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

Class is the main goal at Taste on Main, opening in Buda on February 15. The space is modeled after "classy downtown steak and seafood concepts," according to co-owner Travis Tindol. Tamra and Travis Tindol are known for their previous effort, Hays City Store & Ice House, a casual Southern staple in Driftwood, but now they're turning up the refinement. The menu follows most steakhouse standards, but emphasizes comfort food even if it's not the most common order: That means rib-eyes and pork chops next to mac and cheese, poutine, and crab legs with butter and charred lemon. Taste on Main will be located in a 100-year-old building at 116 Main Street. Reserve on Tock.

Other news and notes

The Texas Farmers' Market isn't just a random gathering of makers; there's programming that makes the event more of a community. There's a brand-new Fresh at the Market Fan Club, which enters shoppers in a drawing once they complete a 10-haul punch card, plus the return of cooking demos and market samples meant to inspire new home cooking. The market also hosts special seasonal events, including ones scheduled for Black History Month and Valentine's Day.

Free cheese! That's the Tweet. It somehow gets even better, considering that the cheese is from Antonelli's, one of Austin's favorite cheese makers. On Friday, February 10, the first 50 people in the shop will receive a free wedge of cheese — even if they don't purchase anything. This deal celebrates the shop's anniversary week, marking 13 years of service. There are also a few tickets left to the last anniversary event: a cheese and donuts structured tasting.

A huge king cake is a fun treat for Fat Tuesday, but sometimes you just need a taste. (Regular Tuesday, anyone?) Abby Jane Bakeshop, run by the celebrated Louisiana-born baker Abby Love, offers a smaller-scale version perfect for one or two people. There's also a savory version with andouille sausage, cheese, veggies, and a cream cheese filling. Order for a Dripping Springs pickup at abbyjanebakes.com. (Select the king cake option if prompted for location.)

Sotol is already like a milder mezcal, so what happens when you mix it with the characteristics of a light red wine? Desert Door has done the science for us, aging a new limited edition sotol aged in old Beaujolais barrels for a unique blend with "the buoyancy and breeziness of Beaujolais wine," according to a release. The resulting SotolJolais will be available at the distillery through Sunday, February 12, for tasting in cocktails or picking up a full bottle.

The only thing better than brunch is Mexican brunch, and El Chile is taking care of that in East Austin, bringing back its old brunch program that surely was sorely missed by many. Regional chef Giovanny Gonzalez-Diaz, new to the team as of 2022, helped bring back the tradition, which includes its "puffy huevos rancheros" as well as new, broader menu items like eggs benedict, crab omelets, and banana foster pan frances (french toast). Brunch is served weekends from 10 am to 3 pm.