The sun setting over downtown Austin, Texas

Beats and Eats, Austin, Texas Transcript

Tatsu Aikawa: Austin has a history of people that embraces something different and unique.
Takuya Matsumoto: And I think it’s always been from the food scene to music, just having the freedom to be creative. You know, those are the things that make Austin what it is.
Tatsu Aikawa: My name is Tatsu Aikawa.
Takuya Matsumoto: My name is Takuya Matsumoto, everyone calls me Tako. We’re co-founders and co-chefs of Tatsu-ya.
Tatsu…Man, he’s a really interesting guy. But I remember when we met, it was like “Oh, you’re Japanese.” “Oh, you’re a DJ and you play hip hop.” “Oh, and you’re also a chef too.” And I was like, “Man, I just met my doppelganger.”
Tatsu Aikawa: Today we’re at Kemuri Tatsu-ya, which is my take on Japanese izakaya (gastropub) and Texas. East meets West.
Takuya Matsumoto: Tatsu, he was born in Japan. I’m born and raised in Texas. So the food is very much a representation of us being Japanese Texans.
Tatsu Aikawa: As far as culture and food and flavor goes, there is that specific taste that a Japanese person would taste and go “Yes. That tastes like home.” That’s what I can bring to the table. And I knew in my heart that people in Austin would understand. In Austin, everybody embraces everybody’s uniqueness. There’s so many great barbecue places, weird tacos. There’s a lot of cool, quirky things going on over here in Austin. It is just a great community.
There’s something similar about DJing and making food.
Takuya Matsumoto: When you’re DJing, you have control of the crowd, everybody’s vibing out, feeling it, dancing it, it’s a high. When you create a dish and somebody eats it, and they’re like “Oh my god, this is so incredible.” It’s a very similar feeling. Like wow, okay, that’s why I’m killing myself over this, you know?
Tatsu Aikawa: The format’s different, but really at the end of the day, it’s what you put into it. It’s soul and passion and creative process that is unique, and you can only get it here in Austin. This is my home.

Food Meets Music in Austin, Texas

Experience Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, the self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World," pulses with decades of rhythm embedded into its culture. In recent years, that rhythm has begun to change. The city’s music scene is on the rise, reaching far beyond its traditional blues, jazz, and rock roots. Alongside its musical history, Austin is home to some of the finest cuisine, with mouth-watering BBQ spots to upscale dining. This city has established itself as a pioneer in the culinary world.

Ramen Tatsu-ya chef preparing a meal in Austin, Texas

Musical and Culinary Melting Pot

It is thrilling to explore the many generations and variations of culture that exist in Austin’s rich musical and culinary melting pot, starting with restaurant Ramen Tatsu-ya, opened by local chefs/DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto.

Tatsu remarks, “I was craving good ramen after having lived in Japan and Los Angeles, California. I wanted to provide that same quality and authenticity in Austin, the city I call home.” Ramen Tatsu-ya, which utilizes a warehouse space, is filled with music and creates the perfect party/dining environment. This restaurant gives you a taste of Austin and its authenticity. Tatsu and Takuya are truly a multi-faceted duo and create a one-of-a-kind experience that encompasses the future of Austin’s unique culture. Ramen Tatsu-ya should definitely be on your restaurant go-to list when in Austin.

Concert at The Empire Control Room in Austin, Texas

The Music Scene

Check out music hot spot The Empire Control Room. This venue is dedicated to presenting quirky music events that feel more like adventurous discoveries than everyday affairs. It certainly captures the energy and essence of the music scene in Austin. The music culture in Austin stretches beyond concerts and music events into the street art of Austin. A massive mural of Willie Nelson looms over traffic on East Seventh Street.

Culinary Hot Spots

For all the foodies out there, Loro is worth adding to your restaurant list. This Asian smokehouse is owned by James Beard Award winners Chef Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin. The charming atmosphere at Loro definitely adds to the dining experience. The picnic style tables and hanging lanterns creates a warm and welcoming environment, perfect for anything from a first date to a low-key office happy hour. East Side King is another must-try food destination! Self described as “Japanese street food with a touch of Austin soul,” this food truck has some of the best BBQ in Austin, not to mention the price is hard to beat! The bar-meets-food truck vibe gives you a perfect taste of the unique culinary experience in Austin.

Kayaking and boating on Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Texas

Outdoor Activities

Austin is known for having a strong cycling culture and is ranked among the top cycling cities in America by Forbes Traveler. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a great destination for mountain bikers and hikers alike, offering 7.8 miles of natural surface trails. If you want to cool off and take a dip, Lady Bird Lake is a perfect spot for paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. Here you can also enjoy the scenic backdrop of Downtown Austin.

"If You Go" Hit List

Stay

Play

Enjoy a scenic walk through Red Bud Isle Park, and don’t forget to snap a pic!
Take a bike tour around Austin and check out the main attractions, as well as the lesser-known hidden gems.
Visit some of the city’s top craft breweries with Austin Beer and Brewery Tour.

Eat & Drink

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