Mendocino Farms opens in November at 1106 W 38th St, at Medical Parkway. Sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, and sides, with vegan and vegetarian options, a kids’ menu, and house-made beverages. Fan favorites include Avocado Quinoa Superfood Ensalada, “Not So Fried” Chicken Sandwich, and Spicy Curried Couscous Side. Go to mendocinofarms.com to register for a free entrée when the 38th Street store opens. .
Velvet Taco opened at 6539 Burnet Road, in the old Flyrite Chicken location. Velvet Taco’s story? A temple to the liberated taco, and a one-of-a-kind taco concept serving premium food in a unique and funky fast-casual setting, where anything goes meets the art of the possible. Features Velvet Bowls, Combos, Nachos, Queso, Guac, and Tacos: Chick Tacos, Veg Tacos, Pork Tacos, Beef Tacos, Sea Tacos, and WTF – Weekly Taco Feature this week is Blackened Pescado with Wicked Al Pastor coming up Oct. 29. Sunday through Thursday, 11am-11pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am-1am. Velvettaco.com
Postino Bryker Woods has opened at 1615 W 35th St in the old Burger King. Postino Wine Café features boards (bruschetta, meat, cheese, hummus), salads, soup, panini, a robust wine list by the glass and by the bottle, a brunch menu with brunch cocktails, and a kids menu. See postinowinecafe.com or 512-612-4844
Movie in the Park on Monday, Nov 10 at Perry Park behind Highland Park Elementary School at 4900 Fairview on the soccer turf. The movie Elf with Will Ferrell will start at dusk, around 6 pm. Bring a blanket, bring a camp chair or two, mingle with neighbors. Food options will be available and popcorn for all. Sponsored by Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association. Hpwbana.org for info
Halloween Children’s Concert is Oct 26, presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at the Long Center at 701 We. Riverside Dr. Called Pirates!, the concert is conducted by “captain” Pablo Zamora and narrated by “first mate” Andre Martin, featuring pieces from The Flying Dutchman, Suite from Jaws, The Nutcracker, Conga del Fuego Nuevo, Dances in the Canebrakes, Prince Igor, Gayane , and Pirates of the Caribbean. Tickets for the 3 p.m. performance at my.austinsymphony.org or ASO box office at 512-476-6064, ext 3.
Teddy’s Restaurant and Bar has opened at 1601 W. 38th Street in Jefferson Square for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch. Teddy’s is ready to book your holiday parties and celebrations. And get this: Open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Regular hours are Monday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday 11am to 10pm, Saturday 8am to 10pm, Sunday 8am to 9pm. At teddysaustin.com or 787-231-9067 and hello@teddysaustin.com
Parker + Scott celebrated three years As Austin’s General Store this summer. At 2113 W. Anderson Lane just off Burnet Road, Parker + Scott is proud to be Austin’s Refillery, with a Refill Bar stocked with everything from dish soap and detergent to shampoo and facial wash – bring your own container. Goods offered by local makers and vendors, artisans in Austin’s own back yard – with a whole section devoted to snacks. Come on, you know you’re feeling snacky. Parker + Scott offerings and events link sustainability, community, and art. And you’ll find a pop-up at HarperSage at 4803 Burnet Road. See parkerandscott.com
Catholic Charities of Central Texas has a new executive director, Allison Cavazos, who has served as interim director since last November. She has served at Catholic Charities for fourteen years, and her degrees are from UT and Texas A&M. Catholic Charities lives the mission of serving anyone in need by strengthening families and promoting respect for human dignity and life. Catholic Charities was able to cover rent and mortgage payments, emergency home repairs, vehicle and appliance replacements, and other critical needs to help families devastated by the July floods – more than $170,000 in direct assistance helped flooded families. At ccctx.org
Better ATX, the volunteer-led nonprofit we have known and loved for 50 years as Assistance League of Austin, is opening its newly rebranded and renovated space at 4901 Burnet Road on Saturday, Nov. 8, with a program and ribbon cutting beginning at 9:30 am and Thrift House opening for business at 10 am. This month Thrift House began accepting donations of clothing, furniture, and household items, so bring in all that primo stuff you’ve been saving and then shop, shop, shop. Better ATX Thrift House revenues – 100 percent -- benefit children, teens, and adults in Central Texas with a range of programs. At betteratx.org
Water2Wine, at 3300 W. Anderson Lane, celebrates 20 years in Austin this month. Owner Dane Aziz offers a neighborhood winery and tasting room with tasting flights and small bites. Water2Wine could be your next private party or special event with its relaxed and elegant space to enjoy an outstanding collection of wines handcrafted in Austin. Do a tasting, get a glass, listen to music, buy a bottle, make your own batch. At austin.water2wine.com
