Two of the biggest names in the Austin restaurant world have finally announced an opening date for their new restaurant, Loro, on South Lamar: April 4. Happy spring to us all.
Since announcing last fall that chefs Aaron Franklin (Franklin BBQ) and Tyson Cole (Uchi/Uchiko) would be joining forces to open Loro, anticipation for the Asian smokehouse has been steadily building. This is Franklin's first restaurant outside of Franklin BBQ, and a more casual concept for Cole. But we got a sneak peek at the space during a SXSW Outpost event, and it does seem like a beautiful melding of aesthetic and technique between the two. The airy space, designed by Michael Hsu, is an ode to traditional Texas dance halls, with plenty of light and exposed wood beams. Communal tables and spacious booths populate the restaurant, while outside, a patio offers a more casual setting.
Southeast Asian cuisine is the driving force here, with many of the dishes exhibiting a Texas BBQ influence. Most of the options are small plates or snacks that are meant to be shared, so the menu offers things like crunchy sweet corn fritters and chicken karaage. A dinner menu provides larger portions, and its also where you'll see more of Franklin's influence coming through—there's a smoked beef brisket, for example, that's been marinated with Vietnamese nuoc mam and Thai chili gastrique. “That dish is probably one of the most literal combinations of our styles,” Franklin says.
Beverage director Chris Melton is in charge of the drink program, and along with the usual wine and bottle/draft beer, you can expect to see sake slushies and batch cocktails, like a ginger old fashioned, lemongrass daquiri and frozen gin and tonic.
While Loro doesn't open until April 4, they'll be hosting a preview party on March 29 benefitting No Kid Hungry. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased here.