chef stardom

Will he stay or will he go? Paul Qui headlines New York City dining series,promises to leak secrets

City Grit dining salon in Nolita, Manhattan
Paul Qui
Photo by Bill Sallans

Paul Qui kept assuring us that he wouldn't be leaving Austin for New York City, but now we can't be so sure.

While he admittedly loves to toy with the media, we'd be shocked if Qui didn't at least dip his toes in other metropolitan markets to capitalize on the brand that he's built as a James Beard Foundation award winner and recent champion of Bravo's Top Chef: Texas.

What we can be certain of, for now, is that Qui is being courted by establishments around the world hoping to feature his culinary genuis. While he's not committing to a full-time restaurant, Qui will indeed headline a week-long dinner series at Manhattan's "culinary salon" City Grit.

Curated by Food & Wine-famed chef Sarah Simmons, City Grit hosts guest chefs from around the world who showcase their food at ticketed supper club-style dinners for 70 people or less.

Other noteworthy chefs on City Grit's schedule include Tien Ho (formerly Momofuku, Má Pêche), Chris Jaeckle (formerly Ai Fiori), April Bloomfield (The Spotted Pig, The Breslin), Lee Hanson (Minetta Tavern) Marc Vetri (James Beard winner) and Mark Ladner (Del Posto).

Qui will set up shop in City Grit's kitchen from July 30 - Aug. 4 for a six night series featuring a seven course tasting menu for $95 a head (which really isn't that bad for New York standards).

The City Grit website teases that "he will be previewing dishes for his new concept and giving us the skinny on what he's got in the works."

Now, whether that concept will plant its roots in Austin or New York City has yet to be seen. In the meantime, we Texans can keep our fingers crossed for our hometown hero to remain, or we can head up North for at least a taste of Qui's future.

unspecified

Cat's Out of the Bag

Classic Austin dive bar Mean Eyed Cat opens new Driftwood outpost

Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

There ain't no grave can hold Austinites down when it's time to break in this new dive bar.

An Austin bar with a lot of personality has its eye on a new location. The Mean Eyed Cat is opening in Driftwood on Thursday, November 21.

This Johnny Cash-inspired bar has certainly always had the country aesthetic: the weathered wood, the live oak-shaded picnic tables, the black-and-white photos on the wall, and even the occasional taxidermy specimen. The same rustic vibes continue in Driftwood at 8750 W RR 150, Bldg. 100, according to a short press release.

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood interior This new bar already looks like it's been collecting antiques for decades.Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Good luck getting there on Google Maps. Right now, it drops a pin at the intersection of Ranch to Market Road 150 and Elder Hill Road. However, it appears to be next to Mad Rooster's Liquor Store — we can see the side of the building through the window and the same road signs. We've reached out to a spokesperson to get the proper directions.

The Austin original has been around since 2004, and this offshoot is only its second location. The promises "the same laid-back, offbeat charm that made the original bar an icon."

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood interior What's a dive bar without a pool table?Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Before the Austin location was a bar, it was a chainsaw repair shop that was aptly featured in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. Chris Marsh was who converted it to a watering hole and Christened it the Mean Eyed Cat, and he later sold it to current owners Matt Luckie, Max Moreland, and Jed Thompson, placing it in a lineage that also includes Lavaca Street Bar & Grill, Sign Bar, Lala’s Little Nugget, and more locally beloved staples and oddities.

All the proper references are there in Driftwood, including several saw blades on the wall, Johnny Cash memorabilia, and lyrics on every available surface, including a picnic table that ominously says "HURT." First and foremost on the menu are whiskeys and classic cocktails, keeping things as simple as anyone would expect at a dive bar.

Mean Eyed Cat Bar Driftwood patio A spacious patio takes advantage of the Hill Country surroundings.Photo courtesy of the Mean Eyed Cat

Despite the relatively remote location, commenters on Instagram have already spotted people inside and started chomping at the bit. It sounds like opening day will be a lively affair.

The Mean Eyed Cat in Driftwood will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 2 pm to 2 am, and Fridays through Sundays from noon to 2 am. Happy hour will be weekdays from 4-7 pm.

dive bars whiskey cocktails openings driftwood