Well that was fast. After the closure of high-end East Austin concept Gardner just two weeks ago, the team behind Contigo and Gardner has turned around a new concept in record time. Beginning Monday, March 28, Chicon will open for dinner service.
Envisioned as a "sister restaurant" to Ben Edgerton and Andrew Wiseheart's wildly successful Contigo, Chicon will serve a ranch-style lineup of savory and approachable dishes.
"Andrew and I approached this restaurant in the same way we did when opening Contigo," said Edgerton in a statement. "Our goal throughout the process has been to serve the community, and we worked to create a comfortable space where people can have fun with their friends and family."
"Think of it like your neighborhood dining room," echoed Wiseheart. Gone is the high-end, vegetable-focused fare of Gardner. Chicon takes a more casual culinary approach with snacks, small plates, and desserts. Menu highlights include pork rolls, beer-battered fish, whipped feta dip, grilled octopus, and sharable entrees in the form of grilled chicken and T-bone steak.
Alongside a selection of craft beer, cider, and wine you'll find unique cocktails. Standouts are the New Delhi Mule (vodka, grapefruit, ginger beer, honey, and cardamom) and the Concombre (tequila, cucumber, lime, and jalapeño).
Fans of Gardner will notice updates to the restaurant's aesthetic. Chicon features more steel, cedar, terra cotta, and leather elements to mirror the ranch-style feel of the menu.
Chicon will open daily for dinner service at 5 pm on Monday, March 28.
Start your evening off at Chicon with whipped feta, a charcuterie board, or smoked trout dip.
