After a grueling seven-month hiatus and a serious financial scare, the esteemed Nixta Taqueria has swung its doors wide open once more in Austin's East Austin district. The beloved spot known for its unique twist on Mexican cuisine, like duck confit carnitas tacos, faced dark days when power got cut over amperage issues last August. Saved by the community's generosity to a GoFundMe page, the James Beard Award-winning owners, Sara Mardanbigi and Edgar Rico, raised more than $114,600 to resurrect the taco haven, according to MySanAntonio.
The reboot was no small ordeal, racking up bills close to $300,000 and a litany of renovations, including a spanking new HVAC and electrical systems. Mardanbigi told MySanAntonio, "We feel like an elephant has been lifted from our chests." Amid heartfelt messages of gratitude shared on Instagram, Nixta celebrated its second coming with a "Resurrection" grand opening on March 31st, inviting the community to relish in the restored patio and menu favorites.
Loyalty to their origins and the vibrant tapestry of flavor isn't just a calling card for Nixta alone, it extends to new ventures such as the introduction of Friendlys, a Persian-inspired brunch pop-up, as noted by Eater Austin. In what’s been dubbed a culinary love letter to Iran, Mardanbigi is fusing her heritage with the local vibe, offering a tantalizing blend of her homeland's recipes with a Texas state twist. Expect to find dishes steeped in tradition like the Omelette Irooni and the Sambook chickpea stew, paired with Iranian staples such as barbari bread sourced straight from a Houston bakery.
The pop-up also gestures to personal history—the name Friendlys is a tribute to Mardanbigi's father, who ran a cafe of the same name after immigrating to America. The aim is to emulate the Iranian mehmooni, or gathering, where guests don't just eat but are enveloped in warmth and attentiveness. "The feeling that I've always loved about mehmoonis is that you feel so light and happy leaving a place," Mardanbigi shared with Eater Austin. Friendlys isn't just about the food—it's extending an experience where people are "really took care of in a way that they needed but didn't know that they needed."
While the first seating of Friendlys on April 7 is already a full house, hopeful attendees should stay tuned. Sara Mardanbigi envisions running the brunches on a monthly schedule, allowing for plenty more opportunities to immerse in this cross-cultural feast.
