News you can eat
Soon-to-open Fairmont spills bar details, plus new steakhouse for downtown Austin
Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the what’s what and who’s who of Austin food. But we have you covered with our regular roundup of the freshest Austin restaurant news.
The upcoming Fairmont Hotel Austin has announced the appointment of former Kuneho GM and beverage director Andrew Grenz as the new beverage manager. Grenz will oversee the programs at the five restaurant and bar concepts, with cocktails chosen to “represent the spirit of the spaces.” Grenz tells CultureMap the poolside Rules and Regs drinks will have a “bit of a tiki twist” and lobby bar Fulton will have “a few out-of-the-box options for the more adventurous.”
In the Weeds, a Facebook community that has become the place for Austin service industry pros to gather for job postings, support, and more, is teaming up with Oasis Texas Brewing Company on a new collaboration highlighting the federal minimum wage for tipped employees. The bantam pale ale, appropriately called $2.13, will have a low 4 percent ABV (perfect for pounding after a shift) and an affordable price point. The beer will launch after a party on Friday, January 26 at 7 pm at Oasis. “A person who works for tips is a gambler, wagering their smile, personality, and hospitality to pay their bills,” says In the Weeds founder KC Hensley. “This beer is a salute to our industry, the people that risk making $2.13 an hour.”
300 Congress, a new 44-story high-rise office tower, announced that steakhouse Del Frisco's has signed a 10-year lease to take over the ground floor. The 7,000-square-foot space will be the 19th location for the New York chain. Construction on the tower should be completed in 2020.
Cuvée Coffee is starting the new year off with a bang with a huge new 11,000-square-foot production facility and a new look for the Nitro Cold Brew cans. The new look does away with the familiar cartoon black eye logo for a design featuring the company logo and infographics.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka is collaborating with upscale Los Angeles-based candy chain Sugarfina on a line of Moscow Mule gummy bears. The treats are now available online and at the company’s shops, including the location at Domain Northside.
Irene’s popular Tarot & Tequila Tuesdays has returned through February 27. Find out your future with special four card readings from Kristin of Senders Receive from 6 to 8 pm. If you don’t like what she sees, drown your sorrows in $3 tequila shots, $3 rocks or frozen margaritas, or $5 tequila punches all day.
Easy Tiger's king cakes are once again available for the Mardi Gras season. “Head dough puncher” David Norman’s treats can be ordered beginning now until February 13.
To celebrate seven years in business, Barley Swine will be having a day of specials Tuesday, January 16, featuring $30 off the signature tasting menu as well as Swine Time (that’s Barley-speak for happy hour) specials on food and drinks between 5-10 pm.
The Driskill Grill’s January Craft Series will feature one of the culinary world's greatest pairings: whiskey and steak. The beef will be from local purveyors Ranger Cattle, and the drinks will feature Dripping Spring’s Kooper Family Rye. Tickets available here.
On Thursday, January 11, the first 2nd Street Social of 2018 will kick off with a special prix fixe menu from Crú Food & Wine Bar highlighting dishes like a winter crudo salad and oven-roasted quail for an affordable $30 price.
Searsucker is raising the roof (get it?) for a party benefiting Service Dogs Inc. on Saturday, January 27. The monthly Cans & Jams party will feature discounted Independence Brewing Co. beers, a pig roast menu featuring Berkshire pork from Seguin’s Mitrowski Farms, and live music from Belle and the Beasts.
