Do512 All-Stars
Michu Benaim and Lope Gutiérrez-Ruiz
Founders and Editors at
The Gopher Illustrated
Bio: We’re editors of The Gopher Illustrated. We work to provide high-quality platforms for emerging talents in the visual arts, literature, design and journalism from around the world, chiefly through the print and online editions of the magazine. Another outlet [is] the various “Gopher Projects,” which include a series of events in collaboration with Austin-based artists and projects, exhibitions, booklets and whatever other idea decides to invade the studio.
Favorite restaurant: We’re a bit obsessed with East Side King at the Liberty Bar. Beets and chicken, we knew you not until that truck came along.
Best weekday hangout spot: The rooftop at Arthouse is open to members on Wednesday evenings. Sometimes they have a bit of music or something, but it’s an unbeatable view from a gorgeous building.
Best coffee in town: Caffé Medici on West Lynn. It’s close to the studio, and they have these Stonehenge-y looking “chairs” on the outside.
Best Friday night: ... is every Friday night? Dinner with friends and maybe catching a movie or a show around town.
Most anticipated event this fall: For the temperature to fall enough to be able to walk around pleasantly again. On that note, the Texas Book Festival, Austin Film Festival and East Austin Studio Tour are fun. We’re also launching our design studio, In-House. It appears that we’re looking forward to many things this fall!
If you could talk about one project or organization you’re passionate about in Austin, what would it be? We’re very passionate about a few arts organizations around town that take creative risks on a regular basis. The Fusebox Festival and Teleportal Readings come to mind. We’re also big fans of Champion, a downtown gallery featuring both local and international contemporary work that is often exciting.
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Kristyn Ciani
Talent and
Marketing Coordinator
for C3
Presents
Bio: I work for C3 Presents as a talent and marketing coordinator. I’ve been here for five years and currently book three rooms here in Austin – Stubb’s Indoors, The Parish and Lamberts – and also oversee the marketing for Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater and La Zona Rosa. My favorite thing about C3 is I get to do what I love most alongside some of my best friends.
Favorite restaurant: Uchi. There’s really just no other sushi like it anywhere.
Best weekday hangout spot: Contigo. Anytime I can be outside with awesome food and drinks, I’m happy!
Best coffee in town: Caffé Medici. I wish it [were] closer to our office, though.
Best Friday night: A good Friday night is going to dinner with friends and out to a show or a fun local bar. I particularly love the Rainey Street area. It’s like hopping from one friend’s house to the next.
Most anticipated event this fall: ACL, hands down! The festival has such an incredible energy. There’s literally something for everyone there. I love watching people’s faces when their favorite bands come onstage. It’s an amazing feeling being a part of that.
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Christian Lane
Co-Founder of in.gredients
and Consultant for
Praecipio Consulting
Bio: I’m one of four partners with Brothers Lane (www.brotherslane.com). I’m an IT and business process consultant for our Praecipio Consulting business. Brothers Lane is also starting up in.gredients, a zero-waste, package-free micro grocery store in East Austin.
Favorite restaurant: Maybe it’s nostalgia from my days at UT, but I still love the Crown & Anchor. While not the healthiest option, a delicious burger and beer for under $10 every now and again is hard to beat.
Best weekday hangout spot: This is a tough one, considering the number of outdoor activities that are available to us in Austin. After work, fly-fishing from a kayak up and down the banks of Lady Bird Lake or Lake Austin is my favorite weekday activity.
Best coffee in town: Thunderbird Coffee on Manor Road.
Best Friday night: Date night with my wife.
If there’s one project or group in Austin you’d like to talk about, what is it and why? Texas Campaign for the Environment – they continue making great strides and work tirelessly, advocating for healthy communities. They’re celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.
