Where Austin’s Top Chefs Like to Eat

You would think that after nights of toiling away in their own kitchens, Austin chefs would like to hunker down ay home and relax. Au contraire! They go out and let somebody cook for them.

We recently saw the uber-hot Paul Qui at Jack Allen’s Kitchen along with his fiancee and partner Deanna. His choice? The Deep Fried Beef Rib of course! And pastry Chef Diana Sanchez happened to be serving up Dee Dee’s Magic Cookie Sundae that night. The couple split one and it looked so good we ordered it as well. And Paul made a great choice!

Aaron Franklin of Franklin ‘s BBQ fame likes the charcuterie at Chez Nous. This is another restaurant where one can see off duty chefs. Franklin is also a fan of Uchiko.

Tyson Cole, the man who put Uchi on the map, can often be seen at Parkside on West 6th. I concur. Shawn Cirkiel’s raw bar and lovely hot menu offerings are mucho fun to consume.

Andrew Wisehart of Contigo can be seen at David Bull’s 2nd Bar + Kitchen eating those amazing Buffalo fried pickles. The density of these puppies elevates them head and shoulders above other similar offerings in Austin.

Bryce Gillmore of Barley Swine fame likes the Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi at Lulu B’s on South Lamar. The only problem with Lulu B’s is that they sell out quickly. So get there early. I like the bbq pork banh mi as well.

And Rene Ortiz from La Condessa and Sway likes the Baja Shrimp Tacos at Torchy’s. I can’t argue with him on that one.

Kevin Quach from Hao Hao is nuts about the food at the new Pieous on Hwy 290 near Dripping Springs. Scott Roberts from the Salt Lick in Driftwood has been seen there as well.

Places that serve food till the later hours get a lot of trade, understandably, from area chefs as well. You should see how La Mexicana Bakery on South 1st packs ’em in at 2:30 am!

If I owned a restaurant (and trust me that’ll never happen) I would think seeing my fellow chefs there would be the ultimate compliment. And it really is!