From restaurant openings to New Year’s resolutions in the kitchen, here’s what’s cookin’ in Austin’s culinary world this January.
WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IN THE KITCHEN?
“This coming year, I’d like to focus more on wellness and self-care. My day-to-day habits have certainly changed since moving to Austin, and I’d like to project that same emphasis on personal wellness to my team. Making more wholesome family meals and engaging in more constructive and healthy lifestyle choices will be a focus for our team in 2020!”
–Jo Chan, executive chef at Eberly
“Remembering to drink more water throughout the workday! It’s so easy to zone into what I’m doing. I forget to take care of myself, and drinking enough water every day is a good place to start.”
— Anne Ng, executive pastry chef and owner of Bakery Lorraine
“Planning the opening of a restaurant around the start of the new year gives me the opportunity to set high standards for zero waste and sustainability in the kitchen from the start. I want to recycle everything and waste nothing in 2020. Having a garden on property is a major advantage and seems to be a fully functioning circle in my mind. With the in-house garden, I’m able to source fresh, organic ingredients and then recycle the compost in the garden to keep it lush.”
— Susana Querejazu, executive pastry chef at Lutie’s Garden Restaurant, opening in the spring
My New Year’s resolution in the kitchen this year will be to ensure a safe work environment for all genders and races. Embracing the point of view of all genders and cultures will help us meet our full potential in the new year. Achieving this, and actively showing gratitude to the team I have the privilege of leading, would make 2020 a successful year in my book.
—Stephanie Wyatt, executive chef at Second Bar + Kitchen Downtown
Anne Ng by Misha Hettie 
Susana Querejazu by Moyo Oyelola
NEW IN TOWN: JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS
Iconic Austin establishment Amy’s Ice Creams is getting some competition. Beloved ice-cream chain Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams arrived at The Domain in November, featuring all the brand’s popular flavors, from the whimsical—cream puff, and peanut butter and jelly—to hometown heroes like Texas sheet cake.
Photo courtesy of Nomadic Reverie 
Graphic courtesy of Alex Reichek
JUST PASSING THROUGH: BROOKE WILLIAMSON
Calling all Top Chef fans! There’s a reunion happening this month between two of our favorite winners. Brooke Williamson is joining her TV co-star and real-life friend Kristen Kish at The Line Austin Jan. 20 for a special evening, but no one will be packing their knives at the end of this dinner. Kish will debut a new dinner series featuring chefs from throughout the country at her restaurant, Arlo Grey, and Williamson is kicking off the evening with a multi-course meal, wine pairings, a Champagne toast plus dessert. Watch atxwoman.com for our conversation with Williamson ahead of her Austin debut.
ON OUR BOOKSHELF: THE AUSTIN PLAYBOOK BY ALEX REICHEK
After years of sending her friends Austin recommendations, Alex Reichek compiled her favorite spots into one book. From the best bakeries and hot barbecue spots in town to bachelorette-weekend itineraries, The Austin Playbook is your guide to exploring Austin and entertaining your out- of-town guests. The guide is also full of perks, including free workout classes, restaurant discounts and more. Austin Woman readers get 15 percent off using the code AUSTINWOMAN at checkout.