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Rachael Ray pops up in Austin with city's first-ever virtual cafe

Meet Austin's newest restaurateur.

From her long-running SXSW showcase to her annual Moxie Made pop-ups, Rachael Ray seems to spend more time in Austin than she does in her native New York. Now, she is becoming the city’s latest restaurateur.

On October 17, the celebrity chef will launch a virtual restaurant in the Capital City through a partnership with Uber Eats. Austin was among only 13 North American cities selected for the innovative new eatery.

Fans hoping to see Ray pour out the EVOO in person will be out of luck since the concept will have no brick-and-mortar presence. Instead, the roughly dozen dishes will be available for delivery through the popular platform.

The promotion is timed around the October 15 release of Ray’s latest cookbook: Rachael Ray 50: Memories and Meals from a Sweet and Savory Life. The recipe collection features comfort food favorites and recollections from the author’s remarkable career.

The virtual restaurant’s menu was mostly pulled from the book, but Ray pulled a few tried-and-true entrees from her file. Diners can expect buffalo pulled chicken chili with smoked blue ranch sauce, a tahini Caesar salad with za’atar croutons, and an egg tagliatelle Bolognese.

Although Uber Eats has not worked such a big name, but it does have a stake in the virtual business model. The company has worked to establish 1,500 so-called dark kitchens in the United States and Canada. Here in Austin, Uber's ex-CEO is working on launching CloudKitchens, which rents kitchens to delivery companies, in the former Baby A's space.

In addition to Austin, the virtual cafe is also popping up in Dallas, Houston, New York City, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Chattanooga, and Toronto.

The Rachel Ray cafe, however, will not be a permanent gig for Uber Eats. The pop-up only lasts until the end of December.

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Popular downtown Austin bar returning to Rainey Street after 3 years

Bungalow/Facebook

Bungalow is making its return almost exactly three years after its closure on March 27, 2022.

It was a solemn day when Rainey Street favorite bar Bungalow shuttered in 2022 to make way for a 606-foot-tall high-rise tower, dealing a dramatic blow to the area's nightlife scene. That only continued when neighboring bar Icenhauer's also closed in 2024.

But not all ends are permanent, especially when it involves an Austin nightlife staple: Bungalow will make its grand return to Rainey in the former Icenhauer's space starting Sunday, March 23.

The rumors that the bar was being revived were confirmed on Bungalow's Instagram page.

"After a few year's of silence, we're rising from the ashes — an Austin rebirth, if you will," the post says. "The beloved drinking spot that once captured the heart of the city is back, but this time, across the street. Get ready Austin. We're back for round two."

Bungalow, which originally opened in 2012 as a converted historic residential home, is known for its Sunday Funday events, reverse brunch, and a dog-friendly back patio with yard games.

Icenhauer's also confirmed Bungalow's return with its own Instagram post.

"[I]t was important to me to find a tenant that had history and knowledge of the street. we hope you support them as they bring rainey back," the post says.

Icenhauer's closed its doors in November 2024 after being in business for 14 years, citing ongoing sales losses due to construction in the area. At the time, owner Michael Icenhauer said he had been losing money since April 2023.

Bungalow will be located at 83 Rainey St. Updated operating hours have not been officially revealed yet, but the bar's Facebook page lists 4 pm to 2 am Wednesdays through Fridays, and noon to 2 am Saturdays and Sundays.

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