Restaurants are about transitions, and so is life. Jimmy Buffett, who recently transitioned to the Margaritaville in the Sky, wrote the song of the same name in Northwest Hills after partaking of frozens at Lung’s Cocina del Sur in the Village Center (where, I’m told, High 5 is today). How’s that for local lore!
Speaking of transitions, Tikka Shack Indian Grub at 2438 West Anderson at ye olde Project Pollo spot is now open. Verdad True Modern Mexican over in The Grove is expected to open this year with Austin’s Very Own Saltt (is that supposed to be pronounced salty, like salt tee?) still in process. The Texas-based, fast-casual American bistro bellagreen is opening an outpost in The Grove. Bartlett’s has a new majority owner, Trey Wolslager, who plans to expand the upscale steakhouse to two more locations. Pho Tin at 2438 West Anderson closed after a failed health inspection and is now reopened at Fin Café, still slinging Vietnamese cuisine.
In other news, Yard Bar has a chowslinger back with The Canteen serving a variety of dogpark dishes. Asado’s Taqueria, a trailer at Rosedale Market (1309 West 45th), serves up Mission-style burritos. And I just noticed Pedroso’s Pizza up at 8315 Burnet in a trailer outside of the Night Owl Bar. District Kitchen+Cocktails is now open for lunch. And megakudos to Fonda San Miguel for capturing AC condensate to the tune of 250 gallons a day to save Austin’s water supply.
The rumors (I accidently started) of Monkey Nest’s death were greatly exaggerated. I misread the development map, which is particularly embarrassing since I’m part Geography professor. Apologies. I hope that Nest of Simiiformes got an uptick in one-last-visit business. I, for one, am glad I was wrong!
I wrote this column for the Allandale Neighbor.
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