Austin and Chi Kitchen

Postcard from Austin

With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and good year-round climate, the state capital of Texas is a pleasant place to visit on business. Main sectors are manufacturing, IT, energy and aerospace technology

Man on the ground “The social niceties and old-world courtesy are important, but don’t expect this to continue into business meetings, which tend to be hard and fast. Be prepared to change into your jeans before you hit the bars,” Richard Grieves, a corporate affairs director, says
Refuelling The Driskill hotel, housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, has everything you’ll need. There is no shortage of nightlife, particularly in the Downtown area and in East Austin, though some of the bars and restaurants can be rough and ready. Head for Sixth Street for live music and then visit Justine’s Brasserie on East Fifth Street for excellent steaks

Working lunch: Chi Kitchen, Debenhams, Oxford Street, London

Expect A bright, contemporary pan-Asian restaurant overseen by the restaurant entrepreneur Eddie Lim and Ian Pengelley, an expert in Asian cuisine
Order Mainly Asian food from an extensive menu influenced by Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. The best bet is to choose a number of small plates to share, such as salt and pepper baby squid with sweet chilli, aromatic duck spring rolls or popcorn shrimp, deep-fried tempura shrimp served with wasabi mayonnaise. Follow with some sushi rolls and then something from the robata grill, such as beef kushiyaki. Add a dessert such as home-made ice cream and the bill will be about £30 a head without wine