Former Ciola’s Chef Louie Ciola Returns to Austin

For many years Ciola’s in Lakeway was one of my favorite restaurants. First, it was papa bear Dan Ciola who got the ball rolling, and then the baton was passed to son Tony who team with his cousin, chef Louie Ciola, for some very memorable meals.

Well, as Tony prepared to start upscale pizzeria Tony C’s in the Galleria, Ciola’s was sold to a Midwesterner, and Louie moved on to the Minneapolis to work alongside James Beard chef Tim McKee at the award winning La Belle Vie.

Now Louie is back to join his cousin and Creed Ford IV at Tc4 & Co, owners of both locations of Tony C’s (including the newest one in Avery Ranch) and Ford’s League Kitchen and Tavern (at the site of the former Ciola’s) in Lakeway and also, most recently, in Avery Ranch.

Both partners are delighted to have Louie Ciola back, and frankly, so am I. The young man knows his way around the kitchen.