Parkside Opens This January In Downtown Austin

Austin, Texas (January 2008) - Chef Shawn Cirkiel announces the opening of parkside in the new year at a renowned
landmark property located in the heart of downtown Austin, 301 East 6th Street. The eclectic American style eatery will
include an old-fashioned oyster and raw bar, an exciting and rare luxury in the Austin dining scene. With seating just under
300 in a bi-level setting, Cirkiel calls this project "ingredient driven", bringing in only the freshest and highest quality
ingredients available from farmers, ranchers and fisherman both regionally and internationally. All items on the parkside
menu are crafted in-house including charcuterie, pasta, and an array of breads.
parkside's name is derived from the public housing unit where the Chef's father grew up in the Bronx section of New York
City. Chef Cirkiel, born and raised in Austin, is the fourth generation of small business owners in his family. The
entrepreneurial gene comes naturally since the family has owned businesses in Austin since the 1940's. Michael Hsu
Design, an acclaimed design-firm responsible for numerous award-winning projects, completed the interior renovations.
The environment is so laid back with exposed brick, reproduction lighting and captains booths, it's as if Cirkiel is
cooking meals in the privacy of his own home. However, with the spacious size of the restaurant, one could easily
house a family reunion!
"I'm really excited to embrace the energy from downtown and to serve the type of food that I like to eat everyday," said
Shawn Cirkiel, owner and chef of parkside. Service, along with atmosphere and cuisine will be key ingredients of the
successful recipe for parkside. Located on historic 6th street, parkside is in the heart of the city, embracing the vibe and
energy of the downtown Austin scene. This January, the new restaurant will be ready to satisfy its customers at all times of
the day including group lunches, happy hour, lavish dinners, late night snacks, and "hair of the dog" brunches along with
private events and catering.
The continuously changing and extensive menu will include succulent dishes with an American twist. Although this eatery is
not a burger joint there's no doubt they will serve the best in town! The menu will range from leg of lamb to crab fritters and
ceviche. Because Chef Cirkiel only uses the freshest of seasonal ingredients to create his masterpieces, the menu will reflect
this with its offerings of seasonal sides - from foraged mushrooms to macaroni and cheese. Warm up your taste buds with
the smoked chicken ravioli served candied pecans & melted spinach. The cocktail menu, an art in itself, will offer classic
cocktails and an extensive wine by the carafe program. If you are feeling a little fresh - head over to the raw bar, Austin's
largest and most authentic oyster bar bringing a Paris brasserie straight to the south.
Cirkiel's impressive resume includes restaurants such as Domaine Chandon, Uchi, the Sedona Rouge Spa and Resort, Caf�
Boulud and Restaurant 22 and of course his 5 star Austin restaurant, Jean Luc's Bistro. After studying at the Culinary
Institute of America, Cirkiel went on to be featured in distinguished publications such as Southwest Airlines Magazine, Bon
Appetit, USA Today, as well as the Austin American Statesmen to only name a few. He has also had the privilege of cooking
at the world renowned James Beard Foundation on three separate occasions. With an accomplished background and
celebrated craft, parkside is sure to be a huge success. Cirkiel along with wife, Bria, have just welcomed the addition of their
second child to the family and now the couple is ready to embark on another addition to the family with the debut