Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that list here.

1. New Austin restaurant blends Sichuan and Shanghai comfort foods. A Los Angeles-based restaurant group focused on Sichuan food is adding to that cultural mélange by expanding into Texas. Mian & Bao started its soft opening at The Triangle on October 17.

2. Where to drink in Austin: 9 new bars and happy hours to hit right now. Uchiko debuts a new full bar, Rocky's Bar opens at the Austin Motel, a Manhattan pub called the Flower Shop opens with a long cocktail list, and more.

3. New brasserie with classic French dishes serenades downtown Austin. A beautiful French spot called Serenade is opening in Austin's 2nd Street District on Sunday, October 27. Dishes will include French classics like duck confit and blue crab Benedict.

Serenade features a mix of classic French and modern design, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at Lavaca Street. Photo by Nick Barnes

4. Fair trade store Ten Thousand Villages finds new home in downtown Austin.The fair trade home goods and gift shop Ten Thousand Villages has very slowly been on the move around Austin since 2004. Its new home is on 2nd Street.

5. Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb take on Austin in special Today broadcast. NBC's Today hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb brought the show to Austin on Thursday, October 24, as part of a special event they dubbed a “Texas Takeover.”