleled sense of ease and happiness when I see the Blue Ridge Mountains. Which historical figure do you most identify with? The Eameses, but mostly their relentless work ethic, the incredible way they saw the world and the sense of play and joy that they brought to everything they created. Who are your favorite heroes in real life? Pam Dorr, Dawn Hancock, Geoffrey Canada...
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they are all humble, big thinkers who get things done, have great impact on the people they are trying to reach and create innovative models that the rest of us can learn from. If you weren't in your current career, what else would you try? I would probably be a doctor or a neuroscientist. I love working with people and fixing things. I am absolutely fascinated with the brain and how we assemble knowledge and perceive things. What piece of art would you most like to own? An Eames chair or four. They are the perfect marriage of function, aesthetics, material innovation and comfort. They make me smile. When and where are you happiest? I am happiest in the mountains on my bicycle or building/making things with people, anywhere. What is your most treasured possession? My bicycles or my Wusthof chef’s knife. I love to
cook, and one good knife makes all the difference in the world. What do you never travel without? My bicycle or my running shoes. One of the first things I do in any new city is to go for a run or a bike ride and try to get lost. There are few better ways to quickly understand a place. What chef would prepare your dream dinner and what would it be? If reanimation were possible, Julia Child. She could cook anything she likes as long as we can talk about her days as a spy in World War II. If reanimation is out of the question, David Chang can cook me anything he wants, as long as pork belly is involved. What is the biggest challenge you have overcome? Convincing people that young adults can play transformative roles in the design and making of our cities. I still do this every day. P h oto g r a p h y by Ma r k S t eh l e
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JULY Calendars arts & entertainment
Entertainment Calendar Music MUSIC UNDER THE STAR
Fridays, 6-9pm The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum FOURTH OF JULY AUSTIN SYMPHONY AND ORCHESTRA
July 4 Symphony, 7pm Fireworks, 9:45pm Auditorium Shores
SUMMERLAND: EVERCLEAR, SUGAR RAY & GIN BLOSSOMS
July 6, 6pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater DREAM THEATER
July 7, 6:30pm ACL Live at Moody Theater FINE ARTS STRING QUARTET
July 7, 7:30pm Bates Recital Hall ROSEHILL
July 7, 11pm The Rattle Inn BOSTON: DUDLEY & BOB’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
July 11, 7pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater
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KGSR’S BLUES ON THE GREEN: BODEANS
July 11, 7:30pm Zilker Park
DWIGHT YOAKAM
July 12, 8pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater MOTHER FALCON
July 13, 7:30pm Antone’s
AUSTIN CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 14-15 Bates Recital Hall
MATT HAIMOVITZ & CHRISTOPHER O’RILEY
July 15, 7:30pm Bates Recital Hall
DUKES OF SEPTEMBER
July 15, 8pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater
NEON TREES WITH JJAMZ
July 18, 8pm La Zona Rosa
TENACIOUS D
July 19, 6pm Austin Music Hall LAST SUMMER ON EARTH TOUR: BARENAKED LADIES, BLUES TRAVELER, BIG HEAD TOD AND THE MONSTERS &
CRACKER
BARON VAUGHN
12TH ANNUAL CAMP INDIGO
KGSR’S BLUES ON THE GREEN: MARCIA BALL WITH NAKIA
July 18-21 Cap City Comedy Club
SEAN PATTON
FRIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHT: BONZO CRUNCH, FOOL AT LARGE
July 21, 6pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater
July 25, 7:30pm Zilker Park
MUSIC IN THE PARKS: THE LOST PINES AND BOTTOM DOLLAR STRING BAND
July 28, 1pm Little Stacey Park
Theater CHESS
July 6-22 Austin Playhouse ZILKER SUMMER MUSICAL: THE SOUND OF MUSIC
July 6-August 11 Zilker Hillside Theatre TIGERS BE STILL
July 12-August 11 Hyde Park Theatre XANADU
July 17-September 2 ZACH Scott Theatre FULLY COMMITTED
Through September 2 ZACH Scott Theatre SHAKESPEARE AT WINEDALE
July 19-August 12 Winedale Theater Barn
SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER
July 19-August 12 City Theatre
Comedy DOUG MELLARD
July 5-7 Cap City Comedy Club
July 11-14 Cap City Comedy Club
THE NARRATIVE IMPROV JAM
July 20, 8pm Hideout Theatre
DAVID KOECHNER
July 26-28 Cap City Comedy Club GALLAGHER
July 29, 8pm One World Theatre
Film SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS AT DEEP EDDY POOL
Saturdays, 7pm Deep Eddy Pool
THE FIRST PICTURE SHOWS: HISTORIC AUSTIN MOVIE HOUSES
July 17, 7:30pm Stateside at the Paramount THE GLASS HOUSE
July 22, 7pm Alamo Drafthouse Downtown PARAMOUNT SUMMER FILM SERIES
Through September 9 Paramount Theatre
Children TEXSPLORATIONS
July 7 & 17 The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum KIDS COOKING CAMP
July 9-13 Whole Foods Culinary Center
July 9-20 Austin Discovery School
July 20, 6:30pm Kaleidoscope Toys
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
July 20, 8pm Sam Bass Community Theatre WOOD CRAFTING 101
July 21, 1pm Austin Children’s Museum MS. STACI STORYTIME
July 27, 10:30am BookPeople
Other FFREEDOM 5000
July 4, 8-10am Camp Mabry
JULY 4TH FRONTIER DAYS CELEBRATION
July 4, 8pm Old Settlers Park
CELEBRATE ME! CHINA
July 14, 12-4pm George Washington Carver Museum QUESOFF
July 21, 5pm The Mohawk THE PEDDLER SHOW
July 27-29 Cedar Park Center
2012 TEXAS HEAT WAVE
July 28, 8am Travis County Expo center
CENTENNIAL TRIBUTE DAY
July 29, 7pm Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
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arts & entertainment
C A l e n da r s
Arts Calendar Gordon Fowler: New Works Reception, 6-8pm Through July 28 JULY 9 B. HOLLYMAN GALLERY
B. HOLLYMAN GALLERY
JULY 10 TESTSITE
BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART
Beau Comeaux: Implied Fictions Reception, 6-8pm
Teruko Nimura: Just Because 11.3 Through August 7 JULY 12 AMOA-ARTHOUSE AT THE JONES CENTER
Hot spots, Cool Drinks 7:30-10pm
JULY 14 AMOA-ARTHOUSE AT THE JONES CENTER
Jamal Cyrus: Ancestors 7pm
JULY 17 AMOA-ARTHOUSE AT THE JONES CENTER
Summer Teacher Institute: Art Happening Now Through July 18 JULY 20 MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM
YLA: Grafficanos & Serie Print Project XIX JULY 26 LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
Nick Swift: Watercolors
Jo Ann Santangelo: Walkin the Block: Christopher Street NYC Through July 2 The Human Touch: Selections from the RBC Wealth Management Art Collection The Collecting Impulse: Fifty Works from Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Through August 12 Go West! Representations of the American Frontier Through September 23 THE BOB BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM
Texas Music Roadtrip Through October 14
GALLERY BLACK LAGOON
The Austin Series Vol. 2, Brushed Medium Through July 22 HARRY RANSOM CENTER
The King James Bible: Its History and Influence Through July 29 LORA REYNOLDS GALLERY
Manscape: Man as Subject and Object Through August 11 MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM
ONGOING
Arturo García Bustos: La Imagen del México Postrevolucionario Through July 18
AMOA-ARTHOUSE
WOMEN & THEIR WORK
Collection Selections: The Barrett Collection
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Through August 12 2012 Texas Prize Amie Siegel: Black Moon Through July 22
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Leticia Bajuyo: Event Horizon Through August 30
The Alliance Française proudly hoists the Tricolore during this celebration of French culture and cuisine.
EVENT p i c k
Bastille Day Festival July 14, 7-11pm French Legation Museum afaustin.org
O
n July 14, as Parisians gather on the Champs de Mars to watch fireworks above the Eiffel Tower, Austinites can join in the Bastille Day festivities from across the Atlantic. Hosted by the Alliance Française d’Austin on the beautiful lawn of the French Legation Museum, this year’s Bastille Day Festival promises to be a Francophile fête to remember. “Strong historical, philosophical and sentimental ties bind America and France,” Cate Logan, President of the Alliance Française d’Austin, remarks. As one of the first countries to recognize an independent Texas, France has long held a special place in this state’s heart, and the Alliance Française seeks to commemorate just that—almost two hundred years of vibrant French culture in Texas. As guests stroll the luxurious grounds of the French Legation Museum, they can dance the night away to the sounds of Christine Albert, a singer in the classic chanteuse tradition whose unique, Franco-Lone Star musical fusion evokes Austin’s own intersection of French and Texan cultures. Of course, a celebration of all things French wouldn’t be complete without delicious food and drink, and guests will have the opportunity to savor specialties from around the country, including crêpes, Niçoise-style pan bagnats and cheese plates. The Alliance Française also invites children to explore French culture with an array of activities, from a traditional game of pétanque to face painting and juggling. “As the evening draws to an end, I see people still sitting on the lawns, chatting and laughing, not ready to break the spell of that enchanting evening,” Logan says. “It is this feeling of warmth and fraternity that makes it all worth it.” L. SIVA
photo by cate logan.
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JUNE 10—AUGUST 12, 2012
An intimate look at the human condition, with work by Nan Goldin, Roy Lichtenstein, Kehinde Wiley, and other leading contemporary artists. The Human Touch: Selections from the RBC Wealth Management Art Collection
www.rbcwealthmanagement.com
The of of Texas at Austin | MLK |atMLK Congress TheUniversity University Texas at Austin at Congress Austin, TXTX78701 | www.blantonmuseum.org | (512) 471-7324 Austin, 78701 | www.blantonmuseum.org | (512) 471-7324 Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BlantonMuseumofArt LEFT: Roland Fischer, Untitled (L.A. Portrait) (detail), 1994–2000, chromogenic print and acrylic on fiberboard, 55 ½ x 63 ¾ in., Collection of RBC Wealth Management
museums & galleries
Art Spaces Museums Austin Children’s Museum
201 Colorado St. (512) 472 2499 Hours: Tu 10–5, W 10–8, Th–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 austinkids.org AMOA-Arthouse The Jones Center
700 Congress Ave. (512) 453 5312 Hours: W 12-11, Th-Sa 12-9, Su 12-5 arthousetexas.org AMOA-Arthouse Laguna Gloria
artist spotlight
Xochi Solis
F
oremost among Xochi Solis’ creative influences is the city of Austin itself. A mixed media artist and Director of Events and Public Programming at the University of Texas Visual Arts Center, Solis notes, "it's hard for me to imagine having grown up in a city that didn't find visual arts a priority." Today, Solis’ work is easily recognizable for its vibrant symphony of color and shape, inspired by seemingly incongruent textures and materials. Taking cues from objects as diverse as paint chips from local hardware stores, paper, paint, plastics, vinyl and clippings from science books, Solis fearlessly creates art with a bold eye and meticulous hand. "I don't have too many boundaries," she says. This sense of limitlessness is evident in Solis’ latest exhibition, All the Clouds Turn to Words, which features soft, elliptical shapes and warm hues, layered upon one another for a visually stunning array of abstract pieces. Ultimately, Solis hopes her viewers develop an intimate response to her art, mirroring the personal reflection she herself experiences when creating her work. "You can sit there and look at a certain part of the piece and let it wash over you,” she says. “I would love it if my viewer had that similar reaction." Xochi Solis will be showing a selection of her pieces at Take Heart, beginning July 28. Visit xochisolis.com for more information about Solis and her work. P. TURNER
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3809 W. 35th St. (512) 458 8191 Driscoll Villa hours: Tu–W 12-4, Th-Su 10–4 Grounds hours: M–Sa 9–5, Su 10–5 amoa.org Blanton Museum of Art
200 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 471 7324 Hours: Tu– F 10–5, Sa 11–5, Su 1–5 blantonmuseum.org
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Ave. (512) 936 8746 Hours: M–Sa 9–6, Su 12–6 thestoryoftexas.com Elisabet Ney Museum
304 E. 44th St. (512) 458 2255 Hours: W–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 ci.austin.tx.us/elisabetney
French Legation Museum
802 San Marcos St. (512) 472 8180 Hours: Tu–Su 1–5 frenchlegationmuseum.org George Washington Carver Museum
1165 Angelina St. (512) 974 4926 Hours: M–Th 10–9, F 10–5:30, Sa 10–4 ci.austin.tx.us/carver Harry Ransom Center
300 E. 21st St. (512) 471 8944 Hours: Tu–W 10–5, Th 10–7, F 10–5, Sa–Su 12–5 hrc.utexas.edu LBJ Library and Museum
2313 Red River St. (512) 721 0200 Hours: M–Su 9–5 lbjlib.utexas.edu
Mexic–Arte Museum
419 Congress Ave. (512) 480 9373 Hours: M–Th 10–6, F–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 mexic–artemuseum.org O. Henry Museum
409 E. 5th St. (512) 472 1903 Hours: W–Su 12–5
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
605 Robert E. Lee Rd. (512) 445 5582 Hours: W–F 10–4:30, Sa–Su 1–4:30 umlaufsculpture.org
image courtesy of Xochi Solis.
arts & entertainment
arts & entertainment
Galleries Art on 5th
1501 W. 5th St. (512) 481 1111 Hours: M–Sa 10–6 arton5th.com The Art Gallery at John-William Interiors
3010 W. Anderson Ln. (512) 451 5511 Hours: M–Sa 10–6, Su 12–5 mannfinearts.com Artworks Gallery
1214 W. 6th St. (512) 472 1550 Hours: M–Sa 10–5 artworksaustin.com
Austin Art Garage
2200 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. J (512) 351-5934 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 austinartgarage.com Austin Art Space Gallery and Studios
7739 North Cross Dr., Ste. Q (512) 771 2868 Hours: F–Sa 11–6 austinartspace.com
Austin Galleries
1219 W. 6th St. (512) 495 9363 Hours: M 10–3, Tu–Sa 10–5 or by appointment austingalleries.com B. HOLLYMAN GALLERY
1202-A W. 6th. St. (512) 825 6866 Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5 bhollymangallery.com Birdhouse
1304 E. Cesar Chavez St. By appointment only birdhousegallery.com
champion
800 Brazos St. (512) 354 1035 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6 championcontemporary.com Creative Research Laboratory
La Peña
227 Congress Ave., #300 (512) 477 6007 Hours: M–F 9–5, Sa–Su 9–3 lapena–austin.org Lora Reynolds Gallery
2832 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 322 2099 Hours: Tu–Sa 12–5 uts.cc.utexas.edu/~crlab
360 Nueces St., Ste. C (512) 215 4965 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6 lorareynolds.com
Davis Gallery
Lotus Gallery
837 W. 12th St. (512) 477 4929 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 10–4 davisgalleryaustin.com
1009 W. 6th St., #101 (512) 474 1700 Hours: Mo–Sa 10-6 lotusasianart.com
Flatbed Press
lytle pressley contemporary
2830 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 477 9328 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–6 flatbedpress.com Gallery Black Lagoon
4301-A Guadalupe St. (512) 371 8838 Hours: W–F 3–7 galleryblacklagoon.com Gallery Shoal Creek
2905 San Gabriel St., #101 (512) 454 6671 Hours: Tu–F 11–6, Sa 11–4 galleryshoalcreek.com grayDUCK gallery
608 W. Monroe Dr. (512) 826 5334 Hours: W–Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 grayduckgallery.com Haven Gallery & Fine Gifts
1122 W. 6th St. (512) 477 2700 Hours: M–Sa 11–6, Su 11–4 havengalleryaustin.com Jean–Marc Fray Gallery
1009 W. 6th St. (512) 457 0077 Hours: M–Sa 10–6 jeanmarcfray.com
1214 W. 6th St. (512) 469 6010 Hours: M-F 9-5 lytlepressley.com
Maranda Pleasant Gallery
2235 E. 6th St. (713) 922 8584 By appointment only bigmodernart.com Mass Gallery
916 Springdale Rd. Hours: W 7–9, Sa 12–5 massgallery.org The Nancy Wilson Scanlan Gallery
6500 St. Stephen’s Dr. (512) 327 1213 Hours: W–F 9–5 sstx.org Okay Mountain Gallery
1619 E. Cesar Chavez St. By appointment only (512) 293 5177 okaymountain.com Positive Images
1118 W. 6th St. Hours: M–Sa 10–5, Su 11–4 (512) 472 1831
Pro–Jex Gallery
1710 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. C (512) 472 7707 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 12–4 Real Gallery
1101 Navasota, #3 M-Th 2:30-5:30 (512) 775 0458 realgalleryaustin.com Red Space Gallery
1203 W. 49th St. By appointment only redspacegallery.com
Russell Collection Fine Art
1137 W. 6th St. (512) 478 4440 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–6 russell–collection.com sofa
301 E. 33rd St., #7 By appointment only sofagallerytx.com Stephen L. Clark Gallery
1101 W. 6th St. (512) 477 0828 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–4 stephenlclarkgallery.com studio 10
1011 West Lynn (512) 236 1333 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–5 studiotenarts.com Studio 107
411 Brazos St., #107 (512) 477 9092 Hours: Tu–Sa 1–6 studio107.com Testsite
502 W. 33rd St. (512) 453 3199 Hours: Su 2–5 fluentcollab.org
M u s e u m s & Ga l l e r i e s
Wally Workman Gallery
1202 W. 6th St. (512) 472 7428 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–5 wallyworkman.com
Women & Their Work
1710 Lavaca St. (512) 477 1064 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 12–5 womenandtheirwork.org Yard Dog
1510 S. Congress Ave. (512) 912 1613 Hours: M–F 11–5, Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 yarddog.com
Alternative Spaces ARTPOST: The Center for Creative Expression
4704 E. Cesar Chavez St. artpostaustin.com Austin Presence
2785 Bee Cave Rd., #336 (512) 306 9636 Hours: Tu–F 10–6, Sa 10–4 austinpresence.com
Domy Books
913 E. Cesar Chavez St. (512) 476 DOMY Hours: Tue–F 1–9, Sa 12–9, Su 12–7 domystore.com Julia C. Butridge Gallery
1110 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 974 4025 Hours: M–Th 10–9:30, F 10–5:30, Sa 10–4 ci.austin.tx.us/ dougherty/gallery.htm Pump Project Art Complex
702 Shady Ln. (512) 351 8571 pumpproject.org
Quattro Gallery
12971 Pond Springs Rd. (512) 219 3150 Hours: M–Tu 10–3, W–Sa 11–4 quattrogallery.com Roi James
3620 Bee Cave Rd., Ste. C (512) 970 3471 Hours: By appointment only roijames.com Space 12
5305 Bolm Rd., #12 (512) 385 1670 bigmedium.org
3121 E. 12th St. (512) 524 7128 T-F 10-5 space12.org
Clarksville Pottery & Galleries
United States Art Authority
Co-Lab Project Space
To have your gallery considered for listing in the Arts Guide, please send a request to events@tribeza.com.
Big Medium
4001 N. Lamar Blvd., #200 (512) 454 9079 Hours: M–Sa 10–6:30, Su 12–4 clarksvillepottery.com
613 Allen St. (512) 300 8217 By appointment only colabspace.org
2906 Fruth St. (512) 476 4455 unitedstatesartauthority.com
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Meet three familiar faces who have worked for some of Austin’s most beloved institutions for over a century combined. 42
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For the past half century, Mary Rodriguez (pictured) has watched incarnations of the Frisco Shop go by—and she can’t imagine herself anywhere else.
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Even before the sun is up, Latonya Clark (pictured) is hard at work at Texas French Bread, preparing for the day ahead.
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the decades, several Austin-based, family-run restaurants and stores have become local institutions due to their signature dishes and dependable service. But behind these familiar places are the numerous familiar faces, longtime employees at counters, desks and cash registers who drive the city’s most renowned shops and eateries. Meet three steadfast employees who have grown with their corner of Austin. Tom Cantu, a soft-spoken man, has worked at Quality Seafood Market for the past 52 years. At age 20, he started as a delivery driver, transporting frozen fish in the greater Austin area. As time passed, he moved up the ranks to fish cutter, general manager and then chief buyer, the position that he holds today. On a weekly basis, Cantu purchases anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of fresh fish and 1,500 to 2,000 of frozen fish from around the world. Though he’s semi-retired, Cantu continues to work full-time, putting in an eight-hour workday that begins at six o’clock in the morning. A recent Thursday finds Cantu at the end of his shift at two o’clock in the afternoon. He wears a green polo shirt with the familiar Quality Seafood logo, a pair of pressed khakis and New Balance gym shoes. He sits at one of the wiped-down tables in the restaurant as the audible hum of construction persists beyond the nearby baby blue wall. (Quality Seafood recently bought the neighboring building and is renovating the space in order to expand its restaurant and operations by fall.) The smell of fish penetrates the bustle of the lunch crowd. As he speaks about the decades with Quality, he folds his weathered hands in front of
him. A subtle topography of scars, from countless hours of cutting and boning fish, is visible along his fingers and palms. Over the years, Cantu has witnessed many incarnations of the popular seafood restaurant—from its humble storefront at 409 East 19th Street (which is now MLK Jr. Blvd.) to its current location on Airport Blvd, where it moved in 1980. He also remembers his days as a fish cutter fondly. “We used to have four or five people around the table—two boners, a header and two skinners,” he says. “We talk and joke as we cut, and before you know it the time was gone.” (On occasion, Cantu still cuts and bones fish when additional help is needed at the counter.) After a tour of the refrigerators and freezers at the back of the store, Cantu shows a visitor where the deliveries are made. There, three 20-gallon stainless steel pots bubble, the bright red hard-shell bodies of crayfish breaking the boiling surface in preparation for dinner that evening. Cantu takes one of the crayfish and peels back its red shell, revealing a small tuft of tender, white meat. “It’s a lot of work for not a lot of meat,” he says with a smile. Further south on Lamar, at another family-run operation, Texas French Bread, Latonya Clark arrives for work at Rio Grande and 29th Street at five o’clock in the morning. Clark has been working for the bakery/cafe since 1995. Like Cantu, she had seen the family-owned business pass through several phases. When she was hired, the business was experiencing its peak with 11 locations throughout the city; now, Texas French Bread runs a steady but pared-down business from its Rio Grande location, with a dinner service whose rotating weekend menu emphasizes a farm-to-table philosophy. On a recent Thursday morning, 42-year-old Clark clears tables and makes espresso drinks to order. A quiet hiss of steam punctuates the air. Next to the register, freshly baked muffins, scones and cookies are tribeza.com
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During a recent visit, Rodriguez, 86, wears a fuchsia-colored, shortsleeved shirt, black slacks and black shoes. Like Texas French Bread, the Frisco Shop has a steady clientele of loyal patrons. “We have a lot of old customers,” she says, “and now their grandchildren are coming in and recounting stories of coming to the restaurant all their lives.” “The only thing that has really changed is the different employees,” she continues. “We don’t keep employees like we did years ago. This current generation isn’t one that is going to make a restaurant a career. A lot of the people when I started, they worked here for years and years. Unfortunately, most of them have already passed away.” For the past three years, Rodriguez has worked part-time, from five to nine, two nights per week, as an expediter; she ensures that dishes come out correctly, places them on a tray and then calls the waitress to pick up the food. She also sews aprons with University of Texas and Dallas Cowboy logos for the waitresses. “It’s kind of like a habit,” she says. “You get up, do this and that, get ready and go to work. I think my car would drive up here even if I didn’t.” Rodriguez’s daughter has been working at the Frisco for the past 12 years as a waitress. Rodriguez herself has been married to her husband, who served in the Army and fought in Vietnam, for 64 years. “See, I even keep the same man,” she says with a delightful laugh. “The same job and the same man. I really enjoy working here.”
“I think my car would drive up here even if I didn’t.” opened in 1932, to the current Frisco, a fifties’-style diner that serves comfort food, such as Chop’t Steaks, burgers and ice-box coconut cream pie. Beyond its memorable dishes, the Night Hawk also holds the distinctive history as the first local restaurant to desegregate its dining room during the mid-sixties.
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photo courtesy of quality seafood.
displayed on the tiered stands, and baguettes fill a nearby wicker basket. After the last customer is taken care of, Clark takes a moment to sit at one of the nearby tables. A white apron is tied over her gray T-shirt and black sweatpants. Not surprisingly, Clark frequently interacts with a steady procession of regulars on a daily basis. “I know what time they’re coming,” she says, “and I know what they’re going to get, and I know where they’re going to sit.” Some of the notable regular customers over the years include legendary golfer Ben Crenshaw, District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg and retired women’s basketball coach Jody Conradt. “It’s nice,” says Clark. “We have our morning conversations. I know what’s going on with them, and they know what’s going on with me.” Clark grew up in Austin, attended LBJ High School and worked a handful of jobs before landing at Texas French Bread when her brother had told her about an opening. Initially, she was attracted to the early hours, because it allowed Clark to pick up her two then-small children from school. Over the years, she has developed a fondness for the mornings. “I like the quiet streets,” she says. “Early is good for me.” Lennie King, a petite woman with a bright presence, works the register as Clark takes a break. She has been a manager with Texas French Bread for the past two years. “Every morning we greet each other,” says Clark with a soft laugh. “I’m Big Mama, and she’s Little Mama. That’s what we call each other. It’s a little family thing.” Further north on Burnet, above Koenig Lane, at the Frisco Shop, Mary Rodriguez has worked for the restaurant and its former Night Hawk affiliates for 52 years. Her eyes light up behind her glasses as she recounts the decades spent at the various restaurants—from the first Night Hawk on the corner of Congress Avenue and Riverside, which
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Where We TRIBEZ A
NE IGHBOR HOOD S I S S UE
Hang Our Hats From lively West Campus to charming Hyde Park, Austinites share what they love about the neighborhoods they call home.
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TRIBEZ A
NE IGHBOR HOOD S I S S UE
West Campus Founders of the Alamo Drafthouse Tim and Karrie League find home in the most unexpected place.
By T i m L e ag u e
Photography by Paige Newton
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West Campus offers a surprising diversity of residents, Karrie League notes: “It’s a very interesting mix of people.”
F
or years, Karrie and I lived happily in South Austin near Gibson and South Sixth, just walking distance to both Uchi and the South Lamar theater. We built that house with our own hands and loved it dearly. It was only about 1100 square feet though, and eventually we wanted to move into something larger. Karrie loves to look at houses for fun, so for about a year, she drove around Austin once a month with our realtor and looked at houses on the market. We didn’t have anything pressuring us to move, so we could be as leisurely as we wanted. Karrie’s rule was that she wasn’t going to move on anything unless she absolutely fell in love with a house. About a year into the slow-paced hunt, we toured our current home, the historic Radkey House in West Campus. Halfway through the tour, she grabbed my arm and said, “I must have this house.” And that was it. People sometimes think it is strange for us to be so far removed from our college years and yet live in West Campus, surrounded by students. Our tiny little neighborhood is tucked between two dead-end streets. If you walk just three blocks away, the chaos of student housing and frat houses start to pop up, but our own street is a quiet, sleepy little hideaway with unique, historic homes. The Radkey House was in great shape when we bought it, but we are nonetheless constantly adding on to it: we’ve converted the garage, built a large patio for entertaining, redone all the restrooms and the kitchen, converted an office into a nursery for our two girls and, most recently, built a wine cellar and are assembling a Rockafire Explosion band/stage in the basement. We love our house and our neighbors and intend to stay here until we are ready for the rest home. Above all, I love the vibrancy and energy of West Campus. There is something about having students in and around the neighborhood that creates a unique excitement. We also love the
r ma la N.
The Le agues’ West Ca mpus
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Top 10
29 th St
4
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1. Vulcan Video (609 W. 29th St.). The chain giants
1
rose up and then died. Still standing atop their rubble is Vulcan Video. Their secret hasn't changed: curate the
2
movies on the shelf and hire genuine and friendly movie nerds to assist you. 2. Nice Kicks (2815-B Guadalupe St.). I have a weak-
8
ness for cool shoes, and Nice Kicks is the spot in Austin
7
for the best in fancy footwear. West Campus is a great place to raise a family, says Tim League: “We have neighbors with kids and plenty of shady streets for the strollers.”
3. Complete Clothing (1904 Guadalupe St.). This is a pretty small shop, but their taste is excellent, they carry fun brands, and somehow I always seem to leave their store holding a shopping bag.
Tim and Karrie League met at Rice University and moved to Austin in 1996 with the express purpose of building and opening the very first Alamo Drafthouse. Tim grew up in Texas, so it was something of a homecoming. They now have seven month old twin girls, Calliope and Cassidy, and are planning to eventually retire and grow old together in West Campus.
4. Toy Joy (2900 Guadalupe St.). A true Austin institution. I would host a wake were this store ever to shutter. 5. Verts Kebap (2530 Guadalupe St.). I attend
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the Berlin Film Festival every year and have become somewhat addicted to their unique style of kebap. These guys do an excellent job of recreating one of life's greatest drunk foods.
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6. Sushi Niichi (705-B W. 24th St.). We walk the babies there and snack on gyoza and sushi rolls.
24th St
7. Torchy's Tacos (2801 Guadalupe St.). I'll head over to the East Side for a more authentic taco experience, but there's no denying the addictive power of a Torchy's Trashy Trailer Park taco.
Guadalupe
proximity of the university and the availability of cultural activities within walking distance. Sure, there’s occasionally a discarded Milwaukee’s Best tallboy in the front yard, and our house got TP’ed once, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I used to be deathly afraid that I would get lame and boring when I got older and never do anything fun. I’ve got a head full of grey hair now, so maybe living in and amongst the UT college kids helps me to feel young at heart.
8. Dirty Martin's Kum-Bak Place (2808 Guadalupe St.). There are fancier burgers in town, but Dirty's is still my favorite for a classic old-school chili burger and tater tots. 9. Junior’s Beer and Wine (705 W. 29th St.). Drive-up keg service is only seven blocks from my house. 10. McBride's Guns (2915 San Gabriel St.). Forget Cabella's. McBride's is the real deal Texas gun shop. They even somehow manage to keep a rare coin store open in
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HYDE PARK Hyde Park offers a colorful haven to San Francisco transplants Jordan Brownwood and Mariah Price.
By J o r da n B r o w n w o o d
Photography by Kenny Braun
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e moved to Austin in September 2010 to escape the high prices and low temperatures of San Francisco: as soon as we stepped foot on Central Texas’ red dirt, our search for a comfortable house with a comfortable yard—and a comfortable rent—began, and it didn’t take us long to decide that Hyde Park’s funky, affordable, not-too-yuppie northeast edge was the neighborhood for us. (The nightly aroma of freshly-made donuts from Mrs. Johnson’s wafting across the train tracks didn’t hurt either.) Comprised of a random mix of grad students, professors, musicians, skaters and everyone in between, the 4800 block of Red River welcomed us and our California sensibilities with open arms. For the first time in four years, the dogs had a yard, the vegetables had a garden, and the two of us had a charming little 1940s bungalow in a picturesque Austin neighborhood. Texas is front porch country, and Hyde Park offers some of the best porch lounging around: a lazy Sunday afternoon on the stoop, watching the throngs of bikers, joggers, dog-walkers and other passersby, can be a lot like a front-row seat at a small-town parade. Another appeal of our block is its proximity to a host of great local businesses and landmarks. The rapidlyevolving Airport Boulevard, for example, is only a stone’s throw from home and offers a growing collection of food carts and quirky restaurants. From sushi and yakitori at Komé to a slice of the Buscemi at East Side Pies, there’s a bit of everything now on the once-barren strip. Our favorite summertime lunch in the area is a few al pastor tacos from La Canaria—where tortillas are made to order and the pork is beet-red with seasonings—washed down with a blackberry custard snowball from Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs. Further up the road, toward the often overlooked North Loop neighborhood, lies a string of watering holes that will suit anyone’s tastes. One of our favorites is Barfly’s, a local drinkery with an “any bar USA” feel
Once Austin’s recreational hub and home to a racetrack, Hyde Park has become Brownwood and Price’s respite from the city bustle.
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J or d a n & M a ri a h ’ s
Top 10
No
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51 st
ST. 52 nd
4
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G.
953
bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon. rd
1/2
ST.
50 th
10 49 th
3. KomÉ (4917 Airport Blvd.). The Sushi-A-Go-Go folks create a nice rendition of an izakaya. This place takes us back to our trip to Japan and can’t be beat for ST.
Japanese bar food. 4. Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs (808 E. 51st St.). There are a lot of snow cones to be
ST.
had in Austin, but flavors like chocolate and custard set Casey’s apart. 35
5. Flightpath Coffeehouse (5011 Duval IH
6
45 th St.
2. La Canaria (E. 51st St. & Airport Blvd.). Don’t let a trailer in a liquor store parking lot deter you. These ladies set the standard for tacos in Austin.
ST.
Av e
1
public pool should be—bocce ball and a cool dip isn’t a
2
3 8
1. Shipe Pool & Park (4400 Ave. G). What a
rt b
ST.
air
53 rd
vd .
7
p
po
rt h
St.). A quintessential neighborhood coffee house. 6. Hyde Park Market (4429 Duval St.). Everyone has their corner store, but where else can you buy beer from New Hampshire, chocolate from Guatemala and gummy bears from Germany at a
that could just as easily be in Boston or Chicago as it is in Austin. If you like your drinks strong and made with care, however, opt for the Tigress Pub just down the road for a Sazerac or cask-aged brew. Once June comes around, we hop on the bikes and head for the rejuvenating waters of Shipe Pool for an early morning workout or an evening swim. In the triple-digit heat of summer, this mid-city oasis can enliven the soul and make even the most unbearable days tolerable. On our way home from the pool, we always make it a point to stop by Hyde Park Market. The beer selection and build-your-own six-pack make this corner gas station worth the trip, but its collection of flags from over 1,000 countries (I’d always thought there were only a couple hundred) makes it a Hyde Park landmark. From the entrepreneurial, can-do work ethic of its residents to the incessant social schedules, Austin can keep you going and run you down at the same time. We’re just glad we have an escape: our neighborhood. Since moving to Austin, Jordan Brownwood has worked in public policy, and Mariah Price has managed a downtown event space, Palm Door. When they are not planning for their upcoming nuptials, they enjoy front yard gardening, having dinner parties and bringing the dogs, Penelope and Mr. Bojangles, to the river.
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Shell station? 7. The Tigress Pub (110 N. Lp.). Fantastic cocktails tucked away in a strip mall. They’ve also been known to barrel age certain concoctions. 8. Palri Pema Od Ling (605 E. 45th St.). When driving down 45th Street, don’t miss this incredible temple. The two-story golden Buddha, especially when seen lit up in the evening, is quite impressive. 9. East Side Pies (5312 Airport Blvd.). Some of the best pie in town recently opened up shop on 51st and Airport. Not as good as homemade, but close. 10. Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery (4909 Airport Blvd.). Look no further than Mrs. J’s for the best donut in Texas. They’re hot and fresh every time, and they even hand you a free donut while you wait for your pink box. Best 3am spot in town.
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East Side
From the Salty Sow to Hillside Farmacy, “it’s been a total surprise to us that the food scene east of 35 would become so vibrant with such variety!” Dawna Ballard remarks.
After leaving their native Southern California, Dawna Ballard and Joe Harper discover East Austin’s blossoming community. By Daw n a B a ll a r d
Photography by Cody Hamilton
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nly days before moving to Austin 11 years ago, Joe and I got married. I finished grad school in Santa Barbara and headed to UT as an assistant professor, while he left behind life in downtown Los Angeles, along with a huge clientele at a nearby salon. This meant we had two goals in our quest to find a home: an urban downtown community (as he had loved in LA) with a modest mortgage, at least until our careers in Austin grew. Joe found the East Side during one of his self-led “get-to-know-Austin” tours, and we instantly knew it was where we wanted to live. Over the years, we have come to truly love life here, surrounded by such diversity, kindness and beauty. As for the diversity of East Austin, there is the obvious ethnic difference among residents. As native Southern Californians, this seems so natural to us (although rising property taxes threaten this balance). But what’s more, we love that our neighbors inhabit such a deep diversity of perspectives on the world: we are at once agrarian and industrial, working class and middle class, new and native, young and mature, gay and straight, blue collar and white collar, artists and researchers. This comes together in our active Chestnut Addition Neighborhood Association, where we have longtime residents—veritable institutions in the community—working alongside twenty-somethings new to the area, couples with young children and Texas transplants who have called this neighborhood home for decades. We gather to assemble holiday baskets for residents in need, we work together to create safer streets, and we celebrate our friendship at regular potlucks and association meetings. In addition to these formal events, there are the small gestures—from the gift of fresh eggs raised by our neighbors, to a quick consultation at Dr. Pea’s Active Health Center about Lela’s stuffy nose, to regularly celebrating at friends’ birthday parties and our many brief, impromptu sidewalk gatherings to catch up on each other’s lives—that make us feel fortunate to live among such kind, warm and generous people. Furthermore, the vibrant art and architecture add to the diversity of the East Side and are beautiful in more ways than one: we are surrounded by installations of Susan Wallace’s stunning signature grillwork, Austin Metal Authority’s remarkable blacksmithing and mid-century modern architecture by KRDB. We live next to an amazing clothing designer (Chia) and across from a flamenco dance studio (Genoveva). Artists here are also wonderfully welcoming of children—on occasion, Lela has gotten to sit in and “jam” with the capoeira drummers and performers at Orun Center as well as with DJ Bigface of Starlynx’s practice sessions. Our little performer eagerly awaits the day she can take a spinning class with DJ Bigface and learn capoeira with the big kids at Orun. In the meantime, on warm Saturday afternoons, we like to stop by doe Studio to see the latest artwork on our way to the splash pad at Chestnut Pocket Park. Dawna Ballard is Associate Professor of organizational communication and technology at UT Austin where she researches and teaches on the subject of time and work. In his new blog, repeattofade.com, Joe Harper (master barber and personal stylist) reflects on the place of timeless and enduring style in the well-edited wardrobe and home. Resident artist and philosopher, Lela Day Harper spends her days songwriting, asking why and playing with her canine siblings, Percy and Kairos.
D a w n a n d J oe ’ s E a s t A u s ti n
Top 10
1. Austin Ashiatsu (1200 E. 11th St.). Hands down, the best massage I have ever had. Between the physical rigor of life with a toddler and sitting at a desk writing the rest of the day, this place is heavensent—a must for anyone who enjoys deep tissue massage. 2. Orun Center of Cultural Arts (1720 E. 12th St. ). Simply an incredible place full of energy and kindness. Voted the city’s "best new positive community space" by the Austin Chronicle, they have adult and youth Capoeira Angola classes, Afro-Cuban dance classes, a film series, youth and adult poetry, as well as a communitygardening project. 3. George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center (1165 Angelina St.). A wonderful place to take friends and family visiting from out of town. They have something for everyone— young and old. 4. East Austin Studio Tours. We look forward to E.A.S.T. every November to see the expanding artist community and check out the latest work. 5. Tickle (1107 E. 11th St.). This new boutique is a fun place to go get mani-pedis with a girlfriend. I also love shopping for my favorite silk scarves by local designer Shimmer & Bliss. 6. Cazamance (90 Rainey St.). Chef Iba Thiam’s restaurant boasts a gracious host, a gorgeous setting and delicious West African food. 7. Franklin’s BBQ (900 E. 11th St.). One of Joe’s favorites. Personally (while I’m a pescatarian), I am fascinated by the idea that people will literally stand in line for hours on a regular basis. One day, I fancy doing a research project on the social and cultural aspect of this unique Franklin’s time phenomenon. 8. Take Heart (1111 E. 11th St.). A trip here is a sensory delight. This stunning collection of modern, handmade and vintage wares is my favorite place to shop for gifts and home décor. They carry work from the exquisite local artist, Buddha Hill, among others. 9. Cool Haus at East Village Café (1111 Chicon St.). These ice cream sandwiches are a summertime favorite, and the café is an all-around mellow, relaxing place to be. 10. Vivo Restaurant (2015 Manor Rd.). On the patio, we can get some of the best Mexican food in town in a serene setting surrounded by beautiful fountains. tribeza.com
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French Place
From the upcoming in.gredients to Bernadette’s, Walski (left) and Pincoffs (right) have the world at their fingertips.
Jo Walski and Martha Pincoffs grow into their neighborhood with their son, River. By J o Wa l s k i
Photography by Paige Newton
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e fell in love in our neighborhood before we fell in love with it. We would take a blanket over to Alamo Park where we would flirt, future trip and talk story. Fast forward almost three years, and we now live within striking distance of that park with our seven-month-old son, River. Before we know it, he will be playing on the swing set there. We love our neighborhood for so many reasons. We both appreciate, for example, that most of the houses were built in the 1940’s and that there are so many garage apartments, which means we hear Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday band practices (and the occasional beer pong tourney). We hope at least one of the bands will sell out a show at Stubb’s one day. We’re also so close to the UT campus that we can often hear the baseball commentator and the crowd roaring. It feels pretty darn apple-pie-Americana while we’re outside working in the garden or grilling. Almost every evening, we take a walk and enjoy our friendly neighborhood: just last week, as the sun was setting on a warm Sunday evening, some folks we had never met before were on their front porch, watching their two daughters play in the sprinkler. The adults were drinking beers—the same way we do on our porch—and waved so energetically at us that I felt instant love for them. I even said to sweet Martha, “Damn. I love Austin and I love our neighborhood.” In fact, we know most of the people on our street: since we both work from home, we have been able to befriend a lot of the stay-at-home dads during our daily walks, and on a weekly basis, we visit with our dear friends from San Francisco who moved down the block. Another neighbor is completely inspiring with their DIY projects and organic gardening and shares their radishes, bok choy and chard with us. In addition to our childhood friends in the neighborhood, we became fast friends with our neighbors across the street shortly after we moved in. We laugh a lot with them, and they adore our son. Finally, one of the things we love most about French Place is the annual Halloween parade. As new parents, Martha and I headed over with River, not knowing what to expect. On our way, we made a bet if we would be the only parents with beer in the cup holders of our stroller. Luckily, I won the bet since about half of the parents had beer! We were amazed by literally hundreds of parents and kids that poured onto the street. Costumes included bugs, superheroes, the Village People and our little unicorn. We love living in such a creative neighborhood with so much joie and enthusiasm. I can’t imagine living anywhere else in Austin. Jo is a word-smith, number cruncher for Microsoft and large scale art enthusiast. Martha is an Austin native and founder of The Hot Dang grain burgers and her food blog, Not That Martha. River is pure delight.
8 Jo a nd M a rt h a ’ s E AS T AUS T I N
Top 10
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EAST AUSTIN MAP
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38 th 32 nd
1. Escuelita del Alma (3109 N.
Anc
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r Ln
7
2
6
4
This walk-up taco window was a close l st. coma
of East Austin owned by fantastically
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9
. ito st
A beautiful four-acre farm in the heart
10
r Rd.
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3. Rain Lily Farm (914 Shady Ln.).
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contender for the #1 spot.
.
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2. Taco-Mex (2611 Manor Rd.).
st.
st .
10
I-35). The best daycare in the land!
1/2
2
good people. 4. The Butterfly Bar (2307
7
Manor Rd.). The bar is owned by an Austin native and is the best backyard
1
IH 3
5
for buying a glass of wine. 5. Monarch Food Mart (1402 E. 38 1/2 St.). A shop with a pretty good wine selection and locally made natural
5
3 d
Rosewoo
11 th
8
9
St.
St.
St.). Good for falling in love, a pick-up
ch
7 th
6. Alamo Park (2100 Alamo
icon
St.
foods.
Ave.
basketball game and a fun playground.
8. Cherrywood Coffee
3
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sar
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the fabulous Cuvee coffee.
6 Ch
av ez
ad yl
Arnold Palmer with peach tea and brews
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7. Thunderbird Coffee Shop (2200 Manor Rd.). Makes a mean
House (1400 E. 38 1/2 St.). Hosts a lot of fun community events. River attended his first SXSW show there. 9. Bennu 24 Hour Coffee Lounge (2001 E. MLK Jr. Blvd.). Good for the 24 hour coffee needs. 10. Contigo (2027 Anchor Ln.). A lovely outdoor dining spot with responsibly sourced food.
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Old Enfield
Schweppe loves Old Enfield’s taste for eccentricity, from tree branches dripping with disco-colored eggs at Easter, to decorative spiders on Halloween.
Jane Schweppe has fallen in love with Old Enfield, an elegant neighborhood with a wild side. By J ANE S C H WE P P E
Photography by Cody Hamilton
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f Clarksville and Pemberton had a love child, it would be Old Enfield. After a life explosion, I moved to the area in 2009 to rent a house and had planned on building a home in yet another neighborhood. After just one month in the ‘hood, however, I fell madly in love with it. I happily sold the lot and bought a house just down the street from my rent house and have not looked back since. Old Enfield sits just west of Pease Park, through which Shoal Creek meanders before spilling into Lady Bird Lake. Pease Park, founded in 1875, was a gift to the city from the Pease family for a public park consisting of 23 acres that was part of the family's plantation. At present, there is a leash-free area for hounds, a historic bath house, a running trail and even a Post-Civil War campsite of General George Custer and 200 Federal soldiers. The Pease Park Conservancy does a knockout job of keeping the park mulched, watered and cared for just in time for Eeyore's birthday, the annual spring hippy festival with drum circles, topless maidens with painted breasts, fairies, unicycles, dreadlocks and more. It's usually hot and dusty, but no one cares because it's so much fun. Beyond Pease Park, the neighborhood has other charms: canopied by hundred-year-old oak trees, the streets are quite inviting on a full moon, and the nocturnal pedestrian scene is phenomenal. Because of its proximity to Shoal Creek, Old Enfield also has quite the nerdy birder's population of owls, hawks, song birds and herons that can be seen and heard. I have even witnessed a sharp shinned hawk lurk at my bird feeder awaiting its sparrow tartare treat—Wild Kingdom does exist in Central Austin. Every May, there is an Old Enfield picnic to which all the residents are invited. It's quite the scene with an eclectic group of folks, including the mature, graceful Old Austin crowd and young, perky adults, along with a sprinkling of teens and hipsters. The location of the picnic changes every year, so it keeps it interesting, and all the nosy neighbors get to see the host and hostess's yard up-close. Admit it: we all love to snoop. And speaking of houses, Old Enfield's oldest house is the Pease Mansion, beautifully preserved in its original splendor. Built in 1853, the Mansion sits on three acres at the highest elevation in the neighborhood. With its stately oak trees and grassy lawn, it is surely the envy of every child who's ever wanted to swing from a tree branch or throw a football. It's safe to say that I won't be moving anytime soon from my turf. I’m thrilled that I have stumbled upon this unique spot in Austin. This love child of a neighborhood is traditional, eclectic, full of stories, cares not what others think, elegant as hell and a tiny bit feral. I'm still in love with Old Enfield.
J a n e Sc h we p p e ’ s O l d E n fiel d
Top 10
1. Fino Restaurant Patio & Bar (2905 San Gabriel St.) and its cousin, Asti Trattoria (408 E. 3rd St.). A warm and friendly atmosphere and the best salade niçoise with fried capers. Who needs Paris? 2. Nau's Drugstore (1115 W. Lynn St.). Family owned and operated. Best place to get your meds—plus they deliver. 3. Galaxy Café (1000 W. Lynn St.). Best sweet potato fries. The fare is quick, healthy and fresh. Groovy staff, and they serve wine. 4. Food! Food! (2727 Exposition Blvd.). Best tuna melt with fresh lemonade, hands down. The cheese wafers are to die for. Friendly and loyal staff. 5. Breed and Co. (718 W. 29th St.). Impeccable service at this family-owned and operated business. Great for gifts, bridal registry and tools. It just feels good to walk around in. 6. Tomlinson’s Pet Supplies (3300 Bee Cave Rd.). Local pet store with a conscience. Feel free to pet the rabbits. 7. Chevron Gas Station (2402 Lake Austin Blvd). Couldn't be more helpful, and they still offer a Full Service for the older generation. 8. Tarrytown Nails & Spa (2414 Exposition Blvd.). Best nail care and sweetest ladies. It's like Steel Magnolias when you go in there. Every age and who's who of Central Austin. 9. JuiceLand (2307 Lake Austin Blvd.). Smoothies, juice and wheat grass shots in a hippy setting. 10. Jeffrey's Restaurant (1204 W. Lynn St.). Soon to reopen, best place to spend happy hour pouring your heart out to your
For Schweppe, Old Enfield is equal parts elegance and surprise, oddity and Old Austin.
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South Congress
You can’t help but feel welcome among South Congress’ eclectic community, Celeste Quesada says: “It’s a true sense of belonging best defined by the word ‘home.’”
Life on the Avenue— three takes on what it’s like to live to the East, West and right above Celeste & SoCo. Adrian Quesada Photography by Cody Hamilton
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Be i ng a n a t i v e Au s t i n i t e , I’ve had the opportunity to live all over Austin, from the East Side (before it was uber-hip) to Clarksville, from Tarrytown to Travis Heights. Back in my twenties, however, I would never in a million years have considered living south of Ben White. It seemed like the outskirts of Austin and nothBy C E L ES T E Q UESADA ing interesting to speak of for a Central Austin kind of home-grown gal. But when we began searching for a house to buy back in 2004, we quickly realized we needed to expand our lofty dreams to fit our limited funds. And that’s when we opened our hearts to 78745. Here was an area that had lovely, three-bedroom homes with big backyards, mature trees
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Surrounded by musical neighbors, Adrian Quesada and the rest of his Grammy award-winning outfit, Grupo Fantasma, feel right at home off of South Congress.
and quiet streets: as soon as I saw our casita, I knew we could raise our future family and have plenty of space for my office, my husband’s music studio and our array of animals—all for under $140,000. Of course, that was seven years ago, but even today, Austin's Greenwood Hills neighborhood is a hidden piece of affordable paradise. You can find our sweet, secluded community right off South Congress Avenue, near the historic southern comfort food landmark, The Hills Café. If you decide to take a walk around, you will see families pushing strollers or someone working on their garden. You can even pay a visit to the little posse of neighborhood goats. Our modest abode is located at the end of a cul de sac. When we first moved in, I was concerned my husband’s music studio might create a noisy disturbance for our new neighbors. But we soon found out that all four homes in the semi-circle were owned by musicians, including the two brothers behind the Tejano/Cumbia band, Super Nomadas, as well as nationally recognized composer, Peter Stopchinski—of Brown Hornet and Golden Hornet Project—and his partner, Lana Lesley, Co-Producing Artistic Director of Rude Mechanicals. Just about every day of the week you can hear funk, avant-classical piano or Tejano music gently filling the air. Throughout the years, we've discovered lots of other creative people who live in Greenwood Hills, including a band member of Austin’s favorite bluegrass ensemble, The Lost Pines, a soul/ funk DJ that spins vintage 45s and at least ten other noteworthy, critically-acclaimed musicians. Another member of my husband's bands, Grupo Fantasma and Brownout, moved a stone’s throw away from our home and chose to raise their children here too. (That's been a real blessing when the guys hit the road for a long tour.) Of all the great things about our little 'hood, perhaps the crown jewel is the Williamson Creek Greenbelt. Off Battle Bend Road is a secret entrance into the relatively undiscovered park—and it is absolutely stunning. Protected by massive trees, the green shady forest and running creek provide a home to families of foxes and other wild animals. It’s the perfect place to walk your dog and feel like you are in a State Park, while actually only being 3.2 miles away from Hopdoddy Burger Bar on South Congress. Now that we’ve been here almost a decade, we almost feel like the neighborhood old-timers, and we’re quite settled into our home, which we’ve outfitted with solar panels, three fat freeroaming chickens, our lovely screened-in porch and a professional music studio inside the house. And even with the exciting downtown hustle-bustle only minutes away, we often find ourselves completely satisfied staying in for the night, enjoying our neighborhood's quiet, small-town feel. Once located on the edge of the Austin city limits, 78745 is now the new definition of Old South Austin.... and it’s the perfect place to call home sweet home. Celeste Quesada is Creative Director of Craftbox Agency, and her husband, Adrian Quesada, is a Grammy Award-winning producer and musician.
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The Qu esa da s ’ T op 1 0 1. San Juanita's Tacos (5607 S. Congress Ave.). Also recommended by our dear friends and Austin taco warriors, tacojournalism. com, the papas rancheras taco are chingon. 2. Williamson Creek Central Greenbelt (5120 S. 1st St.). A relatively undiscovered greenbelt in our neighborhood. 3. Borrego de Oro (3900 S. Congress Ave.). You can't beat their bean, egg and potato breakfast tacos with fresh corn tortillas. 4. L&P Super Sandwich (1009 W. Slaughter Ln.). Incredible Vietnamese sandwich trailer with super sweet owners. 5. Music Lab (1306 W. Oltorf St.). Having a rehearsal space half a mile away from the neighborhood makes our community a hot-spot for musicians. A newly opened coffee and sandwich shop plus music store, Music Lab is a win-win. 6. Becker Elementary Dual Language Program (906 W. Milton St.). The oldest school in South Austin, sporting exemplary status, a green garden, chicken coop and dual language program. 7. South Congress Partyland (4811 S. Congress Ave.). If you are a parent, you see the property value in having a pinata store a mile away. 8. P. Terry’s Burger Stand (204 W. Ben White Blvd.). Their veggie burgers rule! 9. Reuben's Wine and Spirits (107 W. Stassney Ln.). The drive-through makes finding a last-minute hostess gift a total breeze. 10. South 1st and South Congress. What can we say? 78745 is the younger sibling basking in the glory of its big sister, 78704. s e e m a p pa g e 6 6
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South Congress
CONTINUED
Lauren McAuliffe & Sean Greenberg
H av i ng grow n u p i n Au s t i n ,
it's easy to take for granted what a special city we live in. I grew up in West Austin and attended the University of Texas along with my fiancé, Sean, but it wasn't until we moved to South Austin that I developed a true respect for this weird and wonderful place. Three years ago, Sean and I had the opportunity to design and build a loft apartment atop Allens Boots, his family business. We wanted a modern By L AUREN M C AU L I F F E Texas feel— complete with cowhides, limestone walls and stained concrete floors— but the first things Sean prioritized were a built-in boot rack in the hallway and a beer tap in the kitchen to make it uniquely our own.
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We love living here because South Austin feels like quintessential Austin: it's where both tourists and locals flock to relax and enjoy amazing restaurants and quirky shops. South Congress also boasts the original food trailer mecca and is one of the few areas of town that are easy to explore on foot. The trendy vibe down south has a depth and soul that have developed over decades and continue to flourish today. While the bustling energy initially attracted us to this side of town, some of our favorite moments are the quiet weekend mornings before the shops open or our evening strolls home from dinner. The proximity to everything is huge for us as well: after graduating from UT, Sean and I spent several months backpacking around Europe and later lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for a brief stint. We grew accustomed to city life and love being able to walk everywhere, so we recently started a tradition of going on Friday afternoon walks to downtown. Strolling across the Congress bridge to spend the afternoon sipping on a La Condesa margarita will make anyone feel like a tourist in their own city. There's also our "Soco Shuffle," a term we coined to describe an all-day affair, starting at Perla's for brunch and ending with dinner at Polvo's. The location is also ideal for festivals like ACL and SXSW. Our friends living in Houston or Dallas come in to stay with us, which makes the experience all the more festive. The loft serves as our main hub, and we avoid traffic and general hoopla by traveling on foot or bike. Of course, there are disadvantages when you live in the center of the action. Attempting to pull out of the neighborhood surrounded by crowds of badge-wearing, beer-holding visitors when you're trying to get to work on a weekday can test one's patience. But then again, what other city is cool enough to host a one-of-a-kind event like SXSW? South Austin is definitely home to the weird and wacky—and we've seen it all. There are a fair share of eccentric characters (including the late, great Leslie), who somehow add to the laid-back and welcoming environment. We once spent a morning herding chickens back to their coop, and although you might think having a pet pig is a little strange, we're just one of many pig owners this side of the river. We take that as one of the many signs that we are right where we belong. Sean Greenberg is the director of operations at Allens Boots, and Lauren McAuliffe is a Relentless Coach for CrossFit Central and pilates instructor. Morimoto or "Moto" has lived on South Congress for all 14 months of his pig life. The couple is looking forward to their wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico this September.
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L a u re n & Se a n ' s TOP 10 1. Polvos Mexican Restaurant (2004 S. 1st St.). The pitchers of frozens, salsa bar and south-of-the-border music feel like our
Anne & Cameron Campbell N e s t l e d be t w e e n L a dy Bi r d
2. Elizabeth Street Café (1501 S. 1st
Lake and South Congress is one of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, Travis Heights. When my husband, Cameron, and I returned to Austin with our twoyear-old from San Francisco, we knew the urban oasis was the perfect fit for our growing family. (Amidst moving boxes, we welcomed Number Two to our brood.) Away from the hustle and bustle of ever-changing Austin yet still close to the action of downtown and SoCo, we immediately felt right at home in one of Austin’s most charming enclaves.
sants hot out of the oven and sip on a cappuccino on the patio. The charming bistro decor paired with Vietnamese flavor is totally our style. 3. Farm to Market Grocery (1718 S. Congress Ave.). The neighborhood grocer I've always dreamed about. You know all of the employees, and they stock local, organic companies. 4. Botticelli’s (1321 S. Congress Ave.). Our favorite place for a great dinner and ambiance is Botticelli’s beer garden. There’s usually an acoustic guitarist serenading us during the meal. 5. Perla's (1400 S. Congress Ave.). A Saturday morning brunch institution. They offer the best Mint Julep in town and one of my favorite lobster omelets. 6. Continental Club (1315 S. Congress Ave.). It's hard to believe this legendary music venue is just steps outside our front door. 7. El Alma (1025 Barton Springs Rd.). Another of our long-walk rituals. I love a good spicy margarita, and their Duck Relleno is to die for. 8. Doc’s Bar & Grill (1123 S. Congress Ave.). The best sports bar within walkingdistance. 9. La Mexicana Bakery (1924 S. 1st St.). The barbacoa taco is outstanding, and I love the random assortment of baked goods. 10. Allens Boots (1522 S. Congress Ave.). Sean's father opened the store in 1977, and Sean is proud to be part of the family business today. The floor-to-ceiling racks of boots and overwhelming smell of leather make it a perfect place to welcome newcomers to Texas. s e e m a p pa g e 6 6
The Campbells discover a surprisingly family-friendly haven in Travis Heights.
By a n n e c a m pb e ll
second home. St.). I like to arrive early for their chocolate crois-
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T H E C a m p bell s ' T o p 1 0 to T r a v i s Hei g h t s 1. Little Stacy Park (1400 Alameda Dr.). One of our
ing local when we shop for food here. Cameron often stops here
daughter’s favorite places to make new friends and collect worms.
after work for a gallon of milk and a gourmet dessert.
The light filters majestically through towering oaks in this shaded
7. Y & I Clothing Boutique (1113 S. Congress Ave.). A
Shangri-la.
great place to pick up gifts and last-minute accessories for a night
2.Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress St.). Our fave pizza in
on the town.
the city. Pair it with a Fireman’s Four and one of their killer Greek
8. Kendra Scott Design (1400 S. Congress Ave.). Kick off
salads, and you’ve got one happy family. Too hungry to wait for a
the weekend at the local designer’s flagship store (she now has lo-
table? Try More Home Slice next door for a quick slice.
cations in Dallas and Beverly Hills too) for colorful additions when
3. Birds Barbershop (1902 S. Congress Ave.). Cameron
you don’t have time to shop for an entire ensemble. Be prepared to
loves that he can drink a beer, read the Chronicle, listen to some
stay a while and mix and match at the color bar—it’s addictive.
good tunes and get a good (and cheap!) haircut on the quick.
9. Blunn Creek Greenbelt (1901 East Side Dr.). We love
4. Hotel San José (1316 S. Congress Ave.). Pre-kids, you
loading up the double stroller and walking for hours along Blunn
would have seen us here lounging with red in thick glass tumblers.
Creek. It’s one of Austin’s best kept secret places for an urban hike!
Nowadays, when we manage to escape the little ones, we book it
10. Whip In (1950 I-35 S.). Part beer pick-up spot, part Indian
straight to the inviting bar at the Hotel San José.
food resto, this unique stop alongside I-35 embodies Austin’s
5. Hey Cupcake! (1600 S. Congress Ave.). Under the revolving
slogan—they’re definitely keeping it weird.
cupcake, my daughter and I love a special afternoon treat from this sweet trailer. Our fave? Red velvet with cream cheese icing. Yum! 6. Farm to Market Grocery (1718 S. Congress Ave.). An upscale grocery with a small town feel. We love that we’re support-
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Anne Campbell is the Partnership & Promotions Editor of Austin Tidbits, and her husband, Cameron, is a Landscape Designer with Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. They have two children and love living in their mid-century home in Travis Heights. tribeza.com
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Gordon Fowler Wally Workm an Gallery
1202 West Sixth Street Austin, Texas 78703 www.wallyworkman.com 512.472.7428
AUSTIN’S OWN SHOWR OOM WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL EYE FOR SOPHISTICATED, CHIC FURNISHINGS. 1 5 1 2 W. 3 5 T H S T . C U T O F F, S U I T E 1 0 0 | 5 1 2 . 2 8 4 . 9 7 3 2 | W E N D O W F I N E L I V I N G . C O M
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Inspired by their diverse and creative neighborhood, Hunter and Thiam decorate their home with artifacts gathered from their travels to Senegal, Morocco and India.
SOUTH AUSTIN
After moving from New York City, Robin Hunter and Iba Thiam of Cazamance discover a home south of Ben White and a dream on Rainey Street. By R o b i n H u n t e r
Photography by Cody Hamilton
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hen my husband, Iba, and I came to Austin from New York City, we didn’t know how long we would stay. I had been teaching Gyrotonic, dancing and acting in New York, while Iba was running a café inside the Bumble & Bumble hair salon. When we were expecting our first child, however, we decided it was time to relocate to somewhere a bit slower-paced and more peaceful to start our family. As a University of Texas graduate and with sisters in Austin and Driftwood, Austin seemed the obvious choice. There are so many different types of people here, so with our unique family, we instantly felt like we fitted in. We love the city’s tranquility, awesome weather, amazing live music, swimming holes and, most of all, the natural
R obi n & I b a ’ s beauty that surrounds Austin. After eight years, we’ve fallen even more in love with the city, from our home in South Austin to our Cazamance space on Rainey Street. In Austin, we truly have the best of both worlds: we almost feel like we live downtown because we’re only five minutes away from the heart of South First or South Congress, where Guero’s is our weekly haunt. It’s like our backyard—many of SoCo and SoFi’s businesses employees have become our good friends and have watched our first daughter, Azula, and now youngest, Amaimoona, grow up. However, our own neighborhood, The Birds, still manages to maintain its quiet, small-town feel. At first, I couldn’t imagine myself living so far south of Ben White until I saw our neighborhood, nestled between South First and South Congress, with its wide, country roads and gorgeous houses set on large plots of land, some of which host farm animals and beautiful gardens. Coming from a tiny apartment in Manhattan with a fire escape for a balcony, this seemed like heaven—and we could afford it! You also can’t help but notice the sense of community in The Birds: when we first moved, for example, our neighbor down the street and her daughters welcomed us with open arms, and today, our next-door neighbor is like a brother to us. Of course, it’s not that we have block parties or spend all our time with one another, but rather that we share a friendly atmosphere. Everybody’s really creative and open-minded—we all do our yards in funky ways, and we support each other’s funkiness! Still, Iba and I had always daydreamed about owning a place where he could share his talent and passion for creating food. He had been catering in Austin and decided to look for a bartending job to help supplement our income. As he was driving around looking for bars to which he would apply, he happened upon Rainey Street, where Clive Bar was under construction and preparing to open. As fate would have it, the GM and Manager just happened to be there. They hit it off, he got a job, and the love affair with Rainey Street began. When the lot across the street from Clive Bar became temporarily available, it felt like a no brainer. My sweet dad gave us a flatbed trailer, and our talented brother-in-law built the walls and roof using recycled metal and wood. We opened in September of 2010, on Azula's first day of kindergarten and a few months before the arrival of Amaimoona! It has been a lot of hard work, and as a family, we've made many sacrifices but feel extremely blessed to have been given the opportunity to fulfill a dream. Nevertheless, as much as we love where we live and where Iba creates, we have dreams to move to Senegal and continue the legacy of Iba’s mother, who was an amazing woman and passionate activist. There, we would love to open a school to teach young children about farming, solar energy and rainwater harvesting to promote healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. Iba jokes that it’s too late for us adults to change our ways, but for the kids, there’s hope—sometimes, all a child needs is a hand to help him or her get by. But wherever we go, whether New York City or Dakar, we will never give up the roots we’ve put down right here in Austin. Robin Hunter and Iba Thiam co-own Cazamance and Cazamance Café, where Iba is head chef. Robin, a dancer and actress on a brief hiatus, also volunteers as Drama Club Leader at Zilker Elementary, where she is blessed to guide 20 spirited and bright young actresses. They have three beautiful daughters: 14-year-old Afinatou—Iba's eldest daughter who lives in NYC—7-year-old Azula and 17-month-old Amaimoona.
Top 10
1. Thriftland (512 W. Stassney Ln.). This awesome thrift store just a couple blocks’ walk away has amazing finds for even more amazing prices! 2. Ruta Maya Coffeehouse (3601 S. Congress Ave.). We are addicted to their organic espresso beans roasted on the premises. They also have great live music, free salsa dance lessons and Sunday kids' shows! 3. Little Stacy Park (1400 Alameda Dr.). We have spent many days on this playground, shaded by a canopy of oak trees. It's a great spot for birthday parties, cook outs or a game of tennis. 4. Mana Culture (2214 S. 1st St.). They have an amazing jewelry selection, beautiful clothing and now, even organic spray tans. 5. Polvos Mexican Restaurant (2004 S. 1st St.). We LOVE this Mexican eatery. The ceviche is mouthwateringly delicious, and the salsa bar is awesome. If I had it my way, we would eat there every time we go out! 6. Sap’s Fine Thai (4514 Westgate Blvd.). This is Azula's favorite restaurant. She asks to eat here at least once a week. 7. The Great Outdoors (2730 S. Congress Ave.). We can easily spend a couple of hours here, sipping on lemonade or an iced coffee from Jeanie's Java (the cafe located on the premises), as we browse the beautiful plants and garden art. 8. EcoWise (110 W. Elizabeth St.). They have a great selection of earth-friendly materials like cleaning products, paints, stains and flooring. It's locally owned by a super cool couple that lives in our ‘hood. 9. The Herb Bar (200 W. Mary St.). This is where I like to go for all of my herbal concoctions. The staff is super knowledgeable and helpful. I always learn something new and end up leaving with a lot more than I went in for. 10. Guero's Taco Bar (1412 S. Congress Ave.). I have been eating at Guero's since my college days when it was located on Oltorf—the wait staff is practically family now. We love their queso, limeade, frozen margaritas, green sauce and chicken al carbon. tribeza.com
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WEST LaKE For Linsey and David Bullock, Westlake has just the smalltown feel they were looking for. Westlake offers Linsey Bullock the best of both worlds: “What has surprised me most about living in Westlake is its small-town charm in the midst of a vibrant city.�
By L i n s e y B u ll o c k
Photography by Kenny Braun
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y husband, David, and I met while we were both studying at UT—I was getting my undergrad degree, he his MBA—and a great job opportunity in Fort Lauderdale, Florida whisked us away from Austin in what felt like minutes after graduation. But after just two short years in the Sunshine State, we missed Austin. Badly. So we packed our bags and moved back to the city where we had met and fallen in love. We settled into an adorable rental house in Bryker Woods for a few years, and when it came time to buy our first house together, we had fairly strict search criteria: a house big enough to raise a family, a nice backyard for our chocolate lab, Sugar, a quiet neighborhood and the right feel. We looked in nearly every direction and zip code. Austin was climbing every “best” list out there, and it seemed like the minute we’d find a house, someone would grab it right from under our noses. About the time I decided to give up, David came across a charming house in Westlake. Westlake? Hmm…we hadn’t even looked there. It was across town, hard to get to and seemed so remote. And you know the stigma—you might even have a few quips yourself. But when we walked inside the 1960’s ranch style house, our preconceived notions quickly melted away. We knew this was our dream house, and it didn’t take long for us to fall in love with the neighborhood I originally snubbed. The more time we spent in our dream house, the more I realized that it wasn’t just our little house that I adore: it’s the Live Oak canopied streets, the expansive yards where kids can run and play without bumping into a property line, roadways lined with blooming wildflowers, deer quietly feeding in the early morning hours. This is a place that embraces nature— something David and I want to share with our kids. We also quickly discovered Westlake’s small town charm. It seems to have everything we would ever need right in this little nucleus: restaurants, dry cleaners, hardware store, grocery store, boutiques. Everyone in the neighborhood goes to the same places, so you quickly begin to recognize familiar faces and exchange friendly hellos in line at the grocery store. One of the things we didn’t like about living in Florida was feeling like a stranger, so when we bump into a neighbor in the aisle at Breed & Co., it gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside that’s invaluable. Westlake’s annual Fourth of July parade embodies the glowing spirit of the neighborhood. Sam and Catherine Houston, our neighbors, line the bank parking lot where we meet with bubble wrap, and patriotically-clad kids jump up and down to make “fireworks.” The Fire Department and Police Officers lead the parade, and everyone swiftly follows because we know that once we finish the route, we’ll be greeted by employees of Texas Honey Ham and Amy’s Ice Cream with free breakfast tacos and ice cream. So while I admit that I had my doubts about Westlake, I quickly realized that it has everything I was looking for: an abundance of wildlife, a strong sense of community and the chance to bump into friends and neighbors everywhere I turn. And now I wouldn’t want to live in any other place in the world. Linsey Bullock is the Corporate Partnerships Manager for LIVESTRONG, and her husband, David, is the CFO for Yeti Coolers.
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T h e B u llock s '
Top 10
1. Texas Honey Ham (3736 Bee Cave Rd.). We have breakfast here at least once a week, and the staff practically knows our order by heart: one sausage, egg, cheese and jalapeno taco for David, one pancake to share and one Frigas taco for me (Frigas = Fritos + Migas—delicious! ). Try their Frito pie made with honey ham or their baked potato casserole with ham bone soup poured on top. 2. Beehive (3300 Bee Cave Rd. ). Owned by one of my best friends from college, Claire Fields, the boutique sports some of the most fashionable, well-made threads at great prices. 3. The Grove (6317 Bee Cave Rd.). The perfect datenight spot: I love the Grove Crispy Oysters and Wine Lover’s pizza and Potato Crusted Scottish Salmon 4. Breed & Co. (3663 Bee Cave Rd.). Whether you’re looking for a unique-sized bolt or a gift for someone special, this store has it all. Fun place to meander on a hot, summer day. 5. Embellish (3663 Bee Cave Rd.). Pampering at its finest—pedicures, M&M’s, girly movies and an adorable boutique. 6. Brilliant Sky (701 Capital of Texas Hwy.). Looking for a gift for a kiddo that inspires creativity and imagination? This is your place. 7. Westbank Community Library (1309 Westbank Dr.). Storytime and the Library Dogs encourage little ones to get a head start on literacy. 8. Rudy’s BBQ (2451 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.). The lush green lawn out back is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. 9. Yoga Yoga (2501 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.). Everitt’s Restorative class is unreal. 10. Blue Dahlia Bistro (3663 Bee Caves Rd). This second location just opened this summer and I love it! I work on the East Side and frequently go to the original site for lunch. s e e m a p pa g e 7 3
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Though nestled in the hills, Westlake still feels like the heart of Austin for Jeri Brock.
Jeri & Vaughn Brock’s
Westlake
By J e r i B r o c k
Photography by Kenny Braun
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E
ighteen years ago, Vaughn and I moved to Stratford Hills in Westlake because we had heard so much about its schools. At the time, the land over on Stratford was all owned by the University of Texas and just beginning to develop, so we bought our plot with a view of downtown and the water. Our private cul-de-sac was the perfect space to raise our three young boys, who were 1, 4 and 6 years old when we first moved. We began getting involved in the schools and community and discovered that Westlake was the perfect fit for our family. Our neighborhood is a warm, caring place to live—we truly believe that we have the most friendly and awesome neighbors in all of Austin! When we moved, we kept hearing our newly developing neighborhood being called “Pill Hill,” due to the many doctors settling in Stratford Hills. Little did we know that our new neighbors would become some of our dear friends over the years: just recently, I nearly chopped my finger off while cutting cabbage, and I ran two doors down to the vascular surgeon, who fixed me up in no time! In the early years, we had many neighborhood parties and gatherings with all of our kids. In fact, some of our sweetest memories include the annual Christmas Eve Santa Claus Party and the most elaborate haunted house every Halloween. When Easter comes around, we have Easter egg hunts over in Stratford Mountain, followed by a potluck arranged between the two neighborhoods—although the most memorable for us was in 2001, when we welcomed our fourth son to Stratford Hills. One year, I bought a swing in Fredericksburg and asked my next-door neighbors to come over for a chat. Today, on warm Sunday nights, our neighbors still join us in our yard for “Swing Talk” at five o’clock with a glass of wine. Even as we’ve launched our children to college and beyond, we have stayed put and continue to share life with one another in this unique enclave. Nevertheless, because the development of downtown Austin has lured some of our empty nesters to high-rise living, we have had the joy of welcoming new families into the neighborhood from literally all over the world. Early evening dog walks and working in our yards on beautiful Austin days foster a sense of fellowship with new and old neighbors alike. What surprises people most about Westlake is how inclusive our neighborhood is. There’s often the stereotype that there’s a big rivalry between Austin High and Westlake, for example, but we absolutely love Austin High, and we still keep up with our friends in Pemberton. That’s the beauty of our neighborhood—we still feel like we’re in West Austin, even though our kids are in Westlake schools. We now find ourselves in a season of life that lends itself to exploration of this beautiful and growing city we have called home for almost 30 years. While we continue frequenting the places we have always loved, we enjoy finding new treasures to share with our older boys when they return home to us. Our lives have been blessed and enriched by the homes and hearts nestled among the rolling hills of Westlake. Vaughn has worked as a commercial real estate developer and investor for 25 years and serves on the Urban Young Life Board and Boy Scout Boards. Jeri mentors three young women in East Austin and loves her work with the Helping Hand Home. They have four boys, Johnson, Cameron, Marshall and Grayson.
westlake MAP
J eri & V a u g h n ’ s
Top 10
1. The Trail at Lady Bird Lake. We come here almost every day because it’s right down Stratford. I call it my happy place!
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2. The Hills of Westlake. You can’t write a piece about Westlake without talking about how beautiful the terrain is. We love looking out our back
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it’s just beautiful. 3. The Red Bud Isle Park (3401 Red Bud
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Trl.). It’s right around the corner—a great little gift so close to home. 4. iGnite (8127 Mesa Dr). Neissa Springmann was
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5. Westlake High School (4100 Westbank
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work out with an awesome group of women—al-
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friends with a lot of the teachers over the years. 6. The Rollingwood Pool (4801 Rolling-
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wood Dr.). I’m a member, and it’s so convenient for our 10-year-old, who plays tennis. 7. Texas Honey Ham (3736 Bee Cave Rd.). A
one of their first stops in Austin for breakfast tacos. 8. Tokyo Restaurant (3201 Bee Cave Rd.). We’ve had our weekly sushi here for the past eleven years. 9. Walsh Landing (1600 Scenic Dr.). We have
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boys. When my kids come home from college, it’s
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a boat on Lake Austin, so the landing is a great place to throw our boat and hang out in the summer. 10. Trianon Coffee (3201 Bee Cave Rd.). My husband hosts a Bible study here twice a week, and it’s a really neat neighborhood place to meet friends
= T h e B u llock s = J eri & V a u g h n
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Whatever they imagine for their neighborhood’s future, families, new businesses owners and longtime Austinites of storied institutions all call Airport Boulevard home.
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by p h i l l i p pa n t u s o
R e a d y f o r Ta k e o f f photogr a ph y by D av i s A y e r
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o the eyes of at least one generation of Austinites, Airport Boulevard, with its auto shops, generic strip malls and cracked (or absent) sidewalks, is an unlovely example of a time when city-planning turned heel on the pedestrian for the automobile. A boondocks avenue when it was built, State Highway 29 (it was rechristened Airport Boulevard in 1944) formed the western boundary of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport from 1936 until 1999, when the airport closed. Eighty-something years later, the beleaguered thoroughfare veins through the heart of an urban area with more than 1.5 million people, a population expected to double in the next 30 years. It’s not the corridor the city dreams of, but that’s quickly changing: new businesses, an ambitious redevelopment plan and community spirit are coming together to make Airport Boulevard an unlikely example of 21st century Austin values.
A FOODIE DESTINATION? Scattered along Airport are several iconic businesses steadfastly resisting time’s attenuation: Lammes Candies (established 1885), Quality Seafood Market (1938), Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery (1948), McGuire’s Clocks (1964) and I Luv Video (DVD and VHS only, sorry). Alongside local favorites like Tamale House, Coldtowne Theater and Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs, these businesses spackle the boulevard with a hidden, offbeat character. But three popular new restaurants, starting with House Pizzeria’s opening in summer 2009, have transformed Airport into a surprising foodie hotspot. Praise for House’s Neapolitan-style pies has been effusive since day one. Owner Scott Talkington says affordability was an attraction to the area, “but even five years ago, Airport seemed primed for something to happen. It’s central, and a lot of great businesses were already here.” Those sentiments are echoed by Kayo Asazu and Alex Inman, the co-owner and manager, respectively, of Komé, a Japanese restaurant and sushi kitchen that opened at 49th and Airport in October. For two years, Asazu and her husband, Také, served made-to-order rolls from Sushi-a-Go-Go, a food trailer located on the same lot of Komé. “People were saying this area was going to change to be more like a South Congress,” she says. “We wanted to be a part of that.” “Most of the buildings here just need some fresh paint and new businesses,” Inman adds. As if to prove the point, the second location of Your Mom’s Burger Bar recently opened in a refurbished butcher shop down the block from Komé. With each mouthwatering stuffed burger they serve up, they’re also proving Airport Boulevard’s status as a culinary destination. Three years ago, who would’ve guessed that?
ways to implement the plan’s maxims of diversity, walkability and vibrancy on Airport Boulevard, between Lamar and I-35. (You can follow their progress and participate at airportboulevard.com). The initiative tackles concerns large and small, from brainstorming public investments in streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and rail, to implementing a zoning tool called form-based code. Instead of zoning for on-site usage, form-based code regulates the look and feel of new development, with the goal of fostering more integrated, place-specific design solutions to heighten the character of the public realm. Think of the Midtown Commons, a mixed-use development at the intersection of Airport and
The head spins when you think about what this area could be.
THE LONG-TERM PLAN In August of 2009, the City Council unrolled the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, a broad, thirty-year vision that established eight core principles (examples: “grow as a compact, connected city”, “develop as an affordable and healthy community” and “think creatively and work together”) to guide development during Austin’s accelerating growth spurt. Airport Boulevard was identified as a key activity corridor with the “potential to substantially grow and prosper,” according to Jorge Rousselin and Alan Holt of the Urban Design Division of the Planning and Development Review Department. Rousselin and Holt spearhead the Airport Boulevard Initiative, a think tank of community members and city employees dreaming up
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Scott T a l k i n g t on
North Lamar. It’s not a stretch to imagine a similar redevelopment around Highland Mall. Rousselin and Holt hope that, by the end of the year, form-based code for all of upper Airport Boulevard (the stretch spanning Lamar and I-35) will be adopted by City Council. “Multimodal is the goal—right now, the street practically screams ‘no pedestrians’,” Scott Talkington says. He’s one of several area business owners involved with the initiative, but not all of them are so rosy on change. Pam Teich, proprietor of Lammes Candies since 1976, expresses concern that road redevelopments will impede drive-up customers, whom she estimates comprise 97% of her business. “I want green space and walkability,” she adds, “but as a business owner, I’m concerned with the livelihood of my business.” Still, most business owners seem optimistic. “The head spins when you think about what this area could be,” Talkington says. “There’s a ways to go, but it’s going to be an interesting ride.”
ECLECTIC NEIGHBORHOODS A bird’s-eye map of central Austin looks almost like annotated graph paper, the roads bisecting at relentless right angles. An obvious exception is Airport Boulevard, which drips diagonally eastward, as if someone tilted the paper before the ink was dry. As a suburban throughway to the airport, this angled course made sense. But even now, Airport’s peculiar path gives it some unique characteristics. It connects wildly
Clockwise from top left: Whether you’re in the mood for laughs at ColdTowne Theater or a sushi splurge at KomÊ, Airport Boulevard has something for everyone. Satisfy your tamale cravings at Tamale House or dig into some fresh seafood at Quality Seafood. End the night with a unique film from I Luv Video and a tasty pie at House Pizzeria.
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“The biggest surprise,” says Laura Levack of her twelve years in the neighborhood, “has been the tremendous scope of growth in our section of Airport Boulevard.”
disparate parts of the city, cutting across the grain of Austin’s ballooning expansion. And it abuts a variety of neighborhoods representational of Austin’s diversity: Brentwood, North Loop, Hancock and Hyde Park to the north; Mueller, Wilshire Wood, Cherrywood, Chestnut and Govalle to the east and south. Laura and Chris Levack, along with their two daughters, live in Delwood II, the quaint, tree-lined enclave pocketed in the northeast crook where Airport meets I-35. Their midcentury stucco home backs up to the Mueller development, and it’s a short drive from Chris’s sculpture studio on 5th and Springdale. As a graduate student at UT in the early 90s, Laura often visited her brother, who rented in the area. “I remember the nicely-kept yards and the eclectic mix of people from all stations of life,” she says. “It just seemed like a sweet little neighborhood.” Twelve years ago, when she and Chris were searching for a home, Delwood II was a no-brainer. Back then, they’d hear coyotes howling across the 700 acres of abandoned airfields. “Now,” she laughs, “there’s a new city being built back there!” Things are as funky as ever in Delwood II, though. The neighborhood is the marching grounds for Austin’s oldest (55 years and counting) Fourth of July parade, which invariably becomes a party with beer, dancers and a brisket cookoff, for which Chris builds a trophy. There’s also a New Year’s Eve parade graced by an itinerant troupe of bearded bagpipers, ending with a disco ball drop in the Levacks’ front yard. “The whole neighborhood gets involved,” Chris says. “There were hundreds of people on our lawn this year.” That camaraderie, along with the area’s good schools and proximity to Airport (“which is close to downtown,” Laura notes), are synonymous with “home” for the Levacks. So while property values might have changed, Delwood II has retained its chromatic charm and tightknit sense of community. There’s a lesson in that worth remembering, as larger, community-enacted changes begin to reinvent Airport Boulevard: in with the new, sure, but let’s keep the hard-won character that galvanized such sparkling visions in the first place. The future looks bright.
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1. New Year’s Eve in Delwood II. A raucous parade erupts out of a neighbor’s house each New Year’s Eve at midnight. It usually consists of bagpipes, old vehicles covered in Christmas lights, costumes, floats, musical instruments and neighbors joining in the chaotic celebration. We drop a disco ball from a 20-foot pole in our front yard for a countdown and then join in the parade. 2. Southwest Greenway. When the redevelopers of the old Robert Mueller Airport were peeling off the tarmac, they discovered pure, untouched Blackland Prairie soil underneath. RVI Landscape Architecture had the best idea for such a found jewel: build a park and reclaim the prairie. They hired Chris to build two large sculptures there. The result was Pollen Grain, a 14-foot in diameter spherical model of cactus pollen, and Wigwam, a jet-age, stylized tepee. These sculptures, the amazing plant life and landscaping by RVI and the trails all make this one of my family’s favorite places to jog or bike to. 3. Cherrywood Coffeehouse (1400 E. 38th 1/2 St.). The old Pato’s building is now home to dark coffee and Saints games on cool Sundays. You must try the oyster po-boy! 4. The Butterfly Bar (2307 Manor Rd.). The Vortex Theater took its enormous yard that houses an occasional outdoor theater, added a deck, a shed and a small, intimate interior space that is home to a 100-year-old wooden bar. This place feels like a magical backyard—I can sip a drink and watch my girls hula hoop in the grass. I have been waiting for a place like this for years.
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5. M.E. Gene Johnson Station & Garage (4801 Airport Blvd.). M.E. Gene Johnson’s has been servicing automobiles in Central Austin since 1946. Tom, Bubba and the guys are fair, honest and friendly, and they always manage to work you in. 6. Mueller Browning Hangar (4550 Mueller Blvd.). Originally built for LBJ when he was a U.S. Representative, the Mueller Hangar still stands in all its renovated glory. 7. Half Pipe at Patterson Park (4201 Brookview Rd.). A simple, smooth, concrete half pipe sits across from the Mueller Hangar on Airport Blvd. Seth Johnson of Ideal Skateparks built it, and it’s Chris’s favorite way to get some exercise at the end of the day. 8. Contigo (2027 Anchor Ln.). Across the street from the Greenway is Contigo, a mostly outdoor ranch lounge that was ripped out of South Texas in a tornado and landed on acreage over here. Cold beer, washers and game-from-shotgun cuisine. 9. Nomad Bar (1211 Corona Dr.). An amazing full bar with indoor space and outdoor patio, the décor seems to be driven by the clientele’s love of travel—maps and flag sticker dot the walls and the structure’s steel beams. It’s always at its peak when Karaoke Apocalypse takes the stage. 10. I Luv Video (4803 Airport Blvd.). What’s the fun of streaming movies when you can go to I Luv Video? This old auto parts supply shop is home to thousands of rare and unique films.
3013SparklingBrook.com
Entertainer’s Oasis in West Rim Estates 3013 Sparkling Brook Lane - Offered at $1,399,000
This elegant executive home is located at the midpoint of the Peninsula Area of Westlake Drive, just minutes from Downtown Austin. Quiet cul de sac location at the back of the neighborhood. Property has a lush yard, mature trees; large pool and spa. Perfectly balanced spaces with greenbelt views. Master suite, guest suite and main living spaces on first floor; three additional bedrooms, two baths and media room on second floor. Acclaimed Eanes Schools.
CH A R L OT T E BR IGH A M , MBA
Austin Luxury Specialist Luxury Real Estate Promotional Events Specialist Turnquist Partners, Realtors, Inc. 3700 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 102, Austin, Texas 78746 (512) 423-5707 | CharlotteBrigham.com
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Gathering the Tribe
By L i s a S i va Ph o t o g r a p h b y Pa i g e Ne w t o n
PA G E
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Whether they’re stuffing eggs or bringing coffee for exhausted parents, Pemberton Heights residents all pitch in to make the annual Easter Egg Hunt (pictured left) a success.
Bryker Woods’ Picnic on the Parkway
Easter Egg Hunt coordinator Scott Bryant loves the opportunity to celebrate as a community: “it’s a way to meet other kids and families, enjoying the occasion together.”
From picnics to Independence
Day parades, Pemberton Heights residents have many neighborhood gatherings to April 8 look forward to over the course of the year, but one of the most cherished traditions is the Easter Egg Hunt. “In today’s world, you can walk past your neighbor’s house and not even know them,” this year’s host, Scott Bryant, observes. “But it’s the little things like this that help build a sense of community.” Children, from toddlers to young adults, come out for the afternoon, while the entire neighborhood pitches in, stuffing eggs with treats and bringing refreshments to fuel kids for the hunt. Spread over four different homes and backyards, the egg hunt itself doesn’t last long, but its impact is monumental, says Bryant. “These little events are wonderful. You’re able to meet the people who live right down the street from you—it’s just part of what makes this neighborhood a great place to live.”
Pemberton Heights’ Easter Egg Hunt
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On a walk one evening three years ago, Celeste Hubert caught sight of a beautiful, grassy lot on Belmont Parkway with a view of the UT tower. It was the perfect spot, she thought, to gather her neighbors over good food and conversation. Since then, the parkway has become home to Bryker Woods’ annual picnic, a collaboration by the entire community: each year, DJ Chris Mosser fires up his grill, while The Dovetail Joints performs on the parkway, and Tom and Janice Shefelman sign copies of their children’s books. Recently, 12-year-old Sophia Menyhert baked cupcakes to raise money for the MS 150 bike ride, which she has completed for the past four years. “We are liberals and conservatives, old and young, people who moved in last week and people who have lived here for thirty years,” Hubert says. “When you have this sense of community, you know someone else is looking out for you too.”
June 2
Zilker’s Oxford Avenue Block Party When Block Party coordinator Linda Quasebarth first moved
to her home on Oxford Avenue in 2001, Zilker was known as the “Keep Austin Weird neighborhood,” a nod to its eclectic nature that it continues to celebrate today. What began as an evening to welcome back former Oxford Avenue residents has grown into a bi-annual event ten years later, showcasing the community’s diversity. One of the focal points of the party is inevitably the musical talent of the neighborhood: accomplished blues singer Katie Onken often delivers a stunning performance, while the children this year will be able to experiment with percussion instruments themselves. In addition, Quasebarth says, nothing brings people together like food, especially the neighborhood’s traditional, sumptuous potluck, tinged with Cajun culinary influences from the growing population of Louisiana transplants in Zilker. “I am very proud of my neighbors,” Quasebarth remarks of the community effort. “It’s their party!”
J u ly 4
Barton Hills’ Independence Day Parade Since the first parade nearly two decades ago, Barton Hills’ Independence Day celebration has always been a community effort: each year, local firemen, professors, shop owners, kazoo players and songstresses join residents
Easter egg hunt by Paige Newton; Ice Cream Social by Don Tucker
April 15
as they dance, bike and ride the parade route from Barton Hills Market to Barton Hills Elementary School. What distinguishes Barton Hills’ parade, Vice President Kay Killen remarks, is the overwhelming sense of community. “People gather and stay for hours,” she says. “We love to see our neighbors and celebrate the country we share.” After a performance of the national anthem, Barton Hillers enjoy the afternoon with iced watermelons, cookies, bocce ball, sack races and more. Though the parade is eclectic and diverse, the goal is simple, says this year’s coordinator, Sunny Luther: “I hope all Barton Hills residents take away a feeling of community and of belonging to our neighborhood.”
September 22
Tarrytown’s Fall Fling As the weather turns cooler, the residents of Tarrytown celebrate the park at the heart of their neighborhood with Fall Fling, a fundraiser that has enabled them to build butterfly gardens, plant over 55 trees and more. “We love being able to gather all the neighbors and have something to build upon together,” says coordinator Elizabeth Adams. Sponsored by Tate Property, a Central Austin real estate firm, the annual event begins at Johnson Creek in Tarrytown Park, where the children fish for prizes
before the sun sets, and residents roll in Alamo Drafthouse’s portable screen for a family movie night. Kids enjoy slushies and hamburgers from P. Terry’s, but what Adams most admires about the event is the pride the young residents of Tarrytown take in their community. “We see the kids take ownership and loving their park,” she says. “They think of it as their own backyard.”
October 13
“It’s almost like a backyard gathering,” says President Deanna McMillan of the Ice Cream Social’s intimacy. “People leave knowing each other a little better.”
Cherrywood Plant and Book Swap The handkerchief park at the corner of 34th Street and Cherrywood Road has become something of a collective backyard to the Cherrywood residents who have lovingly tended it for the last fifteen years. Today, it is the site of the Cherrywood Plant and Book Swap, which brings together the community twice a year for an informal gathering. “It’s very open,” swap host Erika Albright says. “People bring whatever they have to share.” To that effect, Albright and co-host Jack Darby spread a tarp over the grass and set up old books and potted plants, while the nearby Maplewood Elementary ukulele choir entertains Cherrywood residents. Leftover books support the elementary school, Cherrywood Coffeehouse and the Inside Books Project. But the swap isn’t just about finding a
Crestview r esiden ts ta k e
pride in the unique charm their neighborhood has developed since the 1950s, when many of the houses were built. “There’s a lot of J u ly 1 5 character in the neighborhood,” Neighborhood Association President Deanna McMillen observes. “It’s not unusual for homes here to have goats, chickens and ducks!” Though the neighborhood has changed considerably over the past half century, its residents keep the annual, 20-year-old Ice Cream Social going strong. Tucked behind the Crestview Center shops are picnic tables and a grassy area, where neighbors gather to enjoy ice cream and each other’s company, while local musicians perform under the gazebo for the over one hundred residents who stop by. “It’s really very simple, what we’re promoting,” McMillen says. “We want to make Crestview a neighborhood where people know each other, because the more you know your neighbor, the better we can help each other and have a great sense of community.”
Crestview’s Ice Cream Social
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When Jorge H u e z a lyon first bought his house behind Mr. Natural in 1996, he knew immediately he wanted a place where he could gather friends and neighbors around his table. A native of Chile, Huezalyon cites a heavy emphasis on community and family during his upbringing in the family dinners held in his home and around the neighborhood. “My philosophy,” he says, “is that the more people I have over, the richer the vibe in the house.” In fact, each dinner has what he calls a “communal” element, and though the host of the family dinner will cook the main course, every guest will contribute to the potluck affair and pitch in with the cleanup process afterward. “It’s a warm and homey feel,” he says, of the inviting, candlelit atmosphere of the family dinners. “It really boils down to community…and my community just seems to get better and better every day.”
Jorge Huezalyon gathers friends from all over the world for his Family Dinners. “It’s an ongoing effort to build community,” he says.
new volume for your bookshelf, Erika Albright notes. “The plants and books are wonderful, but it’s really about the sharing of information. I’ve made and deepened many neighborhood friendships along the way.”
October 21
Hyde Park Fire Station Festival In 1974, the historic Fire Station No. 9 in Hyde Park was facing closure. Longtime resident Dorothy Richter, however, couldn’t let her station disappear without a fight and instead organized a parade of children on tricycles
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and bikes as a gesture of support. Almost 38 years later, Hyde Park continues to honor Richter’s legacy with a parade several hundreds of residents strong, beginning at Shipe Park and ending at the enduring fire station. Young Hyde Park residents evoke the first children who rallied in support of their beloved fire station, as they show off their festive costumes and decorated bicycles. In addition, residents partner with Hyde Park’s iconic shops and eateries for an evening of music, tasty treats and costume contests in memory of the citizen involvement that saved a neighborhood landmark. “The festival reminds us that your voice does make a difference,” Hyde Park Social
Chair Deaton Bednar remarks. “What I love about Hyde Park is that it’s a place where the past and future join together.”
No v e m b e r 3 & 4
Travis Heights Art Trail Ten years ago, artist Teri Hubbeling and photographer Charlotte Bell were showcasing their work at shows around town when they realized that their neighborhood, Travis Heights, had a dynamic art scene of its own. It was then that they began the Art Trail, an artistrun event that offers guests an
experience unlike any other. Rather than browsing works on a gallery wall, Travis Heights residents and friends are free to explore the neighborhood, venture into artists’ homes and enjoy a diversity of work, from painting to fiber art. “You’re not just looking at our work,” Bell says. “You’re looking at the whole lifestyle of an artist.” And unlike gallery exhibitions, which last only a few hours, the Art Trail is a full two days of discovering the artwork that Travis Heights has to offer. “We’ve made it a really special place,” Bell says of her neighborhood. “We hope that our guests—especially young people—realize that an artist’s life is a possibility.”
south lamar dinner by Jorge Huezalyon.
South Lamar Family Dinners
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MY AUSTIN
Caitlin & Trevor Yates’
Hyde Park Shipe Park 4400 Avenue G Quack's 43rd Street Bakery 411 E. 43rd St. (512) 453 3399
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here are so many things I love about Austin, but it’s hard not to start with the weather. Let me tell you from experience, you cannot be outdoors in Chicago in January in shorts and a tee shirt. The weather is a boon for parents of little ones who desperately need to get out of the house for some portion of the day. Who can be cranky with so much sunshine and fresh air? As soon as our son, Bo, was old enough, we would strap him in his stroller and walk down to Shipe Park. At any given time of day, there is a gaggle of children, babies, moms, dads and nannies. They are a friendly bunch, prone to doling out advice on the best splash pads in town or letting you know which day is free admission to the children’s museum. Some days, Bo likes swinging on the swings, but he mostly likes to sit in the gravel and poach a truck or toy from another child (inevitably others’ toys are always far more interesting than our own). I love these afternoons: a circle of babies sitting in the gravel, banging around little plastic shovels and occasionally eating fistfuls of the tiny pebbles. When Bo has had his fill, we’ll put him back in the stroller and walk to our little town center at 43rd and Duval for a snack at Quack’s Bakery. If I really need a pick-me-up, I’ll go for the Vietnamese Iced Coffee (coffee blended with condensed milk and served over ice)—it is seriously delicious. I also grab a slice of their pumpkin bread, which is the perfect snack for a baby with only three teeth (and a hungry mom). We sit under a tiki umbrella or on the sidewalk in front of Quack’s and share our little snack before it’s time to stroll back home. I love these afternoons with Bo. I often think how lucky we are that we live in a place where there are so many wonderful things to do within walking distance of our house and so many gorgeous, sunny days on which to do them. William Butler Yeats must have been thinking of Austin when he said “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.” Caitlin Yates
Caitlin stays at home with her one-year-old son, Bo. Her husband, Trevor, graduated from UT with a masters in geotechnical engineering and works as a commodities trader from home. They have twins on the way and look forward to welcoming them in December.
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P h oto g r a p h y by b u f f s t r i c k l a n d
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style
str e e t fas h i o n Cody Fithian
Summer Style
24, Austin. You can find his bracelet by Yalla at By George.
Austinites beat the heat in style at Barton Springs.
Amanda Romera
Juan Carlos De leon
21, Laredo. Amanda rocks a classic sun hat from Target.
28, Austin. He likes to pull looks from his friends’ closets. Savanna Stavinoha
19, Houston. She borrowed her sister’s summery dress.
Paige and Adam Harvey
Both 26, Austin. She paired a J.Crew top with American Apparel shorts.
Whitney Melcer
Nic Vascocu
27, Austin. He’s had these sunglasses for 7 years.
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Cate Mcclelland
25, Austin. She just got her vintage-inspired swimsuit today.
24, Austin. “My hat got smashed on my last water outing, but that doesn’t stop me from wearing it.” P h oto g r a p h y by Pa i g e N e w to n
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HOPE Farmers Market The perfect Sunday morning destination, this farmers market celebrates sustainable, delicious living.
ABOVE: Leon Caldwell of Comanche Oaks Farm showcases the season’s freshest produce. LEFT: The Navasota String Band entertains shoppers on a colorful Sunday morning.
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new artwork, Nutella waffles or qual parts farmers market, music creamy pâté, HOPE Farmers Market thrives on diversity: “The festival and beer garden, HOPE Farmers Market offers the market has become sort of a vendor incubator,” observes Program perfect haven away from the bustle of the city. Tucked in an Director Elizabeth Garrett, “an environment for these artisans intimate space behind a century-old railroad station turned artist’s to showcase their products, learn from and mentor each other workshop, the market is more than a place to purchase organic, and cater to consumers looking for something innovative on the locally- and sustainably-grown produce—it is a vibrant destination food scene.” This spring, Garrett looks forward to HOPE’s newest celebrating the best of the creative Austin community. vendors, including Round Rock Honey, Texas Olive Ranch and Established in 2009, HOPE Farmers Market is a hub for gluten-free Food Smarty. local artists, food trucks, musicians, farmers and non-profit Above all, however, the market is a platform for Austinites to organizations, who gather every Sunday, from 11am to 3pm at engage their community and explore a more sustainable way of life. Pine Street Station in East Austin. On any given day, you might “We want people to know that there is—and they can be a part of—a wander through the market’s row of white tents to find children community that is taking a more sustainable, more communal and dancing to live music in front of the stage, an herb vendor playing a more delicious approach to growing and eating food,” Esparza says. West African balofon and guests enjoying ice cream sandwiches at “You can get to know the people who make the stuff you eat every brightly-colored picnic tables with a view of the downtown skyline. day. By knowing how the whole cycle is cared for, you can get more “It feels like Austin,” says Development Director Greg Esparza of pleasure from the everyday act of eating or sharing the market’s colorful, eclectic vibe. “It’s wonderful food with friends.” HOPE Farmers Market is a part to see people really embrace the market and make HOPE Farmers Market of the Helping Other People Everywhere (HOPE) it their go-to place to hang out on Sundays.” 414 Waller St. Campaign, which supports artists and creative Whether you’re looking for buttermilk pie or Sundays, 11am-3pm individuals around the globe. K. BROWN fresh fennel, one-of-a-kind jewelry or beautiful hopefarmersmarket.org
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P h oto g r a p h y by J e s s i c a Wa r r en
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11813 Bee Caves Rd.
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section pic dining su bks e cti o n
Located in a historic apothecary, Hillside Farmacy serves up innovative cuisine with a vintage vibe.
Hillside Farmacy Hillside Farmacy 1209 E. 11th St. (512) 628 0168 hillsidefarmacy.com
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illside Farmacy has an easy charm and subtle sophistication that’ll lure you back again and again. Housed in a 1920s apothecary (and former po-boy shop), it offers a dose of sweet nostalgia on Austin’s trendy East Side. Chef/owner Sonya Cote knows how to set a stage. Her first eatery, East Side Show Room, channeled a prohibition speakeasy so authentic that some customers felt inspired to dress in flapper garb. And she’s done it again with Hillside Farmacy, recreating an old-fashioned drugstore complete with a vintage soda fountain and antique display cases.
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Like the ambiance, Hillside’s menu reflects a bygone era that’s familiar yet special. Ingredients are simple and fresh and most come from nearby farms. Although locally sourced, dishes borrow flavors from around the globe, resulting in food that’s comforting yet creative. At breakfast, bleary-eyed neighbors shuffle in for a cup of terrific Stumptown coffee and local pastries from Cake & Spoon and Rockstar Bagels. For more substantial eats, there are hearty bowls of homemade granola and generous plates of house-cured gravlax. Lunch attracts a business crowd who gobble up the dozen varieties of gourmet sandwiches. From crusty baguettes to spongy challah, each features a different artisan bread from local bakers like Sweetish Hill and Moonlight Bakery. Generously sized and whimsically named, the Thank You sandwich is stuffed with roasted chicken, smoked mozzarella and cranberry-orange jam. The Forager is layered with roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions and brie. But be forewarned: the kitchen doesn’t take kindly to
substitutions, and my brie-adverse companion was denied a cheese alternative. There are several salad options and daily soup specials like lipsmacking tomato-curry. The menu also boasts an array of charcuterie and cheese plates, plus a dozen à la carte side dishes like the terrific Mac & Cheese and silky Giganti white beans. A raw bar offers bivalves from the east and west coasts, and gulf oysters are baked à la Rockefeller with lemon aioli and breadcrumbs. At dinner, Hillside Farmacy morphs into a cozy bistro, with its dim, antique lights and flickering candles. In addition to the regular menu, it offers a handful of nightly specials, like pan-seared Red Snapper served with citrus beurre blanc, roasted Brussels sprouts and shaved watermelon radish salad. Artfully composed, it was a dish that looked as good as it tasted. Like so many items at Hillside Farmacy, desserts are sourced from various local vendors. Luxe Sweets provides delicate French macarons, and Pie Fixes Everything delivers sinful pies, like strawberry-rhubarb served a la mode with Coolhaus ice cream. The wine and beer selection is modest but thoughtful, and we enjoyed a crisp French Moscato and Spanish Godello by the glass and a juicy Spanish Garnacha by the bottle. Cocktails are made-to-order behind the vintage soda fountain and feature exotic housemade syrups. Service at Hillside Farmacy is attentive and knowledgeable, yet laid-back and friendly. The whole place just feels good—like an antidote for whatever ails you. K. spezia P h oto g r a p h y by Eva n P r i n c e
Real Estate Marketplace 610 W Live Oak
702 Upson Street, 78703
$750,000
$899,900
Austin tree house in the heart of Bouldin! Built in 2012, this 2312 sq. ft, home has modern conveniences with bungalow charm. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an office with a separate entrance, carport + alley access. The second story is complete with a master suite with a private second office or nursery. Sit + Relax on the multiple level decks and don’t miss this is spectacular home in one of Austin’s most desired neighborhoods!
Charming contemporary residence in the desirable Deep Eddy neighborhood. Featuring Downtown views from the top level with a stunning rooftop terrace. Expansive living space on the main level with a gourmet kitchen and open floor plan. A secluded guest suite on the first level provides excellent privacy for guests. Large bedrooms and stylish bathrooms with luxury finishes. Ideally located just seconds from Downtown, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Austin.
KIM FRY, R E A LT O R Keller Williams - Team Joe Williams 512-851-3021, kimfryaustin@gmail.com www.kimsellsaustinhomes.com
KEVIN BURNS, BROKER / CEO URBANSPACE REAL ESTATE + INTERIORS
148 Woodland Trail
910 Old Stonehedge, 78746
$1,100,000
$774,000
Great Family home in quiet neighborhood! This 3,718 SqFt abode sits on 3.527 acres & boasts 4 beds, 3 baths, 2 dining, 2 living, bonus room, & covered breezeway. Upscale features include travertine & slate floors, granite galore in the kitchen, baths, & game room! Lake level access to private lake. Hobby livestock & horses allowed. Property has two large workshop/storage sheds (5600+/SF) with Heat/AC. Plus Lot B with 2.5 acres. For additional property detail go to www.148woodland.com
Located in the heart of Old Westlake, this unique property is bursting with character and charm. Enter through an oak shaded, gated courtyard and admire the inside spaces all built around the wonderful atrium and pool. Spacious rooms offer great possibilities, plentiful storage and lots of light. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths, library and a wonderful corner stone fireplace in the family room. Private master suite with a sitting area and super master bedroom.
RICK PAYTON, G R I R E A LT O R 3700 Bee Caves Road, Ste102 Austin, TX 78746 512.484.4501 | Rick@RickPayton.com www.RickPayton.com
JEANNE WHITE
1500 Summit Street, 78741 Starting at
$436,500
Beautiful three-story luxury townhouse, with panoramic Downtown Austin views from every floor. Modern High-end construction with commercial grade floor to ceiling windows, concrete and walnut floors, a spacious open layout, a gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, a gas range and stainless appliances, perfect for entertaining. Balconies off living and master, plus a 600 sqft Private rooftop terrace. The largest shin oak in the US on property. Private garage parking. MARY ANNE MCMAHON 512-947-9684 | maryannemcmahon1@gmail.com ALEX LARSEN 512-843-8632 | rlarsen2@gmail.com www.PoshPropertiesAustin.com
801 West 5th Street, Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78703 Cell: 512 848 8722, www.urbanspacelifestyle.com
AMELIA BULLOCK REALTORS
950 Westbank Drive, # 100 Austin, Texas 78746 512-327-4800 x 141, jswhite@ameliabullock.com
TR IBE Z A JULY 2012
4801 Bull Mountain, 78746
3501 Robbins Road, 78730
$5,500,000
$1,700,000
High above the city with breaktaking views and a magical setting sits one of Austin’s finest homes. The stunning classic architecture and refined interior fuses elegance and sophistication with gracious living. There are five bedrooms and a fabulous study along with many inviting areas for entertainment including covered outdoor terraces, pool and tennis court. www.4801bullmountain.com
A beautiful private custom home right on Lake Austin. Multiple decks provide exceptional views. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen featuring high-end stainless appliances and granite counter-tops. Soaring ceilings in large great room with beautiful reclaimed wood beams. Custom home theater setup and speakers throughout the house. Separate guest quarters above garage. Twenty-five foot boat lift and jet ski dock with an observation deck above and 500 gallon fuel tank on property. A fine, waterfront Austin retreat!
LAURA GOTTESMAN, B R O K E R 512.451.2422 vm 103 gottesmanresidential.com
ANDY THIRION 512-699-7058 | andy.thirion@gmail.com www.PoshPropertiesAustin.com
6204 Mesa Drive, 78731
1 Old Stable Lane, 78746
This home is a perfect match for the contemporary, sophisticated buyer who wants extraordinary panoramic views and distinctive architecture. Sought after Northwest Hills location is the ultimate in prestige and convenience to downtown and the lake. Private upstairs master suite, a dedicated study and a separate wing with two bedrooms supports a casual yet elegant lifestye. Add energy efficient solar panels and you have the rare opportunity to meld dreams with your own reality.
Beautiful home in the heart of Westlake nestled in a serene setting on 1.1 acres. It’s located on a private street with only 3 homes and majestically positioned among many large trees. Owner built in 1998; it features 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, an office space, 3 living areas, and 2 dining areas. Beautiful granite counter tops in kitchen and baths with many built-ins. Large pool and 3 decks to enjoy the beautiful landscaping and outdoors.
DIANE LIPSITZ, C R S , G R I Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Amelia Bullock Realtors 8008 Spicewood Lane, Austin, TX 78759 Cell: 512-632-9264 | dianel@ameliabullock.com www.dianelipsitz.com
CATHERINE HANRAHAN 512-567-5958 | crcatbob@gmail.com www.PoshPropertiesAustin.com
$715,000
$1,315,000
5 Green Lanes, 78703
$1,499,900
timeless residence in one of austin’s premier neighborhoods. charming and inviting throughout- this home offers gracious formals, a well- equipped kitchen and a sunny living room that opens onto a gorgeous new orleans style courtyard. spacious master wing boasts a sitting room/nursery and offers a quite space for the owners. the layout is perfect for both entertaining and overnight guests. in addition, the current owners have made some thoughtful additions while maintaining the original feel of the property. JeANNe WhITe, aMelia BUllOCK RealtORs 950 westbank drive, # 100 austin, texas 78746 512-327-4800 x 141, jswhite@ameliabullock.com
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our little secret
Katy Vine’s Little Stacy Park
Stacy Park 1400 Alameda Dr.
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JULY 2012
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A
fter my first child, Mia, was born in 2007, I spent most of my free time with her plopped down next to me, thinking all the while, “this is great!” I never imaged what my life would be like when she would stand up and walk, and when she did, I realized we had a problem: Unless I wanted to chase the Tasmanian Devil, I needed to take her somewhere entertaining. We hit upon Little Stacy Park, which was aimed at toddlers and preschoolers. Mia fed me rock “food” out of a window in a little plastic house. There was an enormous plastic turtle she liked to ride and various age-appropriate slides that did not shoot her across the park like a pre-K cannonball (though for a while there was a seventies holdover—a wide, steep, metal slide; it has been dismantled). Even when the park was busy, the play areas
were spacious enough that the kids weren’t climbing on top of one another. In time, the park began to play a role in every season of our lives. During the summertime, Little Stacy became the place where we went to swim. One of the park’s enormous Live Oak trees shades the Little Stacy baby pool, which is about foot deep. (No need to worry about a belly-flopper in here.) At Halloween, the park became the place where we gathered before trick-or-treating in Travis Heights. We’d bring some food for the potluck and mingle with other parents while some of the kids formed a parade, and when the sun began to set, we took off into the neighborhood to collect the treats. In spring and fall, Little Stacy was the hot spot for kiddie parties, with piñatas hung over the big tree limbs. People could come and go, and by the end of the party. everyone—especially the host—was ready for a nice, long nap (even if they didn’t get one). What I appreciated year-round was the chat time with other parents. It didn’t matter if we knew them: we were going to be able to exchange about forty seconds of conversation before interruption, and that was fine. Some people were able to sum up a lot of information in those forty seconds, if not a life story. And those discussions, however fleeting, made pretending to eat gravel that much more enjoyable. Katy Vine Katy Vine is a staff writer at Texas Monthly. Her husband, George Sledge, is a freelance television and film producer/ director. Mia and Nick Sledge never sleep.
P h oto g r a p h y by a n n i e r ay
Shown: the delicious Varenna kitchen.
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August 2012
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115 West 8th Street Austin 512.480.0436 scottcooner.com
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August 2012
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