ATX Sliders Taunt Us with Food Porn, Gati's Got Ice Cream Dogs, Austin Oyster Co. Shucks 'Em Live, and More

Here’s some of what’s happening in Austin’s culinary scene, as the threat of those COVID-19 pathogens continues to diminish (except for those citizens who, bless their hearts, refuse vaccination because, uh, magical thinking?). Yes, it's another Food News Buffet, as the city regains its frequently CBD-enhanced, sometimes weed-inflected footing …

Okay, we’ve got their opening listed as a separate event, yes, but just look at those smol burgers available from the new ATX Sliders food truck. Oh! Holy Mother of Anthony Bourdain! That’s some kinda pornography going on right there, n’est-ce pas?

What else is new? Those Ice Cream Dogs at Gati, from Jam Sanitchat of Thai Fresh. The chef’s been working on perfecting a homemade gluten-free-and-vegan bun for a while now, and it’s finally ready to go – as the foundation for the Thai street-cart confection that includes coconut sticky rice topped with your choice of three ice cream flavors and candied pecans. Oh, and, in addition to the usual ice cream flavors, Gati’s got Mexican Vanilla, Salty Caramel, Cucumber Mint, and Peach to make this rapidly approaching summer even tastier …

The Austin Oyster Company is gearing up with more, more, more of everybody’s favorite aphrodisiacal mollusks, staging twice-monthly pop-ups to shuck and serve fresh oysters at Still Austin Whiskey (Fri., June 18 & July 2, 4:30pm) and bringing that same salty action, on the last Sunday of each month, to The Austin Winery (Sun., June 27 & July 25, 1pm). Both those top-notch bastions of imbibables are located in The Yard at 440 E. St. Elmo, btw …

P. Terry’s x Stubb’s is a collaboration we can definitely get behind, as it’ll allow us to devour the local mini-chain’s new BBQ Bacon Burger: Two all-natural black Angus beef patties and cheddar cheese, topped with bacon, grilled onions, and Stubb’s Smokey Mesquite Bar-B-Q Sauce – available for a limited time at all P. Terry’s for just $5.25. Note: We’re not sure when this deal will end, but it’s already going …

WTF is up with Trudy’s, huh? Renovations, is what: They’re currently undergoing a system-wide schedule of closings, beginning with their South Star location (901-C Little Texas Lane); that venue is currently closed and will be reopening in late June. And when that South Star does reopen, Trudy's North Star (8820 Burnet Rd) will close and then reopen in late July. The Trudy’s team is also currently restoring their Texas Star location (30th) to its former glory and plans to reopen that space later this summer. And it ain’t all infrastructure: The company’s also revamping their food and bar menu (while, they assure us, preserving fan favorites). Note: While closed, Trudy's has a taco trailer at the South Star location (daily, from 11am-7pm), serving steak, al pastor, and chicken tacos, along with chips and salsa, queso, and guacamole …

Meanwhile, Freebirds World Burrito is expanding – big time. The beloved Tex-Mex joint, currently boasting 55 locations across the Lone Star State, plans to double its footprint over the next five years, spreading further into Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and beyond. Damn, guys. Beyond? Beyond, like, Thunderdome? We mean: Who run Burritotown?

Hey, you know about Seeder Fest at the Far Out Lounge (8504 S. Congress) this weekend, right? Hosted by the curatorial farm-to-you honchos of MilkRun, featuring much locally sourced produce, live music, a vintage mall, and free tie-dye stations, it may just make your Saturday (June 12, noon-5pm) a little happier and healthier … or maybe head out closer to the Hill Country and enjoy the party that Waterloo Gin is presenting at Treaty Oak Distilling for World Gin Day …

And, sure as there’s a World Gin Day (see above), June 12 is also National Rosé Day. And on that day, the Austin-based, female-owned BOXT company will launch its rosé: “Profile Nine,” a limited-edition, whole-cluster-pressed rosé of pinot noir grapes …

Also, Barr Mansion, that lovely oasis of an impressive event center just a little north and east of Chronicle HQ? Since the pandemic’s pretty much over (see above), the place is opening its grounds to the public every Wednesday in June. It’s family-friendly, no reservations are required, and there’ll be stations around the grounds where guests can walk up to order, like, wood-fired pizzas, dollar oysters, quaffs from local breweries, and so on. Mmmm, some fine and Austintatious relaxation going on, right? Just before it gets too damn hot under the ol’ blue blanket …

Now y’all stay safe out there, eat as well and tip as big as you can, and, oh, you know.