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Austin drinks maven Justin Elliott is leaving Qui to join Penumbral Strategic Ventures. The group oversees new downtown cocktail bar The Townsend, which opened this week. He will take on the role of director of hospitality projects.
Elliott was attached to The Townsend in February, when it was announced he would design the cocktail program. The bar will launch a guest bartender royalty program, where visiting mixologists will receive one percent of every sold drink. The first residency should happen sometime in early July. The cocktail menu includes fun takes on classic drinks, like the Reconstruction Julep. Food ranges from small bites, such as cheese and charcuterie boards, to red snapper. Dessert is ice cream with "thoughtful accompaniments." It will be open every day from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Penumbral Strategic Ventures group is also working on other projects, including a restaurant and bar North Austin, and four breakfast/lunch places.
