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and your dream home. For nearly 20 years, Build Native has been at the forefront of sustainable homebuilding in Austin, seamlessly blending luxury with eco-friendly design. We specialize in combining green building techniques with renewable systems like solar panels and rainwater collection, ensuring our homes align with your lifestyle and values.
• New Builds
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This issue is dedicated to the strength, resilience and innovation of women, from Austin's iconic businesses to groundbreaking initiatives that are transforming lives.
We kick off with an inspiring Q&A featuring five women executives leading different organizations. Their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for change offer a powerful look into the leadership shaping our community. Their stories remind us of the incredible impact women continue to have on the world, proving that when women lead, amazing things happen.
We then turn our attention to The Herb Bar, Austin's oldest apothecary, which has been woman-owned since its inception. This small shop continues to offer natural remedies and holistic treatments, drawing a devoted following for its commitment to health and wellness.
Next, we delve into the remarkable work of the Center for Healing and Regenerative Medicine. Their innovative treatments for women suffering from painful postpartum issues provide hope and relief to so many.
Also featured are the Austin Valkyries, a women's rugby team whose grit, determination and camaraderie exemplify the spirit of teamwork. Their story is a testament to the strength and perseverance of women in sports.
Finally, we celebrate the arrival of spring with a selection of delicious recipes from Con' Olio Oils & Vinegars. This woman-owned boutique brings out the best in seasonal ingredients. These recipes are sure to add flavor and freshness to your table, just as the women in our stories have added richness and vitality to our community.
Here’s to the ladies—today and every day. Their courage, creativity and contributions inspire us all.
JULIE ROYCE, EDITOR
@ATXCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Royce | julie.royce@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Felicia Lillard-Humphrey felicia.lillardhumphrey@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Natalie Grigson, Kristin Finan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stacy Berg, Weston Carls, Natalie Grigson, Kyle Gage
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
1: Natalie Pollan speaks at the ribbon cutting of the new Austin Visitor Center. 2: House Wine hosts an intimate show during SXSW at their new S 1st Street Location. 3: Wynonna performs at the 2025 Imagine Muny Gala and Auction at the Moody Theater. 4: AISD Superintendent Mathis Segura and representatives from Campbell Elementary and ACC attend Role Model Day at the school. 5: Austinites celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a weekend of activities on Rock Rose in the Domain. 6: Musicians John Pointer and Ginger Leigh perform at a private party for HAAM's 20th year fundraiser. 7: Chili's at 45th and Lamar. IYKYK.
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Join Keep Austin Beautiful in celebrating 40 years of empowering Austinites to clean, green and beautify our city! Take the Love ATX Pledge and commit simple actions like reducing waste, recycling and protecting our natural spaces. Through volunteer cleanups, youth education and community beautification projects, Keep Austin Beautiful ensures a greener, healthier future for all. Get involved today and show your love for Austin! Learn more at KeepAustinBeautifl.org/Love-ATX
Burnet GoTo is turning 3! This locally owned neighborhood gem has become a go-to spot for craft beer, fine wines, tasty snacks—and enjoying soccer matches from around the world. Whether you're popping in for a pint, stocking up on package beer/wine to go or settling in to watch the beautiful game, Burnet GoTo delivers good vibes and great finds. Stop by and help celebrate three years of keeping it local in Austin!
Town Square NW Austin invites the community to a free support group on Thursday, May 29 from 9:30–11AM: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body – Tips from the Latest Research , presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn how lifestyle choices support healthy aging. Located at 13450 Research Blvd., Unit 106. RSVP to Wisdom Edioma at 512-375-4328.
Town Square also hosts a free Caregiver Support Group the last Thursday of each month from 9:30–11AM.
What if one conversation could protect your family for the next 50 years?
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Austin resident Sarah Rodts was over the moon to bring a healthy baby into the world. However, no one had warned her about how excruciating the pain from her difficult cesarean section would be.
For many women, postpartum recovery is an area that often lacks sufficient medical attention. She began researching options and discovered The Center for Healing and Regenerative Medicine in West Austin.
“When I arrived for my first PT appointment, I couldn’t even stand up straight. The pain was excruciating. But over the following weeks, my therapist helped me regain strength in my core, working within my pain levels. And let me tell you, it worked,” she said.
Carrie Kass, executive director of CHARM Austin, emphasizes that the clinic’s approach is deeply rooted in a patient-centered philosophy.
“We’re not just treating symptoms — we’re treating people. Each patient who walks through our doors gets a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs,” Kass said. “Our team is highly trained in regenerative and rehabilitative medicine, and we focus on using innovative therapies to help people regain function and eliminate pain.”
Rodts explained that therapies like Redcord suspension training and the Neufit Neubie direct current system allowed her to re-engage her muscles in a way she hadn’t been able to since giving birth.
“I started feeling like my old self again — some days, even better than before pregnancy.”
While postpartum physical therapy is a focus at CHARM, many of the techniques used, such as dry needling, manual therapy and myofascial release, are just as beneficial for men recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic pain, Kass said.
For those struggling with chronic pain, postpartum recovery or musculoskeletal issues, CHARM Austin offers a specialized approach to healing. While the CONTINUED >
clinic provides services for both men and women, its comprehensive physical therapy program has been “particularly life-changing for women facing postpartum challenges, muscle issues in the lower abdomen and complex muscle and bone problems,” Kass said.
“Our goal is always functional restoration. Whether it’s an athlete who suffered a knee injury, a man recovering from back surgery, or a new mom experiencing diastasis recti (abdominal separation), we apply the same high level of expertise and care,” she said.
One of the clinic’s most cutting-edge treatments is Microcurrent Point Stimulation, which has been particularly effective for C-section scar therapy and chronic pain for many of their clients.
a variety of rehabilitative techniques to treat the condition.
“Pelvic floor therapy is not just for postpartum women. Many men experience pelvic floor issues due to surgery, sports injuries or chronic conditions,” Kass said. “Our therapists are trained to address these concerns in a way that restores normal function and significantly improves quality of life.”
“I can stand up without that tight, pulling sensation. It’s painless, and the results are instant.”
“Immediately after an MPS session, I can feel and see that my scar has released,” Rodts said.
The treatment is also widely used for soft tissue injuries, fibromyalgia and nerve-related pain, Kass said.
“This technology stimulates the nervous system in a way that helps break up scar tissue and rewire pain responses,” she said.
Pelvic floor dysfunction (a group of disorders that affect the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs) can affect both men and women. CHARM employs
The clinic’s holistic approach extends beyond physical therapy. CHARM integrates regenerative medicine treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma therapy and stem cell injections, which help accelerate healing for joint and tendon injuries. Additionally, Kass emphasized the importance of education and empowerment in the healing process.
“We want patients to understand their bodies and take an active role in their recovery,” she said. “Whether it’s through guided movement therapy, neuromuscular re-education or strength training, we’re equipping people with the tools they need to maintain their progress long-term.”
For women navigating postpartum recovery, CHARM offers a beacon of hope.
“Don’t listen to people who say your body will never feel the same after pregnancy,” Rodts said. “With the right care, you can feel even better than before.”
• Dementia/Alzheimer's Trained Staff
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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.
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY BERG
In Ruth Bader Ginsburg's infamous words, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you,” these five Austin women have taken heed and are fighting for the things they care about.
Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Jacquie Benestante, Hailey Easley, Elizabeth Kahura and Lily Trieu share what drives them to be passionate about their mission and how they’re making changes in Austin and beyond.
HAILEY EASLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUSTIN ASIAN COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE
ATX City Lifestyle: What inspired you to lead AACHI and how does your personal background influence your commitment to improving the health and well-being of Asians in Central Texas?
Easley: As a second-generation Korean Mexican American, I saw my mother face barriers in nearly every part of life — from healthcare to simple day-to-day interactions — because the systems around her weren’t built for people who spoke foreign languages. Even
when help was available, navigating these systems was exhausting and isolating. Leading AACHI allows me to channel those personal experiences into meaningful change, working to ensure others don’t have to face the same obstacles just to access essential care and services.
ATX City Lifestyle: Could you provide an overview of AACHI's key programs and discuss their impact on the community?
Easley: AACHI’s Community Health Navigation Program helps people access healthcare and essential resources that are out of reach due to language, cultural or logistical barriers. Our certified, bilingual Community Health Workers guide clients through complicated processes like applying for Medicaid or SNAP, securing transportation and connecting with housing and food assistance. Our annual AAPI Health Fair is another vital touchpoint, offering free screenings, vaccinations and health education in multiple languages to community members who may not have other opportunities for preventive care.
ATX City Lifestyle: How does AACHI collaborate with local partners to address the health challenges faced by the Asian community in Central Texas?
Easley: AACHI builds strong partnerships to make healthcare and essential services more accessible for people often overlooked by traditional systems. We work with Austin Public Health, Central Health and community organizations to connect people with healthcare, food, housing
HAVE TO FACE THE SAME OBSTACLES.
and other resources that support overall well-being. Whether it’s multilingual vaccine outreach or translating emergency information during winter storm Uri, these collaborations help ensure that everyone — regardless of language or background — can access the support they need.
ATX City Lifestyle: What future initiatives or goals does AACHI have to support and advocate for the Asian community's health needs in the region?
Easley: We’re working to expand language access by adding more community health navigators and ensuring we can serve newer immigrant populations, including recent Afghan refugees. As rising costs push families out of Austin, we’re also looking to extend services into surrounding counties with fewer healthcare resources. But true equity takes more than direct services — it requires systemic change. That’s why we’re just as committed to advocating for policies that break down barriers to care so that healthcare isn’t a privilege for a few but a basic right for everyone.
LILY TRIEU, CO-FOUNDER AND CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASIAN TEXANS FOR JUSTICE
ATX City Lifestyle: What motivated you to co-found Asian Texans for Justice and how did your personal background influence this decision?
Trieu: Asian Texans for Justice was founded by a group of Asian American organizers and advocates who fiercely believe that AAPIs are an integral part of what it means to be American and deserve a seat at the decision-making table. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, too many people, like my parents, feel like they don't belong here. Our work is motivated by the vision that one day, all people in Texas can feel bold in their belonging.
ATX City Lifestyle: Can you share some of the key initiatives that Asian Texans for Justice has undertaken to empower the AAPI community in Texas?
Trieu: AAPIs are the fastest-growing racial group in central Texas and the country but we are also the most diverse, representing over 50 ethnicities and speaking over 100 languages. As a result, it can be really complicated to inform and engage AAPI voters in our democracy and we risk missing a critical voice in our elections and policy-making process. We've spent the last several years finding ways to provide culturally competent and language-accessible information to our community, including an AAPI voter guide, in-language digital ads and a ballot builder tool where they can read about candidates and make their choices in a language they understand.
ATX City Lifestyle: How does your experience across public, private and nonprofit sectors enhance your approach to leading Asian Texans for Justice?
Trieu: Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work in corporate America, government and nonprofit organizations. Each experience has taught me new skills, developed my critical thinking and given me examples of how I want to lead. No sector is perfect and there are transferable skills and lessons from each. Exposure to all three has given me a chance to reflect on the type of leader I want to be.
ATX City Lifestyle: What challenges have you encountered in mobilizing Asian Texans for civic engagement and how have you addressed them?
Trieu: One of the most beautiful things about engaging AAPIs and Asian Texans is just how diverse our community is. We work with community members who are 3rd or 4th-generation Texans as well as those who have just arrived in the U.S. and become voters for the first time. That also means that our community isn’t a monolith. They practice different faiths, speak other languages, observe different traditions and have different opinions on policy. Our job is to make sure that we honor our commonalities but also celebrate our differences.
ELIZABETH KAHURA, OWNER AND FOUNDER, AFRICAN SAFARI PROGRAMS
ATX City Lifestyle: In your performances, you emphasize the importance of cultural values and community interdependence. Could you share a specific story or experience from your childhood in Kenya that highlights these themes?
Kahura: I grew up in a village setting. I enjoyed the beauty and warmth of a family tree surrounded by my parents, siblings and extended family. We share the same cultural values, such as respect for elders, family loyalty and hard work. There was never a dull moment; we farmed, cooked, cleaned and celebrated together. My dream was to be a performer and an educator. I admired family members who held these professions. They not only shared their wisdom but also took me under their wing and taught me. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
ATX City Lifestyle: Your program, "A Day in Africa," introduces audiences to various aspects of African culture. How do you select the specific elements to include in each performance and what impact do you hope they have on your audience?
Kahura: “A Day in Africa" is one of my favorite programs. It allows the audience to experience the "feeling of Africa" by playing authentic African instruments while learning how rhythm and dance bring communities together. The audience learns about cultural traits like languages, clothing, religions, social etiquette and various foods through performance art and props. Storytelling allows audiences to visualize Africa's geographical and historical features, as well as the people and
their cultural behaviors. My main goal is to show how African cultures share similar human behaviors and morals with other cultures worldwide. By understanding that we have more in common, we become inspired, more tolerant and valuable global citizens.
ATX City Lifestyle: Having lived in the United States since 1995, how have you seen perceptions of African culture evolve among American audiences and how has your program adapted to these changes over the years?
Kahura: I have witnessed a great desire among American audiences to learn about African culture. By continuing to educate and present the "true meaning of Africa" through the various programs I offer, audiences are inspired and can evaluate misconceptions about Africa. Over the years, my programs have become adaptable to school curriculums and served as enrichment resources in public libraries, workshops and festivals.
Jacquie Benestante of Autism Society of Texas
ATX City Lifestyle: As a recipient of the 2017 'Mashujaa' (heroes) award from Kenyans in Austin, how has this recognition influenced your work and what future projects or goals do you have for the African Safari Program?
Kahura: Receiving the “Mashujaa” award was a great honor and achievement. This recognition encouraged me to continue inspiring, educating, and entertaining while spreading kindness and self-empowerment. My future goals are to write more books about Africa, develop African knowledge curricula for learning institutions and have a streaming program.
ATX City Lifestyle: What is the primary work of the Autism Society of Texas?
Benestante: The Autism Society of Texas has been serving the entire state since 2017, though it began in Austin in 1990. This year marks our 35th anniversary. We support over 100 counties annually through our free Navigating Autism program, offering guidance on all things autism-related, including diagnosis, therapy, special education and services for children and adults. We also facilitate over 20 free support groups across the state for parents, caregivers and autistic individuals. We offer all of our free support services in Spanish as well! In addition to direct support, we focus on advocacy and public policy to improve the lives of those affected by autism.
ATX City Lifestyle: What inspired your transition from a career in clothing design to becoming an advocate for the autism community and how have your past experiences influenced your current role?
Benestante: My transition to autism advocacy was driven by family. After having a child, I realized that a career in fashion wasn’t compatible with the time I wanted to spend with him. In 2006, I became involved in autism policy advocacy, particularly around autism insurance reforms, as many plans limited essential therapies like speech and occupational therapy and didn’t include behavior therapy at all. I also took action when Austin ISD proposed closing several elementary schools back in 2011, including my son's. These experiences fueled my ongoing commitment to public education, special education and everyone's access to therapy and healthcare.
ATX City Lifestyle: Having served on the Autism Society of America’s Public Policy Advocacy Committee since its inception, what significant policy changes have you witnessed and what areas do you believe still require urgent attention?
Benestante: I’ve worked on the reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act, securing funding and authorization a few times. However, there's still much work to be done, especially in ensuring equitable access to services, improving school support, and addressing the needs of adults with autism who are in need of housing and employment options. At the state level, I’ve worked to get applied behavior analysis covered under Medicaid for nearly a decade. It was finally implemented in 2022, but we are still working to improve access to therapy in many areas of the state.
ATX City Lifestyle: Balancing roles in advocacy, events, programs and development requires diverse skills. How do you manage these responsibilities and what strategies have you found most effective in advancing the organization's mission?
Benestante: I love this job — there’s always something new! I balance my work by focusing on one task at a time when possible, but often, the issues overlap. For example, a conversation with a parent may reveal gaps in services that lead to new public policy initiatives. I’m fortunate to have a dedicated team, board and volunteers who help make our work possible. Together, we tackle everything from legislative advocacy to practical support for families.
DR. ELLEN JEFFERSON, PRESIDENT AND CEO, AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!
ATX City Lifestyle: What were the initial challenges you faced in transforming Austin into a no-kill city and how did you overcome them once you took over APA?
dying
SHELTERS ARE ALWAYS THE motivation FOR OUR WORK.
Jefferson: The initial challenges that we faced were immense. We started with no funding, no staff and no building and were able to slowly grow that through community support. We also faced a perception that saving all the lives was impossible and/or shouldn’t be tried. We were able to overcome that by just doing it and showing that not only was it possible to save the lives but they were incredibly worth it.
ATX City Lifestyle: Can you discuss some of the key programs you've implemented and their impact on animal welfare in Austin?
Jefferson: We take our mission statement very seriously. We have created programs to intervene in the deaths of every major type of cause. That has led to the creation of our parvo puppy program, neonatal kitten program, ringworm treatment program, injured and ill triage and treatment hospital and large dog foster and behavior program. We also help other shelters with very few resources across the state by mentoring, transporting animals outside of the state for them, supply drives and support when they have crises.
“FIGHT FOR THE THINGS THAT you care about, BUT DO IT IN A WAY THAT WILL lead others to join you.” -- RUTH BADER GINSBURG
ATX City Lifestyle: In 2012, you linked with San Antonio Pets Alive! to implement the no-kill programs that had proven successful in Austin. What motivated you to expand these efforts beyond Austin and what have been the outcomes?
Jefferson: The animals that are needlessly dying in shelters are always the motivation for our work. We know that they are stable, we know how to save them and we know they should be saved. We have supported several cities in their journey. Large cities must recognize the value of having a community that is humane for the pet part of the family. San Antonio is an excellent example of a city that wanted to do better and needed some help. We continue to try to find partnerships like that and are currently working with Hays County.
ATX City Lifestyle: As a groundbreaking animal welfare visionary, what advice would you give to individuals aspiring to lead in the animal welfare sector, particularly in creating and sustaining no-kill communities?
Jefferson: The best advice that I can give somebody is that they need to be aware that this industry is challenging – meaning that they will be hit with opposition from every single angle they can think of. Crises are inevitable when you’re working with life and death. Knowing that and assuming someone still wants to do it, I recommend that they surround themselves with people who understand what the endpoint is, which will help them stay on track. The last piece of advice is to share everything publicly because the more people know, the more people want to help.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE GRIGSON
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS MOVES TO CHERRYWOOD
“There’s no other place like this in Austin,” The Herb Bar regular Amy Golightly said. “When you come in, you feel at peace. You feel comforted. It’s all about a community that needs to be healed. And especially right now—we need it.”
The Herb Bar, a holistic haven cherished by its customers for nearly 40 years, is moving from its longtime South Austin location to a new home in the eastside neighborhood Cherrywood. The shop, which has been passed down from woman to woman since it first opened its doors in 1986, is set to reopen this month at 3200 Merrie Lynn Ave.
The new space, an old house with a large outdoor area, promises to continue offering the herbs, crystals, candles, and community-focused atmosphere that have made it a local institution.
The Herb Bar began as a simple herb shop with a small room in the back where then-owner Connie Moore grew and sold fresh herbs.
“When you come in, you feel at peace. You feel comforted. It’s all about a community that needs to be healed.”
“It's sort of like a little salad bar,” current owner Megen Mundy said. But under the ownership of Twila Willis, who took over several years later, the shop evolved into a holistic destination with a wide range of natural remedies, tarot decks, and spiritual tools.
Willis ran The Herb Bar for nearly 30 years, hiring Mundy when she was in her 20s and new to Austin and holistic therapy. At the time, Mundy never imagined she would one day take the reins of the business, but when the time came, the decision wasn’t easy.
“The Herb Bar is beloved by the community; it’s a staple,” Mundy said. “Last year, we won the Legacy Business Award from Preservation Austin.”
However, rising rent prices and an increasingly expensive cityscape made it impossible to stay in their longtime location.
“The city is changing,” Mundy said. “It’s a bittersweet thing for us, but I’ve come to the idea that The Herb Bar is a concept, not a building.”
The move is a fresh start, and Mundy is optimistic about the new location.
“We have a lot of room to create new memories and magic,” she shared.
The new space will include a large outdoor area for markets and classes, offering the same welcoming vibe that has drawn people in for decades.
Despite the move, loyal customers like Golightly are excited to continue supporting the shop in its new location.
“I’ll definitely travel to the new location,” Golightly said. “It’s just a special place that you can’t find anywhere else.”
Although the apothecary will soon reopen on the east side, Mundy is confident that its spirit will remain the same.
“The Herb Bar is not just a place; it’s a community,” she said.
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ARTICLE BY KRISTIN FINAN
Spectators who happen across a Saturday match of the Austin Valkyries are often surprised to learn that rugby –women’s rugby, to be exact – exists in the Texas capital city.
In truth, women’s rugby in Austin is nothing new. Founded in 1991, the Austin Valkyries is one of the longest-standing women’s rugby clubs in Texas.
“We usually get a mix of excitement, surprise and curiosity when people find out Austin has a women’s rugby club,” said Caitlin Curley, president of the Austin Valkyries. “Some people say, ‘I had no idea women’s rugby was a thing!’ while others are pumped to learn that a competitive, inclusive team like ours exists.”
Curley said the Valkyries, currently competing in USA Rugby’s Division 1, strive for high-level performance on the pitch. They compete in regional and national tournaments while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The club has developed a strong reputation for nurturing talent, with many players going on to represent regional and national teams. Recent accomplishments include earning a D1 Nationals silver medal, making it to the Final 4 and Elite 8 in postseason play seven times and winning back-to-backto-back D1 and D2 Conference Championships.
The traditional rugby season runs from September to April, with two weekly practices, matches and tournaments on Saturdays. From May to July, the team switches to rugby sevens, a faster, shorter version of the game played with seven players on the same pitch and seven-minute halves, Curley said.
The club is open to anyone over 18; for those under 18, the Huns Youth Rugby Club offers teams for both girls and boys, ages 4 through high school.
“Over the years, our alumni have been instrumental in growing rugby by starting clubs, coaching youth teams, launching youth programs, refereeing and generously contributing their time and resources,” Curley said. “Their contributions, along with the unwavering support from the Austin Huns Men’s Rugby Club, have been crucial to our success,”
As a club, the Valkyries have players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced athletes, and welcome players of all gender identities who want to compete in a supportive environment.
“We play hard, support each other and welcome everyone. Competing at a high level, we push ourselves to be the best while keeping the game fun and inclusive,” Curley said. “What makes us special? Our strong community, our commitment to growing the sport, and our love for the Austin rugby scene. We’re here to lift each other up on and off the pitch because rugby is for everyone, and so is this team.”
In the future, the club would like to expand further, potentially bringing in women’s collegiate teams and even youth girls' teams to take its Bat City 15s Rugby Tournament to the next level.
“For us, it’s about more than just the game. We’re committed to growing rugby in Austin, creating a space where everyone feels welcome, and living by our core values: inclusivity, accountability, commitment, and empowerment,” Curley said. “Rugby challenges us, teaches us, and brings us together. We learn from each other, from our losses and those hard-earned victories, on and off the pitch.”
To learn more, visit www.austinvalkyries.com.
“We play hard, support each other and welcome everyone. Competing at a high level, we push ourselves to be the best while keeping the game fun and inclusive.”
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Con O’lio Oil & Vinegars, a family-owned gem in Austin, is known for its expertise in offering top-tier extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. Founded in 2009 by Tabatha Conarkos and her late husband, the business has become a culinary destination for those seeking both quality and education in olive oils and vinegars.
With two locations in the Arboretum and Bee Caves, Con O’lio offers a hands-on tasting experience. Customers can explore flavor profiles and select products that best suit their personal culinary preferences.
“We’re committed to freshness and the quality of our products,” Conarkos said. “We source our oils from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres to ensure that our customers enjoy the freshest oils year-round.”
In addition to the exceptional products, Con O’lio offers engaging classes and events that deepen customers’ understanding of these versatile ingredients.
SPRINGTIME RECIPES FROM CON O'LIO OIL & VINEGARS
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
This spring, Con O’lio is kicking things up a notch with a collection of refreshing recipes that incorporate their products — perfect for brightening up your seasonal meals. From vibrant cocktails to fresh salads, these recipes allow you to embrace the season's best flavors while utilizing their premium ingredients.
“We have so many wonderful recipes that we make in our cooking classes and offer online,” she said. “They’re the perfect springtime addition to your meal or you can make them with the kids for Mother’s Day.”
This refreshing cucumbertini combines the crisp flavors of cucumber and the rich depth of balsamic vinegar for a unique, spring-inspired cocktail. The touch of their aged balsamic vinegar adds an unexpected sweetness that pairs perfectly with the refreshing cucumber. It’s a musttry for anyone looking to add an extra layer of flavor to their spring drinks.
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; we recommend Lemongrass Mint or Suyo Cucumber
• 2½ oz. (5 Tbsp.) dry gin (Hendricks or Botanist)
• ½ oz. (1 Tbsp.) blanc vermouth
• 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice
• Sliced Cucumber
• Optional mint
Mix the martini: Add the gin, vermouth, lemon juice, and balsamic to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a martini glass or coupe and garnish with as many cucumbers and mint as you like. Serve immediately. Makes 1 cocktail.
A perfect side dish for springtime meals, this vibrant pasta salad showcases the versatility of Con O’lio’s EVOOs and vinegars. With fresh vegetables, flavorful oils, and a tangy dressing, it brings out the best of seasonal ingredients and makes a delightful addition to any gathering.
• Package of Penne Pasta or any short pasta (we love Rustichella)
• 3/4 cup of Cherry Tomatoes
• 5 tbsp Medium Intensity Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Tuscan Herb, Milanese, Basil, or Garlic
• 3 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar or Sherry Vinegar
• 1 Stick of Olympia Provisions Salami
• salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh Parmigiano-optional
• Boil pasta according to directions on the package(al dente)
Slice Tomatoes, slice Salami, and mix vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper until emulsified in a glass bowl. Once pasta is cooled, toss all ingredients together in a large serving bowl. Finish with freshly grated Parmigiano. Optional: add basil, arugula or fresh lemon.
