Hot Headlines

Statesman's staff shake-up, West Campus barbecue spot burned, and more hot headlines

The Austin-American Statesman may see some changes soon.

Photo by Jon S

Editor's note: Where there's smoke there is fire, right? In the case of Austin's newspaper of record, there is quite a bit of smoke coming from the Statesman offices. Though the paper was purchased by Gatehouse Media in March, it wasn't until this week that the company made it's first big move, offering buyouts to every single staffer. There was also literal smoke coming in the form of a West Campus barbecue joint that will close due to ... you guessed it ... student apartments.

1. Austin will suffer under Statesman's major staffing shake-up, experts say. Local media experts and journalists weigh in on what the buyout could mean for Austin's daily newspaper. The good news: the newspaper probably won't close. The bad news: it will likely lead to dramatic layoffs and diminished news reporting.

2. Favorite Austin barbecue joint goes up in smoke amid West Campus redevelopment. Freedmen's, the West Campus barbecue joint/bar/beer garden, is shutting off the smoker so to speak. The restaurant's owners said encroaching development make it impossible to remain open. The historic building that Freedmen's calls home, however, will remain, and a new development will be built in a U-shape to accommodate it.

3. Austin's hottest eatery lands on Food & Wine's most important restaurants list. In honor of its 40th anniversary, the stalwart food magazine named the 40 most important American restaurants in the past 40 years. One Austin spot made the cut, and let's just say people will "frankly" be "lining up" to read about this spot.

4. 2 Austin foodie favorites named best in Texas by popular grocery chain. H-E-B honored two local companies with a primo spot of the grocery store's shelves (not to mention a major chunk of change).

5. This nearby 'sister city' boasts higher salaries than Austin, says new report. Biggie told us "Mo Money Mo Problems," but we're more than willing to test that theory. A new report out this week says that if you really want to get rich (or die trying), a move down I-35 may be in order.

hot-headlines

EGG-CITING

Blossom into a new Easter or Passover tradition with these spring treats and feasts around Austin

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Austin

The Fairmont will host a rooftop Easter egg hunt exclusively for their brunch attendees, with a special appearance by the Easter Bunny.

Easter and Passover (April 9 and April 5-13) are right around the corner; you might want to consider solidifying any plans before it gets any nicer outside and the crowds come out. Whether you’re enjoying the holiday with your friends or family, or taking yourself out to brunch, we’ve gathered a basketful of egg-cellent happenings for you to hop to in Austin.

Check back here for more recommendations as businesses finalize their plans.

Easter brunches and egg hunts

Fairmont Austin's Easter brunch and egg hunt
Come for the brunch, stay for the egg hunt. The first brunch we’re eyeing is at Fairmont Austin downtown on Red River Street. They’ll host two different brunch buffets at 10 am and 1:30 pm on Easter Sunday. Guests can take their pick of an egg-stravagant spread of seafood, oak-smoked prime rib, and other delicacies. After you’ve had your fill, head to the rooftop for the hotel’s brunch attendee-exclusive Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30 am or 3:00 pm. Word on the street says the Easter Bunny might make a special appearance. The Tiny Tails petting zoo will also be at the hotel to show off the cutest animals for friends of all ages. Brunch bookings can be made via OpenTable.

Fareground's Easter brunch specials and egg hunts
For an afternoon of fun for children of all ages, consider bringing the family to downtown Austin’s first food hall, Fareground, for their Easter Egg-Stravaganza. From 12-3 pm, there will be plenty of brunch specials at the food hall's many eateries while children can enjoy sweets like cotton candy and get their face painted. There will be three egg hunts throughout the afternoon for three different age groups. Free general admission reservations can be made via Eventbrite.

Aba's Easter weekend brunches
Mediterranean cuisine lovers can spend their Easter brunch on the patio at Aba, Austin’s premiere Mediterranean restaurant on South Congress. Their exclusive Easter special on April 8 and 9 includes a spring frittata with lump crab, English peas, shaved asparagus, avocado, pickled fresnos, and parmesan. Guests can also pick a weekend favorite like the short rib shakshuka or khachapuri. Reserve on Tock.

Kalahari Resorts' Easter brunch buffet
If you live farther north, Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock will host their own Easter brunch buffet from 11 am to 3 pm with a delightful assortment of local charcuterie, fresh crudité, soups, and more. Children aged three and under eat free. The resort will also have two Easter egg hunts for two age ranges at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Brunch tickets can be made on Tock.

TRACE's April drag brunch
Though this brunch isn’t Easter themed, Trace (stylized TRACE) inside the W Hotel is going all out for its April Fool’s Comedy Drag Brunch from 11 am to 4 pm on April 9 with some of Austin’s favorite queens, The Beckies. The iconic duo are the restaurant’s regular brunch hosts every second Sunday of the month. Their performances begin at 11 am and 2 pm. Reserve ($10 per person) on OpenTable.

Passover meals

Aba's passover dine-in and take-out
In addition to its Easter specials, Aba will also offer guests a special Passover dine-in or take-home meal by Chef CJ Jacobson. The to-go package includes hummus, matzo crackers and crudité, potato and Brussels sprout latkes, slow-braised short rib, and much more. The dine-in Passover specials will be available April 5 and 6, but to-go specials must be pre-ordered by 3 pm on April 4. Pickup is available between 11 am and 5 pm on April 5 and 6. Reservations for both offers ($58.95 per person) can be made on Tock.

L’Oca D’Oro's Passover Seder
Neighborhood Italian restaurant L’Oca D’Oro is bringing back their omni-denominational Passover Seder. Chef Fiore Tedesco will delight guests with his version of a traditional Seder meal on April 10 and 11. The first celebration will be led by Cantor Sarah Avner (Beth Israel), and the next by Rabbi Neil Blumofe (Aguadas Achim). Reserve ($100 per person) on OpenTable.

Sweet Treats

SusieCakes
What’s Easter without a couple extra desserts to take home? SusieCakes is baking up its SusieChick lemon cake, Easter carrot cupcakes, peeps sugar cookies, dessert decorating kits, and more for the occasion. Their festive Easter treats will be available through April 9.

Bakery Lorraine
Bakery Lorraine at the Domain is accepting pre-orders for its classic seven-inch Easter carrot cake. The luscious dessert serves 10-12 people and contains pineapple, coconut, walnuts, and is topped with a cream cheese frosting. Fill out a form to preorder ($80) by April 4 to pick up on April 8, just in time for your Easter feast.

easter easter in austin passover passover in austin brunch holidays easter 2023

Hot Headlines

Statesman's staff shake-up, West Campus barbecue spot burned, and more hot headlines

EGG-CITING

Blossom into a new Easter or Passover tradition with these spring treats and feasts around Austin

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