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Editor’s Pick
From left to right, Celia Pellegrini, Fermin Nunez, Sam Hellman-Mass, and Alejandra Kuri, are the fine folks creating the fresh dishes at some of Austin’s best restaurants. | Photo by Patrick Wasetis
The folks behind Este, Suerte, and Bar Toti plan to debut a new Middle Eastern cuisine concept called Karaz, aka the Arabic word for “cherry.”
The idea is a result of a dinner served to the team by Chef Alejandra Kuri, who is currently chef de cuisine at Este, inspired by her Lebanese heritage. After a series of pop-ups at Bar Toti, the team began piecing together a new brick-and-mortar just down the road from Este.
Figi here — Bar Toti and Suerte are some of my favorite local restaurants, so I can’t wait for this opening. The opening date has not yet been announced beyond late 2027 or early 2028, but I’ll keep you posted.
Events
Events
Friday, April 3
Austin Card Show | Friday, April 3-Sunday, June 14 | Times vary | Palmer Events Center | $10+
“Texas Sun” singer Leon Bridges will perform at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater in support of The Andy Roddick Foundation in May. Grab tickets — all proceeds benefit after-school activities for under-served kids in the community.
Opening
A new, east Austin patio bar called Stoney’s Good Time Ranch will host its grand opening party this Saturday, April 4, and there’s an extra special surprise in store. Local chicken restaurant Flyrite opened a food truck on the premises, just over a year since it closed its brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Trending
The Original Black’s BBQ is officially Tony Hawk-approved. The renowned skateboarder was featured in a picture with an employee earlier this week, so don’t forget to check your surroundings when you dine at Austin’s many barbecue joints.
Number
$50,000. That’s how much The Austin Police Department announced it will invest in providing free training to local mental health counselors. The department will teach in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing training, which usually costs $2,000-$4,000. Interested counselors can apply here. (KXAN)
Giveaway
"Check Yes Or No” — Do you want to win tickets to see George Strait perform at the Moody Center? The venue is giving away two tickets on its Instagram, and all you have to do is make sure to enter by 2 p.m. today.
State
Reese’s Peanut Butter Bunnies are the most popular Easter candy in Texas, according to DoorDash. The study also found that Texans prefer yellow Peeps, and we’re in good company — 17 other states agree.
Answered
Y’all are so smart. Last week, we asked our audience to name which of four festivals from Austin’s past didn’t exist. Around 60% of you correctly guessed that we made up Cosmic Cowboy Fest, but it sounds pretty cool.
Pro Tip
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
Event Spotlight
Newly opened TOMO Mags — where you can find fashion, art, sports, and international media — is one of the stops. | Photos by ATXtoday
36. That’s how many local bookshops are on the 2026 Austin Texas Book Trail, and we hereby challenge you to visit them all.
Returning for its third year in a row on Saturday, April 4 + Sunday, April 5, the book crawl offers pop-ups, specials, and giveaways to patrons as they try to visit as many stores as possible. If you want to participate, make sure to print this map and get it stamped at each location to claim special prizes. Psst — you can also peek at the digital map.
The Buy
April = new spring shoe drop. Shop a great spring shoe for every price range:
👟 Under $25: A No. 1 best-seller, these arch support flip-flops feature a yoga foam footbed and just look like vacation.
👟 Under $50: This cushioned footbed sandal is ultra-comfortable, thanks to soft leather, a small platform, and an adjustable web strap (it’s also 50% off).
👟 Under $100: Go for fresh white tennis shoes with Vionic’s court sneaker that’s top-rated by 200+ five-star reviews.
👟 Under $150: Get ready to hear compliments when you wear Clarks’ newly dropped floral wedge, available in black, white, or red.
👟 Under $250: This newly released wedge espadrille from patricia green is worth the splurge, thanks to its chic nautical design and sporty grip sole.
I am once again reminding you that time is running out to visit the Sherwood Forest Faire in 2026. I dressed as a mushroom when I attended last weekend, and yes, the goblin in the background was with me.
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