Konbini, a new sushi spot, opened inside the Papercut cocktail bar in East Austin in mid November.

What’s on the menu: The restaurant serves nigiri, sashimi and crudos featuring a variety of protein options, including wagyu, madai, maguro zuke and kanpachi.

Konbini’s menu is inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine alongside flavors from Texas and Mexico. Menu options will rotate frequently depending on the season and regional flavors, according to Konbini information.

The business serves cocktails and infused highballs developed by Papercut bartenders. Japanese liquors Awamori, Shochu and whisky are also available alongside a curated sake list.

The backstory: The team behind Papercut opened the new sushi concept in collaboration with chefs Danielle Martinez and Michael Carranza of Tare, a Michelin-recognized restaurant in North Austin.

Papercut is a craft cocktail bar that serves drinks paying homage to artwork and artists featured in its contemporary art gallery.

• 908 E. Fifth St., Ste. 107, Austin

Looking for volunteer opportunities in Central Austin? Check out our list of 26 nonprofits looking for volunteers or donations this season.

Central Texas Food Bank
The hunger-relief nonprofit works to provide access to nutritious food for individuals throughout its 21-county service area.

• Sample activities: preparing afterschool meals, sorting products in the warehouse and harvesting produce in the garden, assisting with one of 40 mobile pantry distributions
• Donations accepted: monetary gifts, food donations
• 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin

• Sample activities: planning an event or program, dropping off donations, helping celebrate CARY graduations, supporting service learning projects and field trips
• Donations accepted: monetary gifts, sponsorships
• 3710 Cedar Street, Box 23, Austin

Prototype Vintage, also found off South Congress Avenue, will soon be offering vintage clothing and accessories in Austin’s North Loop neighborhood.

Staying local: The upcoming opening of the shop’s second location also marks 20 years for the business, co-owned by local best friends Audrie San Miguel and Emily Larson.

The new location is opening in what was Neu Appliances and will be alongside other local businesses offering vintage including Blue Velvet and Room Service Vintage. San Miguel acquired Room Service in the summer, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The grand opening: Prototype will open Dec. 6 and celebrate with an opening party. Austinites can enjoy a DJ, drinks, treats, prizes and more the day the new store opens.

What they're saying: “We’re so excited to branch out to the legendary North Loop strip,” San Miguel said in a news release. “We’re honored to be among other legacy Austin businesses and we will fight to keep the independent vibe of the neighborhood strong."

• 123 E. North Loop Blvd., Austin

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.

Heart Hospital of Austin is aiming to provide preventative health care to a growing number of working professionals in Central Texas.

What happened: Officials with the St. David’s cardiovascular hospital celebrated the opening of an expanded clinic for its Executive Wellness program at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 17.

In their own words: “Our Executive Wellness program is designed for the busy professional who wants to prioritize their health without disrupting their schedules,” said Brett Matens, Heart Hospital of Austin CEO.

How it works: Through the Executive Wellness program, patients may receive a comprehensive health analysis in one day by undergoing a series of tests and examinations. Many patients visit the Executive Wellness clinic as a benefit offered through their employers, Matens said. 

The impact: The $1.6 million expansion has doubled the program’s capacity to serve patients, now seeing up to six patients in a day and up to 120 patients in one month, Heart Hospital of Austin Director Cara Rivas said.