Exciting Updates from Austin: Your Local Food Scene is Buzzing!
Austin, a city known for its vibrant culture and delicious food, is always keeping residents on their toes with thrilling new openings and some bittersweet farewells. Let’s dive into the latest culinary news that has everyone talking!
Rita’s Italian Ice is Coming to Round Rock
First up, we’ve got some fantastic news for frozen treat lovers. Rita’s Italian Ice, the beloved Northeastern-style sweets shop, is set to open its very first location in the Austin area! This sweet haven will be located in Round Rock at 3720 Gattis School Road, Suite 200. Although we don’t have an exact opening date just yet, the excitement is certainly building.
This new location is under franchisee Salvatore Raccuglia, who has big plans in mind, as he aims to expand by opening four additional Rita’s locations in the Austin region. And let’s not forget there’s already a location serving up treats in New Braunfels!
Goodbye, Big Nonna’s
On a different note, some sad news for vegan pizza lovers. Austin’s favorite vegan pizza truck, Li’l Nonna’s, is closing its brick-and-mortar spot named Big Nonna’s this month. The closure is happening at their location in The Crossing at Parmer Lane, with the last service date set for Sunday, October 13.
Owner Rob Lordi, who has moved out of Texas, expressed his mixed feelings on Instagram, announcing that they had to join the “evergrowing list of former vegan businesses.” However, there’s a silver lining! The beloved Li’l Nonna’s food truck will continue operating at Tweedy’s, located at North Campus.
More Culinary Happenings
The food truck scene continues to flourish with Little Nishi, a popular sushi truck known for its delicious Japanese cuisine, recently expanding with a new spot at Armadillo Den. Now, sushi lovers can enjoy their hand rolls, salads, and entrees in even more places around Austin!
Meanwhile, at the Domain, the Texas restaurant chain Sixty Vines has opened its first Austin location, featuring a menu packed with delightful meals such as pizza, steaks, and trendy wine options. Located at 3401 Esperanza Crossing, this spot is sure to be a hit among food enthusiasts!
Festivities in the Culinary World
Austin continues to celebrate food in style, with Honest Mary’s opening its Mueller location today on October 11. Get ready for their grand opening party on October 27, featuring free food, giveaways, and live music—sounds like a party you won’t want to miss!
For the Italian food fanatics out there, Birdie’s in the Chestnut neighborhood is running its Italian pop-up, Aiello’s, from October 15 to 19 and again on October 22 to 26. You can expect a prix fixe menu with delicious options reminiscent of a classic New York-style red-sauce joint.
Special Events on the Horizon
Food lovers, mark your calendars for some exciting collaborative dinners. On October 15, Nixta Taqueria is joining forces with New York chef Chintan Pandya for a special six-course meal that promises to be a culinary delight—tickets are just $100!
Also on October 15, Olamaie is hosting its Southern Exposure dinner featuring a prominent chef from Boston, and Simar Seafood Cocina will be shining a spotlight on tequila with a special dinner paired with Mijenta Tequila.
Last but not least, Cork & Barrel will be holding a beer dinner next week, showcasing unique flavors from Red Horn Brewing Company. Don’t miss this chance to savor some inventive dishes paired perfectly with craft beers!
Austin’s Food Scene is Buzzing!
With all these exciting openings, closures, and special events happening in and around Austin, it’s clear that our local food scene is thriving! Whether you’re a fan of frozen treats, vegan cuisine, or fine dining experiences, there’s something for everyone ready to delight your taste buds. So gear up for a foodie adventure—Austin’s culinary landscape is constantly evolving, and you won’t want to miss a thing!
