Karen Spezia

Mar 12, 2024 | tribeza.com | Karen Spezia

Restaurant ReviewsEsteemed restaurant critic shares her recommendations on cocktails and dishes to order on your next visit to Austin’s popular downtown dining destinationBy Karen O. SpeziaPhotos by Holly CowartMarch 12, 2024 Photo by Holly CowartRedFarm has only been open for a few months in Austin, but I’ve been dining there for years. You see, its original location in NYC is near my brother’s Manhattan home, and I’ve been a fan for over a decade.

Feb 23, 2024 | tribeza.com | Karen Spezia

Restaurant ReviewsThis vegan restaurant showcases seasonal and sustainable delights and offers an experience unlike any other in AustinBy Karen O. SpeziaPhotos by Holly CowartFebruary 23, 2024 The first thing I did after my first meal at Fabrik was book a second one. It was that good. And since the restaurant only accommodates 16 people, I didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

Dec 5, 2023 | tribeza.com | Karen Spezia

When I heard that some of my favorite Austin chefs and restaurateurs had collaborated to open a restaurant, my ears perked up and my mouth started watering. Veterans from Lenoir, Swedish Hill, Salt & Time, G’Raj Mahal and Rosen’s Bagels joined forces to open Dovetail Pizza in late 2022. With all that talent under one roof, I couldn’t wait to see what they’d created together. Located at the corner of South First and Mary, Dovetail’s Bouldin Creek site has seen a lot of turnover.

Nov 20, 2023 | tribeza.com | Karen Spezia

Art comes in many forms. It might be a painting or a sculpture. A symphony or a play. Or a sandwich. Yes, there’s an art to making great food. And the offerings at Spread & Co, a tiny café located on the grounds of The Contemporary Austin art museum, rival the masterpieces that surround it. That might seem like high praise for someplace that’s basically a snack bar, but I’m telling you, Spread & Co is special. With its stunning location at Laguna Gloria, it could succeed on location alone.

Oct 11, 2023 | tribeza.com | Karen Spezia

I’ve been reviewing restaurants for a long time. So after two decades, I’ve gotten pretty good at predicting if a restaurant will delight or disappoint me. But sometimes, on rare occasion, I hit on a wild card like Ember Kitchen, a new downtown eatery that unexpectedly blew me away. Located in the former Seaholm Power Plant, Ember recently replaced Boiler 9, the first restaurant to occupy the historic building.