Homes Issue Community First! Village

THE NEIGHBORLY

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OF AUSTIN

Or Go TinyHome

Austin’s Community First! Village Continues its Rise

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CONTENTS

08 10

Publisher’s Note

Local

Austin's Civil Rights Forerunner

Learn how H.T. Kealing reshaped East Austin's education system, pushing for equity for all students.

11

Art+Entertainment Rule of Thirds

Rediscover the basic communication of art at Ivester Contemporary.

33 Go+Do

More Than a Home

Learn how a local nonprofit supports vulnerable people during their toughest times.

37

Home+Away

A Weekend in Sedona

So much more than a Grand Canyon pit stop; get away from it all in the land of red rocks.

43

Sip+Taste

Stirring Things Up

Usher in summer with the fresh taste of açaí.

PLUS Local Pros p.27

16

Go Big or Go Home

Fostering community in thoughtfully planned neighborhood of tiny homes

ENJOY ONE FREE WEEK

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7

CAMP CHAMPIONS

eastside | publisher's letter

Tech-Free & Happy CAMP BUILDS STRONG KIDS

WATCH TH

E VIDEO

www.campchampions.com

At Home on the Eastside

W

e are extremely lucky to have a caring community here in East Austin. History, thoughtfulness, and personality flourish in each and every neighborhood. Many are not gated nor have fancy signs that say, ‘This is where we live.’ However, they do “communicate” community with waves and smiles, with neighbors knowing you by name and helping out when a need arises.

With things changing at the speed of light and new people moving in on a daily basis, keep in mind that we are all more alike than we are different. A simple wave, walking over and introducing yourself to the new person on the block, bringing over some cookies or a succulent (just like our neighbors did when we moved into our little blue bungalow 13 years ago!) go a long way to communicating care and being a good neighbor. We pride ourselves in taking out another’s trash cans if they forget or bringing them back in when a neighbor is out of town. Next time you make a home-cooked meal, or order take out in our case, do what our neighbor Tommie does and make a little more to drop off across the street. Or, even help mow a lawn or pick up branches for someone who might be overwhelmed with work or with life. A little goes a long way, and it really doesn’t take much extra margin in your day to make someone else’s.

When it comes to caring for your neighbor, no one does it better than Community First! Village.

They have created a community to care for one of Austin's most vulnerable populations, people coming out of chronic homelessness. They’ve created a place for people to call home and contribute to a greater good. It's amazing what being a part of a community can do to improve one’s overall wellness while helping them get back on their feet. Read on page 16 to hear about the thoughtful care and astounding growth that is being poured into Austin’s tiny home village.

As the East Austin community is transforming into a tech hub, and pretty much everything new that’s coming to Austin, it’s important for existing residents to be neighborly, have conversations, and educate the new folks about the culture and how we value being a good neighbor. It’s what makes the Eastside the best place to live in Austin. We plan on keeping the traditions of East Austin alive and well—that’s not changing. They are now a part of what has always been here: heart and soul.

And it’s up to us, collectively, to keep that heart and soul alive for years to come.

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Brin

$25 0 354

512-

Thanks again for reading and for everyone who’s keeping East Austin stories (and community) alive!

Gratefully, Ashley & Will Bowling

ON THE COVER: VISIT OUR PROPERTY YOUR DREAM APARTMENT AWAITS YOU

@SYNCATMUELLER

4646 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TX 78723

8 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

Tiny home at Commuinty First! Village Photo by Leonid Furmansky Designed by Jobe Corral Architects find more at eastsideatx.com

EAST THE RESILIENT

Austin, Texas 78702 eastsideatx.com

Publisher Nillo Studios, LLC Creative Director Will Bowling Publishing Editor Ashley Bowling

side

OF AUSTIN

Contributing Photographers Shelby Bella, Rachel Benevides, Ryann Ford, Andrea Calo, Ashley Haguewood, Leonid Furmansky

Business Strategy Will Bowling, Ever Gonzalez

Contributing Writers Sam Lauron, Alison Bryce, Sean Saldana, Guadalupe Triana, Abby L Johnson, Sommer Brugal, Janine Stankus, Chris Ferguson, Justin & Kayla Butts

Copy Editor Pam Bowen

Distribution Brian Phillips, Will Bowling

Editorial & Communications Abby L Johnson Joanna Fuller

Submissions info@eastsideatx.com Advertising advertise@eastsideatx.com @charmingaustintexas

@southaustex

Photo Editor Eric Morales

Tag @eastsideatxmag in your favorite East Austin photos and use the hashtag #EASTsideATXmag to be featured!

CONNECT WITH US eastsideatx eastsideatxmag We promise we read every single comment!

Copyright © 2016 Nillo Studios, LLC. EASTside Magazine is published by Nillo Studios, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

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9

eastside | local

As the oldest historically Black college west of the Mississippi River and the nation's first urban work college, they became instrumental in Black American education to which Dr. Kealing played a crucial role.

After serving as president of Paul Quinn College, Dr. Kealing moved back to Austin to undertake his greatest challenge yet: laying the groundwork for Austin’s Black school system. Dr. Kealing moved to East Austin in 1884 to lead Austin’s first Black elementary school, Robertson Hill School located at the corner of 11th and San Marcos streets. Five years later, when Robertson Hill School added a high school, Dr. Kealing was appointed as its first principal. Robertson Hill School would go on to become the historic Old Anderson High.

Austin’s Forgotten Civil Rights Forerunner How Dr. Hightower Theodore Kealing Reshaped East Austin's Education WORDS BY

Sean Saldana PHOTO FROM University of North Texas Libraries

Hightower Theodore Kealing was an educator, an author, and one of Austin’s most influential Black leaders in the late 19th century. Born in 1859, his birth predates the abolition of slavery, making Dr. Kealing among the first Black Americans in U.S. history to attend school.

A

fter completing high school in Austin, Kealing enrolled in Straight University in New Orleans, one of Louisiana's first colleges founded specifically with the purpose of educating former slaves. While still in New Orleans, he made a decision that would fundamentally reshape his life.

In 1875, Kealing became a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC), where he was deeply committed to improving the conditions of Black Americans establishing their communities after slavery.

After graduating from Straight University, Kealing relocated to Iowa to continue his education at Tabor College where he graduated in 1881, officially making him Dr. Kealing. It was at this point when Dr. Kealing returned to Central Texas to head up the recently-established Paul Quinn College, a university founded by AMEC with a purpose to educate freed men and their families.

In the early 1890s, Dr. Kealing stepped down from his roles in Austin’s education system to take on a larger role with AMEC once again. And in 1896, he was appointed editor of the A.M.E. Church Review, a quarterly publication still operating today that features “articles, book lists, reflections, sermons, and lectures” related to AMEC. At the same time, he also began to write books and establish himself as a prolific author. One of Dr. Kealing’s essays, The Characteristics of the Negro People, was published in a book alongside other contributors like Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, and Paul Lawrence Dunbar.

Over the years, Dr. Kealing’s legacy has been largely forgotten, and many records documenting his impact have been lost to history. However, a monument to his accomplishments is still on display at 1607 Pennsylvania Avenue, the current location of Kealing Middle School.

In 1930, 12 years after Dr. Kealing’s passing, the Austin school district opened Kealing Junior High, the city’s first junior high for Black students. Dr. Kealing’s role in Austin’s history may be forever obscured, but at the very least, his name is literally etched in stone at the heart of the community he served.

Did You Know? Founded in the 1800s to escape racial discrimination, the African Methodist

Episcopal Church became home to many freed slaves. Today, the church is still active and has more than two million members.

10 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

find more at eastsideatx.com

Art+ entertainment

Spring

+Summer 2021

12 modern

art

HOW ONE CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM HOPES TO PROMOTE BEAUTY AND WONDER

14 entertainment

A POP-UP JAZZ SERIES LIGHTS UP THE CITY.

eastside | art

Rule of Thirds A Mission to Provide Meaningful Experiences with Art WORDS BY

Sommer Brugal Bella

PHOTO BY Shelby

When walking through an art gallery, some pieces stand out. They’re simply beautiful; there’s agreement among visitors. But then there’s one, maybe two pieces, that make spectators' heads tilt to the side and wonder, ‘What is going on?’ The pieces beg the question, ‘Why is the artist creating this?’

12 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

T

his back-and-forth mental exercise is the meaningful experience Kevin Ivester hopes visitors feel whenever they wander through Ivester Contemporary, a fine art gallery located in Canopy he opened nearly one year ago.

That’s why the 1,600 square-foot space is divided into three parts, each with its own purpose. The main exhibition space, a “big rectangle” featuring white walls and 15-foot ceilings, is geared towards artwork visitors will want in their home. Pieces in this room spark immediate consensus about their beauty. The art here is exciting and not too exclusive.

To the left, there’s a space slightly smaller, called Project Space, which showcases artwork people don’t usually see at a gallery. The art is almost always experimental and ranges from installation pieces to black-and-white photography.

The pieces in the Project Space are rarely for sale but are there to evoke a meaningful experience. find more at eastsideatx.com

The last room is dedicated to showcasing Austin-based artists with whom he works. Through that room, Kevin strives to capture the youth and excitement found throughout the city.

Despite the spectrum of art one can find at the gallery, Kevin hopes visitors are able to focus on what each artist is attempting to communicate and less on the designs themselves. "[Now] the whole idea of making artwork with the intention of looking at art has shifted away from selling artwork and collecting artwork to, ‘I’m just going to sit with this for a moment and think,’” Kevin explains. “There is no alternative motive or goal; it’s just communication and making viewing art more accessible.”

Kevin has known for quite some time he wanted to open his own art gallery. He loves every aspect of the art gallery supply chain, from working with artists to learning about what and why they create art to assisting collectors in bringing something into their home.

So, despite a global pandemic, it made sense to jump on a space that became available in Canopy last year. He moved in July and opened the space in September 2020. Exhibits circulate every five weeks. Every so often, it’s an entirely new space and a fresh opportunity to have a meaningful experience.

Contact:

(737) 209-0379 kevin@ivestercontemporary.com ivestercontemporary.com @ivester_contemporary

Did You Know?

Also located in Canopy is Kevin’s custom picture frame shop. The space became available in September, and once again, he jumped at the opportunity.

The frame shop is an important aspect of what he does, which he hopes is ultimately helping people through the arts.

When choosing art for shows, he often thinks about health and wellness.

The pandemic has impacted everyone, and choosing some pieces over others can help offer some positivity for visitors. Kevin’s hope: “I want people entering the space and thinking, ‘This is awesome.’”

{the neighborly side of austin}

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13

eastside | entertainment

His passion for music and desire to ensure jazz had a place in Austin’s music scene led him to launch Monks Jazz Club in 2016, a pop-up listening series that held intimate shows three to five times a month at art venues, cycleries, and coffee shops.

Jazz in the Highest Caliber

Finding a Place for Soothing Sounds among the Noise WORDS BY Sommer PHOTOS BY Eric

Brugal Morales

In a city where hundreds of music venues feature a spectrum of genres, Collin Shook is hoping East Austin Piano Shop can stand out from the rest.

“T

here aren’t enough small venues [in town] that are listening rooms,” Collin says. The venue, which opened last summer off Pedernales Street, offers a moody environment — Collin isn’t one for fancy décor.

This piano shop turned jazz club by night features limited seating and a BYOB experience.

For Collin, there’s always another time to catch up on conversation and be very loud and boisterous. So for the folks who visit, the piano shop will offer the “highest caliber of acoustic music,” whether they’re listening to intense and cathar14 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

The concept was a hit. Concert-goers always asked when he was going to open a bar to offer a permanent home for the event, but Collin never really considered opening his own place. Then, the pandemic hit. As a result, he began streaming shows online from his home, and before long, he needed more space. He made a deal with his landlord: 60 days to make it work or bust. Luckily, the concept worked. tic jazz or sentimental, sappy Americana folk songs on the guitar.

Collin’s love for music dates back to childhood.

His mother is a piano teacher, so he started playing piano first. Growing up, he bounced from tuba to horns to drums to cymbals and nearly every other instrument imaginable.

Eventually, he found his way back to piano after a teacher showed him how to improvise.

That’s when his affinity for jazz took root.

Around the same time, he began working on and tuning pianos: first, to avoid having someone else doing it, then as a side gig. As a musician and entrepreneur, he’d tune pianos by day and then play music at night. I never thought I’d be a career piano technician,” he says. It was a slow progression, working his way toward older, bigger instruments. But “every time I finished a piano, I got to practice another section of a song.”

In nearly a year’s time, the shop has hosted about 150 live stream concerts, with more than 100 shows featuring jazz music in collaboration with Monks Jazz Club. This summer, he hopes to open a hybrid version of the series, where viewers can attend in-person while others listen from home.

But the shop is more than a venue. It’s also home to a handful of vintage pianos Collin has finetuned and refurbished, and even more instruments, he’s hoping to repair in his free time. Perhaps more importantly, the space is where his love of pianos, his passion for Monks Jazz Club, and his desire to amplify music and musicians intersect.

Like most musicians, Collin wears many hats. East Austin Piano Shop is just the latest addition to his collection.

Contact:

monksjazz.com eastaustinpianoshop.com

Something for Everyone Jazz certainly has a place in Austin’s music scene. That’s why concerts, and live streams for now, will continue focusing on jazz bands and building the Monks Jazz brand. But for those new to jazz or looking for something else, rest assured other genres are featured 2-3 times a week. It’s a fun playground centered around elevating jazz and highlighting pianos. Between Monks Jazz and the Piano Shop, it’s a space to be creative and support musicians and music-lovers. find more at eastsideatx.com

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15

GoOrBig Go Home Tiny

Austin’s Community First!

Village Continues its Rise Since its inception in 2015, Austin’s Community First! Village has become a thriving neighborhood where over two hundred people from all walks of life call home.

Now, as its mission expands into an ambitious second phase of development, special care is being taken to preserve the community bonds that have earned the neighborhood national recognition.

WORDS BY Christopher PHOTOS BY Leonid

Ferguson, AIA Furmansky

“We’re here to empower the community around us to a lifestyle of service with the homeless. We’re not providing a gift; we’re inviting others to walk with us and help us build relationships.”

– THOMAS AITCHISON

“W

elcome to my man cave!” Jesse says with a grin from his recliner as he flips between channels on his TV. Perched only a couple steps inside his breezy, screened porch, he’s in the perfect spot to tend to his plants, watch his shows, and chat with passing neighbors – all without leaving the comforts of his handsome, 200 square-foot micro home.

That is, of course, by design.

Jesse and his home are part of an exciting new chapter being written at Community First! Village, a 51-acre neighborhood developed by local nonprofit Mobile Loaves & Fishes and built specifically for those transitioning out of chronic homelessness.

Comprised of a variety of ad hoc housing typologies intended to foster and reinforce relationship building, the campus has become one of the nation’s leading neighborhood models seeking to empower homeless individuals with permanent places to live with a strong sense of community.

“There’s an eclectic mix of homes here, and residents have the ability to choose what home to live in. Having that choice is dignified, and dignity is empowering,” explains Communications Director Thomas Aitchison.

Designed by Micheal Hsu Office of Architecture hsuoffice.com

That sense of empowerment is palpable everywhere at Community First!. A typical day sees the neighborhood teeming with activity. Hundreds of neighbors supported by hundreds more weekly volunteers live and work together, eastsideatx.com

17

Designed by Chioco Designs chiocodesign.com

Did you know?

20% of all housing at Community First! is set aside for individuals who have not experienced homelessness but live and often contribute to the neighborhood as community leaders.

18 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

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making use of shared facilities that include a market, outdoor theater, automotive shop, clinic, organic gardens, art studios, entrepreneurial maker spaces, and more.

With approximately 230 homes built during “phase one” nearing maximum occupancy, the community is in the midst of a thoughtful and ambitious multi-year plan to scale its mission even further by providing hundreds more homes and support facilities to the growing neighborhood.

The scale of this work cannot be overstated. By the completion of this second phase, anticipated at the end of 2022, Community First! expects to house about 500 formerly homeless individuals: a figure that represents nearly a third of the chronically homeless population living on the streets of Austin today.

“

“The relational model we have pioneered isn’t happening anywhere else in the country, yet.

We know we have a lot of eyes on what we are doing here in Austin.”

– THOMAS AITCHISON

Designed by McKinney York Architects mckinneyyork.com

Sarah Saterlee, staff architect, explains that the scale of these initiatives has required a specific, community-focused growth strategy. “As we expand to 500 homes, our growth process has had to become more formal. But it’s not enough to just add hundreds of homes.” She continues, “Housing is a means to an end, and the community that has been built here is what makes us work. So, we had to ask ourselves, ‘How do we scale without losing that?’”

That’s where residents like Jesse, one of five carefully chosen “seed neighbors,” come into the picture. Over the course of about a year, Jesse and other seed neighbors worked with teams of local architects and builders to design the next generation of micro homes planned for the community’s second phase, currently under construction and recently welcoming its first new neighbors.

Drawing upon the expertise of being an existing member of the community, neighbors like Jesse became crucial consultants and advocates for themselves and future neighbors. The design process also saw pro bono contributions from teams that included Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, McKinney York Architects, THOUGHTBARN, Jobe Corral Architects, and Chioco Design. {the neighborly side of austin}

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“Communities that currently live on the street still use their physical environments to create community. Our job is to preserve those lessons of community in the permanent neighborhood we are building here.”

– SARAH SATERLEE

Designed by Jobe Corral Architects jobecorral.com

20 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

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Designed by Thoughtbarn thoughtbarn.com

Big Plans!

Breaking ground in the summer of 2022, phases 3 and 4 of the neighborhood will nearly quadruple the scale of Community First! Village by adding 1,400 micro homes and 127 acres of land to the community by broadening their impact in the fight against chronic homelessness in Austin.

Go Green.

Adding to its acres of organic community gardens, phase two will include a generous hydroponic greenhouse, currently under construction.

The result of this intimate collaboration is a variety of considerate, replicable homes that were ultimately designed by neighbors, for neighbors. Special consideration was given to issues of privacy, light, aural stimulation, and security: a few examples of how these homes are not only highly specific to their individual seed neighbors but also broadly tailored to needs of men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.

The five new micro home models will be repeated 5-6 times each throughout phase two, organized in clusters around shared cooking and cleaning facilities that serve about 25 homes each. As each seed neighbor moves into his or her new home, they become ambassadors for the community, providing leadership and social continuity to the newest areas as they become populated.

Other amenities planned for phase two include a large, common “living room” which will function as a multipurpose gathering and hangout space, as well {the neighborly side of austin}

as additional offices for support staff.

This specific amenity was one of the first needs identified in the neighborhood’s phase one post-occupancy study, conducted in 2018 in partnership with AIA Austin’s DesignVoice committee and coled by Shelby Blessing of Page Architects.

As Austin continues to grapple with issues directly affecting its homeless population, the compassionate and proactive initiatives undertaken by Community First! and its myriad partners are unrivaled.

During a time when many Austinites are looking for ways to contribute to something bigger than themselves, the neighbors, staff, and volunteers at Community First! are ready with open arms.

Contact: :

(512) 328-7299 9301 Hog Eye Rd. mlf.org/community-first @CommunityFirstVillage @mobileloaves eastsideatx.com

21

Setting Roots

TURNING A STORIED VICTORIAN HOUSE INTO A HOME WORDS BY

T

Janine Stankus

PHOTOS BY Ryann

he two-story Victorian in Austin’s East Cesar Chavez neighborhood stands out from the surrounding bungalows with its soaring central tower, tall windows, and columned front porch. The historic house even stashes a few secrets inside and out: a shrubbery-shrouded pool, a backyard labyrinth, and (until recently) a ghost.

22 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

Ford

PORTRAIT BY

Erika Knox

It sounds like a dream house, but for Jenny Ford and her family, it’s home: “We feel so lucky to live here. We pinch ourselves regularly, especially during the pandemic.”

Jenny and her husband, Jason, moved here from Memphis, and in 2007, they bought a house at 1908 Garden Street, which they remodeled themselves. They fell in love with the neighborhood for its diverfind more at eastsideatx.com

“

We feel so lucky to live here.

We pinch ourselves regularly, especially during the pandemic.”

sity and character. Jenny confesses, “There’s nowhere else we would want to live in Austin.” However, with one adopted son in kindergarten and plans to adopt another, they started seeding the idea of something a bit bigger. When a realtor introduced them to the 19th-century work-of-architecture right down the road, they decided to put in an offer.

Built in 1888, the Floyd McGown House is one of Austin’s few historic gems, entered into the National Register in 1985. The house was originally owned by a local lawman of its namesake, who moved to San Antonio in 1900. Afterwards, the house passed hands seven times and, in 1914, finally landed with a family who owned it for 50 years.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that the house became a cultural hub under the ownership of Doug Dyer, who was an active member of Austin’s theater community until his untimely death from AIDS in 1991. The Fords eventually bought the house from Dyer’s good friends, Sterling Price-McKinney and Lorne Loganbill, who were also major players in Austin’s theater scene and had lots of stories to tell.

A SPOOKY PAST... There were certain elements of the house that the Fords didn’t want hanging around—namely the ghost residing in an upstairs room, according to many AirBnb reviews and in-person accounts. Jenny contacted local energy clearer, Stacy Davenport, to address this alleged presence. Stacy immediately identified a male presence in the room, upset over his untimely death. She performed a ritual, which Jenny describes as one of the most spiritual experiences of her life. Afterwards, they went out onto the back porch, and Stacy rang a bell. Suddenly, rain fell. “It just felt as if something shifted on the property.

And for the first time, it felt like it was officially ours,” Jenny muses. “Like the land was saying, ‘Okay, we're starting with a new family now.’ It just felt right.” {the neighborly side of austin}

The Fords knew that such a storied house would need special attention in order to make it their home. They enlisted the help of architect Dianne Kett and designer Amity Worrel, whom Jenny trusted with her vision.

“One of the first times we met, I said, ‘I want you to walk into this house and know a young family lives here. We care about the old, but we want some new breathed in as well.’” And so it was.

The remodel highlights the home’s historic character, while incorporating some modern sensibility. Jason was adamant about keeping the house’s signature wood trim, and they even took it a few shades darker to stand out. The walls were repainted, mostly a pearly bright white. They also completely remodeled the master

eastsideatx.com

23

“

Reach out and get to know your neighbors.

Go over and talk to them, get someone's phone number, take them a pizza, hang out. Just be around and be available to be a good neighbor.”

bedroom and bathroom, as well as the kids’ bathroom upstairs, opting for a geometric black and white tile floor, which reinforces the contrast of old and new throughout the house. At the base of the heavy, wooden staircase, for example, sits a set of modern floating shelves adorned with family treasures.

The original kitchen, an octagonal room added in 2007, didn’t really mesh with the rest of the house with its all-white airiness and light-wood floors. Jenny recalls the decision-making process, “I either wanted to rip this off and make it completely modern, or I wanted to try to match the [original part] of the house.” Happily, she opted for the latter. With the help of their designer, they made the room feel even bigger by demolishing a room divider and adding dramatic details like dark, octagonal floor tiles, aqua tile backsplash, deep teal surfaces, and brass fixtures. It’s now one of the most stunning rooms in the house.

During the entire remodel, the team displayed some creativity in honoring historic details while bringing the house up to current building codes. eastsideatx.com

25

After tearing out the old fireplace, they were able to restore it by cutting the original brick in half and paneling it onto the new surface. The single-pane windows were brought up to code by adding a layer of plexiglass to the original double hung windows.

Imperceptible inserts were created to raise the beautiful banister without sullying its period charm.

Jenny is happy with how the remodel turned out, admitting that, while she and her husband both have an eye for art and design, she didn’t think her tastes were elevated enough for this project. Their designer Amity, she adds, succeeded in “breathing young family” into the house, and now it truly feels like a home.

The Ford's contributions will keep this historic house vital for quite some time. Jenny hopes to stay in the neighborhood, especially for the schools. She does, however, acknowledge the accelerated development and dwindling diversity in the area over the past few years saddens them a bit. “I know it’s getting harder for families who have been here for generations to stay here...but I feel like I need to be here for my kids.

It’s a weird line to walk,” she acknowledges.

Jenny hopes that more newcomers will make an effort to integrate and forge connections through community. “Reach out and get to know your neighbors,” she advises. “Go over and talk to them, get someone's phone number, take them a pizza, hang out. Just be around and be available to be a good neighbor.”

Contact:

Designer: Amity Worrel (512) 387-3146, amityworrel.com, 815 E 52nd St. Architect: DK Studio (512) 473-8909, studiodk.com, 604 W 9th St.

IT’S THE SMALL THINGS IN LIFE

Jenny’s favorite spot in the house is a particular place on her couch. “Looking out the window you see a giant palm tree, and it looks like a postcard. It’s actually our neighbor’s palm tree, but it's just beautiful. I love to sip on my coffee and look out there in the mornings.”

26 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

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LINDSAY NEUREN REALTOR LINDSAY NEUREN GROUP

A third-generation Austinite, Lindsay brings insider knowledge to her clients looking to buy and sell in her beloved hometown. She takes immense pride in providing her clients with knowledgeable and caring service. Lindsay loves the vibrancy of the Eastside and the wonderful community that has been nurtured here.

Lindsay started her career in nonprofit fundraising in New York City but soon felt the need to return to her roots and found herself back in Austin. Driven by a passion for helping people, she found her calling in real estate. With her optimism and warm personality, Lindsay goes above and beyond helping her clients buy and sell homes across the greater Austin area. She loves to be involved in every aspect of the buying and selling experience, making sure to guide her clients easily through the process.

CONTACT

TREC Information About Brokerage Services TREC Consumer Protection Notice (512) 913-6987 lindsay.neuren@compass.com lindsayneurengroup.com @lindsayatxrealtor

PROMOTION

ASHLEY OLSON

AUSTIN REALTOR EXP REALTY As a local, knowledgeable, experienced resource, Ashley makes home buying simple. From first-time buyers, sellers, relocations, to luxury clients, Ashley knows the process inside and out and is excited to help you make the move.

With over a decade of experience, Ashley has gained world-class marketing, negotiation, and sales experience.

She is known for her unique marketing strategies, her ability to move fast with strong attention to detail, and her creative solutions to get the job done.

In her free time, she’s likely to be found on the tennis courts, taking a Pilates class, on the trails around Lady Bird Lake, enjoying the local music scene, or at the latest restaurant.

CONTACT

Whether you’re selling, relocating, buying your first home, moving within the Austin metro area, or looking to invest in the Austin market, Ashley welcomes the opportunity to share her expertise and professional approach with you.

(512) 590-0467 hi@ashleyolsonrealty.com AshleyOlsonRealty.com

PROMOTION

TIFFANY HENTRUP ,

UFCU MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER As a knowledgeable, experienced resource, Tiffany makes mortgage lending a breeze.

From first time homebuyers to luxury clients, her borrowers are amazed at how easy the process is made for them.

CONTACT

As an Eastside homeowner herself, Tiffany is intimately aware of the importance of financing a home and works to understand borrowers’ specific needs. From offering advice to researching financing options, Tiffany makes it her mission to go above and beyond. She works to make sure clients get their dream home and find the process smooth and efficient.

(512) 789-8778 | thentrup@ufcu.org 8303 N MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78759 Mortgage loan officer NMLS# 509718 UFCU Mortgage services nmls # 441215

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East Austin's

workspace destination featuring: Coworking Private offices Container suites

Meeting rooms Community events Outdoor workspace

Scan to book a tour and claim a free day of coworking from Common Desk - Far East Austin! thecommondesk.com/locations/ east-side-mag

AUSTIN’S HISTORICAL LOCATION FOR YOUR PRIVATE EVENT rosewoodatx.com/private-events

HOSTING PARTIES OF 8 to 100

IN 6 UNIQUE SPACES Outdoor Options Available

PRIVATE EVENTS: WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS, BUSINESS DINNERS, REHEARSAL DINNERS, SHOWERS, & COCKTAIL PARTIES

1209 Rosewood Ave. Austin, Texas 78702

Inquire about space at info@rosewoodatx.com

{the neighborly side of austin}

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31

BEER WINE PIZZA PATIO

EDITOR’S CHOICE, BEST BREW PUB 2019 AUSTIN BEER GUIDE

YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD BREWERY PATIO & CURBSIDE: TUESDAY - SUNDAY 32 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

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oddwoodales.com 108 Manor Road Austin, TX 78723

Go+ do

Spring

+Summer 2021

34 go

&give

HOW ONE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS BUILDING COMMUNITY FROM THE GROUND UP.

36 go

&picnic

DINE OUTDOORS WITH THE BEST PLACES TO PICNIC IN EAST AUSTIN.

eastside | go&do

More Than a Home A Homegrown Nonprofit Supports Austinites with Essentials.

WORDS BY

Guadalupe Triana Morales

PHOTOS BY Eric

From the outside, a Foundation Communities apartment complex looks like any other apartment building in the city, but inside, something special is taking place. One individual at a time, Foundation Communities is providing people with more than a safe place to call home. For many, the organization offers community, along with a sense of empowerment.

34 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

F

oundation Communities (FC) is a local organization that provides affordable housing, along with free on-site support services to families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The nonprofit owns and operates 23 communities throughout the Austin metro area and in North Texas.

Elle is a resident who turned to Foundation find more at eastsideatx.com

Communities as she and her son were escaping domestic violence. Once in contact with FC, Elle was able to secure safe housing and continue growing her career as a professional makeup artist. As a result, she says she and her son have felt the positive impact of stability in their lives.

“It was so smooth and effortless,” she says.

“When things are meant to be how they are

meant to be, they just unfold how they’re supposed to unfold.”

Elle notes that one of the more powerful aspects of finding a home through FC is being able to live in a beautiful, modern complex where both she and her son can thrive safely. “Austin itself has been a really soft place to land,” she says. “[I’m] just full of gratitude.”

Founded in the 1980s, the nonprofit came to fruition when several UT students started a local housing program for low-income families who would later become Foundation Communities.

In the past few years, affordable housing has become a hot-button issue for many in the city. This past March, Austin City Council proposed using $64 million in bonds for the development of three new affordable housing units. The number of homeless individuals in Austin has grown by one-third in just four years.

Waterloo Terrace is one of FC’s newest complexes. The building had over 1,300 applicants for its 132 spaces, proving demand for affordable housing is at an all-time high. Zilker Studios is the latest community of 110-unit studio apartments currently being built.

For Elle, having a safe, secure place to call home is something she’s grateful for every day. Now as she and her son continue growing and finding their place in the community, Elle is excited to take on new personal and professional projects. Soon she plans to launch her own skincare line.

Did You Know?

Foundation Communities’ sustainable business model allows the organization to continue their important work today; it confirms the nonprofit isn’t stopping anytime soon. About 80% of the nonprofit’s budget comes from rent the residents pay, which is then used to cover operating expenses for the communities.

WE NEED YOUR HELP EALS MAKING SUMMER M From June to mid-August, the Food Bank has a huge need for volunteers ages 15+ to serve in our kitchen. You’ll help prepare food, package meals, and clean and sanitize equipment for creating up to thousands of summer meals and snacks every day for children and families in need.

SIGN UP TODAY centraltexasfoodbank.org/volunteer

“I’m working on this glow serum. It’s incredible,” Elle smiles. “I’m working with local farmers for some of the facial oils for a really clean, [natural] product.”

Though her triumphs come from much of her own efforts, Elle says she could not have actualized them without the support from Foundation Communities. She emphasizes, “They are a critical piece of my life and the life of my son, forever.”

Contact:

(512) 447-2026 3000 S IH 35, Ste 300 foundcom.org @foundationcommunities {the neighborly side of austin}

eastsideatx.com

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eastside | go&do

3

Rebel Cheese

For those who forge their own path, there’s Rebel Cheese. Conveniently located in the Mueller Town Center, this plant-based cheese company is venturing into new territory by providing 100% vegan charcuterie boards so tasty that even the omnivores will enjoy the spread. Then simply head over to Mueller Lake Park to enjoy tasting the array lakeside.

2200 Aldrich St., Suite 120 | rebelcheese.com

6

best

Wicky’s Walk Up

WORDS BY

Abby L. Johnson Cavalier

PHOTO COURTESY The

Saigon Le Vendeur

Picnics

Support local restaurants while enjoying the great outdoors.

There’s nothing like dining under the Texas sun this time of year. As the weather warms up, Austinites are spending more and more time in local parks and even outdoor patios and backyards. East Austin has some of the most 'picnic-able' meals. Simply grab these snacks or full-blown feasts, a blanket, and get outside.

1

Bento Picnic

It’s so easy to take these delicious Bento boxes on a picnic that it’s in the name. These colorful and balanced meals are beautifully arranged and easily portable.

Customers can choose from three different Bento boxes, each following the Japanese method of Washoku. Every meal features five colors, five tastes, and five cooking techniques. Experience this delicious variety with the sun shining down and the clouds overhead at Festival Beach on Lady Bird Lake!

2600 E Cesar Chavez St. | bentopicnic.com 36 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

2

Fans of The Cavalier will be pleased with their new venture: a New Orleans style walk-up counter outfitted with muffulettas, Cajun-inspired rolls and biscuits, and even to-go daiquiris.

Picnickers can simply stroll up to Wicky’s to pick up provisions, then head straight to their destination such as Boggy Creek Greenbelt. This gem just opened in March, so if you enjoy it make sure to go back for seconds and support this new Eastside establishment.

2400 Webberville Rd. | thecavalieratx.com

Patrizi’s

It’s not too often one finds authentic Italian fare served from a food truck, but Patrizi’s has perfected the process. Their hand-pulled pasta is made to order so every dish is fresh and bursting with flavor. Pair cacio e pepe with a side of their Marfa tomatoes or roasted beets to add a little extra color to the plate. Located adjacent to The Butterfly Bar, pasta lovers can savor their meal al fresco in the backyard patio or easily take it to Patterson Park.

2307 Manor Rd. | patrizis.com find more at eastsideatx.com

This Vietnamese food truck serves banh mi sandwiches alongside noodles and a select few Vietnamese specialties. The sandwiches are easy to pack up and take on a stroll or a hike on the scenic Austin walking trails around South Shore Drive. These hearty, proteinpacked sandwiches are made to fuel any adventure. 2404 E 7th St. | saigon7th. square.site

6

Spartan Pizza

With Sparton Pizza, it's as easy as pie to pick up a 'za and take it to the park. Located in Corazon Apartments, Spartan Pizza makes everything from scratch, from pizza dough to salad dressing, meaning their thoughtful menu is full of fresh ingredients, and each item is made with care. Build a custom dish or choose one of their specialty pizzas featuring fresh mozzarella, marinara sauce, and inventive topping combinations. After selecting the perfect pie, take a blanket and settle along the well-kept grounds of the Texas State Cemetery.

1007 E 6th St. | spartanpizzaaustin.com

Home + away

Spring

+Summer 2021

38 home A HOME DESIGN TO EFFORTLESSLY BLEND INTO THE COMMUNITY, CREATING WARM CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORS.

41 ask

an expert

BUYING A HOUSE IN AUSTIN DOESN'T NEED TO BE COMPLICATED WITH AN EXPERT ON YOUR SIDE.

42 away

THE PERFECT PLACE TO EXPLORE THE RICH CULTURE AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE OF THE SOUTHWEST

eastside | home

Handshake Home Community-driven Design on Clifford Avenue WORDS BY Sam

Lauron PHOTOS BY Andrea Calo

When home builders Amanda and Graham Davidson were ready to design a new home for their growing family, they had a few priorities. Not only did it need to accommodate multiple functionalities, such as home school and a home office, but ample gathering space also topped the list.

38 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

H

aving lived in the neighborhood for seven years at this point, the pair wanted their home to reflect their social lifestyle and seamlessly integrate into the community they had rooted themselves. “We love our neighbors and didn’t want to be closed off from them,” Graham recalls. Amanda adds that when it comes to design, they were adamant about finding an architect who could think outside the box, literally, and “not just build a big rectangle with a big backyard.”

With this vision in mind, they tasked architects Ed Hughey and

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Ben Arbib with transforming their tiny lot into a custom-built home that supported their lifestyle.

Ed notes that they spent a lot of time working with the site to ensure that all of the functions would fit into the small footprint of the lot and eventually landed on a layout that would accommodate everything the family was after. “Most of the time you see a house set in the middle of the yard, so there’s a front yard and a backyard, and there are different levels of privacy,” Ed explains. “But we wanted to dilute that idea of a backyard and emphasize the front yard so that the front felt like an entryway to the street.”

The dark siding displayed on the lower exterior of the house is in the style of shou sugi ban, an ancient Japanese technique that utilizes charring to create a weathered style on wood. To achieve the effect, Amanda and Graham took a DIY approach. The pair bought cedar planks, employed a gas tank and torch, and burned every one of the pieces themselves. {the neighborly side of austin}

eastsideatx.com

39

What resulted was an L-shaped layout that acted as a “handshake” to the neighborhood, as Ed describes it. Positioned as far back on the lot as possible, the unique shape creates a long canopy-like entryway shaded by two large trees that lead to the front door. The layout also opens the home to the front yard, making it a focal point and a prime gathering spot.

The inviting open concept makes its way into the interior of the house as well. Large windows span the kitchen—another essential gathering space—to the front yard and allow an abundant amount of natural light to stream in.

Because the house is strategically set on the south side of the lot, aligning perfectly with the position of the sun, the building keeps the front yard shaded, which aids this prime gathering spot during Austin’s summer months.

Though the overall concept is modern, Amanda and Graham, who played a central role in design as both builders and homeowners, brought in more rustic personal touches throughout the interior making the finished product warm and inviting. The house on Clifford Avenue is a home that is welcoming—one that embraces another, just like a handshake.

Contact:

Hughey Architecture hugheyarchitecture.com @edhugheyatx Curate Homes curatehomes.com @curatecustomhomes 40 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

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ASK AN EXPERT

How to Buy a House in East Austin

With Real Estate Expert Ed Hughey WORDS BY

Sam Lauron

PHOTOS BY

Eric Morales

The Austin real estate market isn’t showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re on the hunt for a home in East Austin, architect and real estate agent, Ed Hughey, has a few tips.

How does your design and architecture background inform your role as a real estate agent?

As an architect, I feel that I can better discern house A from B from C. There are many aspects involved that buyers do not know about until it’s too late. On the Eastside, especially, there's a long, unknown history with some of the properties. For example, clients may or may not be able to remodel a home because of the way the lot was subdivided, because of how it slopes, because of protected trees, or because of utility easements. For home buyers, having this kind of knowledge before purchasing their next home is invaluable. I often walk a property with clients, assess it in real-time, compare it to other lots they’re considering, and know pretty quickly what my buyers can or cannot do to make it their own.

Before starting the search, what is the first thing home buyers should do to prepare?

Before a home buyer jumps into their home search, it’s really important to familiarize themselves with all of the different East Austin areas and what they have to offer.

East Austin is broad and diverse, and there are a lot of neighborhoods and special pockets to explore. They’re all great, with their own unique qualities, but they’re all quite different as well.

What's your best advice for finding the right agent for a home search?

If a buyer is looking for a home in East Austin, work with an agent who knows it and lives it. East Austin is one of the fastest changing areas within Austin. Finding an agent who lives there, works there, and has an intimate knowledge of the area - as in they eat, sleep, and breathe East Austin - is very important.

What are some things to consider when looking at houses?

First, buyers should determine what type

{the neighborly side of austin}

&

Q A

of house they’re looking for: a new construction, a classic bungalow to preserve, a lot to build custom, or something in between. Once these goals are set, then it’s time to start looking and assessing. Even though it can be difficult in this market, with properties moving very quickly, taking the time to assess a house and the area properly is essential. What condition is an older house in? If it’s a new house, or a remodel, what is the quality of work that was done? My job isn’t just to sell a house; it’s to help my clients assess if it's the right home for them.

In Austin’s current real estate market, finding a house can prove to be a long, stressful challenge. What is your advice for staying motivated throughout the search?

The key is to stay positive. Every day, more houses come on the market. It can feel like the end of the world when the one slips away, but I’m a firm believer that it always works out the way it’s supposed to work out.

Sometimes all that’s needed are time and patience, and then the perfect one pops up on the market! Become educated about the market, stay focused, and don’t be afraid to go for it when the time comes.

Contact:

(512) 940-0950 edhughey.com ed@moreland.com @edhugheyatx eastsideatx.com

41

a shopping center which allows for an easy stroll after indulging in some southern comforts.

eastside | away

After breakfast, exit the city toward Flagstaff. The windy road leading out of Sedona will provide more views that are a must-see for any trip to this area. If there’s time, stop at Slide Rock State Park. From there, continue on for a westward trip to the Grand Canyon or start the trek back to Texas.

Secret 7

A Weekend In

Sedona

Land of Red Rock WORDS BY Alison

Bryce

Many may consider Sedona, Arizona, a simple pit stop on the way to the Grand Canyon. However, the city surrounded by towering red rock offers top notch views, tons of local shopping, and some of the best food the state has to offer.

Day One Whether it’s after flying into Phoenix or driving for hours, enter Sedona from the southernmost entrance on Interstate 17 and swing by the Chapel of the Holy Cross on the way into town. Not only does the chapel offer a fantastic place to view 42 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

some of the most popular rock formations in the area, it is also a place rich in history.

Sitting atop, and partially within, the rock, the 1956 chapel had to change from its original Catholic roots to become a nondenominational church due to being built on government land in the Coconino National Forest.

For a little bit of shopping, head to Tlaquepaque. The outdoor market features a variety of art galleries and craft shops connected with cobblestone paths and well-crafted arches. Stop in Oak Creek Brewery and Grill for a drink or lunch, depending on the time of day.

If up for a little bit of mid-day hiking, travel

to Bell Rock Vista Trailhead. Most of the trail is made for all ages; however, the higher the climb, the more advanced the path becomes.

Day Two Due to its desert location, it is best to wake up early and enjoy the cooler air for hiking.

Besides, most mornings begin with breathtaking sunrises that are not to be missed. Any of Sedona’s “secret seven” hiking trails are worth the early morning rise, but Baldwin Trailhead offers scenic views of the red rocks, including Cathedral Rock. Once done with the hike, enjoy a swim in Oak Creek.

Drive back into town for an afternoon walk through shops at Pin-

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ion Pointe and Sacajawea Plaza. From handmade soaps and jewelry to local wines, the shops in downtown Sedona will have something for every adventurer. Plan on having dinner at Outlaw Grille. In a time where social distancing is encouraged, the setup of this eatery is ideal. Order at a window, then take a seat at one of the outdoor picnic tables to enjoy unique burgers and sandwiches.

Day Three Before leaving Sedona, make sure to grab breakfast at Coffee Pot Restaurant. The omelets and southwestern dishes available for breakfast will set everyone up for whatever the day may hold. The restaurant is nestled in

Visitors will want to experience all of Sedona’s Secret 7, which include selections of the 7 best biking trails, picturesque vistas, beautiful stargazing spots, and cultural experiences the area has to offer. Tour the town like a local and follow the Secret 7 guide to discover everything the town has to offer, from its stunning natural sights to its rich history.

Make sure to visit Oak Creek Canyon to see a selection of Native American art. Dive deep into the area’s past with a stop at the V Bar V Heritage Site, home to some of the most well-preserved petroglyphs.

Sip+ taste

Spring

+Summer 2021

44 taste feature

HOW ONE CAFE IS BRINGING COMMUNITY CONNECTION AND FLAVORFUL TWISTS ON CLASSIC RECIPES

46 farm to table

LEARN TO PRESERVE THE TASTES OF THE SEASON AND ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE FLAVORS ALL YEAR ROUND.

48 dining guide

A CURATED GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO GRAB A BITE IN EAST AUSTIN

50 sip

feature

THIS LOCAL WATERING HOLE PROVIDES A SOFT PLACE TO LAND.

eastside | taste

Stirring Things Up Blending Friendship, Fruit, & Success WORDS BY

Libby Allen PHOTOS BY Shelby Bella

From scrappy beginnings to a slew of successful locations and in-store packaged products, Austinites Erin Thompson and Kara Jordan have been serving up their passion for nearly a decade, and they’re only just getting started.

T

hey say never turn your best friend into your business partner, but Blenders & Bowls co-founders Erin and Kara have been the exception to the rule for nearly a decade. Friends since middle school, the pair had been living in Hawaii together after college and knew they wanted a change. “We were both trying to figure out what was next, and we thought, ‘why not move to Austin?’ So we just kind of jumped ship and did it,” Kara says.

“

After landing in Austin, the duo began craving a staple of their Hawaiian lifestyle that was nowhere to be found in Texas: açaí. Though they’d played around with a few other business concepts, the açaí bowl was the best fit. “We had our work cut out for us.” Kara remembers “calling around all the places we ate açaí bowls in Hawaii and asking them to share their recipes with us, and sometimes people hung up,” she chuckles.

After landing in Austin, the duo began craving a staple of their Hawaiian lifestyle that was nowhere to be found in Texas: Açaí.”

44 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

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They bought a food truck and began charting routes through UT’s campus and in the downtown area to catch people on their lunch breaks. As with most things in Kara and Erin’s lives, there was very little middle ground;

Favorites!

Erin loves The Sesher, a blend of açaí, peanut butter, and cocoa, while Kara bounces around from item to item, but inevitably always returns to The Sesher, too.

Blenders & Bowls went from concept to reality very quickly.

“In March 2011, we quit our jobs, then in June, we had a food truck, and by July, we did our first event,” Erin remembers. After eight months of running the food truck successfully, the women were approached by the owners of Wanderlust Yoga Studio where they opened their first cafe.

“Once we had a couple years of really solid sales under our belts, we signed the lease for our Eastside location three years before we even opened it,” Erin recalls. The Arnold Oil Company was still operating out of the space at the time. So they forged ahead opening their Westlake and downtown locations first.

And finally the Eastside location opened; it’s cozy with a clean, minimalist feel and an uber-friendly staff.

The pair contributes much of their success to being able to figure things out on the fly. They learned to manage their business and scale it simultaneously. Since 2012, five Blenders & Bowls locations have opened, though two closed during COVID. These women are doers, which is why they’ve found success where many have failed. “People ask us what advice we’d give [others] trying to start a business,” Kara grins. “We always tell them if you have an idea and want to do it, just pull the trigger.”

Contact:

blendersandbowlscafe.com @blendersandbowls 1625 E 6th St. 4200 N Lamar Blvd.

3736 RM-2244, Unit 8

Did You Know?

In January 2020, the pair applied for Skew, a packaged goods incubator and were accepted.

Now açaí lovers can find four pint-sized scoopable blended smoothies in-store. They’re currently in about 300 stores across the Northeast and Midwest and can now be found in H-E-Bs and Whole Foods. Blenders & Bowls also just launched a direct-to-consumer site in mid-April where pints can be ordered and shipped directly to doorsteps.

{the neighborly side of austin}

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eastside | farm to table

Love Your Larder A Taste of the Sun Every Day of the Year WORDS BY

Justin Butts RECIPE BY Kayla Butts Benevides

PHOTOS BY Rachel

Larder is an old-fashioned word for root cellar or pantry. In the not so long-ago days when people lived off the land, the larder captured the bounty of the harvest. Crops would ripen oftentimes at once, and the sudden abundance would need to be stored or “laid by” to eat in future days after the harvest became a distant memory.

P

reserving food has always been about more than survival, however. In the dark days of winter when the forlorn land is covered in frost, and warmth seems buried forever in the frozen soil, opening a jar from the larder is like welcoming the summer sunshine into the kitchen. All the colors, textures, and flavors of the harvest season are packed away in neatly stacked Mason jars, waiting to be enjoyed throughout the year.

On our farm, we have preserved thousands and thousands of jars from our harvests. Kayla and our little ones lovingly fill these jars with everything from pork terrine to pickled beets to pie filling and more. In lean months, when the exhausted fields take rest, we eat and feed our customers from the larder. The larder balances the flush and lean times for a sweet taste of the sun every day of the year.

The modern larder is more about flavor and mostly about love.

When your favorite fruit or vegetable ripens in the garden, it’s easy to capture and hold that taste for coming days. But more than that, nothing shows family how much you love them than opening a jar from the larder. This feeling can’t be bought at the store. It must be home-made.

These easy, fast, and versatile condiment recipes are three of our favorite larder starters. These ingredients can be found in your garden or from a quality farmers’ market.

Pickled Watermelon Rind has a sweet and spicy Old-World flavor.

It comes from the part of the melon normally thrown away— a new favorite part! Herbed Onion Marmalade is the perfect condiment for pretty much anything. And we must warn you; this ketchup is so good that you may never use store-bought again.

These recipes do not require canning. They will keep in the fridge for weeks. To learn more about canning, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation (uga.edu). Ball Mason Jars (ball.com) also has great information about pickling and canning.

The harvest is ripening in the field, so prepare the jars. Now is the season to fill your larder with love.

46 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

find more at eastsideatx.com

Pickled Watermelon Rind Makes: 1 1/2 quarts Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 lbs. watermelon rind, green skin removed, diced 1/2 c. apple cider vinegar 1/2 c. white vinegar 1 c. granulated sugar 3 cinnamon sticks 1” ginger, peeled and grated 2 T. salt 1 jalapeño, diced Directions: In a mediumsized pot, combine vinegars, sugar, salt, and cinnamon sticks over high heat. Once boiling, add watermelon, ginger, and jalapeño. Cook for 10 minutes. Turn off heat, and let sit an additional ten minutes or until tender.

Transfer to clean jars and refrigerate for up to two weeks, or pressure the can for long-term storage.

Herbed Onion Marmalade Makes: 1 pint Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced 4 T. butter 1 t. salt 1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper 1/3 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. white wine vinegar 1/4 t. thyme 2 bay leaves 1 sprig rosemary

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Directions: In a large pot, heat butter, onion, salt, and pepper over low heat. Stirring occasionally, cook the onions until they become a light brown color (about 30 minutes).

Add remaining ingredients and continue to cook until liquid is reduced (about 15 more minutes).

Transfer to clean jars and refrigerate for up to two weeks, or pressure the can for long-term storage.

Ketchup Makes: 1 quart Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Ingredients: 1 T. olive oil 1 onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 can (4.5 oz) stewed tomatoes 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste 1/4 c. red wine vinegar 2 T. brown sugar 2 T. honey 1 T. fish sauce 1 t. dry mustard 1 t. sea salt 1/2 t. black or cayenne pepper Directions: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium-sized saucepan.

Add onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute.

Add remaining ingredients and cook until starting to simmer.

Remove from heat and transfer to a blender.

Blend until smooth.

Transfer to clean jars and refrigerate for up to two weeks, or pressure can for long-term storage.

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47

O U R FAV E R E S TA U R A N T S

pick 10

FOR THE EASTSIDE

EASTSIDE

dining guide

S-H Donuts

This unassuming store-front houses an outstanding array of fluffy-light donuts, a variety of kolache flavors, and savory breakfast croissants. Even if the food wasn’t enough, the warmth of the owners Sochea and Sarong make the trip to S-H worth it every time. 5313 Manor Rd.

Cisco's

The menu at Cisco’s provides flavorful TexMex options for any meal of the day. Order favorites like their mouth-watering breakfast tacos or comforting cheese enchiladas for dinner. Either way, the food and the service will have you wanting more.

1511 E 6th St. | ciscosaustin.com

Artessano Rosewood Restaurant

This locally owned Gulf Coast Chophouse is located in a historic 1890s home with expansive outdoor dining overlooking downtown, featuring locally sourced 40-Day Dry Aged Bone in Ribeye and all the comforting favorites with an inventive twist.

1209 Rosewood Ave. | rosewoodatx.com

The fresh tropical fruit juice and the arepas are why you need to visit Artessano. As a food trailer specializing in Colombian food, expect dance music and lots of friendly conversation when you visit. 1211 E 6th St.

Mour Cafe

Featuring a rotating selection of the world’s most satisfying dishes, Mour Cafe is where gastropub meets comfort. They serve environmentally conscious ingredients sourced from local farmers, which bring flavor that’s uniquely Austin to each soul-filled dish. mourcafe.com | 1414 Shore District Dr. Bldg. 3, Ste. 120

Flyrite Chicken

Disrupting the fast food industry one sandwich at a time, Flyrite is a drive-thru with all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options.

2129 E 7th St. | flyritechicken.com

Hillside Farmacy Oddwood Ales

Designed as a cozy neighborhood pub, Oddwood Ales provides a variety of flavorful ales, home-made pizzas, and Italian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere with arcade games and a pet-friendly patio.

3108 Manor Rd. | oddwoodales.com

La Fruta Feliz

A happy place where breakfast is served all day. Of course, you can also get lunch, but why would you when you can have chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and authentic breakfast tacos at 8pm?

3124 Manor Rd.

48 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

Something about Hillside Farmacy, weekend brunches, patio dinners, and cocktails just make you feel better. Perhaps that’s due to its historical location in the lovingly renovated 1950s Hillside Drugstore. Or perhaps it’s because the fresh, carefully selected seasonal food that comes from local farms and onto your plate is just good medicine.

1209 E 11th St. | hillsidefarmacy.com

Cherrywood Coffeehouse

With an expansive patio and a continual rotation of events, you’ll find yourself frequenting for the community as often as food, which is an inviting array of tacos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and smoothies.

1400 E 38th 1/2 St. | cherrywoodcoffeehouse.com

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eastside | sip

T

hough Butterfly Bar began 13 years ago as an off-shoot of The Vortex Theater, it’s evolved over the years from a small café serving beer and wine to a fullservice bar. Today, the bar features an extensive menu of signature cocktails, classic concoctions, and inventive mocktails, gaining its name from the butterflies that call the outdoor patio home. Butterfly Bar is a certified butterfly garden meaning, during the summer months, patrons can sip their colorful drinks while keeping an eye on the flight of the lively creatures who inspired them.

Monarch Magic, their signature cocktail, is a standout. Its color mimics the beauty of its namesake.

Slightly bubbly and not too sweet, it features a Tito’s infusion of mango, tangerine, guajillo pepper, and ginger. “It takes about a month to prepare, so we have to constantly keep the infusion going,” Kellee smiles. The infusion is then mixed with Cocchi Americano, ginger liqueur, lemon, prosecco, soda, and orange bitters and served with a garnish of candied ginger. It offers up a slightly tangy bite, making this drink one of their most popular yearround.

One of their unique offerings is the impressive mocktail menu. Kellee is proud of her personal contribution: Queen Bey. “It’s a strawberry limeade with tajin. It’s very bright, topped with soda so it’s bubbly, and has a little bit of spice to it,” she explains.

Finding Sanctuary

Enjoying Craft Cocktails among the Butterflies WORDS BY

Abby L. Johnson PHOTO BY Will Bowling

If the bar top at Butterfly Bar could talk, it would have a world of stories to tell. Over 200 years old, the bar top has been lost more than once, survived wars, and is now nestled in comfortably at this neighborhood establishment. “It’s stood the test of time. They built things to last back then,” says Kellee Broadway, bar manager.

Like many businesses, Butterfly Bar has evolved over the last year. One way they continue to build community is through their new to-go cocktails.

Patrons can pick up their signature drinks and enjoy at home among loved ones. “It was kind of weird figuring out how to do to-go cocktails,” Kellee admits. “But it was really reassuring that our patrons were excited about getting the drinks.”

Currently, cocktail lovers can participate in the togo cocktails or enjoy their drinks in the spacious outdoor garden. The Butterfly Bar is a truly community-oriented space. Though it took some time to adapt their live events and ensure the safety and comfort of their clientele, The Butterfly Bar hosts trivia competitions, comedy nights, and live music events. In the meantime, the historic bar top located inside the bar will be waiting patiently to collect the stories of its patrons once again.

Contact:

2307 Manor Road butterflybaraustin.com @thebutterflybaraustin

Sip&Taste Adding to the warm, familial feeling of Butterfly Bar’s outdoor patio is Patrizi’s Italian food truck, which serves up authentic dishes pulled straight from family traditions and recipes passed down through the years. Enjoy a hand-pulled pasta while you sip on a Monarch Magic!

50 EASTside | Spring/Summer2021

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