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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Austin. Written by Nicole Cobler and Asher Price.

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ERCOT prepping for winter electric demand

The grid operator has been closely watched since mass outages in 2021.

News

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's vice-presidential chances

A prolific fundraiser, the border governor is a Trump loyalist.

Politics

Texas kids losing Medicaid insurance in overwhelmed system

Lapsed coverage means kids miss emergency medical care.

Texas' strongest THC gummy hits the market

It's 50% stronger than the strongest legal edibles previously available.

Health

Desert Island Dish with Mason and Christina Ayer

Kerbey Lane first opened in 1980 and has become a local staple.

Food and Drink

We recently caught up with husband-and-wife duo Mason and Christina Ayer, the CEO and CFO of Kerbey Lane Cafe, for the latest installment of our Desert Island Dish Series.The backstory: Mason Ayer was born just months after his parents, David Ayer and Patricia Atkinson, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened the first Kerbey Lane" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtjY_6vDTcV/" data-vars-content-id="d483aaaa-1858-418c-8a3b-a3e6e7eb87a9" data-vars-headline="Desert Island Dish with Mason and Christina Ayer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtjY_6vDTcV/" target="_blank">opened the first Kerbey Lane</a> location in 1980 at 3704 Kerbey Lane, and spent his childhood scraping gum off the tables.

Photo illustration of Mason Ayer and Christina Ayer inside a bottle on a beach.

Aspiring chefs to make debut at Playground ATX

The new site will help aspiring restauranteurs to test their concepts.

Business

Playground ATX, a restaurant launchpad that will rotate culinary talent every six months, opened this week at 5001 Airport Blvd.Why it matters: In a city facing endless restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/09/22/austin-24-hour-diners-disappear" data-vars-content-id="09336038-030d-4f81-8b13-32839b0281ed" data-vars-headline="Aspiring chefs to make debut at Playground ATX" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/09/22/austin-24-hour-diners-disappear" target="_self">closures</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longtime favorites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/01/25/south-austin-panaderia-closing-la-mexicana" data-vars-content-id="09336038-030d-4f81-8b13-32839b0281ed" data-vars-headline="Aspiring chefs to make debut at Playground ATX" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/01/25/south-austin-panaderia-closing-la-mexicana" target="_self">longtime favorites</a>, hospitality veterans Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky and Katie Kim say the new concept will help aspiring restaurateurs test and refine their ideas before attempting to open their own brick-and-mortar spaces.

Trying Austin's newest Cosmic cafe

It's bright, refreshing and pretty to look at.

Austin is a city teeming with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="great aguas frescas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2021/11/22/rositas-al-pastor-austing-food-truck" data-vars-content-id="8ab456cd-41a3-40ec-adbe-582ba18831cc" data-vars-headline="Trying Austin&#x27;s newest Cosmic cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2021/11/22/rositas-al-pastor-austing-food-truck" target="_self">great aguas frescas</a> — and we recently tried one at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the new Cosmic" data-vars-click-url="https://cosmichospitalitygroup.com/saltillo/" data-vars-content-id="8ab456cd-41a3-40ec-adbe-582ba18831cc" data-vars-headline="Trying Austin&#x27;s newest Cosmic cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cosmichospitalitygroup.com/saltillo/" target="_blank">the new Cosmic</a> on East Fourth Street.Zoom in: The sandía agua fresca ($6) is a mix of fresh watermelon and cucumber limeade, with a sprig of mint tucked in and a sprinkling of paprika on top for a kick.<ul><li>It was bright, refreshing and pretty to look at — and a nice way open the day.</li></ul>The vibe: Industrial chic.<ul><li>Original graffiti remains plastered across corrugated metal siding.</li><li>Old cinder-block walls give a kind of abandoned-factory look to the place.</li><li>A burbling water feature emanates from a rusted-out pipe.</li></ul>Flashback: The new Cosmic is located in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rapidly changing Saltillo District" data-vars-click-url="https://austin.towers.net/bringing-east-austins-saltillo-district-a-new-pedestrian-paradise-at-centro/" data-vars-content-id="8ab456cd-41a3-40ec-adbe-582ba18831cc" data-vars-headline="Trying Austin&#x27;s newest Cosmic cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://austin.towers.net/bringing-east-austins-saltillo-district-a-new-pedestrian-paradise-at-centro/" target="_blank">rapidly changing Saltillo District</a>, in a former warehouse complex known as the Texaco Depot.<ul><li>The depot was an early rail yard for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unloading oil and other petroleum products" data-vars-click-url="https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=129678" data-vars-content-id="8ab456cd-41a3-40ec-adbe-582ba18831cc" data-vars-headline="Trying Austin&#x27;s newest Cosmic cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=129678" target="_blank">unloading oil and other petroleum products</a>.</li><li>Once home to industrial businesses like an automobile tire warehouse, the buildings were then repurposed as art studio space.</li></ul>Now you can get tacos — we scarfed down the arrachera steak and the al pastor, each perfectly good at $4.50 apiece.Pro tip: Make sure to hit the rooftop garden, with prime views of the architectural and sociological transformation of East Austin.

Where to get that turkey to go

Here are four spots that offer Thanksgiving meals.

We get it. You just don&#x27;t feel like making a turkey from scratch.<ul><li>We&#x27;re here to tell you that doesn&#x27;t make you a bad person.</li></ul>

A Texas Thanksgiving, South Indian style

A key dish is a green bean casserole paired with a naan croissant.

We caught up with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deepa Shridhar" data-vars-click-url="https://siccpalette.substack.com/" data-vars-content-id="79c21bb9-b96a-4d37-9495-ce437de4c4a5" data-vars-headline="A Texas Thanksgiving, South Indian style" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://siccpalette.substack.com/" target="_blank">Deepa Shridhar</a>, the chef behind the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Tamilian Texan Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://siccpalette.thetrainingkitchen.org/#splash-tabs%7C0" data-vars-content-id="79c21bb9-b96a-4d37-9495-ce437de4c4a5" data-vars-headline="A Texas Thanksgiving, South Indian style" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://siccpalette.thetrainingkitchen.org/#splash-tabs%7C0" target="_blank"> Tamilian Texan Kitchen</a>, a dinner series typically featuring a South India-meets-Texas menu, to ask about her Thanksgiving offerings.<ul><li>Shridhar, whose family is from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and who grew up in the Dallas suburb of Garland, moved to Austin in 2011 and started as a dishwasher at Jesse Griffiths&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dai Due" data-vars-click-url="https://www.daidue.com/" data-vars-content-id="79c21bb9-b96a-4d37-9495-ce437de4c4a5" data-vars-headline="A Texas Thanksgiving, South Indian style" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.daidue.com/" target="_blank">Dai Due</a> before working her way up in the restaurant industry, including a stop at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lenoir" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lenoirrestaurant.com/" data-vars-content-id="79c21bb9-b96a-4d37-9495-ce437de4c4a5" data-vars-headline="A Texas Thanksgiving, South Indian style" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lenoirrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Lenoir</a>.</li></ul>

Austin ISD serves globally inspired school lunches

Austin school district serves kids globally inspired lunches

AISD's school lunches include pupusas, lo mein, empanadas, chana masala and everything in between.

Austin ISD students wandering through their school lunch lines aren&#x27;t scooping up that unidentifiable slop from your high school days.<ul><li>They&#x27;re often choosing from a wide variety of food — pupusas, lo mein, empanadas, chana masala and everything in between.</li></ul>

Speakeasy Trona opens in East Austin

The cocktail bar's seasonal drink menu highlights tequilas, mezcals, natural wines and Japanese whisky.

We recently stopped by Trona, a new East Austin speakeasy from local restaurateur Tatanka Guerrero.The big picture: Newly formed hospitality management collective Dreamers &amp; Doers opened the concept at 1812 E. 12th St. last week.

A taste of Christmas at Austin's Miracle on 5th Street

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole, and Santa’s serving up some strong drinks.

Get into the holiday spirit with an evening out on the town at Miracle on 5th Street, the Christmas-themed, pop-up cocktail bar at The Eleanor.You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole, and Santa’s serving up some strong drinks.

A photo of Miracle on 5th Street visitors standing at the bar.

7 must-do holiday activities in Austin

Try these spots out before December ends.

&#x27;Tis the season to do every holiday activity around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/news" data-vars-content-id="ddb9d161-353b-404b-b560-e4f9d24b20a5" data-vars-headline="7 must-do holiday activities in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/news" target="_self">Austin</a>.The big picture: From themed bars to markets, lights and more, we&#x27;re rounding up some ideas to get you started.

How to make 700 Hanukkah latkes

The latke-making crew will plow through 108 pounds of frozen shredded potatoes and 40 pounds of onions.

Hanukkah starts at sundown Thursday, so we checked in with an Austin latke maven about his secrets of success.Driving the news: This weekend, Marvin Hecker will oversee the frying of roughly 700 latkes, the crispy, fried, golden potato pancakes that are a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hanukkah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/hanukkah-holiday-when-meaning-jewish-calendar" data-vars-content-id="e4413d46-d4de-4b0a-8248-45021b327f4d" data-vars-headline="How to make 700 Hanukkah latkes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/hanukkah-holiday-when-meaning-jewish-calendar" target="_self">Hanukkah</a> staple, at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Congregation Beth Israel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/09/15/synagogue-beth-israel-arson-hate-crime-location" data-vars-content-id="e4413d46-d4de-4b0a-8248-45021b327f4d" data-vars-headline="How to make 700 Hanukkah latkes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/09/15/synagogue-beth-israel-arson-hate-crime-location" target="_self">Congregation Beth Israel</a>.

Marvin Hecker presiding over latke-making

Things to do in Austin this week

Things to Do

Here&#x27;s what we&#x27;re eyeing for some fun this week.🎺 Clap your hands to the Austin Brass Band, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="performing their holiday concert" data-vars-click-url="https://library.austintexas.gov/eng/event/central-library-concerts/central-library-concerts-austin-brass-7738465" data-vars-content-id="26d14954-df55-4292-bf0c-62fed2f30470" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Austin this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.austintexas.gov/eng/event/central-library-concerts/central-library-concerts-austin-brass-7738465" target="_blank">performing their holiday concert</a> at the Austin Central Library, 6:30pm Monday. Free.

Illustration of a standing desk calendar with a blue pin, a red pin, a yellow pin, and a green pin.

Canje's Caribbean flavors are an Austin standout

I was in town this month to hang out with Asher and Nicole — and eat the best food Austin has to offer.My favorite spot wasn&#x27;t Mexican or BBQ (though shoutout to Licha&#x27;s!), but Caribbean: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Canje" data-vars-click-url="https://canjeatx.com/" data-vars-content-id="ca9a0a50-bf8e-4225-b629-d8243eacef3a" data-vars-headline="Canje&#x27;s Caribbean flavors are an Austin standout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://canjeatx.com/" target="_blank">Canje</a> in East Austin.<ul><li>I can&#x27;t get enough of Caribbean cuisine, and Canje nailed the melting pot of flavors from the history of the region — a little bit of African, a little bit of Indian and everything in between. </li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽