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Look!: Tree Inspiration in Austin

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We just returned from a lovely, long weekend in Austin, Texas. This was our fifth visit, and we always leave thinking about what a great place it would be to live. Any Austin readers out there??

One of our stops (to check out the decor, not to eat) was the recently-opened Woodland restaurant on South Congress. Inspired by the woods and a pre-existing tree on the lot, the restaurant boasts shingle-like, barky wall coverings, as well as an enlarged pixilated canvas of an outdoor scene. Lovely! (see pics below)

 
 

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(Re-published from a post on 4/2/07)

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Comments (13)

Wow, I like these details. Especially the pixilated print. That's easy, just choose a low-res image for the rasterbater and you're done.

posted by Lisa from VA/lsaspacey on April 2nd 2007 at 10:18am
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I just got back from a long weekend in Austin as well. I'm moving there late summer. Did you check out Uchi?

posted by Alyce on April 2nd 2007 at 10:59am
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Native Austinite here! Honestly I'm just waiting to go back, the Chicago winters are too tough for me.

posted by laurakr on April 2nd 2007 at 11:36am
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hello all, this is michael, the owner of the woodland. i must give credit where credit is due: the tree is actually "faux-bois" (made of concrete and fabricated in place around a structural steel column by carlos cortes of san antonio). this technique is somewhat of a lost art originating in venice a couple of hundred years ago and came to find a renaissance in san antonio, texas in the 20's when carlos' great uncle was commissioned to create park benches, carriage stops and archways in brackenridge park. Carlos is carrying on the tradition today and works in his studio/yard in the king william district of san antonio where you can also find some vintage examples of his great-uncle's and father's work. P.S. - in addition to our quirky design sense, the woodland serves delicious american comfort food where we make our own breads and pies. Come see us!

posted by michaelt on April 2nd 2007 at 2:59pm
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Fabulous technique... thanks for the details Michael!

posted by 2009sunshine on April 2nd 2007 at 8:41pm
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thanks for setting us straight, michaelt!

next time i'm in austin i'll come in for dinner...

posted by heather on April 3rd 2007 at 5:36am
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Alyce, I didn't check out Uchi? what is it?

posted by heather on April 3rd 2007 at 8:25am
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Uchi is a sushi restaurant on Lamar S of the lake/river. The interior was done by Joel Mozersky, who also did the Belmont and a couple other places in Austin. I love his style.

posted by Alyce on April 3rd 2007 at 12:30pm
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That tree takes me back (waaay back) to the Sears kids department, where I was always fascinated by the "life size" Winnie-the-Pooh tree. It made back-to-school shopping for uniform pants *almost* bearable. Pun intended!

posted by patrick (the other one) on April 4th 2007 at 8:53am
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Reminds me of a great bar in Cleveland (fittingly) called the Treehouse ... which has a huge wrought-iron tree "planted" in the center of the first floor that goes up through the second ...

posted by ridge. on April 4th 2007 at 8:30pm
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As a Midwestern transplant living in Austin, I have to say Uchi is a treat. Great design, including handpainted wallpaper. http://www.uchiaustin.com to see pics of cool decor. I've heard great things about the Woodlands and will have to check out the decor...and pie.

posted by CatherineT on April 5th 2007 at 6:43am
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Austin here! I have eaten at the Woodlands and the food is great. Our waitress was not the best, but we overcame that. My son is vegetarian and the menu has good choices. Great drinks!

posted by brownsk on October 1st 2007 at 12:12pm
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Native Austinite. In my perfect life Austin would be in upstate NY. Or rather the Austin of say 10 years ago. Then I could get a good breakfast taco any time.

posted by alexis on October 1st 2007 at 12:30pm
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