Adam Jacoby and Kris Swift have mastered the art of the dinner party, and it’s no surprise. As real-life partners and the duo behind Austin’s popular Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile, the two put their complementary skill set to work each night of the week — Adam as the culinary brains behind the restaurant, and Kris as the design guru behind the mercantile — and the resulting experience feeds the senses in more ways than one. We had the opportunity to join the couple at Jacoby’s on the eve of a special birthday celebration. Since Adam shares a birthday with his younger brother, he and Kris invited us to get a glimpse into how they prepare for a Jacoby family affair, and there was as much charm and entertainment as there was great food and drink. Click through for a behind-the-scenes look at this evening filled with great company, a beautiful atmosphere, and a few of Adam’s signature family recipes…
*photography by Buff Strickland
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
“Will You” by Daniel Wilson
“Rather Be” by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glenn
Your standard hosting outfit:
Something comfortable, but always stylish
pictured here: Just one of the perfectly curated product shelves in the Jacoby’s Mercantile. Hobnail glass, vintage brass candlesticks and figurines, and all-natural candles… what more could you possible need?
Kris: The best advice for making floral arrangements came from my mother. She always used to use Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers — something extraordinary and special, something smaller that added texture and breadth, and something striking that spills over the edge. Be creative, as the best arrangements are always the most unique and representative of the host or occasion.
The restaurant meal I’ll never forget:
Kris: Smith in Toronto is a magical, truly special place that exudes character and authenticity. Adam and I were busy building and designing Jacoby’s and especially appreciated that everything that night was completely on point, which tends to be a rare treat when dining out.
What (if anything) scares you about entertaining?
Inclement Weather.
Current favorite color palette for entertaining:
Reclaimed wood with vintage milk glass… it really allows for the food and flowers to shine.
Must have entertaining tool:
A vintage champagne bucket. You can turn any bottle of wine or champagne into something fabulous when you have this accessory. Uncommon Objects is not only my favorite place shop for antiques, but it’s one of my favorite stores in the world.
Pictured here: A vintage farm table that Adam and Kris acquired while passing through Luster, Texas.
Enamelware plates, handmade Nell + Mary napkins and vintage milk glass glassware came together to create each place setting, while a Magnolia punch bowl and flatware from Oneida helped complete the table design. All tabletop items are available at Jacoby’s Mercantile.
My dream dinner guests:
Family & best friends
Pictured here: Adam’s Counter Punch garnished with seasonal berries. Click here to get the recipe.
Always in my refrigerator:
Champagne & Butter
Pictured here: Adam’s Counter Punch garnished with seasonal berries. Click here to get the recipe.
The taste I’m always craving:
Adam: Something homemade. I draw inspiration from my Grandmother’s (and mother’s) cooking everyday, and our Jacoby’s nightly features are usually inspired by a family signature recipe.
My signature entertaining dish:
Adam: Jacoby Beef Butcher Cuts with Locally Sourced Farm Fresh Seasonal Veggies.
Pictured here: Adam’s homemade pimento cheese. Click here to get the recipe.
The entertaining rule I rarely break:
Kris: Always have a sense of humor and never show up empty handed. I love bringing a small tabletop living terrarium rather than fresh flowers — that way after you leave there will be a unique item left.
What are some family recipes that have been incorporated into Jacoby’s menu?
Grandma Jacoby’s Strawberry Cake (pictured here)
Grandma Jacoby’s Chicken & Dumplings
My Mother’s Texas Sheet Cake
My Mother’s Blueberry Bread (which will soon appear on the brunch menu!)
My Aunt’s Deviled Eggs
My entertaining style in 5 words or less:
Considerate & comfortable, authentic & entertaining.
