By KIM ESTES, LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The owners of District Kitchen + Cocktails in Austin’s Circle C neighborhood opened their latest restaurant concept, Oasthouse Gastropub, in the Trails at 620.

“My brother and I have been eager to start a new concept together,” said Amir Hajimaleki, executive chef/owner.  

He and his brother, Ali, began working in the restaurant industry 12 years ago. As a chef, Amir wanted to prepare thoughtful, seasonal menus in areas of Austin that he thought were underserved. Ali, with a background in restaurant operations, worked with Amir to create District Kitchen in 2013.

Oasthouse Gastropub is named for “oast house,” a building designed for drying hops as part of the brewing process. The structures can be seen in parts of Europe.
Photo by Lynette Haaland

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By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Vandegrift, Vista Ridge and Leander high schools will each move up to class 6A for the upcoming 2016-17 school year based on the recently-released and highly-anticipated reclassification and realignment numbers by the University Interscholastic League.

The UIL realigns every two years based on school enrollment numbers. Only the largest high schools in the state, with an enrollment of 2,150 and above, are ranked 6A. VHS’s enrollment is 2,255. A school’s class determines which teams it will compete against in both athletic and fine arts competitions. Continue reading →

courtesy photo

By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

With the help of recent rains, Lake Travis has risen from below 35 percent to 88 percent full so far this year, but officials are slow to say the drought it over.

“The forecast says El Niño will continue to have a rainy impact on our weather pattern this fall and winter, and we are hopeful we may be finally be seeing the end of this drought,” said Clara Tuma, LCRA spokesperson. Continue reading →