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Jeff and Mardy Chen, PURE Bikram Yoga
Mardy and Jeff moved to Austin from New York City in 2002 and opened their first Bikram Yoga studio in Westlake. Their fourth location will open in South Austin on William Cannon and Mopac this fall. While they eat, live, and breathe yoga, they still find time to enjoy what is unique about Austin.
Together they have co-founded PURE Action Inc., a nonprofit organization bringing the ancient benefits of yoga to mainstream medicine through research and education. Look out for more community yoga offerings through this unique organization. Mardy also co-founded “Pure Woman Connect - Being the Boss is Sexy,” an Austin-based connection of women CEO’s.
How will you start your Friday night?
Believe it or not, we’ll unwind the day with a 105 degree PURE Bikram Yoga advanced class in the afternoon to get ready. Detox before you retox!
If you go to a happy hour, which bar will you go to? What will you order?
After yoga, Tacos ‘N Tequila next door serves a great mojito. Paul and Tim make the best ones in town! If more hydration is needed, we’ll visit Willis a few blocks down at the Mean-Eyed Cat.
What band will you see this weekend?
Nowhere else but in Austin will you find a group with the caliber of musicians like Atash performing at the Cherrywood Coffeehouse. Atash is performing this Sunday (Sept. 25). Mohammad Firoozi’s chilling vocals and John Moon’s violin lead this unbelievable collection of musical talent. If you’ve never heard them before, prepare to be blown away.
What’s your favorite Austin band aside from who you will see this weekend?
You can’t miss with Bob Schneider at the Saxon Pub on Monday nights. We also love to find Phoebe Hunt and whatever her latest music project is when she comes back to town. She plays a lot at Momo’s and at the Saxon Pub on South Lamar.
What is your favorite venue to watch a show?
The Saxon Pub is tiny, cheap, and all-things Austin. Although Mardy is all about hip-hop, she caved in to Jeff’s tastes and went to see Garrison Keillor at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. If you haven’t been there yet, check it out. There is not a bad seat in the house.
Where will you go for late night eats after your night out?
24 Diner serves a fantastic veggie sausage for her and a delicious home-made lamb burger for him on challah bread. Other than that, it’s best not to eat so late at night. You’ll regret it the next day.
Where can we find you when you are craving BBQ?
County Line on Bee Caves has great extra-moist brisket to go with their selection of sides and scenic Hill Country view, but for quick take-home or for large group event feeding, Rudy’s BBQ is quick, convenient, and reliable.
Where can we find you when you are craving Tex-Mex?
Chuy’s on Barton Springs. Period. End of story. Food is always piping hot and the service impeccable! The Boom-Boom sauce and Hatch Green Chili sauce go with everything on the menu.
Where can we find you grabbing a margarita?
After a Westlake yoga class, either at Berryhill next door or across the street at Maudie’s on 360. Enjoy the sunset.
If you go to the lake, what will you do and which lake will you go to?
Jeff became obsessed with wake-surfing on Lake Austin this past summer. Best thing is to avoid the crowds with a weekday early-morning or late-evening surf session. You’ll have the lake to yourself. After late-night runs, Hula Hut or Abel’s on the Lake help you unwind.
What is your favorite place to get brunch?
Lamberts serves the most unique barbecue in town - Coriander and Maple Crusted Ribs and Brown Sugar & Coffee Brisket.
What is your favorite outdoor spot to enjoy a sunny Saturday?
Afternoons at our Downtown studio are spent on the outside patio mingling with students, teachers, and friends, sipping cold ZICO coconut water. Yoga social hours.
What trails will you hit this weekend?
Mardy used to run Town Lake all through her college years at UT. Since she started Bikram Yoga, the running steadily declined, but an occasional walk-around is always a treat.
What’s your one ‘must-do’ for visitors to Austin (this weekend or in general)?
Take a ride through the Texas Hill Country to the original Salt Lick Barbecue. BYOB, enjoy the outdoor live music, and take home a souvenir bottle of sauce.
If you’re in need of a little pampering, where will you go? What do you recommend having done?
Mecca’s Aromatherapy Massage followed by an energizing eucalyptus steam.
Where will you be seen shopping?
Mardy loves the Clarksville and Downtown locally-owned stores, especially W3LL People, By George and Bettysport. For vintage clothing, check out Feathers; for designer consignment, check out Moss.
If you’re having a date night, what romantic spot will you go to and what will you order?
Nothing beats dinner at Uchi. A must-have is the machi cure (yucca crisps and smoked yellowtail sashimi), but you must save room for their one-of-a-kind desserts. Try the brown butter sorbet with ginger.
What’s Austin’s best-kept secret?
Hot Boiled Crawfish and Pho serves fusion Vietnamese and Cajun cuisine. Teresa, a Bikram Yogini, serves up the most amazing Crawfish Fried Rice and Seafood Hotpot. Mardy’s favorite is the Crawfish Pho. We don’t know anywhere else you can get food like this!
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