Desert Island Dish with Austin's Simon Madera

• He had just earned an MBA and was pointed to the financial industry when the recession hit in 2008, and he ended up buying a liquor store by 45th Street and Lamar Boulevard.
• He then revived Taco Flats, a storied taco spot from Austin's 1970s that had shuttered in the early '80s — it now has five locations — and opened the cantina La Holly on East Sixth Street.

What they're saying: His mother moved up to Austin years ago, giving tips for his restaurants.

• "Luckily, with my mom, when we own a new place I know I have a pretty sick chef on my hands."

You're marooned on a desert island. If you could have one dish, what would it be?

"I would do my mom's carne guisada. Unless you're in central Mexico, it's hard to get that style — with the red chile base. We do her dish at La Dosis."

What are you drinking on your desert island?

"A mezcal margarita, with the homemade chile salt we've got at La Holly."

You can bring a dessert.

"Vanilla ice cream. Either from Amy's or Bésame."