New Greek Spot + Beauty Heroes 💄
April 3, 2025
There are so many juicy new spots in today's newsletter, including a Greek restaurant that I love because you don't need a reservation or special reason to visit other than wanting to transport to that Mediterranean lifestyle. I finally gave in and checked out Powder Room, which I really wasn't excited about since I felt like it was ruining our Austin vibe, but you know what? I loved it!
That being said, I recently saw Yung Pueblo in conversation with Adriene Mishler for his new book tour, and he discussed how “change will win, and this is the reason we exist and why we are here. Embracing change is how we flow, and it inspires presence instead of trying to control reality.” With social media, government, and even the growth of Austin, I feel a tug of in betweenness. As a millennial and someone in my 30s, which direction do I go, and where to next? I hear people complaining and groaning about the change here, but I also remember what Austin was like in 2007 when the only place to eat was Whole Foods or Tex Mex — look at all the amazing chefs and restaurants we have accumulated that fit in our community! (No, I’m not talking about the big-box, corporate LA/Vegas transplants). We might have some angst, but as long as we have our good people, we will have Austin.
P.S. Now that the newsletter is on Substack, you can go to www.chekmarkeats.substack.com to comment directly on this post!
NEW RESTAURANT REC
The Greek Bar
The Greek Bar is the newest restaurant that I've been most excited to try! I LOVE Mediterranean food, and we just don't have much to choose from here. I am not an Aba fan, but I do love The Peacock's best pita in all the land, plus their Simple Green Salad and Chicken Tagine. Anyway, The Greek Bar is the casual, "come any day of the week with any type of person or group" label that I've been looking for. You can find healthy options, vegetarian, or meat-heavy. We walked in for a table for 3 at 8:20ish p.m. on a Friday and got seated inside right away. They make their own pita, and it looks like it might be whole wheat, while still being soft and the perfect vehicle for drenching in that Whipped Feta. Honestly, the feta in this dip and in the Horiatiki Salata bursts with flavor and makes me like cold cheese more than I ever have. The salad with tomato, cucumber, red onions, and green pepper is one I would pick up to-go because I have craved it so much. The cucumber and tomato taste like they are from Israel as I've never had any veggies that fresh here. Next time, I'll try the Tzatziki and Yellow Split Pea spreads over the Eggplant, and I also want to try the Octopus app. We liked the Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken skewer just fine, but the rice was a little mushy and didn't have enough salt. I don't even care because they just opened, so I'm not telling anyone but you this. It doesn't deserve to be knocked! They have traditional dishes like Moussaka and a Big Fat Greek Fried Chicken with local honey that they recommended. I can't wait to go back! P.S. Do NOT park in Curra's parking lot as we saw the tow truck ruining lives.
SHOP REC
Beauty Heroes
My friend Kelly Krause kindly sent me a Beauty Heroes package as a gift to introduce me to this clean beauty subscription model, which I’d never been exposed to. I’m a big fan of natural skincare products and don’t use much so this was a fun surprise. The March box was full of items I typically wouldn’t use, and it was kismet as I was looking for something to soften my lips, and I really loved the overnight Pure Radiance Lip Treatment! I also tried under-eye patches for the first time, which came in a jar of 25. This box in particular had a value of $295, but cost much less as even the most expensive subscription option, the one-time box, is less than $60. Beauty Heroes offers a few different options to subscribe so you can choose how often you get a box, and I really want to join to see what they send next! Right now, I basically only use Apoterra face oil and vitamin C balm (use your CHEKMARK discount code at checkout) so it will be fun to see what else is out there. When you join as a member, you can also shop their whole site with a 15% discount on brands like True Botanical, OSEA, and RMS Beauty. Woah.
BAR REC
Powder Room
This is the bar I rolled my eyes at when it opened as they swipe your phone from you before you enter the lounge. You’re going to take my phone? But, how will I take photos to share with my newsletter friends? I’m so sorry y’all — yes, they actually did take it. Ok, I have two thoughts on this. The first time I tried to go, I didn’t have a reservation, and I watched everyone in line in stiletto heels, spandex dresses, men in jeans with fake-looking cowboy hats, and I thought, “I can’t go in there anyway,” and left. The second time, I actually had a res for my birthday. Funny how I despised this type of club culture in Austin — but I love clubs in other cities that always had them — and then I decided to go on the most important day of the year? Well, I wanted to dress up to go somewhere I hadn’t been, and this was it. The staff is super friendly, and the hospitality is kind and not pretentious like you might expect. I’m glad I didn’t have my phone because other people also didn’t have their phones to look at. I LOVED the interior, which doesn’t exist anywhere in Austin like this, with an expensive looking bar surrounding a fake cheetah about to pounce, sexy lighting, light pink/beige-ish velvet seating, and banquettes for groups. The best part, besides the decor, was the DJ turned electric guitar player who jumped up on the booths to rock out. Thank goodness our phones were taken because everyone’s eyes were only on him in that special moment.
ICE CREAM REC
IV’s Ice Cream
Seven years ago, as I was leaving my PR job at MML and starting my own company, Tribeza tapped me to write an article about the best ice cream in Austin. I chose 6 spots, some of which are still at the top of my list, but in the meantime, I’ve discovered plenty more as our competitive culinary scene grows. I just tried this home ice cream maker, IV’s Ice Cream’s pints, which offer regular drops and outstanding creative flavors. The chunky mix-ins remind me of Ben & Jerry’s, but with a much better ice cream base and high-quality ingredients like Van Leuween. My favorite flavors: Gold Digger with vanilla bean ice cream, honeycomb chunks, swirls of salted caramel, and gold flakes; Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which was without a mix-in and very smooth and creamy; and Break Up Tub, the MOST stuffed cookie dough pint I’ve ever had in my life. You might even wonder where the ice cream is at one point because she is so generous with the dough! I also LOVED the surprise chocolate fudge riding the side of the carton walls. She has seasonal flavors like Shamrock (mint oreo), and other fun variations like Samoas and Ferrero Rocher. You can place orders for a Zilker/Bouldin Creek area pick-up. She also does weddings, birthdays, and corporate events so be sure to support her!
EVENT REC
ATXplained Live
The ATXplained Live show at Bass Concert Hall feels like the definition of “Keep Austin Weird.” At these events, KUT reporters answer “unanswerable” and wild questions submitted by listeners that you actually want to know the answers to or might never have thought of yourself. When I went to the most recent ATXplained Live last fall, the whole night made me feel closer to the city and everybody in the audience because we all love and support our city. The host, Matt Largey, was outrageously captivating as he provided historical details with monologues, videos, and more, and the audience fully joined in. While deep diving to set up the scene and answering questions about whether the Driskill is actually haunted, the story behind ZZ Top’s First Annual Texas-Size Rompin’ Stompin’ Barn Dance, if there were ever alligators in Zilker, how Big Stacy Pool is naturally heated, and who has the longest friendship in Austin, we got to hear from a 100-year-old lady they found. This then inspired the host to call his best friend from childhood live that he hadn’t talked to in years. It was so much fun to witness and learn it all. They also show little film clips and slides to make the whole thing even more interesting. The next installation will be held on April 29 so be sure to buy tickets in advance as they only have a couple per year!
CHEK TIPS
Old Settler’s Music Festival
I’ve always had a soft spot for Lockhart as my family settled in Lockhart in the early 1900s, and I grew up going to visit my great aunts, uncles, and grandparents several weekends every year there. The three-night, four-day Old Settler’s Music Festival is back for its 38th year, an easy trip to a 145-acre ranch in Dale, TX, just 45 minutes out of town and about 10 miles from Lockhart. They also have camping options for you adventurous people! Artists will play from Thursday to Sunday — I love Wild Child, playing at 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, Grace Rowland of the Deer, playing at 1:45 p.m. on Friday, and Heartless Bastards, playing at 5 p.m. on Saturday. I’ve heard great things about Watchouse, the headlining duo you can catch on the main stage at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, and Sierra Hull will wrap up the music on Sunday afternoon at 3:30. A plethora of workshops are available, like gentle morning yoga or a roots-based songwriting workshop with Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius. Food vendors include Southside Flying Pizza, Sarita’s Mexican Kitchen, and Fairy Freeze Shaved Ice. In years past, the festival has hosted artists like Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and Alison Krauss, all in an effort to support American roots music and bring it to a wider audience. Gates open on Thursday, April 24 at 10 a.m. and you can bring kids younger than 12 for just $5. Get more info about tickets, including VIP options, here!
Chek Tips is our sponsored section to support this ongoing free newsletter. Thank you so much to Old Settler's Music Festival for their support!
PR + MARKETING
Southern Living’s “25 Best Things to Do in Austin” including three of our clients!
It always feels special to get national recognition for clients, so I’m thrilled to share that our clients, Sushi by Scratch Restaurants, Gati, and Veracruz All Natural, are all included in Southern Living’s freshly updated guide to the 25 Best Things to Do in Austin. In a city where it feels like there’s an endless amount of activities and restaurants and bakeries, I’m proud to work with these family-run businesses that bring the best of the best to locals and travelers coming to town so thank you to Kaitlyn from Southern Living for shining a light on our clients!
EVENTS
Top Roe Presents Blood Bros BBQ: April 10 at 5-10 p.m. at Top Roe. Special experience combining Texas BBQ w/ Japanese cuisine.
$5 Sundays on the East Side: Sundays in April starting at 3 p.m. at Latchkey, The White Horse, Shangri-La + more. $5 drink specials.
Roy Choi and Aaron Franklin in Conversation: April 22 at 7 p.m. at The State Theatre. Get tickets before it sells out!