Downtown Austin Blog

downtown Austin's real estate and neighborhood blog

Shhhh… Secret Lunch Spot

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Direct from my inbox today is a reminder about a unique (and rather unknown) once-weekly lunch spot that I’ve been meaning to share with the DAB community.

It is Cafe Divine at St. David’s Episcopal Church that rises to life only on Thursday’s from Noon-1pm.

There in the 3rd floor dining hall, Culinary Institute trained chef, Ray Trono, serves up a mighty tasty and healthy full MEAL of entree, two sides, desert and beverage for only $8.00 (50-cents more for take out) and served by some very nice folks.

Full details — and the menu du jour — can be found here.  Tip: Enter from the little parking lot off San Jacinto between 7th & 8th streets.  That leads you into a lobby where you will be directed to the 3rd floor.  Just say “Cafe Devine”.

HAAM Benefit Day is Today

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Everyone is talking about it – so we thought we’d give H.A.A.M a, ahem, D.A.B. of love.

Today, in a variety of venues – many of which are in downtown Austin (City Hall, Whole Foods, Silicon Labs, Lambert’s, Plains Capital Bank, etc.), you can see live shows from musicians. And many of these venues are running sales / programs / specials that benefit HAAM (for instance, Whole Foods is giving 5% of the day’s proceeds to HAAM).

The entire performance schedule can be found here.

 

Austin’s Old Bakery: What Is Highest & Best Use?

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In 1976, the City of Austin utilized federal Older American Act funds to establish a multifaceted gift shop selling handicrafts and original art by local artists 50 or better.

That was the mission for the Old Bakery & Emporium, located at 1006 Congress Ave.

I’m as surprised as you that this concept didn’t take off and IPO within a few years.

Alas, charming as it is, the Old Bakery has not generated much buzz to date, and stakeholders are looking for new ideas.  [Read more…] about Austin’s Old Bakery: What Is Highest & Best Use?

Urban Wine + Liquor Takes Last Retail Space At The Austonian

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The last retail space under downtown Austin’s Austonian condos will go to Urban Wine + Liquor and its proprietor, Austin-based wine expert Buckley Wineholt (great name for a wine expert).

The store will offer wine, spirits, beers, barware, imported cigars and cigarettes, and a choice of artisanal foods including Texas-produced items. The shop’s 2,615-square-foot storefront on Congress Avenue will be designed by local design-build firm Bercy Chen Studio.

The Austonian retail has turned out to be a boon for Congress Ave.  I’m a big fan of the Caffe Medici space – one of my favorite coffee shops.  This should be a compliment to the neighboring Second Bar + Kitchen, too.

Whitley Paper Is Coming Down

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Thanks to a reader tip,  we’ve learned that demolition of the former Whitley Paper warehouse is more than just speculation.

Demolition of the half-block site will begin Monday, September 26th according to a notice distributed to neighbors.

This will be the first visible steps towards Riverside Resources building their apartment tower at 3rd & San Jacinto.   [Read more…] about Whitley Paper Is Coming Down