News you can eat
Cheese board restaurant spreads into Central Austin, plus more local food news
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North Austin will soon get a new sushi spot with the opening of Ebisu at 13376 N. Hwy 183, Ste. 400 on August 1. A rep tells CultureMap that executive chef Jay Chung will dish out “traditional Japanese fare with modern influences featuring high-grade sashimi.” The restaurant will also feature beef options like Wagyu, beer, sake, and a full cocktail menu highlighting Japanese liqueurs.
Husband-and-wife team Rosemary and Austin Ewald are opening a sandwich, cheese, and wine shop in the former location of Russell’s Bistro at 1601 W. 38th St., Unit 1. Rosemary, the former manager of Lick Honest Ice Creams' original location, had been operating Spread & Co. as a cheese board delivery service since 2016. Austin got on board in early 2019 after a stint as head chef of East Austin’s Grizzelda’s. The brick-and-mortar is set to debut in the early fall.
San Antonio import Merit Coffeeopened its third Austin location on July 13. The sleek new Triangle space, located at 4615 N. Lamar Blvd. Ste. 303A, features a similar menu to the other local outposts, including coffee drinks and pastries from Bakery Lorraine.
Bar Peached is getting into the brunch biz. On July 12, the Clarksville eatery announced new Sunday service between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. The food menu includes larger plates like kung pao-smoked salmon served with sweet potatoes, cashews, and a fried egg, and five-spice bread pudding French toast, along with smaller plates like pork belly buns and Brussels sprouts in a Sichuan peppercorn peach glaze. Drinks from beverage director Kevin Kok run the gamut from punchy Bourbon iced tea to a spritz made with strawberry-infused Aperol.
Contemporary Southern favorite Olamaie has launched a new cocktail hour each evening between 5-6:30 pm. Guests sitting on the porch or in the parlor can choose from a trio of $9 cocktails, including a martini bianco with gin, Cocchi Americano, orange bitters, and lemon; a rye-based lemon balm julep; and a peach collins with Cathead honeysuckle vodka, peach liqueur, lemon juice, rosemary, and Topo Chico.
Historic Scholz Garten is also shaking up its happy hour with a new menu and an array of daily specials. The deals include $1 chopped brisket or pulled pork tacos and $6 Scholz Crushes — fresh juice cocktails served over crushed ice with flavors like Nine Banded whiskey lemonade and Treaty Oak rum pineapple crush. The daily promotions include Revolution Nacho Tuesday, Wurst Wednesday, and BBQ Friday Nights.
Rockstar Bagels has teamed up with Kimchi Jon’s for a Korean bagel collaboration. As of July 16, Rockstar’s 1900 Rosewood Ave. storefront will begin carrying a cream cheese flavored with Kimchi Jon’s house made kimchi. On August 3, the South Austin food truck will return the favor by introducing a brunch bagel sandwiches filled with bulgogi, egg, and cheese and Korean fried chicken.
Dog Restaurant Week is returning to the Capital City July 22-28. During the event, participating eateries Irene’s, Opal Divine’s, Rustic Tap, Red's Porch, and Revelry on the Boulevard will offer specialty menus for doggos and cocktail specials for humans. A portion of the proceeds support local animal nonprofits Emancipet, Blue Dog Rescue, Forgotten Friends, Friends of Austin Animal Center, and Avery's Angels.
Could sit in this airy shop all day.Photo by Chad Wadsworth
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