House of Chettinad is now serving customers in Leander after holding its soft opening Dec. 4, said spokesperson Sharan Nagesh. The new restaurant’s food is inspired by the stories and recipes of Chettiar merchants, who drew inspiration from the cuisine of Burma, Ceylon, Vietnam and Malaysia, according to the restaurant's website. 

On the menu: The soft opening menu features dishes from executive chef Mahendran Gunasekaran. Specialties include Kaatu Kaalan Kalavai Thokku which is wilted and roasted foraged mushrooms with onion and spices served with rice. 

One more thing: The menu also includes biriyani, curry, grilled meats, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, House of Chettinad serves gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.

What’s next: Owners Sruthi Pallipatu and Maithri Ramakrishna are planning to host a grand opening in January. 

• Soft opened Dec. 4
• 15241 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 114, Leander  
  

Cedar Park’s newest liquor store, Cedar Reserve, will be holding a soft opening this weekend at its location on West Parmer Lane. The store will offer a wide range of liquors, wines and craft beers.

The details: Cedar Reserve is owned by Portland, Oregon, native Jiten Patel. Patel said he wants the Cedar Reserve to provide a high-end experience for the community.

Patel said he is aiming for a soft opening Dec. 5, with a grand opening to follow on Dec. 15.

• Soft opening Dec. 5
• 12301 W. Parmer Lane, Bldg. 2, Ste. 201, Cedar Park
• No website or phone number available yet

A dozen new Texas laws are scheduled to take effect Dec. 4. The new laws come 90 days after the end of a special legislative session that took place this summer.

The overview: Some of the bills becoming law Dec. 4 include:

• House Bill 8, which will replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, with three shorter exams beginning in fall 2027
• House Bill 18, which is designed to deter future legislators from leaving the Texas Capitol to prevent a legislative chamber from considering legislation, known as breaking quorum
• Senate Bill 54, which will roll back a short-lived rule that allowed registered Texas voters who moved within a county to update their address at the polls and immediately vote in their new precinct