Previewing Fareground, Austin's First Food Hall

Our little Austin is growing up - we now have our very own food hall! And its creators are doing it up right.

The space, designed by Michael Hsu, is open and airy and simply gorgeous. I regret that I didn't snap more photos of the details - luscious tiles and interesting finishes that really elevate the space. It was super cold the night of the media preview, so I didn't venture out to see the outdoor space, but I hear that it's equally lovely.

I was lucky enough to sample complimentary bites from each of the restaurants there. Everything was wonderful; the hardest part about going is surely going to be narrowing down what to eat!

Mini sandwiches from Easy Tiger on their excellent house made bread

A sampler plate from Antonelli's Cheese, featuring creamy tomato soup, a seven cheese mac 'n' cheese, and a wonderfully satisfying grilled cheese with Der Scharfe Maxx, fontina, and sweet & tangy mustard seeds on levain.

A fantastic matcha lavender latte from Henbit. They managed to get this just right, avoiding the bitterness matcha can have and the overly floral-ness that lavender can have, and instead blending the best of both into one perfect, not-too-sweet drink.

Miniature versions of Henbit's Monster Cookie. They suggest buying the Monster and eating it over a couple of days. Mine would never last that long.

Lemon pepper, kim chi, and chicken dripping sauce wings from Contigo

Sushi samplings from Ni-Kome

Absolutely stunning wild boar al pastor taco from Dai Due. I'll be back for this one, for sure.

These churros from Dai Due also had my number. Fried but still somehow light(ish), served with a caramel sauce.

Keeping it real at Dai Due!

Know before you go:

• Open 7a - 10p M-F; 9a - 10p weekends (note that not all vendors are open all of these hours).

• Parking in the garage across Brazos Street from the building (the lot for 111 Congress) is validated with food or drink purchase to reduce the usual parking charge of $7/half hour down to $3/half hour with a maximum charge of $21. However, if there's room in the Convention Center garage next door, the rates there are $4 for 15-60 minutes or $6 for 1-3 hours. Or, try your luck with street parking - meters downtown are free on Mondays and Tuesdays after 6p and all day Sunday.

Fareground

111 Congress Avenue

Austin, TX 78701