NOTABLE edibles
NOTABLE edibles
photo by BLUE STARLITE photos by SIMAR
Simar Seafood Cocina Opens in Gateway Center photos by ADAHLIA COLE
LA-based Pasta|Bar Opens 2nd Location in East Austin Pasta|Bar, the Los Angeles-based Italian tasting restaurant from celebrity chefs Philip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee has now opened a second location in East Austin. As the first Michelin-starred outpost in Austin, Pasta|Bar promises an interactive and intimate culinary journey in a 10-person dining room. Pasta|Bar offers an 11-course tasting experience, which begins in their front-facing speakeasy bar Jazz Box. From there, guests are invited into the kitchen, where they can dine with six chefs who perform their skills table-side. Pasta|Bar serves a fixed menu, complete with homemade pasta and items like bone marrow, blue crab with corn and chili and tomato salad. However, their tasting experience is dynamic. Curious eaters can sample Kallas-Lee’s 57-yearold sourdough starter while resident chefs walk them through the family history that inspired the dish. The lucky few who score reservations will leave Pasta|Bar with a better understanding of their palettes, as well as the story behind the ingredients and recipes they enjoy.
Boasting the only authentic Mexican coastal seafood in Austin, Simar Seafood Cocina is the newest addition to the Gateway Centers shopping area. Under the direction of Chef Pedro Flores, Simar imports all of their seafood from Mexican coastlines. “With over 30 years of experience in the kitchen, Flores will wow you with a fabulous menu and great cocktail selections,” says Kelly Bohart, the general manager of Gateway Centers. Simar’s menu features beloved classics like oysters on the half shell and shrimp aguachiles, as well as specialty dishes like ceviche de pulpo (ceviche with cooked baby octopus). It is a family-friendly restaurant with extensive patio seating for an atmospheric outdoor dining experience. Their hora feliz (happy hour) is from 3–7 p.m. on weekdays, during which customers can enjoy half-price bottles of wine and discounts on their signature margaritas. They also offer a wide selection of citrusy cocktails to pair with fresh seafood, such as a mango mojito with lime juice and mint. To try this authentic seafood for yourself, visit Simar at 9503 Research Blvd. or online at simarseafood.com
photos by THE GREY MARKET
Blue Starlite Opens New Theater in Garbo’s Parking Lot
The Grey Market Brings Savannah Southern Food to Austin
Beloved North Austin Seafood truck, Garbo’s, is offering a blast from the past in partnership with Blue Starlite Theater. The local drive-in movie theater chain has opened a new location in the Garbo’s parking lot, where customers can enjoy gourmet seafood and a classic movie from their cars.
In the heart of downtown’s entertainment district comes The Grey Market, a counter-service restaurant from celebrated Savannah chef Mashama Bailey. Bailey got her start as the executive chef for The Grey, an acclaimed Georgia restaurant operating out of a 1938 Greyhound Bus Terminal. Now, she has focused on bringing a taste of Savannah to Austin.
The new Blue Starlite location will serve the full Garbo’s menu, including lobster rolls, oysters, shrimp fries and soups. Movie-goers can dine-in at Garbo’s before the meal or place takeout orders to eat in their cars. The restaurant has updated their menu with a “Garbo’s Dinner Pack” that specifically caters to Blue Starlite customers. The dinner pack is complete with smoked mahi fish dip, lobster rolls, kettle chips and a drink. Guests may also finish off their meal with an order of soft serve ice cream from another onsite vendor, Conner’s Creamery.
The Grey Market and its sister restaurant in Georgia, The Grey Diner, serve what Bailey has dubbed “port city Southern food.” This pays tribute to Savannah’s positioning as a port, influenced by African-American and Southern cooking. With The Grey’s new market offshoot, guests can try this cuisine in a fast-casual atmosphere.
Blue Starlite is now open Thursday through Saturday in the Garbo’s parking lot at 2709 N. MoPac Expressway. To check weekly showtimes and purchase a ticket, visit bluestarlitedrivein.com.
The Grey Market occupies the ground floor of the new Thompson Austin Hotel, catering to travelers with what Bailey describes as a “bodega-meets-lunch counter.” The new outpost includes grab-and-go items such as bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches on kaiser rolls, boxed lunches and beer. To drop by for a gourmet meal on the go, visit The Grey Market at 501 Brazos Street or read more about it at thegreymkt-austin.com.
Pasta|Bar is located at 1017 East Sixth Street, in the former home of chocolate shop Maggie Louise Confections. To read more or book a seat, visit pastabaraustin.com.
photo by GARBO'S
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