Foodie News

Top Chef Texas! Secret filming leaks, coming to Austin

According to the rumors that have been leaking all over the Internet, season nine of Top Chef is currently filming, and the location is the Lone Star State.

It all started with one San Antonio foodie, who ran into Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Padma Lakshmi, Emeril Lagasse and Tre Wilcox at the River Walk's Esquire Tavern. She tweeted about her her good fortune and found herself confronted by Bravo security. A detailed blog post about the whole incident ensued, which has since gone viral.

(Note to Bravo security: Either leave well enough alone or be polite. Did you not see this coming?)

The San Antonio Express-News is saying that sightings have continued around town, at restaurants including Biga on the Banks, Il Sogno and Lüke. There's speculation that they are also filming at the Culinary Institute of America San Antonio campus, and one commenter said the Restaurant Wars episode was shot in Alamo Quarry.

But according to information gathered by Eater, this season isn't just about San Antonio. Sources say the season will also spend time in Austin and Dallas, and the season will be dubbed Top Chef: Texas.

As far as contestants go, Uchiko's Paul Qui is reported to be one, as is Dakota Weiss from L.A.'s NineThirty, and Louisville's Edward Lee of 610 Magnolia.

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Taking the High Road

Austin bar team opens indulgent deli with house sausages and cocktails

Photo by Taylor Hannan

High Road DelicaTexan offers huge sandwiches and fancy cocktails.

The Cavalier, a well-loved East Austin bar and greasy spoon, is branching out with a meaty new restaurant in Bouldin Creek. High Road DelicaTexan opens Friday, December 12, at 915 W. Mary St. The concept combines a cafe with a cocktail bar and market for house-made sausages, cured meats and more.

This is the work of Chef Russell Dougherty (of the Little Darlin'), salumist Ryan Wilson (part of the Burt’s Meat Market family in Houston, experience at Franklin Barbecue), and beverage director Chadwick Leger, plus the creative operating team at The Cavalier. Similar to the East Austin space, this new concept focuses on community — and while that tends to be a buzzword for new restaurants, this team has shown how it can bring together a neighborhood.

Sourcing is a defining element of High Road, with elements that will "largely" come from Texas vendors, according to a press release. The menu will show off sustainably sourced proteins and dairy, premium espresso from the local Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors, seasonal pickles, artisanal sodas, and more.

The menu covers everything from breakfast to a nightcap: check out sausages like andouille and a brisket hot dog; sandwiches like the Sopprestracc with soppressata, stracciatella cheese, mortadella, giardiniera, and basil lemon cream cheese on ciabatta; and twists on classic breakfast items like Burt’s Boudain Waffles with fermented fresno whipped butter and maple syrup.

On the beverage side, guests can expect various teas, alternative milks, and organic syrups, plus signature cocktails. The Dilly Dilly Swag Martini mixes olive-oil washed Ketel One vodka with dill vermouth, pickle juice, and chive-herb oil; and frozen drinks punch up Big Red soda and a classic Irish coffee. The bar will also serve some non-alcoholic options.

Finally, the market allows guests to take some specialty items home. Along with the meats and pickles, that could mean seasonal spice blends, sauces, wine, and apparel.

High Road is open Sundays through Wednesdays from 8 am to 10 pm, and Thursdays through Saturdays from 8 am to midnight.

openings cocktails barbecue wine deli sandwiches