We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Austin. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
🍽️ Time to dish
Indulge in a fresh, chef-crafted menu of brunch offerings at Lutie’s, where the chef-owners think outside the box. | Photo courtesy Commodore Perry Estate
When in Austin, you’ve got to get your grub on, and celebrities have a knack for picking some of the best food the Capital City has to offer.
Whether A-listers are flocking to Austin for SXSW or just a weekend trip, our local restaurants leave a lasting impression. So where do they go?
Aris
While in town for the premieres of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and “The Sun Never Sets” during SXSW, the Fanning sisters and Michelle Pfeiffer were snapped at a restaurant that Reddit sleuths discovered was Aris, a Mediterranean steakhouse.
Lutie’s
Figi here. A lot of the celebrities we met on red carpets were staying at Commodore Perry during SXSW, and had nothing but good things to say about the on-site restaurant Lutie’s.
Toshokan
“New Girl” actor Jake Johnson told ATXtoday that he tries to visit omakase restaurant Toshokan each time he visits Austin.
Know of another celebrity favorite that isn’t listed here? Shoot us a message.
East Austin restaurant Hoover’s Cooking will close down at the end of May, ending ~30 years of serving southern food. Its owner, Hoover Alexander, plans to hang up his apron after 50 years in the restaurant industry and retire.
Civic
The City of Austin debuted a new website yesterday, intended to streamline design, improve user experience, and make it easier to navigate city services.
Real Estate
Red Oaks Apartments, a new 70-unit affordable housing community, is now open in the Anderson Mill area. The units are targeted at folks earning at or below 30%-60% of the median family income in Austin.
Number
35. That’s how old the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum turns this year. Sculptor Charles Umlauf’s work can be found all over Austin, but you can celebrate his concentrated collection in the splendor of the garden at this year’s Garden Party in mid-April. (KXAN)
Biz
Miami-based renewable energy company Exowatt will open its second office in northeast Austin. The company currently has 10 Austin employees, but with the new location’s 8,000-sqft office and 48,000-sqft warehouse, Exowatt plans to hire locals to work out of the space. (Austin Business Journal)
Drink
Soft-serve margaritas are the latest TikTok trend, and it seems they’re hard to find. I finally found a regional spot that’s teasing them, Doña Leti’s, but you’ll have to drive to Houston to try them. Know of an Austin spot swirling out this trend? Reply to this email and let me know. (The Takeout)
Try This
After a top-to-bottom transformation in 2025, this new “Epic Encounters” exhibit at Texas Science & Natural History Museum takes visitors through Texas’ fascinating fossil-filled past like never before. Look forward to new signs and displays, interactive stations, hands-on activities, and lifelike animations of long-extinct critters. Watch our reel before you go.*
Read
Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the noise and get the facts by reading 1440’s daily newsletter. You’ll be in good company — it’s already trusted by 4.5 million Americans. Subscribe for free.*
Austin Creative Reuse, aka the Capital City’s hub for used craft supplies and bric-a-brac, has a new section ready to shop: Batreuse’s Emporium. Inside, you’ll find higher-ticket items like antiques, collectibles, art pieces, pottery, and more items that cross ACR’s inventory. If you haven’t already visited the store, let this be your sign.
Today marks the official first day of spring. To celebrate, we’re sharing our wardrobe must-haves for the season:
👚 Slip on this short sleeve cardigan for seamless warm weather layering.
☀️ Stay comfy and cute in this elevated casual gingham two-piece set.
👕 Opt for a lightweight henley tee on those chillier spring mornings.
👗 Flaunt this boho maxi skirt available in springtime hues like light pink, baby blue, and rose.
🩳 Lounge in these casual high-waisted shorts with pockets and a drawstring.
I’ve been spending a lot of time Downtown for SXSW, and I discovered a new store in the process. After the closure of Austin Rocks in February, Akiba Texas moved into its space. It’s a sister store to Toy Joy, selling lots of blind boxes, plushies, craft kits, and gifts.
}})
}})
