The Tuna Toro Steak That Made Me Skip Dessert 🐟
+ Masa Pancakes, New Wine Bar and Bobbi Brown's 25-year comeback plan
I'm still in awe of that West Village Girls cover story in New York Magazine. The influencer world can disrupt certain joys for some but also truly boost businesses—being 20 in New York looks different now, and that's not bad, it's evolution. Last week, I met Bobbi Brown at her Jones Road store opening on South Congress (more below!), coming after two decades of selling her namesake brand. Two days later, I had breakfast with Beauty Heroes founder Jeannie Jarnot, who has spent ten years building a healthy beauty community where she knows every ingredient and founder. These women prove that time and patience create success—it's not about quick sellouts but thoughtfulness, hard work, and staying true to yourself. The West Village story highlights our resistance to change, but isn't it also we who are changing? Austin is evolving just like any metropolitan area, and we are all evolving as we get older, too. Instead of fighting these changes and calling these people out, maybe we should follow the West Village girls' example and simply enjoy where we are in the moment.
NEW RESTAURANT REC
Top Roe
I stopped by Paul Qi's new handroll spot, Top Roe, back in December, and wow—the bar setup is absolutely seductive with lighting that perfectly spotlights each handroll like its own culinary star. The concept follows Japanese tradition: counter seating and quick handrolls enjoyed in under 30 minutes. Though I personally prefer Temaki over handrolls (I can taste the fish more), discovering their 8 oz. Blue Fin TORO Steak at their izakaya part of the seated restaurant, which opened more recently, changed everything for me.
This presentation is unlike anything I've seen—dry-aged tuna arranged on a silver cage as if still cooking before your eyes. Those eight tender pieces marinated in tare sauce (soy, mirin, ginger) melted so exquisitely in my mouth that you’d think it was butter. I got lost in the sauce, and in this case, the gorgeous piece of fish, which was so delicately taken care of. You must go here just for this dish over anything else. I loved it so much I skipped dessert, not wanting to disrupt the lingering memory. It comes with a homemade platter of chili crunch, togarashi, pickled watermelon radishes, and pickled turnips. Don't miss their TUNA HAPPY HOUR at 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday ($8 Sashimi, $9 Negitoro Futomaki, $25 Tuna Steak). More importantly, don’t leave without that Toro Steak — you’ve never had anything else like this! If you're a handroll person, you'll love the counter experience, but temaki enthusiasts like me should head straight to the izakaya section. Also, they have a sleek private dining room, so this seems like a great group experience for a nice night out, especially with their signature incense wafting nearby.
COFFEE SHOP & BAKERY REC
Mercado Sin Nombre
Since I don't drink coffee (GASP!), I rarely find myself at coffee shops naturally. I know… even my closest friends constantly forget this fact, so don't worry. However, the photos I kept seeing of Mercado Sin Nombre were calling my name, especially after my friend Chad insisted I HAD to try the food. This "middle-of-the-street" spot instantly transported me to vacation mode, like stumbling upon that perfect little bakery or market you discover by accident and then making it your daily morning ritual for the rest of your trip. The moment I stepped into their bright, colorful outdoor-only seating area with those gorgeous string lights and neon milk crates, I felt completely transported. Masa is their star ingredient, and if you've just accepted corn products as is before, eating here will make you realize this is how masa should have tasted all along. Specifically, the Masa Pancakes. WOW! Easily one of the best desserts I've had ALL YEAR, with this perfectly spiced apple topping and syrup that complements everything beautifully. It exists in its own category because, honestly, how many masa pancakes have you had versus regular buttermilk? It's somehow simultaneously delicate yet sturdy, dense yet light, doughy yet mature – a complete character study happening right on your tongue.
The Bean, Cheese, and Egg Burrito should be your go-to after an intense workout or following a night of perhaps-too-many cocktails. The care they've poured into the masa transforms what could be ordinary into something extraordinary, and bean lovers will absolutely cheer for that thick, perfect layer. I kept eyeing this one pastry flying out the door that we hadn't ordered. Lucky for me, one of the super nice staff members appeared tableside with a tray and placed it directly in front of me – the Bad Honey Bunny on masa milk bread with masa honey glaze and cardamom salt. I almost said "wrong table!" since we hadn't ordered it, but somehow he telepathically knew I needed it, so I just rolled with it. I LOVE THIS PLACE. For all you coffee drinkers, they offer: Espresso, Cortado, Latte, Drip, Cold Brew, Horchata Cold Brew, plus a mind-blowing Roasted Sweet Potato Cappuccino with Oat Condensed Milk and Coriander Spice (vegan). Julian Maltby, the architect-turned-hospitality-entrepreneur, started by selling his Mexican-grown, locally roasted coffee beans at farmers' markets. He now supplies other spots around town like Mañana alongside his wholesale business here, if you are looking to sell the beans at your shop..
DATE NIGHT REC
House Wine
This wine bar recently relocated from Barton Springs Road to South 1st. I love the colorful outdoor patio where, each time someone walks through the white picket fence, it feels like a guest arriving at your friend's party. Tables huddle close together beneath blue and white striped umbrellas. The menu is thoughtfully divided into wine categories: Bubbles, Rosé & Orange, Bright & Fresh, Elegant & Textured, and more. Flights run for $20-25, and beer, cider, and frosé are available by the glass or pitcher.
The purple and blue indoor area feels like a playhouse with its vibrant colors, featuring a large dining-room-style table that leads to a cozy section filled with couches and plants. The space has a quickly assembled, low-budget charm that works for the neighborhood perfectly, creating an easy, casual atmosphere. This makes it ideal for first dates or those times when you just want to drop in for wine without worrying about reservations, what day of the week it is, or how you're dressed. It's approachable, neighborhood-friendly, and captures that cherished Old Austin vibe.
NEW STORE
Jones Road
THE Bobbi Brown was in town last week, celebrating the opening of her first store in Austin for her 4.5-year-old brand, Jones Road. If you didn’t know, she sold her namesake Bobbi Brown Cosmetics to Esteé Lauder in 1995 while simultaneously signing a 25-year noncompete. 25 YEARS! She stayed on the board, and the DAY it was up, she began her new brand, Jones Road. To me, that is the definition of a mic drop. She didn’t have to go on to do anything else, yet she’s created a brand that to me is more contemporary, all-natural, clean beauty, attracting a younger audience looking for a “no-makeup makeup look.” I love everything about the colors, the bright lipsticks and glosses, and her popular Miracle Balm that makes your cheeks look soft, glowy, and refreshed. I let the makeup artist pick out the color Miami Beach for me and dab it on with her hands, which she suggested is the best way to apply. It gives a Chapstick-like moisture to your cheeks with some color that provides a youthful flush. All the products feel like this, including shimmery face oil, gel liner (I still need to try as I currently use ILIA), and a weightless “Just a Sec” eye highlighter. You can book appointments with makeup artists, and well, I’m just glad it’s not another shoe store on this block. Congrats to this leader, Bobbi Brown, who was so fun to see in person. I wonder how soon she’ll be able to sell this gorgeous brand?!
ON THE BLOG
Best Burgers
I like my burgers thick and juicy, which sounds a bit like a Sir-Mix-A-Lot song, but that's just how it is. I prefer them more red and pink than medium or well done (never well done!). The perfect burger fits comfortably in my hand, oozing flavorful seasoning and tender juices, with a medium-rare center and a slightly crispy char on the outside for contrast. Caramelized onions are my number one topping, though I've yet to find any rivaling Minetta Tavern's legendary version, and ketchup often becomes my reliable backup. The bottom line is that while there are countless ways to craft a burger, my priorities are clear: size, temperature, and bun quality. Think Justine’s, Bill’s Oyster, Bad Larry.
I've written a guide to my favorite 12 burgers in town based on these exact elements – check it out and let me know what your top patty is so that I can expand my burger horizons! P.S. Now that the newsletter is on Substack, you can visit www.chekmarkeats.substack.com to comment directly.
RECIPE REC
Chef Vanessa Musi’s Paleo Brownies
I first connected with Chef Vanessa Musi through Instagram when she invited me to a baking class at her home nearly seven years ago. She's a phenomenal bilingual baker who, despite having diabetes, has created an entire cooking school dedicated to low-sugar, keto, paleo, and gluten-free baked goods online.
After trying her brownies at an SXSW event, I was absolutely smitten—they were so incredible that she graciously allowed me to share them with you all! Her talent doesn't stop there—she crafts everything from cakes and muffins to tortillas and millionaire shortbread. You can join her virtual classes anytime or request in-person sessions (I'm hoping to organize a group class soon!).
Below is her divine recipe, with a few of my own little tweaks and adaptations.
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup 70% chocolate (such as Heritage Food Crafters coconut sugar chocolate)
1 cup runny almond butter (creamy, raw, unsalted from Trader Joe’s)
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup coconut sugar (138g)
⅓ to ½ tsp Himalayan salt
¼ cup Otto's Cassava flour (30g) (must use this flour)
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ cup chopped 70% chocolate
To sprinkle: ⅛ cup 70% chocolate chunks
DIRECTIONS:
Grease and line an 9-inch square metal brownie pan with parchment paper.
Preheat oven to 350.
In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking soda.
Melt the 1/2 cup of 70% chocolate in the microwave.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, and coconut sugar.
Add melted chocolate and almond butter, and mix to combine.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, and mix to combine.
Add the 1/4 cup of the chocolate pieces to the mixture and mix.
Pour the batter into baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/8 cup of chocolate.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Do not overbake the brownies as they will dry out. They must be very gooey, chewy, and fudgy, and will set when they cool.
Remove from the oven, cool for about 1 hour, and cut to serve.
GROCERY LIST RECS
What to Pick up at the Store
I'm always eager to explore new-to-me brands and items whenever I'm grocery shopping or browsing for food and drinks. Thanks to people's recommendations, I've discovered some truly amazing products I've become a complete fan of. Trust me, you'll want to stock your pantry with these finds right away:
Batch Nut Butter: Discovered this local gem when Zach and Ali (the husband-wife team) shared a jar after reading my newsletter. Their almond butter stands out with hints of cinnamon and coconut, plus an incredibly soft, silky texture without excess oil. Find them at local farmers' markets, Local Pastures, Boggy Creek Farm, and the new Radius Butcher Shop that I wrote about last week (former Salt & Time space). I eat with a spoon!
Project Chaiwala Mystic Masala Tea: Stumbled upon this at SXSW's Dubai House while hunting for those viral chocolate pistachio bars. This loose-leaf tea tastes like a creamy dessert with chai and cardamom notes, despite seemingly being made with just water! No need to fly to Dubai – it's available online.
Belle Vie Bone Broth—Grabbed a pint at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller after one taste proved grocery store versions are basically water. This tastes like a grandmother spent days simmering bones—hands down the best flavor and comfort I've ever had. Can't make the Sunday market? Local Pastures stocks it, too. I want pints of this weekly, it's liquid health! They also sell pasture-raised sausage, chicken, and other cuts from 100% organically-fed animals.
Bloom Strawberry Watermelon Sparkling Energy Drink: Attended their launch party expecting to sample drinks solo, but was delightfully surprised by LALO Tequila cocktails featuring all their flavors. The Strawberry Watermelon stood out – a must-try this summer, with or without booze.
EVENTS
Infatuation The Spots of Summer Launch Party: May 21, 6-9 pm at Daydreamer, enjoy Veracruz All Natural, All Day Pizza, Cocktails. (Free RSVP required to enter.)
Hot Luck Festival: May 22-25, Over 50 chefs come together for this food and music festival curated by Aaron Franklin and James Moody. Whole Enchilada Kick-off Party at Franklin Barbecue (May 22), Nite Moves at Assembly Hall (May 23), Al Fuego at Jester King (May 24) with open-fire cooking, and Brunch (May 25) at Fair Market
KUTX & C-Boy's Heart & Soul Euro Tour Sendoff: May 30 at C-Boy's Heart & Soul, featuring one of my local favorites The Point at 10 pm