This Is Juicy

Famed Austin joint debuts impossible veggie burger with meaty taste

This meatless burger is on the menu at Hopdoddy.

Photo courtesy of Impossible Foods

Austin's Hopdoddy Burger Bar is going meatless. Starting Friday, June 23, Hopdoddy is adding Impossible Foods' plant-based patty to the menu at all Austin locations. The homegrown chain is among the first in the U.S. to offer the meatless wonder.

The patty, which hit the scene in 2016, is lauded for being one of the most convincing imitations of ground beef. Developed by scientist and physician Patrick Brown, the Impossible Burger is made from a mix of wheat; coconut oil; potato protein; and heme, a plant-based protein described as the "magic ingredient" that gives the burger its meaty taste and signature look.

Hopdoddy will feature the plant-based patty in its new Impossible Burger, a version of the restaurant's Classic Burger. It is served with Tillamook cheddar, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and "Sassy Sauce."

"We are proud to partner with a brand that aligns perfectly with the pillars that Hopdoddy was founded on: a unique and honest product made the right way, with the freshest and best available ingredients." says Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler in a release.

Impossible Foods strives to craft the tastiest, most authentic "meats" made entirely of plants. The California-based company aims to grow production to over 4 million patties per month, partner with more restaurants, and eventually expand its offerings. Targeting Texas is essential to that plan.

"While this isn't our first restaurant launch, Texas is crucial to Impossible Foods' expansion and mission," a spokesperson tells CultureMap. "Texas has some of the most discerning burger experts and meat lovers on the planet, and this will be the ultimate test for the Impossible Burger. If the Impossible Burger is a hit here, we are confident it will be everywhere."

The Impossible Burger will be available at all of Hopdoddy's Texas locations. The patty is also available at Underbelly and The Hay Merchant in Houston.

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Good Taste

Exclusive Austin social club provides home for Hestia during renovation

Photo courtesy of The Pershing

These special dinners will start out with fireside appetizers and drinks in The Pershing's courtyard.

Starting out the new year, the Michelin-starred and Esquire-favorite restaurant Hestia will be undergoing equipment renovations and temporarily closing its doors. But there is a silver lining: throughout January, the Hestia team will take over The Pershing to host nine exclusive dining experiences. These will be from January 9-12, January 14-17, and January 19-22, from 6-8:30 pm.

The Pershing is an exclusive social club in East Austin that includes four environments: Pershing House (a clubhouse), Pershing Hall (a venue and event space), Pershing East (a coffee shop), and Panzo (a restaurant). Of these four spaces, Pershing House is available to members only, while the other spaces are open to the public.

According to a recent press release, Hestia's kitchen team has been given the go ahead to "make their culinary dreams come true" at The Pershing, so this temporary pop-up menu likely won't disappoint.

The release did not share a menu, but it does hint that it's inspired by Hestia's renowned chef's tasting menu with some slight alterations. The six-course meal will start out in the courtyard with fireside beverages and bites; and then guests will move into Pershing Hall for a multi-course, interactive, and community-style dinner. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the chefs chefs, ask them questions, and more.

"At Hestia, we’re passionate about bringing the elegance of live-fire cooking to life to create dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful," said Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group partner Alicynn Fink the release. "After a monumental year, this pop-up at The Pershing allows our team to reimagine and push the boundaries of what we do best — crafting unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate the artistry of fire in food and the beauty of seasonal ingredients."

Tickets cost $150 per person, which includes all food for the evening plus access to The Pershing's amenities, like Pershing House, co-working and conference space, and much more, for the entire month of January. Wine pairings and beverages can be purchased separately.

During this month of renovations, the Hestia team will also be coming up with an exciting new menu for the restaurant's reopening at the end of January.

"We can’t wait to share this special chapter with our guests while preparing to unveil an exciting new menu when we return at the end of January," said Fink.

This Pershing pop-up will be the only way to experience Hestia's Michelin-star menu until the restaurant reopens on Saturday, January 25.

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