Western Indian with a South Austin Twist
Whip In is the quintessential “Keep Austin Weird” establishment. Located on the access road to I-35 just south of Oltorf, I always figured it was just a place to make a beer run on the way to a house party. But Whip In is so much more than that! Family-owned since 1986, it sells beer, wine, and local products. In August, they began selling eat-in, homestyle recipes from the Gujarat region of western India — with South Austin flair. Meals are served from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., seven days a week.
weekend and restock on Mondays and Tuesdays so that they are ready for their busiest times on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 2. They replaced the lamb meatballs with turkey as an homage to Thanksgiving and also because their local purveyor, Loncito’s Lamb, will be low on meat until the spring birthing season. They will still have lamb sporadically so call if you’re craving something that goes baaa.
All of their sandwiches are made with homemade naan and each cost $5.99. Mason got the Perwinkle Delight (bacon, manchego, and truffle oil) and we all agreed that it would go great with a hangover. The owner brought by homemade tomato chutney for him to enjoy with it. Angela had the Soco (London Port Roast Beef, pepper chutney, gorganzola), and I had the Travis Heights (spicy Samosa-style potatoes, peas & carrots, cilantro chutney, provolone cheese). Sinda had a basmati rice bowl — Chana ne gajar rasa saakh (garbanzo bean & carrot stew).
My favorites were the Perwinkle and the Basmati Bowl. I wanted something sweet for dessert so I walked back to the convenience store side of the Whip In and grabbed an English Lemon Pudding by The Sticky Toffee Pudding Co. It was frozen and the owners gladly heated it up for us and we all shared. It was delicious and a perfect accompaniment to a tasty and interesting lunch.
The Whip In Parlour Cafe has been open only two months and they will be serving beer and wine by the glass soon. They also plan a breakfast menu that will feature homemade naan featuring Vital Farms free-range organic eggs. Longterm plans include a brewpub by 2010.
