News You Can Eat
A beloved bakery spin-off, Karen's Diner, and famous BBQ ramen top Austin's tastiest food news
Julie Myrtille announced that a new shop, The Rose Bakery by Julie Myrtille, is in the works.
Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of Austin’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our regular roundup of essential food news.
Openings
On October 2, Julie Myrtille — the renowned baker behind the eponymous pastry shop — announced that she would be opening a spin-off. The new store, called The Rose Bakery by Julie Myrtille, will open this fall. "It is with immense gratitude for your unwavering support that we embark on this new chapter," the baker wrote on Instagram. "Your love for our baked goods and the demand for more inspired us to expand our reach."
The viral dinner theater sensation Karen's Diner has finally opened ticket sales for its two-day Austin residency on January 20-21. This diner became famous for the over-the-top, no-holds-barred intentional rudeness of the waitstaff, all delivered with creativity and gusto (i.e., in this case, a deadpan). Reviewers have said the food is good, although that's low on most visitors' priorities. Somehow, lower than being verbally abused. Buy tickets via Hidden.
Austin has lots of taco joints — in case you didn't know — but one stands out for its creative menu and world influence. Velvet Taco, which serves up unusual taco varieties like spicy tikka chicken with buttered cilantro basmati rice, is opening in Round Rock in October (although no date has been declared yet). At 2131 N. Interstate Hwy 35, this will be the Dallas-based chain's 29th Texas location.
ICYMI: Recently two small Austin institutions announced new locations. Fresa's, known for its grilled Mexican eats and seasonal menu, is opening Fresa's 360 — so named for its proximity to Loop 360. The new location will prominently feature a patio with great views. Meanwhile, Tiny Grocer had been cooking up a second location for a long time, which finally opened this week. Its locally famous founder Steph Steele teamed up with Top Chef contestant Jo Chan to add a French bistro called Bureau de Poste in the renovated Hyde Park post office that houses the new artisan shop.
Other news and notes
Camp Lucy, a Hill Country wedding venue, has a "sister property" in Malmesbury, England, also managed by Whim Hospitality. The Texas destination was thus inspired to start its own afternoon tea service, paired with sweets and sandwiches by executive pastry chef Hannah Smith. Visitors can choose from nine tea varieties like chamomile flowers, lemon chiffon rooibos, jasmine pearls green, and, of course, grand english breakfast. Book ($55) via OpenTable.
Meat eaters know that the best part of ramen is the chashu, so it makes sense that barbecue legend Aaron Franklin and Uchi king Tyson Cole would serve a killer ramen at their joint venture, Loro. Ramen is a fan-favorite, but the miso-chili tonkotsu ramen is a brand-new seasonal recipe with charred bok choy, scallions, noods, sesame, ajitama egg, and smoked sliced brisket or post oak grilled prawns. It will be available Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 4 pm through fall.
One of Austin's leading hospitality groups, Emmer & Rye, is celebrating Texas Wine Month with four different events. First up, on October 8, is a party at Canje with the award-winning William Chris Vineyards — that'll cue up nine Canje dishes with nine wines ($125). Next up Alta Marfa Winery & Vineyard takes over Kalimotxo on October 18; Emmer & Rye hosts winemaker Randy Hester of C.L. Butaud on October 26; and San Antonio's Ladino hosts two Hill Country vineyards for a happy hour on October 30.
Grilled lamb lollipops with Moroccan couscous from BOA Steakhouse.Photo courtesy of BOA Steakhouse
Pat Green plays two shows at the historic Gruene Hall for New Year's.