Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel is the chef and co-owner of Birdie’s, an Austin, Texas, restaurant that is innovative and exciting, and by far one of our favorite meals of the year. On this episode, we speak with Tracy about her journey from cooking at Lula Cafe in Chicago to working the line at some of New York’s most acclaimed places—Del Posto, Blue Hill, and Gramercy Tavern—and how she met her partner in life and business, Arjav. We talk about what excites her about restaurants and dig into some of Birdie’s popular dishes.

Also, stick around for Matt’s thoughts on a recent trip to Austin, Texas—featuring some amazing restaurants, including Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop, Distant Relatives, Franklin Barbecue, Cuantos Tacos, Birdie’s, Canje, and Nido.

The TASTE Texas Tour was supported by our friends at Travel Texas. Stay tuned for dispatches from Houston and San Antonio.

MORE FROM TRACY MALECHEK-EZEKIEL:   

• Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year: Birdie’s [Food & Wine]

• Food & Wine names East Austin spot Restaurant of the Year [Austin American-Statesman]

• Inside Birdie’s Journey [Tribeza]