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'Meticulous' new 10-seat omakase spot honors tradition in Central Austin

Endo opens its doors in Central Austin on March 6.

Photo by Jessica Attie

Speakeasies were the talk of the town in 2023, and it appears omakase restaurants will be the theme for 2024.

Endo, a new omakase restaurant with an emphasis on traditional techniques, is bringing innovative fine dining to Central Austin beginning March 6.

Just as the word omakase translates to, "I leave it up to you," Endo will offer personalized experiences for patrons using fresh and new ingredients daily. The 10-seat sushi bar will use longstanding traditional Japanese sushi-making techniques, such as dry aging, "meticulous" salt curing (according to a release), smoking, and soy sauce marinating (also known as zuke).

The new concept emphasizes these techniques as representations of the tried-and-true art of sushi making since Japan's Edo period. Occurring between 1603 and 1868, it's one that's often romanticized for its isolationist policies that heightened Japan's unique cultural identity.

Endo Omakase Austin Photo by Jessica Attie

The venture is led by Taiki Wakayama and Darrell Oribello, who both have extensive experience in Austin's dining scene. Chef Endo Yasuhiro, a former apprentice under acclaimed chef Daisuke Nakazawa, is in charge of Endo's kitchen operations. Nakawaza will be a "creative contributor" at Endo, a release says.

"We are ready to open our doors and introduce our take on the incredible art of Japanese omakase dining to the Austin dining scene," said Chef Endo in a statement. "Our goal is to provide guests with an unforgettable culinary journey that pays homage to the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine with a dedication to precision, world class quality and simplicity. We look forward to welcoming diners to our restaurant and sharing our passion for world class sushi and hospitality."

Endo's beverage menu will span from signature cocktails to hand-picked rare Japanese whiskies, as well as sake, beer, and wine. Each unique cocktail is developed to complement each sushi dish, and diners will also have the option to add wine, sake, or Japanese whisky pairings to a 20-course omakase.

Endo is located at 609 W. 29th St., and after its grand opening, operating hours will be Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30-10 pm. Reservations are required and can be booked starting March 6 via OpenTable.

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Elegy for Irene

Bubbly Austin brunch spot Irene's closing after 8 years

Irene's/Instagram

One of Austin's most popular brunch spots is throwing in the towel when its lease ends.

Despite the ever -increasing number of Austin brunches, the scene is losing a classic. Irene's on West 6th Street announced November 12 that it will be closing at the end of its lease this month.

“We are incredibly grateful for the loyal support of our guests, friends, and family over the last 8 years,” said operating partner Scott Hentschel in a press release. “We’ve had the privilege of celebrating countless occasions, fostering friendships, and creating unforgettable memories with you."

It does seem to be the end of Irene's, but the team behind it is looking to take its talents elsewhere.

"While this chapter may be ending, our passion for hospitality burns brighter than ever," Hentschel continued. "We are actively exploring new opportunities and locations where we can welcome you in the future.”

Irene's didn't just offer brunch, but it was a local favorite for the midday weekend meal for several years, offering a hybrid diner and Tex-Mex menu that included everything from biscuits and gravy, to tacos, to all-day breakfast sandwiches, to soft-serve ice cream. Many group photos were taken after a few mimosas in front of the neon sign and fake greenery.

The restaurant and bar also had a very full events calendar, with multiple recurring events every week. Drag brunches, game days, movie screenings, yoga, and more characterized the daily flow of Irene's.

Fans of Irene's have the rest of the lease to say goodbye — presumably, that's the rest of the month, but the release does not give a hard closing date. Some special events will be scheduled to see it off.

“We are immensely grateful to every person who has walked through our doors, enjoyed a drink, shared a meal, and contributed to the spirit of our restaurant. Your support has kept us going through the highs and lows," says the release, which also thanks the team, neighbors, and vendors. "And to you, our cherished guests, thank you for choosing to be a part of our story. We love you, Austin, and we will miss you dearly!”

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