Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel Of Birdies In Austin Flipped A Coin To Determine Her Future

If you’re agonizing over a big life decision, Chef Tracy has a simple solution for you. Flip a coin. It sounds crazy, but that’s exactly what she and her husband, Arjav Ezekiel, did when they couldn’t decide where to move. Start their future together in Portland, Oregon, where Arjav was from? Or move to bustling Austin? They tossed a quarter in the air and let fate decide. 

“Tails, it’s Texas” prevailed. Today, their restaurant, Birdie’s, is one of the most celebrated eateries in the city, the state, and beyond. Fans love the food and drink, the counter-service vibe, and the warm hospitality. (Arjav recently won a James Beard for being a great beverage pro. Congrats, Arjav!) But Birdie’s is also admired for its enlightened employee practices, like paid vacation, maternity leave, and health insurance. It’s one of the reasons Tracy was named to our first-ever Cherry Bombe Power List. 

Tracy joined me from Austin for this episode to chat about her life and career, from working for Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group to cheffing through IVF and a tough pregnancy, and her love of fingerling potatoes. Do all chefs love potatoes? I think so. 

Tracy’s an inspiring human, and I’m so happy to have her back on the show. Give a listen, and, of course, if you find yourself in Austin, go visit Birdie’s. 

–Host Kerry Diamond

Thank you to The Visa Dining Collection by OpenTable x Visa for their support.

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