1. Valentino's Pizza, Pasta and Wings opened in mid-January at 8863 Anderson Road, Ste. 101, Austin. The locally owned pizza joint is currently open for carryout and delivery orders, featuring specialty pizzas, subs and pasta dishes with vegetarian options. 512-551-2690. www.valentinospizzalove.com
2. A new Mediterranean restaurant opened in the Four Points region Feb. 1. Lazeez Mediterranean Cafe at 6812 N. RM 620, Austin, serves a variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu items, including hummus, grilled Mashawi barbecue and more. 512-215-9356. www.lazeezaustin.com
3. Picolé on Feb. 27 held a grand opening for its first Austin location at 11501 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 156, Austin. The confectionary store sells picoles—gourmet Brazilian frozen popsicles—made with an assortment of fillings ranging from fruit to tequila. www.picolepop.com
4. Local restaurant chain One Taco on Feb. 10 celebrated the opening of its new location at 12233 N. RM 620, Bldg. C, Austin, in the Anderson Mill area. One Taco serves breakfast and lunch tacos and sells fresh, handmade tortillas by the dozen. www.onetaco.com
5. Guy Fieri, national restaurateur and Food Network icon, this winter opened a location of Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen at 3612 Tudor Blvd., Austin, near the Gateway Center. The restaurant operates out of a ghost kitchen space and serves food to go, including burgers, wings, salads and appetizers such as cheesesteak egg rolls. www.guysflavortownkitchen.com
6. Husband-wife duo Franco and Hillary Coniglione began a business venture Jan. 5 in the West Austin area to provide a safe, fun experience for families and friends amid the coronavirus pandemic. Bluebonnet Picnic Co. creates luxury, pop-up picnic experiences for various events, such as Valentine’s Day, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, engagements and more. Bluebonnet Picnic Co. serves the Lakeway, Spicewood, Bee Cave, Westlake, Dripping Springs and West Austin areas. 508-340-3356. www.bluebonnetpicnic.com
Coming soon
7. Round Rock eatery Sabor Colombia is opening a new kitchen at 13201 N. RM 620, Austin. The restaurant and bakery serves authentic Colombian fare such as arepas, picada and sancocho de cola—an oxtail stew with plantain and yucca. www.saborcolombia512.com
