[May 15, 2013] Like a Local: Nic Patrizi makes new food trailer a family affair Tweet May 15, 2013 (Austin American-Statesman - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Cooking and eating was always a family affair for Nic Patrizi and his relatives when they were running a restaurant in Beaumont, and it will be again when he opens a food trailer in East Austin on Saturday. But make no mistake: the Patrizi's offering Italian fare out of a window will not be the same Patrizi's that opened in 1948 and closed down about 50 years later, although the restaurant did serve as an inspiration for the food truck. One key difference is that the menu will be kept pretty simple: three courses of a salad, pasta and dessert, with about six homemade sauces and locally sourced ingredients, from the cheese and the vegetables and even the meat, which Patrizi said will come from butcher shop and salumeria Salt and Time on East Seventh Street. The food may still be prepared and served by Patrizis, however. One of Patrizi's sisters will probably work at the trailer, as well as some other relatives. Tucked into the outdoor portion of the Vortex, a center for theater performances, happy hours and yoga on Manor Road, Patrizi's, Patrizi hopes, will became a community spot in East Austin. "I think this food trailer bridges the gap between a fancy Italian restaurant and a laid-back East Austin vibe," he said. He's already created one successful business out of a food truck. Jalopy, downtown on San Antonio Street, has been serving a variety of chicken and veggie sandwiches for three years. Patrizi noted the sandwiches were originally made using bread that grocery giant Whole Foods Market delivered, until making it in the truck became more economical -- one example of the sort of adaptability he hopes to apply to the new trailer. But Patrizi's will be a little different from his first food truck, he said. He's aiming to produce "G'Raj Mahal-style" service for patrons, with the option of servers bringing them menus and their food. G'Raj Mahal, a food trailer in the Rainey Street area, has a hostess who seats each guest. "I like consistency and places that are open throughout the week at set times," he said. "That builds a communal feel. Jalopy has that, and I want Patrizi's to have that as well." Once the new project is off and running, bet that Patrizi will already have plans in the works for another eatery, this one brick-and-mortar and possibly in East Austin like Patrizi's. He likes the area where Roland's Soul Food and Fish is, on Chestnut Avenue not far from his house, and he's always eyeing potential spots. In the meantime, he enjoys catching improvisation shows at the Hideout Theatre on Congress Avenue. He said "Maestro" -- think "Whose Line Is It Anyway" -- is the one to see. Catch that every Saturday at 10 p.m. He also likes the Alamo Drafthouse's Master Pancake series and said that they are "the best shows in town." ___ (c)2013 Austin American-Statesman, Texas Visit Austin American-Statesman, Texas at www.statesman.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]