News You Can Eat
Spring is in full swing in Austin, with openings and events all over. Despite how much is going on, all we're seeing is chances to relax, from a famous omakase with more reservations than before to a handful of 420 hangs. And if you miss the holidays, no worries — some of these events and deals are ongoing.
Openings and closings
Omakase lovers can now stop by the new home of Sushi | Bar Austin and its cocktail bar Golden Ace. The bar is a new concept, which in addition to a larger space for dining means a lot more people can fit: two rooms of 12 for dinner, and 35-40 at the bar. Find them at 419 West 2nd St. Reservations open the first day of every month. Anyone who misses the old space at 2600 E. Cesar Chavez St. might still be able to snag a seat at Chef Anthony Martin'spop-up. Some reservations are still showing up on OpenTable, but they're very limited.
As reported by Community Impact, the mobile tap trailer Grapes & Rye has opened its new brick-and-mortar location at 3333 CR 119, Ste. 28, in Hutto. It'll be used to host events, tastings, and classes. Posts on Facebook show things already in full swing: next up are an NFL Draft watch party on April 24 and a spring cookie decorating and cocktail class on May 31. More details on events and tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Shipley Do-Nuts has opened yet another Austin-area location, this time in Dripping Springs. The Houston-based donut chain, which has a stronghold on Greater Austin already, is known for its hexagonal donuts. The new location can be found at 13341 W. U.S. Highway 290, Ste. 1101.
Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a chain that started in College Station, is debuting in Austin at 701 W. 24th St. A press release does not share an opening timeline, but says that Texas A&M grad Shahroz Khan and his family plan to open 15 locations in the next decade. The second is planned for 11312 Hero Way West in Leander. Layne's Chicken Fingers doesn't advertise this, but it does happen to be halal (including brisket bacon), a draw for this immigrant family.
Other news and notes
Desert Door Texas Sotol and Tecovas, two Austin-area staples for spirits and western wear, respectively, are partnering up. Wherever Tecovas stores nationwide have bars in them — like the one on South Congress Avenue — the Texas sotol will be available. It'll also be served at Tecovas events throughout the year. This won't be a huge change in most Austinite's routines, but it could introduce lots of people to the little-known, mezcal-like spirit.
In the home of Willie Nelson, of course people are ready for 420. This holiday for space cowboys is being celebrated around town, including these three places:
Downright Austin and Succulent Native are getting together April 22 for an Earth Day celebration benefiting the Austin Parks Foundation. They're hosting a Plant Party Pop-Up in Rodeo Room, the small event space right outside Swim Club, from 7-8:30 pm. Guests will get a ceramic pot and some succulents, and $5 of their donation will go to the foundation, matched by Downright Austin. Tickets ($50) are available on Eventbrite. It's not part of the event, but guests might also want to check out Swim Club's new summer menu with lobster sliders, shrimp cocktail, steak frites, and more.
Visitors to Whiskey Cake Kitchen + Bar in Round Rock can take part in an Earth Day challenge with a delicious reward. From April 22-28, guests can bring in a mug to donate and receive a free slice of whiskey cake, plus herb and flower seed packets. The small chain only hints that the mugs will be used in the restaurant going forward — but perhaps the coyness is a ripcord to pull in case of embarrassing donations.
