Austin has a new, fun, little addition to the fast service culinary scene. It’s called Boomerang’s and it’s a haven for some delightfully savory Australian-style pies.
On a recent visit, we had a chat with Jack of the proprietary duo Jack and Emilie Fennell. Apparently, they got the Aussie meal-in-a-pie concept while working for Dell on a 3 year dispatch to Sydney. The handheld, tasty pastry is so popular Down Under that the couple decided to move back to hometown Austin and open up their own pie outpost.
I don’t know if one or both of them have a marketing background, but they’ve done a great job on the branding and décor of the place. From custom door handles and light fixtures to the comely blue concrete floors and brushed copper cabinets, the little restaurant is a just plain inviting space to hang out and get your grub on.
I know what you’re thinking, “Alright Mr. Talky McRambles, cut with the interior design and get to the eating.”
Ok, ok, I’ve got to give the Fennells props for deciding to make all of their crusts and fillings from scratch. They could have easily gone the scoop-it-out-of-a-can route, but these homestyle pies are some moist, buttery, goodness. They offer eleven different varieties in both the veggie and meat genres. While the overall concept may be Aussie, the flavors span a larger gamut. The range includes classics of course, but also southwestern, Asian, pizza, and even some Texas BBQ.
If it’s your first time, I would recommend starting with one of the traditional offerings, either the classic beef or the steak and mushroom, with ketchup if you want the official experience. For the non-carnivorous among us, both the Mediterranean and the Spicy Mexican Veggie make excellent choices.
Boomerang’s also makes their own kettle chips that are certainly better than bags of mass produced crispies, but on the day we were there they were a bit on the overcooked side. And while the salads are welcome signs of greenery, they are at best serviceable side-notes to the main pastry attractions.
Currently, the joint is all B.Y.O.B, but once they get their license they’ll have a nice variety of beer and wine and Tuesdays appear to be slated for $2 pint night in good Aussie fashion.
All things considered, this unique little eatery is definitely worth your attention. The fast, friendly service, extremely reasonable prices (around $4.50 per pie) and delicious fare will certainly have us stopping by for more.
Boomerang’s 3110 Guadalupe (512) 380-0032
-L. Pants
