Plus, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's busy days.
 
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69º | Rainy | 87% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:42 p.m.

 

🌮 Let’s taco ‘bout it

Austin’s “Taco Mafia” highlighted in new docuseries

A portrait of Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi from Nixta Taqueria.
Nixta Taqueria’s Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi are founding members of the “Taco Mafia.” | Photo provided by Austin PBS
“The Taco Mafia, at the core of it, is just friends who really care about each other and want to see each other succeed.”

That’s how Sara Mardanbigi, co-owner of Nixta Taqueria, describes the Taco Mafia, a group of local chefs at the center of a new Austin PBS docuseries.

The aptly named “Taco Mafia” premiered this week — here’s what to know about the locally filmed show.

Who is the Taco Mafia?

To start, featured members include:
This isn’t the first time this talented group of chefs has gained recognition. Rico earned a James Beard Award in 2022, and the Netflix series “Somebody Feed Phil” also highlighted the Taco Mafia during its Austin episode.

Anthony Pratto and Xose Velasoco stand in front of a food truck.

Learn about Discada’s Anthony Pratto and Xose Velasoco.

|

Provided by Austin PBS

What does the show feature?

The eight-episode series highlights the Taco Mafia’s mission to support local chefs and the community.

In “Chapter 1: Familia,” the documentary explores family heritage that connects the chefs with their food.

The episode also features interviews with notable Austinites, including:

Where can I watch it?

There’s a lot more to learn. The first episode of “Taco Mafia” is out now and available for streaming on the Austin PBS website. The show will also be broadcast at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow night.
 
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 11
  • Party for the Parks 2023 | Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 6-10:30 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | $500-$4,250 | Enjoy a concert under the stars, dancing, and games in support of Austin Parks Foundation.
  • Farm-to-Table Dinner Paired With Spanish Wines | Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Luminaire, 721 Congress Ave., Austin | $150 | Enjoy a six-course menu prepared by James Beard-nominated Chef Steve McHugh and Luminaire Executive Chef Greg Driver.
Thursday, Oct. 12
  • Austin Comedy Film Festival | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 4-11:30 p.m. | Central Machine Works, 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin | Free | Experience the best in comedy filmmaking at this free festival.
  • Records at Republic Square | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 6 p.m. | Republic Square, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin | Free | Join the Downtown Austin Alliance and DJ Kay Cali for some tunes in the park.
Friday, Oct. 13
  • Ghouls Nite Party | Friday, Oct. 13 | 5-8 p.m. | The Art Garage, 11190 Circle Dr., Ste. #202-4, Austin | $15-$45 | Enjoy the fall vibes with pumpkin pottery painting, a complimentary pumpkin martini or mocktail, and witchy music.
Thursday, Oct. 19
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Travel
  • This past Monday, Oct. 9 was the second-busiest day on record at Austin-Bergstrom International airport. More than 37,000 passengers traveled through the airport, but that number is still ~5,000 short of the record, which was set on Oct. 24 last year. (KXAN)
Stat
  • 8.1 million. That’s how many viewers tuned in to the Longhorns’ Red River Rivalry game against Oklahoma this past weekend, a 135% increase from last year’s matchup. (Austin American-Statesman)
Sports
  • The Austin Gamblers, ATX’s professional bull riding team, won their second regular season championship in two years. The Gamblers will now head to Las Vegas for the PBR Teams Championship from Friday, Oct. 20 to Sunday, Oct. 22.
Plan Ahead
  • Don’t forget to look up for an annular solar eclipse around 11:40 a.m. next Saturday, Oct. 20, but don’t forget to protect your eyes, either. Austinites can pick up free eclipse glasses at Austin Public Library locations and other Central Texas libraries. (KXAN)
Holiday
  • The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center’s Día de los Muertos celebration will return on Saturday, Nov. 4. Mark your calendars for hands-on activities, showcases, food, and a collective community altar.
Asked
Trending
Coming Soon

In the mood for food?

Gluten-free Mexican food restaurant Nômadé Cocina to open next weekend

A gif cycling through photos of Nomade's interior, exterior, and food.
We hope you’re hungry. | Photos by Jay Huang, provided by Nômadé Cocina
Nômadé Cocina, the newest concept from the team behind Lucky Robot, will open at 1506 S. 1st St. on Sunday, Oct. 22. And guess what? Reservations just opened.

The restaurant will offer gluten-free Mexican food in a former space for Word of Mouth, which closed last September. Its specifically Yucután-inspired menu will also bring in flavors from Lebanese, Portuguese, and pan-African foods.

Visitors can expect:
  • A laid-back atmosphere
  • Craft cocktails featuring agave-based drinks and tropical ingredients
  • Dishes including tikin xik, hiramasa yellowtail sashimi, and braised short rib
  • An open-air cantina
  • A six-seat raw bar
  • A back garden with a 16-person community table
Make a reservation now.
Shop

Shop Group A 10.11.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Seasonal
  • These Halloween-inspired earrings from Eleven + Jane will spook up any outfit. Add a ghostly touch to your look with the Cowboy Up Ghost Earrings.
Pets
Home
Eat
Trending
  • The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.
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The Wrap
 
London Gibson

Today’s edition by:
London

From the editor
Whoops. Y’all might have noticed that I forgot to put a picture of my pumpkin in Monday’s newsletter. I know you were desperate to see my design, so at long last, here it is.

A pumpkin with the ATXtoday logo painted on it.
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