Toasting Tarbox & Brown

After lots of preparation and a soft-opening week, Kissing Tree’s new signature restaurant Tarbox & Brown had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 24^th that included Brookfield Residential executives, local dignitaries, and invited guests. We were honored to have San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson, Council Member Mark Gleason, and Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell in attendance to help hold the oversized ribbon and toast this new addition to the Central Texas culinary scene.

Celebrate good times

The event kicked off with thanks and remarks from Tammy Schneider, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Brookfield Residential, Texas. Tammy expressed how exciting it was to see Kissing Tree’s Phase Three amenities open to the public and shared her praise for Executive Chef Chanel Beattie. “Our goal was to create something unique with Tarbox & Brown, and Chanel is the perfect fit,” Tammy said. “Growing up in Beijing and South Africa, she brings something great to this Texas culinary experience.”

A warm welcome to the KT family

Chef Chanel said the event was one of the biggest highlights in her career. “It’s an absolute pleasure for me to bring Tarbox & Brown to Kissing Tree,” Chef Chanel said, “My South African background brings some spices and flavors that may be new to some of you, but man are they tasty! I’m so excited to be part of the Kissing Tree family, and I know the Kissing Tree residents and our guests are excited about the memorable experience we’re going to bring. My team has so many recipes and treats for you to try, and we can’t wait for you to try them all.” We can’t wait either, Chanel!

It takes a village

Brookfield Texas Regional President Brad Chelton told the audience how thrilled he was to be able to bring a public-play golf course with amenities to the people of San Marcos. He also recognized the dignitaries in attendance and expressed gratitude for the partnership that the City of San Marcos has provided Brookfield throughout their 20-year partnership. “Standing here today and opening this facility behind me brings me tremendous amount of joy,” Brad said, “But more importantly, it’s an opportunity to honor the trust that we’ve shared with the city over that two-decade period; this is a wonderful opportunity for us to say thanks.” Brad also thanked General Manager Ryan Andrews and Construction Supervisor Chris Mastin for their roles in bringing the restaurant to life.

Let the party begin

After the speeches, the ceremonial ribbon was cut with giant scissors and guests entered the restaurant to chat, mingle, and enjoy specialty cocktails including Aunt Pope’s Delight (a refreshing strawberry drink named for one of Stringtown’s original hostesses), Lavender Lemonade, the T&B G&T, and more. For those who had worked up an appetite standing outside in the afternoon heat, there were delicious appetizers from the new Tarbox & Brown menu, including coconut shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, BLT pinwheels, and pork belly taco bites.

The event was lovely, but the best part of all is that  Tarbox & Brown is now officially open, so everyone can come and give it a try. We hear that dinner reservations are already booked up for the next few weeks, but you can always stop in for the limited breakfast menu or counter lunch service. Check the Tarbox & Brown website and sign up to stay updated on the latest T&B news.