South Austin Distillery Gives Out Free Hand Sanitizer

Where to Find More Hand Sanitizer
South Austin distillery Still is now offering up free bottles of hand sanitizer to the public, as it’s been producing the much-needed cleanser for hospitals and first responders. There’s a limit of two six-ounce bottles per person. It’s available from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The distillery is also offering 10 percent discounts on alcohol and mixers to-go.

Likewise, Fredericksburg winery Lost Draw Cellars is now including a free bottle of its rosé hand sanitizer with every curbside pickup and delivery order.

Highlighting Under-the-Radar Local Restaurants
There’s a new list highlighting restaurants without web and social media presences that are still open for takeout and delivery during this time. UpEats ATX launched with the help of tech startup Menuette. People can browse the current list available online or through the app, with cuisine and food item categories such as American, Ethiopian, dumplings, and tacos. People can also submit restaurants for consideration, though notes that those with PR and active social media presences won’t be considered.

Restaurant Staffer Tested Positive for COVID-19
A staffer from Joe’s Bakery tested positive for COVID-19, as noted by an Instagram post from the Mexican restaurant on Friday, April 17. The restaurant noted that it informed its employees about the case, sanitized the restaurant in accordance with Austin Public Health requirements, and making that staffer self-isolate.

Free Meal Donations
Chinese food delivery service Tso has given away over $35,000 worth of free meals to people affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic so far. The company will continue to give out free meals to those in need this month on Saturday and Sundays via curbside pickups and deliveries at the Arbor Crossing location.

Moped Delivery Service for Restaurants
Moped startup Revel is giving Austin restaurants a free month of membership so that in-house staffers can offer deliveries to their customers. This way, restaurants can avoid using other third-party delivery services, which collect high commission fees. On deck are the South Congress location of Torchy’s Tacos, El Arroyo, Old Thousand, TLV/Emmer and Rye, and Old Thousand. The service is also available in 13 other cities across the country, including New York City, Washington, D.C., and Oakland.

Parasite-Inspired Noodle Kits
Allandale Asian-Southern restaurant The Peached Tortilla is now selling at-home ram-don noodle kits, based on its dish inspired by the Oscar-winning film Parasite. The kits come with Tokyo wavy noodles plus marinated steak, black bean sauce, and more, as well as cooking instructions. It’s $21 and serves two to three people. It’s available for pickups and Favor and Uber Eats deliveries.

Local Food Packages
A new service highlights and gathers Austin food vendors in one package. The ATX Kit features dry goods from local businesses including Austin Honey Co., Madhu Chocolate, Sourdough Project, and Stroop Club. There are five- and ten-packs for $49 or $99. Ten percent of the sales will be donated to create kits for local hospitals. It’s available for shipping for pickup from a downtown Austin location.