1 00:00:08,570 --> 00:00:09,929 It's day two of a special 2 00:00:09,930 --> 00:00:11,309 legislative hearing on the Camp 3 00:00:11,310 --> 00:00:12,829 Mystic tragedy. 4 00:00:12,830 --> 00:00:14,169 Investigators told lawmakers this 5 00:00:14,170 --> 00:00:15,649 week that camp operators were 6 00:00:15,650 --> 00:00:17,469 complacent when it came to safety 7 00:00:17,470 --> 00:00:18,489 protocols. 8 00:00:18,490 --> 00:00:19,769 We'll have updates on today's 9 00:00:19,770 --> 00:00:21,699 hearing. And affordability in 10 00:00:21,700 --> 00:00:23,439 Austin has always been a topic of 11 00:00:23,440 --> 00:00:25,279 conversation, but it's not just 12 00:00:25,280 --> 00:00:26,899 housing, it's about education, 13 00:00:26,900 --> 00:00:28,599 health, and the ability to work 14 00:00:28,600 --> 00:00:29,859 close to home. 15 00:00:29,860 --> 00:00:31,399 The City of Austin is taking up that 16 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:32,839 conversation this week. 17 00:00:32,840 --> 00:00:34,179 We'll have a preview. 18 00:00:34,180 --> 00:00:35,379 Plus, Kendall Antonelli of 19 00:00:35,380 --> 00:00:37,559 Antonellis Cheese Shop stops by 20 00:00:37,560 --> 00:00:38,779 to share some of her favorite 21 00:00:38,780 --> 00:00:40,819 cheeses and gives us a little on 22 00:00:40,820 --> 00:00:42,659 the food scene here in Austin, ahead 23 00:00:42,660 --> 00:00:44,479 of the KUT Fest. 24 00:00:44,480 --> 00:00:46,379 The Austin Signal is a production 25 00:00:46,380 --> 00:00:48,439 of KUT News, hosted by 26 00:00:48,440 --> 00:00:49,629 Miles Bloxen. 27 00:00:49,630 --> 00:00:51,389 And some of the city's top chefs are 28 00:00:51,390 --> 00:00:52,669 partnering up with the students in 29 00:00:52,670 --> 00:00:54,649 Austin ISD's Culinary Arts and 30 00:00:54,650 --> 00:00:56,229 Hospitality program. 31 00:00:56,230 --> 00:00:58,069 We'll have more up next on 32 00:00:58,070 --> 00:00:59,070 Austin Signal. 33 00:01:07,240 --> 00:01:08,139 Hi there! 34 00:01:08,140 --> 00:01:09,959 It's Tuesday, April 28, 35 00:01:09,960 --> 00:01:10,739 2026. 36 00:01:10,740 --> 00:01:12,799 I'm your host Miles Bloxson. 37 00:01:12,800 --> 00:01:15,079 This is Austin Signal. 38 00:01:15,080 --> 00:01:16,679 Day two of a special legislative 39 00:01:16,680 --> 00:01:18,459 hearing on the Camp Mystic tragedy 40 00:01:18,460 --> 00:01:21,039 gets underway today here in Austin. 41 00:01:21,040 --> 00:01:22,219 Investigators told lawmakers 42 00:01:22,220 --> 00:01:23,879 yesterday that the camp operators 43 00:01:23,880 --> 00:01:25,739 were complacent when it came to 44 00:01:25,740 --> 00:01:27,199 safety protocols at the Christian 45 00:01:27,200 --> 00:01:29,279 Girls Summer Camp, where 28 46 00:01:29,280 --> 00:01:30,719 people died last summer amid 47 00:01:30,720 --> 00:01:32,219 historic flooding in the Hill 48 00:01:32,220 --> 00:01:33,119 Country. 49 00:01:33,120 --> 00:01:34,739 Today, testimony continues with 50 00:01:34,740 --> 00:01:36,259 lawmakers questioning the camp's 51 00:01:36,260 --> 00:01:37,369 owners this morning. 52 00:01:37,370 --> 00:01:39,369 KUT reporter Kailey Hunt is at 53 00:01:39,370 --> 00:01:41,409 the hearing and brings us an update. 54 00:01:41,410 --> 00:01:42,410 Good afternoon, Kailey. 55 00:01:43,090 --> 00:01:44,090 Hey, Miles. 56 00:01:44,650 --> 00:01:45,569 Great to have you. 57 00:01:45,570 --> 00:01:47,209 Can you give us just a quick recap 58 00:01:47,210 --> 00:01:49,189 of some key moments from yesterday's 59 00:01:49,190 --> 00:01:50,190 portion of the hearing? 60 00:01:51,250 --> 00:01:52,029 Yeah. So yes, sure. 61 00:01:52,030 --> 00:01:54,049 The public got to hear for 62 00:01:54,050 --> 00:01:55,949 the first time from 63 00:01:55,950 --> 00:01:57,989 Casey Garrett, she's the principal 64 00:01:57,990 --> 00:01:59,969 investigator that is 65 00:01:59,970 --> 00:02:01,789 helping out state lawmakers to find 66 00:02:01,790 --> 00:02:03,829 out what exactly happened at Camp 67 00:02:03,830 --> 00:02:05,689 Mystic during that historic 68 00:02:05,690 --> 00:02:08,049 flooding on July 4th. 69 00:02:08,050 --> 00:02:09,388 And so yeah, we got to hear from 70 00:02:09,389 --> 00:02:11,389 Garrett who also notably 71 00:02:11,390 --> 00:02:13,409 investigated the Robb 72 00:02:13,410 --> 00:02:15,069 Elementary School shooting in Uvalde 73 00:02:15,070 --> 00:02:17,029 a few years ago, 74 00:02:17,030 --> 00:02:19,449 and Garrett laid out a timeline of 75 00:02:19,450 --> 00:02:21,649 that July 3rd July 76 00:02:21,650 --> 00:02:23,529 4th timeline of the 77 00:02:23,530 --> 00:02:25,929 flooding and we 78 00:02:25,930 --> 00:02:27,869 heard from her testimony and then 79 00:02:27,870 --> 00:02:29,229 today we've kind of shifted into 80 00:02:29,230 --> 00:02:31,249 testimony from the Eastland family, 81 00:02:31,250 --> 00:02:32,609 the owners and operators of the 82 00:02:32,610 --> 00:02:33,289 camp. 83 00:02:33,290 --> 00:02:34,669 Yeah, so speaking of the Eastland 84 00:02:34,670 --> 00:02:36,129 family, and as you mentioned, they 85 00:02:36,130 --> 00:02:37,849 own and operate Camp Mystic, they 86 00:02:37,850 --> 00:02:39,209 testified and took questions from 87 00:02:39,210 --> 00:02:40,649 lawmakers. What were some of the 88 00:02:40,650 --> 00:02:41,650 takeaways from that? 89 00:02:42,930 --> 00:02:44,909 Yeah. So it's been pretty intense 90 00:02:44,910 --> 00:02:46,309 this morning. 91 00:02:46,310 --> 00:02:47,709 Testimony is still going. 92 00:02:47,710 --> 00:02:50,229 We've been going since 10 a.m. 93 00:02:50,230 --> 00:02:52,109 There was some 94 00:02:52,110 --> 00:02:54,149 very intense scrutiny 95 00:02:54,150 --> 00:02:56,249 and criticism from State 96 00:02:56,250 --> 00:02:57,529 Senator Charles Perry. 97 00:02:57,530 --> 00:02:59,369 He's a Lubbock Republican who 98 00:02:59,370 --> 00:03:02,069 helped author some of those new 99 00:03:02,070 --> 00:03:03,949 legislation requiring camp 100 00:03:03,950 --> 00:03:06,029 safety requirements last 101 00:03:06,030 --> 00:03:08,309 summer during the special session. 102 00:03:08,310 --> 00:03:10,309 He called into question 103 00:03:10,310 --> 00:03:11,909 the ability of the Eastlands. 104 00:03:13,770 --> 00:03:15,809 To operate the camp in the future. 105 00:03:15,810 --> 00:03:17,529 Here's what he had to say. 106 00:03:17,530 --> 00:03:19,029 Legally, y'all probably get to stay 107 00:03:19,030 --> 00:03:20,629 in existence. But I will tell you 108 00:03:20,630 --> 00:03:22,429 from this guy's perspective, and I 109 00:03:22,430 --> 00:03:23,369 don't know what my other members 110 00:03:23,370 --> 00:03:25,589 are, whatever statute 111 00:03:25,590 --> 00:03:26,590 tweaks, 112 00:03:27,430 --> 00:03:29,089 whatever laws we make, or whatever 113 00:03:29,090 --> 00:03:32,389 rules we have to devise, 114 00:03:32,390 --> 00:03:34,889 y' all will not be an operator next 115 00:03:34,890 --> 00:03:37,149 session, next season, 116 00:03:37,150 --> 00:03:39,049 if I can have anything to say with 117 00:03:39,050 --> 00:03:40,050 that. 118 00:03:40,640 --> 00:03:42,399 I just have to ask, Kailey, this is, 119 00:03:42,400 --> 00:03:43,719 you know, it's a lot going on. 120 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:44,779 What did it feel like to be in the 121 00:03:44,780 --> 00:03:45,780 room today? 122 00:03:47,170 --> 00:03:49,149 You know, all 123 00:03:49,150 --> 00:03:51,169 I can say is just it's very intense. 124 00:03:51,170 --> 00:03:52,809 You know even just as I was 125 00:03:52,810 --> 00:03:54,929 preparing to speak 126 00:03:54,930 --> 00:03:56,369 with y'all just now within the last 127 00:03:56,370 --> 00:03:58,269 few moments, I see, 128 00:03:58,270 --> 00:04:01,329 you know, parents of 129 00:04:01,330 --> 00:04:03,609 children who died at Camp Mystic 130 00:04:03,610 --> 00:04:06,309 coming out of the hearing room, 131 00:04:06,310 --> 00:04:07,729 walking down the hallway, just 132 00:04:07,730 --> 00:04:09,609 crying and upset by some of 133 00:04:09,610 --> 00:04:11,909 the testimony that they're hearing. 134 00:04:11,910 --> 00:04:13,829 So yeah, emotions are very high 135 00:04:13,830 --> 00:04:14,830 here. 136 00:04:15,620 --> 00:04:17,338 I can only imagine, and who else are 137 00:04:17,339 --> 00:04:19,578 we expecting to hear from today as 138 00:04:19,579 --> 00:04:20,579 this hearing continues? 139 00:04:21,760 --> 00:04:23,819 Yeah, so once the Eastland 140 00:04:23,820 --> 00:04:26,019 family is done testifying and 141 00:04:26,020 --> 00:04:27,619 answering questions from lawmakers 142 00:04:27,620 --> 00:04:29,479 on this investigative committee, 143 00:04:29,480 --> 00:04:31,499 we can expect to hear from some 144 00:04:31,500 --> 00:04:32,859 representatives from the Texas 145 00:04:32,860 --> 00:04:34,739 Department of 146 00:04:34,740 --> 00:04:36,039 Health Services. 147 00:04:36,040 --> 00:04:38,359 They're the ones who are responsible 148 00:04:38,360 --> 00:04:40,659 for granting 149 00:04:40,660 --> 00:04:42,979 and giving out licenses to 150 00:04:42,980 --> 00:04:44,599 camps like Camp Mystic to operate 151 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:45,979 during the summertime. 152 00:04:45,980 --> 00:04:47,739 And then we can also expect to here 153 00:04:47,740 --> 00:04:49,659 from Texas Department of Emergency 154 00:04:49,660 --> 00:04:51,209 Management Officials. 155 00:04:51,210 --> 00:04:53,209 In fact, I just saw Chief Nimkid 156 00:04:53,210 --> 00:04:55,609 here in the hallway as well. 157 00:04:55,610 --> 00:04:57,189 So looking forward to hearing from 158 00:04:57,190 --> 00:04:58,729 some state agencies. 159 00:04:58,730 --> 00:05:00,629 And then they also alluded to maybe 160 00:05:00,630 --> 00:05:02,629 hearing from, you know, 161 00:05:02,630 --> 00:05:04,609 parents and families of campers, 162 00:05:04,610 --> 00:05:06,749 both victims and survivors. 163 00:05:06,750 --> 00:05:07,809 What do you feel like? 164 00:05:07,810 --> 00:05:09,669 Families need at this 165 00:05:09,670 --> 00:05:10,670 moment. 166 00:05:13,180 --> 00:05:15,159 You know, I think 167 00:05:15,160 --> 00:05:17,719 one of the 168 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:20,039 big goals of these 169 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:22,039 hearings and having them play 170 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:24,099 out so publicly is 171 00:05:24,100 --> 00:05:26,339 the opportunity for 172 00:05:26,340 --> 00:05:29,279 everyone who has been impacted by 173 00:05:29,280 --> 00:05:31,599 those deadly July 4th floods, 174 00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:33,599 especially at Camp Mystic, to have 175 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:35,439 an opportunity and 176 00:05:35,440 --> 00:05:37,419 chance to 177 00:05:37,420 --> 00:05:38,899 say what they need to say and to 178 00:05:38,900 --> 00:05:40,179 share their stories and their 179 00:05:40,180 --> 00:05:42,179 experiences and what they 180 00:05:42,180 --> 00:05:44,019 hope. To have going 181 00:05:44,020 --> 00:05:45,260 forward into the future. 182 00:05:46,530 --> 00:05:47,989 We've been speaking with KUT's 183 00:05:47,990 --> 00:05:49,469 Kailey Hunt, who is at the 184 00:05:49,470 --> 00:05:51,029 legislative hearing on the Camp 185 00:05:51,030 --> 00:05:52,789 Mystic tragedy, and she'll continue 186 00:05:52,790 --> 00:05:53,809 to follow this story. 187 00:05:53,810 --> 00:05:55,029 Kailey, thanks so much for the 188 00:05:55,030 --> 00:05:56,129 update. 189 00:05:56,130 --> 00:05:57,130 Thanks, Miles. 190 00:06:11,100 --> 00:06:12,739 We've all seen the headlines that 191 00:06:12,740 --> 00:06:14,439 rents in Austin have dropped since 192 00:06:14,440 --> 00:06:16,019 pandemic era highs. 193 00:06:16,020 --> 00:06:17,759 Still, affordability remains an 194 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:19,279 issue here, whether we're talking 195 00:06:19,280 --> 00:06:21,559 access to housing, good paying jobs, 196 00:06:21,560 --> 00:06:23,699 and even access to basic needs. 197 00:06:23,700 --> 00:06:25,079 Tomorrow, the city will host a fair 198 00:06:25,080 --> 00:06:26,539 housing and economic mobility 199 00:06:26,540 --> 00:06:28,519 conference to discuss these issues 200 00:06:28,520 --> 00:06:30,259 and their solutions. 201 00:06:30,260 --> 00:06:32,399 Joining me now is Lindsay Wilson, 202 00:06:32,400 --> 00:06:34,219 director of the city's equity and 203 00:06:34,220 --> 00:06:35,839 inclusion office, which is hosting 204 00:06:35,840 --> 00:06:36,999 the conference. 205 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:39,119 Lindsay, welcome to Austin Signal. 206 00:06:39,120 --> 00:06:40,959 Well, thank you, Miles, for having 207 00:06:40,960 --> 00:06:42,779 me. I am excited to be 208 00:06:42,780 --> 00:06:44,879 here and talk a little bit about the 209 00:06:44,880 --> 00:06:47,039 Fair Housing and Economic Mobility 210 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:47,599 Conference. 211 00:06:47,600 --> 00:06:48,800 And speaking of the conference, I 212 00:06:48,801 --> 00:06:50,579 think most folks probably have an 213 00:06:50,580 --> 00:06:53,139 idea of what fair housing is, right? 214 00:06:53,140 --> 00:06:54,619 But access to affordable housing 215 00:06:54,620 --> 00:06:56,699 without discrimination, but exactly 216 00:06:56,700 --> 00:06:58,919 what do we mean when we say economic 217 00:06:58,920 --> 00:06:59,899 mobility? 218 00:06:59,900 --> 00:07:01,519 Oh, that's a great question. 219 00:07:01,520 --> 00:07:02,739 And one that I'm glad that you 220 00:07:02,740 --> 00:07:04,119 started with, really, because 221 00:07:04,120 --> 00:07:05,679 typically when people think about 222 00:07:05,680 --> 00:07:07,659 economic mobility, they may think 223 00:07:07,660 --> 00:07:09,939 income are climbing up 224 00:07:09,940 --> 00:07:11,179 a ladder. 225 00:07:11,180 --> 00:07:13,019 What we've learned both 226 00:07:13,020 --> 00:07:15,019 through our quality of life studies, 227 00:07:15,020 --> 00:07:16,999 but also some intentional engagement 228 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:19,119 that we've had internally across 229 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:21,039 city departments is we're 230 00:07:21,040 --> 00:07:22,819 talking way beyond income. 231 00:07:22,820 --> 00:07:24,999 We're talking about access and 232 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:26,259 opportunity. 233 00:07:26,260 --> 00:07:28,219 Right. And so when we say economic 234 00:07:28,220 --> 00:07:30,519 mobility, it's leading with systems, 235 00:07:30,520 --> 00:07:32,839 but really focus on are 236 00:07:32,840 --> 00:07:34,939 our residents, are our 237 00:07:34,940 --> 00:07:36,999 Austinites able to 238 00:07:37,000 --> 00:07:39,039 meet basic needs, 239 00:07:39,040 --> 00:07:40,939 financial stability, and live 240 00:07:40,940 --> 00:07:43,659 a high dignified 241 00:07:43,660 --> 00:07:45,319 life, right? 242 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:47,399 Where housing's within reach. 243 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:48,400 Right. 244 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:51,179 About quality of life exactly 245 00:07:51,180 --> 00:07:53,119 so big picture 246 00:07:53,120 --> 00:07:55,039 what is the goal of this conference 247 00:07:55,040 --> 00:07:57,119 and who is this geared toward and 248 00:07:57,120 --> 00:07:58,419 who can benefit from attending 249 00:07:58,420 --> 00:08:00,459 because it seems like everybody 250 00:08:00,460 --> 00:08:01,999 you're spot on there, right? 251 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:04,499 And so April is Fair Housing Month, 252 00:08:04,500 --> 00:08:06,499 so that's the fair housing component 253 00:08:06,500 --> 00:08:08,419 of it. But we know that 254 00:08:08,420 --> 00:08:10,719 it goes beyond fair housing. 255 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:12,139 And so when you ask the question 256 00:08:12,140 --> 00:08:14,099 around who can benefit from 257 00:08:14,100 --> 00:08:16,099 it, we were really intentional 258 00:08:16,100 --> 00:08:18,159 this year that we invited 259 00:08:18,160 --> 00:08:19,699 a variety of stakeholders. 260 00:08:19,700 --> 00:08:21,859 So you'll have everyone from 261 00:08:21,860 --> 00:08:25,299 community members to businesses, 262 00:08:25,300 --> 00:08:27,279 philanthropic organizations, 263 00:08:27,280 --> 00:08:29,299 Independent School District are 264 00:08:29,300 --> 00:08:30,479 educational. 265 00:08:30,480 --> 00:08:32,779 Uh individuals and 266 00:08:32,780 --> 00:08:35,259 so it was it was really a 267 00:08:35,260 --> 00:08:37,859 intentional and collaborative effort 268 00:08:37,860 --> 00:08:39,779 on the basis of 269 00:08:39,780 --> 00:08:41,619 both my team Austin 270 00:08:41,620 --> 00:08:44,019 Equity and Inclusion as well as 271 00:08:44,020 --> 00:08:45,899 Austin Housing uh 272 00:08:45,900 --> 00:08:48,019 to serve as a convener to 273 00:08:48,020 --> 00:08:49,899 pull everyone together to have some 274 00:08:49,900 --> 00:08:52,079 of these intentional conversations. 275 00:08:52,080 --> 00:08:53,779 I love that and it's much needed. 276 00:08:53,780 --> 00:08:55,379 What are some of the panels and 277 00:08:55,380 --> 00:08:57,059 speakers that attendees can expect 278 00:08:57,060 --> 00:08:57,969 to hear from? 279 00:08:57,970 --> 00:08:58,949 Absolutely. 280 00:08:58,950 --> 00:09:00,929 And so we have over 50 281 00:09:00,930 --> 00:09:01,529 speakers. 282 00:09:01,530 --> 00:09:02,109 Oh! 283 00:09:02,110 --> 00:09:02,889 Yes. 284 00:09:02,890 --> 00:09:05,149 And so over 50 speakers, 285 00:09:05,150 --> 00:09:07,129 over 10 different breakout sessions, 286 00:09:07,130 --> 00:09:09,089 and really a 287 00:09:09,090 --> 00:09:10,449 little bit of something for 288 00:09:10,450 --> 00:09:12,089 everyone. Everything from legal 289 00:09:12,090 --> 00:09:14,309 updates around evictions 290 00:09:14,310 --> 00:09:16,329 and support animal 291 00:09:16,330 --> 00:09:18,469 rules, HUD guidance, 292 00:09:18,470 --> 00:09:20,369 to crime-free 293 00:09:20,370 --> 00:09:22,289 multi-housing program. 294 00:09:22,290 --> 00:09:24,869 Of course, we have 295 00:09:24,870 --> 00:09:26,969 the very, For now don't 296 00:09:26,970 --> 00:09:29,029 laugh. We're now miles joining us 297 00:09:29,030 --> 00:09:30,889 and you are will be moderating 298 00:09:30,890 --> 00:09:33,009 the keynote panel And 299 00:09:33,010 --> 00:09:34,829 so the keynote panel, again, 300 00:09:34,830 --> 00:09:36,229 we're talking about economic 301 00:09:36,230 --> 00:09:38,169 mobility, very intentional. 302 00:09:38,170 --> 00:09:40,029 We will have United 303 00:09:40,030 --> 00:09:41,189 Way there. 304 00:09:41,190 --> 00:09:43,269 We will communities 305 00:09:43,270 --> 00:09:45,129 and schools. 306 00:09:45,130 --> 00:09:47,789 We will asset funders, 307 00:09:47,790 --> 00:09:50,189 a grassroot organization, 308 00:09:50,190 --> 00:09:52,129 GAVA, mills on 309 00:09:52,130 --> 00:09:53,089 wheels. 310 00:09:53,090 --> 00:09:55,149 And so again, it's really an 311 00:09:55,150 --> 00:09:57,229 intentional gathering to 312 00:09:57,230 --> 00:09:58,689 pull all of our stakeholders 313 00:09:58,690 --> 00:10:00,489 together because we recognize we all 314 00:10:00,490 --> 00:10:01,519 have a role. 315 00:10:01,520 --> 00:10:03,499 Where can people go to find out 316 00:10:03,500 --> 00:10:05,119 more and register for this event? 317 00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:06,559 Because I don't think you want to 318 00:10:06,560 --> 00:10:07,329 miss it, right? 319 00:10:07,330 --> 00:10:09,789 I wouldn't want to miss it, but 320 00:10:09,790 --> 00:10:11,369 to your question, they can 321 00:10:11,370 --> 00:10:15,469 absolutely go to speakupaustin.org 322 00:10:15,470 --> 00:10:17,289 slash fair housing 323 00:10:17,290 --> 00:10:18,429 to register. 324 00:10:18,430 --> 00:10:19,629 All right, we've been speaking with 325 00:10:19,630 --> 00:10:21,449 Lindsay Wilson, Director of the City 326 00:10:21,450 --> 00:10:22,949 of Austin's Equity and Inclusion 327 00:10:22,950 --> 00:10:24,469 Office. Thanks so much for joining 328 00:10:24,470 --> 00:10:26,309 me here on the Austin Signal. 329 00:10:26,310 --> 00:10:27,409 Thanks for having me. 330 00:10:27,410 --> 00:10:28,410 Of course. 331 00:10:40,810 --> 00:10:42,189 We're coming up on a break, but 332 00:10:42,190 --> 00:10:43,189 don't go too far. 333 00:10:43,190 --> 00:10:45,049 The KUT Fest starts on Friday, 334 00:10:45,050 --> 00:10:46,989 and we're covering a wide range of 335 00:10:46,990 --> 00:10:49,009 topics, including Austin's famous 336 00:10:49,010 --> 00:10:50,089 food scene. 337 00:10:50,090 --> 00:10:51,669 Kendall Antonelli from Antonello's 338 00:10:51,670 --> 00:10:53,409 Cheese Shop will join us for the 339 00:10:53,410 --> 00:10:55,269 fest. And we're gonna have a short 340 00:10:55,270 --> 00:10:57,229 preview of that panel coming 341 00:10:57,230 --> 00:10:58,149 up. 342 00:10:58,150 --> 00:11:00,249 And Austin ISD culinary 343 00:11:00,250 --> 00:11:02,329 students are pairing with Michelin 344 00:11:02,330 --> 00:11:04,409 chefs. That's all coming up next, 345 00:11:04,410 --> 00:11:06,329 right here on Austin 346 00:11:06,330 --> 00:11:07,330 Signal. 347 00:11:29,050 --> 00:11:31,429 This is Austin Signal, welcome back. 348 00:11:31,430 --> 00:11:33,269 The Austin culinary and hospitality 349 00:11:33,270 --> 00:11:35,749 scene has exploded in recent years. 350 00:11:35,750 --> 00:11:37,909 Restaurant bars, tasting rooms 351 00:11:37,910 --> 00:11:39,789 are all an integral part of not 352 00:11:39,790 --> 00:11:41,749 only the Austin area's identity, 353 00:11:41,750 --> 00:11:42,909 but the economy. 354 00:11:42,910 --> 00:11:44,429 As part of a larger conversation 355 00:11:44,430 --> 00:11:46,049 that will be going on at the KUT 356 00:11:46,050 --> 00:11:47,969 Fest this weekend, joining us 357 00:11:47,970 --> 00:11:49,649 now is one of the guests of the 358 00:11:49,650 --> 00:11:51,629 panel, Kendall Antonelli from 359 00:11:51,630 --> 00:11:52,729 Antonellis Cheese. 360 00:11:52,730 --> 00:11:53,769 Ow, ow. 361 00:11:53,770 --> 00:11:55,669 Thanks so much for joining me 362 00:11:55,670 --> 00:11:56,968 today, Kendall. 363 00:11:56,969 --> 00:11:58,859 I'm super excited to be with you. 364 00:11:58,860 --> 00:12:00,419 So Kendall, you're gonna get a lot 365 00:12:00,420 --> 00:12:01,979 of me this week. As you know, I'll 366 00:12:01,980 --> 00:12:03,479 be hosting the still cooking panel 367 00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:05,299 at KUT Fest, and I don't wanna give 368 00:12:05,300 --> 00:12:07,159 too much away to the audience before 369 00:12:07,160 --> 00:12:08,939 our conversation this weekend, but I 370 00:12:08,940 --> 00:12:10,899 have to know, when you decided to 371 00:12:10,900 --> 00:12:13,539 open your business, why Austin? 372 00:12:13,540 --> 00:12:15,499 You know, uh, well, my husband 373 00:12:15,500 --> 00:12:16,879 and I went on our honeymoon and it 374 00:12:16,880 --> 00:12:18,359 was day two of the honeymoon and 375 00:12:18,360 --> 00:12:19,519 John turned to me and said, I'm 376 00:12:19,520 --> 00:12:20,439 going to quit my job and do 377 00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:21,299 something in cheese. 378 00:12:21,300 --> 00:12:22,899 And I was like, right? 379 00:12:22,900 --> 00:12:24,799 What? Uh, like, can I annul at 380 00:12:24,800 --> 00:12:26,199 this point? No. And he left a really 381 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:27,419 lucrative job. 382 00:12:27,420 --> 00:12:29,139 Uh, and then we chose cheese. 383 00:12:29,140 --> 00:12:30,159 We thought we'd do it for a year or 384 00:12:30,160 --> 00:12:32,179 two and, uh instead 385 00:12:32,180 --> 00:12:34,139 here we are 16 years later. 386 00:12:34,140 --> 00:12:34,969 Yeah. Is not e- 387 00:12:34,970 --> 00:12:36,829 So how much have you 388 00:12:36,830 --> 00:12:38,929 seen the food scene grow in Austin 389 00:12:38,930 --> 00:12:40,589 since you've opened up your cheese 390 00:12:40,590 --> 00:12:40,919 shop? 391 00:12:40,920 --> 00:12:41,919 A lot. 392 00:12:41,920 --> 00:12:43,879 I mean, we, for better and for 393 00:12:43,880 --> 00:12:44,899 worse, and I'm more of a 394 00:12:44,900 --> 00:12:45,859 positive-leaning person. 395 00:12:45,860 --> 00:12:47,519 I'm not really a negative Nancy, 396 00:12:47,520 --> 00:12:48,759 except sorry, Nancy's out there. 397 00:12:48,760 --> 00:12:49,939 I won't, I won't use that expression 398 00:12:49,940 --> 00:12:50,779 anymore. 399 00:12:50,780 --> 00:12:52,239 But I like to live with, live with 400 00:12:52,240 --> 00:12:53,379 positivity. 401 00:12:53,380 --> 00:12:54,519 That being said, a lot of our 402 00:12:54,520 --> 00:12:56,639 favorite places have closed. 403 00:12:56,640 --> 00:12:58,059 And, you know, people always jump on 404 00:12:58,060 --> 00:12:59,579 social media and say, no, they were 405 00:12:59,580 --> 00:13:00,399 doing so well. 406 00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:02,039 And I think that's one of the things 407 00:13:02,040 --> 00:13:03,379 we can talk about in this panel is 408 00:13:03,380 --> 00:13:05,339 there's this perception of success. 409 00:13:05,340 --> 00:13:07,179 We have a huge perception of 410 00:13:07,180 --> 00:13:08,159 success and we've been 411 00:13:08,160 --> 00:13:09,299 non-profitable for two years 412 00:13:09,300 --> 00:13:11,079 straight writing out a deficit. 413 00:13:11,080 --> 00:13:12,779 We're really very open about it, so 414 00:13:12,780 --> 00:13:13,819 that's fine. 415 00:13:13,820 --> 00:13:15,779 But it has changed a lot, 416 00:13:15,780 --> 00:13:16,599 places have closed. 417 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:18,439 There's also always fresh 418 00:13:18,440 --> 00:13:20,039 blood and fresh spirit and fresh 419 00:13:20,040 --> 00:13:21,479 ideas and people starting something 420 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:23,439 new. And so I haven't seen that 421 00:13:23,440 --> 00:13:24,429 stop yet either. 422 00:13:24,430 --> 00:13:25,629 And one thing that has been 423 00:13:25,630 --> 00:13:27,609 successful for you is the try 424 00:13:27,610 --> 00:13:29,569 before you buy method, which I 425 00:13:29,570 --> 00:13:30,809 love. And I'm thinking of like 426 00:13:30,810 --> 00:13:32,709 wineries of the Hill Country or 427 00:13:32,710 --> 00:13:34,569 the breweries or of course, like I 428 00:13:34,570 --> 00:13:35,829 said, your cheese shop. 429 00:13:35,830 --> 00:13:37,789 What is it about this business 430 00:13:37,790 --> 00:13:39,689 model that you think makes it work? 431 00:13:39,690 --> 00:13:40,559 Yeah. Cause I love it. 432 00:13:40,560 --> 00:13:42,319 Look, cheese, let's be honest, 433 00:13:42,320 --> 00:13:44,219 cheese can be scary, 434 00:13:44,220 --> 00:13:45,679 at least like pre-pandemic. 435 00:13:45,680 --> 00:13:46,959 Now everybody and their grandma owns 436 00:13:46,960 --> 00:13:48,419 like a charcuterie biz on social 437 00:13:48,420 --> 00:13:51,319 media, but pre- pandemic cheese 438 00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:53,399 had this like poo poo pinkies 439 00:13:53,400 --> 00:13:54,400 up. 440 00:13:54,940 --> 00:13:56,479 Now we've owned bougie, we like 441 00:13:56,480 --> 00:13:58,479 bougie things, but it really seemed 442 00:13:58,480 --> 00:13:59,319 inaccessible. 443 00:13:59,320 --> 00:14:00,679 And our whole goal was to make it 444 00:14:00,680 --> 00:14:02,599 fun, approachable, playful, 445 00:14:02,600 --> 00:14:03,749 and sexy, if you will. 446 00:14:03,750 --> 00:14:05,329 Somebody said, you mean passionate? 447 00:14:05,330 --> 00:14:06,469 And I was like, no, sexy. 448 00:14:06,470 --> 00:14:07,649 Like you look at my cheese case and 449 00:14:07,650 --> 00:14:08,829 you want to jump in the cheese case 450 00:14:08,830 --> 00:14:10,169 because it's sexy. 451 00:14:10,170 --> 00:14:11,209 Yeah, that's what I'm saying. 452 00:14:11,210 --> 00:14:13,089 So the best way to do 453 00:14:13,090 --> 00:14:14,729 that is not for me to tell somebody 454 00:14:14,730 --> 00:14:16,249 why it's good. It's for them to let 455 00:14:16,250 --> 00:14:18,049 their own pallets guide them. 456 00:14:18,050 --> 00:14:19,909 And you bought cheese today for me 457 00:14:19,910 --> 00:14:22,149 today. So let's do this. 458 00:14:22,150 --> 00:14:23,349 OK, I'm going to do this a little 459 00:14:23,350 --> 00:14:24,309 bit differently than normal. 460 00:14:24,310 --> 00:14:25,849 So what I brought, I wish I could 461 00:14:25,850 --> 00:14:27,129 like ASMR this, y'all. 462 00:14:27,130 --> 00:14:28,849 I mean, here, look, this is me 463 00:14:28,850 --> 00:14:30,469 opening up some crackers. 464 00:14:30,470 --> 00:14:31,649 Why? Because it's really hard to do 465 00:14:31,650 --> 00:14:32,490 in this now. I'm touching 466 00:14:32,491 --> 00:14:33,369 everybody's crackers. 467 00:14:33,370 --> 00:14:35,589 Okay. Now that I open the crackers, 468 00:14:35,590 --> 00:14:36,549 don't touch those. 469 00:14:36,550 --> 00:14:37,649 Don't touch the crackers? No, 470 00:14:37,650 --> 00:14:39,029 because if you put the cheese on the 471 00:14:39,030 --> 00:14:40,029 cracker, girl, you're just gonna 472 00:14:40,030 --> 00:14:40,849 taste the crackers. 473 00:14:40,850 --> 00:14:41,849 Okay. And I want you to taste the 474 00:14:41,850 --> 00:14:43,049 cheese naked. Okay. 475 00:14:43,050 --> 00:14:43,889 Oh, naked cheese, let's do this. You gotta get 476 00:14:43,890 --> 00:14:45,089 intimate with the cheese. 477 00:14:45,090 --> 00:14:46,229 So, I'm gonna give you a bite of 478 00:14:46,230 --> 00:14:47,389 this cheese. I'm not gonna tell you 479 00:14:47,390 --> 00:14:48,389 what it is, and I've never done it 480 00:14:48,390 --> 00:14:49,390 this way before. 481 00:14:49,950 --> 00:14:51,349 This cheese, for people to know, 482 00:14:51,350 --> 00:14:52,969 it's scooped like an ice cream 483 00:14:52,970 --> 00:14:53,889 scoop. 484 00:14:53,890 --> 00:14:55,489 It's bright white. 485 00:14:55,490 --> 00:14:56,949 And now I'm going to ask you three 486 00:14:56,950 --> 00:14:58,889 questions. Is it A, B, or C? 487 00:14:58,890 --> 00:15:00,789 Does it taste buttery and 488 00:15:00,790 --> 00:15:01,699 grassy? 489 00:15:01,700 --> 00:15:03,759 Does it taste nutty 490 00:15:03,760 --> 00:15:06,139 and rich, or does it taste 491 00:15:06,140 --> 00:15:08,599 tangy and citrus zesty? 492 00:15:08,600 --> 00:15:10,289 I feel like it's buttery and grassy. 493 00:15:10,290 --> 00:15:11,649 Oh, okay. 494 00:15:11,650 --> 00:15:13,149 Well, let's do one more. 495 00:15:13,150 --> 00:15:14,109 Let's do this. 496 00:15:14,110 --> 00:15:15,929 Okay, try this cheese. 497 00:15:15,930 --> 00:15:17,449 And I'm gonna ask you the same same 498 00:15:17,450 --> 00:15:18,450 three. 499 00:15:18,810 --> 00:15:21,769 So is that one buttery and grassy, 500 00:15:21,770 --> 00:15:23,689 nutty or tangy 501 00:15:23,690 --> 00:15:24,690 and citrusy? 502 00:15:26,910 --> 00:15:27,910 Well, she's 503 00:15:29,010 --> 00:15:30,969 It's interesting how your mind has 504 00:15:30,970 --> 00:15:31,459 to process. 505 00:15:31,460 --> 00:15:33,359 And this is actually you don't 506 00:15:33,360 --> 00:15:34,139 have to know this stuff. 507 00:15:34,140 --> 00:15:36,119 We do cheese tasting classes I was 508 00:15:36,120 --> 00:15:37,859 not actually laying up for this, but 509 00:15:37,860 --> 00:15:39,579 you really have to train your palate 510 00:15:39,580 --> 00:15:41,099 to kind of pick up these flavor 511 00:15:41,100 --> 00:15:42,739 profiles So, okay. 512 00:15:42,740 --> 00:15:43,899 So wait, give me my options again 513 00:15:43,900 --> 00:15:46,259 for this one. Okay first buttery 514 00:15:46,260 --> 00:15:48,739 and grassy No, second nutty 515 00:15:48,740 --> 00:15:50,859 and rich or 516 00:15:50,860 --> 00:15:51,860 third tangy 517 00:15:52,739 --> 00:15:54,349 acidic citrusy 518 00:15:54,350 --> 00:15:55,969 It seems like it could be a bit more 519 00:15:55,970 --> 00:15:57,539 tangy to me. 520 00:15:57,540 --> 00:15:59,159 All right. Well, let's go there. 521 00:15:59,160 --> 00:16:00,979 So choice A, I would have 522 00:16:00,980 --> 00:16:02,819 gone, that's a fresh cheve, a fresh 523 00:16:02,820 --> 00:16:03,619 goat's milk cheese. 524 00:16:03,620 --> 00:16:04,699 It's bright white. You know it 525 00:16:04,700 --> 00:16:05,799 visually because it's bright white 526 00:16:05,800 --> 00:16:07,139 and goats can't process the beta 527 00:16:07,140 --> 00:16:08,539 carotenes and grass. 528 00:16:08,540 --> 00:16:10,919 But it is known for being tangy, 529 00:16:10,920 --> 00:16:12,819 minerally bright, acidic, 530 00:16:12,820 --> 00:16:14,299 citrus zest flavors. 531 00:16:14,300 --> 00:16:16,419 So that one is more often 532 00:16:16,420 --> 00:16:18,339 characteristically that. 533 00:16:18,340 --> 00:16:20,399 The second cheese you just tried is 534 00:16:20,400 --> 00:16:21,939 Pleasant Ridge Reserve made by 535 00:16:21,940 --> 00:16:23,079 Uplands Cheese, one of the most 536 00:16:23,080 --> 00:16:24,679 award-winning cheeses in the United 537 00:16:24,680 --> 00:16:25,549 States. 538 00:16:25,550 --> 00:16:27,409 And that one is made from 539 00:16:27,410 --> 00:16:29,049 grass fed cows. 540 00:16:29,050 --> 00:16:30,549 You can also tell it's yellow in 541 00:16:30,550 --> 00:16:32,029 color and that's because of those 542 00:16:32,030 --> 00:16:33,209 beta carotenes in the grass. 543 00:16:33,210 --> 00:16:34,489 And that's known for being really 544 00:16:34,490 --> 00:16:35,499 buttery and grassy. 545 00:16:35,500 --> 00:16:36,249 Wow 546 00:16:36,250 --> 00:16:37,489 That being said, you know what? 547 00:16:37,490 --> 00:16:38,529 Your palate is your own. 548 00:16:38,530 --> 00:16:40,069 So we'll teach you what flavor 549 00:16:40,070 --> 00:16:41,749 descriptors are and you can work on 550 00:16:41,750 --> 00:16:43,769 them, but also you just taste and 551 00:16:43,770 --> 00:16:44,929 eat what you like, taste what you're 552 00:16:44,930 --> 00:16:46,829 like. And then I always love it 553 00:16:46,830 --> 00:16:47,929 when people say, well, you didn't 554 00:16:47,930 --> 00:16:49,249 taste this, you're wrong. 555 00:16:49,250 --> 00:16:50,249 They've actually, science has showed 556 00:16:50,250 --> 00:16:51,529 that your palate is like a 557 00:16:51,530 --> 00:16:53,149 thumbprint. It's unique to you. 558 00:16:53,150 --> 00:16:55,269 So we all taste sweet, salt, 559 00:16:55,270 --> 00:16:57,209 sour, umami, 560 00:16:57,210 --> 00:16:58,429 all in different places on our 561 00:16:58,430 --> 00:16:59,989 tongue. And so, yeah, it may not 562 00:16:59,990 --> 00:17:01,629 taste that way to you I am now 563 00:17:01,630 --> 00:17:03,529 seeing food a lot more 564 00:17:03,530 --> 00:17:05,368 differently. And that's what, 565 00:17:05,369 --> 00:17:07,279 you... When we eat food, people just 566 00:17:07,280 --> 00:17:08,519 pop it and take it back. 567 00:17:08,520 --> 00:17:10,338 And instead for us, it's all five 568 00:17:10,339 --> 00:17:11,199 senses. 569 00:17:11,200 --> 00:17:12,578 It's audible. If a cheese squeak 570 00:17:12,579 --> 00:17:14,838 doesn't squeak, is it a cheese curd? 571 00:17:14,839 --> 00:17:16,239 And it's the same thing as like a 572 00:17:16,240 --> 00:17:17,318 tortilla chip. It feels like it 573 00:17:17,319 --> 00:17:18,959 tastes different when it doesn't 574 00:17:18,960 --> 00:17:20,399 break in your mouth and crunch. 575 00:17:20,400 --> 00:17:21,818 Nothing has changed about the taste 576 00:17:21,819 --> 00:17:23,419 of it. It just has a different 577 00:17:23,420 --> 00:17:25,239 sensation of taste and flavor 578 00:17:25,240 --> 00:17:27,098 based off of it being stale. 579 00:17:27,099 --> 00:17:28,419 So yeah, use all your senses when 580 00:17:28,420 --> 00:17:29,999 you're, it's a fun experience if you 581 00:17:30,000 --> 00:17:31,839 can slow down, which I'm not good 582 00:17:31,840 --> 00:17:33,619 at. You can tell I'm a fast talker. 583 00:17:33,620 --> 00:17:35,519 But if you can slow down and eat 584 00:17:35,520 --> 00:17:36,999 your food the same way you might at 585 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:38,599 the beginning of a wine tasting or 586 00:17:38,600 --> 00:17:40,219 and use all your senses, it's a 587 00:17:40,220 --> 00:17:41,279 whole different experience. 588 00:17:41,280 --> 00:17:43,159 Kendall, mind blown. 589 00:17:43,160 --> 00:17:45,099 Now, before I let 590 00:17:45,100 --> 00:17:47,079 you go, as someone who's been in 591 00:17:47,080 --> 00:17:48,959 business for 16 years, 592 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:50,279 right? Where do you see the future 593 00:17:50,280 --> 00:17:51,959 of Austin's food scene heading? 594 00:17:53,030 --> 00:17:54,629 That's a tough one. 595 00:17:54,630 --> 00:17:55,609 I mean, I kind of hinted at it 596 00:17:55,610 --> 00:17:57,509 earlier that things grow, 597 00:17:57,510 --> 00:17:59,709 things die, things close. 598 00:17:59,710 --> 00:18:01,229 But people are always coming up with 599 00:18:01,230 --> 00:18:03,169 new ideas. And now I think, 600 00:18:03,170 --> 00:18:05,149 at least in theory and 601 00:18:05,150 --> 00:18:07,089 in some practice, we're creating new 602 00:18:07,090 --> 00:18:09,109 avenues to access capital, 603 00:18:09,110 --> 00:18:10,769 so new businesses maybe that were 604 00:18:10,770 --> 00:18:12,049 always there are getting a different 605 00:18:12,050 --> 00:18:13,249 leg up because more people are 606 00:18:13,250 --> 00:18:14,749 seeing them in certain ways. 607 00:18:14,750 --> 00:18:16,769 So I'm excited always 608 00:18:16,770 --> 00:18:17,799 for the future. 609 00:18:17,800 --> 00:18:19,579 That being said, we have a lot of 610 00:18:19,580 --> 00:18:20,919 challenges to overcome. 611 00:18:20,920 --> 00:18:22,799 It's paid labor in the industry. 612 00:18:22,800 --> 00:18:24,359 It's people willing to pay for real 613 00:18:24,360 --> 00:18:25,939 food. It's the fact that organic 614 00:18:25,940 --> 00:18:27,819 food costs more than something that 615 00:18:27,820 --> 00:18:29,039 doesn't have any real food in it at 616 00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:30,859 all. None of those are easy to solve 617 00:18:30,860 --> 00:18:32,859 questions, but it impacts us 618 00:18:32,860 --> 00:18:34,049 all the way around. 619 00:18:34,050 --> 00:18:35,249 We've been speaking with Kendall 620 00:18:35,250 --> 00:18:37,149 Antonelli, founder and president of 621 00:18:37,150 --> 00:18:38,389 Antonellis Cheese. 622 00:18:38,390 --> 00:18:40,389 She will be joining me at KUT Fest 623 00:18:40,390 --> 00:18:41,829 this Saturday, along with Erin 624 00:18:41,830 --> 00:18:43,889 Franklin of Franklin's Barbecue and 625 00:18:43,890 --> 00:18:46,009 Tevelle Bristol-Joseph of Emerin Rye 626 00:18:46,010 --> 00:18:48,209 on the panel, Still Cooking. 627 00:18:48,210 --> 00:18:50,029 We'll have a link with more info 628 00:18:50,030 --> 00:18:52,149 at kut.org slash 629 00:18:52,150 --> 00:18:54,029 signal. Kendall, thanks so much for. 630 00:18:54,030 --> 00:18:55,249 Being with me today. 631 00:18:55,250 --> 00:18:56,489 Thank you and just remember you said 632 00:18:56,490 --> 00:18:57,849 on that panel still cooking but for 633 00:18:57,850 --> 00:18:58,869 those of you who don't want to cook 634 00:18:58,870 --> 00:19:00,090 you can just eat some cheese. 635 00:19:01,200 --> 00:19:02,499 And continuing our conversation 636 00:19:02,500 --> 00:19:04,479 about the impact in the hospitality 637 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:06,519 scene, our next guests are students 638 00:19:06,520 --> 00:19:08,679 in future culinary scene hopefuls 639 00:19:08,680 --> 00:19:10,559 who are part of Austin ISD's 640 00:19:10,560 --> 00:19:12,359 Culinary Arts and Hospitality 641 00:19:12,360 --> 00:19:13,179 Program. 642 00:19:13,180 --> 00:19:14,539 And tomorrow they will be shoulder 643 00:19:14,540 --> 00:19:16,359 to shoulder with renowned Austin 644 00:19:16,360 --> 00:19:18,379 chefs helping to execute a 645 00:19:18,380 --> 00:19:20,319 menu they helped build as part of 646 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:22,219 the annual give back gig. 647 00:19:22,220 --> 00:19:23,579 A fundraiser to help sustain 648 00:19:23,580 --> 00:19:25,459 programs focused on developing 649 00:19:25,460 --> 00:19:27,579 the next generation of Austin's 650 00:19:27,580 --> 00:19:28,739 hospitality workforce. 651 00:19:28,740 --> 00:19:30,559 Joining us now are Leilani 652 00:19:30,560 --> 00:19:32,799 Martinez, Dina Munoz, 653 00:19:32,800 --> 00:19:35,419 Arlo Irving, and Cerise Mazariegos. 654 00:19:35,420 --> 00:19:37,399 Welcome to Austin Signal. 655 00:19:37,400 --> 00:19:39,359 Thanks for having us. 656 00:19:39,360 --> 00:19:40,659 And accompanying them is their 657 00:19:40,660 --> 00:19:42,379 instructor who leads the culinary 658 00:19:42,380 --> 00:19:44,259 and hospitality program, Jayma 659 00:19:44,260 --> 00:19:46,439 Vaughn. Jayma thanks for being here. 660 00:19:46,440 --> 00:19:47,819 Thank you, Miles, for having us. 661 00:19:47,820 --> 00:19:49,599 We are excited to be here. 662 00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:51,119 I want to start with you, Jaima. 663 00:19:51,120 --> 00:19:53,199 Tell us about this program. 664 00:19:53,200 --> 00:19:55,039 Yeah, I can talk all day about this 665 00:19:55,040 --> 00:19:57,519 program because it 666 00:19:57,520 --> 00:19:59,539 is based around really, 667 00:19:59,540 --> 00:20:01,839 really brilliant students. 668 00:20:01,840 --> 00:20:04,039 But beyond that, it is 669 00:20:04,040 --> 00:20:05,939 a partnership that has been 670 00:20:05,940 --> 00:20:07,519 at Travis Early College High School 671 00:20:07,520 --> 00:20:09,679 since 2001 with 672 00:20:09,680 --> 00:20:11,519 Austin ISD, with 673 00:20:11,520 --> 00:20:12,679 Austin Hotel and Lodging 674 00:20:12,680 --> 00:20:14,579 Association, and with Visit 675 00:20:14,580 --> 00:20:15,419 Austin. 676 00:20:15,420 --> 00:20:17,459 And we're proud to serve the 677 00:20:17,460 --> 00:20:19,379 students in our community and 678 00:20:19,380 --> 00:20:21,099 to eventually give back to the 679 00:20:21,100 --> 00:20:22,879 community in the hospitality and 680 00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:24,319 tourism scene. So it's a great 681 00:20:24,320 --> 00:20:25,919 program and I'm excited to be here 682 00:20:25,920 --> 00:20:27,619 to talk about it today and our cool 683 00:20:27,620 --> 00:20:28,629 upcoming event. 684 00:20:28,630 --> 00:20:30,209 Yes, and speaking of the upcoming 685 00:20:30,210 --> 00:20:32,649 event, what is this gift bag? 686 00:20:32,650 --> 00:20:34,369 So, the Give Back gig is in its 687 00:20:34,370 --> 00:20:35,469 third year. 688 00:20:35,470 --> 00:20:37,429 It was the brainchild 689 00:20:37,430 --> 00:20:39,389 of the Visit Austin Education 690 00:20:39,390 --> 00:20:40,489 Foundation. 691 00:20:40,490 --> 00:20:42,569 That is the branch from Visit Austin 692 00:20:42,570 --> 00:20:44,769 that works with 693 00:20:44,770 --> 00:20:46,729 local community partners like Travis 694 00:20:46,730 --> 00:20:47,869 High School and like Austin 695 00:20:47,870 --> 00:20:49,969 Community College, Good Works, 696 00:20:49,970 --> 00:20:51,829 Urban Roots, to give back 697 00:20:51,830 --> 00:20:53,849 to community members who are 698 00:20:53,850 --> 00:20:55,869 wanting to thrive in 699 00:20:55,870 --> 00:20:57,509 the hospitality and tourism and 700 00:20:57,510 --> 00:20:59,329 restaurant scene. Um, so the 701 00:20:59,330 --> 00:21:01,479 give back gig is where we 702 00:21:01,480 --> 00:21:03,299 take these great, incredible 703 00:21:03,300 --> 00:21:04,999 culinary students from Travis Early 704 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:06,879 College High School and we 705 00:21:06,880 --> 00:21:08,779 partner them with 706 00:21:08,780 --> 00:21:10,779 celebrity chefs from the 707 00:21:10,780 --> 00:21:11,739 Austin area. 708 00:21:11,740 --> 00:21:13,879 Wow. A couple of years ago, 709 00:21:13,880 --> 00:21:14,979 something really incredible happened 710 00:21:14,980 --> 00:21:16,659 in Austin and that is that the 711 00:21:16,660 --> 00:21:18,359 Michelin Guide came to Austin. 712 00:21:18,360 --> 00:21:20,299 And this was big, huge news 713 00:21:20,300 --> 00:21:21,759 in the hospitality and culinary 714 00:21:21,760 --> 00:21:22,760 scene in Austin. 715 00:21:23,640 --> 00:21:25,519 So students who maybe wanted to 716 00:21:25,520 --> 00:21:27,159 work with the Michelins chef before 717 00:21:27,160 --> 00:21:29,639 that had to leave the state. 718 00:21:29,640 --> 00:21:31,059 They had to go to Chicago, they had 719 00:21:31,060 --> 00:21:32,539 to go to New York to try to get that 720 00:21:32,540 --> 00:21:33,359 experience. 721 00:21:33,360 --> 00:21:35,639 But because of the Give Back gig and 722 00:21:35,640 --> 00:21:37,559 those chefs partnering with us, 723 00:21:37,560 --> 00:21:38,919 our students can do that in their 724 00:21:38,920 --> 00:21:40,959 own hometown and then they can stay 725 00:21:40,960 --> 00:21:41,959 in their hometown. 726 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:43,159 They can go to Austin Community 727 00:21:43,160 --> 00:21:45,019 College, major in culinary arts, 728 00:21:45,020 --> 00:21:46,839 and continue to work their 729 00:21:46,840 --> 00:21:48,879 way up with local chefs 730 00:21:48,880 --> 00:21:50,159 who've been recognized by the 731 00:21:50,160 --> 00:21:51,029 Michelin Guide. 732 00:21:51,030 --> 00:21:53,009 No, it is really cool to be able to 733 00:21:53,010 --> 00:21:54,909 work with the best of the best when 734 00:21:54,910 --> 00:21:56,429 you're, you know, in high school. 735 00:21:56,430 --> 00:21:57,729 So speaking of that, let's turn to 736 00:21:57,730 --> 00:21:59,689 some of our brilliant students. 737 00:21:59,690 --> 00:22:01,509 First, I have Leilani, why 738 00:22:01,510 --> 00:22:02,929 are you interested in the culinary 739 00:22:02,930 --> 00:22:03,789 arts? 740 00:22:03,790 --> 00:22:05,769 Well I'm interested in the culinary 741 00:22:05,770 --> 00:22:07,609 arts because I can be creative 742 00:22:07,610 --> 00:22:09,629 with food and honestly 743 00:22:09,630 --> 00:22:11,229 you can never make mistakes when it 744 00:22:11,230 --> 00:22:13,269 comes to food you can probably like 745 00:22:13,270 --> 00:22:14,889 learn from it or make something new 746 00:22:14,890 --> 00:22:16,949 that you like and I just like 747 00:22:16,950 --> 00:22:18,769 that I get to make food 748 00:22:18,770 --> 00:22:20,709 for people that for my loved 749 00:22:20,710 --> 00:22:22,549 ones and they get to 750 00:22:22,550 --> 00:22:24,669 taste some of my foods. 751 00:22:24,670 --> 00:22:26,199 I love that, and Cerise. 752 00:22:26,200 --> 00:22:27,799 What have you already learned about 753 00:22:27,800 --> 00:22:30,049 the culinary arts as a student? 754 00:22:30,050 --> 00:22:31,969 Well, a basic answer is that 755 00:22:31,970 --> 00:22:33,909 I've learned knife skills and 756 00:22:33,910 --> 00:22:35,989 different ways to cook 757 00:22:35,990 --> 00:22:38,069 different foods, but 758 00:22:38,070 --> 00:22:40,089 a more in-depth answer 759 00:22:40,090 --> 00:22:42,569 would be that I have learned 760 00:22:42,570 --> 00:22:44,409 the importance of 761 00:22:44,410 --> 00:22:46,269 networking and knowing 762 00:22:46,270 --> 00:22:48,229 the right people and being 763 00:22:48,230 --> 00:22:50,709 involved in the community and 764 00:22:50,710 --> 00:22:52,749 the importance of working well 765 00:22:52,750 --> 00:22:54,749 with others and doing 766 00:22:54,750 --> 00:22:56,729 your best to help everybody. 767 00:22:56,730 --> 00:22:58,569 That skill set will take you far in 768 00:22:58,570 --> 00:23:00,269 any career. So those are good things 769 00:23:00,270 --> 00:23:01,069 to learn. 770 00:23:01,070 --> 00:23:03,049 And then up next I have Arlo, 771 00:23:03,050 --> 00:23:04,389 what do you hope to learn from this 772 00:23:04,390 --> 00:23:05,729 event? Because you're gonna be next 773 00:23:05,730 --> 00:23:07,729 to like superstar chefs. 774 00:23:07,730 --> 00:23:09,689 Well, to build off Cerise and 775 00:23:09,690 --> 00:23:11,789 Ms. Vaughan, to say that networking 776 00:23:11,790 --> 00:23:13,829 and having these opportunities with 777 00:23:13,830 --> 00:23:15,689 these great, amazing people who 778 00:23:15,690 --> 00:23:17,069 already have so much experience in 779 00:23:17,070 --> 00:23:18,989 this industry, and to be there 780 00:23:18,990 --> 00:23:21,029 and to have that opportunity 781 00:23:21,030 --> 00:23:22,929 just makes your view of 782 00:23:22,930 --> 00:23:25,049 the future just so much brighter and 783 00:23:25,050 --> 00:23:26,489 allows you to build connections 784 00:23:26,490 --> 00:23:28,489 early and get into 785 00:23:28,490 --> 00:23:30,129 not just the culinary scene but the 786 00:23:30,130 --> 00:23:31,989 hospitality scene and 787 00:23:31,990 --> 00:23:33,529 make a successful career out of your 788 00:23:33,530 --> 00:23:33,899 life. 789 00:23:33,900 --> 00:23:35,779 And Dina, how do you help to use the 790 00:23:35,780 --> 00:23:37,379 things that you've learned in the 791 00:23:37,380 --> 00:23:38,139 future? 792 00:23:38,140 --> 00:23:40,119 Well, since I'm graduating soon, 793 00:23:40,120 --> 00:23:41,919 I think that I'm gonna use like the 794 00:23:41,920 --> 00:23:42,859 networking skills and the 795 00:23:42,860 --> 00:23:45,079 communications because 796 00:23:45,080 --> 00:23:46,959 I'm going to be communicating with 797 00:23:46,960 --> 00:23:47,999 a lot of people because I am going 798 00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:48,959 into nursing. 799 00:23:48,960 --> 00:23:50,399 So I'm just gonna use what I've 800 00:23:50,400 --> 00:23:52,659 learned about my internships 801 00:23:52,660 --> 00:23:54,519 and my internships when I did human 802 00:23:54,520 --> 00:23:55,639 resources. 803 00:23:55,640 --> 00:23:57,639 I learned more about what 804 00:23:57,640 --> 00:23:59,019 it's like to work with other people 805 00:23:59,020 --> 00:24:01,279 and knowing how to, 806 00:24:01,280 --> 00:24:03,139 I guess, react to how other 807 00:24:03,140 --> 00:24:05,019 people react to certain things that 808 00:24:05,020 --> 00:24:06,879 I probably would react 809 00:24:06,880 --> 00:24:07,880 differently to. 810 00:24:08,820 --> 00:24:10,239 Yeah, I think I'm just gonna take 811 00:24:10,240 --> 00:24:12,679 more the skills on 812 00:24:12,680 --> 00:24:15,179 communication rather than like 813 00:24:15,180 --> 00:24:16,649 cooking skills. 814 00:24:16,650 --> 00:24:18,169 We've been speaking with AISD 815 00:24:18,170 --> 00:24:20,009 students Leilani Martinez, 816 00:24:20,010 --> 00:24:22,089 Dina Munoz, Arlo Irving, 817 00:24:22,090 --> 00:24:23,869 and Cerise Macerriegos, and their 818 00:24:23,870 --> 00:24:25,669 instructor, Jama Vaughn. 819 00:24:25,670 --> 00:24:27,389 We'll have a link with more info at 820 00:24:27,390 --> 00:24:29,489 kut.org slash signal and 821 00:24:29,490 --> 00:24:31,109 in the podcast show notes. 822 00:24:31,110 --> 00:24:32,629 Thank you so much for being here, 823 00:24:32,630 --> 00:24:33,079 guys. 824 00:24:33,080 --> 00:24:34,080 Thank you! 825 00:24:36,610 --> 00:24:38,449 That's it for us here on Austin 826 00:24:38,450 --> 00:24:39,409 Signal. 827 00:24:39,410 --> 00:24:40,489 Thanks so much for hanging out with 828 00:24:40,490 --> 00:24:42,249 us. Serena Sevilla is our technical 829 00:24:42,250 --> 00:24:43,129 director. 830 00:24:43,130 --> 00:24:44,909 Alexa Hart is our producer. 831 00:24:44,910 --> 00:24:46,469 Christian Cabrera is our managing 832 00:24:46,470 --> 00:24:47,389 producer. 833 00:24:47,390 --> 00:24:48,309 I'm Miles Bloxson. 834 00:24:48,310 --> 00:24:50,649 And for my buddy, Jerry Quijano. 835 00:24:50,650 --> 00:24:52,509 Austin Signal is back tomorrow. 836 00:24:52,510 --> 00:24:54,269 I hope you have a beautiful day.