better together

Austin coalition hosts free brunch uplifting Black men's mental health

The multifaceted event at new wine bar RSRV will bring Black men together for both a helpful and fun day.

Just about anyone can connect over brunch, the most social meal of the day, but it's better with people who get you. Black men are taking the brunch scene June 22 for "Bro Brunch: A Black Man's WineDown," led by Austin Justice Coalition (AJC). The brunch will be held at RSRV, a new wine bar at the Eastside Country Club (3415 E. 7th St.).

This group does it all, from gathering reports on oft-ignored patterns in Austin's Black community, to getting directly involved in the arts. It's proved it has both a vision for the community and a sense of fun, and the two should be coming together for this brunch and learning session.

The day's events focus on "the mental health and well-being of Black men in our community," and offer several opportunities to put learning into effect right away. Alongside live music by DJ PFunk, DJ Quan, and DJ Big Champ, plus complimentary food and drinks, activities include ways to share and listen to each other's stories, like a group therapy session and conflict resolution training.

"Men's mental health, particularly for Black men, often goes overlooked," said AJC executive director Chas Moore in a press release. "This event is about creating a safe, supportive space where Black men can come together, share their experiences, and access vital resources. We're here to celebrate resilience and foster a sense of community."

Tomorrow's Promise Foundation, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is partnering with AJC for the event. Led by Bill Wallace, who was incarcerated as a juvenile, the foundation works on offering life skills to youth to help them avoid contact with the criminal justice system and become future leaders.

"We are thrilled to support 'Bro Brunch: A Black Man's Wine Down,'" said Wallace in the release. "It's crucial that we address the mental health needs of Black men and provide them with the tools to navigate life's challenges. This event represents a powerful step toward that goal."

On the entertainment side, Dexter McMarion of promo group WhatsPoppinATX pointed out that having variety is important: "Addressing mental health requires a multifaceted approach, and this event does just that."

Event Schedule:

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Welcome and Registration
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Opening Remarks by Chas Moore
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM: Group Therapy Session
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM: Lunch Break with Complimentary Food and Drinks
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Conflict Resolution Teach-In
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM: Break and Networking
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM: Keynote Address on Men's Mental Health
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Next Steps

RSVP to "Bro Brunch: A Black Man's WineDown" for free via Eventbrite. More information about Austin Justice Coalition is available at austinjustice.org.

Yellow and Burnt Orange

Pre-game Austin pop-up pairs Bijan Robinson's mustard and Georgia's best burger

Bijan Burger by NFA Burger and Bijan Mustardson

Photo courtesy of NFA Burger and Bijan Mustardson

In honor the UT vs. Georgia game: behold the Biijan Burger.

Austinites whose tailgates could use a bit more spice have an opportunity to soak up some burger inspiration from one of Georgia's best burger makers and a former UT Longhorn.

On October 18, the night before the UT vs. Georgia game, opposite sides are fraternizing at Sí Baby-Q, the Chinese-Texan barbecue truck at Zoé Tong: NFL running back Bijan Robinson and "burger master" Billy Kramer of Atlanta’s NFA Burger are collaborating on a double stack "smashed burger" (gotta avoid that copyright) featuring Robinson's signature yellow mustard.

Everyone claims to have the best burger, but NFA's claim was verified in 2021 byFood & Wine. "The menu is simple, single or double, but the burgers are anything but boring," says the write-up, "starting with top-notch Angus beef smashed down (but not too vigorously) on the grill for those nice, crispy-caramelized edges."

This collaboration is sticking to that script, and the only difference between NFA's classic burger and this one is the addition of the new yellow mustard by Bijan Mustardson, the NFL player's cheekily named mustard brand. Most of this brand seems to be marketing — there's quite literally more Bijan Mustardson merch styles than mustard, not to mention $250 signed one-of-one bottles. But it's all-natural, and Robinson seems to have won over some impressive chefs.

In addition to Kramer's burgers, this pop-up will feature Dijon smoked wings by Chef Matthew Hyland of Zoé Tong, which of course make use of the mustard brand's flagship product. A press release about the collaboration promises a "rich and subtly spicy kick." And considering the stellar quality of Sí Baby-Q's char siu sticky ribs, that team is good for their word.

The Longhorns will be entering this match-up on a high after throttling Oklahoma in Saturday's Red River rivalry, closing out the game at 34-3. The points UT scored in that single game are nearly equal to the points they've given away in the entire season so far, totaling 38 — a record since 1964.

Not only is that is neatly handled big win, but it continues UT's perfect season. As of this article's publication, the team is also sitting at No. 1 on the Associated Press' Top 25 College Football Poll, with Georgia trailing at No. 5.

“Two years ago when we won the Golden Hat, you might have thought we won the Super Bowl,” said Steve Sarkisian, as quoted by AP after the game. “This year was like, OK, we got the Golden Hat back, but let’s put it in the trophy case and let’s keep grinding, let's keep going. So I think that’s the mentality of our team.”

With spirits high, pre-pre-game bites will be served from 6-9 pm at 1530 Barton Springs Rd. Tickets ($40) include a burger, a brisket smoked by Sí Baby-Q, and two beverages. They're available via Resy.

burgers pop-ups barbecue sports longhorns university of texas