To help you decide which fruits and vegetables should be on your plate this spring, let’s take a look at this season’s produce within Texas. We combined our list to give you a complete listing of 18 ingredients you should be eating today.

May is a transitional month for produce in terms of what’s in season, since the weather is warming and we begin easing our way into summertime. You will notice, however, that most of the fruits and vegetables are at their best during summer months. The best produce to pay attention to in May are blueberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, nectarines, pears, peppers and summer squash.

As certain produce can only handle specific types of weather and climate, you will want to stay current with your seasonal foods. You can visit the Epicurious website for an updated listing of what’s local in your neighborhood all year long and for some recipe advice, so check out www.epicurious.com.

We have taken the work out of eating well and provided you with an extensive list of not only what to eat, but also some helpful tips on how to pick the best, the cream of the crop, so to speak when it comes to fruits and vegetables.

Enjoy!

Blackberries “Blackberries should be plump and shiny.”

Cauliflower a Celery a Cucumbers a Grapefruit and Oranges
“For the juiciest picks, select heavy citrus fruits with firm rinds.”

Peaches

Spinach Spinach is an excellent source of folate, which is a crucial B vitamin. Spinach also contains lutein, as well as being high in vitamin K.

Strawberries Strawberries should be fragrant and bright red, with no white or green patches near their stems. Strawberries are packed with more antioxidants than most other fruits, as well as a wealth of phytochemicals like ellagic acid.

Turnips a Blueberries
Blueberries should be firm but not hard. Blueberries are also packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids. Additionally, they are high in potassium and vitamin C.

Cantaloupe

Honeydew Melon

Peppers

Summer Squash

As you have probably noticed, warmer weather means busier streets, sidewalks and trails. Austin is not only an outdoorsy city, it is also a very active city. The combination creates a surplus of ways for Austinites to stay physically fit.

We have all been there: We want to feel good about ourselves and do something that will help us look good in the process. However, we lack that know-how or inner drive to put on the running shoes and hit the trails.

If you are someone who is motivated by the dedication athletes have to their physical selves and wish you were part of that active crowd, but you still need an extra push to get started … then this article is for you.

We have combed the Austin area and researched the various methods and physical activities that are all within reach. Everything you need to find inspiration and stay inspired is right here within these pages.

Everyone has a different level when it comes to physical challenges. To help you out, Tristan Truscott shared a few helpful training tips. Truscott is an intensive fitness guru, self-proclaimed martial arts junkie and personal trainer, not to mention creator of the Satori Method.

It’s not about how hard you push yourself, but rather it’s in the way you train. Truscott believes in order to reach maximum potential, your mind and body have to be working as one. Finding the right level of intensity for your next challenge is what’s key to proper training.

The Satori Method takes a mindful approach to exercise and caring for your body, which is different from the traditional form of boot camp classes. The Satori Method provides a holistic and unique method to each of the various fitness styles offered by Truscott. He starts by helping individuals get on the right track to reaching their fullest potential.

Truscott believes the number one thing to look for, when figuring out how to gain that ultimate workout, is motivation. If you can find a purpose that’s at the core of taking the physical fitness class in the first place, you can then attach your workout to that purpose. Truscott says using this approach is the best way to find your drive.

Some of you are working out because you want to lose weight, but why? This is the question that the Satori Method forces you to answer.

“We shape people’s goals around that Why?” says Truscott.

The Satori Method is a concise, three- part approach. Part one is asking yourself why you want this, and then linking your approach to this “why” for better, more driven results. The second part to the Satori approach is eliminating stress from the body. This is important because a body under stress is an unhealthy body.

Truscott explains that bodies produce and release a hormone called Cortisol during periods of extreme stress, which causes weight gain. The Satori Method is a mind-body workout that focuses on clearing your mind, thereby eliminating stress in your body and finding the mind, body and soul connection—the Satori breakthrough.

Truscott points out that the Satori Method breaks the mold with fitness with its holistic approach. The process of clearing your mind is achieved through breathing and meditation exercises, both of which provide the body with more oxygen, less stress and more clarity to help you feel inspired to work out. This newfound Tristan Truscott, Founder of the Austin Martial Arts Academy inspiration is then converted into energy that is connected to your core desire. Only after you have achieved mental health, can you begin to move.

“You are not a human doing, you are a human being—just be,” Truscott urged. “Be present in the moment, allowing yourself to feel joy in the movement.”

The final part of the Satori Method, after getting the body to its peak performance, is to then cool down and recover from pushing the body. Truscott makes a point to focus on loosening the body with circular movements, helping to unwind any contractions in the muscle tissue that are caused when the muscles are tight.

Warming up is crucial to pushing the body to its fullest potential during the workout, because it prevents potential injuries. The cooldown phase is also critical for flexibility; it allows the body to reap the highest benefit from a workout and alleviates any post-workout stress caused by tight muscles.

Truscott tries to teach his students that boot camp is a way of life, not just an exercise. In a nutshell, the Satori Method can be summarized in these simple steps: Meditate first, remember your why, then warm your body up and enhance your cardio. While you do this, you are gaining energy, which inspires motivation.

“The workout is about your goal, your health,” Truscott concluded.

Truscott is a martial arts teacher as well as a healing and meditation instructor here in Austin, and he also holds his own eight-week long Kick-Butt Fitness Boot Camp course. As a professional trainer and fitness enthusiast, Truscott has a wealth of information accompanied by experience to help you reach your personal athletic (and spiritual) goals.

To find out more about Truscott, or his personalized intensive Satori Fitness boot camps, visit his Austin studio website at www.austinmartialarts.com.

Satori Method Academy
5000 Bee Cave Road, Ste. 210
Austin, Texas 78746 t. 512.698.9591
e. tristan@satorimethod.com

This year, the National Finals Chuck Wagon Races have officially sanctioned the wagon races in Bandera as the official primary in Texas for the national finals! This fine Texas tradition involves one-on-one high-speed battles of three member teams of a cook, a driver and an outrider. Each of the wagons are pulled by 46 and 52 inch mules, 46 and 52 inch ponies, big horses and big mules, classic and mini classics. Basically, this is Cowboy NASCAR, which is perfect since Bandera’s known as the Cowboy Capital of the World.
This year’s event is being held at Twin Elm Guest Ranch. Other events include “Ridin’ for the Brand” Cross-Country Horse Race, Horseback Tug of War and the Side-Saddle Skedaddle! Each of these are old west traditions and fun for the whole family!
Visitors welcome to bring their horses and camp on the grounds.

Location and Contact Information:
Twin Elm Guest Ranch
810 FM 470
Bandera, TX 78003
Tel. 830.796.3628
Web www.twinelmranch.com

14th Austin Reptile and Amphibian Expo
Saturday, May 14 10am – 5pm Sunday, May 15 11am – 4pm
Dell Diamond’s “United Heritage Center” Round Rock, Texas

Come on out for quality captive bred reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates—some of which will be for sale! If you or a family member is looking to own a reptile or amphibian, there will be books, cages, tools, feed and experts to see if this is the right hobby for you. There will also be face painting and handmade arts & crafts. You can also see displays of native Texas snakes and a variety of venomous snakes! Raffles throughout the weekend benefit USARK (United States Association of Reptile Keepers). $8 per person. $12 for both days. Children under five FREE with an adult. Scouts in uniform receive a dollar off admission.

Location and Contact Information:
Dell Diamond’s “United Heritage Center” 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. (Hwy 79) Round Rock, TX 78664 Tel. Tim Cole at 512.83.SNAKE
Web www.austinreptileexpo.com

Deutschen Pfest
Friday, May 20, 5pm – Midnight $4 per person Saturday, May 21, 10am – Midnight $5 per person Sunday, May 22, 11am – 5pm $4 per person
Pfluger Park, Pflugerville, Texas

Bring the whole family for the 36th Annual Deutschen Pfest! The festival features
a German theme with carnival rides, entertaining clowns, two parades, a 5K fun run and a variety of live music from polka to country. The weekend kicks off on Friday at 5pm and Saturday morning is the children’s parade at 10:45am, followed by the main parade on Main Street. After the parade, go to Pfluger Park for arts & crafts, a petting zoo, inflateables, face painting, puppet shows and a kiddie train! Sunday festivities include the 32nd Annual 5K Pfun Run, Walk and Kids 1K in Downtown Pflugerville and fun at Pfluger Park with live music from 11am to 5pm.

Location and Contact Information:
Pfluger Park 515 City Park Road Pflugerville, Texas 78660 Tel. 512.990.6101
Web www.cityofpflugerville.com/dpfest

Here Comes Gosling!
A New Play for Children
Thursday, May 19 & Friday, May 20 at 9:30 & 11am, Saturday, May 21 at 11am & 2pm, Sunday, May 22 at 2pm, Monday, May 23 at 9:30 & 11am
Long Center for the Performing Arts
Austin, Texas

Based on the children’s book written by Sandy Asher and illustrated by Keith Graves, Here Comes Gosling! is perfect for Pre-K to Second Grade audiences. In this installment of the series, Froggie and Rabbit are preparing for the arrival of Gosling, a brand new baby. Come join the fun with Pollyanna Theatre.

Location and Contact Information:
Long Center for the Performing Arts 701 W. Riverside Drive Austin, Texas 78704 Tel. 512.474.LONG (5664)
Web www.thelongcenter.org
Tickets 512.743.7966 or www.pollytheatre.org

The 2nd Annual Outdoor Living Tour
Saturday, May 21 11am-6pm
Downtown Austin Austin, TX

Beyond your traditional garden tour, the Outdoor Living Tour includes 10 homes that take full advantage of their open-air spaces. Be on the lookout for highlights like a screened in urban porch, a floating water feature, an outdoor fireplace, enviable swimming pools and even a dog run.

Thinking about xeriscaping or building a deck? See how these homeowners, architects and landscape designers conceptualized and executed their ideas. Meet the industry experts at each location to learn what may be possible in your own backyard. A complete list of the properties can be found at www.outdoorlivingtouraustin.com/properties.html.

Location and Contact Information:
Web www.outdoorlivingtouraustin.com
Tickets $15 in advance (plus a $2 service fee) or $25 at any properties the day of the tour Children under 12 are free

Kerrville Folk Festival
Thursday, May 26 to Sunday, June 12
Quiet Valley Ranch, Kerrville, Texas

Starting on the Thursday, May 26, the music continues for 18 days with performances by more than 100 singer songwriters and their bands. Interspersed between weekends are workshops in songwriting, blues guitar and harmonica. Camping on the ranch is probably the best way to experience the magic of the Kerrville Music Festivals. Some of the best music can be heard in the campgrounds 24-hours-a-day. Quiet Valley Ranch has 20 acres of scenic and rustic Hill Country campgrounds within walking distance of the outdoor theater and Chapel Hill. Both tent and RV campers are welcome. For a complete listing of performers and workshops visit www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org.

Location and Contact Information:
Quiet Valley Ranch 876 Medina Hwy Kerrville, TX 78028
Tel. 830.257.3600
Web www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org

Edible Texas Wine Food Match
A Three Course Celebration of Texas Wine and Food in Five Rounds
Friday, June 3, 7pm
AT&T Executive Conference Center’s Tejas Room Austin, Texas

Edible Texas Wine Food Match is a nonprofit event produced by Edible Austin and The Texas Food and Wine Gourmet.com and hosted by the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. This is the first of four annual regional competitions planned whose mission is to encourage the use of Texas wine and food products, promote Texas chefs and restaurants, raise the bar for excellence in Texas winemaking and provide a platform for Texas wine and winemakers to receive recognition and reach a broader audience.

Location and Contact Information:
AT&T Executive Education Conference Center, Tejas Room 1900 University Avenue Austin, Texas 78705
Tel. 512.501.1283
Tickets www.edibleaustin.com or 512.441.3971

7th Annual Blanco Lavender Festival
Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12 Old
Blanco County Courthouse Blanco, Texas

Visit beautiful Blanco in the heart of the Texas Hill Country for the 7th Annual Blanco Lavender Festival. A Lavender Market will be held on the grounds of the Old Blanco County Courthouse featuring arts & crafts and local lavender products. Tour many of the local lavender farms, where you will experience the beauty of lavender in the fields and the unique vision of each farmer. There will also be live music and cooking demonstrations.

Location and Contact Information:
Old Blanco County Courthouse Main Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets Blanco, Texas 78606
Tel. 830.833.5101
Web www.blancolavenderfestival.com

Marble Falls Soapbox Classic
An Adult Soapbox Derby Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19
Marble Falls, Texas

Come out to historic Marble Falls for a day of adult soapbox derby, live entertainment and loads of fun for the whole fam- ily. Complete with parades and more: You have never seen anything like this. You can even enter your own derby car! For more event information and derby rules and guidelines visit www.AdultSoapboxDerby.com.

Location and Contact Information:
Historic District Downtown Marble Falls Marble Falls, Texas 78654
Tel. 830.385.9289
Web www.adultsoapboxderby.com

After speaking with the owner himself, Beau Theriot, I have a deeper understanding of the persona behind the ambiance. He is by nature a designer with an eye towards creation. Mr. Theriot is a man who exudes charm, character, and passion with each thought and word spoken. This same charisma is found in every inch of The Oasis.

When asked about his personal artistic style, Mr. Theriot says that he is not a purist. He does not limit himself to only having an affinity for one particular art form or cultural preference; instead, he likes all that is beautiful. Each piece of artwork adorning The Oasis––whether it’s an original painting from Scottsdale, Arizona, or an antique statue imported from Spain––speaks directly to him.

To say there is something for everyone at The Oasis is not an overstatement. Mr. Theriot’s interest in various cultures ranging from Tuscan beauty, to the intrigue of Buenos Aires, to French fantasy is captured in the subtle hints within The Oasis decor. Worldly excitement and flavor inhabit the details of the restaurant, from the breathtaking view and the extravagant atmosphere, to the tasty food and the friendly people. The Oasis really does offer an appeal like no other; it is an event for the senses.

Mo Lasater is the general manager, but a more appropriate title would be the “leader” of The Oasis. While Mr. Theriot has the vision behind the restaurant, Mr. Lasater is the executor of that very special concept.

In speaking with Mr. Lasater, I learned that there is so much more to The Oasis than what meets the eye. The vision started out as Mr. Theriot’s idea: A place where people could come and take in the wonders of Lake Travis.

The Oasis is located on a cliff 450-feet above the sparkling waters of Lake Travis, offering a magnificent view of the sunset every evening. The descending sun reflects off the water, and the ever-changing colors of the sky creates a mesmerizing backdrop for the lake—a view so unique, its reputation reaches far beyond Texas. People from all around the world come to take in the view and see for themselves just what The Oasis has to offer.

In fact, Mr. Lasater estimates that out of the hundreds of thousands of people who visit The Oasis each year, 30 to 40 percent are tourists. According to Elizabeth Cook, a longtime friend of Theriot and marketing director for The Oasis, “We have a world-wide audience…not just in Texas.” To that Mr. Lasater responds with an affirmative, “Yes, The Oasis bigger than Austin.”

On any given Saturday night, The Oasis greets between 7,500 and 10,000 patrons. What draws so many people to this magnificent place high on the hill? Lasater thinks the “lure of ‘you gotta go see it’” adds to the appeal of The Oasis.

“People hear about it and everyone says, ‘You have to see it,’” Lasater shared. “Part of it is the charm of how it’s been redesigned. Take a look at the number of statues and the bronzes, the number of things that are out here. We have more than 150 to 200 thousand people coming out here just to look and take pictures. It doesn’t even have anything to do with the sunset; they come out here because this is an attraction in the city of Austin.”
Cook sees The Oasis as an “architectural wonder.”

So just how long did it take to grow into the impressive, 40-deck, architectural wonder that diners get to experience today? The answer is simple.

According to Lasater, the easiest answer to that question is to understand Theriot. He is the type of person who is never satisfied with the status quo. He is constantly in motion to make it a bigger, better experience for the guest. As time went on and the demand increased, Beau continued to add on to meet the demand and to “wow” an even larger number of clientele. He continued to build more decks, and after that he added the building that could potentially house the caterings and the weddings that he envisioned.

So what was the growth process like? The Oasis started as a relatively small restaurant in comparison to what it is today, yet it was practically an instant hit from the very first day. For old Austinites, the reason is clear:

There were very few places that had a view of the sunset and there were very few, if any, businesses that utilized the view. Before The Oasis, the edge of the lake where it is now located was barren.

According to Mr. Lasater, there were only two places to go to take in the atmosphere at that time: “One was a place called Dry Creek Inn up on Mount Bonnell, which was a favorite hangout of the college students, a place to go drink beer and look at the sunset up above Lake Austin. Then they had the original County Line BBQ over on Bee Cave Road, which was really it as far as viewing the sunset.”

Lasater continued, “when Beau came out here with the vision of building something that could face the lake and the sunset, with the beer and the burgers, it got really busy really quickly. The word spread all over Austin, and as he became busier, he really thrived. Since Beau owned all the land up on the hill, he just kept expanding and adding more decks to give the people who came for the sunset a place they could truly enjoy.”

The Oasis kept growing and becoming more momentous with each passing year. Then 23 years later The Oasis met with an act of nature that would put the restaurant business on hold. In 2005, lightning struck and nearly destroyed the entire restaurant.

But even with the tragic incident of a fire that caused a tremendous loss, The Oasis owner and management was able to look at the event in an optimistic light. Obviously, with more than two decades of producing a strong and flourishing business, it would be safe to say Theriot survived this ordeal in true Texas fashion and was not discouraged but encouraged by the ordeal.

The strength to rebuild came from the number of people who shared Theriot’s passion and wanted to see The Oasis rise out of the ashes. Even though Theriot was not able to keep running it the normal way, he was able to keep a strong team in place to get through the difficult time. What is even more remarkable is that Theriot was able to reopen the restaurant’s doors only four days after the fire. Incredible!

Mr. Lasater recounted the inspiring story: “Let’s put it this way, the fire was on Tuesday and on Saturday, they reopened. There was a big wooden deck outside with live music. Then they gutted a trailer outside where they made a kitchen. They had vendors bring in a truck to store food, and they had one of their biggest days on that Saturday just four days after the fire.”

The ability to accomplish such a remarkable comeback in such a short period of time is iconic in many ways, considering the fact that the fire consumed the whole place and took the large wooden decks that wrapped all around the side of the cliff with it. It literally arose from the ashes only six years ago. Looking around, you would never know there was so much destruction brought upon The Oasis. Today it is a symbol of joy, hope and prosperity.

The reason for this terrific success story is that Theriot, the architect, had a picture in his mind—The Oasis was meant to sit atop the cliff, the entire place. His strategy was that the restaurant would act as the hub of what was soon to become Oasis, Texas. He built an anchor with that vision in mind.

When he designed The Oasis as it stands today, he added more of a Mediterranean feel to it. The unique beauty of Theriot’s approach is that even though the architecture may have changed over the years, the vibe has remained the same. His vision was always that The Oasis would be something unique, an opportunity to enhance your experience.

“It’s good, and everyday he just wants it to be better,” Lasater said. This mentality encourages growth in a business. “If you push yourself everyday to always be better and better, you may not always hit the mark but you will receive better results.

Lasater informed me that even he is not sure if Theriot ever intended The Oasis to be just a restaurant or solely one thing. He has just always seen it as an incredibly wonderful place to go and to “wow and attract.” Even back then, he knew it was going to be a long process, and in spite of that he was always driven to turn it into something more than the little restaurant and beer joint it was when it first opened.

“It would become a place where people could come just to sit,” Lasater described.
Cook added that Theriot and Lasater, whom she considers to be an integral part of how The Oasis has grown and how it continually progresses, both feel The Oasis is a warm and friendly, family-style place. That is precisely why it is built as a place not just for Austin but also as a world-renowned destination. The expansive appreciation for the restaurant is apparent in the reactions that came after the fire.

“When it burned, CNN picked it up and the story went all over the world,” Cook confirmed. “We received over a thousand emails and letters.”

Lasater feeds off this the large network of support that spans across the state of Texas, the country and even worldwide. Fromanoperationsperspective, he wants to make sure it will run the way it is supposed to. His role is to carry out both visions, which include Theriot’s commitment to the continued growth and success of The Oasis— the creative elements—and the necessary technical, operational side.

The latter is Lasater’s vision and he works around the clock to bring it all together, while ensuring the two visions blend seamlessly.

“He’s still standing and I can’t figure out how,” joked Cook.

As for the actual building itself, each room is an integral part of the overall design concept. Prior to the fire, the square footage of The Oasis was in the neighborhood of 55,000. Today, the building’s size is a whopping 85,000 square feet. That’s 30,000 additional square feet—what an incredible amount of growth!

The restaurant has a seating capacity of around 2,000 to 2,200 people. There are a total of 11 rooms, three    stories    and    multi-level outdoor decks, which house one of the largest outdoor restaurants in the state of Texas (and probably the country).

Each room is designed to offer a completely different aesthetic from the rest, and all of the rooms are appropriately named according to its own distinct ambiance and functionality. Guests can have a unique experience regardless of where they are sitting! The rooms were designed with a singular purpose in mind: To fill up. Since the majority of people come out to The Oasis for the sunset, the rooms are mostly utilized for events, caterings, weddings and receptions.

So is The Oasis, in all that it is today, still considered just a hamburger joint? Of course a question so complex would not elicit a simple yes-or-no response. Lasater abruptly answered, “Well, we still have hamburgers.”

“I used to think it was just a great place to watch the sunset, have margaritas and enjoy a great view over Lake Austin,” Lasater continued. “Now, I think it’s not just an attraction but an event, something you bring people to and watch them go, ‘Wow!’ It has the wow factor that you don’t find many places. In all my travels throughout the US, I have never found another restaurant that has all this to offer. So, to answer the question, it has gone past a restaurant. It is no longer a hamburger joint, but a place for entertainment.”

One of the many alluring attractions of The Oasis is that it is always changing, so there is always something to take in and then be awestruck by some other detail the next time you visit.

Cook clued me in on a little insight into Lasater. Apparently, he was speaking rather modestly about his role.

“We went from having cooks in the kitchen to have chefs,” said Cook. “It’s been instrumental in the whole culture of what we wanted to do.”

She said that Lasater has really done a lot in the time he has been part of The Oasis. He took their menu to a new level, which is evident in the presentation and the food itself.
So which dish on the menu accurately represents the taste of The Oasis? The margaritas.
“I’m telling ya, we have the best margaritas,” Lasater stated. “But honestly I think now, I would hang my hat on the fajitas. We have brought it to a place where I can say, I’m pretty proud of this menu.”

Apart from the menu and their killer margaritas, The Oasis has a tradition of clapping during each sunset. Lasater reminisces his first time experiencing the clapping, proceeded by the ringing of the bell: “I remember when I used to come up here, you would be drinking and having fun and then all of a sudden someone would ring the bell and all heads would turn to look at the sunset and start clapping.”

According to Theriot, the bell that is currently rung each day at sunset holds a lot of symbolic meaning. Unfortunately, the original bell used to denote the sunset for over 20 years melted in the fire. So a new bell was given to Theriot, in a sense donated to The Oasis as a gesture or heartfelt contribution to the history and endurance that lies within The Oasis.

As the story goes, a man who used to frequent the restaurant in the early days held The Oasis close to his heart. He grew up in the country, where they used to ring a bell every night at suppertime. Just before the man moved away from his home in the country, the bell was taken from his home. One day, nearly 20 years later, and coincidently not long after the fire at The Oasis, the man’s bell was returned to him along with a note.

The note read: “Twenty years ago I stole this bell from you, because I grew accustomed to hearing your family ring it each evening. When I found out you were moving away, I took it into my possession. I have felt heavy guilt by my actions for all these years, so now I am returning it to you, the rightful owner.”

The beautiful irony is not merely the sincerity of the letter, but the timing of its return to the man who had such fond memories of The Oasis. When he heard about the original bell being burned in the fire and then having his old bell reappear after all these years, he knew it was a sign. The man passed along his bell to Beau as a gift—one that is sure to be cherished by all who dine at The Oasis. The ringing of the bell will be a tradition that will survive through the many years to come.

Speaking of the coming years, the big picture for the future encompasses both The Oasis as well as the surrounding development—Oasis, Texas. The team has already broken ground on Oasis, Texas and opened the doors to a couple of new restaurants located within. They plan to introduce further productions this summer.

Lasater says that Oasis, Texas is an integral part of The Oasis and the two parts fit together in a symbiotic way. For years, The Oasis has largely been a seasonal destination. In November, business slows down considerably for reasons such as weather and then Daylight Saving Time. What Oasis, Texas adds to The Oasis is a 12-month experience. The addition of retail shops will give people a reason to visit all year ‘round, turning that nine months of the year into a 12-month attraction.

Lasater’s face brims with excitement as he describes how The Oasis comes alive during
Christmas. People come to see the “winter wonderland” that Theriot creates each year.
“He decorates it to the hilt—you would never believe it. Now he’s going to take that, out into this,” Lasater effused, as he gestures with his hands to showcase the whole place.

“People have started to learn just how well we can do things, like the catering and the weddings. I think that is going to be huge growth for us,” Lasater described. “I think the biggest growth we can achieve will not only be having 12 months of the year, but it will also be the fact that we have beautiful facilities to hold any kind of event you want in this restaurant. And we have an excellent caterer that can provide the food, so I see this place just continuing to grow.”

Lasater confidently explains that it is his opinion that people will flock to the shops and that it will become an “outdoor lifestyle center” that you could find in California. “You don’t see that uniqueness,” Lasater said. “That is what will bring an energy here that will bring the people out here year-round.”

Cook believes that the sky is the limit with a dual force such as Theriot and Lasater at
the head of The Oasis.

It is clearly a work in progress. Lasater stated, “You would know this thing is moving along if you just compare it from a year ago to now: We have condominiums coming, we have hotels coming, we have all these 30 to 35 shops to fill, we have all that. It’s not going to happen overnight, but it is happening now. It is incredible how much we have changed and how much we will continue to change; it is not ever going to stop. It’s always going to be the next best thing, and Beau is someone who believes in the next best thing. So there you go.”

The Oasis
6550 Comanche Trail
Austin, TX 78732
T. 512.266-2442
W. www.oasis-austin.com