News you can eat
6 things to know in Austin food right now: Nashville hot chicken joint tumbles into Cedar Park
Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of Austin's restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our regular roundup of essential food news.
Openings and closings
East Side King has revealed the locations and opening dates for four new restaurants debuting under a licensing deal between original owner Moto Utsunomiya and local hospitality firm Murphy Adams Restaurant Group. On January 15, the company will open at 4701 183A Toll Rd. Ste. C in Cedar Park, followed by an Arboretum shop at 10710 Research Blvd. Suite 328 on January 29. In February and March, two more East Side Kings are coming to the Bulverde area and North Guadalupe Street, near the UT campus.
It looks like Cedar Park's dining scene is about to get spicier. According to a listing with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Nashville hot chicken purveyor Tumble 22 has applied for a mixed beverage permit for a location at 4501 183A Toll Rd. It's unclear when the new site will open. CultureMap has reached out for more details.
TABC listing also revealed that a new concept called Yard Sports is in the works at 9110 Bluff Springs Rd. The business will have a full bar, but does not appear to have established a web presence just yet. Once open, it will add to an already packed roster of yards in Austin, including Parlor & Yard; Yard Bar; Yard Milkshake Bar; and The Yard development, home to Still Austin Whiskey Co. and St. Elmo Brewing Co.
Healthy Atlanta-based chain Kale Me Crazy will be opening its first Texas restaurant at 8300 N. FM 620, Bldg. N200 in late January/early February. The concept is a one-stop-shop for millennial food trends with a menu of açaí bowls, poke, green juices, and toasts.
Other news and notes
Downtown icon The Driskill is starting off the new year with a new executive chef. According to a release, Hilton Austin and Omni Barton Creek alum Mark Dayanandan is leading all culinary programs at the historic hotel, including those at The Driskill Grill, 1886 Cafe & Bakery, and The Driskill Bar.
Arlo Grey has announced three dates for its Chef Series, featuring visiting talent from some of the nation's best restaurants. First up is Brooke Williamson of Los Angeles' Playa Provisions on January 20; followed by Olamaie's Michael Fojtasek on February 24; and Erik Bruner-Yang of Washington, D.C.'s Maketto on March 30. Tickets per person range from $125-$170, with a three-dinner pack available for a discounted price of $355.