For years, Ralph Gilmore operated successful oil change and motorcycle shops and designed and built high-end homes in Austin. But he said he realized he needed to chase his passion for food.
As the oldest child—his younger brother is Jack, co-owner of Jack Allen’s Kitchen—he would help his mom cook for the family.
“Food always came so easy to me,” said Gilmore, a Brownsville native.
In 2010, he opened the Turf N’ Surf Po’ Boy food truck at Second Street and Congress Avenue. When construction began on the JW Marriott hotel, he relocated the truck to Fourth and Colorado streets near Lavaca Street Bar.
Gilmore knew one of the bar owners, Matt Luckie, and in 2013, the duo teamed up to offer bar patrons Gilmore’s food.
Gilmore said it is tough to make a profit in the food business, especially for newcomers who lack name recognition. New restaurant owners, he said, need to start from the bottom and work their way up to find success. From cooking to bussing tables, Gilmore said there is no job he has not done.
“It has to be very much hands-on,” he said. “A lot of times the owner doesn’t know how to cook or bartend; therefore, it’s a struggle. If you have an opportunity in food you should start low and work your way up.”
His efforts paid off, and Gilmore opened a second location in April inside Lavaca Street Bar at Domain Northside.
Cooking remains Gilmore’s favorite task, he said, and he created each menu item, including his favorites, the blackened tuna or fried pork chop tacos.
Customers can choose any protein and make it a po’boy, salad or two tacos. All plates are served with coleslaw and one side, such as red beans and rice, sweet potato fries or collard greens.
“When we came into Domain [Northside], I was able to build the kitchen how I wanted to build it, so I added a cold bar, which I’m really proud of,” he said.
Fresh seafood is delivered each Tuesday and Thursday, allowing Gilmore to offer daily specials in the cold bar, serving fresh seafood, such as a variety of ceviche, or marinated raw fish, and ahi tuna poke served in lettuce wraps.
Gulf oyster season began in early September, just in time for the kickoff of football season, he said.
“[Oysters have] made a big comeback,” he said. “There’s not [another] bar that has oysters. Football, oysters, beer—it all goes hand in hand.”
By late 2016, Gilmore is also planning to serve lunch during the week.
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Turf N' Surf Po' Boy
(located inside Lavaca Street Bar)
11420 Rock Rose Ave., Austin
512-276-2763
www.facebook.com/turfnsurfdomain
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 3 p.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
