Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | May 2024

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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 MAY 29JULY 1 2024

Bastrop County prepares ahead of wildre season

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & DARCY SPRAGUE

On Sept. 4, 2011, Tahitian Village resident Tiany Cox noticed trac was heavier than usual on her way to the store. By the time she put her groceries away, she could see smoke from the re that would go on to destroy her home. The 2011 re—three individual res that combined and were later named the Bastrop County Complex Fire—remains the most destructive in Texas history, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Thirteen years later, the county has increased its ability to com- municate with residents ahead of an emergency, created a local re response task force and helped resident reduce wildre risk on their property. However, other challenges identied during the 2011 re and before, such as lack of exits for some neighborhoods, remain a challenge. “I will always have a fear that another re could happen,” Cox said. “We’ve had a couple of scares since the Complex Fire.” Though wildres typically occur during the later months of summer, the Bastrop County Oce of Emergency Management is ramping up its public education campaign now to help residents prepare.

Tiany Cox and her family built their home in Tahitian Village after their condo was destroyed in the 2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire.

CONTINUED ON 18

JANE TURCHICOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

Impacts: Coee Greeks now open in Bastrop (Page 7)

Government: Bastrop Health Dept. receives $50K grant (Page 14)

Transportation: Road work underway on Hwy. 21 (Page 17)

Dining: Cutie Pie Wagon serves award-winning desserts (Page 21)

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HAWTHORNE ST.

Impacts

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

GORDON ST.

BUTTONWOOD ST.

Now open

Bastrop

FISHERMAN'S PARK

2 5

BASTROP STATE PARK

4 3

150

WALNUT ST.

AUSTIN ST.

150

EMILE ST.

230

6 Bisous Esthetics Owner and licensed esthetician Ashley Moody began offering a variety of treatments using medical-grade products at her downtown facial spa in April. Options include self-care products for in-store purchase, along with treatments, such as chemical peels, facials and body treatments. Moody offers skin consultations to create customized treatments for each client. • Opened April 3 • 702 Chestnut St., Ste. 106, Bastrop • www.bisousesthetics.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

SOUTH ST.

GORDON ST.

• Opened Feb. 2 • 601 Chestnut St., Bldg. B, Bastrop • www.horsemenco.com

Now open

1 Tuff Shed Bastrop Founder and CEO Tom Saurey opened the fifth Central Texas retail location for his customized storage building and garage business. • Opened April 16 • 110 Mesa Verde Drive, Cedar Creek • www.tuffshed.com 2 Coffee Greeks Formerly known as The Haven inside the R.A. Green Mercantile, owner Rebecca Syrpis said the new spot offers more seating, cold brews and other drinks. • Opened May 27 • 1020 Main St., Bastrop • www.thehavengreekpastries.com 3 Horsemen Co. Husband-and-wife team Ben and Faith Benitez opened their first brick-and-mortar storefront in February, eight years after starting the business selling handcrafted bent-wood plant hangers, ceramic and wooden art pieces and plants. 111

111

Relocations

4 Fur Babies Wholesome Pet Food Deanna Sharp relocated her raw dog and cat food shop from R.A. Green Mercantile to Harmony Ridge, next to Neighbor’s Kitchen, in late April. • Relocated April 26

Closings

7 Yoli’s Tacos & More Catering Three years after the founder, Yolanda “Yoli” DeLeon, passed away from COVID-19, the popular taco truck shuttered. • Closed April 13 • 1106 Chestnut St., Bastrop 8 Honey’s Pizza Owner Steve “Stevo” Simmons closed the Smithville pizza spot, citing the pandemic, labor issues and a divorce that led to his decision. • Closed March 22 • 109 NE Second St., Smithville

• 601 Chestnut St., Unit F, Bastrop • https://fur-babies-wpf.square.site

Expansions

5 Silver Creek Collections Rebecca Syrpis expanded her local boutique when she began occupying space inside Heritage Hall, next door to her original space at R.A. Green Mercantile.

• Expanded in mid-April • 1020 Main St., Bastrop • www.silvercreekcollections.com

BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Creative Crafting The children’s area at the library will host two themed arts-and-crafts events for elementary school-aged children with the help of their guardians. • June 14 and June 28, 2-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church St., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org/page/lib.home

June

Family Film Festival The Film Alley team will offer this year’s Family Film Festival on Tuesdays through Aug. 6. • Tuesdays, June 4-Aug. 6, 9 a.m. (doors open), 10 a.m.-noon (show) • $1 (admission) • Film Alley Bastrop, 1600 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.bastrop.filmalley.net Junior Fire Rodeo Kids can learn what it takes to become a firefighter at the annual fundraising event. • June 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission), monetary donations accepted • Heart of the Pines Fire Department, 109 Green Acres Loop, Bastrop • www.hopvfd.org “Moon Over Buffalo” at Bastrop Opera House Directed by AJ Fuex, the 1950s-era comedy features a couple of struggling actors in Buffalo, New York. • June 14, 20-22, 7:30 p.m.; June 15, 23, 2:30 p.m. • $25 (admission) • Bastrop Opera House, 711 Spring St., Bastrop • www.bastropoperahouse.org

16th annual Blue Flame Cruisers Car and Motorcycle Show

The Blue Flame Cruisers Car and Motorcycle Club will hold its annual car show featuring antique, classic and special-interest vehicles and an awards ceremony. • June 15, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (event); 1 p.m. (awards) • Free (admission) • Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.blueflamecruisers.com Bastrop’s Annual Big Bang Celebration Hosted by the city of Bastrop and H-E-B, the evening will be filled with patriotic events, live music, snacks, sips and more—all leading to a fireworks display at dusk. • June 29, 6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Main Street; Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org

Planting Joy A handmade, botanical-themed mural composed of numerous 2-foot-by-2-foot fiber squares submitted from around the country will be on display at Railroad Park, with an unveiling celebration the weekend of May 31-June 1. The mural will be available for viewing during normal park hours throughout the month of June. • Through June 30 • Free (admission) • Railroad Park, 113 N.W. First St., Smithville • www.smithvilleyarnbombers.com

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BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

In its 38th year, the Bastrop Juneteenth Committee team invited a special guest to accompany the festivities set for June 15. Part of a nationwide traveling exhibition, the 9-foot-tall ”Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom” sculpture will make its Texas debut in Bastrop, with the unveiling happening during the Bastrop Juneteenth Family Freedom Festival. “We are so excited about this exhibition,” Sheila Lowe, Bastrop Juneteenth Committee Chair said. “We are very proud of our local foundry and can’t wait for everyone to see the beautiful exhibit.” Juneteenth event to unveil Bastrop guest

The details

With more than 2,000 expected attendees, festivities will begin with the annual parade, which will start at the performing arts center, 1401 Cedar St., travel down Main Street and end at Fisherman’s Park. Eventgoers can also enjoy live music, vendors and the inaugural Juneteenth BBQ Cooko.

Parade: 10 a.m. Downtown Festival: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fisherman’s Park BBQ Cooko: 11 a.m. Fisherman’s Park Tubman sculpture unveiling: 5 p.m. Kerr Community Park Street dance: 7 p.m. Historic Main Street

Wesley Woord’s traveling exhibit, “Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom,” will make its Texas debut during Bastrop’s Juneteenth celebration.

PHOTO COURTESY WESLEY WOFFORD SCULPTURE STUDIO

SOURCE: BASTROP JUNETEENTH COMMITTEECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Real estate

The average sale price for homes in the 78612 ZIP code increased by 20% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Residential market data

Homes sold by price point in March 2024

78602

78612

1 1

$900,000+

3 4 6

$700,000-$899,999

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

<$299,999

78602

Median home sales price

February

2023

2024

304

78612

$393,945

$360,000

78602

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 5124547636 WWW.ABOR.COM

$400,765

$487,498

78612

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY JANE TURCHI

Each of the community’s eight tiny home lots have upgraded power access and ber-optic internet.

404

186

112 Pine Tree Loop, Bastrop www.lostacresbastroptx.com

Lost Acres Tiny Home Community is a 5-acre property located o Hwy. 21.

PHOTOS COURTESY LOST ACRES TINY HOME COMMUNITY

New tiny home community in Bastrop oers a forested escape Poland natives Bartosz and Agnieszka Szat- kowski cut the ribbon on their business, Lost Acres Tiny Home Community, in December. The 5-acre property is located near Bastrop State Park among Bastrop’s loblolly pine and oak trees. The couple had the idea for the community in 2020, choosing Bastrop for the new development

Tiny Home Community oers security for residents living alone and those who are away traveling. “People are bringing their homes,” Agnieszka Szatkowski said. “They’re going stay there a long while.” Also of note The community oers upgraded power, underground cables and ber-optic internet. Bird boxes and wildlife-friendly lights allow residents to experience Bastrop’s natural beauty. The couple also hopes to one day host outdoor movie nights helping to increase a community feel.

taking place. “I knew that a lot of people are gonna be mov- ing out from Austin,” Bartosz Szatkowski said. What to expect The community is made up of eight 40-by-65- foot tiny home lots and two cottages. These tiny homes oer an alternative to apartment living amidst high housing prices, Bartosz Szatkowski said. “We want to make sure that people are feeling [like] this is not [a] typical RV park where the houses could be brought and replaced,” Bartosz Szatkowski said. “This is a community.” As a gated tiny home community, Lost Acres

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Government

BY JANE TURCHI

New trail connectivity coming to Mayfest Park Trail connectivity to Mayfest Park was made a priority in the 2023 Parks Master Plan to increase access to the park. The trails are part of a master plan to connect parks across the city. About $260,000 was reserved for the construc- tion of the trails, City Manager Sylvia Carrillo said. According to the parks master plan, there are a total of three trails throughout the 12 Bastrop city parks, and a need for more hiking and biking trails was listed among residents’ priorities. Also of note Previously approved by council to increase access to Mayfest Park, the project has no affil- iation with the Bastrop Gateway development, which proposed a trail connection to the park, Carrillo said at the April 29 City Council meeting.

Bastrop Gateway project sees revisions The Bastrop Gateway project—a devel- opment planned on 31 acres of land at the intersection of Pitt Street and Hwy. 71—revised designs following public concern about the development’s impact on traffic and the surrounding wildlife. Bastrop Gate- way design firm Place Designers requested a zoning change to allow for urban design in March. City Council tabled the issue at the May 14 meeting, allowing time to review the new changes. Sorting out the details The following changes were made to the Bastrop Gateway design plans: • Lower hotel height • Reduce impervious cover • Add a buffer of trees

Health department receives $50K grant The recently established Bastrop County Public Health Department received its first federal funding to aid in the creation of an infectious disease preparedness team in April. The $50,000 grant from the National Association of City and County Health Officials aims to help build capacity for rural health departments. The specifics The funding will help prepare the Bas- trop County Public Health Department for an infectious disease outbreak similar to COVID-19. Looking ahead The health department will establish a cooperative agreement to provide resources for the effort when the grant expires in July.

9 new sculpture locations approved

Future Mayfest Park trail

Bird statue locations

Future trail

New bird statues are coming to Chestnut Street and downtown as part of the Bastrop Cultural Arts Commission’s Bastrop Bird Junction Project. City Council accepted nine sculpture locations and plans to complete one of the first artworks, the “Red-Tailed Hawk,” in November. Four statues—including a woodpecker along Chestnut Street—will be located at the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center. A 10-foot barred owl in front of Film Alley is also planned. “The whole idea of a bird junction is to show physically with sculpture the migration that goes through Bastrop in a very permanent form, which is sculptures,” said Maria Montoya, Bastrop Cultural Arts Commission chair. The details The project will unfold in three phases, Montoya explained. Phases 1 and 2 will introduce statues

WALNUT ST.

150

ARENA DR.

CHESTNUT ST.

MAYFEST PARK

Bastrop Gateway development

WALNUT ST.

AMERICAN LEGION DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING DR.

JACKSON ST.

SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROP/COMMUNITY IMPACT

MAP NOT TO SCALE

along Chestnut Street and downtown Bastrop, followed by Phase 3—a bird-themed playscape along Fisherman’s Park. What else? The Bastrop Cultural Arts Commission will select the remaining statue designs from artist applications. Hotel occupancy tax funds as well as citizen donations or grants will fund the $25,000-$50,000 statues, Montoya said.

SOURCE: BASTROP PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The big picture According to the Bastrop Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, 71.6 more acres of park space are needed by 2030 to meet the National Recreation and Park Association’s standard based on Bastrop’s projected growth. The planned trails connecting to Mayfest Park will add to the city’s 3,956 acres of linear trail parks.

BASTROP 739 State Hwy 71 (512) 308-0250

ELGIN 1100 US-290 (512) 285-2741

GIDDINGS 1920 E Austin St (979) 212-4031

Government

BY JANE TURCHI

City of Bastrop resolution limits powers of mayoral office subverting the office of the mayor,” Nelson said. “I pray that hate can collectively be mitigated and we can do what is best for our city.” Eight proposed limitations

Bastrop city council limited the powers of the mayor by requiring council approval prior to the mayor’s use of city money to attend events and precluding the mayor from representing the city at public events without approval from the council. These and six further limitations were outlined in a resolution passed by city council at a special meeting on April 29. One proposed limitation—the removal of the mayor’s contact information from the city web- site—was struck from the resolution. The background The limitations follow a public reprimand from the city of Bastrop ethics commission which found that Mayor Lyle Nelson interfered with an investigation into the alleged misuse of funds by the city’s tourism arm, Visit Bastrop. Mayor Lyle Nelson stated at the meeting he had no intention to resign. “This personal vendetta will spill over into

Approved

Unapproved

City council voted 4-1 in favor of the resolution. “[Lyle Nelson] has not been loyal to his obli- gations to the people of Bastrop. He has placed his desire to avoid embarrassment and public atonement above his duties to taxpayers,” council member Kevin Plunkett—who voted in favor of the resolution—said at the meeting. “Worse yet, he’s asking us to do the same.” The gist The city of Bastrop operates under a weak mayor system, meaning the mayor does not have a vote unless there is a tie on council. The resolution further limits the mayor by requiring his removal from city boards, commissions, committees and task forces. The resolution can be repealed at any time with three council member votes, city officials said.

The mayor’s business trip expenses must be approved by the city council. City council must approve any funds for the mayor’s attendance at any event. The mayor shall have no official office space at city hall. Preclude city staff from scheduling or proposing the mayor speak at city or city-sponsored events. The mayor will have no unassisted access to employee-only areas in city hall. Remove the mayor’s contact information from the official city of Bastrop site. Mayor Lyle Nelson shall not serve on city boards, commissions, committees or task forces. Revoke the mayor’s designation as city spokesperson as authorized by city council.

SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROP/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY JANE TURCHI

Pavement repair and overlay work is underway along Hwy. 21 between the Caldwell County line and Hwy. 71 in Cedar Creek. The $9.5 million project is set to be completed in mid- to late summer, Texas Department of Transportation officials said. No detour avoiding Hwy. 21 is required. The details To improve crack and rut resistance, workers will apply a thin overlay mixture to the road. Reports show a 25%-35% better ride quality and reduced road noise with the overlay mixture. The mixture is also known to reduce rutting and cracking, prolonging the lifespan of the road. Hwy. 21 sees $9.5M of road repairs in Cedar Creek

COLORADO RIVER

Paige

290

W. Hwy. 21 pavement repair underway Start: March 12, 2024 Completion: mid to late summer 2024

130 TOLL

Projected N. Hwy. 21 road expansion Start: TBD Completion: TBD

Bastrop

Cedar Creek

304

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

By the numbers The work is funded by state and federal preventa- tive maintenance and rehabilitation money. Federal funds will pay for 80% of the project, while state funds will pay the remaining amount. Also of note Preliminary plans exist for the widening of a 7-mile section of SH 21 to a four-way divided high- way and bridge construction over US 290. Awaiting the results of an environmental impact study, the project’s start date is yet to be determined.

Road work funding $9.5 million of work is underway on Hwy. 21 between Caldwell County and Hwy. 71.

Total: $9.5 million

State funded: $1.9 million

Federally funded: $7.6 million

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Bastrop County prepares ahead of wildre season From the cover

Zooming in

Risk for homes The map shows the density of homes at risk for wildfires. High density

Two-minute impact

In 2011, Cox’s home was one of 1,673 destroyed, according to the TPWD. The fire’s path also included 96% of Bastrop State Park, per TPWD. Cox said she thinks emergency responders did the best they could notifying residents and combating the fire. “Mother Nature gave us perfect fire conditions with a long drought and extremely windy condi- tions,” Cox said. Despite her experience, Cox chose to rebuild in the neighborhood. Cox and her family planted new pine trees that are growing along with other vegetation.

Central Texas does not have a set wildre season, but historically Bastrop County has faced the most signicant res in January and February, and from August to October, said Wade Powell, wildland re management specialist for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The region is likely to see a normal re season—meaning, there will be res—but it’s unlikely to be an extreme season, said Luke Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service predictive service department head. The wildre risk increases in late summer as vegetation dries out and it becomes easier for res to start and spread, Kanclerz said. As of press time, Bastrop County is not in a drought, but Kanclerz expects to see vegetation start to dry out when Central Texas experiences extreme summer heat. “As conditions become warm and dry whatever [residents] can do to reduce accidental ignition, that’ll go a long way to protecting the citizens of Bastrop County,” Kanclerz said. Almost all wildres, 90%, are caused by humans, according to the TPWD. The Bastrop area has historically faced large and dicult-to-control res due to the dense pine, yaupon and juniper trees in the area, which act as fuel for res, Kanclerz said. While res are expected to burn in Bastrop County and throughout parts of Texas, local and state ocials are prioritizing public lands resilience and hardening homes against wildre risk. Many Bastrop residents are more aware of re danger and better prepared than in 2011,

Low density

ELGIN

BASTROP COUNTY

PAIGE

290

BASTROP

CEDAR CREEK

304

ROSANKY

SOURCE: CORELOGIC 2022 WILDFIRE RISK REPORT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Hundreds of homes and millions of dollars of property, including cars, were lost in the 2011 Bastrop Complex res.

said Sheila Lowe, executive director of the Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team. The organization formed after the 2011 re, and aids low-income and uninsured or underinsured residents in recovering from long-term disasters. “Because of the destruction the re caused and the amount of time it took to recover, it stayed on everyone’s mind and in our faces,” Lowe said. “We never want to be those victims again.”

COURTESY BASTROP COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

Damages caused by the 2011 fire

Days the fire burned

34,068

Acres burned

Fatalities

1,673

Homes destroyed

$325M

Property losses

SOURCE: TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & DARCY SPRAGUE

The big picture

Texas wildfires by year

There are several factors that contribute to the severity of a wildfire season, said Kari Hines, resources protection specialist for the Texas A&M Forest Service. Small fires that control vegetation are part of maintaining a healthy landscape, Hines said. But more than 150 years ago, the United States began extinguishing these fires. As the planet warms and thus dries, people alter the landscape through development and brush is left to build up, wildfire danger increases, O’Connor said. Just over 87% of Bastrop residents live in a Wildland Urban Interface area, according to a 2022 report from the county. WUI are places where devel- opments meet open grasslands where wildfires are most likely to occur. From 2005-2020, about 2,000 fires occurred in Bastrop County, according to the report. A 2008 report from the most recent specifically on wildfires—found the county faces multiple chal- lenges with wildfire response. The 2008 report identified several concerns for wildfire management within the county, including lack of homeowner education about mitigation, lack of firefighting resources, development patterns, and inadequate emergency access and exits in neighborhoods. Three years ago, the firefighting departments throughout Bastrop County—including Emergency

35,000

Central Texas faced severe drought conditions that led to large fires.

28,000

21,000

14,000

7,000

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

SOURCE: TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Since the 2011 fire, Bastrop County built another exit route from Tahitian Village, a large neighborhood that experienced a high volume of traffic during that emergency. The process was costly, took years and required using eminent domain laws to get the prop- erty, Altgelt said, which are indicators of challenges the county would face in trying to address similar issues in other neighborhoods. Altgelt said, for example, the county applied for a multimillion-dollar federal grant to build another bridge over the Colorado River to increase emergency routes, but the county did not receive the grant.

“The people who are out there doing this land management are extremely passionate about trying to do the best thing possible not just for fire risk reduction but for habitat creation and drought resiliency … and community protection comes with that,” Hines said. In the event of a future fire, Altgelt said residents will be notified through social media and emergency notification systems, such as Warn Central Texas. In an evacuation, first responders would go door-to-door to notify residents. The county can also send push notifications similar to Amber Alerts and send messages over the National Weather Service radio. “Although the [2011] wildfire was a difficult time for our family, the outpouring of love and support from the community was overwhelming. ... Bastrop truly became our home,” Cox said. Services Departments 1 and 2, the Smithville Fire Department and more—formed a task force. This group activates during periods of high wildfire risk, said James Altgelt, emergency management coordinator for the BCOEM. The departments take shifts during this time to keep firefighting resources on standby and dedicated to only wildfire responses. Altgelt said this has been instrumental in ensuring adequate resources reach fires early. One concern was that more than 70 neighborhoods lacked adequate evacuation entrances and exits or had other issues, such as lack of space to turn around. Altgelt said that number has grown since the report.

What’s next

Residents can prepare their homes by: Cleaning roofs and gutters Repairing/replacing missing roof tiles and broken window screens Installing mesh in exterior vents to prevent embers from entering Moving any flammable material away from wall exteriors, such as mulch, flammable plants and firewood piles Creating fuel breaks with driveways, walkways and paths, patios and decks, and space between clumps of vegetation Keeping lawns mowed to a height of 4 inches Removing vegetation under trees as well as removing dead plants and trees

Going forward, Altgelt said the county is exploring ways to address current needs for emergency routes and considering development code updates to set certain requirements for entrances/exits. Both the county and the state are also looking to mitigate future risk by caring for the land. At the county level, Altgelt said there is a program where the county uses grant money to help property owners create fire breaks on their properties and clean up any extraneous fuel, which the property owner agrees to maintain. The A&M Forest Service and other state agencies—including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Lower Colorado River Authority—are working to restore government lands on the Bastrop State Park, Camp Swift and LCRA land to a more resilient landscape, such as reducing excess fuels.

SOURCE: TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Dining

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

across the Austin metro, as recently reported by Community Impact . CI Foodie

Looking to get out of your neighborhood to try a new dining experience? Check out the following restaurant news from

North Central Austin

South Central Austin

Bastrop

Endo Restaurateurs Endo Yasuhiro, Taika Wakayama and Darrell Oribello started the 10-seat Japanese sushi bar, featuring 20-course omakase tastings using an array of techniques including dry aging, salt curing, smoking and soy sauce marination. A selection of wine, sake and whisky pairings are also available. • Opened March • 6609 W. 29th St., Austin • www.sushiendo.com

Casa Bianca Joseph Zoccoli and Richard Thomas teamed up to open the American-Italian eatery. The menu provides selections ranging from a raw bar and handmade pastas to seafood- and vegetable-heavy small plates. Cocktails offer a twist on traditional options, such as the Manhattan and Garibaldi. • Opened April 12 • 1510 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.casabiancaatx.com

Taxolote Owner Jose Gerardo Cavazos opened his food truck at Community Gardens in January after months of testing his recipes at the former Austin location on Riverside Drive. Cavazos specializes in tacos made with steak and bone marrow, nopalitos quesadillas, and more. • Opened Jan. 10 • 1067 Hwy. 71, Bastrop • Instagram: taxolote

Hutto

Kyle

Pflugerville

Afuga Coffee Owned by Roee and Alin Erenshteyn, the shop offers espresso-based coffee drinks, using an organic blend from Peru, Guatemala and Brazil. The menu includes cortado, lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee, matcha, teas and a variety of pastries. The shop also offers vegan and gluten-free food options. • Opened April 15 • 2100 Muirfield Bend Drive, Ste. 125, Hutto • www.afugacoffee.com

Z’Tejas Part-owner and chief operating officer Robert Nethercut searched for a place near Austin to open a new Z’Tejas location, settling on Kyle. The menu features items such as Southwest-inspired chicken fried steak, blackened catfish tacos and Louisiana- inspired catfish beignets, a customer favorite.

Down South CaJJun Eats Owned by brothers Jahmaal and Jermaine Dumes, the restaurant serves a variety of flavorful Cajun cuisine, including dishes such as grits, boudin egg rolls and more. Originally from Beaumont, the duo opened the restaurant to bring authentic Southeast Texas- and Louisiana-style food to the Austin area. • Opened Dec. 31 • 15424 FM 1825, Ste. 280, Pflugerville • www.cajjuneats.com

• Opened November • 18920 S. I-35, Kyle • www.ztejas.com

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Dining

AMANDA CUTSHALL

Apple cinnamon bread pudding ($6) with Fireball whiskey sauce is one of the many pies available.

COURTESY THE CUTIE PIE WAGON

Mary Jayne Buckingham opened The Cutie Pie Wagon in 2009.

AMANDA CUTSHALLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

‘Stu your pie hole’ at The Cutie Pie Wagon in Bastrop

Mary Jayne Buckingham won an apron on “MasterChef” for her peachy Key lime habanero pie ($6) .

recipe, entered the contest and won,” Bucking- ham said. “Betty Lou’s buttermilk pie has been appearing on the 1886 Cafe and Bakery’s menu for a number of years now.” Soon after the pie contest, Buckingham decided to open her own bakery—and The Cutie Pie Wagon was born in 2009. What makes it special Some of her awards include winning the National Pie Championship more than once and winning a white apron on MasterChef in 2020—making her one of the top 15 home chefs in America. Buckingham said she has overcome many hur- dles, but with the slogan “Stu Your Pie Hole,” her moxie shines through, and she comes out on top.

What started as a challenge between two colleagues has become a locally and nationally recognized pie business—with even the likes of chef Gordon Ramsay left licking his plate clean. How it happened “I was having lunch with my supervisor, and she made the comment that she makes the best butter- milk pie around,” said Mary Jayne Buckingham, owner of The Cutie Pie Wagon. “I looked at her and said, ‘No, you don’t, my momma does.’” Buckingham said her supervisor told her to put her money where her pie hole was, so to speak. She challenged Buckingham to enter an upcom- ing pie contest at The Driskill Hotel in Austin. “So I broke out my mom’s buttermilk pie

COURTESY THE CUTIE PIE WAGON

SPRINGST.

CHESTNUT ST.

710 Chestnut St., Bastrop Facebook: cutie-pie-wagon

Celebrating our U.S. Chamber of Commerce Four-Star Accreditation!

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Community

BY JANE TURCHI

Green Gate Farms reimagines farmland preservation in Bastrop Green Gate Farms founders Skip Connett and Erin Flynn established their rst certied organic community farm at the historic 1902 Bergstrom farmstead in 2006. Over 150 tiny homes surround Green Gate Farms’ “agrihood” in East Austin. Organic vegeta- bles, herbs and owers are sold at the farm’s red barn on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon. “By combining food and housing, you’re dealing with some of the most essential things that people are seeking and needing,” Flynn said. “It really is a model that people need to know more about.” In 2009, Connett and Flynn purchased 32 acres along the Colorado River northeast of Bastrop o of FM 969. Part of Wilbarger Bend, the property represents the couple’s dream to promote community farming. What to expect The farm’s Bastrop location oers guided tours and technical training opportunities. Volunteers are welcome by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon. Flynn said Bastrop is one of the few locations in Texas with high-quality soil and water near customers. “What we have in Bastrop is really, really rare,” Flynn said. “There’s so much development going on right now [in Bastrop], but you know, our aordable housing and food are completely siloed,” Flynn said. “Currently, the way it’s working is that farmers are selling out.”

Escoer culinary school students visit the Green Gate Farm in Bastrop to learn about organic farming.

COURTESY ERIN FLYNN

969

156 Howard Lane, Bastrop www.greengatefarms.net

Green Gate Farms co-founder Erin Flynn waters sprouts at the East Austin location.

JANE TURCHICOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BASTROP - CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Connecting with our communities since 1889.

First National Bank has been proudly serving the area for over 134 years. With six locations in Bastrop County, we are ready to help you with your banking needs.

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