Sep 30, 2025

Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel

by

Grant Achatz

Birdie's Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, Arjav Ezekiel

Jeff Schear—Getty Images/James Beard Foundation

At Birdie’s in Austin, co-owners Arjav Ezekiel and Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel have created something rare. With Arjav as beverage director and Tracy as chef, Birdie’s employs a counter-­service model that supports a profoundly personal menu. Paired with creative drinks, it has redefined expectations of how high‑level food can be served. There’s no hushed formality, just generosity, joy, and rigor. 

Equally influential is the culture the husband-­and-wife team have built around it. Fair pay, work‑life balance, and accessibility aren’t afterthoughts; they’re the foundation. In a world where fine dining often narrows its circle, Birdie’s rises above, warmly inviting everyone in. In 2025 Arjav’s work won a James Beard Award, and last year Tracy was a finalist for best chef in Texas. They prove that excellence and equity can share the same table. That’s not just a model for restaurants—it’s a model for the future.

Achatz is a James Beard Award–winning chef

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