How did you meet your husband? Fun fact we might not know about your relationship?
This one is rather interesting. We went to the same high school, and we had some of the same friends & acquaintances but never knew each other. I had seen him around a time or two, but never engaged. Fast forward 15 years later… We met through mutual friends, messaged on Facebook for a few months until he finally asked me on a date. Best first date I’ve EVER been on, hence why we are married now! Fun Fact: I saw it, I liked it, I cuffed it! I asked him to be my boyfriend on a late Friday night outside the 24hr Diner in Austin. Thankfully he said yes because it’s been such a an amazing ride and it’s still nowhere near over.
What is the best thing about being in the restaurant/bbq/hospitality business?
People! You meet sooo many different people from all walks of life. We had two of our day one customers at our wedding. We’ve been invited to baby showers, parties and graduation events. I love meeting new people. I love seeing their accomplishments on social media, seeing their kids grow, etc. We are more than just a barbecue restaurant, this is home.
The restaurant business can be one of the most exhausting businesses to be in…Any advice you can give as you are trying to make it all happen every day?
I’m thankful to be part of the baking aspect of 2M. I would have to say most of the work definitely falls on Esaul and Joe. However, when the stress creeps up, I love to run, meditate in the shower, and just relax on the couch with our pups!
What do you do for fun?
Fun?? What’s that?! Haha! I love to go on drives. We have the best conversations, find the coolest spots, and meet some pretty cool people in the process. I also love to spend time with my mother. We have our weekly breakfast & shopping dates. I’m a pretty simple woman… feed me, love me, and make sure you know how to make a good old fashioned!
If you were going to give one piece of advice to a young person who wanted to get into the business of barbecue or just “food” in general, what would that be?
Dooooo it!!! It’s a tough industry and it’s not for the faint of heart. If you do, make sure you learn from EVERYONE! Take the good and the bad. Learn from it all and incorporate it in your career. If you’re not messing things up, you aren’t learning… As long as you have dedication, and drive the sky is the limit!
If you could do something outside of the restaurant/hospitality business, what would that be?
I can’t quite get away from the industry to be honest. If I had to step out, I’d love to open a cannabis dispensary. Not your typical dispensary. More like a bake shop / sandwich shop fully medicated with proper dosages. Educating people on the proper use of cannabis.
When you actually get the chance…what do you do for fun with girlfriends or a “Night Out?”
Ohhh, well! Girls night out involves my two sister-in-laws and myself. We love to go to dinner and get a few margaritas and end up at the St. Mary’s strip dancing the night away or listening to karaoke at one of the bars on the strip.
When you have guests in town are there any local restaurants, shops, or favorite attractions you like to direct them to?
Ohh, favorite restaurants and what I order
GRECIA EEEEATS….
Naco Mexican Eatery (any tortas)
Tlahco Mexican Restaurant (migas diablas)
Supper (everything)
Pumpers burgers (everything)
Bandit bbq (burger)
Laika (all cheesecake)
GRECIA Shops
To Do:
Dave & Busters (happy hour play)
Favorite Musician?
I can never decide on a favorite… my playlist is a mix of rap, metal, dance, hip hop, classical and oldies… I’m sure I have others, but that just gives you some insight into my kind of music.
Right now I’m really into Tyler Childers He is the perfect combo of sad, love, and outlaw badass I need on my playlist.
If you were to empty out your purse on the table right now, what would we find?
Another fun fact… I don’t carry one. I do however carry a Fanny pack, which contains brass knuckles, a taser, a multi use knife, a mask, a collapsible water bottle, my phone, ID and Debit card.
Is there a local or national charitable cause that you support and would like more people to be aware of?
Not at the moment, I don’t like donating to corporations. I’d rather help someone take that trip to learn a craft they’ve always wanted to learn, or assist with living expenses for missionaries, or hand out food to our local community. Making a difference starts with those around you. Waves always start as ripples.
What are some fun upcoming things at 2M?
I will be bringing a rotation of Tres Leches Cakes back this June. We also have lengua and pork jowel barbacoa every Sunday at 2M.
We end each interview with a piece we can share from your kitchen to the reader’s home kitchen. Think of it as sharing a recipe card from one good friend to another. What is a favorite recipe you like to share from your home kitchen when you are entertaining with friends and family?
Yields: 8-10 servings
Ingredients:
3 pounds of chicken breast
1- 32 ounce cans of Hunts tomato sauce
Salt
½ tablespoon season all
¼ teaspoon Cumin
2 jalapenos
2 serranos
1 habaneros
1 Onion cut in half
12 corn tortillas
Oil
1-2 avocados
4 oz Queso fresco
Directions:
1) Boil chicken until fully cooked (save broth for Mexican rice)
2) In a separate deep pan, place jalapenos, serranos, habaneros, and ½ onion with water. Make sure to cover everything with enough water to bring to a boil and fully cook items.
3) Once chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the pan and shred well. Once shredded, season with season salt. (set aside)
4) When the chiles and onions are fully cooked drain and place in a blender and mix. Make sure to blend well, no seeds should be visible. It should be a medium consistency.
5) In a large wide saute pan, add about a tablespoon of oil. DO NOT PUT THE BURNER ON HIGH. Keep om medium heat. Once oil is heated place a tortilla in the pan and make soft taco shells out of the tortillas and set aside. (pat down tortillas if too much oil was added. They should look wet but not drenched. Just a light oil coating.
6) With remaining oil, slice the remaining half of the onion and add ¼ of it into the oil. Sweat the onion until it is soft, do not burn the onion it will make it taste extra “oniony.”
7) Once onion has been cooked, add the hunts tomato sauce, cumin, and a pinch of salt into the oil and onion. Make sure to be careful. Oil is hot and will spit out if left on high flame.
8) Mix well and bring to a simmer for 10 mins
9) Taste for salt, add more to taste.
10) Add the chile sauce you made to the mix, ( make sure to taste after every addition) this is a very spicy sauce and you may not need much. Bring to simmer again for 5 mins.
10) Stuff the soft tacos with chicken and place them on your plate and pour the tomato sauce mixture you made on top. (They should be well drenched…think enchiladas)
11) Slice avocado into thin slices and sprinkle queso fresco on the top.
Accompany with a side of Mexican rice and enjoy!
What a treat! Yall get down to SA and see Grecia at 2M SMOKEHOUSE soon!
Till Next Time!
Catherine Stiles
