I traveled to Marathon in Far West Texas this past weekend to help Chef Kevin Williamson and his talented crew from Ranch 616 in Austin open their new satellite restaurant at the historic Gage Hotel. Folks came out by the hundreds (which is impressive in a town of about 500), including many invited guests from Houston and Austin.
Chef Antonio stood at the grill just outside the hotel grounds for hours, dishing up marinated and grilled meat specials like these beef skewers. When was the last time Texas looked or felt so tropical?
These grilled Texas quails were another of the delightful summer evening’s greatest hits. The fact that the temperature was only in the 80s - and that there was a cool breeze - made for a brilliant change from the Gulf Coast.
What would a Texas party be without a table to taste mescal? This was a very popular table…
The Gage Hotel, lovingly restored over the years by the Bryan family of Houston, has many unforgettable rooms. This one was mine. Even after all the mescal, plus a bunch of Rain Waters (tequila, lime juice, Cointreau and Topo Chico mineral water), I felt no requirement to wear the hats conveniently provided.
The Gage; what a gorgeous hotel. Looks like a destination to me. Can’t wait to plan a road trip and maybe the holidays will be festive there. Great luck to you and yours, Kay