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Stortini shutters doors; Red House still open

By Addie Broyles | Friday, November 7, 2008, 10:15 AM

Stortini, the Italian restaurant on Manor Road operated by the owners of El Chile, has closed its doors in favor of focusing on the pizza-and-drinks Red House Lounge, which is housed in the back lounge of the former barbecue joint, and the new El Chilito on South Congress that opened late last month.

With Café 909 announcing its move to Houston yesterday, it looks more and more that the economy is hitting Central Texas restaurants hard.

Some good news, though. Russell’s Bistro at Jefferson Square, the second location of Russell’s Bakery and Coffee Bar (3339 Hancock Dr.), will open in the old Vin Bistro location on Kerbey Lane sometime in December, says owner Russell Millner.

Russell, whose original location is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, says he wants to introduce Sunday morning brunch and eventually a full-service dinner menu at the new location.

Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: Eating out

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By David Sundstrom

November 7, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Well that bites. Or no more bites. I loved Stortini. I was casual, comfortable, really captured the feel of old Austin for which I moved here so long ago… I suspected the half price lunch specials were the beginning of the end, and I ate there whenever I could. I will miss Stortini, it was one of the few places serving good gnocci in town and the prices were great.

That said, El Chili/El Chilito are excellent as well, and I’m glad to see the new one in my side of the hood. Best luck guys.

By Jerry

November 7, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Storini is the second restaurant the owners have closed at that location. The first being El Gringo, which was open about 2 years ago.

By mindy

November 12, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I must admit: I’m kind of pleased. (Sorry, Stortini fans!) I was really disappointed by Stortini, and haven’t been back after my first visit or two.

The new Russell’s bistro sounds intriguing; I just moved north central and will definitely add it to the list.

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