Desert Island Dish with Austin's Susana Querejazu
As part of our running feature about Austin chefs' favorite meals, we recently caught up with Susana Querejazu, executive pastry chef at the Michelin-recommended Lutie's, located at the Commodore Perry Estate by 41st and Red River streets.
The background: A native Austinite who attended Lamar Middle School and McCallum High School — her dad is from Bolivia, her mom from San Antonio — Querejazu has worked at some of the best restaurants in Austin and across the country.
She met her husband, Bradley Nicholson — now the executive chef at Lutie's — in the kitchen at Enoteca Vespaio. She has worked at Uchi, Odd Duck and Barley Swine, as well as Quince Restaurant and the three-Michelin-starred Saison in San Francisco.
The couple returned to Austin in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, to take the reins at the planned Lutie's. "It was a pile of rocks, but it had so much potential, so centered in the city, so close to UT."
What we like: Querejazu's creations, characterized by technique and seasonal inspiration, include a watermelon soft serve, kouign amann ice cream and an Earl Grey almond cake.
"Texas has amazing strawberries, blueberries, honey, yogurt, milk, sweet potatoes, citrus and pecans. I like to hold a spot for that in my menus," she says.
This interview is edited for clarity.
You're on a desert island. What's the one dish you'd like with you?
"Two answers: The shiitake mushroom dumplings at Barley Swine. It's essentially a filled pasta dish — and at one point they were serving it with a soft scramble and candied nuts. ... The shiitake taste really sticks with you — it's a strong flavor with a creamy filling — really beautiful and a great consistency."
"And the Italian sub at Home Slice. It's a fully loaded sandwich, and I love shrettuce so much. Flavors and consistency is the king, and I like the contrast of hot, cold and saucy."
You're allowed to bring a dessert.
"Just a freshly baked warm chocolate chip cookie. It's basic and easy to eat."
Do you like to eat one with milk?
"Usually no, but my son does. Maybe on a deserted island, I'm not worried about calories."
Well, you can bring a libation on the island. What'll it be?
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