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💻 Let’s switch it up
Though every Switchyards location is unique on the inside, they all feature the same familiar design aesthetic. | Photo courtesy of Switchyards
Less than a year after opening its first-ever Austin work club, Switchyards plans to open a second location at the end of March, and the company is already seeking locations for a third.
This time, the “neighborhood work club” will open at 1408 E. 13th St. inside the former Owen’s Garage space on Monday, March 30. At 6,700 sqft, the new Switchyards location — a 90-year-old former auto repair shop — will be nearly twice the size of its Hyde Park counterpart.
Austin’s flagship location holds the record for fastest membership sell-out (two minutes and 43 seconds), though every Switchyards membership drop has sold out the same day. Switchyards will drop 350 new memberships for the east Austin club at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 26.
Since memberships sell out so quickly, CEO and founder Michael Tavani said the best way to secure one is to sign up for Switchyards’ text alerts and join the waitlist.
Pasta|Bar, a fine-dining restaurant centered on Italian-inspired tasting menus, will close its doors after a final day of service on Saturday, Feb. 28. The owners announced the closure on Instagram, saying they are making room for a new concept to take its place.
Civic
Starting this week, CapMetro launched tap-to-pay service for all valid payment methods except American Express.
Eat
Lauded Caribbean restaurant Canje is serving a “Dine In, Give Back” menu throughout February in observance of Black History Month. A portion of the proceeds from that menu will benefit Huston-Tillotson University and the Bristol-Joseph Scholarship Foundation. Last year’s menu raised $35,737 — make a reservation.
Try This
If you’re looking for a way to attend SXSW without the price tag, the festival is looking for 3,500 volunteers. You can register online, or attend one of three upcoming registration sessions. (KVUE)
Concert
Country musician Ella Langley is “Choosin’ Texas.” The singer will stop at the Moody Center on Thursday, Aug. 13 on “The Dandelion Tour” with Kaitlin Butts and Gabriella Rose — tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6.
Number
-1°. That’s the record for the coldest temperature ever felt in February in Austin, set in 1899. We’re hoping it doesn’t get that cold this year, but we’re also hoping it doesn’t hit 90º, like it did last in 2023. (KXAN)
Shop
Meet the intimacy gummy: Camino Wild Cherry, the ultimate edible for date night. Heighten sensory experiences and ignite that special spark with a THC gummy that fits seamlessly into your Valentine’s Day plans — without the hangover or bloat of alcohol. Get 20% off a full-size tin with code 6AM20.†*
Category
Food
🍣 Sushi rolling in
Nick Ford (left) and Wade McElroy have a portfolio of some of Austin’s yummiest restaurants. | Photo courtesy Justin Cook via Kinsho
Just months after opening Rocco’s Italian, restaurateur duo Nick Ford and Wade McElroy plan to open Kinsho, a new sushi concept, in March.
Located across the street from the Milago Condominium complex on Rainey Street, Kinsho will feature an 18-seat sushi bar, where guests can order omakase or à la carte nigiri, sashimi, rolls, and hot dishes with Victor Gonzales as chef.
The restaurant comes from a seasoned team. Ford previously worked as Executive Chef at Sammie’s Italian, and McElroy co-owns Love Supreme, Teddy’s Cocktail Bar, and Ichijiku Sushi, which has locations in Houston and Los Angeles.
The Buy
A great date night look to wear on Valentine’s Day. Shop our top five options:
Austin music legends Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson were both nominated for the same category, “Best Traditional Country Album,” at the 68th GRAMMY Awards, though neither won.
“Just Outside Of Austin” by Lukas unironically makes me cry. Don’t get me started on “Last Leaf” by Willie — I only listen to that if I’m already crying.
