Intero Will Bring Italian Fare and Chocolates to East Austin This Summer

The contemporary, Italian-inspired Intero Ristorante taking over the iconic Bud’s motorcycle building on East Cesar Chavez Street is slated to open this July.

The restaurant is the brainchild of the husband and wife duo Ian Thurwachter (formerly chef at Vespaio and Jeffrey’s) and Krystal Craig (owner of Crave Artisan Chocolate). Look forward to a small menu that rotates weekly with an emphasis on locally farmed seasonal produce and locally raised whole animals, plus a prominent chocolate program including an artisan chocolate counter.

The restaurant’s name and vision is built on the Italian word intero, which translates to “whole” or “complete.” Its focus on sustainability includes an emphasis on using local, whole animal. Intero’s dynamic menu will be based on the availability and seasonality of ingredients, but will include varying flavors of staple menu items including ricotta, risotto, and a stuffed pasta. See a full sample menu below.

With a nod to authentic Italian café experiences, one primary feature of the restaurant will be an artisan chocolate counter up front. Offerings will range from Italian and classic flavors to sipping chocolates. Chocolates found at the counter during the restaurant's opening will include:

• Truffles: basil, smoked ganache and Maldon, salted caramel, hazelnut, pistachio, candied citrus, luxardo cherry and bourbon, whipped ricotta
• Barks: salted toffee, mocha blend, orange and sea salt, pure dark and cacao nib

Intero/Facebook

The restaurant will also have an 84-seat dining area, an outdoor garden and wait area, and plenty of parking. Plans for its interior are described as reflecting a modern sensibility, infused with the warmth of reclaimed materials.

Earlier this month, Thurwachter and Craig opened up opportunities for community investments with Intero through NextSeed. Thanks to 199 investors, the campaign has already met its maximum offering goal of $200,000.

Stay tuned for details on upcoming preview pop-ups in April and May.

• Upcoming Italian Intero Finds a Home on East Cesar Chavez [EATX]
• Intero [Official]
• Intero [Facebook]