The Austin dining news has been coming fast and furious lately, so much so that there’s only enough time to aggregate all the information here. Hope you’re hungry … for knowledge!
Openings
Ezov, the Mediterranean concept from the folks at Emmer & Rye, opens tomorrow, April 27, at 2708 E. Cesar Chavez. Chef Berty Richter hails from Tel Aviv, Israel. The menu at Ezov (the Hebrew name for hyssop, an herb from the mint family that is a main ingredient in za’atar spice blend) aims to wed Israeli and Texas ingredients, culinary techniques, and agricultural practices. Expect lots of veg and big, big flavors. The restaurant’s hours are Sunday-Thursday 5-10pm and Friday-Saturday 5-11pm.
Gràcia, another Mediterranean spot, opened in Rosedale at 4800 Burnet Road Suite 450 (in the former Fluff Meringues space) on April 6. The seafood-forward menu features items like swordfish skewers, calamari bolognese, and salmon tartare along with lamb chops, steak, and lots of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The wine list is impressive, featuring dozens of wines from around the Mediterranean. Gràcia’s hours are Sunday-Wednesday 5-10pm and Thursday-Saturday, 5-11pm, with happy hour Monday-Friday from 5-6pm.
Should you find yourself in Mineral Wells later this summer, you can dine at Second Bar + Kitchen, which announced this week that it will be opening its fifth location at The Crazy Water Hotel. Reflecting Mineral Wells’ designation as “the wellness capital of Texas” (ya learn something new every day, I guess), Second’s menu will include lots of vegan and vegetarian menu options, along with an assortment of mocktails.
Transitions
The folks at Barlata Tapas Bar announced that the ten-year-old tapas bar at 1500 South Lamar would have a new chef and owner effective May 1.Events
Eden East Farm, located in Bastrop, will host its annual Tomato Dinner on May 21 at the Store House Market + Eatery. Chef Sonya Cote will host her peers Taylor Chambers of Suerte, Ian Thurwachter of Intero, Janie Rodriguez of Dai Due, and Vicky Smith of Florida as they prepare dishes featuring all the varieties of tomatoes grown at Eden East. Rae Wilson will curate the wine pairings. Get your tickets here.
The sold-out Field Guide Fest at Fiesta Gardens this past weekend hosted more than 750 folks who enjoyed dishes prepared by 34 chefs and farmers who teamed up to showcase Central Texas agriculture. Next year’s fest takes place April 20. Set your Google alerts for ticket information now.
Miscellaneous
Last week, Austin PBS announced its forthcoming four-episode docuseries, “Taco Mafia,” featuring James Beard Award winner Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi of Nixta Taqueria, Beto Robledo of Cuantos Tacos (which got a shout-out in these pages for its expert treatment of tripas) and Xose Velasco and Anthony Pratto of Discada. The show premieres this fall.
It’s not as fancy as alla that PBS stuff, but the fellas from JOLLY paid Eldorado Cafe a visit as part of their “Southern food odyssey,” and the resulting video is freaking charming as hell. Check it out when you’ve got 12 minutes to spare, and then be prepared to make a beeline to Anderson Lane to assuage those inevitable queso-taco-marg cravings.
This article appears in April 21 • 2023.