Acclaimed former Congress Pastry Chef Erica Waksmunski (a 2014 Tastemaker nominee) is set to open her highly anticipated solo venture Red Star Southern at 5 pm in The Grackle parking lot on Sunday. There will be fried chicken — and, oh boy, we are ready for it.
“I just want people to be happy and enjoy the food that I want to cook,” Waksmunski tells Culture Map. “If they happen to get shot with a confetti gun for my own amusement –– fun times.”
Waksmunski left her esteemed position at one of Austin’s most elegant (and expensive) restaurants to open a food trailer with a simple aim –– to feed people good food. The chef’s extensive pastry experience is sure to translate into some stellar dishes fit for a fabulous meal without the frill.
Red Star Southern already seems to be setting itself apart from the pack. Instead of a more traditional method of announcing a grand opening (like, say, a press release) the casually cool chef opted for a pitch perfect announcement video. If the 55-second clip is any indication, you can expect a lot of love — and a lot of humor — to go into your meal.
The menu is packed with all the Southern comfort foods just like Grandma used to make, but with a decidedly modern twist. Red Star Southern will serve up dishes like deviled eggs, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken and more.
When asked what made her take the dramatic leap from fine dining to simple food trailer cuisine, Waksmunski replied simply with, “Because, fuck it, why not?” Touché, Waksmunski. Touché.
Erica Waksmunski with confetti gun in front of her food trailer, Red Star Southern.
