Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/666142
photography by Sweet LouiSe photography PATIO LIFE IF THERE'S A DECK IN AUSTIN, WE'LL BE ON IT. JUST HAVE THE SPACE HEATER OR FANS (OR BOTH) READY TO GO. By Helen Anders Isn't spring magnificent? Balmy temps lure us out- doors so we can dine on a patio. Even when winter makes its curtain call and the thermometer plunges into the 40s, we're out on the patio. Then, when summer shows up early and turns on the broiler, you'll find us—of course—stoically, relent- lessly lunching on a patio. Two Austin truisms: The weather is totally unpredict- able, and no matter what the sky's doing, Austinites will be on the patio at Contigo or Odd Duck or Olive & June ( shown) or—well, if the restaurant doesn't have a patio, why even bother? Otherwise, we're at a picnic table near a food truck. Never mind that we're sweating or shivering or sneezing from ragweed or mold or whatever's ravaging the air. We're dining out- doors, and that's that! From winter through early spring, restaurants like Perla's and Justine's Brasserie coddle us with patio tents and heat lamps. Summer's heat brings out the patio misters, but all misters do is further frizz the hair. Californians talk about dining al fresco, but here, we call it dining al blazing hot. Here's a secret: There's really nothing more delightful than dining al air conditioning. . and finally… 144 AUSTINWAY.com