Life + Culture

Craving. Creating. Evolving.

Jane Ko’s 15-year journey shaping Austin’s food scene and beyond Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Jane Ko When Jane Ko launched A Taste of Koko in 2010, she didn’t set out to become one of Austin’s original food influencers — she just wanted to find her path. “I started A Taste of Koko when I was at UT Austin,” Ko said. “I realized early on I probably wasn’t going to do higher education like my peers. I wasn’t good at academics or sports, so I started looking for other...

Travel

Rooted in Flavor

A whole world behind the label — built on faith, family and Fredericksburg peaches Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Fischer & Wieser Long before Fischer & Wieser became a household name, Mark Wieser just wanted a nicer place to sell peaches. In 1969, he opened a roadside fruit stand in Fredericksburg from a restored 1870s German log cabin. He stocked peaches from the family orchard and asked his mother to make jams and jellies to fill out the shelves. “By the end of the...

Food + Beverage

A Perfect Pairing

COVER 3 blends a curated wine program with scratch-made fare Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of COVER 3 In a city where sports bars are often synonymous with pitchers of beer and fried food, COVER 3 has carved out a different lane. At its Austin and Round Rock locations, the restaurant pairs a scratch kitchen with a carefully curated wine program, creating a dining experience that feels elevated without losing its casual appeal. “We genuinely enjoy a good glass of wine, and...

Food + Beverage

Plant-based Sizzle

BOA Austin adds Beyond Meat to fine dining menu Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Beyond Meat In a city where steakhouses often stick to tradition, BOA Austin, located at 300 West Sixth Street, is carving new ground with a plant-based addition. The restaurant has introduced Beyond Meat’s steak filet, offering a vegan spin on its signature steak frites. “We aim to cater to all our guests’ dietary needs,” Executive Chef Brendan Collins said. “There is a market for alternative...

Life + Culture

Game Changers

Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner raises funds for scholarships and community growth Article by Julie Royce The 2025 Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner will take place on October 26 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, offering guests an unforgettable evening of conversation and community. The highlight of the night will be a fireside chat with 2009 Super Bowl Champion and MVP Drew Brees, led by Reid Ryan, Owner and CEO of Ryan Sanders Baseball. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the...

Food + Beverage

Fall is in the air

Con'Olio's Mushroom Sage Infused Chicken Pot Pie Article by Con'Olio Oils & Vinegars | Photography by Courtesy of Con'Olio This comforting pot pie layers tender chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy filling topped with golden buttermilk biscuits. All of the specialty oils can be purchased at Con'Olio Oils and Vinegars.  Filling Ingredients 2 cups sliced carrots 1 cup chopped celery 1 large yellow onion, diced ½ cup peas 1 cup yellow potatoes, diced and...

Food + Beverage

Spirit of Stewardship

A father-son team turns pristine spring water into a world-class vodka while preserving Texas’ natural resources for future generations Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Goodnight Loving Vodka Goodnight Loving Vodka began with a spark at a family spring in Texas Hill Country. Co-founders Tim Osburn and his son Timothy were inspired by the pristine artesian water on their ranch, a resource so pure it could be enjoyed straight from the ground.  “We knew we had stumbled across...

Food + Beverage

Soul of Old Austin

Oldest business in Texas remains a hub for history, beer & community Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Scholz Garten In a city known for its rapid growth and constant reinvention, Scholz Garten stands as a rare anchor to the past. Opened in 1866 by German immigrant August Scholz, the beer garden and restaurant holds the title of the longest continuously operating business in Texas. It has remained steadfast through wars, prohibition, pandemics and political upheaval — all...

Home + Design

Austin's Design District

Burnet Road beckons those looking for stylish design Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Stacy Berg For decades, the stretch of Burnet Road between 45th Street and Anderson Lane has quietly built a reputation among Austin’s creatives. Long before anyone considered marketing it as a district, the people who worked here — architects, framers, interior designers and shop owners — simply called it what it was: the Design District. Today, the name still fits. On and around Burnet Road, you’ll...

Arts + Culture

Golden reverie

English artist unveils new digital sculpture works at WCC Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of West Chelsea Contemporary Gary James McQueen has spent the past year immersed in a creative reset, teaching himself new software, experimenting with digital sculpting and building what he calls his most ambitious body of work to date. This September, McQueen will unveil a new collection at West Chelsea Contemporary located in the Clarksville neighborhood on West 6th Street, where he...