Friday, March 30, 2012

Bits and Bites

As I posted yesterday on my Facebook page, I am dismayed at the closure of Artz Ribhouse. It's always been my favorite spot in town for BBQ, especially their baby back ribs. I am crossing my fingers and hoping and praying a pig will rise from the ashes, and Art Blondin will be able to continue on, whether it's at this current location, or somewhere else close by. Yes, us food people have certainly given attention to some of those "other" places now in town, but Artz, with it's food and live music, is a true South Austin mainstay.

Openings
-- With a bit of disgust, I see there is a Chipotle under construction on South Lamar, just a hair north of Artz, in the old Golf Shop location. Really?? While I haven't eaten at a Chipotle in a couple years, I have thought their food to be decent..... I am just not in the habit of supporting national chains, even if they are using good quality meats.
-- Urban Wine + Liquor in the Austonian building at 200 Congress Avenue.
-- Cenote Coffee at 1010 E. Cesar Chavez
-- Bahn Bahn, a new Vietnamese place, at Jessie Street Eats.


Closings
-- East Side Drive-in, a trailer park eatery on East 6th, just past IH-35, is closing to make way for the development of apartments/condos. Even though I've only been there once I constantly rave about Bits and Druther's fish and chips. Hopefully all the current tenants will live on....when I hear where they've landed, I'll let you know. 
-- Kick Butt Coffee at the Triangle.

Events/Happenings
-- A beer collaboration, to be unveiled tonight at Drink.Well -- a beer from the brew masters of Hops and Grain and Thirsty Planet, an imperial Belgian brown ale.
-- A five-course beer pairing dinner with North Coast Brewery at 24 Diner on Monday, April 2; $65/person.
-- Austin Beer Guide Spring Release party, Monday, April 2, at Black Star Co-op beginning at 6pm.
-- Easter brunches (yes, it's NEXT weekend!) at Urban Grill ($45/person), Paggi House ($35), Sagra ($24).