inspirational Women sideTHE INSPIRATIONAL OF AUSTIN A WOMEN-LED ART COLLECTIVE UPLIFTS LOCAL ARTISTS P.12
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Fall/Winter CONTENTS AuthenticityUnapologetic What do a DJ, magician, glass artist, and a chef have in common? They are all strong women striking out and forging their unique paths and inspiring others along the way through their creative careers. 0616 Publisher’s Note 08 Local Teaching Hard Lessons An East Austinite leads the charge for equitable education. 11 Art+Entertainment Makers & Shakers The women behind Broad Studios are making art and making space for creatives. 37 Go+Do Finding Freedom in Your Truth A nonprofit empowers women by helping them find their voice and the courage to tell their own story. 43 Home+Away A Weekend in Cornwall Find an idyllic English getaway in this precious coastal town. 47 Sip+Taste Raising the Bar Sushi soars to new heights at this inti mate and inventive woman-led eatery. Leading Women Special Section p.25
eastsideatx.com 5{the inspirational side of austin} TRADITIONALLY INSPIRED MADE IN EAST AUSTIN CHECK OUT OUR FOOD, CIDERS, COCKTAILS 1916 tillery st Vist moontowercider.com for monthly Variety Show with Tall Boys Comedy and Art Market HAPPY HOUR EVERY NEWDAY wed-satsun 1p-7p1p-9p @energsolutions.com processingProgramwithwithlessemployees 512-985-9463 | gmiddleton@energslution.com512-985-9453 gmiddleton@energsolutions.com Contact us Ctoday ontact us today
On the Cover Photographer Eric Morales captures the laid back, playful essence of multidisciplinary artist, Reji Thomas, in this beautiful cover shot. Read about her work and her impact on the East Aus tin community in our featured storyon page 16.
eastside | editor's note
Abby L. AssistantJohnsonEditor 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
6 EASTside Fall/Winter
I continue to find myself in awe of the talented, creative, and kind souls featured in each issue of EASTside, and that is especially true of our annual Inspirational Women’s issue. This year, I had the immense pleasure of meeting with Reji Thomas, renowned artist and community builder, and the woman who graces the cover of this year’s issue. Reji is a powerful woman whose enthusiasm, not only for her own work but also for facilitating the work of others and building up the community around her, makes her a uniquely formidable force. She is in great company with the other innovative women featured in this issue: Chef Sonya Coté, magician and VC Nicole Cardoza, and DJ Cassandra. While this eclectic group of creatives may be dissimilar on the surface, these women have something special in common. Their determination to live authentic, expressive lives joins them together for the greater good of their Incommunity.thisissue, we also explore a local collective of women artists and makers working to build a platform for up-and-coming artists, a women-led pop-up market uplifting small business owners, a sushi restaurant pushing culinary boundaries, and a nonprofit empowering incarcerated women through the act of storytelling. We are immensely proud to call all these inspiring individuals our neighbors, and we invite you to dive into their stories with us.
Throughout the pages of this issue, it's clear that we believe in the power of com munity and connection, which is why we host our annual Inspirational Women’s Networking Event in celebration of the release of this special issue. Join the EASTside Magazine team on October 27 at The Cathedral. This event, presented by local women-owned clothing company HarperSage, is a space for connecting with the most valuable resource at our disposal: the support of our community. We are excited to share an evening of mingling, sampling savory snacks and complimentary cocktails, and enjoying the art and music of talented local creators. I can’t wait to see you there!
@eastsideatxmag Scan to follow STORIES?EASTSIDELOVEGETTHEMSTRAIGHTTOYOURFEEDside EAST THE REFRESHING OF AUSTIN 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. Publisher Nillo Studios, LLC Creative Director Will Bowling Publishing Editor Ashley Bowling Asst. Editor & Events Abby L. Johnson DevelopmentBusiness Will Bowling Copy Editor Pam Bowen Social Media Joanna Fuller PhotographersContributing Eric Morales, Leonid Furmansky, Baptiste Despois, Mica McCook, Brittany Dawn Short ContributingWriters Guadalupe Triana, Tejal Thakkar, Deven Wilson, Jessi Devenyns, Alison Bryce, Janine Stankus, Kayla Butts, Chris Ferguson Distribution Will Bowling Submissions info@eastsideatx.com Advertising advertise@eastsideatx.com 1023 Springdale Road Austin, Texas eastsideatx.com78721 Thank You to our Community Sponsor! Tiffany Hentrup eastsideatx.com 7{the inspirational side of austin}
WORDS BY Abby L. Johnson PHOTOS BY Will
8 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at
article titled
*Quotes, documents, and images supplied by Austin History Center and private collection of Joshua Brunsmann. eastsideatx.com
Austin
After a fulfilling, long-lasting career as an educator, Bernice set out on a mission to effect change throughout the district, spurring a decade long stint on AISD’s board. During her tenure on the board, she was a champion for students and teachers alike, putting their wellbeing above all. The choices Bernice was tasked with as a mem ber were not always easy nor well-received. In the 1980s, it was still a common practice in the district to bus children of color across neighborhoods, beginning as early as kinder garten. Some of these young students were on their bus for well over an hour, even though there was often a neighborhood school much closer to their home. On April 15, 1987, the Statesman reported that Bernice was the only minority trustee to vote in favor of a plan that eliminated ‘most elementary school busing for desegregation purposes.’ The contemporary president of the Austin chapter of the NAACP, Gary Bledsoe, publicly spoke against her choice along with community members. But Bernice stood by her vote stating, “My main concern was to get our little, bitty babies off those buses at 7 a.m…I really feel, in my heart, that I did the right thing.”
Austinite Bernice Hart dedicated thirty years as a teacher and counselor to Austin students before moving to the AISD Board of Trust ees, where she used her powerful voice to advocate for the well-being and education of all children. an StatesmanAmerican School’s Out for to1993,Tuesday,LottMemberBoardbyTimpublishedonNov.2,inresponseBerniceHart’s retirement from the AISD schoolshardBerniceannouncement,boardpushedforpriorityafterthe district con verted from the busing model to model.elementaryneighborhoodschoolPriority schools are ele mentary schools that receive extra funding based on the socioeconom ic status of their
LessonsHardTeachingBowling
Bernice’s philosophy was one of self-determi nation and simply doing what was best for her students, even when larger forces were against her. During her 1989 campaign for re-election to the board, Bernice boldly proclaimed, “I will not yield to the selfish whims of political hierar chy. With me, the kids come first. Isn’t that what education should be about?” This conviction of hers was unwaveringly woven throughout her career and is the bedrock of her legacy. “She was dedicated to all children, regardless of race, color, or creed,” nephew Otis McCullough said of her work as an educator and leader of the district. “One thing I remember is her strong conviction, her courage to stand up regardless of whether she was the only one standing,” noted Cheryl Bradley, who was, at the time, the Austin Trustee for District 1. Bernice passed away in 2012. Her legacy lives on at Bernice Hart Early College Prep Elemen tary, an East Austin school renamed in her honor in 1998, and in the policies she helped to establish for the betterment of the district.
Ensuring EducationQualityforAll
eastside | local Funding for Priority Schools According to
eastsideatx.com 9{the inspirational side of austin}
Free Community Events at Waterloo Park waterloogreenwayWaterlooSeptember–NovemberPark·500E12thSt.org/eventsScantodiscovermore!WeeklyWorkoutsFamily-FriendlyArts&Culture 10 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
12 studio art A COLLECTIVE OF LOCAL WOMEN OPEN UP THEIR STUDIO SPACE TO SUPPORT EMERG ING ARTISTS. 14 entertainment THIS EAST AUSTIN POP UP MARKET HELPS MASSES.GOODSERSBUSINESSSMALLMAKBRINGTHEIRTOTHE Art+ entertainment Fall +Winter 2022
WORDS BY Chris Ferguson, AIA PHOTOS BY Eric Morales
– Hallie Shafer find more at eastsideatx.com
We knew it not only needed to be a production space but also a catalyst for community connection,” explains Kara Pendl, a founding member of Broad Studios. Now entering its sixth year, the ambitious female art collective and maker space is directed by Kara and two other founding resident artists: Hallie Shafer and Genna Williams.
Meet the Broad Squad: a collective of female artists pro viding an invaluable platform for emerg ing local artists, educators, and communities.their
Since their arrival at East Austin’s Springdale General campus in 2017, the trio have not only built and sustained a crucial com munity-hub for local talent but also a social and collaborative resource designed for Austinites
12 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022
“Our vision from the outset was to host workshops, offer educa tional opportunities, and create a safe space for emerging, female artists,” continues Kara “And while it took longer than we wanted due to the pandemic, we do have a meaningful community
Broad Studios
“A lot of our community activations focus around putting as much money into artists’ pockets as possible, because we know how gallery fees and commissions can cut into artists’ sales.”
eastside | art
The original founding members – six in total – shared a need for workable studio space, especially one that had proper infrastruc ture for ceramics. After combining efforts and signing the lease, the group met regularly, developing a plan to use their new facility for a broader mission.
MakersShakers&
Did you know? Anyone can be featured in the Broad Shop! Artists working in all mediums and price points can apply online. New Faces Broad Studios recently welcomed its two newest residents: Jessy Wilson and Ahn Hee Strain. resource and platform for new artists.” The multipurpose “Club House” is a com munity oriented flexible space, oriented around classes, date nights, workshops, community activations, and private events, while the recently opened “Broad Shop” offers a permanent retail exhibition space for members. With equity in mind, featured artists keep all of their sales. Additionally, members can use the facilities to meet with clients if they don’t have a well-suited meet ing space of their own. “Ultimately, we have this space so we can give the gift to other makers,” concludes Genna, “and if we can help an artist transi tion from part-time to full-time, that’s really an ultimate goal for us.” Contact: 1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 6D @broadstudiosbroadstudiosatx@gmail.combroadstudiosatx.com eastsideatx.com 13{the inspirational side of austin} (512) 963-9387 | 2823 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Ste. 130 agruedabookkeeping | agruedabookkeeping Specialized Services • Full Charge Bookkeeping • Payroll • QuickBooks • Inventory • Invoicing • Purchase Orders • Accounts Receivable • Preparation of Annual & Quarterly Taxes • Sales Tax LLC Formations agruedabookkeeping.com BookkeepingBusinessSmall
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Other vendors, like The Booth by JM Photography, help create a mem orable experience with their inflatable LED photo booth. Balloon styl
he once-quarterly-now-monthly outdoor event takes place at the Platform Apartments on East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. EAM features a wide variety of local handpicked makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs selling special, original products from mouthwatering pan dulce to pet accessories as special as your furry friend. With these selections, there's bound to be an item for every type of shopper.
“Many of these products come from people [who created them] during Covid, and I think that’s amazing,” Alitca says.
T
The market was launched in early 2021 when co-founder Kristin Dal ton approached Alitca with the idea of creating a physical marketplace. Alitca was immediately interested, and once the idea was established, vendors quickly started seeing success.
While the focus is to empower small business owners, East Austin Market (EAM) founder and or ganizer Alitca Rueda is also fostering culture and building community one market at a time ing business Up & Up Loons creates stunning backdrops that not only elevate every event but also helps promote monthly market themes.
SmallBigBusinesses,Success Community & Creativity
Flourish at East Austin Market
At EAM, most businesses are owned and operated by women. Popular vendors include Ms. Camarillo’s Corner, who specializes in colorful, one-of-a-kind handmade clay earrings. With such a unique product, Ms. Camarillo’s Corner sold out at its first ever market.
However, as a busy entrepreneur and business owner stretched in multiple directions, Kristin took a step back once things at the market became more demanding. Alitca then became the sole organizer and fully took over operations. Thanks to the help and support of family more eastsideatx.com
WORDS BY Guadalupe Triana PHOTOS BY Baptiste Despois
eastside | entertainment 14 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find
“I love to see people happy,” Alitca says. “It just brings me joy.”
and friends, the market has continued expanding.
“I have extremely helpful friends,” Alitca shares. “I’ve been really lucky. They just lend a hand and come and help me run these markets.”
While EAM might not be the only local makers' marketplace in the com munity, there are certainly aspects that set it apart from others. As the market grows in popularity, Alitca is intentional about who vends and how many vendors get to participate. “I’ve started transitioning into small er markets just to be able to give [vendors] the opportunity to hopefully sell out of their product,” she explains.
As multiple businesses continue selling out on a regular basis, it’s clear Alitca’s impact goes beyond the monthly gathering. Her goal is to continue providing a platform for people to share their talents and creativity.
Contact: IG:FB:eastatxmarket.comeastaustinmarket@gmail.com@eastaustinmarket@eastatxmarket “I’m able to talk to the vendors and say, ‘hey, you should try this, or you should try that,’” she shares. “It’s pretty cool seeing someone create a product, put it out there, and create something amazing for themselves.”
In addition to the market, Alitca runs her own tax and bookkeeping busi ness, AG Rueda Bookkeeping. She explains that her love of numbers and passion for business management have helped with the EAM vision. “I’m able to talk to the vendors and say, ‘hey, you should try this, or you should try that,’” she shares. “It’s pretty cool seeing someone create a product, put it out there, and create something amazing for themselves.”
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Four women live life off the beaten path but on the right road Wherein lies one’s motivation and reason to pursue her cho sen path through this life? Is it intrinsic or extrinsic? For these four women, it is both. Their internal compasses guide them to search for meaning in the everyday, and, sometimes, it is found in the smallest details that have been overlooked by countless others. Although these women have a clear sense of direction and an uncanny ability to breathe mean ing into the mundane, at the end of the day, it is the people whom they encounter along the way who sustain their drive to forge a path pursuing careers outside of the ordinary.
WORDS BY Jessi Devenyns & Abby L. Johnson PHOTOS BY Eric Morales
AuthenticityUnapologetic
eastsideatx.com 17{the
“DJs have this crazy reputation that we drink all day and party allnight. But we’re actually professionals.” She laughs, then growsserious when she explains that it is only once someone knowsher own worth that she can advocate for her value: a stance thatopens up freedom within the profession and carves out a space to be creative in the midst of the hustle that drives a small business.“It’s when you do that you feel so valued as a musician and anartist, in everything you’ve done, and you can make a business out of this,” shares Cassie. While she unequivocally loves the music that she plays, it is thepeople who move her to get out of bed every day and dive intounknown musical corners. “I’m going to go dig deep and learneverything,” she says, remembering when she accepted anall-country wedding despite the fact that she’s not an aficionado of the genre. Another time she had to give herself a crash course inH-Town hip-hop. “I just say,“Yes!” to them because why not? …Iwant to learn, and I want to see how [my work] affects people whoreally love that genre of music.”
Contact: soundsbycassandra.com | hello@soundsbycassandra.com inspirational side of
DJ Cassandra
This fascination with people and their relationship to music has ledCassie’s career through many twists and turns, including a stint as a composer for Biomedical Music Solutions, a company that usesmusical compositions to help those with neurological impairmentsregain fluid movement. But ultimately, the art of a strong DJ set thatkeeps a dance floor moving remains Cassie’s tempo. Having aninvitation to create the soundtrack to people’s stories through theuniversal language of music is the lifeblood behind DJ Cassandra’swork. She smiles and shares that she hopes to encourage otherswith the drive to string songs into stories and to use music and a dash of hard work to create tight bonds to the community. Shesmiles and says, “You can do it. You definitely can do it. Why not?” puts a unique spin on her musical career Creating the Soundtrack of Her Life
“There have been many times when I’m like, ‘Why am I doing this?’” admits Cassie, a composer with a classical musicbackground who went her own way when she pivoted her careertrajectory and reinvented herself as DJ Cassandra in 2019. “Then I turn around, and I’m DJ-ing for 150,000 people.” Cassie freelyadmits that forging her own path has led her to become both amental health advocate as well as an informal support system for fellow DJs.
austin}
When Fleetwood Mac released their hit “Go YourOwn Way” in 1977, they could not have knownthe inspirational anthem that it would become.Although the song is about breakups, the tune’srecognition that it takes solitude and determination to forge yourown path is a sentiment that speaks to Cassie Shankman.
makes space for creativesOpening Up an Incubator Artist Reji Thomas 18 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
19
hen Reji Thomas opened her glass art studio in Austin in 1979, she didn’t expect to create an artist incubator. It was something the community needed, so it just evolved.Rejiruns
W
Pine Street Station blossomed into a hub for every medium. Literary groups, visual artists, and musicians found a place to belong and create, and it became quite the destination.
Contact: rejithomasart.com | rejiglass@gmail.com eastsideatx.com{the inspirational side of austin}
Pine Street was critical in bringing SXSW showcases to the Eastside, pulling large acts like Kanye and helping to put East Austin on the map as an arts and culture hub that is still thriving and evolving to this day.
on creativity. Her so-called ‘Reji-proof briefcase’ is a catch-all bag filled with her daily inputs and outputs. Old magazines for inspiration and a large drawing pad filled with the beginnings of ideas take up most of the space. She thinks in visuals, pulling her papers from the bag and sketching out the direction of her thoughts as she speaks with a pen, moving with assurance: a diag onal line as she talks about moving from California to Texas in the late 70s, a circle to emphasize the metaphors she so easily speaks. At some point, an oversized pair of eyeglasses crop up on the page underneath her hands. “I’d love to design glasses,” she smiles. Reji has been interested in the arts since she was little. “I was very visual. I could see pictures when I read something. It was like watching TV,” she explains. But before forging her unique way through the creative world, she had a much more rigid career in the Air Force and National Guard, beginning at the young age of 17. “I met so many people, and it was amazing that in 1972 you could meet people who had never seen a Black person face-to-face, only on television,” she explains matter-of-factly. The reality of her experience of otherness comes across in much of her work, particularly her paintings of Black people, many of which are inspired by the work of artist Charles White. Of her subject matter, Reji states, “I've never been sort of a love and happiness butterfly kind of girl.” She depicts things as she sees them, and sometimes her work is not easy to digest, but it’s always beautiful and honest. Reji has explored a diverse range of mediums. Sandblasting, acid etch glass work, screen printing, and oil painting are just the beginning of her long list of expressions. It’s easy to imagine that this woman could indeed create anything she set out to create from the practical eyewear of her dreams to things more ephemeral, like the community that sprung to life when she openedher studio space to the masses. Dubbed Pine Street Station for its historic status as a train station, Reji’s solo studio evolved into a home for what she describes as “80s gypsy artists.” At the time, there were no hos tels or welcoming creative spaces for traveling young artists. Reji saw the need, and she decided to provide.
Although Pine Street Station has since closed, Reji’s creativity has not stopped. She continues to make, even serving a stint as Prizer Gallery’s Artist-in-Resi dence and continuing to sell her work. Reji has a prac ticality about her success. Her work can be found in a number of notable private collections and prestigious institutions (Queen Elizabeth and the State Capitol building being just a couple of examples). She shrugs casually, “All the little jobs teach you to do the big jobs.”
Chef Sonya Coté feeds body & soulSpace for community 20 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
Over the past ten years, Chef Sonya Coté’s menus at Hillside Farmacy, Eden East, Eden West, and now Store House Market & Eatery have becomea benchmark for farm-to-table cuisine in the CapitalCity. That’s because, for Sonya, serving guests ismore than just putting food on plates.
A meal at any of the locations where Sonya’s imagination has touched the menu is sure to leave taste buds tingling in anticipation of the homestyledishes complemented by her trademarktweaks that up the ante. But more so thanthe food, the atmosphere she cultivatesmaintains the air of a familial kitchen. It is not uncommon for the staff and the guests tohave a relationship that transcends the routine acts of ordering, serving, and savoringa Despitemeal. being one of the preeminent chefs inAustin whose uncompromising determinationto showcase the Texas terroir led the trend toward high-gloss farm-to-table restaurants,maintaining her commitment to farming theproduce that she serves has not alwaysbeen an easy row to hoe.
In spite of a harrowing summer and theperpetual pivoting that this requires for hermenu, Sonya’s love of the kitchen has notwaned. While experimenting in the kitchen isa driving force behind Sonya’s decade in theAustin restaurant scene, it is only a fraction ofthe reason she continues to quietly cultivateher cuisine amid the splashy concepts thatare popping up all over town. For Sonya, herstaff, many of which are long-time employees, are some of the most important peopleshe serves.
GREATEST!LATESTSONYA'S&
“I mean it's hard. The burnout level is real for farmers. A lot of farmers take the summers off, but we don't have a lot of options rightnow. You know, there are not a lot of localfoods available at this time in this area,” Sonya explains that peppers, eggplant, andokra abound, but cooking them requiresimagination to keep frequent visitors intrigued.
“For me, as a restaurant owner, whether it'sHillside Farmacy or our new restaurant inBastrop, it's just having the opportunity toemploy people in a good place,” she explainssimply. With good people, good food, andgood vibes, Sonya has managed to establisha flavor in this community that is all her own.
Sonya restaurant.supplycultivatesDavidhusbandplotpanyingthethrowonlyMainlocated&HousewithtosignaturebroughthasherstyleBastroptheStoreMarketEatery.ItisonStreet,astone’sfromaccomfarmthatherBarrowtothe
“It’s just creating a guest experience…a positiveexperience for anyone who could walk in from thecommunity,” she says. In fact, the community shehas generated spreads beyond loyal restaurant patrons to their families and even a few celebrities whonow frequent her establishments, sitting elbow-to-elbow, enjoying fresh conversation and seasonal fare.
For her, cooking is about commitment to community.And commitment looks like fresh Texas produce,supporting her staff, and the friendship of each guestwho orders a dish.
Contact: Store House Market & Eatery813 Main St., Bastrop, TX 78602
More Than Just Sleight of Hand Nicole Cardoza reclaims inherent magic 22 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
Contact: nicoleacardoza.com DID YOU KNOW? Reclamation Ventures just launched a $500,000 fund in Austin and will announce the business which received support grants this October. {the inspirational side of austin}
What is magic? Nicole Cardoza, the 33-year-old who fields this question, is warm and welcoming asshe explains that magic happens when a person is well and happy within their mind, body,and emotions. As a yoga nonprofit founderturned investor turned magician, she is plentyqualified to advise on maintaining balanceand well-being despite life’s twists and turns.Achieving this balance is hard. However,Nicole believes that everyone deserves tobe well. After all, to do well, you must bewell. Implementing wellness in her own lifeand sharing her practices with her communitythrough various creative endeavors are theheart behind Nicole’s work.
While Nicole spends a majority of her dayleading Reclamation Ventures, during the evenings, she tends to the imaginations of eager audiences who come to see her performa sleight of hand or stage a disappearance. As a performing magician, she aims to bring holistic wellness not only forothers but also for herself.
“We need to cultivate a practice of imagination as a society because everythingwe've thought of, that we've been implementing so far, has certainly fallen short ofwhat we deserve.” And what everyone deserves is to be well.After all, to do well, you must be well.
Nicole argues that wellness should be rootedin the choices of an individual, not limited bythe narrow options they’ve been given bycorporations but rather by conscious decision-making. She believes that, in part, thisis done through mindful health practices butcan also be accomplished through supportingthe construction of a healthy community. “Thewellness industry has really catered to able-bodied, thin, white, affluent, cis-woman,right?” she asks rhetorically. Furthermore,Nicole is not one to let those constrictions dictate her life or the lives around her. Her unrelenting push for inclusion is supported by her belief in holistic wellness for allindividuals. She believes health is a bit like a magic tonic. If people are whole and well,both mentally and physically, then their futurebecomes brighter.
“Sometimes we talk about imagination asinspiration — like this spark, like lightningstriking in a storm. But I actually think thatwe need to invest in imagination as a discipline and a practice in the same waythat we do other aspects of our well-beingbecause it's as important, if not more important, for us to dream. Without that,we don't even know what we're trying tocreate,” Nicole explains.
“Magic is really about creating a spacewhere we can suspend disbelief or imagine new possibilities. And we needthat now more than ever,” she says.
eastsideatx.com 23
To manifest her vision into reality, Nicolefounded Reclamation Ventures, a venture fund that invests in companies cultivatingleadership and collective community wellness, whether that be through medicine oraccess to outdoor spaces.
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Grit ATX, East Austin’s newest fitness studio, reflects not only the area’s unique culture and character but also Garland, its owner. The studio’s guiding mantra, “feel it before you see it,” led Garland to jump from her corporate job to opening her dream studio. Combining her passion for movement and music, she has created an environment that values finding joy in challenging yourself.
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In 2017, Rachel Spillman-Johnson, of Skin by Rachel, created a welcoming skincare shop in East Austin that offers a full menu of skin care treatments with a tailored approach for everyone. At Skin by Rachel, clients can expect a fun, informa tive, and relaxing experience regarding their treatments and how to meet skin care goals easily. Rachel is highly skilled at enhancing the health and beauty of skin and is well-versed in safe and effective hair removal, natural lash extensions, custom brow design, skin lesion removal, and Comemore.
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With a fresh perspective on what people actually want and need from their insurance and a lifelong education in the business, Lauren, Jennifer, and Michelle are redefining insurance with modern tools and transparency while honoring their grandfa ther’s dedication to client service. “I love that the road led us back together; it’s empowering to work with my sisters and our predominantly female team,” says Michelle. Jennifer agrees, add ing, “I like that we’re serving the community that shaped us. We provide a service that protects and simplifies people’s lives, and I like coming to work knowing that.” SISTERS 447-7773
The Schuler sisters are taking the reins at Time Insurance Agen cy, a family-owned and operated boutique insurance agency that’s been providing personal, commercial, life & health insur ance and bonds to Texas since 1961. However, joining the family business wasn’t the first step for the three women. After gradu ating college, each went to New York City, where they picked up specific skills that now lend themselves to running the business.
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In 2018, each woman found themselves homesick for the Lone Star State and made it back to Austin to dedicate themselves to working with intention.
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Vinyl records are back in a big way with help from Gold Rush Vinyl and its founder & CEO, Caren Kelleher. Named one of the “Most Innovative Companies of 2020” by Fast Company magazine for “revolutionizing record production,” Gold Rush Vinyl is bringing fresh eyes to a classic industry. Here in Austin, Caren and her team manufacture vinyl for up-and-coming artists as well as legends like Dolly Parton, using more sustainable practices than traditional pressing plants. Gold Rush Vinyl is also expanding the market for music lovers by turning recycled vinyl into flower bouquets and creating 24-karat gold commemora tive records from artists like The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Nirvana, and more. Visit their website for more.
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CAREN KELLEHER GOLD RUSH VINYL CEO & FOUNDER
eastsideatx.com 29{the inspirational side of austin}
Special
ISABELLA
Leading WOMEN 2022
TRUE NORTH HOMES PROJECT MANAGEROLESCH Promotion
While studying architecture at UT Austin, Isabella followed her passion for building and design by starting her pro fessional career as a construction intern at a large regional builder. After graduating in 2015, she honed her manage ment skills, serving as a senior construction manager for a large Austin developer. In 2020, she joined a small local builder, True North Homes, as project manager.
True North Homes has been active in Central East Austin since 2016. Isabella serves as a project manager at their East Grove development, a community of 33 condominium homes on Webberville Road. She is passionate about build ing homes for East Austinites and believes in the positive impact her work has on the community. Isabella wants to inspire others to follow their heart when choosing a career.
TINA HEROD |COUTURE COLOR STUDIO Leading WOMEN 2022 (512)
COUTURECOLORSTUDIOATX@GMAIL.COMCOUTURECOLORSTUDIO.COM#1104 Special Promotion
1621 E 6TH
Couture Color Studio is a luxury boutique hair color salon locat ed on East 6th Street founded by Master Colorist, Tina Herod. As an extension of Tina, the space is intimate, airy, and designed as a peaceful escape from the daily demands of life, where you will walk away feeling beautiful inside and out.
Tina’s passion for mentorship and education has also trans formed Couture Color Studio into one of Austin’s top educationfocused salons for stylists wanting to grow in their craft. At the helm of fashion and culture, Couture Color Studio prides itself on expertise in all hair types, offering services that elevate an individual’s natural beauty while embracing creative change and seasonal evolution.
At Couture, our stylists specialize in corrective color and color change, maintaining two primary focuses in our work: protect ing hair from damage and creating rich, natural, “lived in” color as well as intense and vibrant fashion tones. We live and breathe beauty, but most importantly, we celebrate individuality. Our job is to elevate our client’s best self. 551-3958 ST.
A client who comes to Dorothy Butler Law Firm can have all of their legal problems solved there, whether they are related to bankruptcy, business, employment, criminal defense, estate plan ning, estate distribution, real estate law, tax, and audits, or family and divorce-related problems. Dorothy’s expertise, however, re sides in the area of financial law, which touches all other areas of law. Dorothy believes that hard work and perseverance are the only routes to success. “If you stay humble and work hard, you can get anywhere you want.”
The seven times Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star Dorothy Law rence has a successful record when it comes to helping people come out of bankruptcy and other legal issues. Eleven years ago, Dorothy started her Dripping Springs business, Dorothy Butler Law Firm, which now helps people, not only in Texas but also in 34 Dorothystates.
DRIPPING SPRINGS,
MERCER ST., STE.
DOROTHY@DOROTHYBUTLERLAWFIRM.COM78602 Special Promotion
Leading WOMEN 2022 (512)
Special Promotion
wanted to make a difference in the world by becoming an attorney. She has achieved many professional degrees, includ ing but not limited to J.D., B.S., and LL.M. Currently, she is a member of the Austin Young Lawyers Association, Austin Bar As sociation, Louisiana Bar Association, and Texas Bar Association.
DOROTHY LAWRENCE |DOROTHY BUTLER LAW FIRM 699-5632 E E TX
151
DO, HARPREET TALWAR, MD Leading WOMEN 2022 AUSTIN BREAST IMAGING - TWO LOCATIONS 12319 N. MOPAC EXPRESSWAY 5815 W WILLIAM CANNON 512.776.1000 Special Promotion
BREAST IMAGING ERIN
AUSTIN WINSTON, MD, JERI SUE PLAXCO,
Most of us do not consider who interprets our mammogram; we are just relieved to have the experience out of the way. For the best care in breast health, we invite you to meet the women of Austin Breast Imaging. Erin Winston, MD, Jeri Sue Plaxco, DO, and Harpreet Talwar, MD, are pioneers in mammographic techniques not offered by other imaging centers in Austin. Our doctors focus solely on breast imaging, enabling them to provide a higher level of expertise and knowledge of breast health issues. Whether you need your annual mammogram, diagnostic mammography, a biopsy, or simply want a second opinion, here for because it matters who reads your mammogram.
32 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
we’re
you
eastsideatx.com 33{the inspirational side of austin} Leading WOMEN 2022
PRATS | REALTOR®, AUSTIN REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST (512) @LAURELPRATSATXLAUREL.PRATS@COMPASS.COMTHEPRIVATECOLLECTIVEAUSTIN.COM636-7579 Special Promotion
She loves helping first-time home buyers work towards the path of home ownership. She believes your home should be a reflec tion of yourself and should enhance your lifestyle and provide you peace and comfort. Her goal is to help people live their best life in Austin.
As an Austin agent for almost 20 years, Laurel has gained a reputation for providing outstanding real estate services to home buyers, sellers, and investors. Growing up in a family of real estate developers and home builders, she has unique insight into all aspects of the real estate market.
LAUREL
34 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com Special Promotion Leading WOMEN 2022
The inception of Rifugio Austin began with a deep desire and passion for changing the early childhood education system in a holistic way. Ariana DiNielli has lived many lives in dif ferent places, and while living in the Italian Alps, she dreamt about a place that invites families into a loving and accepting space where imagination, acquiring newfound knowledge, and fostering the inquisitive mind can live in community. A few years later, she found herself in Austin, Texas, working in early childhood education where she met her partner in creativi ty and business, Sofia Gamba. Her hair in a messy bun and always wearing a paint-licked apron, Sofia is a CDMX native and has also found her passion working in early education. The pair joined forces, and together they run Rifugio Austin. Now they are headed into their second academic school year with a multitude of musings, experience, and knowledge to share and co-create with each and every one of their students. Their guid ing mission is to challenge with support, inspire, and provide all the love and tools to foster a positive relationship with the learning process for students in Kindergarten - 5th grade. They are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Austin community and continue to foster long-lasting community connections.
ARIANA DINIELLI & SOFIA GAMBA AUSTIN
(512) ADMISSIONS@RIFUGIOAUSTIN.COMRIFUGIOAUSTIN.COM522-0804
RIFUGIO
JESSE JONES, JULIA KEIM, LAURA MCDONALD, & LIZ SHAFER TEXAS FARMERS MARKET
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Leading WOMEN 2022Leading GREEN SPROUT ADMINISTRATION TEAMCANDACE, LIZ, & DOMINIQUE
(206) GREENSPROUT.INFO@GMAIL.COMGREENSPROUTPRESCHOOL.COM321-3310
eastsideatx.com 35{the inspirational side of austin} 2006 PHILOMENA INFO@TEXASFARMERSMARKET.ORGTEXASFARMERSMARKET.ORGST.
Liz Gelinas and Dominique Dominguez met at a neigh boring preschool in East Austin over thirteen years ago. They joined forces and have been essential to the success of Green Sprout Preschool. Candace Stokes joined the team 8 years ago, and through their dedication and persistence, these women soon became the three pillars of the admin istration team. Green Sprout has evolved into something truly special under their guidance. Green Sprout Preschool is a holistic environment with principles of peace, respect, responsibility, and community. By combining the Montes sori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, Green Sprout creates a loving atmospere that encourages child growth and development through exploration, purposeful play, and selfdirection in the classroom for children from infancy to 5 years of age.
Promotion
Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller is the largest farmers’ market in Austin, operating year-round with over 120 vendors. Texas Farmers’ Markets are producer-only farmers’ markets, meaning all vendors sell only what they grow or produce. The small team inspects all agricultural producers to ensure that they are meet ing the market’s sustainability and animal treatment guidelines. These standards were developed to ensure consumers shopping at TFM are purchasing the best local products available. It is more important now than ever to support local food systems and the farmers and ranchers who raise the food you eat. One bite into a perfectly ripe peach or a vine-ripened summer tomato, and you’ll fall in love with fresh local produce straight from the farm! This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Mueller market, and the second year in its new permanent location at the Branch Park Pavilion. Support local and join in the community at Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller every Sunday from 10am-2pm, year-round, rain or shine!
THERE’S A NEW CHOIR IN EAST AUSTIN COME SING WITH US! WHAT IS LYRA? We are a brand new, exciting choir for youth ages 9 13 that will become a point of pride for East Austin! WHERE DOES LYRA MEET? As a part of Arts on Alexander, we will rehearse at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2111 Alexander Ave, Austin 78722 WHO WILL DIRECT LYRA? Lyra will be proudly led by Austin Area Choir Directors Ed and Andrea Snouffer who are excited to meet you and bring fun and musically enriching experiences to you! They are ready to welcome you as a founding member of LYRA. HOW DO I JOIN? Log on to our website at LyraATX.org and fill out the brief form to let us know you are interested. Reach out directly to Andrea at andrea.snouffer@LyraATX.org 36 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com WWW.BLACKFEATHERVINTAGEWORKS.COM
38 go& truthspeak TRUTH BE RATIVE.THEIROWNERSHIPBYCERATEDEMPOWERSTOLDINCARWOMENENCOURAGINGOFOWNNAR 40 go& brunch WE HAVE A SWEET & SAVORY LINEUP OF PANCAKES WITH MIMOSAS & BREAK FAST TACOS WITH BLOODY MARYS. Go+ do Fall +Winter 2022
According to Rutanya, TBT is one of only five programs recognized as rehabilitative by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) parole department. TDCJ sets a benchmark of three years after release. Any arrest within that window is considered recidivism. As of 2019, 86% of TBT graduates had reached that mark—tracking lower than the state average for Laineywomen.Lefeve is among those successes. Arrest ed at 16, she spent 30 years in prison. Lainey remembers her skepticism when she met the facilitators from TBT, especially when she learned she would be making a timeline of her painful memories. “It’s hard to be vulnerable in front of people who are coming in from the outside and then leaving,” she admits. “You never know if they’re being authentic.”
But Lainey stuck with it and ended up bonding with her facilitators. She graduated from the program and was released in 2019, celebrating her three-year anniversary in July. Stepping back inside a prison for the first time, she ad vised a group of new TBT graduates, “If you put half the effort into rehabilitating yourself and using the tools that you have gained through this program, you're going to succeed—because it is a lot easier to do the right thing than it is to do the wrong thing.”
The tools that women gain through the TBT program are critical to facing what lies outside. Inmates get tossed back into the world with $50, a bus ticket, and staggering hurdles to overcome: transportation, securing basic doc umentation, employment, housing. Even with steady income and a stack of references, Lainey had to beg landlords to give her a chance. But she did, and so did Rutanya. They both fought for themselves to secure their needs and to thrive. And that speaks to the transforma tional impact of this program. “Most of these women have never had a voice, they have never understood that they have the power to say no, or to speak up for themselves,” Lainey explains. “I believe in my heart that one of the best things that Truth be Told does for us is to teach us how to use our voice and to be assertive.”
For Rutanya, who started with TBT in its earliest days, the community they’ve built is “magical.” Members hold their shared truths sacred and create a safe space for each other that transcends the walls of the prisons. “Any one who reaches out to Truth Be Told and has gone through our program…they are sisters,” she proclaims. “We’re tiny, but we’re very powerful.”
Contact: truth-be-told.org office@truth-be-told.org
About 75-95% of women in prison have a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse. This fact speaks volumes. “The penal system is not considering what happened to you prior; they’re managing what you've done,” says Rutanya Pearson-Mitchner, program facilitator and graduate of Truth Be Told. “The mindset is, ‘let’s make it as bad as we possibly can so they don’t want to come back.’ It doesn’t work like that,” she shares boldly. Established in 2003, Truth Be Told (TBT) is a women-founded non-profit that provides transformational, trauma responsive pro gramming for women who are or have been incarcerated. Their goal is to break the cycle of incarceration by helping women heal, with a
Truth Be Told provides a transformational program that helps incarcerated women heal from past trauma and become empowered.
WORDS BY Janine Stankus PHOTO Truth
Learn more, volunteer, donate, get involved! Truth Be Told is run almost entirely by volunteers and is looking for new program facilitators for the Spring 2023 semester. Anyone can apply, but “it takes a special kind of person to step into a pris on,” Rutanya emphasizes. Facilita tors will undergo three months of training and become an essential part of the TBT community.
focus on communication skills, communitybuilding, creativity, and care for self.
38 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
Finding Freedom In Your Truth
Be Told eastside | go&do
COURTESY OF
FOOD OR ELECTRICITY? For many, a daily meal is just a choice of what to eat for dinner. But for people facing hunger, a daily meal poses a very di erent type of choice. It’s often an impossible choice between food and other critical needs. HOW WILL YOU CHOOSE TO END HUNGER? Join the Fight to End Hunger at centraltexasfoodbank.org/ham eastsideatx.com 39{the inspirational side of austin} DALLAS 502 S Fitzhugh Ave DAllAS, tX 75223 (214) 235-9473 NORTH AUSTIN 13219 ReSeARch BlvD #200 AuStin, tX 78750 (512) 953-SKin (7546) WWW.SHAMANMODS.COM 1901 e 7th St. | (512) 981-MODS (6637) EAST AUSTIN
Oseyo Chimaek Sunday If the fried chicken on Sunday options feels lacking, Oseyo’s stepping up to bat with their take on KFC: Korean Fried Chicken. Offering baskets with three to six pieces of twice-fried chicken and a side of waffle fries, it might be the only KFC you ever seek out again. Does the Colonel even serve soju with his fried chicken? oseyoaustin.com/chimaek-sundays E Cesar Chavez St. BY Deven Wilson PHOTO BY Mica McCook
6 eastside | go&do best WORDS
brunchbird.com | 1209 E 7th St. Suerte Our rising classic for incredible in terior Mexican is ready to take over as your go-to spot for shaking off the Sun day scaries with style. With the fragrance of the fresh heirloom corn tortillas, with house made masa, and the interior Mexico touch es, Suerte sweeps guests off their feet and takes care of every detail while brunching the day away. suerteatx.com | 1800 E 6th St. If anything gets this easygoing city moving on the weekends, it’s brunch. Perfectly timed to greet the late risers with bottomless mimosas and huevos rancheros to bring our denizens back to life, nowhere do the flavors and service shine quite like in East Austin.
Brunch Bird Like the well-worn softness of a flannel, Brunch Bird balances out the rugged grit of Buzzmill’s latest outpost on the Eastside by challenging the egg depen dence found in the brunch scene. Brunch Bird serves up a full menu of vegan and plant-based options, even down to their Bloody Mary. It’s overloaded with bacon, chicken tenders, wings, and a bloody mary mix, and it's all vegan, naturally.
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From classic patio spots to vegan fare, the Eastside raises the bar on brunch in Austin. 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
12 Brunches 40 EASTside Fall/Winter
Paying tribute to a former Austin legend, Sawyer & Co’s Googie diner’s a total trip. The level of mid-century energy captured inside feels like a savory and sweet step back in time. With no shortage of Louisiana comfort food to take over the linoleum table top, expect to wad dle away happier that you ordered their Banana Fosters French Toast or Crawfish Étouffée. sawyerand.co | 4827 E Cesar Chavez St. Yellow Jacket Social Club
It only makes sense that this hom ey neighborhood hangout offers up a cozy, soulful brunch menu. Familiar of ferings of biscuits and gravy, eggs Benedict, and shrimp and grits grace the special menu avail able only on the weekends from 10am to 3pm. For super fans of their daily breakfast plates and tacos–no fear! They are also available during brunch hours. Bring the whole gang and spread out in the spacious outdoor seating area and enjoy the atmosphere of an Austin classic. cherrywoodcoffeehouse.com | 1400 E 38th-1/2 St.
Kinda Tropical Is anything more of a tribute to the ver nacular of the Eastside than a dashing gas station housing a lush brunch spot? Kinda Tropical is totally where time slows down, and a foodie paradise rests on their patio. Whataburg er can eat their heart out once you bite into their take on the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit. Paired with an Agent Cooper’s Dream (cold brew & bourbon), brunch inside a gas station will sound kinda great. kindatropical.com | 3501 E 7th St.
Sawyer & Co.
3 6
There’s an air about the place that feels like this dive bar’s been around since the first moon towers cropped up, but their brunch is as timely as ever. Beyond their picnic fare, you can try their take on a Croque mon sieure/madame with their Mister, a smoked ham & gruyère panini with béchame and over easy egg. Or try their French toast made with date bread pudding and a cognac custard. yellowjacketsocialclub.com | 1704 E 5th St.
We are here to help you invest in community.your It’s Community.YourBeaPartOfIt. advertise@eastsideatx.com Supportingmorethan76SmallBusinessesinthisIssueAlone! @eastsideatxmag NOW Delivered to 5,000 Homes + Delivered to 280 Locations READ ONLINE with 50,000+ others
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44 home A PRESERVESREMODELSENSIBLE THE HEART OF HOME.EASTCENTURY-OLDAAUSTIN 46 away WITH OFPLEASEGETAWAYHISTORY,ES,BEAUTIFULCOUNTRYIDYLLICVIEWS,BEACH&PLENTYOFTHISUKWILLALLTYPESTRAVELERS. Home+ away Fall +Winter 2022
“We could have easily over-designed it, but we instead made a few
The building’s good bones allowed Harmony Grogan, Pluck’s princi pal, to take a light-handed approach when reimagining the duplex, especially the taut 636-square-foot upstairs space.
East”
eastside | home 44 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
Brimming with personality, this sensitive and bright remodel of a 1920s boarding home brings a modern touch to an old-Austin gem.
From the street, the home pops in a fresh coat of pastel greens, sport ing a new landscaping and a handsome, semi-opaque wood fence. But otherwise, it somewhat remarkably remains the same as it was: a nov elty for a remodel in today’s Austin.
nce housing as many as nine people, Pluck Architecture’s “Guesthouse East” is only the latest chapter of an historic Eastside property’s century-old story.
CharacterBuilding
“Guesthouse
O
WORDS BY Christopher Ferguson, AIA PHOTOS BY Leonid Furmansky
Originally a boarding home that was converted into a duplex shared by multiple families, the building retains much of its original charm, accommodating a primary residence on the ground floor and a sec ondary guesthouse above, reachable by an enclosed stairway off a cov ered front porch.
eastsideatx.com 45{the inspirational side of austin} simple moves to add a lot of value,” explains Harmony. “By removing a redundant hallway, we gained two small vanities, and we recon figured the kitchen to add a built-in bench for a breakfast space while opening up views through the home.”
The Pluck team was tasked with selecting all of the interior furnishings for the project, so Harmony took the opportunity to introduce local art from East Austin artists, with multi ple pieces featured prominently in each room. Small, delightful projects are the sum of many small, delightful choices. A well-placed mir ror above a tight stair landing isn’t only there to be beautiful but also to lend depth and light to an otherwise less comfortable space.
Poised and livable, Harmony and her team at Pluck have designed a home that feels greater than the sum of its parts.
Contact: (512) @pluckarchitecturehello@pluckarchitecture.compluckarchitecture.com507-4096
“We wanted the home to stay within the vernacular of the Eastside. It had good proportions and nice symmetry, so we preserved its scale and how it relates to the street, despite it now being fenced in. It offers privacy while still feeling welcom ing to the community.” - Harmony Grogan, AIA
The airy interiors of the kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms spill into each other over the home’s original hardwood floors, which are complemented by elegant, deep “ret ro blue” trim accents that match the home’s casework and wainscoting. A balance of play fulness and restraint, the interiors are richly layered with finishes and fixtures that feel both expertly curated, while also comfortable and genuine.
Day Two
Wake up early to spend the day hiking the famed coastal path from St. Ives to Zennor. Take the train from Penzance to St. Ives to first explore the historic streets and coastal waterfront. Coffee lovers should be sure to stop by Yellow Canary. There are no restaurants along the route, so consider picking up a snack for the road before heading out. While the entire coast of Cornwall is stunning, the coastal views, greenery, and varying flora and fauna found along this stretch of the coast are second to none. At the end of the route to Zennor, hikers will find The Tinners Arms. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink at the end of a long hike. From here, take a bus back to St. Ives for dinner. Enjoy Cornish cui sine while soaking in the stunning sea views at Porthminster Kitchen before taking the train back to Penzance.
Day One
eastside | away
46 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
On the final day, stroll over to Cornish Hen Deli for brunch. Pick up a feast to go and take it to the beach for a picnic. Then, spend the morning exploring the shops and galleries along Chapel Street. While there, be sure to stop in at Lighthouse Gal lery for a taste of the local, contemporary art scene. In the evening, walk along the beach over to Mousehole. This charming village is tiny, with just a few streets. While there, enjoy a delicious sea food dinner at 2 Fore Street. After dinner, Cornwall, nestled right on the western edge of the UK, exhibits the best of the English countryside. It’s the per fect place to relax in nature and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. BY Tejal Thakkar UK Getaway Cornwall
WORDS & PHOTOS
YouBeforeKnowGo Cornwall comprisedis of many GeorgianouthotellovelyPenzance,ist’sStayinbasedThistheirtowns,differenteachwithowncharm.itineraryisonastayPenzance.atTheArtResidenceaboutiqueoperatingofarestoredinn. make the short walk back to Penzance, or catch a local bus.
In the morning, take a bus to Porthcurno. Once there, check out the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre perched along the cliff. Advance tickets should be purchased and are well-worth the price (£8 a person) for the view of the vistas that are only accessi ble from the theatre grounds. Before head ing to Beach,Porthcurnograbasnack in the theatre café. With its jaw-dropping cliffs and clear blue waters, visitors stand in awe, wondering if they have landed some where much more exotic! After enjoying a day at the beach, take the bus back to Penzance. In the evening, have dinner and drinks at the Cornish Barn, a local favorite which just happens to be located in the hotel, Artist’s Penzance.Residence Day Three
A Weekend In An Idyllic
Sip+ 48 taste feature A TALENTED CHEF REINVENTS THE SUSHI EXPERIENCE IN AN SPACE.INTIMATE 50 sip feature A COZY BAR BRINGS TOGETHER A GROUP OF TIGHTLY KNIT WINE ENTHUSI ASTS. 51 dining guide A CURATED GUIDE TO THE BEST PLAC ES TO INDULGE IN EAST AUSTIN taste Fall +Winter 2022
48 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com eastside | taste WORDS BY Jessi Devenyns PHOTOS BY Baptiste Despois Although traditional sushi is prized for quality ingredients and subtle shifts in flavor, Ambrely Ouimette, who runs Sushi | Bar ATX, favors a bolder approach accented with understated details. She spends her time dream ing in flavor combinations that push the boundaries of preparationpresentation.and RaisingtheBar Sushi | Bar ATX melds traditional andintocontemporaryeverymorsel.
Scallops are sliced to form a pearl necklace atop rice. Fois gras leaps across culinary traditions and is repurposed as a nigiri bite topped with berries and breadcrumbs, giving a nod to the PB&J sand wiches of childhood. Mackerel is beautified by fermented blue berry coulis, ginger powder, and dotted with fresh wasabi root, an ingredient for which one must wait three years until it blossoms into Patiencematurity.isatthe heart of every gesture, every recipe, and every conversation that transpires at Sushi | Bar. Without it, the intimate theater that dominates each of the three nightly seatings would fail to unspool at a rhythm that allows diners to develop into friends as they sip and nibble. For Ambrely, the intimacy is what makes Sushi | Bar such a novel challenge. “There's no escape. You're not serving anybody else,” she explains. Even as she works to master the art of presenting her culinary creations in a man ner that elicits conversation and curiosity, she also aims to perfect the sushi bites themselves. Many of her current menu items have taken over a year to reach their current iteration. Similarly, a number of the well-planned ingredients require time to reach their full potential. Fatty fish, a star ingredient at the restaurant, is one of those additions that takes time. “Age brings out the oil in the Otoro,” she explains. So, instead of fish, “It's creamy. It's chestnut. It's fat on fat.”
be forgiven for being mesmerized by the range of flavors that are evoked through out the course of the meal. How ever, one would be remiss not to listen attentively and appreciate the explanations she offers about her ingredient sourcing, her reason for using fire as the only form of heat in her kitchen — it’s her secret weapon — and her eye for Daringdetail.flavors are contrasted with understated nods to estab lished Japanese cuisine, creating an elegant play between tradition and imagination that makes both Ambrely and those who dine at her counter feel alive.
Depending on what time you snag a seat, diners may get lucky and find themselves with a few extra surprise bites at the end of their experience.dinner
eastsideatx.com 49{the inspirational side of austin}
Each of the seventeen bites enjoyed at a seating at this tentop sushi bar is a concrete poem. The form and texture of the ingredients are the scaffolding over which the flavors spill onto the Dinerstongue.would
Contact: 2600 E Cesar Chavez St. @sushibaratxSushibaratx.com Pro Tip
The bar’s overall vibe matches Joe’s original vision: intimate, eclectic, and a cozy atmo sphere filled with books and antiques. After suffering flood damage in the 'snowpocalypse' of 2021, they ended up redec orating to bring in a bit more brightness. The entire east wall is now covered in a vibrant wallpaper designed by the legendary composer/musician Brian Eno. Joe believes the thing that sets APT 115 apart within the Austin scene is an old-school commitment to service. The staff is close-knit and commit ted to constant learning and sharing that knowledge with Butcustomers.don’tmistake passion for pandering. Joe adds, “A lot of people think that wine is ‘bougie,’ and you just make a bunch of money. But it's really the exact opposite. A lot of winemakers put their heart and soul in it and make no money,' which is another par allel to music, for those who know the struggle. In that sense, APT 115 is like a cool new underground venue for wine lovers. Slightly off the beaten path, it’s a perfect space for introducing patrons to the creations of winemakers in an accessible way. Contact: 2025 E 7th St., Apt. 115 apartmentonefifteen.com @apartmentonefifteen eastside sip
Music and wine have a lot in accordingcommon, to Joe Pannenbacker. Joe is an Austin-born musician who’s played in multiple bands over the years. He currently runs APT 115: a cozy-chic wine bar on East 7th Street.
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WORDS BY Janine Stankus PHOTOS BY Baptiste Despois APT 115 offers an intimate space for discovering and enjoying the work of passionate winemakers from around the world.
APT 115 originally was con ceived as a neighborhood spot where friends could come drink and listen to records and has naturally evolved into a true wine bar. The wine list, which currently boasts over 400 varieties from all over the world, focuses on high quality and small production.
Wine Find
CBD|THC|CBGTincturesGummiesFlowerVapesDrinksandMore You Have Questions? We Have Answers! RosewoodCBD.store512-587-0888 Rosewood CBD WOMEN-OWNEDAND-OPERATED 1210 Rosewood Ave. 50 EASTside Fall/Winter 2022 find more at eastsideatx.com
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“They’re both artists’ creations, right? Both consumed by people,” he explains of his love for both music and wine. Joe cultivated an appreciation for wine while working in the ser vice industry. He remembers his first taste of “fancy” wine at 21 years old. “It just blew my mind,” he recalls. “I didn’t know wine could taste like that.” While certainly an oeno phile, he’s mostly self-taught and doesn’t much subscribe to formal titles (like “sommeli er”). He says half-cheekily, “I like to be against the grain.”
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.
Bobo’s Snack Bar
Hillside Farmacy
1209 E 11th St. | hillsidefarmacy.com
2129 E 7th St. | flyritechicken.com
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.
Cisco's
diningEASTSIDEguide
Rosewood Restaurant
1211 E 6th St.
1414 Shore District Dr. Bldg. 3, Ste. 120
Artessano
Disrupting the fast food industry one sand wich at a time, Flyrite is a drive-thru with all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Flyrite Chicken
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, sal ads, sandwiches, burgers, and smoothies. 1400 E 38 1/2 St. | cherrywoodcoffeehouse.com 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 |
Oddwood Ales
This locally owned Gulf Coast Chophouse is located in a historic 1890s home with ex pansive outdoor dining overlooking down town, featuring locally sourced 40-Day Dry Aged Bone in Ribeye and all the comforting favorites with an inventive twist. 1209 Rosewood Ave. | rosewoodatx.com
3850 Airport Blvd. | bobossnackbar.com
1511 E 6th St. | ciscosaustin.com
Something about Hillside Farmacy’s week end brunches, patio dinners, and cocktails just make you feel better. Perhaps that’s due to its historical location in the lovingly reno vated 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.
3108 Manor Rd. | oddwoodbrewing.com
The fresh tropical fruit juice and the arepas are why you need to visit Artessano. As a food trailer specializing in Colombian food, expect dance music and lots of friendly conversation when you visit.
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.
pick 9OUR FAVE RESTAURANTS FOR THE EASTSIDE eastsideatx.com 51{the inspirational side of austin}
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