Hot Headlines

Another major Austin restaurant closure leads the week's top stories

Editor's note: Shocking chef news and Uber in Austin lead this round of top stories. Read on for more of the week's most popular headlines.

1. Austin's top chef pulls the plug on acclaimed namesake restaurant. In what could be the most high-profile restaurant closure of the year, Paul Qui is shutting the doors of qui. The eponymous restaurant, located in bustling East Austin, will hold its last service on Saturday, September 3. He plans to "return to his roots" and debut a new concept in the space.

2. 10 quintessential Austin experiences for every newcomer's bucket list. You've arrived in the promised land and soon you'll start getting the famous question, "So what makes Austin so cool?" Before you can give a definitive answer, we suggest you check out 10 "only in Austin" experiences that make your new home unique.

3. Uber wheels back into Austin for new talks with the city. Earlier this month, Uber was spotted around Austin, mapping our roadways for a new in-house system. And this week, Uber initiated a new discussion with the city, council member Sheri Gallo confirms. So are the wheels in motion for the ride-hailing service to reenter the market?

4. New restaurant from all-star team opens in iconic South Austin space. It's been more than a year since South Austin institution Freddie's Place closed its doors. Now, there's reason for South First Street to celebrate: A full-service version of popular drive-thru restaurant Fresa's Chicken al Carbon is open.

5. Bus service offers travel across Texas with Uber-like efficiency. Beginning this week, it's easier to get to and from five Texas cities, thanks to a new bus service that promises to "Shofur" travelers around the Lone Star State with Uber-like efficiency.

Fresa's replaces Freddie's on South First Street.

Fresa's Chicken al Carbon/Facebook

Fresa's replaces Freddie's on South First Street.

Mixed Media

Austin public radio station invites local singles to mix and mingle

Photo by Gabriel C. Pérez via kut.org

This event was inspired by an earlier one that examined the state of dating in Austin.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, one organization is helping local singles slow down and connect over a shared love of other local singles — radio singles, that is. On Tuesday, December 10, Austin’s NPR news station KUT and its musical counterpart KUTX will co-host a free event called KUT & KUTX Connections, a mixer for public radio aficionados.

According to a news release, the idea for the December dating mixer arose from feedback after the group hosted a similar event in February called KUT Considers: Dating in Austin.

“Quite a few people showed up expecting a singles mixer,” writes KUT’s marketing manager Erin Geisler in the release. “So we decided to give the mixer a shot.”

Attendees of this month’s event can expect an evening of meeting like-minded, well-informed Austinites, community building, conversation, games, prizes, and — of course — music. Although the event is free and open to all, the release says an RSVP via Eventbrite is required.

“Do you swipe right when someone’s profile says they’re a public radio fan?” asks the Eventbrite description. “Are you seeking real life ‘driveway moments’ where you want to stick around and learn more about someone?”

Radio listeners may have more in common than they realize. Beneath a general love of public radio could be a shared love of local music, an interest in civic issues, a curiosity about the variety of daily life in Austin, or even a hunger for knowledge about tacos. KUT does all of that in various podcasts, radio shows, and live events.

Upon arrival, guests can select specific wristbands to signify whether they’re looking for love or friendship with fellow local music fans. Participants will also receive stickers to help jumpstart the conversation.

The event will take place from 7-9:30 pm at Austin Beerworks’ Sprinkle Valley taproom (i.e., not the North Austin brewery), located at 10300 Springdale Rd. In addition to beer, the taproom offers non-alcoholic drinks, on-site pizza and taco trucks, and games.

dating single radio music