Austin Parks Foundation has awarded its 2023 ACL Music Festival Grants, including $27,000 to Clarksville Community Garden and Haskell House at 1703 Waterston Ave., just off Enfield Road. The grant will help establish a freedman’s colony heritage food garden and interpretive plan, eradicate bamboo, and make garden improvements. In total, Austin Parks Foundation granted more than $200,000 to parks across Austin. See austinparks.org/acl-music-festival-grants/
CROP Hunger Walk is Feb. 25 at Camp Mabry, raising money for Church World Services programs for farming, clean water, and disaster help around the world. Austin’s local charities benefit also, which this year include Central Texas Food Bank, Casa Marianella, Manos de Cristo, Micah 6 of Austin, Austin City Lutherans Bread for All, Faith Food Pantry, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and Urban Roots. Entertainment begins at 2 pm with world music and dancing, with walk step-off at 2:30 pm. Donate and register to walk at austincrophungerwalk.org or call 512-332-6996
Save Muny, The Muny Conservancy for Lions Municipal Golf Course at Enfield and Exposition, will celebrate 100 years of the historic course this year. Save the dates now for Imagine Muny III gala on March 24, 19th Hole Party on May 9, Forever Green Tournament on May 10, and the 100 Year Celebration on Oct. 3. More at themunyconservancy.com or info@savemuny.com
Suzi’s Chinese restaurant opened this month at 4805 Burnet Road, the location recently vacated by Old Thousand. Owner Suzi Yi has had long-time Chinese restaurants in Austin including Suzi’s China Grill at Shoal Creek and Anderson Lane, which closed in 2018. Call 512-291-6637.
Swedish Hill bakery closed this past weekend at its longtime W. 6th St location and will reopen a few doors down at 1128 W. 6th St. The bakery will operate at its new site, renamed Little Swedish Hill, throughout construction at its old site of a luxury hotel with business spaces, one of which will be designed for Swedish Hill’s return in a couple of years. Little Swedish Hill will have an all-day to-go menu, a coffee bar, and will feature many Swedish Hill favorites. Swedishhillaustin.com or 512-472-1347 or info@swedishhillaustin.com
Marye’s Gourmet Pizza, located at 3663, Suite 4G on Bee Cave Road in Westlake, celebrates three decades in the Westlake neighborhood. Renowned for its homemade pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and vegan-friendly dishes, they are open Sun-Thur 11:00 AM - 8:00 and on Fri and Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Visit maryesgourmetpizza.com to order online or make a catering request.
Fajita Pete’s is coming to Westlake at 3736 Bee Cave Road near Honey Ham. Originated in Houston by Pedro “Pete” Mora, the restaurant specializes in cooking tasty, fresh fajitas that can be delivered straight from their grill to your table. The opening in Westlake will take place in the summer of 2024. Visit fajitapetes.com for job openings and to see their menu offerings.
Playa Bowls, located at 7415 Southwest Pkwy in Lantana Place, will hold its grand opening in January. The sit-down or takeout restaurant specializes in various health-focused bowls, including acai, pitaya, coconut bowls, and smoothies. Playa Bowls prides itself on providing fresh, healthy, and delicious options that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Online orders can be made at www.playabowls.com/location/austin.
Texas State Optical (TSO), located at 2712 #118 on Bee Caves Rd in Westlake, announced in January that Dr. Lindsey Brewer has joined the practice. Dr. Brewer offers her services every Friday and some Thursdays. She is enthusiastic and ready to serve all eye care needs. Contact the TSO office to schedule an appointment (512)-327-3605.