Here’s some of what’s happening in Austin’s culinary scene – as wrangled from numerous PR releases, words on the digital street, and even the occasional (verified) IRL eavesdroppings.
Yes, citizen, it’s your “Food News Buffet” for the third week of June.
WHUT? BBQ Ramen Tatsu-ya (2027 Anchor), that most recent addition to the Tatsu-ya empire, is closing for what they’re calling a remix, “allowing the concept to evolve into a forthcoming future iteration at a different location.” Which means that the last day of service at the current brick-and-mortar will be this Sunday, June 18, 11am-10pm. And which further means that the venue will eventually be turned into, um, what? “Tatsu-ya has no immediate plans for the Anchor Lane space,” we’re told, and so we go while we still can and plan to drown our remaining sorrows later – at, say, Tiki Tatsu-ya …
In much better news: Ah, the old Hyde Park Post Office building is finally coming back to life – in a culinary form! It’s going to be a French comfort food restaurant called Bureau de Poste (4300 Speedway), run by Tiny Grocer owner Steph Steele and chef Jo Chan of Eberly fame. Sometime “late this summer,” we’re told, the place will open to offer all the products found at the original Tiny Grocer (1718 S. Congress) – highlighting noms and more from up-and-coming local makers, a deli with made-to-order sandwiches and fresh pre-made items, a coffee bar for mornings on-the-go, an extensive wine selection, and more than 3,000 grocery items. But, the biggest difference? Bureau de Poste will offer dinner and weekend brunch with indoor and outdoor seating in a landscaped space with a pergola, with chef Chan and her team serving up steak-frites, roasted chicken, French onion soup, escargot, confit duck legs, and other excellent fare. Mmmm, mon chéri, how do you spell that word again? A-N-T-I-C-I-P-A-T-I-O-N, right?
Still Austin, those purveyors of distilled brilliance in the Yard at St. Elmo (440 E. St. Elmo), have released their newest bottled-in-bond expression, a red corn bourbon (100 proof and aged at least four years) that combines “the robust nuttiness of Jimmy Red corn with the sweet spice of rye,” and each vessel honored to hold this unique elixir boasts a label illustrated by acclaimed painter Marc Burckhardt. Note: The potent stuff will be on local shelves and ready for buying on Sat., June 17 …
The above-noted bourbon release might be just the right gift for your paterfamilias this Father’s Day, come to think, if Dad’s got a friendly whiskey receptor anywhere in his palate. But let’s not be all stereotypical with this stuff, hey? We know many a proper Dad who’d enjoy an afternoon tea at Goldie’s in the Austin Proper Hotel (600 W. Second), a classic afternoon tea with cucumber sandwiches, egg salad canapes, and French macarons alongside a curated selection of health-focused teas … Or maybe your best guy would prefer the snazzy rockstar milieu of a Bloody Mary brunch at Hotel ZaZa (400 Lavaca) this Sunday … Or if you’re like, bro, not Downtown again, OK? Then maybe hie yourself and your papa (and the whole fam damily) to Mueller, where that Blue Lacy diner within the Origin Hotel (1825 McBee) will sate your appetites with elevated comfort food in a quirky vintage vibe that suggests, yes, Father Knows Best. And you know the Alamo Drafthouse is right nearby … And we’ve got a few more eclectic Father’s Day recos gathered for you, too, from the familiar to the fancy …
Let’s pause for a moment and salute the good people at Mandola’s Italian Kitchen. They’re making Pride-themed sugar cookies again this year, at all four locations, and proceeds from sales of the big, heart-shaped, rainbow-colored delights ($3.75 each) will be donated to OutYouth. (Note: You can buy the cookies in-store or via pick-up and curbside orders, June 20-26 and Aug. 6-13.) Now let’s pause again, nibbling thoughtfully at such a yummy treat, and consider ways to help the Texas legislature be less dystopian and cruel …
Let’s see, what else? How about the first of the Driskill Hotel’s new Beer Pairing Dinners, with Thirsty Planet on Tuesday? Mmhmm, reckon cool suds in that posh place will come in handy as you escape the harsh harsh heat …
WUXTRY! We do love us some Sherwood Forest Faire – and not just ’cause that Kristin Hogan’s such a fine part of it – but 1) it’s on hiatus, and 2) how about something a little closer to home? In that case, we’re heralding the third annual weekendlong renaissance festival at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden (79 Rainey), coming up on June 23-25, replete with whole-animal roasts, jousting, knight battles, archery, a vendor market, live music, and more …
WUXTRY! Lenoir will present their Backyard Beefsteak Dinner – a banquet-style meal where guests enjoy sliced beef tenderloin sourced from Peeler Farms served as all-you-can-eat finger food, with house-made Pullman bread fresh off the grill, sides, and sweets. This’ll take place on Sunday, July 2, in the wine garden under the restaurant’s 300-year-old live oak tree complete with misty fans and plenty of shade. Note: Guests are encouraged to eat with their hands, but don’t worry – Lenoir will provide blue aprons for hand-wiping, or you can bring your own and whoever has the best apron will win a prize. This fine summertime feast from chef Todd Duplechan & company is $95 per person ($20 for kids 7-12), and you can reserve tickets right here. Bonus: Part of the proceeds will benefit the Austin Parks Foundation …
Now eat as well as you can, tip like it’s going out of style, and remember that we’re all in this together.
This article appears in Best of Austin 2023 (Insert) and June 9 • 2023.