Food-o-File

Paggi House (Photo by John Anderson)

One of the most embarrassing things that can happen in this job is making a mistake when writing about a new business I really admire. So, in the off-with-my-head department, please note that the phone number at Whisk (4238 Bee Caves Rd., www.whiskaustin.com) is 329-6405. Sincere apologies to Whisk proprietor Linda Waller, who reports that plenty of new people found her via the Web despite my screwup, which is a relief... The most recent power player in Austin's hip Japanese sushi bar scene is Kenobi (10000 Research Ste. 138-A, 241-0119, www.kenobiaustin.com). The chic interiors are the work of überhot local designers Joel Mozer­sky and Michael Hsu, and the kitchen is in the capable hands of owner and Executive Chef John Park. The best way to experience Kenobi is to drop in for happy hour (weekdays from 4 to 7pm and all day Sundays) for $5 appetizers and rolls and $1 off all drinks or to check out Tini-Tuesdays where all of Kenobi's sophisticated signature martinis are $5 each from 4pm to closing... You've still got a couple of weeks to stop by Quack's 43rd Street Bakery (411 E. 43rd, 453-3399) to cast your vote for presidential candidates Barack Obama or John McCain by buying decorated sugar cookies ($1.50 each) in the shape of the letters "O" or "M." You may recall that the cookie vote during the primaries successfully picked Sen. Obama as the Democratic nominee... The fine-dining restaurant in one of Austin's most historic homes is open once again. Paggi House (200 Lee Barton Dr., 473-3700, www.paggihouse.com), an 1840s plantation house overlooking Lady Bird Lake, reopened last week after extensive remodeling. The charming hilltop cottage is now surrounded by comfortable patios and decks, and we're assured that the once-tiny kitchen has been greatly expanded. Operating partners Tori and Tom Tinnon are promoting the new Paggi House as a Downtown destination for sophisticated lounging, expert service, and the enjoyment of Executive Chef Shane Stark's eclectic interpretation of American regional cuisine. The restaurant is open for drinks and dinner Tuesday through Saturday evenings.