It seems that the Austin food scene is feeling festive in the coming days. We have three anniversaries, two tailgates, and some openings focusing on the finer things — ice cream and churros. Just brace yourself for one piece of sad news as we say goodbye to a longtime coffee shop.
Openings and closings
A user who frequently has inside scoops on the ATX Asian Food page on Facebook says they've uncovered that SomiSomi, a popular chain for soft-serve ice cream and taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries with sweet filling), will be opening its first Austin location at The Linc (6406 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd.). There is no official post to back it up, but they shared a site map that placed the new store between Easy Tiger and FedEx, matching a claim by another poster in the comments. It's definitely plausible; SomiSomi already has six locations in Texas.
San Ginés has been sitting mysteriously at 2072 S. Lamar Blvd. for quite some time, now, and it's finally ready to open. The churros and chocolate chain from Madrid posted on Instagram that its soft opening in Austin will take place November 15 from noon to 10 pm. Austinites might already be familiar since Olé by San Ginés, a food trailer, is already open at 511 Industrial Blvd. However, the new space is brick-and-mortar and bears the main brand's name. If the existing Miami Beach location's menu is any indication, Austinites can expect salads, breakfast plates like pancakes or eggs with sides, paella, croissants, and sandwiches. It hasn't shared hours beyond the soft opening yet.
Genuine Joe Coffeehouse has said goodbye to Austin after 19 years. An October 31 Instagram post by the shop states "Genuine Joe is closed for the foreseeable future. Yesterday was our last day of business. We are sorry to the community for the short notice- it surprised all of us too." The next day, the shop set up a GoFundMe with a clear disclaimer that funds would only be used to help staff looking for jobs, rather than keeping the shop going any longer.
Cosmic Saltillo, the newer location for the popular beer and coffee venue, is transforming for the holiday season. Inspired by the classic board game Candy Land, this temporary redesign includes festive decor with interactive elements and a themed menu. Some selections include the Honey Pear Cottage with aged tequila, honey, holiday-spiced pear, lemon, and bitters; the Mudslide Mountains with vodka, Irish cream, Tia Maria, cream, cocoa, and mole drizzle; and the Mint Mojito Forest with a mix of rums, mint, sparkling water, lime, and "holiday spices."
ICYMI: Austinites who loved Wünder Pig Barbecue may be pleased to learn that pitmaster Mems Davila is back with a new concept called Black Gold. The swanky interior is unusual for barbecue, but that's intentional. Another throwback comes with a bittersweet ending: South Austin's Hao-Hao Restaurant has closed. After 35 years — plus nearly another year during which Austinites knew they'd soon say goodbye — the owners have decided to retire.
Other news and notes
At least three Austin businesses are celebrating anniversaries in the upcoming week. First up is Meanwhile Brewing Co., which is celebrating four years with lots of live music and specials from the onsite food trucks on November 8. On the same day, Chinese restaurant RedFarm is marking its first year in Austin with free chocolate soup dumplings for people who book through SevenRooms. Then the Dirdie Birdie is turning two years old and celebrating with food and drink specials, a mini-golf tournament, and more from November 13-16. RSVP ($10) here.
Sports fans who'd like to try barbecued gator are in luck when the UT Longhorns play the University of Florida Gators. Eastside Boilers is visiting Sign Bar on November 8 for a tailgate featuring rotisserie gator plates served with jalapeño-bacon mac and cheese and potato salad, plus two other entrees: sausage subs and gumbo. Then they're doing it all over again November 16 in honor of the game against the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, this time spit roasting a pig with the same sides, plus cole slaw. Tailgaters need to order their food ahead of time at the links above. Buying an entree makes you eligible to win a pair of tickets to the Two Step Inn music festival in Georgetown.
