Local Tex-Mex Institution Trudy’s Owes $130,000 in Taxes

Trouble Brewing at Trudy’s?
Chronicle writer Kevin Curtin added to the concerns that Tex Mex restaurant Trudy’s is reportedly having financial troubles. Curtin alleged that the restaurant was out of draft beer and several menu items on his visit, and he witnessed an argument between two employees, ostensibly over pay. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts told the Chronicle that Trudy’s currently owes them $130,000 (though Curtin noted this is not an “exorbitant sum” for a restaurant with multiple locations). He was unable to confirm a rumored debt to massive food distributors Sysco. Trudy’s has three Austin locations and owns South Congress Cafe.

Chef Change at She’s Not Here
Tropical downtown restaurant She’s Not Here is getting a new chef and a new menu, as reported by Austin360. Laura Bayer, who previously owned Vietnamese restaurant Lulu B’s before it closed in 2016, is joining the team, and shifting the menu away from sushi and towards dishes like bánh mì and vermicelli bowls. Page Pressley, of Emmer & Rye and most recently Swedish Hill, is also joining the restaurant as an advisor.

Cajun Gumbo Pop-Up’s 10-Year Anniversary
Tamale House East will host RL Reeves Jr aka The Scrumptious Chef this Sunday, January 19th for a gumbo dinner. This is the 10th year of the pop-up, which started when Reeves was one of the first food bloggers in Austin. Reeves will serve dishes like gumbo, fried catfish, and bananas foster, while Tamale House will provide cocktails. Tickets are $5 and go towards the purchase of food.