We wrapped up our final week in Austin, and when you’re under a time crunch, it’s amazing how much you can fit in.
We capped off our culinary tour of the city with visits to two of Austin’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Our wallets might be a little lighter after the experience, but our bellies and hearts are definitely full.
First up was a fancy date night at Barley Swine, where we sat at the Chef’s Counter for a nine-course tasting menu. Over the course of a few hours, we watched the magic of a professional kitchen unfold right in front of us. The food was incredible, but what really made the evening special were the fun interactions with the staff as they plated each course. It felt like dinner and a show all rolled into one.
A few nights later, on our very last evening in Austin, we met up with our good friends Brandon and Erica at Olamaie. This dinner had a completely different vibe. We enjoyed a relaxed three-course prix fixe menu where we each got to choose our own culinary adventure. Instead of counter seating, we opted for a cozy table so we could properly catch up after months apart. The evening turned into exactly what we hoped for: delicious food, a few too many cocktails, lots of laughter, and a late stroll down 6th Street to cap it all off.
Beyond the food scene, our last week in Austin also included a couple of memorable firsts. Katie had her first dim sum experience, and we got to see a rowing regatta on Lady Bird Lake. Then came the inevitable, packing up the house and getting ready to head to our next stop, Nashville.
We loaded up the truck early Saturday and started the 14-hour drive, breaking it up with a quick overnight stop in Greenville, Texas, to visit our longtime friend Terri. We spent years as neighbors, watching our kids grow up side by side, so it was especially meaningful to reconnect. It’s funny how easy it is to pick up right where you left off with great friends, like no time has passed at all.
While we were there, we got to have dinner with Terri, her daughters Jessa and Jill, and their significant others, Chad and Tyler. After dinner, Terri showed us around her beautiful farm, and it’s clear she’s truly in her element. The house is gorgeous, the horses are thriving, and Terri is full of joy, riding whenever she gets the chance. It was a short visit, but such a sweet one, and long overdue.
Now we’ve made it to Nashville, where we’ll be spending all of March exploring. But more on that soon.
For now, so long Austin, and thanks for the memories.
