Looking back
After years of working together in the restaurant business, the Gillcrist sisters decided to team up to create an Italian restaurant that focused on seasonal, locally produced ingredients made fresh daily.
Joan said they found the perfect space in the former Stinson’s Deep Eddy Grill location. The name 68 Degrees Kitchen was inspired by the proximity to Deep Eddy Pool, Joan said, which stays around 68 degrees year-round.
“We opened 68 Degrees quietly—starting with a very small staff just five nights a week,” Joan said.
The sisters did not realize how quickly it would become a success, Joan said, and found themselves expanding their hours a few months later.
What’s special about it?
Marion specializes in creating fresh, seasonal recipes based on what is available from local farmers in addition to making the sauces, ravioli and lasagna in-house.
“Our goal has always been to have 68 Degrees be a local produce-driven restaurant with a curated wine selection, all at reasonable prices,” Joan said.
What’s on the menu?
The curated menu offers shareables, salads, soups, pastas and entrees with gluten-free pasta available in addition to an extensive wine selection.
Some of the bestselling dishes include the chicken Parmesan with melted fontina and housemade roasted tomato sauce, the Crispy Polenta made with gorgonzola rosemary sauce, and the Parma Prosciutto + Belgian Endive with truffle oil.
“Of course, the specials are always excellent and seasonal,” Joan said, adding the hatch green chile pork stew is a favorite in the winter.
“Really, though, all of the dishes are carefully worked through and consistently deliver,” Joan said. “It is an honor for us to be the neighborhood restaurant of such a friendly, hospitable community.”
68 Degrees Kitchen
- 6401 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin
- www.68degrees.com
