The team behind Peche will take over Pleasant Storage Room in the Warehouse District. (Credit: Natalie Paramore)
Rum-centric Pleasant Storage Room in the Warehouse District closed abruptly in recent days, but it won’t stay shuttered long. Péché owner Rob Pate and his team will take over the space and plan to reopen it in March under the banner of Péché’s Old Kill Devil. The name, which is a nod to a 17th century moniker for rum, indicates the spirit at the heart of the space will not be leaving. The restaurant and bar plans to serve “island-inspired” food and rum drinks, not much of a change from PSR. Pate will oversee operations, with general manager Trey Jenkins curating and executive chef John Lichtenberger in the kitchen. Pate opened neighboring Péché in 2008.
Gourdough’s. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2700 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-912-9070, www.gourdoughs.com.
Iron Cactus. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10001 Stonelake Blvd., 512-794-8778; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 12912 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave, 512-692-8059. www.ironcactus.com. (The downtown location will not be serving brunch.)
Olivia. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 2043 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-804-2700, www.olivia-austin.com.
Opal Divine’s. Marina:9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 12709 N. MoPac Blvd. (Loop 1), 512- 733-5353; Penn Field: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 3601 S. Congress Ave., 512-707-0237; Davenport: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 3801 Capital of Texas Hwy N., 512-369-3709, www.opaldivines.com.
Red’s Porch. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3508 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-440-7337, www.redsporch.com.
One of Austin’s best food trailers has changed addresses and has eyes on the future. The East Side King Thai-Kun trailer has moved down East Sixth Street from Wonderland to Whisler’s, one of my favorite cocktail bars in the city.
The trailer is helmed by chef Thai Changthong, who previously spent time at Uchiko, Spin Modern Thai and Qui, before taking the reins of the traditional Thai trailer that does not hold back on the spice. The move to Whisler’s, which also has an upstairs mescal bar called Mescaleria Tobala, is not the end of the line for the popular concept.
East Side King plans to open a brick-and-mortar location of Thai-Kun at the Domain. Representatives for the outfit co-founded by Paul Qui couldn’t share details about the exact location or opening date. There are also rumors of other popular Austin restaurant brands heading toward the Domain. Maybe popular Austin restaurants expanding their reach in town will help mitigate our traffic woes.
Beef panang curry from Thai-Kun. (Credit: Nicolai McCrary)
One of Austin’s best food trailers is picking up wheels and moving down the street. East Side King’s fiery Thai-Kun trailer, named one of the 10 best new restaurants in America recently by Bon Appetit magazine, will move to Whisler’s (1816 E. Sixth St.) on December 29. The last day of service at its current location at Wonderland will be Saturday.
James Robert is the executive chef and co-owner of Fixe, which opens December 24.
Southern restaurant Fixe will open on Christmas Eve at 500 W. Fifth St. in the new IBC Bank Tower.
The restaurant is helmed by executive chef James Robert and director of operations Keith House. The restaurant from the Eddie V’s veterans will serve “Sunday Supper” style dining seven nights a week, opening at 4 p.m. daily for happy hour.
“Growing up in small town Louisiana, food was a very big part of my life. With cooks on both sides of my family tree, I saw early on that food has a way of bringing people together,” Robert said. “This menu showcases familiar tastes and dishes that I grew up with – you’ll see a section dedicated to an heirloom variety of grits, biscuits, boudin and more – but each with an element of surprise. The familiar is definitely there, we’ve just reimagined how it all comes together for the guest.”
Opening menu items include Fixe Biscuits with house made preserves and n’duja; smoked fish and potato with crème fraiche, preserved lemon and brioche; pickled shrimp with farm vegetables and coriander; beef tartare with crispy oysters; blackened red snapper; and veal brisket.
For reservations and more information, visit the restaurant’s official site at AustinFixe.com.
JuiceLand owner Matt Shook (left, standing next to JuiceLand director of public relations, Leilani Galvan) will open his 12th and 13th locations in January. (Ralph Barrera AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
JuiceLand will open its 12th location, at 12226 RM 620 across from Lake Creek Village Shopping Mall, on January 1, and its 13th location, at 1900 E. MLK Blvd., on January 15. The MLK location, at the intersection of Chicon St., will be located in the old Wet Whistle building. Both stores will feature JuiceLand’s full selection of smoothies, juices, snacks, and vegetarian pre-packed meals.
Elegant East Austin restaurant LaV will serve a five-course prix fixe menu on New Year’s Eve. (Deborah Cannon AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
Regularly in Austin360 I offer a rotating list of places to eat right now. This week: Let someone else do the cooking as you prepare to ring in the new year. Don’t see one of your favorites listed? Leave a comment or email me at modam@statesman.com.
(Guide on the go: Take my 2014 Dining Guide — a list of my top 25 restaurants and 100 other places I like to eat — with you by bookmarking Austin360.com/diningguide on your smartphone or tablet.)
Andiamo Ristorante. The North Austin Italian restaurant will serve a four-course prix fixe menu for $70 ($85 with wine pairings). Reservations are mandatory for the seatings between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. 2521 Rutland Drive. 512-719-3377, AndiamoItaliano.com.
Apothecary. The wine bar has seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. for its seven-course feast that includes oysters, tenderloin carpaccio and lobster ravioli. Tickets are $75, with wine pairings available at an additional cost. 4800 Burnet Rd. 512-371-1600, apothecaryaustin.com.
Bess Bistro. Executive chef Roman Murphy will prepare a six-course meal for a one-off “supper club” that costs $125 per person (and an additional $50 for wine pairings). The menu includes oysters with champagne mignonette, seared diver scallop with uni emulsion, and rabbit agnolotti. Call 512-477-2377 for reservations. 500 W. Sixth St. bessbistro.com.
Carillon. The fine dining restaurant on the University of Texas campus will serve a seven-course tasting menu featuring wagyu ribeye and seared foie gras. The dinner costs $125 per person (wine pairings are an additional $80). There are seatings at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Reservations required. 1900 University Ave. 512-404-3655, thecarillonrestaurant.com.
Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano. The Italian restaurant will offer a special holiday five- course prix fixe menu, along traditional dishes. Reservations recommended. $135 per person. 504 E. Fifth St. 512-477-7497,carmelosrestaurant.com.
Dai Due. Jesse Griffith’s stand-out farm-to-table restaurant will serve three-course butcher shop and seafood menus for $85 per person.2406 Manor Rd. 512-524-0688, daidue.com.
Due Forni. The downtown Italian restaurant will serve an a la carte menu with dishes such as Umbrian lentils with braised pork, and braised veal short ribs with chestnut polenta and pickled root vegetables. 106 E. 6th St. 512-391-9300, dueforni.com.
Epicerie. Chef Sarah McIntosh’s polite bistro with a hybrid French-Gulf Coast accent will serve its regular menu along with specials like a steak for two. 2307 Hancock Dr. 512-371-6840, EpicerieAustin.com.
Estancia Churrascaria. The Brazilian Steakhouse will be open on 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day, 11 a.m. to 10: 30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Day. 10000 Research Blvd. 512-345-5600, estanciachurrascaria.com.
Finn & Porter. The restaurant at the Hilton will serve a four-course meal that gives diners options with each course. Dinner costs $85. Reservations are highly recommended using OpenTable.com or by calling 512-493-4900. 500 East Fourth St. Finnandporteraustin.com.
Gourdough’s Public House. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Gourdough’s new location with food, donuts, favors, music and bottomless champagne. $25 entry includes party favors and bottomless champagne. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 209 W. Fifth St. gourdoughsnye.eventbright.com.
Hopfields. Put on your favorite 1920s attire, and celebrate at the Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve party. Guests can order a four-course prix fixe dinner with the purchase of a dinner ticket. 6 p.m. dinner ticket, $70; 9:30 p.m. entrance ticket, $30. 3110 Guadalupe St. 512-537-0647, hopfieldsaustin.com.
Justine’s. The East Austin brasserie hosts a glamorous and decadent party that includes a spread featuring lobster claws, oysters, prime rib and gold-leaf desserts. Tickets are $150 for the party that starts at 8 p.m. 4710 E. Fifth St. 512-385-2900, Justines1937.com.
laV. The elegant East Austin restaurant will offer a five-course prix fixe New Year’s Eve dinner. 8 p.m. $185 per person. 1501 E. Seventh St. 512-391-1888, lavaustin.com.
Lenoir. Todd Duplechan’s outstanding restaurant in South Austin will serve a four-course menu for $65, with guests offered their choice from four sections of the menu. Reservations are mandatory for the set seatings. Vegetarian and pescatarian diners will be accommodated. 1807 S. First St. 512-215-9778, lenoirrestaurant.com.
Licha’s Cantina. Enjoy a special New Year’s Eve a la carte menu, as well as live music. Dinner served from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with live music until 2 a.m. 1306 E. Sixth St. 512-480-5960, lichascantina.com.
Mulberry. Chef Ruston Richardson offers a five-course dinner for $90 (includes toast, gratuity and tax). Seating from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 360 Nueces St. 512-320-0297. mulberryaustin.com.
Odd Duck. Bryce Gilmore’s farm-to-table restaurant will serve a five-course meal for $65 and seven-course meal for $90 (drinks not included). 1201 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-433-6521, OddDuckAustin.com.
Olive & June. The Italian treehouse restaurant will serve a five-course New Year’s Eve dinner ($90) with optional wine pairings for an additional charge. Reservations recommended. 3411 Glenview Ave. 512-467-9898, oliveandjune-austin.com.
Parkside. Shawn Cirkiel’s restaurant will serve a four-course meal (with diners selecting from multiple options for each course) for $72. Their annual rooftop party is cancelled for a private event. 301 E. Sixth St. 512-474-9898, parkside-austin.com.
Péché. The Warehouse District Prohibition-era cocktail bar and restaurant will serve its regular offerings along with a la carte specials such as poached lobster salad and beef tenderloin. 208 W. Fourth St. 512-494-4011, PecheAustin.com.
Qui. Paul Qui’s eponymous restaurant will serve a special tasting menu from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for $95 ($160 with wine pairings). They will throw a party starting at 10:30 p.m. that will feature music from Soul Man Sam & The Brothers with Moto Utsunomiya and Breakaway Records, food from East Side King, and libations from Tiger Beer and Tito’s Vodka. Tickets to the party cost $75. More information at quiaustintickets.com. 1600 E. Sixth St. 512-436-9626, quiaustin.com.
Russian House. The temple to Russian culture and cuisine will serve a “festive menu” for $125. 307 E. Fifth St.512-428-5442, RussianHouseOfAustin.com.
Searsucker. Chef Brian Malarkey will prepare a four-course prix fixe menu of New American dishes. 415 Colorado St. 512-394-8000, searsucker.com/austin.
Sullivan’s. The Warehouse District restaurant will serve a four-course menu, including a New York strip and Bananas Foster bread pudding. First seating 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., $69 per person; second seating 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., $79. 300 Colorado St. 512-495-6504, sullivanssteakhouse.com.
Swift’s Attic. The fusion restaurant from chef Mat Clouser will serve a four-course meal offering diners selections such as seared rare albacore, crispy chicken thigh, and fried Lockhart quail. Dinner costs $75 (with wine pairings an additional $35). Reservations can be made at events@swiftsattic.com. 315 Congress Ave. 512-482-8842, swiftsattic.com.
Trace at the W Hotel. The restaurant will serve a four-course prix fixe New Year’s Eve menu, including lobster and avocado salad, and foie gras agnolotti. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. $115 per person. 200 Lavaca St. 512-542-3660,traceaustin.com.
Travaasa. Escape to the resort at the edge of the Hill Country for a four-course prix fixe menu and live music. In addition to the ubiquitous complimentary champagne, there will also be free truffles. The dinner costs $65 per person (additional $45 for wine pairing). Dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Music goes until 1 a.m. 13500 FM 2769. 877-261-7792, travaasa.com/Austin/dining.
Uchi and Uchiko. Both restaurants will serve a special omakase tasting menu for $150 for two people and will also serve from their regular menus. 801 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-916-4808; 4200 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-916-4808,uchiaustin.com.
Beef noodle soup at Rice Bowl Cafe. (Credit: Matthew Odam AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
For many, dining at Chinese restaurants on Christmas and New Year’s Day is a tradition. Check out these Austin places for all of your Chinese food needs over the holidays. My personal favs? Szechuan House, Sichuan River and Rice Bowl Cafe.
A+A Sichuan. 13376 Research Blvd. 512-258-5445, aasichuanchina.com.
Asia Café (New Year’s Day ONLY). 8650 Spicewood Springs Rd. 512-331-5788, asiamarketaustin.com.
Chinatown West (Christmas ONLY from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). 2712 Bee Caves Rd. 512-328-6588, austinchinatown.com.
Chinatown Mopac (Christmas from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and New Year’s Day). 3407 Greystone Dr. 512-343-9307, chinatown-mopac.com.
Din Ho Chinese BBQ. 8557 Research Blvd. 512-832-8788, dinhochinesebbq.com.
First Chinese Barbecue. 10901 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-835-8889, firstchinesebbq.com.
Ho Ho Chinese BBQ. 13000 N. I-35. 512-339-9088, hohochinesebbq.com.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in South Jordan, Utah. (Associated Press)
A Utah woman who drank iced tea accidentally poisoned with lye has reached a settlement with Dallas-based chain Dickey’s Barbecue, according to the Associated Press. Jan Harding suffered severe burns and was hospitalized for weeks after drinking iced tea that was accidentally tainted with lye, a chemical found in drain cleaner. Terms were not disclosed in the settlement, and the Salt Lake County Attorney’s office has not pressed charges, stating there were “errors and mishaps but no evidence of criminal wrongdoing,” according to the AP. For the full story, click here.
Veggie-forward restaurant Gardner has an elegant, window-wrapped bar tucked around the side of its dining room. It’s a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer before dinner. The restaurant announced today that they are starting happy hour in the space. The bar will serve beer, wine and bar snacks at a $2 discount Monday-Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. I recommend the whipped roe with bottarga and the candied cocoa nibs. View the bar menu here.
