06.30.2023

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Today’s Forecast

69º | Rainy | 87% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:42 p.m.

Food

Where has all the Sriracha gone?

Three shelves full of sriracaha bottles.

And to think we took this sight for granted last year. | Photo by Paul Narvaez via Wikimedia Commons

Last year, we heard word from Huy Fong Foods that a sriracha shortage was on the horizon. Now, it seems we’re in for another sriracha drought — quite literally.

Droughts in Mexico — where Huy Fong Foods sources its chilis — have affected supplies. In an interview with Food & Wine, the company recently revealed that the sauce shortage comes as a result of an “unexpected crop failure from the spring chili harvest.”

So what about those who crave capsaicin (aka the chemical that gives spicy food that burning sensation)? Unfortunately, there’s no end to the shortage in sight. And — since it doesn’t sell to stores directly — Huy Fong Foods can’t predict when products will return to shelves. But you could try your luck on a site like Amazon, where Forbes reported a pack of two 17-ounce bottles was recently listed for $94.99. We’ve also seen bottles listed for more than $50 on eBay.

Our advice? Go local.

Austin-made saucery Yellowbird slings both blue agave sriracha and organic garlic sriracha.
ATX Hot Sauce is fully stocked on its Texas Sriracha.
Try one of Emily’s Original hot sauces, like the chile de arbol.

Asked

Which local sauce reigns supreme?

Pro tip: it doesn’t just have to be hot sauce.

Hit us with the hot takes

Events

Friday, June 30

ILLENIUM | Friday, June 30 | 7 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $40-$95 | You won’t just be listening to the Grammy-nominated DJ at this show — All Time Low, Said the Sky, and IMANU will also perform.
Hyperreal Film Club Presents: “Hackers” | Friday, June 30 | 9 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $11 | Watch Johnny Lee Miller and Angelina Jolie portray teen hackers in this 1995 film.

Saturday, July 1

Ride Smart | Saturday, July 1 | 10 a.m. | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin | Free-$800 | Learn how to ride a motorcycle safely at this instructional track event.
Mohawk Market | Saturday, July 1 | 2-7 p.m. | Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St., Austin | Cost of purchase | Support locals by shopping for vintage clothes, artwork, and other goods.
Screen on the Green “E.T.” | Saturday, July 1 | 8:30 p.m. | Fareground Austin, 111 Congress Ave., Austin | Free | Take in the beloved childhood classic downtown with happy hour drinks, popcorn, and cotton candy — don’t forget to bring a blanket.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Holiday

Independence Day is this Tuesday, July 4, so consider this your reminder to get your errands done early to avoid crowds. Several City of Austin facilities — including Austin Public Library branches, recreation centers, and museums — will be closed. Check city schedules here.

Civic

CapMetro received $18 million in federal funding to expand the commuter rail line. The funds allow CapMetro to increase trip frequency and finish designing, engineering, and constructing tracks on the Red Line from Plaza Saltillo to Pedernales Street. (Austin Business Journal)

Announced

Round Rock Express pitcher Owen White was selected to play in the 2023 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. The game, which takes place on Saturday, July 8 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, is meant to showcase the top baseball prospects of the year.

Sports

Longhorn football is sold out of season tickets. About 68,000 were sold, marking the second consecutive year and third time in the past five years that a season ticket record has been set. The season begins on Saturday, Sept. 2 — view the schedule. (Austin American-Statesman)

Community

If you spotted two jets flying together over Tarrytown earlier this week, you’re not alone. According to the Department of Defense, the Air Force flyover was part of a national celebration of the first aerial refueling’s 100-year anniversary.

Austinites

Local pitmaster Aaron Franklin and writer Jordan Mackay are back at it again with a new cookbook. You can pick up “Franklin Smoke: Wood. Fire. Food.” at BookPeople.

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Outdoors

Decorating tip: Show your patio some love with a cute and colorful area rug. We love this outdoor-friendly geometric green one.*

Giveaway

To celebrate our revamped referral program, we’re hosting a special giveaway until Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The top referrer will receive $500, and one additional person who refers at least one friend will automatically be entered for another $100 giveaway. Find the referral section at the bottom of this newsletter.

Events

July Fourth fun 🎆

How to celebrate the Fourth of July in Austin

Kick back and relax with a “Lime in the Coconut” with coconut rum, dark rum, orgeat, and lime from Zanzibar. | Photo by Regan Velchoff

We’re going to party like its 1776.

Check out these Fourth of July events, starting this weekend.

Backyard Beefsteak Banquet | Saturday, July 2 | 6 and 8 p.m. seatings | Lenoir, 1807 S. 1st St., Austin | $95 | Celebrate the Fourth with farm-to-table bites — a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Austin Parks Foundation.

The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks | Tuesday, July 4 | 8 p.m. | Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | Free | Enjoy fireworks to the tune of classical music along Auditorium Shores at this free event.

Holiday in the Sun | Saturday, July 1-Saturday, July 8 | Times vary | Zanzibar, 304 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin | Cost of purchase | Indulge in themed drink specials at this tropical rooftop bar.

Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic | Tuesday, July 4 | 2 p.m. | Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Pl., Austin | $45-$999 | Enjoy some tunes at Willie’s annual Independence Day bash.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Figi

From the editor

Sauce aficionado here. 👋 If you haven’t yet tried Beba’s Pfresh Salsa and you like it hot, you’re in for a treat. I like the red jalapeño salsa, although it makes me sweat. You can find it at a local farmer’s market.

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