News you can eat
6 things to know in Austin food right now: Lobster truck anchors new brick-and-mortar
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
It looks like Garbo's Lobster may be diving into new territories. A mixed beverage restaurant permit has been filed for the concept with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a location at 12709 N. Mopac Expy., the former home of Opal Divine's. The site was vacant since the long-running casual restaurant shuttered in April 2019 after 15 years in business. There's no word on the timeline for Garbo's. CultureMap has reached out for further information.
One door may have closed for Veracruz All Natural, but three windows are opening. After shuttering its original location at 1704 East Chavez St., the local taco faves debuted a new truck at 2505 Webberville Rd. on March 6. Beginning March 14, the lot will also host two other trailers from the fleet — one devoted to online and take-out orders and new concept Veracruz Juice Bar, serving juices, smoothies, agues frescas, and a few snacks.
After originally anticipating a late January/early February debut, pun-loving Atlanta chain Kale Me Crazy has opened its first Texas restaurant at 8300 N FM 620, Bldg. N200. Starting March 5, the franchise is now delivering an assortment of healthy fare like poke bowls, salads, smoothies, and wraps.
News and notes
Velouria and Drinks Lounge owner Tim Lupa tells CultureMap that he and wife Sara have sold their share of East Sixth Street mainstay The Brixton to partners Tyler and Emily Brooke Van Aken. According to Lupa, the couple made the change so they could focus on the booming business at Drinks. "We’re really excited for them and we think the guys are going to do some really cool stuff," says Tim. "We plan on supporting them as customers now that we’ll have a little more free time."
A quirky traveling concept is hoping its Austin stop will be the blockbuster event of the year. The Brick Bar will combine plenty of LEGO building block play opportunities, Instagram-worthy sculptures, novelty brick-shaped burgers, and drinks when it pops up in Austin June 26-27. Organizers have not announced a location just yet, but interested parties can sign up for updates here.
Classic Austin restaurant 34th Street Cafe is kicking off 2020 with a whole new look. Along with a refreshed dining room by Sparrow Interiors, chef Paul Peterson is reinvigorating the offerings with dishes like a quail salad with peaches and smoked onion vinaigrette, chalupas with fire-roasted salsa, and risotto with sage sausage and Chardonnay raisins.
