Who says we don’t have seasons in Central Texas? This time of year, the days get a little shorter, there’s an occasional chill in the air, and hearty, robust fall dishes begin to appear on the menus in seasonally sensitive local restaurants. The bright, light foods of summer accented by sweet peaches, fragrant basil, and lovely ruby red tomatoes give way to heartier game and poultry offerings complemented by fruits such as cranberries, tangerines, and pomegranates. Sides of yams and purées of root vegetables share plates with bouquets of local salad greens, tender young spinach, and Brussels sprouts. To illustrate the flavors of fall, we contacted seven of Austin’s most talented chefs, creative women working at the top of their games in the best caliber of local restaurants, and asked to see signature items from their fall or holiday menus. Chefs Ruth Carter, Betsy Johnston, Alma Alcocer-Thomas, Foo Swasdee, Marion Gillcrest, Courtney Swenson, and Becky Barch-Fischer graciously complied. Feast your eyes on the flavorful fall dishes they presented to our staff photographer John Anderson; we bet the next thing you do is make dinner reservations. The Flavors of FallRuth CarterBetsy JohnstonAlma Alcocer-ThomasFoo SwasdeeMarion GillcrestCourtney SwensonBecky Barch-FischerSatay The Asian CookeryEast Side CaféTocaiJeffrey’sLa Traviata34th Street CaféHudson’s on the BendWho says we don’t have seasons in Central Texas? This time of year, the days get a little shorter, there’s an occasional chill in the air, and hearty, robust fall dishes begin to appear on the menus in seasonally sensitive local restaurants. We highlight seven local female chefs’ fall or holiday dishes.
This article appears in November 17 • 2000.