Some new dining options opened in far Northwest Austin while others have closed their doors permanently. Here are some of the latest updates from the region. 

Now open
Shallots Indian Cuisine: The restaurant serves classic Indian breakfast dishes such as dosas and idli, meat, seafood and rice dishes, and naan bread. Also on the menu are street snacks such as samosas, pakoras and Mumbai burgers, and drinks such as mango lassi and masala chai. The restaurant also has a dessert menu, and vegetarian options are also available.

• Opened in November
• 12221 Riata Trace Parkway, Ste. 190, Austin

From new dining hotspots to places to get a workout, there's no shortage of new places now open or coming soon in Leander and Cedar Park.

Now open
The Baked Crust Pizza and Taproom
The Baked Crust offers stone-fired pizzas ranging from classics, such as pepperoni, Hawaiian and supreme pizzas, to more eclectic flavors, such as tandoori chicken, chili paneer and truffle mushroom. In addition to pizza, the restaurant offers salads, sliders, wings and a variety of sides. The location also features a full bar stocked with wine, specialty cocktails and a large selection of draft beers.

• Opened Oct. 2
• 14105 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 304, Leander

Travis County Chief Fire Marshal Gary Howell lifted the burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Travis County on Nov. 25.

The ban had been in place since September due to the excessive temperatures and dry conditions that hit Central Texas this summer.

After an exceptionally dry start to the fall, conditions have improved recently with rain and adequate humidity levels, lowering the immediate wildfire risk throughout the county, a news release states.

Also of note: Even with outdoor burning now allowed, residents are advised to remain careful and aware of potential fire dangers. Officials urge residents to keep water nearby in case a fire spreads and call 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control.

Travis County residents can receive text alerts about burn ban status by texting TCBURNBAN to 888777.

Check out these Austin-area holiday events, featuring an array of activities for the whole family. Community members can shop from local businesses at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, decorate holiday cookies, sit in on festive storytimes, watch various light shows and more. 

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
The show based on the “Peanuts” special will feature a pay-what-you-wish weekend, markets and an ASL night.

• Nov. 7-Dec. 28, showtimes vary by date
• $21-$31
• 1421 W. Riverside Drive, Austin