Arjav Ezekiel’s beverage program at Birdie’s includes the Gems List, featuring “baller, special occasion wines.” | Photo by @evakolenko via @birdiesaustin + @arjavezekiel
Only one Austinite will contend for a James Beard Award in 2025. Arjav Ezekiel, the beverage director at Birdie’s, is an Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service nominee.
Ezekiel co-owns the acclaimed counter-service restaurant and wine bar alongside his wife, Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, who was a 2024 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Texas.
Ezekiel curates Birdie’s wine list based on what’s cooking in the kitchen + the weather.
While the Capital City’s culinary spotlight shines solely on Ezekiel this year, the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award Nominees list also features finalists in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Spring, Lewisville, and Marfa.
Winners will be announced on Monday, June 16, at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony in Chicago.
SpeedRoommating | 7-9 p.m. | Higbie’s Cocktail Lounge | Free with RSVP | Find a new place to live (or a new tenant for your spare room) at this mixer with complimentary drinks on the hour.
Friday, April 4
Beer Release: Sparkle & Ruin | 9 a.m. | Meanwhile Brewing | Cost of purchase | Taste the brewery’s brand-new Hazy Double IPA + snack on food truck specials like the buffalo chicken sandwich with blue cheese.
Japanese Flower Arrangement | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden | Free with RSVP | Lovers of florals won’t want to miss this hands-on demonstration, during which attendees will learn the art of ikebana.
Denzel Curry | 7 p.m. | Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater | $44+ | Catch the “Mischievous South Tour” at this time-honored venue.
Saturday, April 5
Grand Opening Weekend | Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Ceramigos | Free | Celebrate the pottery studio’s launch with hands-on wheel demonstrations, interactive activities, light bites, and happy hour.
Austin Whiskey Riot | 3-7 p.m. | Fair Market | $75+ | Try hundreds of types of whiskey at this 21+ event for lovers of the spirit.
Sunday, April 6
Statesman Cap10K | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Downtown Austin | $80 | Join in on the largest 10K run in Texas and enjoy free massages, cocktails, and live music at the finish line.
Snag tickets to see this Pulitzer Prize finalist show
Presented by Zach Theater
Since its premiere in 2019, this Pulitzer Prize finalist has captivated the theatrical world, reimagining the constitution’s impact on future generations of Americans. | Photo by AxelB Photography
This Tony-nominated, Pulitzer finalist play explores how the Constitution has shaped four generations of American women through the eyes of a witty, determined 15-year-old debater.
You’re invited to this powerful and thought-provoking experience, with special performances including Community Conversations, Pride Night, and Pay-What-You-Will Week. Secure your seat below.
The team behind Underdog, a Korean wine bar that shuttered in February, revealed their new plans for the South 1st Street space. Le Calamar, a French bistro-inspired eatery with Texas influences, is expected to open in May. (CultureMap Austin)
Number
$38 million. That’s the price Round Rock ISD paid to acquire LegalZoom’s former office building in northwest Austin. The school district plans to use the 206,000-sqft space as a career and technical education center, and LegalZoom has secured another lease at an undisclosed location. (Austin Business Journal)
Announced
Broadway Sing-Along Bar will soon make its way to ATX. The pop-up experience allows guests to unleash their inner thespian with karaoke nights, dance parties, and plenty of photo ops. Join the waitlist for ticket information.
Tech
Austin Community Foundation is set to receive $1 million from Google.org to fund artificial intelligence training at local nonprofits. The initiative aims to help folks work more efficiently and expand their impact by teaching them new AI skills through workshops, webinars, and more. (KVUE)
Plan Ahead
Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Its May Market will be open each weekend from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, June 1, featuring handmade goods by nearly 200 regional artists and free activities like DIY printmaking from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Listen
YouTubers Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal spread some Austin love during yesterday’s episode of their podcast “Ear Biscuits.” The duo shouted out the Austin Proper Hotel and detailed their run-in with “The Last of Us” star Pedro Pascal during SXSW 2025.
Festival
ATX TV Festival revealed exciting new additions to its 2025 lineup, including an opening night marquee with comedian Seth Meyers, an “Andor” discussion with Tony Gilroy + Beau Willimon, and a conversation with actor Mark Duplass. Read about the fest in our interview with its co-founders.
Eat
Austinite Glen Powell launched a line of organic condiments inspired by “epic barbecue feasts” on his family’s ranch. Smash Kitchen products like hot honey ketchup, dijon mustard, spicy mayonnaise, and hot honey BBQ sauce are available now at Walmart. Psst — the actor also makes a yummy vanilla protein shake. (USA Today)
Sports
As the season winds down, who are the key players to watch during the remaining Spurs games? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
Don’t waste time bouncing between dealerships when shopping for a car. With CarGurus, you can browse millions of cars + compare dealer ratings all in one place. Shop smarter.*
Try This
Today’s Best voting is in full swing and there is still time to give your two cents. Remember, you can vote once per day. Share the love for your favorite local businesses here.
Stat
$10,000. If you owe this much in personal debt, this company can reach out to credit card companies + potentially reduce it. See how it works.*
Finance
Invest in award-winning AI-powered marketing technology. With 12+ years of research behind them, RAD Intel is backed by Adobe and Fidelity and trusted by Hasbro, Skechers, and Sweetgreen. Join 6,000+ investors and get $0.55 per share (before prices change next Thursday, April 10).†*
Vintage Bookstore and Wine features comfortable couches and chairs inside, plus a bar and outdoor patio. | Photo by ATXtoday
Just like a book’s setting shapes its story, where you read can transform the experience.
We asked local book lovers to share their favorite spots to crack open a read in Austin, and they delivered. From indie bookstores and charming coffee shops to flower-filled meadows and lakeside retreats, these reader-approved destinations set the scene for getting lost in a good story.
Quacks Bakery
Take a page out of Terry M.'s book and curl up with a literary work at one of these local bakeries, which have kept the Austin community caffeinated since 1983. Psst — its hours of operation are perfect for early birds and night owls alike.
Reverie Books
Terry L. recommends devouring your next read at this neighborhood bookstore focused on fostering community. Step through its bright purple door to find a treasure trove of new and used titles, then flip pages on its front porch.
Chic drawstring denim pants. The roomy, straight-leg design keeps these jeans comfortable and casual, while the drawstring cinch ensures they fit snugly around your waist. Bonus: Shop this Madewell version.
In other news, City Editor Figi and I interviewed Mayor Kirk Watson this week. Stay tuned for an upcoming Q+A to learn all about the differences and similarities between his time as mayor from 1997-2001 vs. now.
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