| Whip-In Becomes a Sit-In Parlour |
| Written by Claudia Alarcón | |
 Photo courtesy The Parlour South Austin’s denizens and frequent I-35 drivers are surely familiar with The Whip-In. The Topiwala family opened the little shop in 1986 as a neighborhood convenience store, but it soon became well known for its impressive and affordably priced selection of fine wines and beers from all over the world. As business evolved, patriarch and founder Joe Topiwala took a step back to let his sons Dipak and Rohit run the show. Rohit now runs the local favorite Beverage World liquor and wine shop next door, while Dipak and wife Arden Yingling took over the Whip-In. The focus shifted from selling convenience items to gourmet groceries and organic products, and the wine and beer section grew. Dreams of serving their mother’s authentic Indian cuisine and wine and beer by the glass slowly developed into reality. They split the store space with wooden room dividers and Indian tapestries and created a cozy sit-down café they call The Parlour. The groovy little space features wood furniture, cozy corners, and Indian artifacts, plus an impressive menu of homemade, authentic Indian fare with a South Austin twist overseen by Mrs. Topiwala herself. Lunch is served everyday from 10am to 4pm, and features house-made naan flatbread “sandwiches” filled with a variety of delicious ingredients in unusual flavor combinations. The SoCo is piled with London port roast beef, Gorgonzola cheese and homemade pepper chutney, while The Woodland encases Indian-spiced meatballs made with organic lamb from Loncito’s topped with melted Swiss cheese. Dinnertime gets even better, with naan “pizza-style” plates in combinations such as Zambian corn-pepper saakh, cilantro chutney, and feta cheese, or Periwinkle’s bacon, manchego cheese and truffle oil (this one is named after one of their wine sales reps.)  Photo courtesy The Parlour Due to the TABC’s labyrinth of rules and regulations, they are still waiting to obtain their permit to serve beer and wine by the glass as planned, but in the meantime they have great coffee, signature teas, and a killer mango lassi. A friendly atmosphere, great music and free Wi-Fi round out the many reasons to support this long-time Austin institution as it continues evolving, sure to become a favorite hangout. |