Whole Foods and Chef Tien Ho Launch New Concept Tartinette

Chef Tien Ho, new VP of culinary and hospitality at Whole Foods, is opening his new concept Tartinette today just in time for the SXSW crowds! Chef Tien Ho is a UT Austin alum with an impressive culinary background working with Momofuku Ssäm Bar, Má Pêche, Little Wisco, Café Boulud and Morgans Hotel group. Tartinette food trailer and test kitchen will change their menu every two months making for a fresh, new and exciting menu with seasonal ingredients. The new concept will also allow the culinary team to experiment with new ideas for store eateries, and to explore collaborations with chefs and supplier partners. The food trailer menu will kick off serving open-faced sandwiches and sides made from the freshest ingredients. In true Austin spirit the food trailer and test kitchen will donate 2% of the proceeds with the first beneficiary being Austin Food and Wine Alliance.

We previewed the incredible sides and thoughtfully hand crafted sandwiches at Tartinette and the delicious bites did not disappoint! I love that the team utilizes whole food ingredients along with locally made artisanal breads from Easy Tiger Bakeshop to make flavorful & tantalizing creations. The current menu is primarily vegetarian friendly with the option to add on fried egg ($1), roasted chicken ($3) and salmon brochette ($4) to your tartine. Here are just a few of the menu items we tried (note that portions pictured are between 1/4 to a 1/2 of the full portion size):

Figs a la Plancha Tartine at Tartinette

The decadent Figs a la Plancha is one of chef\’s favorites and with one bite it is easy to tell why. This tartine has creamy goat cheese, honey, hazelnuts and watercress with rich tender figs on top of chewy Easy Tiger bread. This open-faced delight is like a meal and dessert all-in-one and would pair beautifully with a glass of bubbles on the Whole Foods terrace.

Grilled Cauliflower Tartine at Tartinette

The Grilled Cauliflower Tartine with pickled lemon and brilliant romesco sauce was also a crowd favorite! I enjoyed the hint of citrus and the addicting house made romesco.

Roasted Mushrooms Tartine at Tartinette

The Roasted Mushrooms tartine has a medley of delicious mushrooms with pistachio, taleggio and a pleasantly unique sauce vierge.

Other featured menu items include:

Tartines
Crushed Peas with pecorino, lemon and mint served chilled
Carrot Tartare with roasted carrots, fennel harissa mayo
Slow Roasted Beets with pistachio, pears, pecans and fresh arugula

Sides
Spiralized Vegetables with fresh herbs
Sweet Potato Bacon Hash Hush Puppies

Tartinette will be open during SXSW so make sure to check out the impressive music lineup during #SXSW on the Whole Foods rooftop!

Address:
(rooftop parking lot)
525 N Lamar Blvd.

Austin, TX 78703

Hours:
Daily 11:00 am – 8:00 pm