EASTside Magazine Music issue 2022

GROOVIN’

SHAPED BY

MUSIC

GINA CHAVEZ

side

OF AUSTIN

FU GRIT R N TY etu rn

MARCH 12-26, 2022

s!

OUR MISSION IS TO GROW THE NEXT GENERATION… IT’S IN OUR ROOTS!

BBQ AUSTIN MARCH 4-5, 2022 | KICK OPEN THE CHUTES MARCH 11, 2022 VISIT RODEOAUSTIN.COM FOR DETAILS

WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE

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M (512) 789-8778 8303 Mopac, Austin, TX 78759

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Hometowns: Holly, El Campo; TX | Michael, Dallas, TX Holly’s Smile Makeover: Mark Sweeney, DDS Both are patients at AUSTIN DENTAL SPA

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February/March

CONTENTS

10 12

Publisher’s Note

Local

Home of the Blues

A long-standing local venue is a stalwart of the blues.

13

Art+Entertainment Meant to be Heard

One local songwriter masters the art of storytelling.

29 Go+Do

Downward Spiral

A new short film starring Black Puma's Eric Burton explores the consequences of virtual reality.

35

Home+Away

A Weekend in Belize

This magical destination is more than meets the eye.

43

Sip+Taste

Old Flavors, New Rules

The masterminds behind this Chinese restaurant turn the flavor up to 11.

More stories at eastsideatx.com

20 Shaped

by Music

Four musicians reveal their respective relationships to the Live Music Capital of the World.

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EAST THE RESILIENT

side

OF AUSTIN

Austin, Texas 78702 eastsideatx.com

Publisher Nillo Studios, LLC

Social Media Joanna Fuller

Creative Director Will Bowling

Contributing Photographers Baptiste Despois, Leonid Fermansky, Shelby Bella, Rachel Benavides

Publishing Editor Ashley Bowling Photo Editor Eric Morales Business Development Will Bowling Copy Editor Pam Bowen Asst. Editor Abby L. Johnson

Contributing Writers Abby Johnson, Jessi Devenyns, Christopher Ferguson, Alison Bryce, Joanna Fuller, Jerod Morales, Tejal Thakkur, Katy Chadwell, Justin & Kayla Butts

40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Distribution Will Bowling

This year, the Central Texas Food Bank is celebrating 40 years of serving our community.

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

Thank You to our Community Sponsors!

Tiffany Hentrup

With your support, we've gone from humble beginnings to distributing more than 64 million pounds of food last year, a year among the most difficult our community has faced. We stood together through a pandemic, rising inflation and a devastating winter storm. Thank you for helping us be there for our neighbors no matter what comes our way.

You can help ensure we will continue to be there to weather any storm with a gift to this year’s Amplify Austin campaign.

Donate today at bit.ly/amplify2022

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 | publisher's note

Happy Birthday!

T

he Music issue is very special to the EASTside team because our very first issue was the Music issue in 2016. We started this magazine with the lofty dream to create an honest, beautiful publication for the East Austin community. With the help of many creatives and the support of our neighbors, we are thrilled to say we are doing just that. We are so grateful to be in our 7th year! As we are consistently growing, learning, and improving with each issue we release, we want to sincerely thank all our readers and advertisers for standing by us every step of the way.

Each anniversary year kicks off with this Music Issue! Our team loves music as much as Austin loves music. So, with this issue, we wanted to highlight artists looking to make a significant impact within the Austin music scene. We tell stories of the challenges and rewards of getting their art out into the world, stories of rising up and overcoming fears in order to pursue their passion. We also made it a point to feature some great businesses revolving around the music industry, such as Calton Cases and iconic blues venue Antone's. We dive into the world of film, interviewing a local filmmaker about his new short film, shot in East Austin and starring Black Pumas' Eric Burton. We also rounded up some new businesses who just opened in the neighborhood, as well as a few beautiful places to add to your 2022 travel bucket list.

So to another trip around the sun on this birthday issue! We look forward to 2022 and have a lot of beautiful and captivating stories planned for this year.

Also, don't forget to go to eastsideatx.com to vote in our Reader's Choice Survey — your votes will inform our next issue. We will be highlighting everything you guys love about East Austin, so make sure your voice is heard and send us those votes.

Cheers, Will Bowling

On the Cover Who better to encompass the Austin music scene than Gina Chavez? The 12- time Austin Music Award Winner has an incomparable sound and presence, and we are honored to have her grace the cover of EASTside Magazine.

As the first black and white cover we have ever done, we could not have selected a better subject than Gina Chavez, a talented musician and a natural behind the camera.

Captured by Eric Morales and photographed at Austin School of Film's white box studio.

Austin’s go-to urban event venue Book your tour today

springdalestation.com 10 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

find more at eastsideatx.com

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11

eastside | local

Singing an Old Song to a New Tune Antone’s brings blues to the modern era.

WORDS BY

Jessi Devenyns

Anyone who has come near the Austin music scene in the last 40 years has heard of Antone’s, the blues club that redefined Austin sounds and put the Live Music Capital of the World on the map for many audiophiles. While the club’s physical location has drifted around the city over the years, it has most recently found its home in East Austin, only blocks from its original location.

12 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

T

wo streets from I-35, the old 20th century Cadillac dealership is now a neon-lit music hall with a stage that commands the eyes of all who are drawn in by the siren’s song of the blues. Over the decades, acts like Muddy Waters, Lou Ann Barton, and Gary Clark Jr.—who later assisted in reviving Antone’s after its two-year hiatus—have paraded across the stage of this preeminent club and sung their memorable tunes to the rapt ears filling sold-out shows.

Following decades of international success and a vaunted status as a legend, Antone’s had to face the music of a growing Austin and shuttered its doors in 2014 after a brief stint in a location on East Riverside. However, rather than remain a relic of days gone by, the spirit of Antone’s outlaw blues remained strong in an Austin culture saturated with indie-urban beats. So, with significant support from the music community and an eye toward fostering a new generation of soulful, blues-inspired artists, the club reopened its doors on New Year’s Eve 2015. “Our bread and butter is blues music because that’s where we started,” says Antone’s general manager Mallory Bellinger. “We are still cultivating

blues roots with soul and funk, and we are still bringing in zydeco.”

Rather than water down its relevance in the modern music scene, this historic club’s adherence to the sound that defined Austin for a generation has allowed it to pass the torch to a new generation of music aficionados. The acts billed at Antone’s provide “an opportunity for younger folks to be introduced to the sounds that have made American music so awesome—and not just what they might hear on the radio. All of that really has derived from the blues in one way or another,” Mallory beams.

While no longer run by the icon behind the name, Clifford Antone, Mallory shares that his presence is still very much alive, and he would be pleased with how Austin’s ‘Home of the Blues’ has been rebuilt. She smiles, “I’ve had multiple staff members, including myself, sense a real presence. And we always say, 'It's Cliff.'"

Contact:

305 E 5th Street antonesnightclub.com @antonesnightclub

Did You Know: One of Austin’s oldest music traditions, Blue Monday, is an Antone’s special where, since 1975, dinner includes deli food alongside bluesy tunes.

find more at eastsideatx.com

Art+ entertainment

February

+March 2022

14 func-

tional

art

THIS GROUP OF CREATIVES IS PROTECTING MUSIC AND WORKING TO KEEP AUSTIN CUSTOM.

16 entertainment

RISING SINGERSONGWRITER CAPTIVATES AUDIENCES WITH HIS SOULFUL WORDS

eastside | art “Nobody’s doing that level of high-end stuff. Nobody is crazy enough to do it, especially hand make it. We’re just having a lot of fun doing it. We have a new motto: Keep Austin Custom!”

Creating Community: Calton Cases

Protecting the Music One Case at a Time WORDS BY Tejal

Thakkar PHOTO BY Eric Morales

Upon entering the studio at Calton Cases, patrons are greeted by a team who feels like a group of friends who have come together to create something for which they are passionate. Their camaraderie shines through each beautiful handmade instrument case they create.

14 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

K

eith Calton founded Calton Cases in 1969, and since then, the custom instrument case maker has garnered interest from an international audience of artists and musicians. Current owner Jeff Poss became the sole-owner of Calton Cases in 2017 and has been working tirelessly with his team to expand the company ever since. Even though the cases are luxury “lifestyle pieces,” the team is focused on making the brand accessible to artists of all backgrounds.

While the team saw their company nearly double in 2021, surprisingly, the hardest part about increasing sales is streamlining the production process. Each case is handmade and takes about 13 hours to build. Jeff explains, “We retooled the whole shop and figured out how to break up all the tasks.” The new process allows for specialization and more efficient production while still maintaining the integrity and quality of each piece they produce. Jeff asserts, “We really want the product to be handmade. We love that. It’s handmade in Texas, in Austin.”

Much of their success can be accredited to the culture of art and community that Jeff and his team have created at their Eastside warehouse. find more at eastsideatx.com

“Allie is professional,

Jeff says, “When I took over, I felt like we needed to give Calton the love and space that it needed to run. Also, a bunch of the people who work here are Eastsiders. They are here for the same reasons: more affordable rent. Half are career artists, or band members, or bartenders, or servers.” Jordan Skye, Marketing and Artist Relations Manager, chimes in, “We just hosted a studio tour where we had our workers play music and sell their art, so it’s not an Amazon production floor. It’s creative, cohesive, and friends and family all together.”

super responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable about a very dynamic market.”

-Rene C.

It won’t be long before we start seeing the Calton name pop up everywhere, certainly in the music space, but in other industries as well.

The team is excited to venture into the custom creation space for other products such as luggage, backpacks, and laptop cases.

Contact:

3412 E 4th St. calton-cases.com @caltoncases Start your search at AllieMartinezAustin.com.

Allie Martinez REALTOR, GRI

alliemartinez@realtyaustin.com AllieMartinezAustin.com 512-240-2603 2021 Diamond Club Top Producer, 2020 & 2021 Corazón Circle

Small Business Bookkeeping agruedabookkeeping.com

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15

eastside | entertainment

“S

Stories Meant to be Heard

o I was a child prodigy and started playing trumpet at the age of three. I wish I was joking,” Keith acknowledges with a twinkle in his eye. He quickly pivots and admits maybe he wasn’t a prodigy, but he certainly did pick up a trumpet at that early age.

Keith’s father was a band director while also pursuing a doctorate in music and often had an array of instruments around. Keith gravitated towards the horn, and his father quickly took charge of his son’s musical education.

He admits that his dad’s musical prowess is a constant looming presence in his development as an artist. His dad was always pushing him to grow, directly or indirectly. “I picked up the guitar at age 20 because I thought it was an instrument he couldn’t play. Turns out, I was wrong,” Keith chuckles.

Keith Sanders Keith Sanders’ life is characterized by cacophony. From the beginning, he was surrounded by the swelling sounds of the delta blues. Born in Georgia and raised in Mississippi, Keith’s early years set him on a path bound for rhythmic creation.

In addition to his musical talents, Keith is a natural born storyteller. It’s clear he capitalizes on these strengths while captivating audiences. “I write from scenarios, sometimes they’re mine, sometimes they’re somebody else’s.”

Even when it’s an imagined or borrowed story, the tales Keith spins ring with truth. “That’s the one thing. I want to be heard. I don’t care what may come of it… When I sing, I want it to hit you in your core.” Keith admits, “When I first started [performing], I’d pick one person in the crowd and just sing to this one person. They didn’t know it but I did. And if I could move them emotionally, I’d done my job.”

He cites his biggest influences as Bill Withers, Jimi Hendrix, his father, and the delta blues he grew up surrounded by. “[Bill] tells a story in as few amount of words as possible. I like that style of writing. There are not many people who will paint you a portrait, and Bill Withers is like Picasso,” Keith muses and adds, “There it is. It’s very direct, straightforward. I like that.”

Though he puts music out under his own moniker, currently, Keith is also a member of the Austin-based band, Brother Thunder. The five piece soulful, psych-inspired rock group put out an EP titled Into the Fire in 2021 (Black Pumas fans will likely find they have an affinity for this group, their distinctive sounds being near cousins). He can also be found playing solo shows or leading Keith Sanders & the Dirty Bandanas at venues across the city. He’s found a place to grow in Austin noting that the musician community here is supportive, and that “everybody wants to see everybody succeed.”

WORDS BY Abby PHOTOS BY Eric

L Johnson Morales

16 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

Contact:

@keithsandersmusic @brotherthundermusic

find more at eastsideatx.com

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17

eastside | events

9 THINGS WE LOVE IN

FEBRUARY MARCH

&

Zilker Kite Festival March 6, 10 a.m.

Fusebash

Feb. 26, 6-11pm Join Pioneer Farms for the 2nd year of Fusebash, a creative, carnivalinspired experience featuring adventurous performances from artists. The event includes musicians, dancers, a portrait photographer, and a photo booth. Make sure to take a ride on the three-story ferris wheel before leaving for the night.

Single tickets start at $250.

Go fly a kite or simply marvel at all the colors in the sky during the Zilker Kite Festival, also known as the ABC Kite Festival. While families were invited to the park to fly kites last year, many additional guidelines were placed to help promote social distancing. Make sure to check their site for updates on rules for this year’s festival. facebook.com/ events | 2207 Lou Neff Rd.

fuseboxfestival.com | 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity

BBQ Cook Off

Feb. 16-March 6, times vary

March 4-5, times vary Get a good whiff of some of the best barbecue made in Texas during the BBQ Cook Off. Teams will compete through a blind tasting in three categories: chicken, ribs, and brisket. But don’t be blinded by the smells of smoked meats; the event also includes a petting zoo, pony rides, shopping, fireworks, and more. Tickets to enter the fairgrounds begin at $5 per person.

rodeoaustin.com/events/bbq-austin | 9100 Decker Ln.

OUTsider: Unplugged Feb. 16-20, times vary

Valentine’s at the Drive-In

Jan. 25- Feb. 14, times vary Enjoy a night out with a sweetheart for Valentines at the Blue Starlite Drive-In. With a lineup of movies including Princess Bride, The Notebook, Clueless, and more, the drive-in provides a romantic and one-of-kind movie night. Make sure to check out the special dinner theater menu before settling in for the film. bluestarlitedrivein.com |

2015 E. M. Franklin Ave.

18 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through film, dance, theater, performance art, music, writing, and visual art during OUTsider: Unplugged.

This annual festival and conference unites artists and viewers through artistic discovery. This year’s theme focuses on the 90s and DIY that happened when humans were not constantly plugged into the internet.

outsiderfest.org | 2307 Manor Rd., #2135

Get ready for a dramatic comedy.

Enjoy a night at Zach Theatre as the cast performs The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. The play follows the life of wrestler Macedonio Guerra and how he is paid to lose to bigger-name wrestlers in the ring. The play will show how Guerra found the courage to speak up and leave everything on the mat. Tickets range from $25-$95. zachtheatre.

org | 202 S Lamar Blvd.

Bloody Mary Festival Feb. 27, 12-3:30pm

Enjoy a brunch-time party during the Bloody Mary Festival. With unlimited Bloody Marys, created by the finest bars, restaurants, and craft bottled mixes along with food from local restauranteurs, this festival is not one to miss if you are looking to find new local sips and bites. Tickets range from $49-$67.

eventbrite.com | 1100 E 5th St. find more at eastsideatx.com

Muddy Princess March 20, 9am-12pm

Grab the tiaras and tennis shoes and head to the Muddy Princess, a 5K obstacle race for women only.

Visitors are encouraged to come cheer on their princess. The minimum age to participate is nine years old. Venders will provide a selection of food and drinks for attendees to enjoy after the race. Participation in the run is $49-$99. muddyprincess.

com | 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.

Soul Food Truck Fest March 26, 11am-5pm

Taste for yourself why Austin is one of the best cities for foodies during the Soul Food Truck Fest. The day will provide attendees a taste of the mobile soul food truck gems that are tucked all over the city. From savory BBQ to Cajun-seasoned seafood to traditional soul food, 15 food trucks will be serving up mouth-watering dishes. In addition to food, vendors will be on site, beer & wine will be available for purchase.

Entertainment will include music and kid-friendly activities. soulfoodtruck-

fest.com | 900 Chicon St.

WORDS BY Alison

Bryce

2701 S.LAMAR 78704

{PRINT}

04CENTER.COM

{Online}

{Social}

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19

SHAPED

BY MUSIC What really makes Austin the Live Music Capital of the World?

Austinites’ enthusiasm and openness to new sounds and artists are unparalleled. It’s the people who attract the music. This city is a place where people want to listen, a place where songs can be fine-tuned, and a place for artists to grow. Budding musicians are drawn to this town one way or another because, simply put, Austin is fertile ground for creation.

Whether they grew up here or have found their home here, these four musicians are thriving in Austin.

WORDS BY Abby

L. Johnson & Guadalupe Triana PHOTOS BY Eric Morales

GINA CHAVEZ

LA QUE MANDA: The Woman in Charge What does it really mean to find success in one’s hometown?

Gina Chavez, native Austinite and renowned Latin pop artist, is uniquely qualified to answer this question.

Gina grew up in the Live Music Capital of the World, attended college at UT Austin, and began to create music that constantly redefines what constitutes the Austin sound. Today, the self-managed artist and vocal powerhouse boasts 12 Austin Music Awards, a Latin Grammy nomination, and a local holiday with her namesake. Most recently, she received a nomination for best Latin artist at the 40th annual Austin Music Awards, set to take place on March 8. “This year’s nomination is more of a surprise. It’s a bit like… we’re now on people’s minds without having to wave a flag and be like, ‘Hey, remember us?’” she laughs.

“It means something to be part of the music psyche here in Austin.”

Gina discovered her love for Latin music when she participated in a study abroad program in Buenos Aires. That’s where she was exposed to the intoxicating folkloric rhythms of Chacarera, a traditional Argentinian music and dance that is often compared to the tango. She often looks outside the confines of traditional American music to bring her artistic visions to life. La Que Manda, the title track of her 2020 release, for example, with its rollicking Afro-Cuban and Dominican inspired beats and battle-cry vocals, feels like American pop bathed in rich world sounds. Bringing all these influences from around the world back home is a truly momentous task. Reflecting on her ability to synthesize diverse genres into one body of work, she remarks, “I look back at my career and the music I’ve made, and it’s kind of all over the place. It doesn’t fit nicely into a box, but I think people love it for that reason. And I love it for that reason.”

Of her artistic message in this era of her life and work, Gina has much to say. “I think in a large sense, the past few years for me have been really reckoning with how the world asks women to be small from the time that we’re born. I think for the longest time, I thought it was just me, you know?” In her experience touring both in the states and internationally as a U.S. cultural ambassador, she came to realize that “this is something that every woman in the world is familiar with. I’ve been all over the world. I’ve been to places like Jordan and Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and Venezuela. And guess what? It’s everywhere.” The album La Que Manda (loosely translated to The Woman in Charge) addresses this pervasive attitude, placing power and stature in Gina’s hands with a sound that is anything but small. In her music, Gina herself shines and works to empower others as well.

Gina doesn’t have plans to leave the Austin music scene anytime soon. She lights up as she recalls an evening spent at Sahara Lounge on Webberville Road. Cilantro Boombox, an Eastside musical staple band, took the stage with their customary infectious and effusively joyful sound and unexpectedly called their friend Gina on stage. “I think I was in my sweatpants,” she laughs, noting, “This is everything music should be, this [attitude of], ‘Hey, let’s let loose and have fun and invite our friends on stage.’ And that is Austin to me. It’s just friends. It’s hanging out.”

Listen to Gina Chavez @ginachavez

ginachavez.com

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21

ROCK STARDOM SECURED

Despite the many obstacles artists may face today, for Austin-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Zach Person, no challenge is too great. Artistically, the musician can’t be slowed down; he has too many exciting ideas to share with the world.

For the past two years, Zach and his bandmate, drummer Jake Wyble, have been busy securing rock star status. In April 2021, Zach released his highly-anticipated self-titled debut LP, which has since garnered critical praise from local and national media outlets. Plus, he’s collected a couple of nominations for “Best Rock Act” and “Song of the Year” at the 2021-2022 Austin Music Awards.

With that warm reception, Zach embarked on his ambitious “Let’s Get Loud” tour, which first took the band to Europe, then back through the states. The duo’s live presence is unmatched, and their explosive sound is natural and effortless. “[It’s] just us on guitar and drums, then I go back and layer in the bass and any other sounds or instruments I want on top of us playing and then release that,” Zach explains.

As a musician, Zach describes his musical evolution in three parts. First, there is the early-on influence of rock classics like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin. Then, once he discovered pop radio, he picked up the charm of contemporary alternative rock bands, like Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys. “The third part,” he says, “is moving to Austin.” Musically, that’s what prompted Zach to begin drawing on many of the styles embraced here in the city, like folk, blues, and indie rock.

“That’s where I try to land with all my music, bringing all the stuff I love, including classic and traditional styles and giving them a modern age sound,” Zach says. “[That way] it resonates with people, is accessible, and doesn’t sound old when someone really young listens to it.”

In 2017, right after wrapping up Season 15 of American Idol, Zach took advantage of every possible opportunity in Houston. However, his longterm goals pushed him to envision a life beyond his hometown. That’s when he decided to relocate to Austin. “At some point, it felt like I needed a different music scene,” Zach says. “Houston is so spread out; it’s hard to develop a community like there is in Austin.”

Some of Zach’s first gigs in the city took place at Friends Bar, in the 6th Street District. It was a Thursday night residency at the bar that he says helped him “stretch out of [his] comfort zone. I was able to soak up everything that artists were doing there.” Zach reveals, “Plus, it’s very easy to network and mingle here. I moved here for that specific reason.”

Now, as he continues building on the foundation he has laid, one thing is clear. This is just the beginning for Zach.

Listen to Zach Person @zachperson

22 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

zachperson.com

find more at eastsideatx.com

ZACH PERSON

PRIMO THE ALIEN

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Her sound is bright and nostalgic, yet clearly from the future.

Primo the Alien is the alias for singer, songwriter, and producer Laura Lee Bishop, who has quickly captured the attention of audiences, both online and live. Her sound, clearly rooted in 80s synthpop, is driven by Laura’s alluring vocal melodies, groovy basslines, joyful beats, and straight up glamour.

“When I started this project, I wanted to be, unabashedly and just unapologetically, myself,” Primo explains. “I hope when people come to my shows, they feel the same way.”

The last two years, Primo has been busy creating a name for herself, releasing several EPs and singles, still finding the time to churn out entertaining social content to engage fans across various platforms. Now, with nearly 58,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, it’s clear her fans are tuned into what she’s doing.

“I think that’s why my progress has been [forward moving] the last couple years. I just consistently put [the material] out,” she explains. “I make it, I write it, I put it out. I don’t wait – what if I die tomorrow?”

Though her outlook may sound bleak, this process has propelled Primo to reach new milestones in her journey. On New Year’s Eve, she welcomed 2022 by opening for electro-dance duo Ghostland Observatory—an invitation she never expected. Now, most recently, Primo’s picked up a nomination for Best Pop Artist at the 2021-2022 Austin Music Awards.

“When I started Primo, it was going to be so separate from me, and I was going to be this alien that never really talked about my personal life,” she explains. “As it has progressed, I don’t think it was that separate at all.”

But it hasn’t always been about pop for Primo. An artist at heart, Laura has been writing and performing music for a long time. She approaches writing in a few different ways, never really sticking to one method. Sometimes, she’ll write music in her head and then bring it to life on a recording. Other times, she’ll sit down to write based on a beat she’s put together, or someone will send her an idea. “It really is different every time,” she explains. “It’s never the same.”

Primo was also invited to perform at the 2021 Austin City Limits Music Festival, a moment that quickly went from one of the best moments of the year, to one of the most frustrating, when her set was canceled due to storms. However, she’s determined not to let that small mishap dictate her future.

“There have been a lot of things where I said ‘I’m never gonna get to do that,’ and they have actually happened,” she shrugs. “‘I’m never going to have my own vinyl, I’m never going to get to play at Moody Theater, and I’m never gonna play ACL,’ and [all of those] things have happened.”

As Primo continues tackling new projects, and reaching new audiences, she remains laser-focused on one thing: releasing her highly-awaited studio album.

Listen to Primo The Alien primothealien.com @primothealien @primoalien {the groovin' side of austin}

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25

A SONGWRITER’S MANIFESTO

Ivy Roots is tender and smooth, unwavering in delivering a message that cuts to the heart. She offers up an explanation of her personal philosophy. “I believe there are three aspects of life: love, art, and growth,” she says with conviction.

Her commanding voice is housed within a body that is somewhat deceptively diminutive in stature. Her background in jazz vocal groups, reggae, and singing in church adds a storied texture to her R&B-inspired, soulful sound. She takes the stage equipped with a guitar and her life affirming words. On her latest project, Love Art Growth II, Ivy takes a stab at sonically exploring the subjects of the album’s name.

There are seemingly simple questions the 90s R&B inspired song “Often” which beckons listeners to ponder as she runs over the notes with ease. “It’s like, ‘Oh, I have a crush on you. I want to know if you feel the same way.’ But it can also mean ‘I want to know if you have the same love that I have for myself,’ like it is for me.” Ivy explains as she sings her lyrics. It’s about self-love and taking ownership of personal worth. Do you love me as much as I love myself? If not, then it’s time to move on, the song suggests. It’s a radical notion, one that is part of the album’s overarching thesis.

Ivy arrived in Austin from her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, just before March 2020. Despite the setback of arriving in a new city only to be sequestered to her own home, Ivy is now fully immersed in the rich Austin arts scene. “Building relationships is really important. That’s what I’ve realized since I’ve been here.” Ivy goes on to explain, “Everybody has a passion and a purpose. Even if they don’t, you might be the person they’re supposed to meet who inspires them to find that purpose. Every connection is a relationship.” This mindset has helped her to find a niche in a saturated market.

She is currently collaborating with playwright Oktavea LaToi, creating original music to accompany a new work entitled, “I See You, You’re Seen,” set to premiere at The Vortex Theatre in April 2022.

Listen to Love Art Growth II @ivyrootsmusic

26 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

find more at eastsideatx.com

IVY ROOTS

MORE THAN AN EVENT

IT’S AN EXPERIENCE!

rosewoodatx.com/private-events

HOSTING PARTIES OF 8 to 200

IN 6 BEAUTIFUL & UNIQUE SPACES

Outdoor Options Available BE IT A WEDDING, BIRTHDAY, SHOWER, BUSINESS DINNER, REHEARSAL DINNER, COCKTAIL PARTY, OR BRAND ACTIVATION EVENT, LET OUR FRIENDLY STAFF TAKE CARE OF YOU! 28 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

1209 Rosewood Ave. Austin, Texas 78702

Inquire about space at info@rosewoodatx.com

find more at eastsideatx.com

Go+ do

February

+March 2022

30 go

&do

THIS SCI-FI SHORT FILM TAKES VIEWERS ON A MYSTERIOUS ROMP THROUGH MULTIPLE REALITIES.

32 go

&eat

TASTE SOME OF THE BEST QUICK BITES & LOCAL FLAVORS AUSTIN HAS TO OFFER.

34 what’s

new in

PHOTO OF KOKO'S BY

Mackenzie Smith Kelley

2022

GET TO KNOW WHO IS NEW TO TOWN AND WHAT THEY'RE UP TO.

eastside | go&do

Downward Spiral

Devexity Questions Reality WORDS BY

Abby L. Johnson Burton

PHOTOS BY Eric

In a world where virtual reality is encroaching on daily life, can people actually choose their own adventure?

A

ustin-based filmmaker Luke Lidell’s latest project, Devexity, is a short film starring Black Puma’s frontman Eric Burton. The pair co-produced this sci-fi film, noir-inspired exploration of the implications in the advancement of virtual reality technology. As the film unfolds, it becomes apparent that the story spans multiple worlds and time periods, as protagonist Jean Smith, a young detective, attempts to solve a murder and navigate relationships in his multiple realities.

The film’s universe hints at what the inevitable implementation of where these burgeoning virtual worlds may lead, the title itself coming from a Latin word meaning downward spiral.

Years before Luke wrote the script for the film, Luke and Eric’s friendship and artistic collaboration began when the pair met at Hole in the Wall following a solo performance by Eric, and they immediately hit it off. In his on-screen debut, Eric plays the lead role of Jean Smith.

Luke wrote the part for his friend, noting that “I always had Eric in mind. When I was writing it, it was good to have a visual of a person whom I knew so well. I didn’t know if he was going to say yes. Luckily, he did.”

Eric plays the part with ease with his experience performing as frontman of the Grammy-nominated psych-soul project Black Pumas and childhood theater background informing his portrayal. Expanding on his experience playing Jean, Eric notes that “he seems to be existing in multiple worlds at once, and I really am attracted to that aspect of the story for the fact that I think there’s some truth in being able to choose your own adventure at all times. And so it was really nice to look at different aspects of Jean’s

30 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

mind and what his life looks like in all of these places.”

The film was shot entirely in Austin in October 2020. “I really love filming in Austin. I tend to write around locations that I know. The front of the Driskill has this old car parked in front all the time. It’s from the thirties. I [thought], ‘I can use that car as a background prop to help set the scene.’ So, yeah, just trying to use the tools at hand.” The film features several other iconic Austin locales, including Native Hostel, an Eastside neighborhood bar. “It’s been really fun to feel like you’re just filming in your neighborhood with your friends. No rules, just go and shoot.”

He grins adding, “And that’s exactly what it felt like.”

Currently, Luke is working on setting a premiere date for the film, hoping to get it out to viewers in 2022.

Contact:

devexitymovie.com @devexitymovie

Luke Lidell @radruckus Eric Burton @ericburton

find more at eastsideatx.com

{the groovin' side of austin}

eastsideatx.com

31

at one of the picnic tables next to the truck. The tacos are full of spicy and authentic flavors and are sure to satisfy anyone’s craving for delicious Austin tacos. cuantostacosaustin.com | 1108 E 12th St.

eastside | go&do

3

Bobo’s Snack Bar

While many know Bobo’s Snack Bar for its comfy lounge space, inviting outdoor patio, and relaxing vibe, this snack bar also serves as a great location to grab a quick bite. Bobo’s is a wine, beer, and cocktail bar with an array of light bites. They have a menu full of snacks for all dietary needs and preferences. Whether looking to cozy up next to the outdoor fire-pit or snack on baked collard green egg rolls, the menu options at Bobo’s do not disappoint. bobossnackbar.com | 3850 Airport Blvd.

6

best

Flyrite Chicken

Who said fast food can’t be good for the body? Flyrite’s mission is to serve up convenient, onthe-go food options without breaking the bank. Whether yearning for a fried chicken sandwich or looking for a tasty veggie wrap, the drive-thru at Flyrite can help any fast-moving person fight their hunger with locally sourced ingredients and the most delicious sides. flyritechicken.com | 2129 E 7th St.

Bird Bird Biscuit

Eats on the Go

Try Some of Austin’s Local Flavors WORDS BY Alison Bryce PHOTO COURTESY Cuantos Tacos

The Eastside is full of great places to grab a bite to eat. From on-the-go meals to quick bites, these local establishments will keep hungry patrons satisfied while on the move.

1

Austin Daily Press

One of the quickest ways to stay on the go is ordering ahead, and Austin Daily Press makes getting your favorite torta, bowl, or taco a breeze. Select any item off the restaurant’s menu and have it ready to pick up. Make sure not to skip the freshly brewed iced tea or lemonade and their locally famous, savory j-pups when placing

32 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

2

the order. austindailypress.com | 1900 E MLK Jr. Blvd. #B

Cuantos Tacos

Nothing quite says meal on-the-go like tacos from a food truck. These two-to-three bite Mexico City-style tacos are served up quickly and can easily be enjoyed while moving to the next destination or

find more at eastsideatx.com

Why wait in line when an eatery is willing to text you when your food is ready? With online ordering from Bird Bird Biscuit, the need to wait alongside others for a tasty meal is a thing of the past. Simply order your favorite sandwich or southern biscuit online, and wait for the notification to grab your meal before continuing on to the next task. birdbirdbiscuit.com | 2701 Manor Rd.

6

Sour Duck Market

Whether searching for a quick brunch, lunch, or dinner, Sour Duck Market has a quick bite for everyone. With handcrafted baked goods, sandwiches, and snacks made with locally sourced ingredients and layers of flavors, the meals at Sour Duck Market are made ready for pick-up or to be consumed on their large backyard patio. sourduckmarket.com | 1814 E MLK Jr. Blvd.

READERS’

CHOICE YOU PICK 2022

IT’S TIME For the Reader’s to Choose!

Voting has officially started.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE LOCALS IN OVER 60 DIFFERENT CATEGORIES!

eastsideatx.com

Scan to cast your VOTE!

WHAT'S NEW IN

2 0 2 2 Whyld’s Vegan Kitchen

NOW OPEN

New Must Try Spots WORDS BY Abby

L. Johnson

East Austin is constantly changing and evolving, and it can be tough to keep up. We’ve rounded up some of our new neighbors and old friends in new locations. Make sure to stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Community Vegan

This organic food truck offers healthy bites for all palettes.

The dining experience is a little different than a typical food truck.

For patrons who choose to post up at a nearby picnic table and enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal served on reusable plates and real utensils. This slightly elevated experience is not only sustainable but also adds something special to on-the-go meals. 2324 E Cesar Chavez St. | @whyldsvegankitchen

Koko’s Bavarian

This German-style brewery and biergarten brings pretzels, smoked meats, and of course, great beer to the table. Without taking themselves too seriously, Koko’s has created a laid-back environment to enjoy their delicious Bavarian fare alongside loved ones including four-legged friends. They offer a full bar and extensive food menu that includes vegan and GF options.

4715 E 5th St. | kokosbavarian.com

This plant-based comfort food truck popped up across the street from neighborhood pub Nickel City in September 2021.

Nestled amongst a fleet of other food trucks on East 11th, this brightly colored truck stands out for its inventive vegan dishes that satisfy the belly and the soul.

Their battered cauliflower sandwich is a must-try for vegans and omnivores alike. 1124 E 11th St. | communityveganatx.com

Dog’s Zen Paw S’paw This specialty dog grooming service, primarily focused on soothing nervous or aggressive dogs throughout the grooming process, is now in East Austin.

Their new location on East 12th is ready to serve dogs and their owners with an extensive menu of services including all the expected basics plus specialty services like ear and eye cleanings and even hair dye for the most stylish pooch. 2931 E 12th St. #101 | dogszen.com

THICC Mamis Fit Lab

It can be tough to find a fitness home. Luckily there are plenty of options in East Austin, and Thicc Mamis Fit Lab is a brand new one focused on building confidence and comfort in one’s body. Their one-on-one personal training model helps instill healthy habits and accountability while focusing on strength training, long-term success, and nutrition. 2505 E 6th St. | thiccmamisfitlab.com

34 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

find more at eastsideatx.com

Canje

Caribbean restaurant Canje, brought to life by the team behind Emmer & Rye, opened its doors on East 6th in early October 2021. Their menu features fresh takes on flavors pulled from Guyana and neighboring islands in the region. Escape the mundane with vibrant flavors, expertly curated in a culinary tribute to Caribbean life.

1914 E 6th St. | canjeatx.com

Home + away

February

+March 2022

36 home CLASSIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES MEET INNOVATIVE STRUCTURE IN THIS EASTSIDE HOME.

38 away

FORGET THE WORRIES OF THE WORLD AND RELAX IN BELIZE.

40 best

escapes

5+ HAND-PICKED WORLD DESTINATIONS FROM OUR TRAVEL EDITORS.

eastside | home

Zig Zag!

Modern Duplex, Elevated WORDS BY Christopher Ferguson, AIA PHOTOS BY Leonid Furmansky

A creative home designed and developed by CoXist Studio maximizes privacy, light, outdoor space, and a strong connection to the neighborhood community.

T

here’s no denying its bold curb-appeal; this home delivers personality and poise to its quiet street in Austin’s historic Govalle neighborhood, defined by modest, low-slung bungalows set back comfortably from the road. It stands out for its clean, modern lines and faceted, undulating second floor façade, punctuated by well-proportioned floor-toceiling windows oriented at varying angles.

The project, conceived and developed by architects Frank and Melanie Lin of CoXist Studio, is striking, not only for its unique appearance but also for the elegant and simple design moves that its authors employed 36 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

to ensure the home was at once humanistic, functional, and fun.

Its two mirrored 2,200 square-foot units, each equipped with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, are staggered north and south along its shared party wall to create a jog in its floor plan that affords privacy at its front and rear entrances. Likewise, no living spaces share a wall, ensuring additional noise privacy.

Inside, the angled walls that give the home its namesake serve to frame specific views— not toward the neighbors—but instead along specific axes that provide the most visual find more at eastsideatx.com

depth into the mature neighborhood.

Outside, Frank and Melanie connected the home to its context, first by breaking down the scale of its massing to avoid a monolithic presence, and then by omitting a front yard fence, characteristic of many other homes in the neighborhood.

Melanie explains, “There’s a community garden feel to it. To divide the front yard, we designed a large, shared plate steel planter with a communal mailbox attached. You have your privacy in a lot of ways, but with chances to connect with people, you’re also a part of the community.”

Did You Know?

CoXist Studio strives to design human-centric, functional spaces that are effortlessly livable regardless of scale, location, or program.

“We care about East Austin and want to contribute well thought-out designs to this area. Especially as Austin continues to change, it’s great to create a sense of community, and we try to design projects where there are chances to connect with people.”

– Frank Lin

The interiors are warm and rich, with high end finishes bathed in light from the home’s many portals to the outside.

ZigZag Duplex is well-positioned to stand the test of time.

By avoiding trendy tropes in favor of timeless architectural principles cleverly imbued with Eastside whimsy, the

1101 Navasota St. Suite #3 coxiststudio.com @coxist_studio

Contact:

eastside | away eastside | away

Views from Tropic Air flight over Belizean Cayes Victoria House has the best food on the island.

Ambergris Caye

A Secluded & Romantic Stay at Victoria House Ashley Bowling PHOTOS BY Ashley & Will Bowling WORDS BY

From the moment guests are greeted at the San Pedro airport by smiling faces ready to whisk you away (by golf cart) to Victoria House Resort & Spa, visitors know it’s going to be alright. From the friendly staff who greet you with a surprisingly refreshing ginger-lime mocktail to the low key vibes of the indoor-outdoor wellkept grounds of the resort, to the quiet breeze that gently laps in palms which are spaced perfectly for all-day hammock lounging, everything about this place softly whispers relax.

38 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

U

pon arriving in the capital, Belize City, guests can hop on a Tropic Air prop plane run by what must be some of the friendliest agents we’ve come across in all our travels. Tropic Air makes getting to the cayes that line the Belizean coast a breeze with flights leaving every 20 minutes to Ambergris Caye. This 15-minute plane ride is an excursion in and of itself—soaring over rainforest and canals before gazing upon the clear turquoise waters dotted with land rising up out of the sea.

Once at Victoria House, pull up a seat on the patio of Admiral Nelson’s Bar overlooking the ocean. While you wait for some of the best fare you’ve ever tasted, you might catch a glimpse of the local fishermen cleaning up the day’s catch near the dive shop, where paddle boards and kayaks wait for guests to explore the ocean by paddle.

The friendly concierge staff have plenty of options for guests to truly explore Belize’s pristine beauty and local island life. From cave tubing and ancient ruins tours on the mainland to the Great Blue Hole (a 147mile deep dive site that Discovery Channel deemed as one of The Ten Most Amazing find more at eastsideatx.com

Places on Earth), to an all day fishing and snorkel excursion at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. We opted for the latter, and it did not disappoint for one second.

The entire day, Belize amazed us with its lively beauty. On our own private boat, with 3 guides in tow, they first caught large sardines as live bait in order for us to reef fish. For half the day, these gracious and encouraging fishermen baited and unhooked our lines while we reeled in mackerel and various snapper. Afterwards, we headed to Caulker Caye where we first watched large (protected) tarpon jump 3-feet out of the clear waters as if to give our guide a highfive. Next, lunch was consumed at a recommendation per our guide, Toast Seaside Boozery & Grill, which had an extensive bar menu with the best blueberry mojito we’ve ever tasted. We wandered around Caulker Caye and got a taste of the local flair, jumped off the tall pier at The Split—a lively spot on the island—and dipped in the crystal clear waters before being swept away by our boat to Shark Ray Alley. This is a protected area for nurse sharks, and there are a lot. “Go ahead. Get in!” chimed Josphen.

And I did, but not without butterflies and

Nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, a place where fishermen used to clean their catches.

Now, it's a top snorkel destination.

a squeal. The sharks were large, some 12’ long, with sandpaper-like skin, but they didn’t seem to care too much about us humans touching them. We were so close we could actually hear the sucking sound they make when consuming their lunch.

After that invigorating experience, we moved farther out to snorkel the largest barrier reef in the Americas, stretching along Belize all the way to Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The reef has been protected for years now, and we’re told that snorkelers (or divers) are only able to explore it with a permit and a guide.

This may seem extreme, but once you see how it’s flourishing, you will understand their caution and also wonder why you did not visit sooner.

We watched two spotted eagle rays swimming in synchronization as if they were in slow motion, a plethora of bright life-filled coral swaying in the water as if it were dancing, schools of fish close enough to touch, sea turtles feasting on the seagrass below, speckled lobster—the list goes on. We snorkeled out about 2-miles at our leisure and felt

like it wasn’t long enough because there was so much to see. Once back at the resort, the guides filleted our red snapper and handed it off to the chef who turned it into the most delicious, melt-in-yourmouth dinner that evening: capers in a lemon white-wine reduction and grilled veggies with a parsley pepper dipping sauce.

Each meal at Victoria House was enjoyed outside with a cool breeze gently rustling the palms and the friendliest servers, who were happy to share all the specialties that the talented chef had invented each day. From lobster tacos, to Greek salad, to avocado feta toast, to Ahi watermelon ceviche, to snapper tamales, to reinvented Caye-lime pie, to homemade yogurt and the freshest of fruit, each and every meal at Victoria House was carefully layered to leave the taste buds wanting more.

Though the city of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye may be known as the most ‘touristy’ of all the Cayes, we did not feel that for one second. The pitch black night sky with layers upon layers of twinkling stars was proof that {the groovin' side of austin}

we truly were in a place less traveled.

Each night we walked out to the pier where loungers sit perfectly positioned for some spectacular star-gazing and wished upon those magical shooting stars, miles away from all the cares of the world.

Victoria House Resort & Spa has truly perfected what it means to be hospitable: friendly staff who greet guests by name, infinity-edge pools, secluded bungalow-style accommodations, a world-class spa, their curated menu options at each of their restaurants, and the gorgeous beaches with soft white sand that squishes between your toes. It’s no wonder that this beautiful resort has secured so many awards and accolades.

Contact:

victoria-house.com 22 Coconut Drive, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize (800) 247-5159 @victoriahousebz

eastsideatx.com

39

eastside | travel

mous pines that somehow seem like miniature Christmas trees in comparison to the largerthan-life light show that dances above.

The borealis are predicted to increase over the next few years. And Fairbanks, situated under an “aurora oval,” is the place to visit for an out-of-this-world experience without the need for a passport.

Chena Hot Springs, northeast of Fairbanks, is an optimal place for spotting the colorful lights dancing overhead. But that’s not the only reason to escape the city. Chena Hot Springs is a resort built on the steamy waters that offers an array of options for your stay—including yurts, an Aurora Ice Museum, dipping in the springs, and an ice bar complete with ice mugs and ice barstools. @ashley__bowling

THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2022

The World is Waiting for You

WORDS BY ESM’s Travel Editors PHOTO OF INTERLAKEN BY Joanna Fuller

Whether your 2022 resolution is to travel more or you’re a seasoned jetsetter, these 15 destinations, handpicked by EASTside Magazine’s Travel Editors, are sure to delight and surprise as you as you decide which locale is worthy of your bucket list adventures this year.

INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND

Imagine sitting in a village nestled in a valley of the Swiss Alps, right between two emerald lakes – that is Interlaken. While shopping and beautiful walks may be the town’s biggest attraction, you will continuously see adventurers soaring through the sky as you stroll through the streets or while sitting at a cafe.

As the adventure capital of Switzerland, and questionably the world, stepping out of one’s comfort zone is highly encouraged here. Between hiking, canyoning, paragliding, skydiving, and kayaking, there’s hardly a chance to get bored. Yes, that’s right, I said canyoning. Let me explain; think extreme hiking. Everyone puts on a wetsuit and piles into a van to head up to the top of a gorge.

After taking a short stroll through the woods, you reach the edge of a rocky cliff. And the thrill of this adventure begins: shimmying your way 40 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

down to the unknown. From there, you’ll make your way through the canyon by leaping off multiple waterfalls, abseiling rock faces, sliding down nature’s “rock slides,” and cheering on your fellow canyoneers to take the plunge into the icy waters.

All is finished off with a refreshing chilled Swiss beer and a sandwich.

After this exhilarating and breathtaking experience, you will forever be looking for another opportunity to chase waterfalls and any excuse to get back to Interlaken. @fuller.cupoflife

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

Look up. You stand in a place where lights draw colorful curtains across the night sky. They glimmer from pale green to deep purple to magical magenta to luminous red against the darkest sky you have ever seen. Occasionally, they illuminate the ragged silhouettes of the enorfind more at eastsideatx.com

LVIV, UKRAINE

Never having heard of Lviv, a 13th-century city in western Ukraine, is an excusable offense. But once its existence is known, it’s hard to resist its pull. If charming squares dotted with a hodgepodge of Renaissance, Gothic, and Post-modern architecture makes the heart flutter, stepping into Rynok Square under a dusting of glinting snow will take your breath away. The cobblestone streets support four distinct fountains presided over by Greek gods that hint at the numerous cultural influences that have taken root in this western outpost by the Carpathian Mountains. From Poland to Austria and Russia to Sweden, Lviv has long been at the crossroads between nations, wars, civilizations, and artistic inclinations.

This long history of varied customs has led to today’s urban patchwork that is simultaneous-

freshments as you hop from island to island, pausing occasionally to explore these deserted lands and the vibrant ocean life below.

Looking for More Travel Inspo?

Photo Courtesy calalasland.com

If you’re due an island getaway, consider letting the waves of this unspoiled slice of Caribbean paradise wash away the daily stresses and reinvigorate the soul. @letsgotraveldad

CAMBODIA

ly familiar in its European qualities, yet alluringly mysterious. On the surface, cupolas grace the sky against a horizon rimmed with lush parks that define the boundaries of a city that for centuries has been the heartbeat of Ukrainian culture. But supporting the picturesque views, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a magmatic blend of cultures. @jessidevenyns

CALALA ISLAND

Arriving at the docks of this private island to the sounds of Caribbean guitars, Calala Island offers the ultimate in exclusivity with only four beachfront suites and a max of eight guests. At this “Ultra All-Inclusive”

resort, you will be treated to experiential meals crafted by the executive chef who traded in the Michelin starred restaurants of Europe for this picturesque place. Local and sustainably sourced meals and virtually all drinks and activities are included in the stay.

Start each day with a steaming French press made from Nicaraguan coffee beans while watching the morning waves lap the shore outside your private bungalow. After breakfast, grab the snorkel gear and head out for some island hopping. You’ll be whisked away by boat to uninhabited islands that were first discovered in 1502. Enjoy re-

Once the site of the powerful Khmer kingdom, Cambodia is filled with architectural treasures and is home to more than 4,000 temples. Perhaps none are quite as grand as Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sacred to Cambodian Buddhism and Tomb Raider fans everywhere (Ta Prohm Temple).

Be one of the only people experiencing the magic of sunrise over the temples before the crowds return. Siem Reap is the perfect home base for exploring Angkor and the region’s cultural riches, and it’s also a place where you can waste away an afternoon in an open-air cafe watching orange clad monks zoom by on tuk tuks. Combine your time there with a dash of adventure at Shinta Mani Wild tented camp near Cardamom National Park and some R&R in an overwater bungalow at Song Saa Private Island. @chadwelltraveled

EASTside Mag’s travel editors are here to bring dreamy destinations, practical tips, and unexpected excursions from around the world.

Make sure to visit eastsideatx.com/ best-travel-destinations-2022 for the full lineup of unique trips for the best places to travel this year!

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Sip+ taste

February

+March 2022

44 taste feature

CHINESE FOOD, TEXAS BARBECUE, AND HIP-HOP FIND COME TOGETHER AT THIS EASTSIDE RESTAURANT.

46 farm to table

INDULGE NOSTALGIA AND BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO THESE CLASSIC RECIPES.

48 dining guide

A CURATED GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN EAST AUSTIN

50 sip

feature

ONE ICONIC MUSIC VENUE BRINGS VARIETY TO THE STAGE AND THE BAR.

eastside | taste

Old Flavors, New Rules Chinese restaurant Old Thousand dials up the taste with twists on classic combos.

When Old Thousand first opened its doors and brought “dope” Chinese food to East 11th Street in 2016, diners were enthralled by the off-beat rhythm that this fusion cuisine demanded of their palates.

44 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

WORDS BY

find more at eastsideatx.com

Jessi Devenyns

PHOTOS BY

Eric Morales

W

ith a foundation in Americanized Chinese food, a flair for Texas meat (smoking their own meat in-house), and a strong back beat of 90s hip-hop, the surge in flavor that this establishment brought to the Eastside food scene has grown into a neighborhood fixture where patrons hustle through its doors to the beat of laughter and bass drums.

While Old Thousand won’t serve up generational favorites like sweet and sour chicken, the remixed Chinese-American dishes that are the hallmark of this restaurant continue to strike a chord with diners in Austin. In fact, they recently opened a second location on Burnet Road with an extensive menu of specials that is overseen by Executive Chef Jeff Brown with Sous Chef Brendan Nomura.

However, dialing flavors up to dishes like dumplings and fried rice that are traditionally known for their restraint is a double-edged sword, grins Brendan Nomura. “The very bold flavors make [some] want to return … but the people who love

authentic, mom-and-pop restaurants that are very subtle and very Asian, they’ve dragged us a lot,” he explains. However, the three-person team behind this modern Chinese restaurant continues to hold ramped-up nostalgia as their guiding light and pursue off-the-wall flavor combinations, themed dinners, and a bar program imbued with creative flair because, well, they like it.

From naming the restaurant after the Mah-jongg tile with the same number as the establishment’s address to selecting flavors and décor that shanghais the senses from the familiar, the personality of Old Thousand can be encapsulated by the idea of a “rowdy grandma or grandpa,” laughs Brendan. He points to the 1940s-esque dusty pink floral wallpaper and explains that the name Old

Thousand, which is Chinese slang for a hustler or a con man, is emblematic of the line between kitsch and elegance that this re-imagined Chinese restaurant straddles. And that’s exactly how they want it to be.

“I’ve kind of felt like we were the, you know, misfits of the block,” says the restaurant’s sous chef Rhys Davis with a wink. “You have fun with it — and no rules.”

Contact:

737-222-6637 (Option 1) 1000 East 11th Street & 4805 Burnet Road oldthousandatx.com @oldthousandatx

Native Knowledge: Keep an eye out for popup feasts around town from Old Thousand’s chefs. Previous events include a Gothic night and a vegan concept called Szechuan Palms.

{the groovin' side of austin}

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eastside | farm to table

RETRO RECIPES RESURRECTING THE CLASSICS WORDS BY

Justin Butts RECIPE BY Kayla Butts Benavides

PHOTO BY Rachel

Let’s take a time machine back to 1969. If you like “Mad Men” and moon landings, you will love pork crown roast and baked Alaska.

T

hese dishes have origins in upper-class Victorian England where, it should be noted, servants prepared the meals. These showstoppers experienced a resurgence in 1960s America, when Ward and June Cleaver became the stylized role models of marital bliss. Suddenly, housewives were expected to feed their upwardly mobile husbands like British lords. Crown roasts and baked Alaska became status symbols on the polished Formica tables of suburban America. Though the scene is far from desirable, these status symbols happen to be quite delicious.

A pork crown roast is a bone-in pork loin, formed into a circle with the bones pointing upward like an English crown.

The butcher at a good meat market will form and tie the roast. Ask the butcher to “French” the roast, which means to cut the meat from the top of the bones to give it a clean appearance.

Most crown roast recipes call for cooking the vegetables separately and adding them to the center of the roast, like stuffing, just prior to serving. But cooking the veggies with the roast so they absorb that amazing, robust flavor is recommended. We also wrap the crown in bacon, because who wouldn’t want a bacon-wrapped crown?

If you have never tasted baked Alaska, get ready to swoon.

This dessert is cake, ice cream, and pie all baked together.

This dish was invented in 1804 by Count Rumford to prove that meringue is a poor conductor of heat. He scooped ice cream onto a cake sponge, covered it in meringue, then baked it. The meringue browned, but the ice cream stayed frozen. Years later, Baked Alaska received its official name when a chef at Delmonico’s in New York prepared this dessert to commemorate William H. Seward’s negotiation of the Alaska Purchase in 1867. “Seward’s Folly” gained the U.S. a new state and the best dessert name ever.

A lot has changed since 1969. Today, spouses more often share the responsibility of cooking dinner. But crown roast and baked Alaska are just as delicious today as they were back then. It’s time to dust off the old recipe cards for a dinner worthy of “Mad Men” binge watching.

46 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

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MAIN COURSE

DESSERT

Crown Roast

Baked Alaska

Serves: 8-10 Prep time: 40 minutes Cook time: 2 hours

Prep time: 25 minutes Inactive prep time: 90 min.

Cook time: 2-4 minutes

Ingredients: 10 lb. pork crown roast (about 12-14 ribs) 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 T. olive oil, plus 1 T. 2 t. kosher salt, plus 1 t.

1 t. black pepper, plus ½ t. ½ lb. sliced bacon 1 apple, sliced 2 shallots, sliced 4 lbs. baby potatoes 2 lbs. carrots, peeled & quartered 2 lbs. parsnips, peeled & quartered 1 bunch fresh thyme, stems removed 1 bunch fresh sage, stems removed, chopped

Ingredients: Non-stick cooking spray 1 pint cherry vanilla ice cream, softened 1 pint pistachio ice cream, softened 1 pint chocolate ice cream, softened Prepared 9” round sponge cake, 1” thick, cooled (we used vanilla and chocolate sponges, cut into ½” layers)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Blot roast dry with paper towels. Brush roast with olive oil. Combine salt, pepper, garlic, and half the herbs in a medium-sized bowl. Massage garlic-herb mixture into the inner cavity and exterior of the crown. Using toothpicks or wooden skewers, affix bacon slices to the bottom half of the crown. Transfer crown to a roasting pan.

Stuff the cavity of the roast with sliced apples and vegetables. Surround the roast with the remaining vegetables, and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Season vegetables with remaining salt and pepper and fresh herbs.

Bake in preheated oven until internal temperature reaches 145°F, or for about 2 hours (12 minutes per pound).

Remove roast from oven and let set for at least 10 minutes prior to carving. Serve with cooked apples and vegetables.

Meringue: 6 egg whites at room temperature 1/2 c. granulated sugar 1/8 t. cream of tartar Directions: Spray a 1½ quart bowl with nonstick cooking spray and line with two pieces of plastic wrap long enough to have a few inches of overlap on each side. Scoop ice cream into bowl, alternating flavors as you go. Cover ice cream with plastic wrap and press down with a spatula to remove any air until flat. Freeze for 60 minutes.

Remove ice cream from the freezer. Unwrap ice cream and place the sponge cake on top. Place back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 500°F. With an electric mixer, beat the eggs on high for 2-3 minutes until soft peaks begin to form. With the mixer on high, gradually whisk in sugar and cream of tartar, a little at a time, until glossy, stiff peaks are formed.

Remove the ice cream cake from the freezer and place sponge side down on a baking sheet. Remove plastic wrap and cover with an even layer of meringue. Using a fork or the back of a spoon, form swirly peaks in the meringue. If ice cream starts to melt, return it to the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Bake for 2-4 minutes, until peaks are golden. Serve immediately.

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

pick 9

FOR THE EASTSIDE

EASTSIDE

dining guide 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

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

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

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

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

Swift Pizza Co.

Bring the whole family any night of the week to enjoy incredible pizza, unique drinks, and all around entertaining vibes. This nostalgiainducing pizza joint offers fun for all ages.

3223 E 7th St. | swiftpizzaco.com

Hillside Farmacy

Something about Hillside Farmacy’s 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

Jacoby’s Restaurant

This Southern-inspired menu features family-raised beef that comes directly from the Jacoby Ranch, served with heaping sides of veggies to match its freshness.

Enjoy their signature chicken fried steak or a juicy burger on their cozy patio overlooking the Colorado River.

3235 E Cesar Chavez St. | jacobysaustin.com

Bobo’s Snack Bar

This community tasting room offers an old Austin vibe, and most importantly, plenty of snacks to accompany their wine, beer, and cocktail menu. Locally sourced ingredients fuel this neighborhood space, with options to accommodate most any dietary need in a cozy, inviting environment.

3850 Airport Blvd. | bobossnackbar.com 48 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

Cisco's

find more at eastsideatx.com

t Be srg s Ma o wn in T Happy Hour All Day Monday

1511 E 6th St, 78702

$

5

3-7PM Tuesday-Sunday Margaritas

HALF P R ICE

Q ue s o, N ach o s, le o & G u ac am

Let’s talk about your next move.

nextmoveaustin.com Our promise is to provide honest & knowledgeable guidance in accomplishing your real estate goals. Whether that’s buying a first home, selling a home that holds years of memories, or searching for the perfect investment.

Megan Gallagher & Emily Waldmann Realtors®, Den Property Group

Megan: (407) 922-7182 Emily: (425) 442-0727

@meganigallagher @ewaldywald

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49

queur, fig syrup, lemon juice, and hot water.

All ingredients came together perfectly to provide a warm, soothing experience that was perfect for a chilly Austin evening.

eastside | sip

However, those indifferent to fancy cocktails still have plenty to choose from as well.

Hotel Vegas offers the classic bar staples like beer, ciders, seltzers, and White Claws. They also like to keep it playful with fresh, flavorful Jell-O shots. In the summertime, when the days are warmer and longer, frozen drinks like their sweet, yet spicy, mango-habanero margarita are a must.

Scan to follow stories, giveaways & more!

Where Casual Meets Cool

Serving up quality drinks & exceptional entertainment WORDS BY PHOTO BY

in

Any place where you can be yourself and still be among a cool crowd is a good place to be. Thankfully East Austin bar and music venue, Hotel Vegas, offers guests exactly that.

nd ad a this g in aive w l we'l ees! ion f icat 31 appl

Brin

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$25 0

he Eastside hangout has all the essentials— delicious drinks, dancing, and live music— making it a major stop

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VISIT OUR PROPERTY YOUR DREAM APARTMENT AWAITS YOU

@SYNCATMUELLER

50 EASTside | Feb/Mar2022

Guadalupe Triana Baptiste Despois

4646 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TX 78723

in the East Sixth Street arts and entertainment district. Because there’s live music or a DJ spinning tunes almost every night of the week, there’s never a dull evening at Hotel Vegas.

Though the venue’s atmosphere is generally laidback, the Hotel Vegas team undoubtedly still keeps mixology top of mind. They rotate their cocktails on a recurring basis, filling the menu with plenty of seasonally relevant options.

During their annual “Free Week,” the team served up exquisite cocktail concoctions featuring the complex spirit that is Desert Door sotol. The memorable Mick Jones Nicked My Pudding consisted of Desert Door, Disaronno li-

The Hotel Vegas team does a phenomenal job of booking the hottest up-and-coming acts.

Whether it’s a punk rock show, a comedy showcase, or a cumbia dance party, there’s always a good reason to drop by the bar for a drink.

And it doesn’t end there. Once inside the venue, guests can traverse one of the Eastside’s largest patios to get to Hotel Vegas’ sister bar, The Volstead, a dive bar with a vintage twist. Hotel Vegas is an Eastside gem that is the perfect place to start an epic evening or wind down for the night.

Contact:

1502 E 6th St. texashotelvegas.com @hotelvegastexas

Did You Know? Every Sunday, Hotel Vegas hosts their weekly no-cover Vixens of Volstead Drag Brunch production with brunch and performances from noon to 4pm and music from DJ Boyfriend.

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Lunch Menu Available Monday - Friday 10am-3pm Dine-in and patio seating available.

Mourcafe.com | 512.442.6687 1414 Shore District Dr. Bldg. 3 Suite 120 {the groovin' side of austin}

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Love at first (home) site.

Heart racing. Butterflies. Wanting to call your best friend.

Pretty typical reactions when you find your Brookfield home.

When you find your perfect floor plan in a brand new home, it’s a mix of exhilarating and familiar – it just feels right. And it’s not just Brookfield homes that are amazing – it’s also the communities: Addison, Easton Park, and Kissing Tree. Whether you build from scratch or go with a home that’s in-progress, you’re sure to be in love for years to come. brookfieldtx.com/available-homes

View available homes