Clients
Tiny Grocer
New Waterloo
Lenoir
Thai Fresh & Gati
Il Brutto
Vixen's Wedding
June's All Day
Modern Renegades/ Ashley Kelsch
Richard's Rainwater
Tribeza
Elizabeth Street Cafe
Equinox
follow along @chekmarkeats
⭐️TRIBEZA⭐️ Thank you for featuring me in Print as your ~Local Expert on Nightlife~
@cboysheartnsoul has been my pride + joy for the last couple yrs, so to be chosen as a nightlife expert and photographed at my favorite music club is a real treat. The food and music industry + people behind them have so much in common, and I get to enjoy the benefits of both while telling their stories and feeling the passion and soul move through me alongside them.
I know this is almost too serious of a caption to promote this article, but I am so honored that writer @duttweid saw me as someone that could speak to nightlife. So kind! Link in bio for the piece which includes my top list for South Congress Nightlife:
🤘🏼 @cboysheartnsoul @kontinentalkid
🤘🏼 @watertradeaustin
🤘🏼 @continentalclubatx @continental.gallery
🤘🏼 @themeteorcafe
🤘🏼 @hotelsanjose
🤘🏼 @sohohouseaustin
🤘🏼 @junesallday
🤘🏼 @sagebrushtexas
📸Brian Fitzsimmons for @tribeza
My new favorite 🍔 in Austin is @lebeef.burger -Why? The soft bun cradles the precious meat keeping it snug and secure, fits in your palm, and is enough to make you want a second —but just right to keep you satisfied and well fed. The patty size allows the meat flavor to shine underneath the strip of cheese and special sauce without any extra fussy toppings like lettuce to distract from the main event. It’s juicy but not drippy! Maybe it was the 1 Liter of natural wine that went down with it or maybe it was just a blast to watch Chef @j.huf from @justinesbrasserie sling burgers at one of my favorite restaurants on a Tuesday with friends on the patio. Either way, you should check out the next pop-up! 🍔🍔🍔
💕THANK YOU for having me, New York! 💕This 3-week stint was the best gift as it reminded me that you can truly make ANYTHING happen, and the right people/situations/impossible ressies serendipitously show up if you let them come to you. I actually got to RE-live the exact nostalgic and energetic feelings I craved of my younger self here by trying something new--living in Brooklyn--with all different experiences which really felt electric. I skipped around with my special people and enjoyed the beauty in front of me at each moment. Even after walking 111 miles, NYC refreshed me and made me feel alive after being burnt out from a non-stop spring.
Don’t forget to treat yourself every now and then, and do the things you dream about! I’m home in Austin now, + READ all about my swap, what activities to do, and how I survived in the bio link. 🗽🗽🗽
Restaurant Recs post coming later …
💫🗽WEEK 2🗽💫 in the City that never sleeps has almost taken me down. As an adventure lover, I can’t quit it, + while I came to the wildest place to reconnect with myself and take a mental break, I’ve overdone it as usual by walking 80 miles and eating the best food w friends + family that make me laugh! I’m embarrassed to share how much I’ve eaten, but SO impressed with all the new creations of old clients and inspiring chefs here. P.S. I’ll share shops, art & entertainment on my website! Bottoms up~~~
BEST OF:
🗽Cookie: @dailyprov Sea Salt Caramel
🗽Temaki: @naminori.nyc
🗽Japanese: @thirdsbk Tuna & Nori + Karaage
🗽Aperol Spritz: @barpisellino
🗽Deli: @frankelsdeli Whitefish Salad on Challah
🗽NYC Classic: @balthazarny
🗽Spanish: @ernestosnyc Tostas de Gambas
🗽Dipped PB Cone: @eatmisterdips
🗽Korean : @mokbar_nyc
🗽French: @raoulsrestaurantnyc
🗽South Street Seaport Views: @malibufarm
💫And Just Like That… WEEK 1 in Brooklyn! 💫Walking these unfamiliar streets with curiosity and never ending stores, bakeries, chit chatting with people from all over the world is feeding my heart just as much as it did the first day I moved to Manhattan at 22. This home swap thing is SO cool, and it's such a blast exploring, trying everything possible, seeing shows, + making space to feel free. Appreciate all my friends here who have taken me to the best places + even cooked for me! CHEK RECS so far:
🗽Restaurants: @fradeibkln @lilianewyork @gupshupnyc @wayla.nyc @babacoolbk
🗽Bakeries: @ceremoniabakeshop @chipcitycookies @levainbakery @ovenly @marthascountrybakery
🗽Fitness: @goodday.pilates @session.nyc @sarai.nyc @the_corner_yoga
🗽Music: @cut_copy @websterhall Jazz @rosewoodthecarlyle @melodyspianobar
🗽Outdoor: Walk Williamsburg Bridge, Domino + McCarren Park
🗽 Self-Care: @abathhouse @glowbar @credobeauty
🎂WOAH!!!🎂 I just had a surprise date with this new Chocolate Cake that made me forget to come up for air! It’s moist, just sweet enough for ME — not TOO sweet for normal people, icing is coldish which I ❤️with a lil caramel sweep, and the cake room temp, so it slides right on your fork. It’s the whole package + this Chophouse on South Congress @maiedayaustin JUST opened. 🎉🎉
While most will come here for steak, my wish came true thanks to the chance of running into @meredithahubley + @hardwarepastries + they happily shared a slice when I asked if it was possible to try before my flight— haha timing! I’m headed to NYC tomorrow for 3 weeks where I sharpened my sweet tooth and learned what it really means to support and work with restaurants. I have no idea what’s to come, but I def need to rest after the last few months of nonstop work and reconnect with myself to feed what makes me happiest and on which is —exploring, adventure, meeting fun people, seeing best friends, trying new food, and walking miles and miles a day discovering what this world is about and what makes others smile. See you on the other side!
Oh, and I’ll be back to try @maiedayaustin as soon as I return so let me know what to order. Congrats!
🍸NEW TINI ALERT🍸Yep, a $5 Espresso Martini Happy Hour + the best focaccia with labneh + feta honey dip is launching this Wednesday @carpenterhotel in the newly spruced Coffee Bar lounge! This indoor + outdoor area makes it an ideal spot to HANG OUT when you need high level drinks, snacks, and NO RES needed. I feel very lucky to receive this first look of the menu (also get the Crispy Oyster Mushrooms + habanero tequila cocktail) bc @bunkhousehotels are some of my favorite places in town + this is the home of my #1 Sea Salt Choc Chip Cookie (now back!!!). 🍪🍪🍪
P.S. they have Barton springs pics in the lounge and vinyl you can play inside! The $5 espresso martini happy hour is EVERYDAY 4-6 pm. 📸 @kathpierattphoto
You can have so many experiences in Mexico City as an art lover, street food seeker, mezcal taster—this trip I went with 7 old + new friends and explored a taste of the whole city — Singaporean food, ceviches, fried cheese quesadillas, soft shell crab tacos, laminated pastries on every corner, vegan tortilla soup, pizza, bean breakfast tacos, Thai, Mezcalaritas, Carajillos!
🇲🇽 @makanmx_
🇲🇽 @maque_restaurant
🇲🇽 @mercadoel100_
🇲🇽 @686.bar new speakeasy above @em.rest
🇲🇽 @contramarmx always
🇲🇽 @cafeparaisomx
🇲🇽 @bar_oriente
🇲🇽 @lardomexico
🇲🇽 @los_salvajes_mezcal
🇲🇽 @panaderiarosetta
🇲🇽 @kiinthaivietmx
For my list of what to actually do besides eat + drink here, Chek my website travel guides for all the Luis Bargan + Frida Kahlo art, markets, parks and more. If you want a hospitality expert to make your ressies + plan xochimilco DM @caroline__nabors + also stay are her gorgeous 4 bdrm house.
🪂26 Best Outdoor Dining🪂 Article is live! We're about to get sweaty out there, so to keep it hot + toasty, I’ve written my picks for best outdoor patio restaurants by each neighborhood in bio link. From the nicest new French decor, spiciest margs, oyster lunches, classic first date, pool side evening, best rooftop, etc. Of course, I include what to eat at each and to go for day or night. I’ll have a Best Outdoor Drink article soon, too! A few teasers:
☀️ @1417atx — French decor + duck confit crepes but get mezcal!
☀️ @lenoiratx - Wine garden + Goan fish curry
☀️ @themeteorcafe After the pool for cheap wine + great 🍕
☀️ @casadeluz_atx - Hippie hippie + Guacamole Taco Weds
☀️ @lasperlasaustin - Darts + best tacos @asadoratx
☀️ @tamale_house - Shady old spot for chicken mole taco brunch
☀️ @ilbruttoaustin - Best east side patio w Thurs jazz + 48 hr fermented 🍕dough
☀️ @kokosbavarian - German biergarten, steins, lights, long tables, live music
☀️ @central.machine.works - Great drinks always events
☀️ @kindatropical Tropical - hipstery backyard with turmeric Piña coladas
☀️ @nixtataqueria just updated the backyard bar + duck carnitas
☀️ @birdiesaustin - Crisp wine and great ownership
☀️ @swaythai Westlake - rooftop views of Austin + son in law
☀️ @cainandabels on the Lake- Texas Tea’s forever!
☀️ @perlassouthcongress Best shrimp cocktail + watch out for bird poop
*** Read all 26 spots in bio link***
🎈Let’s hear it for San Antonio🎈The culture + food here are ripping wild across the city and it’s much more than everyone’s favorite Mexican food + the Alamo (although I always do a drive by it fascinates me). Take the easy 90 min drive from Austin + explore my fave places below!
🪅@magpiesanantonio - Best pasta I’ve had this year 👆🏻
🪅@lafondaonmain - I grew up here with my Gparents + will never forget Alicia (they now have a back room named for her)
🪅@thelonesomerose - Honky Tonk feels like you’re in a movie
🪅 @curryboysbbq - Smoked Texas BBQ meets Southeast Asian curry
🪅 @lapanaderia - Pastries! Get Peineta stuffed with caramel
🪅 @littledeathwine - Natural Wine Shop
🪅 @mitierracafesa - classic Tex-Mex + outrageous decor
🪅Stay @lacanteraresort for a pool, spa getaway + yum @signaturesanantonio
🪅Check out @matt_kleberg art
🪅@mcnayart one of my favorite museums in the country/ a home
🪅@broadwaydailybread chocolate chip muffin
🪅Can’t not say visit @historicpearl
🪅 @havanasanantonio for another stay option
🍪31 BEST SWEETS IN AUSTIN🍪~ It’s not a secret that the word Cookie or Desserts has become synonymous with my name. It makes me blush + chuckle how many friends text me each DAY of a photo of a cookie I must try or one that they are eating bc I posted it— ALL over the world. I mean I’m lucky I found my purpose right 🤣? I love finding a new treat, and most of all I love sharing with loved ones and having serious chats about them. Don’t stop the texts!
Anywho, I’ve written an article (in bio 🔗) about my favorite desserts in Austin by category. You’ll find a few below. Love that sugar life!
🎂 @thoroughbreadatx - Overall Bakery
🎂 @epicerie_austin - Sprinkle Cookie
🎂 @kelliesbakingco - Most Nostalgic
🎂 @ogi_the_yogi - Cheesecake
🎂 @tinyboxwoodsaustin - Everyday Cookie
🎂 @viviansatx - Best Pop-up
🎂 @russellsbakery - Best Cake
🎂 @chez_zee_austin - Underrated
🎂 @capcitybakery - Vegan Cupcake
🎂 @babkaatx - Babka
🎂 @mananaatx - Cinnamon Roll + Ice Cream
🎂 @scull_house_sweets - Delivery
It might sound weird but Barton Springs has taught me so much about love and self-worth. I started swimming 1 mile here 2 x a week after a back injury, and I couldn’t do my regular weight training. I’m not “a swimmer” but according to everyone else, I am now! It’s hard when you have to give up a daily routine you love + or even a job you identify with, but I’ve seen every time on the other side, I find something better that adds to the new me. If it weren’t for this place I wouldn’t have met all the kind artists, hippies, old Austin folk, Olympians, a woo woo hip doctor that tried something funky on me, guys who live in vans, new Instagram friends, etc. Everyone here is chasing a good conversation, and when you start swimming in these frigid waters in silence, the high when you step out is real once you catch your breath. Get those laps in! Also, I sell cheap prints on my site if you need some home decor— part goes to @saveoursprings 🏊🏻♀️🏊🏻♀️🏊🏻♀️
🌮16 BEST TACOS🌮….organized by PROTEIN and years of marking these off my ridiculous never ending lists. I have my preferences that usually start with the tortilla, but the filling must be tender, moist, and never an over cooked scrambled egg or dried out carnita. I’d be happy eating any of these anytime of day and none of them break, drip, or make too big of a mess to where you can’t even remember what you are actually eating. I love a floury tortilla that holds the flavorful ingredients inside just right and is a tad doughy. Get yo'self some! 👇🏻
🌮 @tacoflats - BIG Breakfast
🌮 @rollinsmokeatxbbq - Beef Cheek Quesataco
🌮 @carnitaselgueroaustin -
Carnitas
🌮 @texsueno - Sweet Potato
🌮 @nixtataqueria - Duck Carnitas
🌮 @tamale_house - Chicken Mole
🌮 @valentinastexmexbbq - Smoked Chicken
🌮 @asadoratx - Grilled Chicken
🌮 @lacondesaaustin - Barbacoa
🌮 @la.tunita.512 - Birria
🌮 @maudiestexmex - Shrimp
🌮 @veracruztacos - Fish
🌮 @grannystacosatx - Chilaquiles
🌮 @casadeluz_atx - Guacamole + veggie
🌮 @denadacantina - Fried Carnitas Quesadilla
🌮 @tacodeli - Anytime for a good time + Salsa Doña
*** before anyone freaks out that @cuantostacos512 isn’t on here, I’m going for the first time Thursday. Hopefully @paprikaatx will be open for shrimp on my next try and @tacobroncotx , I’m coming for your brisket !
My favorite two weeks of the year are SXSW where the energy flies, the beats drop, and somehow I am able to go out 11 nights in a row without question. I ❤️seeing the streets crowded, high-fiving friends at random events, discovering bands, seeing national brands pop-up, and not knowing what the evening holds for last minute invites. Austin is alive more than ever, and I’m all for celebrating and hyping up the locals that make this city so special. I wrote about how to Win SXSW withOUT a badge(click bio link), so you can enjoy everything in town that’s available!
Thanks for the 📸@chadwadsworth_atx at my favorite party @arlynstudios Some highlights:
🎺 @hotelsanjose sxsj
🎺 @kygomusic @waterloogreenway
🎺 @luckreunion @willienelsonofficial
🎺 @arlynstudios @sirwomanmusic
🎺 @stillatx @austin_monthly bands to watch
🎺 @spurs x @kollective.inc party
🎺 @museumoficecream Night at the Museum
🎺 @krewe Austin Collection preview
🎺 @atasteofkoko The Wellness House panel
I dont know about y’all, but I’m stoked for the next 6 months of this sunny bliss, paddle boarding, river dipping, Barton Springs, swimming, frozen margs, ice cream, BOAT SEASON, chilled rosé, Hill Country getaways, new adventures (maybe someone will finally show me how to camp), and sweating out what’s behind us.
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
A new lyric I’m bringing with me into this spring season is “Stay Close to the People That Feel Like Sunshine.” ~ @lilymeola
🍔BEST 9 AUSTIN BURGERS🍔 —There are a LOT of burgs in this town, and I’m the one that wants them on the rarer side with a squishy brioche bun, Heinz ketchup, and if there are caramelized onions, then it’s game time! Here are a few of my favorites:
🍔 @junesallday -Best to down with their natural wine
🍔 @carpentershallatx - DOUBLE patty and that brioche bun!
🍔 @justinesbrasserie - Def the heaviest of them all but so juicy. For the real meat lover
🍔 @whollycowatx - For a healthier, grab-and-go fella + very simple
🍔 @clarksaustin — my golden child that melts in your mouth + it’s 1/2 off M-F 3-6 p.m.
🍔 @badlarryburgerclub - down and dirty smash burger, fits in your hand, a little gooey and a lot of attitude
🍔 @loroeats - they have brisket jam on this baby + get a mango sake slushee
🍔 @delray.cafe - Sliders @nickelcityatx + don’t miss the tator tots!!
🍔 @the_little_darlin - More of a backyard style burger and a bit charred for those who aren’t as rare as me
***I know I know these are all pretty fancy burgs, but I’m more of a restaurant burger gal than a well done on the fly drive through. Places I must still try: @saltandtime , @crownandanchoratx , @casinoelcaminodowntown , @goldentigeratx , @nightcapaustin , @lebeef.burger
WELL, I just tried all the new freshly baked pizzas (+ chased w a fruity pebbles milkshake) @gopuffkitchen which opened a brick-and-mortar at 706 N. Lamar Blvd. You know @gopuff for their speedy delivery, but now you can physically go to this fun patio for a full on coffee date— think cold brew, iced lattes, drip coffee, an entire matcha bar with lavender, orange blossom + rose. ☕️☕️☕️
Plus, they have freshly baked 🍕 to eat here, or if you are in dire need of a late night pie, they deliver through the app quickly when every other place takes over an hour (and I liked the dough!). Bonus: it’s 25% off the entire menu for March + during SXSW if you go to the store! (If you can’t make it use code CHEKMARK30 for $10 off your first three orders). 📸 @kathpierattphoto
#GopuffPartner #Gopuffyourstuff
SXSW IS actually happening + I can feel the energy steaming up + ready to jump out into the streets!!! Here is my list of fun FREE LOCAL ideas (bc I’ve never had a badge) to indulge in + keep you party hoppin’ that encompass: music/shows from best Austin bands, food, pop-up shops, yoga, & all around free smiles :) p.s. my fave off the radar dish @elizabethstreetcafe = Steamed Rice Rolls + Chicken n Rice Soup (kids menu)
✨Boozy Night @museumoficecream w Chef Jam Sanitchat of @gati.icecream March 11 + 12 (tickets for$$$)
✨ @loxclub dating launch party @bangersaustin March 11 (rsvp through their app!)
✨ @badlarryburgerclub @henbitaustin Saturday, March 12 at 12 p.m.
✨Free @sxsw Wellness Expo March 12-13 + yoga w @adrienelouise
✨ @tankproof x @kineuphorics Happy Hour @kittycohens March 13 4-6 p.m.
✨ @krewe one time only sample sale March 17-19 at 1604 S. Congress
✨ @sirwomanmusic Sir @continentalclubatx March 16 11 p.m.
✨ @trovadorcustoms Store Launch Party March 18 1704 S. Congress
✨SXSJ March 16-20 quite a line-up @hotelsanjose
✨ @lucysfriedchick Revival with local bands March 16-20 starting at 12 p.m.
✨ @arlynstudios Music March 18 & 19 (only one that’s invite only)
I DEF got taken down by this Machetes which are a giant —more than a foot long—quesadilla loaded with cheese + pollo @autenticos_michoacanos_ . I ate a whole half with their incredible green salsa before I moved on to the Birria made with lamb which might be my favorite in town bc they aren’t as greasy. The real joy + refreshing items are the fresh blended fruit waters. Get the melon without sugar + the outstanding Mangonadas which are a combo of mango sorbet, fresh, and pureéd with salty, spicy, flavors. 🥭🥭🥭
🍕Nothing like pizza + booze tasting in the Hill Country as the weather gets nicer! Here are some of my favorite recent dining experiences, live shows, and upcoming weekend parties to Chek. Enjoy this blooming weather it’s only getting better!
✨Drive Out: @pieousatx + @desertdoor
✨Cocktail Bars: @hntaustin + @watertradeaustin
✨Luxury Dine: @birdiesaustin + @clarksaustin
✨Art: @preacheraustin @valenti_studio show
✨Music: @thefaroutaustin has good shows this weekend
✨Brunch: @ciscosaustin then grab some coffee cake @thaifresh
✨Day Hangs: @lolo_wine @austinoysterco Party + @hotelsanjose 22nd bday w music!
✨Support: @ilivehereigivehere
Also, if you want to know all my recs and what to always order, tap the link in bio to subscribe to my bi-monthly newsletter that also offers discounts for you (not me!).