News you can eat
6 things to know in Austin food right now: Lake Austin icon wades into Barton Springs Road
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
Lake Austin institution Ski Shores Cafe is moving inland to open a second location. A restaurant rep confirmed that a new Ski Shores outpost is taking over the formerDarcy's Donkey at 1608 Barton Springs Rd. sometime this year. The exact opening date has yet to be announced, but the location will include a similar menu to the original, live music, a play area for kids, and a full bar with 24 beverages on tap. Th original location will remain open.
After more than two years of anticipation, Captain Quackenbush's Coffeehouse has confirmed it is finally open at 5326 Menchaca Rd. As of February 1, the new venture is serving coffee and baked goods with limited soft opening hours from 7 am-7 pm daily. Extended hours are on the horizon.
Other news and notes
Abby Jane Bakeshop, the upcoming bakery from former Dai Due pastry chef Abby Love, is giving the Capital City a Valentine's Day gift with three carb-y pop-ups in February. First up is a brunch collaboration with LeRoy & Lewis Barbecue on February 23, followed by king cake sales at the Plaza Saltillo location of Dolce Neve Gelato on February 22 and Confituras Little Kitchen on February 23.
The Spicy Boys food truck at Zilker Brewing on East Sixth Street is hoping to get under Austin's skin as it celebrates its first anniversary on February 16. During the birthday celebrations, Eastend Tattoos will be on hand from noon-6 pm, offering flash tattoos. Anyone getting the Spicy Boys logo will get $5 sandwiches for life. Other attractions include a ranch fountain and a Blank Hellscape DJ set from 2-6 pm.
A massive class of 19 Austin bartenders will be battling talent from across the state on February 17 for a chance to win the title of Best Bartender in Texas and $10,000 as part of Garrison Brothers Distillery's Bourbon Brawl 2020. The semifinal round will hit Austin on April 23 before a final challenge at Fair Market on May 7.
The Austin Oyster Festival nabbed an enviable date for its 2020 edition at Republic Square. Taking place Leap Day, February 29, the annual shindig will feature a variety of baked, broiled, and raw oysters from chef's Chris Bauer and Tray Horvath, cocktail pairings, and live music. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Central Texas Food Bank.