Austin Court Finally Dismisses Attorney Gen. Paxton’s New Year’s Curfew Lawsuit

Update on That New Year’s Curfew Lawsuit
After four months, Austin’s Third Court of Appeals dismissed the state of Texas’s appeal to Travis County’s New Year’s curfew meant to curb a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases at the time, as reported by Texas Tribune. For those who may not recall, Texas Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton sued Austin and Travis County back in December over the region’s sudden curfew requirements over the long New Year’s weekend. The Third Court initially denied Paxton’s appeal. He then took it to the Texas Supreme Court on New Year’s Day, which ruled in his favor, even though New Year’s Eve already happened. “The State’s claims are moot and not ripe,” writes Justice Gisela D. Triana in the memorandum opinion, “and we dismiss the appeal for want of jurisdiction.” The court’s decision officially closes the loop on that original case.

Separately, last month, Paxton sued the city and county because the regions are upholding their local masks and social distancing requirements despite Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order lifting all restrictions in early March. Travis County Judge Lora Livingston of the 261st Civil District Court denied his appeal and the local mandates still stand.

Brisket Bagel Collaboration
Brentwood barbecue restaurant Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew is offering a weekend collaboration with North Loop bagel shop Nervous Charlie’s. Stiles is serving up everything bagels layered with sliced brisket and cream cheese (roasted garlic/herb or spicy arbol/pequin) and Nervous Charlie’s will whip up bagels with brisket, fried eggs, and cheese. It started on Wednesday, April 7 and runs through Sunday, April 10. To go orders can be placed online for Stiles Switch and Nervous Charlie’s; both are open for dine-in services.

Baked Goods Arts Recreations Contest
Blanton Museum of Art’s edible art competition — where people can create baked renditions of artwork in the museum — begins today, Friday, April 9. Photo entries for the Blanton Bake-Off are being accepted through email at pr@blantonmuseum.org or Instagram/Facebook posts with the hashtag BlantonBakeOff in the professional and amateur categories. The deadline is Sunday, May 16 at 11:59 p.m. Public voting will begin on Monday, May 17 through the museum’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. Winners are announced on Wednesday, May 19, with prizes such as family membership packages as well as gift cards to local restaurants such as Sour Duck Market and Quack’s bakery. Last year’s winners included a sugar cookie recreation of Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin and a chocolate chip cookie version of Simone dei Crocifissi’s Triptych.

Food TV
Austin shop Lick Honest Ice Creams was featured on Drew Barrymore’s talk show in late March.

Taco Expansion
Rapidly growing Austin-born chain Torchy’s Tacos is opening its overall 86th location in Southpark Meadows this upcoming fall. It’ll be found at 8601 South Congress Avenue, joining that new H-E-B and the forthcoming double-drive thru from fellow Austin fast-casual chain P. Terry’s (set to open in 2022).