Aaron Franklin and James Moody Revive a Neighborhood Staple
THE BENEFIT OF PRP TREATMENT
· Using Your Own Platelet-Rich Plasma to heal tissue and relieve pain with a safe and minimally invasive approach.
· Stimulates your body’s natural healing response to injured ligaments, tendons, cartilage
· Contains an abundance of beneficial growth factors
· Provides a vigorous “kick-start” to the repair process
· Used around the world by professional athletes
· Minimal down time compared to surgery
· PRP injections are a minimally invasive effective technique with decades of clinical studies
CELL-BASED “STEM CELL” THERAPY
· Powerful treatment for the repair of tendon and ligament injury using your own stem cells
· Decreases pain associated with degenerative joint disease
· Introduces viable stem cells derived from your bone marrow directly into the area for sustained healing
· Provided on-site through a 2-hour non-surgical procedure
· Minimal downtime with rapid return to normal daily activities
· FDA compliant use of your body’s own stem cells
PLATELET LYSATE (PL)
· Offers the benefits of steroid injections without the side effects of diminished immune system response or weakening of connective tissue.
· Decreases inflammation around herniated discs and irritated nerves
· Used as alternative to epidural steroid injections
· Decreases joint pain with less inflammatory response than PRP
· Immediate release of growth factors from your own platelets
· Option to managing your pain without surgery
One big, happy, busy family
What a perfect way to dive into our third issue of ATX City Lifestyle than in honor of parents. As the mother of two children and three dogs, I'm thrilled to introduce this issue that is packed with great content. We feature the mouth-watering fare of Uptown Sports Club, which pitmaster Aaron Franklin and music venue owner James Moody reopened last March after the building sat dormant for decades. We speak with two local architects about the changing yet always-creative landscape of buildings that reflect the weird and wonderful nature of our vibrant city. We also profile school archery, a sport that has risen in popularity across the city. We sprinkled in some good recipes for dog treats and training tactics. And as we gear up for the start of a new school year, enjoy some new takes on peanut butter and jelly! Our small but mighty team is brainstorming new ways to tell Austin's story, and we welcome your feedback as you come along on this journey with us.
LISA OGLE, EDITOR @ATXCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Juan Martinez | juan.martinez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lisa Ogle | lisa.ogle@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Alyssa Cohee, Ramona CruzPeters, Katie Currid, Lisa Moyer, Lisa Ogle
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Paul Bardagjy, Aradhya Bharti, Weston Carls, Katie Currid, Faustinus Deraet, Janie Jones, James Slade, Patrick Wong
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Window and Door Replacement Professionals
Replacing your windows has never been easier. At Window World Austin we’re proud to offer energy efficient solutions with exceptional customer service you can rely on.
AUGUST 2024
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Austin members of Inspire Soccer Club participate in the MadCup International Showcase in Madrid, Spain. 2: Members of The Agency Austin participate in a charity teambuilding event with Build Back Home. 3: Austin-based business professionals unleash their inner rock stars at the annual HAAM Corporate Battle of the Bands. 4: The Agency’s Mauricio Umansky and Austin real estate leaders preview Tarrytown's 2712 Maria Anna, designed by Jerry Hooker. 5: Sign Bar in East Austin celebrates its 1-year anniversary. 6: Volunteers packaged 3,200 lbs of produce in conjunction with the Andy Roddick Foundation, promoting students' nutritional education. 7: Members of HIT Athletic celebrate four years of community fitness at their anniversary party.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
ZACK FOGELMAN
business monthly
Center for Healing and Regenerative Medicine (CHARM) turns 13!
Celebrating 13 years of pioneering healthcare, the Center for Healing and Regenerative Medicine marks a milestone this month. With a legacy of transformative therapies and compassionate care, CHARM has been at the forefront of regenerative medicine. Join us in commemorating this journey of healing and innovation at charmaustin.com.
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FVF Law Achieves Top Verdict Rankings for Multiple Settlements
FVF Law has once again had multiple settlements ranked in Top Verdict’s list of the top 100 personal injury settlements obtained in Texas. They truly are changing the perception of personal injury in Austin. These recognitions are a testament to the fierce advocacy and relentless dedication of their incredible team. Kelly Gray (#20, #38, #40, #89) Alvaro Silverio (#62, #89, #99) David Schupp (#58) and Hope Guardia-Montaño (#83).
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The Recovery Lab and Cryo introduces 'El Barril' at-home cold plunge
The Recovery Lab and Cryo announces their at-home cold plunge, "El Barril," available now. With the portability of an inflatable tub and the durability of stainless steel, achieve invigorating cold refreshment for your body and mind in the comfort of your own home. For more information, visit therecoverylabandcryo.com
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Choose your own adventure at Uptown Sports Club
THE TEXAS BRASSERIE IN A 150-YEAROLD BUILDING SHOULD BE YOUR NEW NEIGHBORHOOD SPOT
ARTICLE BY RAMONA CRUZ-PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY WESTON CARLS AND FAUSTINUS DERAET
Sitting in the 150-year-old building at the corner of Waller and East 6th… it could be a Monday afternoon. A Sunday brunch. A stop for a good cocktail before catching a show at Mohawk. Or a comfort food fix. Whatever’s in front of you, be it solid or liquid, is drool-inducing deliciousness.
This is what happens when James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Aaron Franklin and music venue owner and marketing agency founder James Moody merge their talents and passions and preserve a historic building. The process of developing the restaurant and bar evolved as organically as Austin itself. After both had been eyeing the space for years, dreaming of the best way to bring it new life, the two teamed up to make something happen. The concept clicked over a couple of beers as the two sat on lawn chairs in the empty space between the original brick walls.
“We wanted the building to tell us what to do,” said Franklin, reflecting on Uptown’s beginnings. According to Moody, the feeling of nostalgia was a strong influence: “We both like nostalgia. This restaurant has a lot of that.” “Austin’s changing so fast,” Aaron adds. “Everybody's so quick to tear down and build new. The whole point of this project was to save an old building.”
As the ideas unfolded, maintaining vibes was a constant priority. The soul of what the business would become was even more important to the product than the food and drink itself (though with culinary mastermind Franklin behind it along with his vast network of local collaborators, the food
and drink also proved to be top notch). That soul is that of your neighborhood spot; a place you can go any time of day (whether it’s brunch, a pre-show cocktail, or a place to spend a late night out), feeling any kind of way.
“I want people to come in here and feel at home, feel comfortable. If you want to read the newspaper and eat some steak and eggs, that's great. If you want to have a couple of drinks and make new friends, that's awesome, too. It should be kind of a choose your own adventure” says Franklin. “At the end of the day, I think there's a feeling of feeling at home, feeling warm.”
Comfy, vibes; check. But what about the food and drink? Again, Franklin and Moody drew the inspiration for the menu from the building itself. The New Orleans and Parisian-inspired architecture and the former lives of the businesses on-site led to the current iteration of Uptown Sports Club as a Texas Brasserie serving up Southern comfort food. Pulling from New Orleans and Creole cuisine with a Texas twist, with a dose of Midwest supper club, Franklin and Moody found a way to bring this all together cohesively without the limitations of a single, classic cuisine style.
For Franklin, this has not only been a fun, creative endeavor where the menu can evolve over time (he compares it to the changing eras of a great band), it has also been a full circle experience. Before being known for smoking meat, Franklin first got into cooking from his family in Southern Louisiana, making etouffees, roux, and gumbos (his “liquid brisket”). After sitting in it in those lawn chairs, they felt the building would agree: “we just thought the building would have this food.”
As for what to order, just like at home, eat whatever you’re feeling in the moment. You can’t go wrong. The burger is a fan favorite (how could you not explicitly trust a beef burger from Austin’s barbecue king?), and the po’boys are delicious. If you’re craving oysters and seafood, Uptown’s Raw Bar selection is making a case for some of the best in Austin. The gumbo’s sausage has that signature smoky
CONTINUED >
“Austin’s changing so fast. Everybody's so quick to tear down and build new. The whole point of this project was to save an old building.”
“I want people to come in here and feel at home, feel comfortable. If you want to read the newspaper and eat some steak and eggs, that's great. If you want to have a couple of drinks and make new friends, that's awesome, too.”
taste you might recognize from that barbecue joint on 11th Street. Speaking of meat, Steak Tartare is a must-order. For drinks, you have everything from craft espresso drinks to craft cocktails, and all your classics in between.
Next up in Uptown Sports Club’s evolution: stay tuned for Sunday Supper Clubs serving “nostalgic steakhouse” fare (with that Aaron Franklin level of quality). Think: prime rib carts, scalloped potatoes, and all the whiskies. Moody advises to make your reservations early, as they are expected to sell out.
The ‘come as you are’ vibe, the creative culinary variety, and the menu choices for any mood or phase of your day, Uptown Sports Club feels like Austin; but not on purpose. While Franklin and Moody wanted the focus to be on the feel, “it just happened naturally,” said Franklin. “The classic Austin feel is about attitude and vibes.” They did a great job setting the table to allow the customers to take it from there. “If you have a comfy place to hang out, the people will finish the rest of it.”
Redefining the Austin skyline
ARTICLE BY LISA OGLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARADHYA BHARTI
ATX City Lifestyle recently sat down with Ellen Beaman, CEO of Austin-founded and Hispanicowned CasaBella Architects, and Judy Roessner, president of Austinfounded and women-owned Sixthriver Architects, to discuss trends and what defines architecture in Texas’ capital. Beaman has a background in agriculture. Roessner is passionate about sustainable design and adaptive reuse. Here is an abbreviated, edited version of the conversation. For the full interview, visit our Instagram profile page.
LOCAL ARCHITECTS MUSE ABOUT CREATIVE DESIGN AND GOING BEYOND SUSTAINABILITY
Judy Roessner (L), president of Sixthriver Architects, and Ellen Beaman (R), CEO of CasaBella Architects
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT AUSTIN ARCHITECTURE,
IT’S HARD TO DEFINE BECAUSE IT DEPENDS ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND ITS HISTORY. AUSTIN HAS SUCH A RICH HISTORY.
ATX City Lifestyle: What's your favorite building of those you and your company designed in Austin?
Roessner : My favorite building is the one we just built downtown, 1300 East Fifth Street. It has these angled balconies and really tries to express its location on the rail line. The ground floor feels very activated with lots of glass and angled columns. It just embodies the Austin vibe.
Beaman: My favorite building that Casa Bella designed is the (Emma S. Barrientos) Mexican American Cultural Center. It’s beautiful and iconic, placed on a large green area. The outdoor spaces highlight the design features of the building itself.
ATX: Yes! That building, in the Rainey Street Historical District, is currently closed for expansion. And your favorite building in Austin that you didn’t design?
Roessner : I’m fond of the Sail building (on West Second Street), designed by César Pelli. It’s exciting that Austin has one of his buildings. The interesting thing about the Austin market is we have a lot of creative office spaces you wouldn’t see in other cities, especially like Dallas or Houston. It’s a more artsy community, and there’s a standard of flair in what we do.
Beaman: I love that. My favorite is the Texas State Capitol, (with its) intricate wood and stone details. Hand-crafted elements bring a different energy and aesthetic.
ATX: How important are green spaces and sustainability in Austin's architecture?
Beaman: Austin has always been at the forefront of sustainability. We have more green spaces than most major cities in North America. The city adopted LEED as a requirement for buildings, but now we’re seeing that we can go beyond that.
Roessner :Bill Reid, one of the founders of LEED, found that traditional sustainability had very little impact on the environment. He came up with regenerative design, which challenges us to think differently. Nature is infinite and constantly
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
1300 East Fifth Street "embodies the Austin vibe," Sixthriver Architects' Judy Roessner said. (Patrick Wong)
Ellen Beaman and Judy Roessner
CASABELLA ARCHITECTS AND SIXTHRIVER ARCHITECTS
Born from an unexpected bond, Judy and Ellen's friendship blossomed over shared ambitions amidst contrasting career paths—Ellen, initially rooted in agriculture, and Judy, a latecomer to architecture at 38. United by a fervor for empowering women, environmental stewardship, and social justice, they now merge their voices to shape Austin's skyline. Their collaborative efforts advocate for sustainable design that honors the city's heritage, fostering a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition. Their journey underscores the transformative power of unity in business, echoing through their joint stewardship of their respective family architecture firms. As torchbearers for progressive ideals, they champion inclusivity and community-centric values, forging a path where purpose meets passion, leaving an indelible mark on Austin's architectural landscape.
evolving. We need to think like nature to heal it, looking at higher potential for projects beyond just the building itself. There are many initiatives and community outreach opportunities if we think differently. You and I are looking at doing net-zero regenerative project together right now!
Beaman: Yes, and I'm very excited about that.
Roessner : When we talk about Austin architecture, it’s hard to define because it depends on the neighborhood and its history. Austin has such a rich history. For example, East Austin has a difficult history, but we can’t forget it. You may not know this about me, but one of my greatest loves is abandoned buildings. Some of my earliest childhood memories are trudging through old abandoned houses with my dad. That’s where my love of places that told a story comes from.
ATX: Can you share examples of your award-winning designs?
Roessner : One is Nix Patterson that won an IIDA award and Canva that won a best in construction award. One location has a full chef on staff and in-house happy hours. Companies are really going all out to create a culture of togetherness and collaboration.
ATX: What excites you about the future growth and development in Austin?
Roessner : I want more affordable housing for everyone. It’s still very expensive to live here. Architects and developers need to understand the different programs and avenues available to create housing for a wide range of people. Bringing back some older programs to speed up site development could help. While I love beautiful buildings, I also want people to feel great and healthy in their workspaces. We do a lot of that on our interior side, which is a passion of mine.
ATX: As women leaders in architecture, what motivates you?
Roessner : I have a huge passion for being a woman in architecture. There are so few women-owned firms, especially in Austin. We’re a women-run and women-owned firm, creating a role model for the future. It’s not about men being better or women being better, but about the balance and philosophy we bring. We focus on mentorship, creating a safe space where people feel valued. In school and my early years, it was very male-dominated, and nothing was good enough. This experience made me want to be a business owner sensitive to how we speak to people and build on their strengths. Seeing people flourish in our company is one of the most fulfilling experiences.
Beaman: I agree. Women bring a different perspective, valuing collaboration over competition. Partnership is the new leadership.
Ellen Beaman (L), CEO of CasaBella Architects, and Judy Roessner (R), President of Sixthriver Architects
DOG gone GOOD
Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half
• 3 cups oatmeal
Directions:
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).
ARCHERY HITS A BULLSEYE IN AUSTIN SCHOOLS
See how a new trend is gaining popularity
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA COHEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES SLADE
Size is irrelevant as a 4-foot-6-inch sixth grader at Lamar Middle School draws back her bow and aims at leading her team to victory. In May, a coed group of 12 middle schoolers scored a win for their school and our city at the National Archery in Schools Program National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah. The sport is gaining in popularity. Several other area schools — McCallum High School, Kealing Middle School, Ann Richards School for Young Women, and the
Members of Lamar Middle School, Highland Park Elementary and Magellan International School proudly display their targets after a successful practice
Focused young archers draw their bows in unison during a practice session, demonstrating skill and concentration
Liberal Arts and Science Academy, just to name a few — have shown increasing enrollment numbers, according to naspschools.org “Archery is fun, and anyone determined enough to keep at it can succeed. There’s a huge drive for it,” said Kristian House of Bat City Archery, a nonprofit organization that helps schools develop their archery programs. “Kids find it, and it is eclectic, and it is individual but also very much a team sport. They are a part of something.” Archery accommodates different body types, abilities and skill levels, said Jim DeLine, head archery coach at Lamar. It’s inclusive and gives participants the chance to be successful regardless of their size.
archery fun facts
• It is believed that bows and arrows have been used for at least 25,000 years, based upon the discovery of arrowheads in Africa.
• Archery is considered to be one of the oldest sports in the world.
• Archery has been an Olympic sport almost from the beginning. Its debut in the summer Olympics occurred in 1900. In 1924 it was discontinued and it was reintroduced in 1972.
• In 1457 King James II banned golf in Scotland because he believed men were wasting time playing golf when they should have been practicing their archery skills.
• Arrows can travel up to 200 mph — the average recurve arrow travels at about 150 mph and the average compound arrow travels at around 200 mph!
Members of the Highland Park Elementary archery team celebrate national championships in the 3D and Bullseye events in Salt Lake City
Archer Evan Kim shows off his bullseyes
“I found myself feeling more confident and more ready to do a bunch of stuff, stuff that I didn’t do before,” said Madeline Forbes, an incoming seventh-grade archer at Lamar.
During the school year, students develop the strength, coordination and focus required in archery, House said. Whether they are holding their bow or not, the mental discipline of archery instills patience, concentration and self-control.
Archery “makes the kids feel safe like they can do something,” he said. “They are empowered.”
DeLine agrees: “It is the most eclectic sport out there. So, if you're a kid and want to be a part of the team, there's always a place for anybody.”
Coach Jim DeLine gives advice to aspiring archers.
-Whole Body Electric Cryotherapy-Localized Nitrogen Cryo- Air Compression Therapy-Thermal Compression-Infrared Sauna-Red Light Therapy-
Our goal is to be able to help your health and body well-being, however our therapies have an impact on aesthetic and sports benefits but also improve your life quality.
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES | STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
DOG
SOCIALIZING
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
FAMILY
FUN
Before school starts, 6 kid- or pet-friendly activities in Austin
ARTICLE BY LISA OGLE
Looking for an afterschool program or last-minute summer camp? Children get hands-on exposure to science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) at Idea Lab Kids. STEAM activities such as robotics and 3D printing boost critical thinking and creativity, preparing children for a techdriven future and fostering problem-solving and innovation. idealabkids.com
Entrepreneurial Education
Whether you need doggy daycare or boarding, BHV Austin (Too) will take very good care of your rockstar dog. Offering premium amenities, such as luxury suites and 24-hour security, the locally and women-owned business has been serving the community for 20 years. bhvaustin.com
VentureLab is a nonprofit organization on a mission to create the next generation of diverse innovators and changemakers through entrepreneurship education. Headquartered in ATX, VentureLab works to empower all youth, particularly girls and historically marginalized youth, with entrepreneurial and STEM skills, combining hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving to prepare students for careers of the future. Check them out at www.venturelab.or g
1. CULTIVATE A LOVE OF SCIENCE
2. YOUR DOG'S OTHER HOME
3. ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION FOR KIDS!
5. EXCITING NEWS FROM 2 HOUR LEARNING!
2 Hour Learning is thrilled to announce the launch of their new specialized academies: an Esports Academy, a Sports Academy, and a GT School. These programs are designed to harness students' passions and talents, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth. Discover more at 2hourlearning. com/schools
4. EMPOWER YOUR CHILD WITH CULINARY SKILLS
Looking for a fun and educational afterschool program or summer camp? Little Kitchen Academy provides kids with hands-on culinary lessons. They gain cooking skills, learn about nutrition, and practice kitchen safety. Their engaging sessions promote creativity and confidence, inspiring a passion for healthy eating. Sign up today! littlekitchenacademy.com
6. CHANGING THE WAY KIDS PLAY & GROW
KidStrong is Athletic Play — a new kind of activity for kids ages 1-11 that builds confidence, character and family connection through science-based fitness games led by expert coaches. Everything they do is based on the Whole Child Philosophy. They know that when you focus on the whole child, you give kids the foundation they need to become well-rounded, confident kids. That’s why their Athletic Play focuses on three pillarscharacter, physical and brain development.
• Dementia/Alzheimer's Trained Staff
• On-Site Nurse
• Dietitian Approved Meals & Snacks
•Full & Half Day options
•VA & Medicaid Accepted
• Possible LTC
Resembling a classic mid-century small town, Town Square® adult day is a reliable and affordable place for seniors to spend the day with purposeful programming. We offer a comprehensive selection of crucial care ser vi ces, including personal grooming, therapy, exercise, therapeutic activities, and socialization-all in one convenient, and familiar place.
Summertime is busy time, and that often means eating on the go. Whether you’re at constant baseball games or meeting up for a regular play date, you’re probably bringing food along with you to feed your crew. And there’s no meal that’s as on-the-go friendly as the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
And don’t get me wrong — I love a PB&J. But months of eating anything can get a little old, and this summer, I started to wonder if there was a way to zhuzh up the ol’ standby.
I was actually inspired by a sandwich at one of my favorite places to eat. All the restaurant’s sandwiches feature cheese. So color me surprised when I found that they had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the menu — with the addition of sheep’s cheese. And cue more surprise when I discovered that it was absolutely delicious.
IT’S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME
CHANGE UP YOUR PB&J GAME BY DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO ENJOY THE OL’ STANDBY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID
All summer, I was craving this sandwich, a fresh PB&J sandwich on sourdough. I decided to try my own at home with what I had on hand, which was goat cheese. And it opened up a whole new world for me.
The PB&J with goat cheese started being my standard poolside sandwich this summer, and then I started talking to other people about it, spreading the gospel of the PB&J with cheese, and they would share their PB&J innovations with me. You could toast them! Put chips on them! Add bacon! The possibilities were endless.
The PB&J is so nostalgic and, yeah, sometimes, you just want a really basic one on white bread with grape jelly and creamy Jif like you had when you were a kid. But it’s also fun to be playful about it, which is nostalgic in its own way, too — being innovative and doing something a little weird or against the rules, just like when you were a kid.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO CHANGE UP YOUR PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH:
Change up your bread: One easy way to liven up your sandwich is to use different bread. That sourdough you may have learned to make during the pandemic is a perfect bread to use, or you could opt for milk bread, a Japanese option that is fluffier and sweeter than white bread.
Get nutty: While most toddlers would balk at crunchy peanut butter, you’re an adult! You can try new things! If you don’t have the crunchy type on hand, you can also just add peanuts between your layers of peanut butter and jelly to get that crunchy fix.
Toast it: One of my favorite ways to make an “elevated” PB&J is to simply toast it. It’s really similar to grilled cheese — make your PB&J, and then spread some butter on the outside on both sides. Melt some butter in a pan and add your sandwich, flipping once browned. If you want to get really fancy, sprinkle some powdered sugar on before you cut into it. I promise it will be your new late-night craving.
Fresh fruit: This is probably the simplest way to up your PB&J game, since technically, you’ve already got fruit on your sandwich in the form of jelly. Try adding some smashed raspberries or cut strawberries to yours next time you make one!
Say cheese: As I said earlier, you’ve gotta try cheese on your PB&J. I’m a fan of goat cheese, specifically the honey variety, but plain versions or those with dried fruit are great, too. The trick is to set it out for 15-20 minutes before making your sandwich to soften it a bit, so it’s easier to spread on delicate bread.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 9TH
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experiences
305 S Congress Ave | 10:00 AM
Experience Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet in Austin through immersive multimedia showcases. Witness Van Gogh’s "The Starry Night" and Monet’s "Water Lilies" projected on expansive walls, allowing you to step into their masterpieces. Discover their histories and emotions with vibrant visuals and symphonic scores, making this a unique, family-friendly event that captivates the senses.
AUGUST 11TH
The Roosevelt Room's Master Class Series - Home Bartending 201
The Roosevelt Room, 307 W 5th Street Austin, TX 78701 | 12:00 PM
Master cocktail crafting in this two-hour bartending course. Learn advanced techniques, tools, and recipes from The Roosevelt Room's skilled bar staff. Enjoy three cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while exploring the history behind each drink. The course runs from 12pm to 2:30pm, followed by a Sunday Happy Hour at 3pm. Must be 21+ to attend.
AUGUST 22ND
Ladies Football Clinic - Featuring Derrick Johnson and Norman Watkins
Cover 3 - 2700 W Anderson Ln. #202 | 6:00 PM
COVER 3 is bringing back its Ladies' Football Clinic! Their Ladies' Football Clinic offers women of all ages a unique opportunity to learn more about the sport from former Longhorn linebackers Derrick Johnson and Norman Watkins. Upon arrival, attendees will enjoy two complimentary cocktails and light bites. Ticket sales are limited and must be purchased in advance. Visit https://cover-3.com/ for more information.
Experience another thrilling double header with all four Texas Rollergirls' home teams on Saturday, August 17th at Austin Sports Center. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Tickets: $22 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for kids under 5. Enjoy two action-packed games and an unforgettable night for fans of all ages!
AUGUST 25TH
Austin Pets Alive Paddle for Puppies presented by Austin Subaru
Rowing Dock | 6:45 AM
Paddle for Puppies is an annual fundraiser benefiting Austin Pets Alive! Participants paddle down Lady Bird Lake in kayaks, canoes, or SUPs. Proceeds support the Parvo ICU Program, saving hundreds of puppies each year. Join us for a morning on the lake to make a difference! Registration opens at 6:45 AM and Paddle Time is 8:00 AM. Visit paddleforpuppies.com for more information
AUGUST 25TH
Professional Bull Riding Teams: Gambler Days
Moody Center | 1:45 PM
Experience the intense excitement of team bull riding with PBR. Enjoy two hours of heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat competition featuring pyro, music, and the world's best riders and bulls. This high-energy, family-friendly event delivers the most thrilling bull riding action and unforgettable entertainment.
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FVF Law is a different kind of personal injury firm. As a values-driven practice, we focus on educating our clients and prioritizing their needs. Our advocacy extends beyond legal representation; we aim to reshape the landscape of injury law We believe that consulting a lawyer after an injury is a natural and responsible thing to do.
