Katherine Clapner Credit: courtesy of Katherine Clapner
Sometimes there is too much Austin food news to squeeze into the print edition of the Chronicle. Rather than wait a week, we’ve decided to give our readers a little bite of something extra.

• Dallas chocolatier Katherine Clapner is back in Austin today with another Dude Sweet Chocolate pop-up shop hosted by Metier Cook’s Supply (1805 S. First). Clapner’s creations run the gamut from sweet to savory to outrageous, and she’ll be on hand to discuss her inspirations. Look for chocolate salami, Love Potion chocolate sauces, marshmallows, truffles, and chocolate skulls, among other tasty treats. Friday, May 15, 5-7pm

• Cantine (1100 S. Lamar #2115), the eagerly anticipated new Italian spot from chefs and restaurateurs Emmett and Lisa Fox, opened quietly this week. According to Emmett Fox, Cantine is open for happy hour and dinner starting at 4pm. Walk-ins are welcome, and they’re accepting some online reservations. Look for rustic rotisserie items and fresh pasta dishes, as well as some of the greatest hits from the former Fino menu, as well as desserts, cookies, and soft serve ice cream. Cantine is one of several new restaurants in the Lamar Union development, including the Highball, Vox Table & Bar, and Shake Shack.

• Launderette (2115 Holly) adds brunch service to their line-up this weekend with breakfast and lunch service to follow soon. Some of the enticing brunch items mentioned are bacon sticky buns, an asparagus benny, and oysters Florentine, all of which sound like they’re worth a try. Saturdays & Sundays, 11am-3pm

• laV (1501 E. Seventh) has announced the debut of their new landscaped outdoor event space, Jardins de laV just east of the restaurant itself. The area features several raised bed garden plots that provide herbs and some produce for seasonal dishes in the restaurant. It can accommodate several hundred guests for seated or standing events like wedding receptions or corporate functions. At the same time, the company is also bringing back the Say laV food trailer that owners used to introduce their concept to Austinites in 2013 while the restaurant was being built. The trailer will be used to provide food service at regular planned garden events such as themed movie nights, Chef’s Tasting garden wine dinners, as well as private functions. Bring on the sweet potato doughnut holes!

Nani Dinner Club Credit: photo by Nani Japanese – Chocktaw Kitchen/ Facebook

• Drop by la Patisserie (602 W. Annie) for one of their signature CroBrio pastries – fried croissant dough filled with vanilla pastry cream, dusted with cinnamon sugar or dipped in chocolate ($5) – and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne while you’re there. Sunday, May 17, 9:30am-noon

• Barley Swine (2024 S. Lamar) will host a collaborative dinner with chefs from the Nani Dinner Club of Oklahoma City. Nani blends the sensibilities of Japanese and Native American cuisine and serves seasonal tasting menus with locally sourced and foraged ingredients. The collaborative dinner will include 14 alternating courses and is $90, exclusive of beverages, tax, and tip. Look for ticket info here. Monday, May 18

This article appears in May 15 • 2015.

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