READ MORE ABOUT DAVID RAMIREZ, MÉLAT, SIR WOMAN, & SMALL HOUSES
THE LYRICAL
Music REFLECT & REFINE
side
OF AUSTIN
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February/March
CONTENTS
06
Publisher’s Note
08 Local
East Austin's Musical Prominence
The Texas Music Museum celebrates the historical contributions of Black East Austin musicians.
11
Art+Entertainment Striking Vinyl Gold
Austin's only vinyl pressing plant enthusiastically supports musicians in a less than ideal time in history.
29 Go+Do
6 Best Vegan Meals
Support the local food scene and your body with delicious plant-based meals.
35
Home+Away Back to Basics
One design firm brings classic style and simplicity to elevated heights in an urban farmhouse.
41
Sip+Taste Wanderlust
Chef Wendy Wan brings creativity and a flavor-packed punch to her unique fusion menu.
Read more at eastsideatx.com
18
Doing the Work
Meet four musicians who are making positive use of an overabundance of time in the light of the setbacks they faced this past year.
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eastside | publisher's letter
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A Silver Lining
A
s one of the hardest-hit industries of 2020, the music industry was given a silver lining that we did not expect to hear from our four featured artists this year. The interviews took place independently from one another, yet each one of the musicians has changed, paused, looked inward, and reflected on their music to find a silver lining. We were not expecting this kind of positive outlook from artists who have been nearly silenced in light of the lockdown. As one can only imagine, when a performer is told they can no longer get their high from crazed fans or feeling the vibrations of bass underfoot as they bellow their songs on stage, it would lend itself to crushed spirits. But these four musicians took this silence and created something beautiful. Though the four are very different artists, they all come to the same conclusion about 2020. They have had a season to write, reflect, and refine themselves as a musician; additionally, each one used this time to grow and place more purpose in their interactions and their music. These artists have not only found a way to service this forced shutdown, but they have also perfected their art and used it as a way to spring forth life. This issue also marks the start of our 6th year producing EASTside Magazine. We have been committed to providing a source of authenticity in stories for musicians and artists in every February/ March issue since its inception. How could we not? Music runs through the veins of Eastsiders. And on page 8, you can read about the history of just how instrumental the East Austin community has been in laying the framework for putting Austin on the map as the Live Music Capital of the World. Lastly, we appropriately named the feature in this issue "Doing the Work." I think most can relate to that title as we have been doing the work to not only refine and reflect over this past year but also plant the seeds for a beautiful 2021. At EASTside Magazine, we can't wait to find out what relational music and inspirational art comes out of this time of reflection and refinement. I believe this year will be an exceptional time for music in our city, and a revival of sorts will happen here as the seeds take root and grow, and the music scene in Austin rises above.
nd ad a this g in e in iv r a B lw we'l ! fees tion plica 31 in ap -84
$25 0 4
35 512-
Again, thank you for reading and supporting local businesses such as EASTside Magazine and the organizations and fellow artists on the following pages. We appreciate, you, our readers and supporters! Cheers, Ashley & Will Bowling
ON THE COVER: A special thanks goes to Mélat for VISIT OUR PROPERTY YOUR DREAM APARTMENT AWAITS YOU
@SYNCATMUELLER
6 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
4646 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TX 78723
allowing Eric Morales to capture her graceful personality. We also want to thank Atealia for letting us use her wonderful coworking space at 1008 East 6th Street to create such stunning imagery of the four featured artists. find more at eastsideatx.com
EAST THE RESILIENT
Austin, Texas 78702 eastsideatx.com
Creative Director Will Bowling Publishing Editor Ashley Bowling Photo Editor Eric Morales Business Development Will Bowling Copy Editor Pam Bowen
@patricethedesigher
Editorial Team Abby Johnson Joanna Fuller
OF AUSTIN
Contributing Photographers Shelby Bella, Rachel Benevides, Ryan Ford, Andrea Calo Contributing Writers Sam Lauron, Jessi Devenyns, Sean Saldana, Guadalupe Triana, Bethany Wales, Sommer Brugal, Janine Stankus, Chris Ferguson, Justin & Kayla Butts
February 25, 2021 7:00–8:30 PM
Distribution Brian Phillips, Will Bowling
Reserve Your Tickets NOW! www.jlaustin.org/austin-entertains
Submissions info@eastsideatx.com Advertising advertise@eastsideatx.com
Laura Shook Guzman, LMFT
Somatic Psychotherapist and Wellness Coworking Consultant Supporting Mental Wellness & Well-being for Entrepreneurs
@sawyeratx
Publisher Nillo Studios, LLC
side
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 Š 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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Uncover the unconscious patterns and unhealthy thinking that is keeping you stuck and discover how to navigate the emotional, spiritual and physical challenges of going after your dreams, with your heart wide open
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7
American Musicians to Texas Music, a permanent exhibit that highlights the impact Black musicians have had on the Austin music scene.
eastside | local
The exhibit includes rare photos, biographies, and memorabilia which is the culmination of thirty plus years of research and documentation. Clayton is eager to share the importance of East Austin’s role in establishing Austin’s music scene: “Almost all of the really early musicians who made Austin the Music Capital of the World were basically all from the African American community.” East Austin was home to many of the city’s prominent music venues in the 20th century including places like The Victory Grill, Charlie's Playhouse, Ernie's Chicken Shack, and The Rosewood Inn.
East Austin’s Musical Prominence How Austin’s Black community contributed to putting Austin on the map as the Live Music Capital of The World WORDS BY
Sean Saldana Morales
PHOTO BY Eric
Thirty-six years ago, Dr. Clayton Shorkey and a group of fellow music lovers noticed that there were no museums dedicated to the history of Texas music. Clayton recalls thinking, “Texas has so many great musicians statewide who are nationally famous; there ought to be a museum [documenting its greatness.]” 8 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
T
his thought kicked off a chain of events that turned Clayton from an avid music fan and professor into President of the Board of Directors for the Texas Music Museum. It opened a year later in 1985, with the goal of “highlighting the contributions of Texas musicians to the musical heritage of the nation…” according to their site. For the first few years, the museum was dedicated to research. The board of directors developed a research agenda that focused on more than a dozen aspects of the state’s music history that included genres like gospel, ragtime, and just about everything in between. Volunteers and advocates traveled the state collecting information and artifacts for exhibits and building up the museum’s collections. Within a decade, the museum cemented itself as the leading experts in Texas music history. While the museum spent a considerable amount of time collecting information from around the state, they hadn’t initially focused on Austin. Once again, the team went to work, and in 2012, it opened The Contributions of East Austin African
According to Clayton, part of what made the Eastside the epicenter of Austin’s music scene was Austin’s then-segregated school system. Black schools like Kealing Middle School and Anderson High School developed reputations for their excellent teachers and music programs. The cultural focus on music in the community is why it comes as no surprise that East Austin has produced legendary musicians like T.D. Bell, W.C. Clark, and Henry “Blues Boy” Hubbard. With the opening of the East Austin exhibit, Clayton has seen an outpouring of support from the local community. He says people who've helped us document this history have become real advocates in supporting more information on the musical talent that came out of East Austin. In its nearly four decades of operations, the museum has received endorsements and recognition from numerous organizations, media outlets, and even the Texas State Legislature, but the organization refuses to rest on its laurels. According to Clayton, they “plan to keep working, building collections, and providing as many programs” to the community as possible.
Contact:
(512) 472-8891 1009 E 11th St. @texasmusicmuseum texasmusicmuseum.org
Did You Know? Currently, the museum is closed due to the coronavirus, but they haven’t stopped working. The organization is in the process of developing virtual exhibits. Visit their Facebook for more details. find more at eastsideatx.com
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Art+ entertainment
Feb +Mar 2021
12 art of
listening
DELIVERING THE GOODS, SUPPORTING MUSICIANS, AND CONNECTING MUSIC LOVERS
14 entertainment
A NOSTALGIC KIND OF MOVIE-GOING EXPERIENCE THRIVES IN A NEW ERA.
eastside | art
Gold Rush Vinyl Striking Vinyl Gold Transforming the Record-Pressing Process WORDS BY Guadalupe PHOTOS BY Eric
Triana Morales
During a time clouded by uncertainty for independent musicians and the music industry itself, Austin’s only vinyl pressing plant shows no signs of slowing down. Now with a record number of requests coming in and its steadfast determination to support musicians, Gold Rush Vinyl is ready to tackle any challenge that may lie ahead. 12 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
U
pon entering Gold Rush Vinyl, the space is overflowing with rows of carefully arranged boxes and massive sacks of imported plastic pellets: a raw commodity in a variety of distinctive colors that are even more valuable in a pandemic. Looking around, it seems that founder and president Caren Kelleher has built a record-pressing empire in just three short years. The complex, an 8,400 square foot facility in Northeast Austin, is covered in eye-catching album covers which are all unique and all from various genres. Each serves as a beautiful reminder of the impactful work Caren and her team are doing. In the corner sit a couple of large, intricate pressing machines, humming and whirring, responsible for producing the company’s precious treasure: vinyl records.
find more at eastsideatx.com
Join the Club Vinyl enthusiasts can sign up for the Gold Rush Vinyl Club, a monthly subscription-based membership where insiders will receive two new vinyl records each month for $28—all picked and manufactured at the Gold Rush Vinyl factory here in Austin.
To any music fan or entrepreneur, it’s clear that business at Gold Rush Vinyl is booming, and even during turbulent times, the company is destined to continue growing with their commitment to quality and creativity. In March 2020, Fast Company named Gold Rush Vinyl one of the most innovative companies of 2020, citing its sustainable practices and quick turnaround times. “A lot of what we do to make ourselves innovative is [think] about what fans are going to want,” Caren says. “I care a lot more about how kids on TikTok are interacting with vinyl than people who’ve been collecting for 30 years. I think that’s what drives a lot of the innovation.” Like many other businesses, Gold Rush Vinyl felt the effects of the ongoing pandemic, notably overcoming several obstacles throughout the course of the year including the mandated
DORSI FAULKNER
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Another contributing factor to the success of Gold Rush Vinyl is its diverse team, many of them with not much experience in music or manufacturing. Caren desires team members who are ready to tackle problems. “We hire a lot of really intellectually curious people,” she adds.
For many musicians, vinyl is one of the only economic engines available right now, since touring is not an option. Just weeks after Christmas, numerous media outlets reported on vinyl’s historic record sales.
While the company continues searching for ways to maximize production and grow business, Caren emphasizes that the number one goal for her team in 2020 was to help musicians earn more money from their music.
Several reasons attributed to the continued rise in popularity, according to Caren. With vinyl, people aren’t just buying entertainment; they’re buying a piece of art. As an expert with years of experience in the music industry, both in corporate and independent settings, Caren says that consumers are rethinking the power and value of vinyl. “People are investing more in their homes as sources of entertainment and looking around and asking, ‘What does this room say about me as a person?’”
“When I look ahead to 2021 and beyond, I’m thinking about how we [can] accomplish that beyond pressing records,” Caren says. “What can we do to help artists succeed in this new wild, wild west?”
Contact:
(512) 298-1346 howdy@goldrushvinyl.com 1321 Rutherford Ln. Ste.130 goldrushvinyl.com @goldrushvinyl
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shutdown by the City of Austin. “It [was] a year of extreme pressure for us—for myself as a business owner and [keeping] my business alive and afloat in a pandemic,” Caren admits. “Beyond that, the team and I collectively felt a strong responsibility to carry musicians through a really difficult time.”
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13
eastside | entertainment
B Vagabond Cinema Entertainment for the New Age WORDS BY
Bethany Wales Bowling
PHOTO BY Ashley
A night out that allows patrons to remain sealed in their car has, unsurprisingly, been a huge hit in the COVIDera. But for Josh Frank, founder of the Blue Starlite Drive-in Movie Theater, the business's “overnight success” has been 10 years in the making.
lue Starlite Drive-in has had many homes in the last 10 years. Its original venue—a tiny, rustic affair tucked away in East Austin—began screening movies in 2009 and gained a cult following thanks to its kitsch aesthetic and art house values. According to founder Josh Frank, Blue Starlite’s premier venue was “cute, but a bit of a joke,” more reminiscent of an art installation than a working movie theater.
It’s indestructible because it's flexible. It can be reborn again and again,” Josh grins.
He explains, “Our neighbor on one side was a Spanish church with very thin walls. Two to three nights a week, the house Mariachi band would hold its rehearsal, and you were lucky if you could hear the movie over them. I thought I’d go out of business because of it. Funnily enough, our customers thought it was charming.”
“The success we’ve experienced feels like winning the lottery, but in a really terrible way. It’s been painful watching so many of our great institutions wiped out, places that have been here for decades,” Josh explains. But looking to the future with hope, adds, “I believe in this town, in the people, and when this is all over, I think we’ll be seeing new things from those who have lost their businesses due to COVID. It will look different, but that base Austin spirit will still be there. If people can support a maniac showing movies in his backyard, then they will be there for the recovery.”
One of the secrets to Blue Starlite’s success has been its ability to adapt and, crucially, to move locations. Founded on what Josh describes as “vagabond values,” the drive-in has packed up and re-invented itself more than five times in the past 10 years, sprinkling its unique brand of cinema across the Austin area. “[Blue Starlite] is like a cross between a tank and a water bear.
14 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
find more at eastsideatx.com
This resilience has attracted attention from talent agencies across the globe. Since the start of the pandemic, Josh has received calls from businesses as far away as Belize, looking to learn from his pandemic-proof business model. For Josh, sharing his expertise has been a way of dealing with the guilt of his own COVID success.
Contact:
(512) 850-6127 2015 E.M. Franklin Ave. bluestarlitedrivein.com @urbandrivein
The Journey Continues Blue Starlite currently has drive-in locations in the Mueller area, Round Rock, and downtown Austin, and this year, Josh says another site will open in East Austin. “We’re returning to our East Austin roots for our fourth drive-in. It’s where the business started, and the area is very dear to my heart. It will be near Franklin's Barbecue, but that’s all I can say right now! Keep your eyes peeled.”
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15
eastside | events
12THINGS WE LOVE IN
FEBRUARY MARCH
&
A Queen of Hearts Party
Feb. 13-14, 11am-5pm + Feb. 13, 7-10pm atxGALS presents the 5th Annual Galentine’s Show at The Cathedral, a reimagined1930’s church on the Eastside. The daytime event will exhibit the work of several emerging women artists and have sips compliments of Dulce Vida Tequila, Austin Eastciders, and Waterloo Sparkling Water. The evening party will be showcasing stunning work from the talented women artists of atxGALS, have live music by Keith Sanders and DJ Cassandra, an open bar, and cheese boards by Cultured ATX.
Create & Heal: The Intersection of Art and Justice Feb. 18, 7-9pm
Love, Heartbreak, and Horror Feb. 12, 7-9pm
As part of their ongoing Sips & Cinema virtual screening series, Austin Film School presents a bloody Valentine’s Day horror film showcase. Filmmaker, artist, and educator Ana Armengod will host this online event. Horror enthusiasts can sign up online for a free ticket, which will give them access to both the secret line-up of short films as well as a cocktail recipe everyone can enjoy from home.
online event | austinfilmschool.org
Ticket prices vary, and reservations are required.
2403 E 16th St. | thecathedralatx.com
Feb. 13, 2-6:30 pm
Communal Cowboy is opening its doors to host monthly Backyard Sessions, featuring live music and free drinks, all in a safe, socially distant setting. February’s event features music by Kairos and is sponsored by Austin Eastciders, Dulce Vida Tequila, Waterloo Sparkling Water, and more! General admission is $25, and VIP tickets are $40. 1401 Cedar Avenue |
eventbrite.com
16 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
bluestarliterivein.com
Certified Funny Comedy Show Feb. 27, 7pm & 9pm
Comedians Steve Brown, Sean Larkins, Alfred Kainga, and Shaun Jones will perform at the Victory Grill as part of their “I’m a Grown Ass Man Tour.” This show is sure to bring some levity and laughter to a night on the town. Tickets range from $17-125. 1104 E 11th St. |
Rodeo Austin’s Cowboy Breakfast
Feb. 1-15, times vary
Communal Cowboy Backyard Sessions
eventbrite.com
iamagrownassatx.eventbrite.com
Drive-In Valentine Movies Blue Starlite Drive-In has Valentine’s Day covered. Austin’s mini urban drive-in will be showing a selection of romantic films in the weeks leading up to the holiday such as The Princess Bride and Roman Holiday. Enjoy an authentic drive-in experience and enhance the evening with a hot dog, tofu sandwich, or chips and queso from their concession stand. 2015 E M. Franklin Ave. |
The George Washington Carver Museum and Sade Lawson are set to host this online event which is intended to help people process the senseless killing of Black and Brown people in America through the restorative and transformative power of art. This event is free to attend. online event |
Creative Box Studios' Paint a Frida Kahlo Feb. 14, 10am-12pm
Learn to paint like Kahlo from the comfort of home! Creative Box Studios delivers art supplies straight to the doorsteps of workshop participants. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to learn a new skill and finish class with a completed piece of original art. For those who choose to provide their own materials, the cost is $55, and the workshop with materials is $99.
Mar. 5, 6am
Get up bright and early for Rodeo Austin’s Cowboy Breakfast. Hosted at The Long Center, this free event will feature western-themed entertainment, live music, a worldrenowned trick roper, a longhorn, two-stepping lessons, and a delicious breakfast. 701 W Riverside
Dr. | rodeoaustin.com
online event | creativeboxstudios.com find more at eastsideatx.com
WORDS BY Abby
Johnson
features pieces from Daly’s diverse body of work, ranging from sculptures to graphite drawings. The gallery is open every weekend and weekday. Viewings are by appointment only. Admission is free.
Art + Music Nights
Serving the Community for 70+ years.
1200 E 11th St. #109 | lydiastreetgallery.com
Mar. 4, 11, 18, & 25, 7pm
Support local artists at The Cathedral’s weekly Art + Music Nights. Every Thursday night, head over to the beautifully reimagined church to shop paintings by local women artists of atxGALS and enjoy live music by local musicians. This 21+ event features bottomless margaritas and drinks by Austin Eastciders and Waterloo Sparkling Water. Reservations are required and range from $25-30 per person.
2403 E 16th St. | thecathedralatx.com
Steven Daly Exhibition
Jan. 21-Mar. 3, Sat-Sun, 12-5pm Discover the work of Steven Daly at Lydia Street Gallery’s inaugural exhibition. Lydia Street is a new contemporary fine arts gallery and the exhibition, “Attachment”
Happy Hour
1/2 PRICED
Social Justice Book Club Mar. 31, 7pm
The Austin Public Library hosts this bi-monthly, informal book discussion that seeks to deepen understanding about social justice in the United States and beyond. Join other Austinites in reading My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem for the March meeting. This book club not only broadens horizons but also connects neighbors and builds community. This discussion will be held virtually and is free to those who register.
Open Everyday 7am - 10pm
$
+
Nachos, Queso, & Guacamole
5 Margaritas
1511 E 6th Street, 78702
online event | library.austin.texas.gov
Austin Entertains Feb 25, 7-8:30pm
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
The Junior League of Austin is celebrating the city’s vibrant culinary scene with this virtual event. Participants will tune in for a night of music and cooking demos from Austin chefs, with the option to watch for free or purchase a package that will allow Austinites to sip and taste samples of these flavorful editions from home. Tickets range from $50-250.
• Full Charge Bookkeeping • • Payroll • QuickBooks • • Inventory • Invoicing • • Purchase Orders • • Accounts Receivable • • Preparation of Annual & Quarterly Taxes • • Sales Tax • LLC Formations •
online event | jlaustin.org
alitca @ agruedabookkeeping . com
| (512) 963-9387
Stop by: 2823 e mlk blvd. Suite 130
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17
OING
the
OR
ARTISTS TAKING TIME TO WRITE, REFLECT, AND REFINE
WORDS BY Janine Stankus PHOTOS BY Eric Morales
ARTISTS TAKING TIME TO WRITE, REFLECT, AND REFINE. IN HER 2016 OP-ED FOR THE NATION, TONI MORRISON WRITES THAT, in
“times of dread,” artists must go to work. “There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear,” she proclaims. “We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.” For these four Austin-based musicians, the 2020 pandemic stole away their limelights, emptied the rooms they once filled with energy, and left the road ahead shrouded in fog. But it also gave them something they had in very short shrift before: time. In the midst of adversity, these artists are digging deeper to refine their voices, hone their messages, reevaluate their roles, and create music. The results are authentic and inspiring, tunes that reaffirm music’s power to forge heartfelt connections—whether performers and listeners are in the same room or far apart.
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19
eading WITH LOVE
MÉLAT
20 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
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2020 FORCED MOST OF US TO SCROUNGE FOR A SILVER LINING, but silver
linings are Mélat’s MO. The selfdubbed “R&B Soul Pop” singer is graced with a demure brand of positivity that manifests in her music. Despite a barrage of canceled plans, including a SXSW showcase and bi-coastal tour, and the rash of racial violence that temporarily “stole her words,” Mélat finds herself hopeful for the future. “Even though all this stuff sucks, there’s still the possibility of a brighter tomorrow, so let’s just look forward to that,” she says with a doleful smile. “I've always tried to put that in everything that I do, even inadvertently.” An Austin native and the daughter of first-generation Ethiopian emigrants, Mélat struggled to find her voice in Austin’s stunted soul and hip-hop scene. She’s battled feeling out-of-place all her life, though you couldn’t tell it from her songs in which she croons confidently, sometimes slipping seamlessly between English and her family’s native Amharic. Her performer-self is bold: a halo of blonde curls framing tigress eyes and a voice that carries straight to the heart. In person, she is surprisingly modest but equally effervescent and undeniably genuine. It’s music that finally made Mélat comfortable in her own skin. When her strict parents kept her from socializing and her shy nature kept her from opening up, she turned to writing as a form of therapy. “I'd write until my feelings came out… it’s like a bottle being shaken up,” she remembers. Eventually
writing turned into song, and song into a budding music project, which finally blossomed into an all-consuming career as a singer, songwriter, and creative. So when the pandemic hit and plans were squashed, Mélat saw her silver lining. “The way society was, music just gets digested so quickly. The turnaround is insane,” she complains. “I actually had time to write, rewrite, and take my time with the songs.” After I Was All Alone, which she calls her “quarantine capsule album,” is set to release this spring, along with a video for the song “Anyway,” which is about accepting yourself and others how they are: a tribute to “love” in all its forms.
“I want to make people feel the things that we’ve forgotten that we feel.”
-MÉLAT
The prolonged pause has also given Mélat a chance to refine her purpose. In a haunting track called “Ngen (I Am)” off her 2016 album MeVen (sung entirely in Amharic,) Mélat channels the spirit of her two grandmothers who each called her by a different name: one meaning “to love” and the other, “new world.” “I felt like they were, from beyond, telling me that my purpose is to lead with love,” she says. But it took her some time to get over the “cleché-ness” of that term. Through writing and reflection, she’s come to refine what “leading with love” means for her art. “I want to make people feel the things that we’ve forgotten [to] feel,” she proclaims. “Hopefully, through my music and through the visuals, and all of that combined, you're able to feel certain things deep down that maybe you can't put into words.” CONTACT: beholdmelat.com @beholdmelat
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M É L A T DAY In 2017, Mayor Adler proclaimed December 14 as Mélat Day, and to celebrate, she chose to support a cause close to her heart. She held a benefit dinner at Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant and donated proceeds to American Gateways which provides low-to-no-cost legal services and support to refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. She also performed during World Refugee Day at the Kennedy Center in D.C. for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHC).
eastsideatx.com
21
man
OF HIS WORDS JEREMY QUENTIN
22 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
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“The thing I think I'm really good at right now is finding good qualities in all music and trying to take that into my own writing.” – JEREMY QUENTIN
THE CONTEMPORARY FOLK GENRE IS CRAWLING WITH TROPES: “Mountains, California,
rivers…” muses Jeremy Quentin, explaining that musicians are no longer turning on the radio. For Jeremy, these are the marks of musical phoniness which he does not abide. “I remember the very first song I wrote when I was 13. The first line was ‘I was walking downtown.’ It was bullshit, ‘cause I had never been downtown anywhere. You know, it was dishonest.” The Flint, Michigan, native has seen his share of downtowns, since having lived in several states and toured the world as Small Houses, a solo, yet collaborative, project he started at 17. Jeremy’s early musical influences are a mélange of his mother’s folk favorites like Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne and his brother’s punk and ska idols: Rancid, Operation Ivy, Less than Jake.
RE-THINKING Jeremy has a unique take on the music industry's forced break. “I think we were all taking music and shows too lightly,” he says, citing mismatched bills, underpaid artists, and lack of mutual support as signs of musicians becoming disenfranchised. “I think we need to step back and rethink the whole thing,” he posits. “Because it gets [mundane] playing in town 25 times a year. I say we should play, step back, write a new set, then five months later, play.”
Small Houses’ sound, however, is firmly grounded in folk, with slow, lilting melodies and gravelly vocals breaking over clear, ebbing guitar chords. His grittier sensibilities manifest in a penchant for “using bright tones, and sometimes a bright voice, to say often vulnerable, hateful, and just really sad things.” There’s a serious beauty to the songs, which reflects their creator’s almost academic approach. Jeremy pens 4-5 pages every night and studies the artists whom he admires for inspiration. He thinks that Elliot Smith is the greatest songwriter of all time, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy is better than Paul Simon—but is up for a debate on either. “I don't think I'm good enough to have done anything that someone else hasn't done,” he admits. “The thing I think I'm really good at right now is finding good qualities in all music and trying to take that into my own writing.”
{the lyrical side of austin}
Aside from culling the gems of genius, what keeps Small Houses from falling into folk’s typical trappings is Jeremy’s focus on lyricism. There are only “a few dozen” musicians whose words he considers on par with what could be thought of as “scholarly” writing, and those are his favorites. He believes musicians have an opportunity to use language in a really artful way to describe their own lives. Take Bob Dylan who won a Nobel Prize in Literature for “creating new poetic expression” in his tradition. He often spoke about the interrelatedness of lyrics and music. To quote the bard: “It’s not just pretty words to a tune or putting tune to words; there’s nothing that’s exploited.” Jeremy’s own philosophy jives. He balks at the suggestion that it’s not a musician’s job to be a poet. “That’s nonsense! Being a musician is everything,” Jeremy says. “And that’s why so many of us suck at it: because you [have to be] Renaissance.” For all his seriousness about music, Jeremy also revels in the silly and the eccentric. He sets his songs to videos of himself building aquariums out of television sets, constructing greenhouses in his apartment, and inciting a dialogue about MAGA hats vs. Kid Rock after a run. Throughout the pandemic, he’s also been writing and releasing new album material as a series of bedroom demos, simply because he wanted to shake up his process. In terms of his aspirations for Small Houses, they’re modestto-none. “We're just doing this for the art,” he asserts. “Anything outside of that is sort of a distraction.” He does hope that a select group of friends approves his new work, that his mom comes around to it, and that more people discover his quirky Instagram. CONTACT: @small_houses smallhouses.bandcamp.com
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edicine FOR THE SOUL SIR WOMAN
24 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
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ATX LOVE FOR A MUSICIAN, BEING IN A BAND IS LIKE HAVING A BUILT-IN SAFETY NET. If
you’re having an off night, you’ve got others to take up the slack. If a performance flops, the blame gets diffused. For Kelsey Wilson, who’s been with a band her whole career, flying solo took real guts. Since striking out as Sir Woman, this soul-driven songwriter finally feels like she has an important message to share. “I just really want these words to be heard, because they’re medicine,” Kelsey elaborates. And medicine is what the world could use after a particularly noxious year.
Austin is big on music but still a small city, and Kelsey loves that. She rejects the self-aggrandizing attitudes normalized in more competitive markets: the kind that compel musicians to force-feed each other their latest demos from their phones at the bar. “That just doesn’t exist here,” she says. “You’re not trying to sell yourself all the time; it’s just part of who you are and not your job. That energy just makes me feel so much more supported.”
Kelsey is actually grateful for the forced hiatus that plucked her from the touring whirlwind she’s been caught in since age 19. She dropped out of college to play violin with a Danish psychedelic rock band, where she met Alexander Beggins. The two formed the Austin-based indie-folk outfit, Wild Child, which sparked a swift following. The rest has been a whirlwind of sleeping on the road most nights and intermittent showers. Kelsey was writing her own material all along—material she felt “too precious” to bring to the band. Poppy breakup songs were hits with Wild Child fans. In those songs, listeners can almost hear the pull in Kelsey’s voice towards what’s always been in her heart: soul, funk, R&B. “That's all that I listened to. That's what I was raised on,” she says. “It's the reason I'm here on this earth.” Being forced to be off the road threw Kelsey into a period of total pause, which segued into sobriety, clarity, and the confi-
“I just really want these words to be heard, because it's medicine—it's meant to be medicine.” – KELSEY WILSON
dence to share her own music. The nature of the songs themselves gave her confidence. “Sir Woman is much more about self-love and self-discovery,” she explains, “filling the gaps that we all have internally before we take from others.” For Kelsey, that meant letting her “masculine side” take the spotlight and shine. The music industry can be hard on an unabashedly outspoken frontwoman who doesn’t take to makeup, shopping, or bras for that matter. She’s actually had offers from people who wanted to buy her catalog to give to “the right-looking woman.” But handing over her heart and soul would have sullied her message—this is her medicine to share. In October 2020, Kelsey released a selection of five of her most powerful, positive songs as Sir Woman’s debut EP, Bitch. The title is a testament to her owning her power and the more assertive qualities that she’s been made to feel self-conscious about. Whereas earlier this year, she felt like she couldn’t put anything out that wasn’t going to “save the world,” she now recognizes the importance of imparting her own practice. Kelsey believes society will be turning to poetry, music, and art after a year of forced introspection, and she wants to encourage everyone to use their voices and get their thoughts out: “I think my job here is just to show everyone how capable and beautiful they are.” CONTACT: sirwoman.com @sirwomanmusic
aking a Beat DAVID RAMIREZ
26 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
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“I’m relearning that my entire identity isn't wrapped up in those 45 to 90 minutes on stage and that I do possess other interests.” – DAVID RAMIREZ
CONTENTMENT WILL ALWAYS BE A SHIMMERING MIRAGE TO A MUSICIAN MARRIED TO THE ROAD, THE LIFE, AND THEIR OWN SELF-IMAGE. Love and heart-
break are twin muses; the touring lifestyle is a gyre. But even after releasing an uncharacteristically hopeful album in 2020—wrested from the wreckage of the love that inspired it—David Ramirez is ready for a bigger shift. “I'm kind of over worshiping myself and thinking that I'm the shit,” David admits. “I think my purpose right now is just to enjoy things a little more and taste the sweetness rather than just wallowing in the bitter.”
THE SHOW
David would like to see more than his own name on a marquee once shows are allowed to resume. “I’d like to play a festival, you know, with everyone backstage where we’re all hugging and kissing and sharing martinis… I want Kelsey Wilson of Sir Woman there. I want Jeremy of Small Houses there. I want Kalu James, Jonathan Terrell, Caroline Rose: all the homies who play music that I love dearly.”
A Houston native and long-time Austinite, David made his name as a quintessential Americana folk rocker. With My Love is a Hurricane, completed in January 2020, David decided he didn’t want to do another folk record. Not that he was done with the genre, he just found himself bored. Serendipitously, he partnered with producer Jason Burt, who works with hiphop and soul artists. Together, they made a heart-rending record that’s laced with new influences—from the Sade reference on “Lover, Will You Lead Me” to the undercurrent of smooth, D’Angelo-inspired bass lines. Heartache still hangs heavy over the album, but there is always a light shining through gloom. “It's not about rainbows and butterflies and Milk Duds,” he says of his themes. “It's about real love: intimacy and vulnerability and admitting faults.” The hurricane signifies the determined, dualistic force of love and its aftermath. Destruction leads to rebirth, and, hopefully, it gets rebuilt better. Aptly, the album arrived during a maelstrom of
a year during which David finally found his eye-of-the-storm. When we talked to David in 2017, he was fiending for the road after being off for three months. Today, even after a canceled world tour, he’s happy to be at home. “It’s been a very positive thing, for mother nature to force me to sit down and take a beat.” He’s healthier in body, mind, and spirit, and his relationships are thriving. “I’m relearning that my entire identity isn't wrapped up in those 45 to 90 minutes on stage and that I do possess other interests.” After parting with his manager of 10 years in February 2020, David’s focused on fulfilling himself creatively rather than worrying about bigger stages and more money. That means continuing to color outside the lines of his genre. He’s been recording a gospel album titled Backslider, going against his manager’s advice. Another album in the works lands more in the rock-and-roll camp: the kind of stuff he grew up writing. Titled Rules and Regulations, the record is a light-handed response to the pandemic and its impact on personal freedoms. Funny enough, the pandemic afforded David a kind of freedom that he did not anticipate. It enabled him to break out of self-gratifying, self-destructive cycles, and reconnect with his role as an artist. “The most powerful thing about art is its ability to bring people together,” he says with true conviction. “I lost track of that years ago, and now it’s coming back. If it isn't about bringing a group of folks together, then I don't really want to be a part of it.” CONTACT: @davidramirez davidramirezmusic.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
THE ARTSY SIDE OF LOTUS Music is part of our daily life at Lotus. Familiar songs punctuate our day, helping us transition joyfully from one activity to the next!
WHERE YOUNG MINDS AND BODIES LEARN HOW TO LEARN Montessori schools have a track record of being exceptionally successful, and now there is one centrally located, within walking distance to many neighbors.
F
or curious young minds, the first experiences in the classroom can shape children’s attitude toward learning for years to come. Encouragement, enthusiasm, and unbridled exploration are just three key elements that ensure students grow up to be life-long learners. However, not all traditional education experiences embrace these ideals. Lotus Montessori, a new East Austin preschool, infuses their practice with these tenets in mind. Lotus founder Amilyn Houghton knows the importance of a nurturing educational environment. Amilyn began her Montessori journey as a preschooler herself and credits her confidence in learning to the Montessori method. After completing her undergraduate work in Early Childhood Development, she set out to bring the Montessori approach to her community. Her early experience in the Montessori classroom shapes her outlook on early education to this day and inspires her to instill that same confidence within her Lotus Montessori students. She knows the value of this unique approach to education and hopes to enrich the lives of her students and their families. When Lotus Montessori opened in 2018 in the Cherrywood neighborhood, they set out to curate a unique environment that meets not only the needs of their students but also their community. Lotus strives to inspire and support preschool children in their community to live 28 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
up to their highest potential. What is Montessori? Montessori is an approach to learning that puts student curiosity first. The prepared Montessori environment is comprised of four general areas: practical life, sensorial, language and mathematics. Botany, geography, culture, and the physical sciences are embedded within all areas of the environment, giving children the essential keys for understanding their whole world. In a Montessori classroom, teachers support their students’ natural drive to learn. Through this method, Lotus strives to fulfill their students’ basic human need of deep connection to each other, the environment, and community. As Lotus’s name suggests, their preschool curriculum is a fusion of Montessori, yoga, and fine arts, providing children with a “whole-child experiential learning” environment. The children and teachers are on a path together. At Lotus, the classroom is a space where students and teachers are constantly growing, staying curious, and pushing the boundaries of dreams. Teachers work to see the world through the children’s eyes, and it is with this perspective that Lotus fulfills their mission to constantly be teaching, learning, moving and growing in the world. Lotus combines the best philosophy and practices of the Montessori method while awakening mind-body awareness through yoga. Music, art, drama, and other fine arts activities enrich the soul and complete their mission to deliver a powerful, caring, and developmentally appropriate environment which meets the needs of their young students. Where most Montessori schools have large classes, Lotus creates a safe, find more at eastsideatx.com
Our children are introduced to basic musical concepts through sing-alongs, playful movement, and rhythm exercises. We make it a point to set aside a few minutes each week to explore music and dance from around the world. Educational videos introduce the stunning art of Flamenco, Irish Step Dance, Folklorico, African Dance, and more! In the 2021 school year, we will expand our curriculum as we start learning more about families of instruments and genres of music. More than anything, our goal in these classes is to foster a lifelong appreciation and love of music! ART At Lotus Montessori we incorporate artistic exploration into all areas of learning! The fine arts offer priceless opportunities for daily self-expression and discovery. Through the arts, our community is unified in joyful expression of self. clean environment with smaller class sizes that allow teachers to connect with and nurture each individual child. As the community of parents and neighborhood community grows, so does Lotus. They continue to add staff and students with the intention of providing the highest quality of education for their community as they grow and evolve with the needs of their neighborhood and its families. Contact: lotusmontessoriatx.com lotusmontessoriatx@gmail.com (512) 296-7162 2610 Manor Rd
Go+ do
Feb +Mar 2021
30 go
&give
LEARN HOW ONE AMBITIOUS ORGANIZATION PLANS TO BRING MUSIC AND MUSIC EDUCATION TO EVERY AUSTIN STUDENT.
32 go
&eat
DISCOVER NEW CULINARY DELIGHTS BY EXPLORING THE CITY'S VAST ARRAY OF VEGAN BITES.
eastside | go&do
At the time, Patrick says El Sistema was positioned as a social program, not a cultural one. The framing, even today, has enabled music educators to ponder what is possible through learning music. It allows educators to reframe the social change that can come about through music. That impetus can be seen in the two pillars of work guiding Soundwaves’ efforts: bringing music into schools and teaching the historical inequities that surround music and music education over the centuries. The latter, according to Patrick, has become a focal point for the organization’s after school initiatives, such as the Draylen Mason Fellows program. Named in honor of the young musician who was killed in the 2018 package bombings, the program links activism with music by challenging high school fellows to learn about different social justice issues and create performances based on what they’ve learned.
For Music’s Sake
One organization’s mission to provide high-quality music education to all WORDS BY
Sommer Brugal Shelby Bella
PHOTOS BY
What does it mean to make music – and music education – accessible and equitable for all? For Austin Soundwaves, it means partnering with schools to provide high-quality music education, regardless of location or the community of students it serves. Not only that, but it also means providing more meaningful experiences to students after school and supporting them through college and beyond. 30 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
“We do think that music is important for music’s sake,” he acknowledges, “but we also believe that there are positive benefits outside of music.”
“W
e really believe that music is a federally mandated subject,” says Patrick Slevin, Soundwaves’ executive and artistic director. “It shouldn’t be a privilege or something extra only affluent school districts can offer.” The organization partners primarily with Title 1 schools, where the “biggest gaps” are, but works to build relationships with all schools in Central Texas. Austin Soundwaves was founded in 2011 by the Hispanic Alliance for the Performing Arts, a program designed to encourage Hispanic participation in the arts and provide music education for youth. It was modeled after a music education program that began in Venezuela in the 1970s called El Sistema. find more at eastsideatx.com
Soundwaves has served hundreds of students annually and has achieved 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rate since its founding a decade ago. The organization’s culture of support and continued mentorship enables that success. Moving forward, the organization will focus on setting ambitious goals, such as ensuring all Austin schools have a high-quality music education program within the next five years. Reaching such a milestone, Patrick says, "will enable Soundwaves to continue its mission of providing accessible and equitable music education for all.”
Contact:
austinsoundwaves.org 2235 E. 6th Street, Suite 107
Instruments of Austin This program is a subset of the organization’s yearlong donation efforts, including a week-long donation drive held in November. When people donate their instruments, Soundwaves asks: “What does this instrument mean to you?” What started as a simple question has enabled the organization “to collect stories that are funny, raw, and real,” says Julie Faulkner, development and communications director. The stories are just like the people who own the instruments. Passing those stories along to Soundwaves’ recipients adds a special meaning to the donation. Still, students don’t always know who donated the instrument, but Julie hopes to create a clearer connection between the donor and recipient and make the program more interactive.
Brunch is served Saturdays & Sundays from 10am-3pm
Now open for dining in and patio seating.
Mourcafe.com | 1414 Shore District Dr. Bldg. 3 Suite 120 | 512.442.6687
EAST AUSTIN 1901 E 7TH ST. | (512) 981-MODS NORTH AUSTIN
DALLAS
9112 ANDERSON MILL RD. 502 S FITZHUGH AVE. STE. A500 AUSTIN, TX 78729 DALLAS, TX 75223 (512) 953-SKIN (7546) (214) 235-9473
WWW.SHAMANMODS.COM {the lyrical side of austin}
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3
eastside | go&do
Possum Pizza Buffalo Cauli Pizza
For anyone tired of traditional pies, Possum Pizza’s Buffalo Cauli Pizza will kick boredom to the curb. Roasted cauliflower with buffalo sauce tops a vegan cheese pizza. A drizzle of ranch finishes off this dish and takes out some of the heat. This synthesis of two classics results in something familiar, yet exciting. 1210 Parker Ln. | possumpizza.com
6
best
Sassy’s Vegetarian Soul Food Cajun Mac and Cheese with Vegan Sausage
Macaroni and cheese isn’t just for kids or dairy lovers anymore. Sassy’s serves grown up, dairy-free mac n’ cheese to feed the soul. The creamy, nut-based sauce is infused with a unique blend of Cajun spices that adds a slight kick to this rich dish. It’s a playful take on an American staple that is sure to please no matter the age. 1403 E 7th St. | sassys-vegetarian-soul-food.business.site
Vegan Comfort Dishes Food for the Body & Soul WORDS BY
Abby Johnson
PHOTO BY
Shelby Bella
There is no sacrificing delicious flavors with these comforting vegan meals. Do something good for the planet and support local restaurants while indulging in some of the best plant-based dishes Austin has to offer.
1
The Vegan Nom Korean BBQ Taco
The Vegan Nom has been offering up a variety of affordable plant-based tacos since 2012. Their tangy take on Korean barbecue tacos features perfectly seasoned seitan alongside crisp purple cabbage served on either corn or flour tortillas. Cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring a fresh, citrusy flavor to balance out the slight kick of the barbecue sauce. The classic Korean barbecue flavors are all highlighted in this plant-based re-imagination. 2324 E Cesar Chavez St. | thevegannom.com 32 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
2
Counter Culture Pumpkin Curry Quinoa
A hearty, earthy dish, Counter Culture’s Pumpkin Curry Quinoa is a blissful bowl of warmth, infused with rich antioxidants. The kick of the curry pulls out the subtle sweetness of the pumpkin, creating a unique and rich flavor. The creamy sauce is served over a mix of roasted sweet potatoes and kale on a bed of perfectly fluffy filling of quinoa and topped with toasted papitas for a slight crunch. Plus, this healthy meal is gluten, soy, and oil free. 2337 E Cesar Chavez St. | countercultureaustin.com find more at eastsideatx.com
Mr. Natural Vegan Spinach Enchiladas
Tex-Mex is an integral part of Austin food culture, and it certainly has its place in vegan cuisine as well. The spinach enchiladas from Mr. Natural’s are stuffed with savory mushrooms and topped with either ranchera or verde salsa. This dish is rounded out with a side of Mexican brown rice and a choice of beans. It’s also an excellent gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. 1901 E Cesar Chavez St. | mrnatural-austin.com
6
Nom Burgers Breakfast Slammy
Nom Burgers’ signature breakfast sandwich (available all day) is a home run. Be sure to bring a big appetite. Featuring Just Egg, a sausage patty, mozzarella, and spicy aioli on an English muffin, this protein-packed sandwich is just as filling as any traditional breakfast sandwich. The Slammy comes with a thin, crispy hash brown on the side, the perfect complement to the dense, flavorful sandwich. This meal is perfect as an on-thego breakfast or an anytime savory treat. 2324 E Cesar Chavez St. | eatnomburgers.com
Now Enrolling for 2021/22 School Year! • Pre-K - 8th Grades • Sliding Scale Tuition • Small, Safe Class Sizes • Socio-Economically Diverse
• Community of Grace • Experienced Teachers • Christ-Centered Learning Environment
1844 Teri Road, Austin, Tx 78744 | cityschooltexas.org | info@cityschooltexas.org
Home + away
Feb +Mar 2021
36 home A LOCAL ARCHITECTURE FIRM BRINGS AN UPDATED FARMHOUSE-STYLE HOME TO AN URBAN LANDSCAPE.
38 away
A WEEKEND IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS OFFERS SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND RICH HISTORY ANY TIME OF YEAR.
eastside | home
Back to Basics
A Contemporary Take on the Traditional Farmhouse WORDS BY Sam
PHOTOS BY Ryan
Lauron Ford & Andrea Calo
Something that is always present in FAB Architecture’s thoughtful creations is the dedication to timeless design. As founder and principal architect Patrick Ousey puts it, they strive to “look to the past and build with technologies of today.” This practice was more than evident in their Urban Farmhouse project.
W
hen Royce Flournoy, President of Texas Construction Company, approached FAB Architecture about building a home for him, he had a very specific vision in mind. Inspired by a home FAB designed in the Agave Development, he wanted to recreate it on a lot he had purchased in East Austin. The Agave home was agrarian in style and, as Patrick suggests, was one of the first farmhouse-style homes in Central Texas. The challenge with this particular project, however, was with the lot. As Patrick describes, the tight “postage-stamp-size” infill lot was only 35 feet deep and 70 feet long. The unique charac36 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
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teristics of the property forced FAB to rethink the traditional farmhouse structure and create a simplified version that would not only fit in with the neighborhood but also highlight the home’s contemporary features. An exceptionally long and narrow structure with a spacious floor plan resulted. These design elements allowed light to come through on all sides of the house creating an open home beaming with natural light. Using the simple, agrarian form as its framework, Patrick says the team “amplified it with simple materials” including traditional clapboard and regimented windows on the exterior and pine floors, white walls, and black accents on the interior.
“The simplicity of the interior, the simplicity of the shape, and the simplicity of the materials we used,” Patrick explains, “all lend itself to the ease that people see in that house.” One element that pops against the pared down design, and something that ended up being central to the layout of the home, was the steel stairway. Because the house is located so close to the street, the team decided to create an additional layer of privacy, and the stairway ended up being the perfect solution. They placed it toward the front of the house, in front of the high windows, and used it as a buffer to prevent views from the outside in, being so close to the street. The high windows, however, still allow light to filter into the rest of the home. Completed in 2013, the Urban Farmhouse has proven that classic design is at the root of any home where simplicity is a vital element that can easily stand the test of time.
Patrick founded FAB Architecture in 1996, and he and his wife, Pam Chandler, lead the team as principal architects.
Contact:
FAB Architecture (512) 469-0775 fabarchitecture.com 405 Cumberland Rd. @fab_architecture_austin {the lyrical side of austin}
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eastside | away
University of Virginia campus or taking a last-minute morning hike on the Saunders-Monticello Trail. For wine lovers, a drive by the local vineyards in the area like Blenheim Vineyards or Thatch Winery where a few bottles can be picked up prior to departure in order to savor the flavors of the Blue Ridge Mountains a little while longer.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Quiet Majesty Awaits WORDS BY Jessi
Devenyns
Western Virginia lies at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the seclusion of the location, coupled with miles of uninterrupted natural beauty that connects cultures, governments, and American history, makes this destination one that is scenic in all seasons. The chill of mid-winter brings the impression that time has stood still in this area. Frozen waterfalls, blankets of snow, and quiet roadways bring a sensation of visiting sleeping giants whose memories stretch as far back as their interminable banks of mist. But even in the solitude of winter, ski resorts, historical homes, and gorgeous views await travelers with a car and a will for adventure. 38 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
Day One Plan to land in Charlottesville, Virginia, the childhood home for former presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, in the early morning. While visitors correctly anticipate rolling hills encircling a quaint municipality, those who step into the historic epicenter of Old Dominion find that there is much more to this town, including a noteworthy food and drink scene. Stop first at the local coffee roaster, Mudhouse Coffee, where baristas pull strong espresso
Day Two Charlottesville is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and located just next to the Shenandoah Valley National Park. While the park remains open in the winter, be careful of closed roads and weather conditions. However,
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a sunny day presents an ideal backdrop to spend a few hours meandering down The Parkway, an all-American road maintained by the National Park Service renowned for its endless miles of beautiful vistas. Bring a camera; no one wants to miss the photo opportunities that abound in this parkland. If driving all day is not an attractive proposition, head to the Wintergreen Resort where visitors can both ski down 26 slopes as well as putt a 27-hole winter golfing course. When you arrive back in town, enjoy a dinner at Petit Pois where bistro fare is elevated with a French twist.
Day Three With only a few hours before the flight, wander the streets of Charlottesville, stopping at the
These legumes have been grown in Virginia since the U.S. was a collection of colonies, and while they used to be considered animal feed, they are now a popular treat that can be found in grocery stores and roadside kiosks alike. Try from four different sizes with Whitley's Peanut Factory and Feridies being two delectable brands to sample.
PHOTOS COURTESY
A Weekend In
that is sure to power you through a day spent admiring Jefferson’s neoclassical pediments and architectural advances at Monticello. Then breeze down country roads lined with horse farms and white picket fences to reach James Monroe's Highland where there are acres of grounds to wander in the winter sun. Warm up after a long day with a trip to The Whiskey Jar where farm-to-table Southern fare is served up alongside craft whiskey.
Charlottesville & Albemarle County
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{the lyrical side of austin}
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PUT SOME SPRING IN YOUR STEP! KICK IT IN COMFORT AROUND YOUR YARD, GARDEN, AND HOME. 501 BASTROP HIGHWAY (US HWY 183 SOUTH)
512-385-3452 BETWEEN DOWNTOWN & THE AIRPORT WWW.CALLAHANSGENERALSTORE.COM @CALLAHANSGS
40 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
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Sip+ taste
Feb +Mar 2021
42 taste feature
A CULINARY NOMAD SETTLES IN AUSTIN, BRINGING WITH HER A SURPRISINGLY INVENTIVE MENU.
45 taste expert
TAKE A TRIP TO IRELAND WITH
THESE 3 TAKES ON A TRADITIONAL DISH.
48 dining guide
A CURATED GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO GRAB A BITE IN EAST AUSTIN
51 sip
feature
HOW A DUO DELIVERED THE NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP EXPERIENCE THEY WERE MISSING
eastside | taste
Wendy Wan’s ‘Wanderlust’
A seasoned chef showcases her one-of-a-kind fusion of worldly flavors.
WORDS BY
Christopher Ferguson, AIA PHOTOS BY Shelby Bella
After honing her skills in kitchens across the country, chef Wendy Wan offers Austinites a no nonsense, flavor-packed tour for the taste buds.
N
ot all food trailers are created equal, and at the northwest corner of Cesar Chavez and Pleasant Valley stands a delicious and underrated testament to that fact. Wanderlust Asian Fusion Eats is the brainchild of Wendy Wan, a creative artist and culinary nomad whose experience in kitchens across the country—including an eleven-year stint in New York City—shaped her meticulous and surprisingly inventive menu. Her trailer is tiny, with standing room for only herself, but as Wendy takes and prepares orders for her lunch rush, it’s clear that her method-
42 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
ical process is well-practiced. Her movements are graceful and fluid as she pivots lightly on her feet, juggling five tasks at once. Over her shoulder, she quips that being a small person is helpful in this job, adding that it’s also convenient that she has a background in dance and martial arts. Her menu has something for everyone: light and sustaining noodles, small bites, and colorful salads. But those with an outsized appetite for flavor should look no further than any of her artisanal sandwiches, most featuring expertly marinated porchetta and all served on freshly toasted ciabatta bread.
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The “Boss Hog” easily falls into the must-try category with its sublime combination of porchetta, zesty chipotle slaw, chimichurri sauce, avocado, caramelized onions, and provolone and asiago cheeses. But meat lovers shouldn’t pass up Wendy’s vegetarian friendly take on the classic eggplant parmesan sandwich, one of her consistent top sellers.
} T N I R P { {Online} {Social}
In Austin’s hyper-competitive food truck landscape, Wanderlust is a local standout hiding in plain sight. Wendy’s thoughtful preparation and dedication to her craft is undeniable, imbued in the rich flavor profiles of her innovative and authentic meals. After a lifetime of travel and food curiosity supported by nearly a decade of curation and refinement, Wendy has established Wanderlust as one of the city’s most unique eating experiences. Those looking to pamper their taste buds would be wise to take note.
Contact:
(646) 238-1129 2714 E Cesar Chavez St. wanderlusteat.com @wanderlustasianfusioneats
Fusion Drinks:
Get all that is in this issue and more everyday at EASTSIDEATX.COM
A unique mixture of Thai coffee and Thai tea, the “Dirty Cowboy” will delight any caffeine lover. For a subtle and refreshing twist, try a Topo Chico popping with a burst of fresh raspberries.
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eastside | taste expert
Farm to Table
Three ways to Irish Boxty WORDS BY
Justin Butts RECIPE BY Kayla Butts Benevides
PHOTOS BY Rachel
The language of the Irish is Gaelic. Just listen to the tones and lilts and rhythms of this lovely ancient language, and somehow it seems to transport the listener to another place in time.
G
aelic is on nearly every radio station. Driving north along the Irish coast in a tiny car, climbing the winding narrow roads with a mist rising from the hills to the right and the stormy Atlantic rolling below, white waves pound and foam against the cliffs. Sheep often cause the journey to come to a complete stop. All the while, the radio plays songs with rustic instruments and haunting vocals. Pulling into a village, there is always a tavern, usually built of stone and hundreds of years old. Inside, it’s warm and dark with a yellow fire glowing on the hearth and
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eastside | taste expert
wooden posts throughout the room to hold up the roof. Seasoned locals in heavy coats sit at the tables, four of them together, a half-empty pint in front of each. They talk politics, history, weather, always in the mellifluous cadence of Gaelic. When the server stops by, she says something unintelligible, then smiles at an American’s innocence of the language. In English, she lists the specials—something lamb, something salmon, something egg, and always something potato. These foods are all harvested within a few miles of the place: the sheep in the road, the hens in the wet grass, the potatoes in the rich black soil, the salmon in the gray water. The recipes have not changed in a hundred years.
Lamb Boxty with Herbed Apricot Crème Fraiche Season lamb chop with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary. Sauté on high for approximately three minutes on each side. Let rest for five minutes. Pulse ½ cup crème fraiche (alternately sour cream), 2 teaspoons apricot marmalade, ¼ cup fresh mint, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes until well combined. Slice lamb thinly and serve over boxty, generously drizzled with apricot mint crème fraiche.
The potato was introduced to Ireland in 1600 by Sir Walter Raleigh. Then, in 1649, Oliver Cromwell and his Ironsides massacred the Irish and burned the island, nearly to extinction, until all that was left of agriculture was the potato. As a result, the potato became the heart of Irish cuisine and, for most, was the entirety of their diet. When a people only have one food, they creatively discover interesting ways to prepare it. The best preparation of all for the potato is the Irish boxty, from the Gaelic word bacstaíin, which means pancake. The boxty lifts the humble potato to its culinary perfection. Once you make a boxty, prepare yourself to want it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. To accommodate this desire, we offer up three recipes for every meal of the day. Begin with your boxty, made from mashed potatoes, fried to golden deliciousness. The toppings—Poached Eggs with Mock Hollandaise, Smoked Salmon with Dill and Capers, and Lamb with Herbed Apricot and Crème Fraiche—are a celebration of Irish flavors. Not only simple and easy to prepare, these dishes are also extraordinarily delicious. Best of all, every ingredient in these recipes (save the salmon) can be found from a local farm. Don’t forget; the Irish know how to drink. Enjoy a different boxty all day on St. Patrick’s Day, or any time of year, and these Gaelic comfort foods will carry you through your night, pint after pint, until it is time to rise again and begin a new day with a boxty.
46 EASTside | Feb/Mar2021
Boxty with Poached Egg and Mock Hollandaise Poach egg for 2-4 minutes, until egg white is coagulated and yolk remains mostly runny. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup crème fraiche, ½ teaspoon English mustard, the zest and juice of half a lemon, 2 teaspoons melted butter and salt to taste. Spread mock hollandaise over warm boxty and top with poached egg, microgreens, and green onion.
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Smoked Salmon Boxty with Dill and Capers Combine 2 tablespoons crème fraiche (or sour cream) with 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and the zest and juice of half a lemon in a small bowl. Top boxty with a generous amount of smoked salmon, a dollop of dill sauce, capers, and fresh dill.
Irish Boxty (Potato Pancake)
Serves: 4 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 c. grated potato (about 2 medium potatoes) 1 c. mashed potato 1 t. baking powder 1 t. baking soda 2 t. salt 2 eggs, beaten ž c. cream Ÿ c. butter
Directions: Strain potatoes in fine mesh sieve. Wring out any excess moisture using a paper towel. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and eggs. Add cream, a little at a time, until a thick batter is formed. Heat butter over medium low heat in a large pan. Once butter becomes fragrant, add a ladle of batter.
Cook for four minutes, or until bottom has become a nice golden brown. Flip the potato pancake over and cook for another four minutes. Serve warm with honey, jam, or one of the following toppings.
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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 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 brings flavor that’s uniquely Austin to each soul-filled dish. mourcafe.com | 1414 Shore District Dr. Bldg. 3, Ste. 120
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.
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
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 | Feb/Mar2021
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
Homegrown Hangout
Cenote continues to serve the neighborhood with coffee, connection, and food. WORDS BY
Sam Lauron
PHOTO BY
Shelby Bella
Sitting on the corner of East Cesar Chavez and Medina streets, Cenote is a familiar sight on a now-bustling and ever-changing road. Though the coffee shop is a neighborhood staple, it wasn’t long ago that co-owners Cody Symington and Mary Jenkins found themselves wishing for this very concept.
I
n 2008, Cody and Mary, residents of the Holly neighborhood at the time, wanted to add something to their community. But it wasn't until a friend visiting from out of town asked them where to get coffee nearby that they realized a coffee shop was exactly what the neighborhood was missing. After a few years of planning and working with the city to make it official, Cenote opened its doors in March 2012.
Though Cenote is less than 10 years old, the building where it’s located has deep roots in the neighborhood. The historic home can be seen on the first handdrawn map of Austin circa 1889. Though it’s not technically designated as a historic landmark, Cody and Mary have managed to preserve the integrity and charm of the original structure, which is undoubtedly a characteristic that attracts locals and visitors alike. “There’s some magic to the place that seems to draw people in,” Cody smiles. “There’s an energy that you just can’t replicate.” When they initially came up with the
idea for Cenote, the plan was to be a relatively small, neighborhood coffee shop. But as they grew and their community’s needs became more apparent, the duo— who both worked in the restaurant industry prior to Cenote—naturally expanded their offerings with a signature food menu and eventually added a second location in Windsor Park that operates as more of a restaurant than a coffee shop. Though situated in a bustling part of the city, Cenote has not been immune to the challenges that the restaurant industry has faced throughout the pandemic. Business is slowly picking up at the Cesar Chavez location; however, the Windsor Park restaurant is easing back into its routine at an even slower pace. Despite the struggles this past year, Mary says that their team is truly what keeps them going every day. “We have a really awesome staff,” she says. “It really is like a family.”
Contact:
1010 E Cesar Chavez St. 6214 Cameron Rd. cenoteaustin.com
Did you know?
The word ‘cenote is defined as a natural pit that exposes groundwater— in other words, an underground well or watering hole—and is associated with the Yucatan Peninsula. “We came up with the name initially because there was a well behind the original Cenote,” says Mary. “And, [originally],we were thinking we could make a water feature out of it.”
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