Latest news with #ArjavEzekiel
Eater
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Eater
How to Enjoy Dining When It's Hot AF Outside
A few weeks ago, I found myself standing outside of Birdie's, helmed by Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and newly minted Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service James Beard Award-winner Arjav Ezekiel. The wine bar and restaurant is known for its pre-hours line of eagerly awaiting patrons, and I, like most Texas-born folks, braced myself for the late afternoon sun's punishing rays. My sister and I scurried under a countable number of cedar elm leaves, sweat beads slowly building on both of our foreheads. And then it came: the pitcher. Of water, importantly, but it was that familiar plastic pitcher (this one was a sort of magenta hue, making me feel like I'd been zapped back to the '90s), that signaled to me that cold, liquid relief inside the container was coming. A server brought it out to those waiting in line, serving generous pours of cool water that got us through. Cooled off and cared for, I walked into Birdie's ready to order my patio-friendly bottle of wine, and to enjoy what was a lovely early summer dinner of beet tartare (yes, beet, and it was wonderful), penne alla vodka, and divinely luscious sweet corn soft serve. As gentle gusts of air cooled the restaurant, and my sister and I sparred over the last bite of dessert, I was reminded that great summer dining doesn't have to be interrupted by the heat. Dining in the heat, whether you're doing so indoors or outdoors, takes its share of strategy. No matter where you find yourself, here's how I would tackle it: I get that the milkshake is part of American summer lore, and I'm not going to yuck anyone's generationally enduring yum. But when the temperatures extend beyond 90°F (which they often do, and increasingly, earlier in the summer), I'm searching for the lightest possible sugar hit I can find. Enter, the sno-ball. Or Icee. Or snow cone! Or water ice! Or Chilly Bears! Whatever you call them (which is likely depending on wherever in the United States you're from), the ingredients from these icy summer treats are largely consistent: crushed, softened ice, and sugary syrup, the dye of which defies all scientific and parental guidance for food intake. It's sweet, unhealthy, and indulgent — everything the summertime should be. Among the many things America adopted from Europe during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was its advanced approach to outdoor dining. And while some cities have passed laws infringing on their ability to exist, many restaurants have patio spaces that are perfect for large summer gatherings, or a late-night read with a glass of wine. Bonus: Many restaurants have outdoor fans or a cooling system in their outdoor spaces, ensuring comfort is accessible across the restaurants. The sun is typically at its hottest point around 3 p.m., but it's safe to say that once breakfast is finished, it's often a scorcher outside. Avoid al fresco seating dining the hours of 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and aim to do restaurant group hangs around happy hour during the evening hours. If dining during the day, try to pick a seat in a cooler part of the restaurant. Look at where the sunlight shining in from windows falls in the room, and avoid that area so as not to get overheated. Be mindful that sitting near a window will likely also make you susceptible to warmth from the sun. If the host seats you somewhere that's too directly in the path of the sun, feel free to ask them, politely, to seat you elsewhere. As much as I love a meal that sticks to your bones, summertime isn't the time to order it. Climate change has spread in such a way that no longer is it just places like Texas seeing temps of 100°F or above, but also cities like Paris, Philadelphia, Boston, and Bareclona, Thankfully, all of these locations, and others, have plenty of regional salads, pastas, and cuisine that feels a bit better on the system when needing to walk down a hot street. Cold, flavorful gazpachos, raw bar bars filled with a host of bivalves, and cold noodle soups are the menu move here. Embrace the bounties of summer produce — peaches, watermelon, plums, tomatoes, cucumber, oh my! — and let the light energy of the season find its way to the table. Hotter temps mean critters that are more closely associated with the tropics are out in abundance. If you're dining outside or in a restaurant with open walls during the months of May to September, you can be assured that at some point, a bunch of gross, germ-carrying flies are going to be hopping from table to table, searching for their next meal, hoping that it's yours. The error folks make is thinking flies only coalesce around the remnants of a meal and leftovers waiting to be bussed. But take a few extra minutes to take another bite of a perfect dish, or try to enjoy a drink that begs for a slower sip, and they'll find you — and your meal. Ask the server for a fly fan. The contraptions will look like ridiculous Back to the Future paraphernalia, and they'll also protect your $40+ meal from becoming fly food. Every AC unit or outdoor fan imaginable can't counter an unnecessary layer of clothing or a jacket that simply doesn't belong in summer. Dress comfortably, and utilize materials like linen, sandals, and open-toed shoes. Enjoy your meal in the comforts of your air-conditioned home. And if possible, order via the restaurant's website. A recent Eater profile on DoorDash's efforts to impede policies that support delivery drivers is a timely reminder that supporting restaurants directly is always best.
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The 2025 James Beard Awards have named the best restaurants and chefs in America
It's official: It's time to update your restaurant bucket list. That's because you've got a fresh crop of James Beard Award winners to eat and drink your way through. Following the Padma Lakshmi-hosted James Beard Foundation Media Awards over the weekend, food's biggest night — i.e. the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards — took place yesterday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera in Chicago, with Nyesha Arrington and Andrew Zimmern acting as the masters of ceremony and announcing this year's illustrious class of winners. And an exciting group they are — for the first time this year, the awards body gave extra recognition to excellency across cocktail and bar culture with three new categories, handing out golden honors for Best New Bar (to Identidad Cocktail Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico), Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service (to Arjav Ezekiel from Birdie's in Austin, TX) and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service (to Ignacio Jimenez of New York City drinks den Superbueno). As for the biggies — that would be Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurant — those honors were nicely dispersed among culinary talents from across the country. Bûcheron, a French-American stunner in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was named Best New Restaurant, while Outstanding Restaurant was awarded to Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Colorado, a favorite for its refined Northern Italian plates and top-shelf wines. And continuing a dominant streak by New York's food scene — New York City won five of its seven nominations this year, a bit of redemption after being completely shut out from the major categories last year — the Outstanding Chef Award went to Jungsik Yim, who helms the three-Michelin-starred "New Korean" dining room Jungsik in New York City. Outstanding Chef Jungsik Yim, Jungsik, New York, NY Outstanding Restaurant Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, CO Emerging Chef Phila Lorn, Mawn, Philadelphia, PA Best New Restaurant Bûcheron, Minneapolis, MN Outstanding Bakery JinJu Patisserie, Portland, OR Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker Cat Cox, Country Bird Bakery, Tulsa, OK Outstanding Hospitality Atomix, New York, NY Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program Charleston, Baltimore, MD Best New Bar Identidad Cocktail Bar, San Juan, PR Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service Arjav Ezekiel, Birdie's, Austin, TX Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service Ignacio Jimenez, Superbueno, New York, NY Outstanding Bar Kumiko, Chicago, IL Best Chef: California Jon Yao, Kato, Los Angeles, CA Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH) Noah Sandoval, Oriole, Chicago, IL Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA) Carlos Delgado, Causa and Amazonia, Washington, D.C. Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI) Karyn Tomlinson, Myriel, St. Paul, MN Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY) Salvador Alamilla, Amano, Caldwell, ID Best Chef: New York State Vijay Kumar, Semma, New York, NY Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) Sky Haneul Kim, Gift Horse, Providence, RI Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA) Timothy Wastell, Antica Terra, Amity, OR Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR) Nando Chang, Itamae AO, Miami, FL Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV) Jake Howell, Peninsula, Nashville, TN Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK) Yotaka Martin, Lom Wong, Phoenix, AZ Best Chef: Texas Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast, Spring, TX 2025 James Beard America's Classics • Lem's Bar-B-Q, Chicago • The Pioneer Saloon, Ketchum, ID • Sullivan's Castle Island, Boston • Lucky Wishbone, Anchorage, AK • Dooky Chase, New Orleans, LA • Gaido's, Galveston, TX
Axios
17-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Birdie's Arjav Ezekiel takes home James Beard
Birdie's co-owner and wine pro Arjav Ezekiel beat out talent from across the country to take home a prestigious James Beard Award on Monday. Why it matters: The Beards are like the Oscars for the American hospitality industry, and win can be a huge boost in business for restaurants. Driving the news: Ezekiel won in the new Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category. It's one of three new categories focused on beverages at the James Beard Awards. What they're saying:"It feels like a big win for our city," Ezekiel told Axios at the ceremony in Chicago. "I think people assume Austin is a cocktail city, but we're very fast becoming a wine city." Between the lines: Birdie's continues to be a standout in Austin's culinary scene, and Ezekiel was Austin's only finalist at this year's awards. The restaurant's chef and co-owner, Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, was a finalist in the Best Texas Chef category last year. Zoom out: Houston's Belly of the Beast chef Thomas Bille nabbed the title of Best Chef in Texas, beating out four other finalists in the regional category.
Eater
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Here Is Austin, Texas's 2025 James Beard Award Winner
The James Beard Foundation Awards were held tonight, June 16, and Austin, Texas walked away with one big winner. Arjav Ezekiel, beverage director and co-owner of Birdie's in East Austin, won the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service award. Ezekiel was born in New Delhi, India, and moved with his family to Portland, Oregon when he was 12 years old, where he gained foundational hospitality knowledge from his father, who worked in hotels. After stints working at restaurants in Washington, D.C., and New York, he eventually relocated to Austin and opened Birdie's with his wife and business partner Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, who serves as Birdie's chef and co-owner. The wine program at Birdie's has been recognized in national food publications, including on Eater Austin, when Birdie's won an Eater Award for Best New Neighborhood Wine Bar in 2021. In January 2025, the James Beard Foundation recognized six Austin chefs and restaurants on its semifinalists list, while San Antonio earned seven nods, largely in the Best Chef: Texas category. On April 2, the foundation revealed its finalists: In the Best Chef: Texas category, Emil Oliva of San Antonio's Leche de Tigre and Michael Anthony Serva of Marfa, Texas's Bordo each received nods; the award ended up going to Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Spring, Texas. Other finalists included Mixtli in San Antonio in the Outstanding Hospitality category; Atomix, a restaurant in New York City, took home that honor. The James Beard Awards, often considered 'the Oscars of food,' are among the most prestigious awards in the food and hospitality industry. Each year, the James Beard Foundation restaurants, bars, and hospitality professionals in categories like Outstanding Restaurant, Best Chef, and Best New Chef. This year's awards added three brand-new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. The first James Beard Awards ceremony was held in 1991, when chefs like Rick Bayless, Nancy Silverton, and Wolfgang Puck walked away as winners. In recent years, the foundation has been under increased scrutiny after canceling its programming in 2020 and 2021 due to misbehavior and abuse allegations against nominated chefs, and a lack of nominated and winning Black chefs among the categories. In response, the James Beard Foundation conducted an internal audit to make its voting processes more inclusive and equitable before returning in 2022. The awards have also shifted the Best Chef category to a regional model to better recognize the diversity and depth of talent. Here are the 2025 James Beard Foundation awards winners for Austin:Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie's in Austin Get the full list of James Beard Award winners from across the country on Eater. Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Awards. Eater is partnering with the James Beard Foundation to livestream the awards in 2025. All editorial content is produced independently of the James Beard Foundation. See More:
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Top 25 patios to visit this Memorial Day weekend in Austin for brunch, happy hour and more
With the Texas heat simmering, Austinites know what time it is: patio season is officially on. And lucky for us, this city blooms with outdoor oases for every vibe. Whether you're wrangling the kiddos and the furry friends, or plotting sunset cocktails with your crew, Austin's got a patio calling your name to soak up that summer sunshine. Our guide is your passport to the best open-air havens, from those tried-and-true favorites to the fresh faces on the scene. Get ready to explore a world of flavors under the Austin sky, from Asian-inspired comfort bites to vibrant Mexican feasts, and from local craft brews to elegant French sips. Whatever your summer mood or craving, there's a patio waiting to be your new favorite escape. A spot for cocktails and Asian-inspired tacos. It boasts a spacious outdoor patio, complete with a heritage tree providing shade and ambiance. Don't miss their daily social hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for deals on bites like banh mi tacos and spicy pork fries, plus $7 cocktails. They also host a steak and frites night every Tuesday. 1315 W 6th St. 512-992-0666. The cure to a hangover is at Better Half's weekend brunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Favorite foods include the chicken biscuit, carnitas hash and their cheeseburger. You can also keep the party going with their bevs menu which offers everything from mimosa carafes to Irish coffee. Dinner service happens from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Better Half shares their outdoor space with Hold Out Brewing next door. 406 Walsh St. 512-645-0786. Birdie's offers a charming patio for enjoying seasonal American dishes with French and Italian influences. This family-run spot is known for its menu that changes daily and its thoughtful wine list. With a nomination for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, co-owner Arjav Ezekiel was the lone Austin James Beard Award finalist in 2025. While reservations aren't currently accepted (the owners are considering implementing a limited reservation system), the inviting patio makes the wait worthwhile for a taste of one of Austin's culinary gems. 2944 E 12th St, Unit A. 737-587-3330. A tempting list of frozen cocktails like their signature Chalmers Chilton and Frozen Mexican Martini awaits. Plus, with Rollin Smoke BBQ conveniently located on-site, you can enjoy some oak and pecan-smoked barbecue without leaving the patio. They offer options from pork spareribs to a few vegetarian dishes. 1700 E Cesar Chavez St. 512-893-3844. Con Vísta al Mar brings a fresh take on Mexican seafood, and their patio offers a spot to enjoy it all. Their menu features ceviches and aguachiles, tacos and larger plates. Complementing the seafood-centric menu is a selection of sake drinks. 2714 E Cesar Chavez St. 512-551-3259. Whether you're looking for a change of scenery for remote work, a laid-back spot for post-work draft cocktails, THC-infused beverages, morning DJ sets, or a place to unwind with friends over margs, Cosmic's patio has you covered. They also offer tacos and burritos. 1300 E 4th St. 512-763-7216. This East Austin hotspot is a go-to for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of their own brews alongside tasty bites. The outdoor space provides ample seating for groups of all sizes, making it ideal for casual hangouts or bigger gatherings. Beyond the beer, Central Machine Works often features fun events with live music and even an annual Weinerfest. 4824 E Cesar Chavez St. 512-220-2337. El Alma, perched with a view near Auditorium Shores, offers a patio experience perfect for unwinding before a swim. It's known for authentic and elevated Mexican cuisine, but it's their exceptional margaritas that often steal the show. Their happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring discounted drinks and appetizers. 1025 Barton Springs Rd. 512-609-8923. Fresa's on South First brings a taste of Mexican street food to a relaxed, outdoorsy setting. Guests can enjoy wood-grilled chicken, tacos and bowls. Their patio has quite the backyard view overlooking the East Bouldin Creek Greenbelt. 1703 S 1st St. 512-992-2946. A rustic escape with a backyard patio that feels like a true Hill Country retreat, the restaurant has a ranch-to-table ethos and hearty American fare. Their weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a highlight, featuring items like chorizo migas, pimento grilled cheese and bubbly. 3235 E Cesar Chavez St. 512-366-5801. A romantic Parisian setting with an enchanting patio, string lights and lush greenery for a special outdoor dinner. Justine's has a classic French-inspired menu with items like steak frites and escargots, fresh oysters and comforting bistro fare. 4710 E 5th St. 512-385-2900. Licha's Cantina on the East Side has a colorful patio that complements its authentic Mexican cuisine. Licha's serves up refreshing and potent margaritas that pair well with their tacos, antojitos, and larger plates. 1306 E 6th St. 512-481-5601. An intimate spot and an ideal setting for a boozy first date. Their patio has a comfortable atmosphere where couples can connect over their carefully curated selection of wines, perfect for splitting a bottle and sparking conversation. They offer small plates and snacks to complement their sips. 1504 E 6th St. 512-520-4340. The Long Goodbye has a good Austin patio experience thanks the presence of Fleet Coffee, La Santa Barbacha and Bill's Dips. Its convenient proximity to Howdy's Vintage also makes The Long Goodbye an ideal post-thrifting stop for a refreshing drink and a snack. 2808 Manor Rd. This counter-service restaurant is known for its dishes from flavorful brisket and chicken to salads and bowls. Their happy hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m., offers enticing deals on both drinks and food, making it a perfect time to sample their menu. Their spacious patio is also incredibly pet-friendly. 2115 S Lamar Blvd. 512-916-4858. The relatively new addition to the Austin foodie scene offers a casual patio alongside its menu of pizzas and subs. Housed in the historic Haynes-Delashwah house, once home to early Black Austin civic leaders, Loudmouth provides a setting where you can choose to relax outdoors or enjoy the character of the building's interior. 1209 Rosewood Ave. 512-766-9072. Nixta Taqueria offers a variety of enticing fillings, with their duck confit tacos as a standout. Adding to the charm is their on-site veggie garden, hinting at the fresh and locally sourced ingredients that find their way into their menu. 2512 E 12th St. 512-551-3239. Located on South Congress, Perla's offers an elegant patio for oyster lovers. They also offer other coastal-inspired dishes. It's a good spot to relax, people-watch and indulge after exploring the shops and boutiques of South Congress. 1400 S Congress Ave. 512-291-7300. A beloved patio scene for just about any occasion. This laid-back spot offers ample outdoor seating, making it an ideal location to set up for a remote work session with a quality coffee in hand. It's equally suited for chilling with friends over their selection of beers and cocktails. Adding to the appeal are food trucks like Veracruz, Shortwave and Dee Dee. They also host live music from time to time. 4204 Manchaca Rd. 512-394-7890. This Clarksville spot serves up a curated wine list alongside Spanish-style tapas. It is also known for its special events, including their paella nights every Tuesday. Keep an eye out for their summer Aperol spritz deals. 1130 W 6th St. 512-667-7187. A Madrid staple, San Ginés is famous for its traditional churros, perfect for dipping in rich chocolate. Beyond the sweet treats, their menu features a selection of Spanish bites, along with an array of wines and classic cocktails. 2072 S Lamar Blvd. 512-893-4030. Ski Shores Cafe offers a lakeside experience with its patio situated near the shores of Lake Austin. This laid-back spot is a longtime favorite for enjoying casual comfort food after a day on the water. Their menu features classic American fare, including fried pickles, burgers, and seafood and chicken baskets. 2905 Pearce Rd. 512-572-2997. Guests can indulge in sourdough breads and enticing pastries while sipping on brewed coffee drinks. Their daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. features discounted burgers, soft serve ice cream, select pints, and palomas and turmeric mules. 1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. 512-394-5776. This chic spot is known for its American-style dishes, with a menu that highlights seasonal ingredients. Adding to the appeal is the Equipment Room bar located downstairs, offering a cool and intimate space for pre- or post-dinner drinks. 1101 Music Ln. 512-442-5341. Guests can enjoy a renowned selection of expertly crafted cocktails. This popular spot is located in a space that once housed Rabbits Lounge, a favorite watering hole of the city's Chicano political leaders, and includes a dedicated mezcal bar upstairs. Adding to the appeal is the presence of the Golden Tiger food truck on-site. Look for their summer drink specials - in 2024 they offered 75 cent martinis. 1816 E 6th St. 512-480-0786. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Best patio bars, restaurants in Austin for brunch, happy hour, drinks
