Chow Down

Acclaimed Austin chefs bring new Southern soul to Hoover's Cooking space

ChowChow Austin co-owners Jonathan Sánchez and Amanda Turner

Family and culinary heritage is shaping a new concept at the former home of Hoover's Cooking.

Photo by Keith Kreeger

Two notable closures this year have led to new signs of life. Amanda Turner, former chef de cuisine at Southern fine dining restaurant Olamaie, is opening a new residency at the former home of Hoover's Cooking at 2002 Manor Rd. ChowChow is "opening soon," according to its Instagram page.

ChowChow, referring to a Southern relish that preserves just about anything the maker finds in their fridge or garden, is a fitting follow-up to both soul food restaurant Hoover's Cooking and Olamaie, which closed in March and July, respectively. And Turner is a great person to run it, alongside its co-owner and former Olamaie sous chef Jonathan Sánchez, who will lead the pastry program.

$ChowChow Austin co-owners Jonathan S\u00e1nchez and Amanda Turner$ Jonathan Sánchez and Amanda Turner (left and right) found a way to keep their culinary partnership going beyond Olamaie.Photo by Keith Kreeger

“ChowChow is a concept I’ve been thinking about for years, so to finally bring it to life in a space as meaningful to Austin as Hoover’s is incredibly special,” said Turner in a press release. “Chef Hoover paved the way for Southern and soul food in Austin, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to build on that legacy while bringing my own perspective and cooking this renowned Black-owned space."

ChowChow Austin plate The meat-and-three format will make plates customizable and homey.Photo by Keith Kreeger

Fans of Hoover's will likely be happy to know that the casual dining style is sticking around. The menu plays on the meat-and-three, a classic Southern combo of a meat (or at least a main dish) and three sides. The space will also continue to honor the casual restaurant that occupied the space for 27 years before it; visitors will still be able to purchase Hoover's merch at the door.

“After nearly three decades, it means a lot to see this space continue to be a place where people can gather around good food,” said Alexander. “Amanda is a talented chef with a real connection to Austin, and I’m excited to see her bring her vision to this space and create the next chapter here.”

ChowChow Austin flan Flan and fried chicken offer the best of both worlds.Photo by Keith Kreeger

A press release leaves the door open for Turner, a James Beard Award semifinalist, to "reinterpret it through her own culinary lens." Sánchez will also incorporate some elements inspired by his Latin background and past culinary experience, creating a heritage-forward blend that really makes sense for contemporary Texas. Other inspiration will surely sneak in from Turner's past at Uchi and Uchiko, Odd Duck, Juniper, and Jester King — all important touchstones in Austin's culinary scene — plus DEN and Ryu-Gin in Tokyo

ChowChow does not have a confirmed opening date yet. When it opens, it will start on weekends only, Fridays through Sundays, with counter service. Both dine-in and to-go orders will be available.

a family friendly destination

New Driftwood distillery uses Texas rainwater in its whiskey

Photo by Hayden Walker

Briggs Distilling Co. will open its doors on October 17.

A new family-owned distillery is joining the vast landscape of breweries, wineries, and other spirit-makers in the Texas Hill Country. Briggs Distilling Co. will start serving cocktails, mocktails, and more at its spacious facility at 121 Brownson Ln. in Driftwood on Saturday, October 17.

The 9,000-square-foot distillery is owned and operated by the Briggs family. It was founded by R.S. Briggs with longtime family friend Davis Tucker serving as its president. Master distiller Colton Weinstein is in charge of production and distilling operations.

The distillery has developed three expressions for whiskey drinkers to try neat or in a cocktail. Each is made with Texas rainwater and bottled on-site. From a press release, look out for the following flavor profiles:

Straight Rye Whiskey: spice and bright herbs with lingering sherry notes to finish
Heritage Reserve Bourbon: caramel, candy, and leather notes with hints of spice and cherry and a medium finish
Wheated Bourbon: described as "sweet and fruity, with tobacco notes that coat the mouth and a medium-short finish"

Briggs Distilling Co. whiskey and bourbon products Patrons can buy a bottle of Briggs whiskey or bourbon on-site to take home. Photo by Hayden Walker

The spirits will be available to try in individual tastings ($10 each) and flights ($15), as well as draft, frozen, and house cocktails priced from $10-$14 each.

Briggs Distilling will also serve mocktails, a frozen Texas Two-Step (lime, orange, and house cane syrup with a choice of strawberry, mango, coconut, or passion fruit), and other non-alcoholic options like soda, ginger beer, and coffee from neighboring Driftwood café Sonder Coffee Lounge.

Beyond the whiskey-making operations and the tasting room, the property will feature a treehouse-inspired children's area, family- and dog-friendly amenities, and an on-site food truck. Live music from local musicians will also be a regular occurrence on Fridays and Saturdays.

Above all, the Hill Country distillery is envisioned as a "community gathering place" that aims to make all visitors feel at home.

"For generations, this part of Texas has brought people together around good food and conversation under wide-open skies," R.S. Briggs said in the release. "We wanted Briggs Distilling to carry that spirit forward while adding one crucial component: good whiskey."

Briggs Distilling Co. interior The distillery was designed by Texas-based M. Elliott Studio with contemporary furniture that visitors can rearrange as they see fit for their gatherings.Photo by Hayden Walker

Briggs Distilling will host community events throughout the year, engage in sustainability initiatives such as recycling bottles through local businesses, and pursue additional giveback opportunities to demonstrate a commitment to the Hill Country area.

Bailey Briggs, R.S.'s daughter and vice president of marketing, said the land the distillery stands on has been in their family for generations, and their "family-first philosophy" is the heart of their business.

"Briggs Distilling was born from family and built for families," Bailey said in a release. "For more than twenty years, our family has called the Texas Hill Country home, spending holidays, birthdays, and long summer days on the river together. Those memories shaped our lives and inspired us to create a place where other families could make their own."

Following the grand opening on October 17, Briggs Distilling Co. will be open from 4-10 pm Wednesdays through Thursdays, 11 am to 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm Sundays. Happy hour will run from 3-6 pm Wednesdays through Fridays. Kid-friendly specials will also be offered on Sundays.

Photo by Hayden Walker

Briggs Distilling Co. will open its doors on October 17.

distillery whiskey driftwood hill country travel cocktails