Austin Restaurants Ramp Up After Adler Ruling

Prior to Mayor Adler’s Tuesday morning ruling limiting restaurants to takeout and curbside service, many popular downtown and area eateries were substantially ahead of the curve. Downtown steak and seafood house III Forks had already begun delivering to specific locations and was preparing a gracious curbside service program emphasizing the cleanliness, safety, and quality to which their customers have become accustomed.

I like this idea, but I would also hope that customers will tip generously. Chinatown Westlake is doing much the same, focusing on deliveries (which they already typically do on a regular basis).

The Texican Café, with locations in Manchaca, Brodie Oaks, Lakeline, and Kyle has been prepared. Owner Mourad Belkacem said “We have a bond with our next customers which we will not break. We will do whatever is necessary, not compromising on our foods and focusing on those that travel well.”

Still, while it is uplifting to see restaurants rushing in to fill the breach in the circuitous wall that encircles this tightly knit community, there will be much pain and heartache to come as employees are laid off, stores are closed, and revenue producing events are cancelled. The entire fabric of Austin’s cultural solvent will be ripped apart.

But that is the unfortunate byproduct of this unfathomable virus. Social distancing is imperative to contain it. And many restaurants and bars will pay the price.

But for those who are still endeavoring to fight, my heart goes out to them.

So when you stop at III Forks for curbside service, lavishly tip your server. When PoK-e Jo’s delivers an order of pork ribs to your house, dig deep and reward the delivery guy. His livelihood may depend on it. The same goes for all the local restaurants who, against all odds, will endeavor to keep this community fed!