Posted: Fri, 28 May 2010 12:40 PM - 30,702 Readers

By: Michael Barnes

When did “cougar” become such a derogatory term? Earlier this week, I published some short reports through social media about the informal “Cougar Nights” Wednesdays at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. They are so-called by super-sociable Kristin McCullar and her friends, residents of the rugged subdivision straddling Lake Austin and Lake Travis.

Sid Steiner and Kristin McCullar

A thoughtful Facebook friend objected, wanting to retire the word. That took me by surprise, because cougars are considered beautiful, noble, strong and independent animals. Attractive, outgoing women over a certain age have embraced the term. Sure, there is always some stigma attached to age disparities in relationships, but I found it difficult to believe that “cougar” had become quite so offensive to some readers. I promise to listen more carefully to context and tone.

Rod Williams and Kimberly Kitlowski

I met Kristin at the bar on the patio of the hilltop steakhouse. The view of Lake Travis on that side of the restaurant is spectacular. All the land around the hill was once owned by the Steiner family, who ranched it for generations. They retained a few choice bits, including this hill. I spoke with rodeo star Sid Steiner about his family and instantly considered them candidates for our Ancestral Austin series.

Bridget Allison and Elain Thibodeaux

Back to the action on the patio. The crowd was fit, tanned and, let’s admit, a bit older than the tribes at most downtown clubs. Some were dressed in Western duds, others in revealing summer dresses. They didn’t prowl, exactly, but they mingled a lot, socializing freely. I found the mood — and almost everyone I met — delightful.

Most of the chatter, actually, was absolutely benign: Children, daycare, sports, school, etc. Now when was the last time I journeyed out to the lake three times in one week? Visited three eating establishments: Mizu, Ciola and Steiner. Pretty cool for an urbanista.