I finally got to try Supper Friends on Saturday night, and was thoroughly impressed. Owners Stephen and Lauren Shallcross have created a jewel-box of a property on the grounds adjacent to the kitchen housing their catering company, 2Dine4. Raised bed gardens full of vegetables and herbs welcome guests up the path to the yellow SWOOP House, located at 3008 Gonzales Street in the lushest part of East Austin.
The tables are set...cocktails are served.
“Another supper club?” you ask. “Why, yes!” Not only is Supper Friends a great value (Saturday’s was $55 inclusive of starter cocktail, appetizer and four courses) but we found it a good setting for meeting interesting people. To my left was a gentleman who was in the process of moving his family back to Austin from NYC; a move I made nearly three years ago – and across from us were a couple who were into food gardening – so there was no shortage of conversation topics.
“But how was the food?” In a word, outstanding. To be frank, I went prepared to be satisfied but not necessarily dazzled. The portions were more than ample, but not obnoxious, and locally sourced items were incorporated throughout. Using tomatoes from the SWOOP House’s own garden was a nice touch. Course one was probably my favorite: Chilled Melon & Tomatillo Soup with Ceviche Boats & Baby Arugula – striking the perfect balance between acidity and creaminess. Bella Verdi microgreens atop the soup added to its appeal.
The second course was Homemade Ricotta Cheese Quenelles with Wild Greens & Watercress Salad tossed in Warm Creole Mustard & Tomato Vinaigrette. I don’t know when I last had quenelles, and their delicate lightness reminded me why I perhaps have not tried this at home. The mustard and vinaigrette combo was potent, in a good way.
Supper Friends is BYOB, but host Stephen is more than happy to pour his and other willing guests’ wine if a particular varietal goes well with a dish. I switched to Pinot Noir with the third course, for me, a Grilled Portobello Mushroom over Cheddar Grits topped with a Poached Egg, Creole Gravy & Southern Style Slaw and for Andrew, a Smothered Pork Chop with the same accompaniments – minus the egg – the egg was ALL MINE. I was thrilled to learn that Chef Chris Chism is in touch with Jim Richardson (Richardson Farms) and look forward to enjoying more locally sourced food at the SWOOP House very soon.
peach, berry, cinnamony
Almost forgot to mention dessert! Peach Ice Cream with Cinnamon Beignets and Fresh Berry Coulis.
For some reason, Supper Friends is the best-kept secret in Austin. I have a feeling this status won’t last for long.
To join their e-list and find out about upcoming dates, click here.
Sounds divine! I’ve got to try it! I actually haven’t been to ANY of the supper clubs in town and I need to check this and others (ahem Dai Due) out very soon!
I’d heard the name “Swoop House” but never put a lot of gray matter into discovering what it was. Silly me. It is most definitely my kind of place. Sounds like you had a great evening with great food and company. I’ll be trying it out very soon now. Thanks!