Food, Architecture or College Spirit? What really defines Austin? - Patrice Nichole Rios

From home cooking style to celebration cocktails, Austin has it all

 When I moved to Austin, I really didn’t know what the hype was about this city. I just thought the locals were big on music, dressed kinda funky and that Austin was simply a college town. Little did I know that real Austinites are actually hard to find (as 173 people move here everyday), and little did I know that the funky fashion reflects the super laid back attitude of the city. You can literally find yourself eating at a fine dining restaurant sitting next to a man in cargo shorts and flip-flops watching him pull out a Black American Express Card to pay the bill. I learned very vast that this is not West Hollywood, the saying “you are what you drive” doesn’t exist here…. It’s more on the line of “you are what you are”. So what really defines Austin? Ask around and most people will say THE FOOD! It’s all about the food. Whether it’s at some of the coolest designed restaurants like La Condesa or a backyard bar-b-q at Saltlick (located 20 minutes outside of the city), you will find yourself struggling to decide where to go for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner.

La Condesa is a great get away from the suburbs to downtown

Hummmm…. So, I’m thinking tonight is an Olivia night! The Olivia (located on South Congress and Oltorf) along with La Condesa (located in the 2^nd street district) are both stunning restaurants… designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, a local architecture firm that houses incredible designers who really know how to create magnificent dining experiences. The Olivia is a perfect example of how Austin gourmet food inspires architecture. A place as Cuatro’s (located near 24^th and Guadalupe) display a well designed restaurant with amazing Mexican food while catering to the University of Texas students. If you decide to go on a Saturday afternoon during a UT football game, get ready to be surrounded by screaming fans and uniquely constructed rustic-modern architecture.

Cuatro's is the place to be for great food and atmosphere during the game

 So, is it the food that defines Austin? Or, is it the architecture? Some would say it’s definitely the college spirit. However, it seams as though it’s all of the above. Without the food, you would not have satisfied Texans and tourists. Without the architecture, you would not have people talking about their memorable dining experiences. And without the college spirit, you would not have the high energy that fills Austin. Come back tomorrow for my reviews on Olivia’s Fall Menu… mmmmm!

xo, Patrice Nichole Rios