Spring is springing, and so are several great new finds around town. Construction activity has been spotted around the ‘hood in the old Giada Rocca space on West 6th Street, and a new liquor license request popped up in the window… with the applicant being Woody’s Bar (704 W. 6th St.).

Torchy’s Tacos (520 W. 6th St., 789-2063) parked their airstream on Little Woodrow’s lot as a follow-up to their South Austin location, and from what I hear, the tacos are “damn good.” They’re open at times when Little Woodrow’s is not, and on many a Sunday morning I’ve seen people enjoying their breakfast tacos on the picnic tables out on Woodrow’s patio as I’m coming home from a run. Hungry for more taco news? A new spot in the old Cafe Caprice site called Chuco’s Tacos (900 W. 10th St., 476-8226) brings a taste of El Paso to Austin.

Also new in the neighborhood is Emerald City Press (915 N. Lamar Blvd., 970-3100), located in the old Ritz Camera space. It will have coffee, flowers, and international news, with walk-up, drive-through, and delivery service. They had not yet opened at press time, but they have a website and a banner outside.

A friend and I recently stopped by Amsterdam Cafe (121 W. 8th St., 236-1606) after work for a quick drink. My friend concurred that, true to its name, it was indeed very reminiscent of the coffee bars in the city of Amsterdam. They have coffee, a full bar, and a light menu that includes desserts.

Some not-so-usual food and beverage pairing dinners are happening around town, including one at the Peacock Lounge (515 Pedernales St., 276-8979) on the East side. Alongside Cissi’s Market (1400 S.  Congress Ave., 225-0521), they’re hosting a cocktail and food pairing dinner on the second Tuesday of the month called Cuisine De Cocktail, a four-course prix fixe menu paired with cocktails. On the same note of good eats with fine drinks is Vino Vino’s (4119 Guadalupe St., 465-9282) Paella Sunday at 7 p.m. every Sunday night for $15. Even though it’s not a food and wine pairing menu, you’re welcomed to create your own combinations because all of the bottles they sell in their retail section are available for purchase without a corkage fee.

Ya gotta love a good deal, and you can’t spell “bargain” without “bar.” Castle Hill Cafe (1101 W. 5th St., 476-0728) has opened a full bar with half-off appetizers during happy hour Monday through Saturday from 5–7 p.m. Also along the bargain lines, Jo’s Hot Coffee and Good Food (242 W. 2nd St., 469-9003) in the 2nd Street District has started happy hour Monday through Friday on beer and wine. Not a bad way to unwind as you wait for some of that dreadful downtown traffic to clear for your commute home.

“Austin’s living room,” the Lobby Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Austin (98 San Jacinto Blvd., 478-4500), has gone local with their Local Salute menu. Five specialty drinks, created by bartender Leslie Coyle and made with local liquors, are on the menu currently and will stay throughout spring. Austin Coffee Limits is made with Paula’s Texas Orange Liqueur, espresso, chocolate, and whipped cream; Barton Springs has Tito’s Vodka, fresh sage, Drambuie, and orange and lemon juice; Texas Love Song contains Savvy Vodka, crème de cacao, and vanilla syrup; Hill Country Blues is made with Dripping Springs Vodka and Blue Curacao; and Texas Tornado has Treaty Oaks Rum, mango purée, and fresh lime juice.

Other news at the Hotel includes the resignation of pastry chef Judy Marts. Marts has gone on to open The Cookie Jar in Wimberley (13710 Ranch Road 12, 847-3660). Count on the Four Seasons to leave you in good hands with new executive pastry chef Naomi Gallego. Gallego has created new dessert confections including the Trio of Dark Chocolate, the Trio of Pears, and the Apple Finacier. These and other new desserts can be found on the menu at the Hotel’s new restaurant, TRIO (98 San Jacinto Blvd., 685-8300).

Until next time, keep it local, make me proud, and as always, send in your local chow news to nicole@eatanddrinkaustin.com.