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

After almost six years of serving scorching curry at East Austin bar Whisler’s, acclaimed food truck Thai-Kun has closed up shop. In an Instagram post, the concept announced that November 30 was its last day at 1816 E. Sixth St. The notice didn’t detail where the trailer will park next, but did assure fans that the Domain Northside location would remain open. Meanwhile, Golden Tiger, which was previously stationed at Rainey Street’s Container Bar, rolled into the patio on December 4.

A new brewery appears to be in the works at 415 E. St. Elmo Rd., according to a project registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Since the company does not yet have a web presence, little is known about the curiously named Vacancy Brewing. The build-out is estimated to be finished in June 2020.

Vegan favorite Plow Burger will introduce a third location outside the NadaMoo! scoop shop at 1701 S. Lamar Blvd. on December 14. The opening will coincide with the dairy-free brand’s first annual vegan holiday fair from noon-5 pm. The event will feature eats, fashions, and home goods from cruelty free purveyors like PetitVour, Heathen Moon, Fox & Wolf Essentials, Soy Delites Candles, and more.

Cookie monsters Tiff’s Treats opened its first Georgetown shop at 1225 S. I-35, Ste. 105, on December 7. Like the other locations, the new Tiff's will offer warm snickerdoodles aplenty as well as ice cream, brownies, and other desserts. And another outpost is soon set to warm up Southeast Austin. The 1700 E. Oltorf St., Ste. 110, store will debut January 4, 2020.

Other news and notes

During a December 9 ceremony, 12 Austin businesses and nonprofits were award $70,000 in grants by the Austin Food & Wine Alliance in support of culinary innovation and community projects. The big winners of the evening were pioneering urban farm Boggy Creek Farm and hyper-local beekeepers Two Hives Honey, scoring $15,000 each to fund sustainability initiatives. Other winners include catering company Huckleberry Hospitality, charcuterie wizard Casero, Urban American Farmer, Sweet Ritual Vegan Ice Cream, The Cook’s Nook, Pure Luck Dairy, Front Steps Inc., Hutto High School, Nixta Taqueria, and Farmshare Austin. Two honorable mentions — Mealshare and Mobile Loaves & Fishes — were also singled out but did not receive grant money.

Launderette executive pastry chef Laura Sawicki is rolling out holiday cookie boxes to spread some seasonal cheer. Each package contains three dozen treats, including brown butter fudge brownies, shortbread swirls, cookie butter truffles, and sparkle chocolate toffee. Each box is $45; orders can be purchased now until December 24.

In other holiday news, L’Oca d’Oro’s annual Feast of the Seven Fishes returns to the Mueller eatery from 4-10 pm December 23 and 24. The $75 prix fixe ($25 for children ages 2-10) includes family style dishes like spaghetti and clams, stuffed squid, and insalata di frutti di mare.