Austin's Best Food and Drink Events This Week

Thursday 25

ANDIAMO RISTORANTE: FOURTH OF JULY This popular Italian eatery's got a Picnic Box for your Independence Day celebrating, featuring a prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, spinach, and tomato panini, with sides of pickled pepper and mushrooms, watermelon, and an arugula-and-feta cheese salad. You want to pay a little extra and get some wine pairings? They've got you covered, with Terre Gaia Prosecco, Li Veli Negroamaro Rose, and J. Hofstatter Pinot Nero Riserva. Call to place your orders now, and you can pick 'em up on Fri., July 3, 5-9pm. Andiamo Ristorante, 2521 Rutland, 512/719-3377. $25 per person. andiamoitaliano.com

FOOD NEWS BUFFET

Lot of reopenings going on lately. They’re rather tentative reopenings and they’re sometimes immediately followed by reclosings. But nobody’s gonna be inaugurating a brand new food-service venue in the midst of a spiking pandemic, right?

Wrong. You know, for instance, that long-planned Dear Diary Coffeehouse went ahead and opened back in May, and they’re … surviving, at least, over there near 12th and Chicon, serving up the java and an array of tasty vegan noms in that arty and Instagrammable space, working the to-go and delivery tropes for all they’re worth.

And now it's June, and the local corornavirus'd landscape isn’t looking any better, but our governor Abbott’s got that capitalist gleam in his eye and so we’re moving into the next phase of business revival, by Mammon! We recently reported on the food-truck debut of Huckleberry, those purveyors of seafood-stuffed po'boys and more, at Circle Brewing on the north side. And now there’s a new sushi place in town: Neighborhood Sushi (from McGuire Moorman Hospitality), brightening the former Liberty Pie and Catering venue on South Congress, with chef Jorge Garcia slicing the pisces among a menu of light soups, salads, and small plates – Tosaka seaweeds, birds nest salad, silken tofu and grilled Texas wagyu, etc. – and a full bar program of sake-forward cocktails in addition to various wines from Austria, Germany, and beyond. Bonus: The Congress-facing Sake Garden outside.

Austin Daily Press announces the grand opening of their new South Lamar location, which will be taking over the kitchen inside Lavaca Street Bar at 3121 S. Lamar. It’s the third location for Team ADP and "will finally give us the opportunity to expand our fast-casual concept to South Austin," says executive chef Reed Faitak."We'll have all of your signature favorites, with roughly a third of the menu reserved for new ideas that’ll be unique to this location – our ADP burger and fries, fish and shrimp tacos, mole-fried chicken, ceviche, and plenty of shareables." Stop by for their opening celebration on Wednesday, July 1.

And, yes, it’s a national chain … and it’s only stoner-themed and sadly doesn’t carry any actual weed-infused noms … but we’ll stop looking at our hand long enough to salute the local opening of Texas' first Cheba Hut on Guadalupe, this one owned by the father-and-son team of Joe and Vincent DeMaioribus. Like some alliumophile recently commented, “Cheba Hut? Yeah, why the hell aren’t all sandwiches made with garlic bread?” Indeed.

And there’s more coffee in town, too – because there should always be more coffee in town, tbh – in the form of Try Hard Coffee, currently roasting up the beans and filling cups on East 11th (where the very fabric of the street proclaims that Black Artists Matter), and offering tacos and scratch-made pastries alongside those fresh cups of joe.

But, yeah, things are rough. The Magnolia Cafe on South Congress briefly reopened its lovely tree-anchored patio, only to instantly shut down after an employee tested positive for COVID-19; they’re currently deep-cleaning and monitoring the situation, per the usual protocols. And that same situation has re-shuttered El Chile on Manor, Mandola’s in the Triangle, and Yellow Jacket Social Club on East Fifth. And, damnit all, beloved noodle powerhouse Daruma Ramen has shut down for good. And – who knows who’s next?

Meanwhile, we hear that, at Downtown’s Coconut Club, one employee was left with a pair of broken specs after he was physically assaulted by a customer who didn’t like being reminded to wear a mask in the joint. Way to defend the true spirit of freedom, bro. Elsewhere, local agents of the TABC’s Operation Safe Open put the 30-day kibosh on two Austin bars over the weekend – Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – for violations of safety protocols. Egregious violations? Well, at least sufficient violations. “We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules,” says the agency’s executive director Bentley Nettles, “and now some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions.”

Still, there are reports of good things happening, too – like those fresh openings and other hardwon successes. See the rest of this week’s food listings for such sparks of joy – and of course more pizza than you can handle, citizen, with the Chronicle’s Pie Fighters throwdown.

LORO: PICNIC PACKAGE FOR TWO Pardon us, but we think this Loro menu addition qualifies, especially in these all-too-interesting times, as an event unto itself. Because we know the culinary excellence those chefs are capable of, and because this limited pick-it-up-and-go lunch package includes charred corn and cabbage salad, Thai fried chicken (with a Wild Turkey/black pepper cream sauce), housemade pickles, coconut-scented rice, and smoked chocolate crème brulee with which to finish your feast on a deeply sweet note. See what we mean? Note: This deal's available only on Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30am-3pm, and pre-orders are highly recommended. Loro, 2115 S. Lamar, 512/916-4858. $37.95. loroeats.com

THE CUPCAKE BAR: FOURTH OF JULY Well, of course this place has a special Cupcake Box ($24) ready for the big patriotic huzzah this weekend: It includes three vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing, and three chocolate/strawberry milkshake cupcakes with buttercream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top – and it comes with a sparkler. But, listen, you're a parent of a small child and you wanna blow your kiddo's mind? Get one of their Candy Charcuterie Boards ($35), featuring sparklers, a confetti pack, Cracker Jacks, Pop Rocks, sunflowers seeds, yogurt pretzels, saltwater taffy, various gummies, and more. Take that, King George! Let freedom ring! Cupcake Bar, 7801 N. Lamar, 512/903-0187. www.thecupcakebar.com

Friday 26

ANDIAMO RISTORANTE: FOURTH OF JULY This popular Italian eatery's got a Picnic Box for your Independence Day celebrating, featuring a prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, spinach, and tomato panini, with sides of pickled pepper and mushrooms, watermelon, and an arugula-and-feta cheese salad. You want to pay a little extra and get some wine pairings? They've got you covered, with Terre Gaia Prosecco, Li Veli Negroamaro Rose, and J. Hofstatter Pinot Nero Riserva. Call to place your orders now, and you can pick 'em up on Fri., July 3, 5-9pm. Andiamo Ristorante, 2521 Rutland, 512/719-3377. $25 per person. andiamoitaliano.com

FOOD NEWS BUFFET

Lot of reopenings going on lately. They’re rather tentative reopenings and they’re sometimes immediately followed by reclosings. But nobody’s gonna be inaugurating a brand new food-service venue in the midst of a spiking pandemic, right?

Wrong. You know, for instance, that long-planned Dear Diary Coffeehouse went ahead and opened back in May, and they’re … surviving, at least, over there near 12th and Chicon, serving up the java and an array of tasty vegan noms in that arty and Instagrammable space, working the to-go and delivery tropes for all they’re worth.

And now it's June, and the local corornavirus'd landscape isn’t looking any better, but our governor Abbott’s got that capitalist gleam in his eye and so we’re moving into the next phase of business revival, by Mammon! We recently reported on the food-truck debut of Huckleberry, those purveyors of seafood-stuffed po'boys and more, at Circle Brewing on the north side. And now there’s a new sushi place in town: Neighborhood Sushi (from McGuire Moorman Hospitality), brightening the former Liberty Pie and Catering venue on South Congress, with chef Jorge Garcia slicing the pisces among a menu of light soups, salads, and small plates – Tosaka seaweeds, birds nest salad, silken tofu and grilled Texas wagyu, etc. – and a full bar program of sake-forward cocktails in addition to various wines from Austria, Germany, and beyond. Bonus: The Congress-facing Sake Garden outside.

Austin Daily Press announces the grand opening of their new South Lamar location, which will be taking over the kitchen inside Lavaca Street Bar at 3121 S. Lamar. It’s the third location for Team ADP and "will finally give us the opportunity to expand our fast-casual concept to South Austin," says executive chef Reed Faitak."We'll have all of your signature favorites, with roughly a third of the menu reserved for new ideas that’ll be unique to this location – our ADP burger and fries, fish and shrimp tacos, mole-fried chicken, ceviche, and plenty of shareables." Stop by for their opening celebration on Wednesday, July 1.

And, yes, it’s a national chain … and it’s only stoner-themed and sadly doesn’t carry any actual weed-infused noms … but we’ll stop looking at our hand long enough to salute the local opening of Texas' first Cheba Hut on Guadalupe, this one owned by the father-and-son team of Joe and Vincent DeMaioribus. Like some alliumophile recently commented, “Cheba Hut? Yeah, why the hell aren’t all sandwiches made with garlic bread?” Indeed.

And there’s more coffee in town, too – because there should always be more coffee in town, tbh – in the form of Try Hard Coffee, currently roasting up the beans and filling cups on East 11th (where the very fabric of the street proclaims that Black Artists Matter), and offering tacos and scratch-made pastries alongside those fresh cups of joe.

But, yeah, things are rough. The Magnolia Cafe on South Congress briefly reopened its lovely tree-anchored patio, only to instantly shut down after an employee tested positive for COVID-19; they’re currently deep-cleaning and monitoring the situation, per the usual protocols. And that same situation has re-shuttered El Chile on Manor, Mandola’s in the Triangle, and Yellow Jacket Social Club on East Fifth. And, damnit all, beloved noodle powerhouse Daruma Ramen has shut down for good. And – who knows who’s next?

Meanwhile, we hear that, at Downtown’s Coconut Club, one employee was left with a pair of broken specs after he was physically assaulted by a customer who didn’t like being reminded to wear a mask in the joint. Way to defend the true spirit of freedom, bro. Elsewhere, local agents of the TABC’s Operation Safe Open put the 30-day kibosh on two Austin bars over the weekend – Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – for violations of safety protocols. Egregious violations? Well, at least sufficient violations. “We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules,” says the agency’s executive director Bentley Nettles, “and now some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions.”

Still, there are reports of good things happening, too – like those fresh openings and other hardwon successes. See the rest of this week’s food listings for such sparks of joy – and of course more pizza than you can handle, citizen, with the Chronicle’s Pie Fighters throwdown.

LORO: PICNIC PACKAGE FOR TWO Pardon us, but we think this Loro menu addition qualifies, especially in these all-too-interesting times, as an event unto itself. Because we know the culinary excellence those chefs are capable of, and because this limited pick-it-up-and-go lunch package includes charred corn and cabbage salad, Thai fried chicken (with a Wild Turkey/black pepper cream sauce), housemade pickles, coconut-scented rice, and smoked chocolate crème brulee with which to finish your feast on a deeply sweet note. See what we mean? Note: This deal's available only on Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30am-3pm, and pre-orders are highly recommended. Loro, 2115 S. Lamar, 512/916-4858. $37.95. loroeats.com

THE CUPCAKE BAR: FOURTH OF JULY Well, of course this place has a special Cupcake Box ($24) ready for the big patriotic huzzah this weekend: It includes three vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing, and three chocolate/strawberry milkshake cupcakes with buttercream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top – and it comes with a sparkler. But, listen, you're a parent of a small child and you wanna blow your kiddo's mind? Get one of their Candy Charcuterie Boards ($35), featuring sparklers, a confetti pack, Cracker Jacks, Pop Rocks, sunflowers seeds, yogurt pretzels, saltwater taffy, various gummies, and more. Take that, King George! Let freedom ring! Cupcake Bar, 7801 N. Lamar, 512/903-0187. www.thecupcakebar.com

Saturday 27

ANDIAMO RISTORANTE: FOURTH OF JULY This popular Italian eatery's got a Picnic Box for your Independence Day celebrating, featuring a prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, spinach, and tomato panini, with sides of pickled pepper and mushrooms, watermelon, and an arugula-and-feta cheese salad. You want to pay a little extra and get some wine pairings? They've got you covered, with Terre Gaia Prosecco, Li Veli Negroamaro Rose, and J. Hofstatter Pinot Nero Riserva. Call to place your orders now, and you can pick 'em up on Fri., July 3, 5-9pm. Andiamo Ristorante, 2521 Rutland, 512/719-3377. $25 per person. andiamoitaliano.com

FOOD NEWS BUFFET

Lot of reopenings going on lately. They’re rather tentative reopenings and they’re sometimes immediately followed by reclosings. But nobody’s gonna be inaugurating a brand new food-service venue in the midst of a spiking pandemic, right?

Wrong. You know, for instance, that long-planned Dear Diary Coffeehouse went ahead and opened back in May, and they’re … surviving, at least, over there near 12th and Chicon, serving up the java and an array of tasty vegan noms in that arty and Instagrammable space, working the to-go and delivery tropes for all they’re worth.

And now it's June, and the local corornavirus'd landscape isn’t looking any better, but our governor Abbott’s got that capitalist gleam in his eye and so we’re moving into the next phase of business revival, by Mammon! We recently reported on the food-truck debut of Huckleberry, those purveyors of seafood-stuffed po'boys and more, at Circle Brewing on the north side. And now there’s a new sushi place in town: Neighborhood Sushi (from McGuire Moorman Hospitality), brightening the former Liberty Pie and Catering venue on South Congress, with chef Jorge Garcia slicing the pisces among a menu of light soups, salads, and small plates – Tosaka seaweeds, birds nest salad, silken tofu and grilled Texas wagyu, etc. – and a full bar program of sake-forward cocktails in addition to various wines from Austria, Germany, and beyond. Bonus: The Congress-facing Sake Garden outside.

Austin Daily Press announces the grand opening of their new South Lamar location, which will be taking over the kitchen inside Lavaca Street Bar at 3121 S. Lamar. It’s the third location for Team ADP and "will finally give us the opportunity to expand our fast-casual concept to South Austin," says executive chef Reed Faitak."We'll have all of your signature favorites, with roughly a third of the menu reserved for new ideas that’ll be unique to this location – our ADP burger and fries, fish and shrimp tacos, mole-fried chicken, ceviche, and plenty of shareables." Stop by for their opening celebration on Wednesday, July 1.

And, yes, it’s a national chain … and it’s only stoner-themed and sadly doesn’t carry any actual weed-infused noms … but we’ll stop looking at our hand long enough to salute the local opening of Texas' first Cheba Hut on Guadalupe, this one owned by the father-and-son team of Joe and Vincent DeMaioribus. Like some alliumophile recently commented, “Cheba Hut? Yeah, why the hell aren’t all sandwiches made with garlic bread?” Indeed.

And there’s more coffee in town, too – because there should always be more coffee in town, tbh – in the form of Try Hard Coffee, currently roasting up the beans and filling cups on East 11th (where the very fabric of the street proclaims that Black Artists Matter), and offering tacos and scratch-made pastries alongside those fresh cups of joe.

But, yeah, things are rough. The Magnolia Cafe on South Congress briefly reopened its lovely tree-anchored patio, only to instantly shut down after an employee tested positive for COVID-19; they’re currently deep-cleaning and monitoring the situation, per the usual protocols. And that same situation has re-shuttered El Chile on Manor, Mandola’s in the Triangle, and Yellow Jacket Social Club on East Fifth. And, damnit all, beloved noodle powerhouse Daruma Ramen has shut down for good. And – who knows who’s next?

Meanwhile, we hear that, at Downtown’s Coconut Club, one employee was left with a pair of broken specs after he was physically assaulted by a customer who didn’t like being reminded to wear a mask in the joint. Way to defend the true spirit of freedom, bro. Elsewhere, local agents of the TABC’s Operation Safe Open put the 30-day kibosh on two Austin bars over the weekend – Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – for violations of safety protocols. Egregious violations? Well, at least sufficient violations. “We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules,” says the agency’s executive director Bentley Nettles, “and now some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions.”

Still, there are reports of good things happening, too – like those fresh openings and other hardwon successes. See the rest of this week’s food listings for such sparks of joy – and of course more pizza than you can handle, citizen, with the Chronicle’s Pie Fighters throwdown.

HOUSE WINE: 12TH ANNIVERSARY ROSÉ PARTY This weekend marks the beloved wine destination's dozenth anniversary in business, and guests can enjoy tasting flights paired with cheese plates, as well as rosés by the glass ($8) and by the bottle ($30). Also, tastes of beautiful rosés from vineyards around the world – featuring rosé from Bodkin Wines, with proceeds from those Bodkin sales going to Black Lives Matter. Bonus: Live music from 3-10pm. Sat., June 27, 3pm-12mid House Wine, 408 Josephine, 512/322-5210. $40. www.housewineaustin.com

LORO: PICNIC PACKAGE FOR TWO Pardon us, but we think this Loro menu addition qualifies, especially in these all-too-interesting times, as an event unto itself. Because we know the culinary excellence those chefs are capable of, and because this limited pick-it-up-and-go lunch package includes charred corn and cabbage salad, Thai fried chicken (with a Wild Turkey/black pepper cream sauce), housemade pickles, coconut-scented rice, and smoked chocolate crème brulee with which to finish your feast on a deeply sweet note. See what we mean? Note: This deal's available only on Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30am-3pm, and pre-orders are highly recommended. Loro, 2115 S. Lamar, 512/916-4858. $37.95. loroeats.com

THE BIG (CURBSIDE) BAKE SALE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE This citywide bake sale raises funds for Austin Justice Coalition and Communities of Color United. Pick up your goodies from locations in all corners of the city: Crema Bakery & Cafe, Fowler’s Smokin' Soul Food, Word of Mouth Bakery, and Eldorado Cafe. See the FB event for the menu as well as other ways to support. Sat., June 27, 10am-2pm. (2020) Various locations. www.fb.com/events/2801466593315889

THE CUPCAKE BAR: FOURTH OF JULY Well, of course this place has a special Cupcake Box ($24) ready for the big patriotic huzzah this weekend: It includes three vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing, and three chocolate/strawberry milkshake cupcakes with buttercream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top – and it comes with a sparkler. But, listen, you're a parent of a small child and you wanna blow your kiddo's mind? Get one of their Candy Charcuterie Boards ($35), featuring sparklers, a confetti pack, Cracker Jacks, Pop Rocks, sunflowers seeds, yogurt pretzels, saltwater taffy, various gummies, and more. Take that, King George! Let freedom ring! Cupcake Bar, 7801 N. Lamar, 512/903-0187. www.thecupcakebar.com

Sunday 28

ANDIAMO RISTORANTE: FOURTH OF JULY This popular Italian eatery's got a Picnic Box for your Independence Day celebrating, featuring a prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, spinach, and tomato panini, with sides of pickled pepper and mushrooms, watermelon, and an arugula-and-feta cheese salad. You want to pay a little extra and get some wine pairings? They've got you covered, with Terre Gaia Prosecco, Li Veli Negroamaro Rose, and J. Hofstatter Pinot Nero Riserva. Call to place your orders now, and you can pick 'em up on Fri., July 3, 5-9pm. Andiamo Ristorante, 2521 Rutland, 512/719-3377. $25 per person. andiamoitaliano.com

FOOD NEWS BUFFET

Lot of reopenings going on lately. They’re rather tentative reopenings and they’re sometimes immediately followed by reclosings. But nobody’s gonna be inaugurating a brand new food-service venue in the midst of a spiking pandemic, right?

Wrong. You know, for instance, that long-planned Dear Diary Coffeehouse went ahead and opened back in May, and they’re … surviving, at least, over there near 12th and Chicon, serving up the java and an array of tasty vegan noms in that arty and Instagrammable space, working the to-go and delivery tropes for all they’re worth.

And now it's June, and the local corornavirus'd landscape isn’t looking any better, but our governor Abbott’s got that capitalist gleam in his eye and so we’re moving into the next phase of business revival, by Mammon! We recently reported on the food-truck debut of Huckleberry, those purveyors of seafood-stuffed po'boys and more, at Circle Brewing on the north side. And now there’s a new sushi place in town: Neighborhood Sushi (from McGuire Moorman Hospitality), brightening the former Liberty Pie and Catering venue on South Congress, with chef Jorge Garcia slicing the pisces among a menu of light soups, salads, and small plates – Tosaka seaweeds, birds nest salad, silken tofu and grilled Texas wagyu, etc. – and a full bar program of sake-forward cocktails in addition to various wines from Austria, Germany, and beyond. Bonus: The Congress-facing Sake Garden outside.

Austin Daily Press announces the grand opening of their new South Lamar location, which will be taking over the kitchen inside Lavaca Street Bar at 3121 S. Lamar. It’s the third location for Team ADP and "will finally give us the opportunity to expand our fast-casual concept to South Austin," says executive chef Reed Faitak."We'll have all of your signature favorites, with roughly a third of the menu reserved for new ideas that’ll be unique to this location – our ADP burger and fries, fish and shrimp tacos, mole-fried chicken, ceviche, and plenty of shareables." Stop by for their opening celebration on Wednesday, July 1.

And, yes, it’s a national chain … and it’s only stoner-themed and sadly doesn’t carry any actual weed-infused noms … but we’ll stop looking at our hand long enough to salute the local opening of Texas' first Cheba Hut on Guadalupe, this one owned by the father-and-son team of Joe and Vincent DeMaioribus. Like some alliumophile recently commented, “Cheba Hut? Yeah, why the hell aren’t all sandwiches made with garlic bread?” Indeed.

And there’s more coffee in town, too – because there should always be more coffee in town, tbh – in the form of Try Hard Coffee, currently roasting up the beans and filling cups on East 11th (where the very fabric of the street proclaims that Black Artists Matter), and offering tacos and scratch-made pastries alongside those fresh cups of joe.

But, yeah, things are rough. The Magnolia Cafe on South Congress briefly reopened its lovely tree-anchored patio, only to instantly shut down after an employee tested positive for COVID-19; they’re currently deep-cleaning and monitoring the situation, per the usual protocols. And that same situation has re-shuttered El Chile on Manor, Mandola’s in the Triangle, and Yellow Jacket Social Club on East Fifth. And, damnit all, beloved noodle powerhouse Daruma Ramen has shut down for good. And – who knows who’s next?

Meanwhile, we hear that, at Downtown’s Coconut Club, one employee was left with a pair of broken specs after he was physically assaulted by a customer who didn’t like being reminded to wear a mask in the joint. Way to defend the true spirit of freedom, bro. Elsewhere, local agents of the TABC’s Operation Safe Open put the 30-day kibosh on two Austin bars over the weekend – Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – for violations of safety protocols. Egregious violations? Well, at least sufficient violations. “We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules,” says the agency’s executive director Bentley Nettles, “and now some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions.”

Still, there are reports of good things happening, too – like those fresh openings and other hardwon successes. See the rest of this week’s food listings for such sparks of joy – and of course more pizza than you can handle, citizen, with the Chronicle’s Pie Fighters throwdown.

THE CUPCAKE BAR: FOURTH OF JULY Well, of course this place has a special Cupcake Box ($24) ready for the big patriotic huzzah this weekend: It includes three vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing, and three chocolate/strawberry milkshake cupcakes with buttercream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top – and it comes with a sparkler. But, listen, you're a parent of a small child and you wanna blow your kiddo's mind? Get one of their Candy Charcuterie Boards ($35), featuring sparklers, a confetti pack, Cracker Jacks, Pop Rocks, sunflowers seeds, yogurt pretzels, saltwater taffy, various gummies, and more. Take that, King George! Let freedom ring! Cupcake Bar, 7801 N. Lamar, 512/903-0187. www.thecupcakebar.com

THE FAR-OUT LOUNGE: FIRST, YOGA; THEN, PIG ROAST In case families didn't get enough meat during this past Father's Day weekend, the flavor-forward folks at Far Out are hosting an outdoor pig roast. Plates ($25 each) will include a fine array of sides (baked beans, roasted sweet potatoes, fried plantains, coleslaw, and more) along with, of course, all that slow-roasted pork. The place is kid- and pup-friendly, and they'll be presenting a Yoga in the Yard class with JuneShine Hard Kombucha as a fundraiser for Austin Justice Coalition, too. Note: No masks, no service – no exceptions! Yoga: 10am. Pig roast: 2-6pm The Far Out Lounge & Stage, 8504 S. Congress, 512/351-9909. fb.com/thefaroutlounge

Monday 29

ANDIAMO RISTORANTE: FOURTH OF JULY This popular Italian eatery's got a Picnic Box for your Independence Day celebrating, featuring a prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, spinach, and tomato panini, with sides of pickled pepper and mushrooms, watermelon, and an arugula-and-feta cheese salad. You want to pay a little extra and get some wine pairings? They've got you covered, with Terre Gaia Prosecco, Li Veli Negroamaro Rose, and J. Hofstatter Pinot Nero Riserva. Call to place your orders now, and you can pick 'em up on Fri., July 3, 5-9pm. Andiamo Ristorante, 2521 Rutland, 512/719-3377. $25 per person. andiamoitaliano.com

FOOD NEWS BUFFET

Lot of reopenings going on lately. They’re rather tentative reopenings and they’re sometimes immediately followed by reclosings. But nobody’s gonna be inaugurating a brand new food-service venue in the midst of a spiking pandemic, right?

Wrong. You know, for instance, that long-planned Dear Diary Coffeehouse went ahead and opened back in May, and they’re … surviving, at least, over there near 12th and Chicon, serving up the java and an array of tasty vegan noms in that arty and Instagrammable space, working the to-go and delivery tropes for all they’re worth.

And now it's June, and the local corornavirus'd landscape isn’t looking any better, but our governor Abbott’s got that capitalist gleam in his eye and so we’re moving into the next phase of business revival, by Mammon! We recently reported on the food-truck debut of Huckleberry, those purveyors of seafood-stuffed po'boys and more, at Circle Brewing on the north side. And now there’s a new sushi place in town: Neighborhood Sushi (from McGuire Moorman Hospitality), brightening the former Liberty Pie and Catering venue on South Congress, with chef Jorge Garcia slicing the pisces among a menu of light soups, salads, and small plates – Tosaka seaweeds, birds nest salad, silken tofu and grilled Texas wagyu, etc. – and a full bar program of sake-forward cocktails in addition to various wines from Austria, Germany, and beyond. Bonus: The Congress-facing Sake Garden outside.

Austin Daily Press announces the grand opening of their new South Lamar location, which will be taking over the kitchen inside Lavaca Street Bar at 3121 S. Lamar. It’s the third location for Team ADP and "will finally give us the opportunity to expand our fast-casual concept to South Austin," says executive chef Reed Faitak."We'll have all of your signature favorites, with roughly a third of the menu reserved for new ideas that’ll be unique to this location – our ADP burger and fries, fish and shrimp tacos, mole-fried chicken, ceviche, and plenty of shareables." Stop by for their opening celebration on Wednesday, July 1.

And, yes, it’s a national chain … and it’s only stoner-themed and sadly doesn’t carry any actual weed-infused noms … but we’ll stop looking at our hand long enough to salute the local opening of Texas' first Cheba Hut on Guadalupe, this one owned by the father-and-son team of Joe and Vincent DeMaioribus. Like some alliumophile recently commented, “Cheba Hut? Yeah, why the hell aren’t all sandwiches made with garlic bread?” Indeed.

And there’s more coffee in town, too – because there should always be more coffee in town, tbh – in the form of Try Hard Coffee, currently roasting up the beans and filling cups on East 11th (where the very fabric of the street proclaims that Black Artists Matter), and offering tacos and scratch-made pastries alongside those fresh cups of joe.

But, yeah, things are rough. The Magnolia Cafe on South Congress briefly reopened its lovely tree-anchored patio, only to instantly shut down after an employee tested positive for COVID-19; they’re currently deep-cleaning and monitoring the situation, per the usual protocols. And that same situation has re-shuttered El Chile on Manor, Mandola’s in the Triangle, and Yellow Jacket Social Club on East Fifth. And, damnit all, beloved noodle powerhouse Daruma Ramen has shut down for good. And – who knows who’s next?

Meanwhile, we hear that, at Downtown’s Coconut Club, one employee was left with a pair of broken specs after he was physically assaulted by a customer who didn’t like being reminded to wear a mask in the joint. Way to defend the true spirit of freedom, bro. Elsewhere, local agents of the TABC’s Operation Safe Open put the 30-day kibosh on two Austin bars over the weekend – Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – for violations of safety protocols. Egregious violations? Well, at least sufficient violations. “We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules,” says the agency’s executive director Bentley Nettles, “and now some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions.”

Still, there are reports of good things happening, too – like those fresh openings and other hardwon successes. See the rest of this week’s food listings for such sparks of joy – and of course more pizza than you can handle, citizen, with the Chronicle’s Pie Fighters throwdown.

LAUNDERETTE: LOBSTER AND FRIENDS Maybe a Friday meal out can be as good as it used to be, as Launderette’s one-night-only fête features a seafood boil with lobster, shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, and sausage, with corn and potatoes and other family-style sides. And, desserts? How about some devil’s food cake cones or a cookie platter with pretzel brownie, cherry white chocolate crunchie, coconut key lime cookie, and a strawberry lemonade macaron? Yeah, better make those reservation quick! Bonus: You can also get this package to-go. Fri., July 3, noon-9pm Launderette, 2115 Holly, 512/382-1599. $45. launderetteaustin.com

THE CUPCAKE BAR: FOURTH OF JULY Well, of course this place has a special Cupcake Box ($24) ready for the big patriotic huzzah this weekend: It includes three vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing, and three chocolate/strawberry milkshake cupcakes with buttercream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top – and it comes with a sparkler. But, listen, you're a parent of a small child and you wanna blow your kiddo's mind? Get one of their Candy Charcuterie Boards ($35), featuring sparklers, a confetti pack, Cracker Jacks, Pop Rocks, sunflowers seeds, yogurt pretzels, saltwater taffy, various gummies, and more. Take that, King George! Let freedom ring! Cupcake Bar, 7801 N. Lamar, 512/903-0187. www.thecupcakebar.com

WILLIE NELSON'S FOURTH OF JULY PICNIC The "picnic" part, that's where this department comes in – letting you know that Assembly Kitchen has curated an artisanal picnic kit with the Austin Food & Wine Alliance for you to feast on during this annual musical extravaganza. Enjoy a diverse array of delectable treats from Austin’s top restaurants, including country pork pâté with tender belly bacon, fermented morita, and crispy tostadas from Comedor; lacto tomato salsa from Nixta Taqueria; goodies from Pure Luck Farm & Dairy, Two Hives Honey, Urban American Farmer, Confituras, Barton Springs Mill, and Abby Jane Bakeshop. (Note: Each $59 kit feeds two people.) And you probably want some cocktails with that, yes? Try a pair of summer drink kits, each packed with all the ingredients to make 6-8 cocktails ($59). Acclaimed mixologists Jessica Sanders of drink.well and Paul Finn of Garage have created "Altar of the Sun," a refreshing bourbon-based beauty that flares with lime juice, raspberry gum syrup, vermouth, Topo Chico, and a few fiery dashes of bitters – and we reckon it'll get you almost as high as Willie. Note: Orders for Austin delivery must be placed by midnight, Friday, July 3. Sat., July 4, 3:30pm www.williepicnic.com

Tuesday 30

ANDIAMO RISTORANTE: FOURTH OF JULY This popular Italian eatery's got a Picnic Box for your Independence Day celebrating, featuring a prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, spinach, and tomato panini, with sides of pickled pepper and mushrooms, watermelon, and an arugula-and-feta cheese salad. You want to pay a little extra and get some wine pairings? They've got you covered, with Terre Gaia Prosecco, Li Veli Negroamaro Rose, and J. Hofstatter Pinot Nero Riserva. Call to place your orders now, and you can pick 'em up on Fri., July 3, 5-9pm. Andiamo Ristorante, 2521 Rutland, 512/719-3377. $25 per person. andiamoitaliano.com

FOOD NEWS BUFFET

Lot of reopenings going on lately. They’re rather tentative reopenings and they’re sometimes immediately followed by reclosings. But nobody’s gonna be inaugurating a brand new food-service venue in the midst of a spiking pandemic, right?

Wrong. You know, for instance, that long-planned Dear Diary Coffeehouse went ahead and opened back in May, and they’re … surviving, at least, over there near 12th and Chicon, serving up the java and an array of tasty vegan noms in that arty and Instagrammable space, working the to-go and delivery tropes for all they’re worth.

And now it's June, and the local corornavirus'd landscape isn’t looking any better, but our governor Abbott’s got that capitalist gleam in his eye and so we’re moving into the next phase of business revival, by Mammon! We recently reported on the food-truck debut of Huckleberry, those purveyors of seafood-stuffed po'boys and more, at Circle Brewing on the north side. And now there’s a new sushi place in town: Neighborhood Sushi (from McGuire Moorman Hospitality), brightening the former Liberty Pie and Catering venue on South Congress, with chef Jorge Garcia slicing the pisces among a menu of light soups, salads, and small plates – Tosaka seaweeds, birds nest salad, silken tofu and grilled Texas wagyu, etc. – and a full bar program of sake-forward cocktails in addition to various wines from Austria, Germany, and beyond. Bonus: The Congress-facing Sake Garden outside.

Austin Daily Press announces the grand opening of their new South Lamar location, which will be taking over the kitchen inside Lavaca Street Bar at 3121 S. Lamar. It’s the third location for Team ADP and "will finally give us the opportunity to expand our fast-casual concept to South Austin," says executive chef Reed Faitak."We'll have all of your signature favorites, with roughly a third of the menu reserved for new ideas that’ll be unique to this location – our ADP burger and fries, fish and shrimp tacos, mole-fried chicken, ceviche, and plenty of shareables." Stop by for their opening celebration on Wednesday, July 1.

And, yes, it’s a national chain … and it’s only stoner-themed and sadly doesn’t carry any actual weed-infused noms … but we’ll stop looking at our hand long enough to salute the local opening of Texas' first Cheba Hut on Guadalupe, this one owned by the father-and-son team of Joe and Vincent DeMaioribus. Like some alliumophile recently commented, “Cheba Hut? Yeah, why the hell aren’t all sandwiches made with garlic bread?” Indeed.

And there’s more coffee in town, too – because there should always be more coffee in town, tbh – in the form of Try Hard Coffee, currently roasting up the beans and filling cups on East 11th (where the very fabric of the street proclaims that Black Artists Matter), and offering tacos and scratch-made pastries alongside those fresh cups of joe.

But, yeah, things are rough. The Magnolia Cafe on South Congress briefly reopened its lovely tree-anchored patio, only to instantly shut down after an employee tested positive for COVID-19; they’re currently deep-cleaning and monitoring the situation, per the usual protocols. And that same situation has re-shuttered El Chile on Manor, Mandola’s in the Triangle, and Yellow Jacket Social Club on East Fifth. And, damnit all, beloved noodle powerhouse Daruma Ramen has shut down for good. And – who knows who’s next?

Meanwhile, we hear that, at Downtown’s Coconut Club, one employee was left with a pair of broken specs after he was physically assaulted by a customer who didn’t like being reminded to wear a mask in the joint. Way to defend the true spirit of freedom, bro. Elsewhere, local agents of the TABC’s Operation Safe Open put the 30-day kibosh on two Austin bars over the weekend – Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – for violations of safety protocols. Egregious violations? Well, at least sufficient violations. “We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules,” says the agency’s executive director Bentley Nettles, “and now some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions.”

Still, there are reports of good things happening, too – like those fresh openings and other hardwon successes. See the rest of this week’s food listings for such sparks of joy – and of course more pizza than you can handle, citizen, with the Chronicle’s Pie Fighters throwdown.

LAUNDERETTE: LOBSTER AND FRIENDS Maybe a Friday meal out can be as good as it used to be, as Launderette’s one-night-only fête features a seafood boil with lobster, shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, and sausage, with corn and potatoes and other family-style sides. And, desserts? How about some devil’s food cake cones or a cookie platter with pretzel brownie, cherry white chocolate crunchie, coconut key lime cookie, and a strawberry lemonade macaron? Yeah, better make those reservation quick! Bonus: You can also get this package to-go. Fri., July 3, noon-9pm Launderette, 2115 Holly, 512/382-1599. $45. launderetteaustin.com

OLD THOUSAND: 'MERICA'S BIRTHDAY GRILL PACK This bastion of inspired cuisine is offering a flavor-forward fourth-of-July feast of smoked beef ribs, chicken wings, Chinese sausage corndogs, and a plethora of barbecue sides: lemon ginger pickles, duck egg potato salad, kimchi macaroni, cucumber salad, and Chinese elote(!). Yeah, no, this is soooooo good; and you can get the whole delicious deal for $75 or choose-your-own-price-point by ordering items a la carte until your budget squeaks. Old Thousand, 1000 E. 11th #150, 737/222-6637. oldthousandatx.com

RED BEANS AND RICELY YOURS, AUSTIN This community initiative, headed by Chris Cubas and Maris Clegg, is dedicated to providing free meals (of red beans and rice, andouille sausage, cornbread, fruit, dessert, and a drink) to Austinites in need. "On Tuesdays, we will provide a link to sign up for a free home-made meal delivered to you with safety in mind," goes their announcement on Facebook. "There is no judgment and the form is anonymous. If you have been affected by the impact of Covid-19 or are having a hard time, we would like to make a small portion of your day a little bit better." Or, if you'd like to donate your time in driving, baking treats, or providing cases of nonalcoholic beverages, please reach out to [email protected]. redbeansaustin.com

THE CUPCAKE BAR: FOURTH OF JULY Well, of course this place has a special Cupcake Box ($24) ready for the big patriotic huzzah this weekend: It includes three vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing, and three chocolate/strawberry milkshake cupcakes with buttercream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top – and it comes with a sparkler. But, listen, you're a parent of a small child and you wanna blow your kiddo's mind? Get one of their Candy Charcuterie Boards ($35), featuring sparklers, a confetti pack, Cracker Jacks, Pop Rocks, sunflowers seeds, yogurt pretzels, saltwater taffy, various gummies, and more. Take that, King George! Let freedom ring! Cupcake Bar, 7801 N. Lamar, 512/903-0187. www.thecupcakebar.com

WILLIE NELSON'S FOURTH OF JULY PICNIC The "picnic" part, that's where this department comes in – letting you know that Assembly Kitchen has curated an artisanal picnic kit with the Austin Food & Wine Alliance for you to feast on during this annual musical extravaganza. Enjoy a diverse array of delectable treats from Austin’s top restaurants, including country pork pâté with tender belly bacon, fermented morita, and crispy tostadas from Comedor; lacto tomato salsa from Nixta Taqueria; goodies from Pure Luck Farm & Dairy, Two Hives Honey, Urban American Farmer, Confituras, Barton Springs Mill, and Abby Jane Bakeshop. (Note: Each $59 kit feeds two people.) And you probably want some cocktails with that, yes? Try a pair of summer drink kits, each packed with all the ingredients to make 6-8 cocktails ($59). Acclaimed mixologists Jessica Sanders of drink.well and Paul Finn of Garage have created "Altar of the Sun," a refreshing bourbon-based beauty that flares with lime juice, raspberry gum syrup, vermouth, Topo Chico, and a few fiery dashes of bitters – and we reckon it'll get you almost as high as Willie. Note: Orders for Austin delivery must be placed by midnight, Friday, July 3. Sat., July 4, 3:30pm www.williepicnic.com

Ongoing

BARTON CREEK FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Barton Creek Square, 2901 Capital of TX Hwy. S., 512/327-7040. bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org

BEE CAVE FARMERS MARKET Every Sunday from 10-2, rain or shine, the Bee Cave Farmers Market showcases over 35 local purveyors of delicious produce, meats, and artisanal goods at the central plaza of the Hill Country Galleria. Browsing local farmers’, ranchers’, and artisans’ wares is a great reminder of how much talent and natural bounty the Central Texas region has to offer. And even if you can’t afford to make it your grocery haul, a farmers’ market brunch trip is never a bad idea. Vendors include Goodie Dumplings, grass fed Wagyu purveyors Linzer Ranch, Farmer Dave’s heirloom tomatoes, peaches, corn, and other produce, Bee Delightful CBD honey, and Blanco Booch raw kombucha. – Lina Fisher Sundays, 10am-2pm. 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. beecavefarmersmarket.com

HOPE FARMERS MARKET Sundays, 11am-3pm. Plaza Saltillo, 412 Comal, 512/727-8363. hopefarmersmarket.org

SFC SUNSET VALLEY FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Toney Burger Activity Center, 3200 Jones, 512/414-2096. sfcfarmersmarket.org

TEXAS FARMERS’ MARKET AT LAKELINE Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., Cedar Park, 512/363-5700. texasfarmersmarket.org/lakeline

TEXAS FARMERS’ MARKET AT MUELLER Sundays, 10am-2pm Branch Park Pavilion, 2006 Philomena. texasfarmersmarket.org/mueller

BOGGY CREEK FARM STAND Wed.-Sat., 8am-1pm. Boggy Creek Farm, 3414 Lyons, 512/926-4650. boggycreekfarm.com

SPRINGDALE FARM STAND Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Springdale Farm, 755 Springdale, 512/386-8899. springdalefarmaustin.com