Frisco Insider - Restaurants + Austin + More

Howdy, Frisco.

I hope everyone’s hanging in there this week. One minute we’re at 75 and sunny, the next minute the forecast says “thunderstorms” four days in a row like it’s a personality trait. If you haven’t secured your patio cushions yet….this is your sign.

We’ve got food wins for North Texas, heavy headlines out of Austin, primary season officially kicking off, and some movement in the Dallas arena saga. Let’s jump in.

🍽️ 4 North Texas Restaurants Make Texas Monthly’s Best New List

North Texas showed out this year, four restaurants landed on Texas Monthly’s Best New Restaurants list. Three in Dallas, one in Paris (yes, we’re claiming it).

Here’s who made the cut:

BonFire (Paris, TX) – A French restaurant in Northeast Texas serving steak frites, bouillabaisse, and seasonal seafood with a Texas touch. Reviewers praised the atmosphere and the red snapper, calling it one of the best date night spots in the region.

Rainbowcat (Dallas) – Chef Misti Norris is back, and this time she’s having fun. Think Philly cheesesteak corn dogs, porchetta McMuffins, and elevated “junk food” served late-night inside Saint Valentine bar. It’s playful, weird (in a good way), and open until 1 a.m. most nights.

Mamani (Dallas) – Already a Michelin-star winner, Mamani blends French, Italian, and Persian influences. Standouts include veal tonnato and a whole-duck preparation that’s quickly becoming iconic. Elegant interior. Big flavors. Reservation recommended.

Sushi Kozy (Dallas Arts District) – A modern omakase experience led by Paul Ko (formerly of Uchi Dallas). The menu balances playful bites, like curry fritters, with extremely traditional, precision crafted nigiri. Serious sushi without the serious attitude.

Translation: If you needed an excuse to “accidentally” spend too much on dinner this month… here it is.

An Auto-Care Service Within Frisco

Your car deserves premium care, and your schedule deserves convenience. Since 2004, Fifth Gear Automotive has delivered expert repair and maintenance for European, import, domestic, and electric vehicles. Our ASE-Certified technicians are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, ensuring peace of mind. We combine dealership-level expertise with the personalized service and fair pricing of an independent shop. From no cost pick-up and delivery to easy online scheduling and digital inspections sent straight to your phone, we make car care effortless. You can review, approve, and prioritize recommended repairs with complete transparency, no pressure, no surprises. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team has built its reputation on honesty, precision, and exceptional customer service

Your time is valuable, and we make sure servicing your car is straightforward, trustworthy, and stressless from beginning to end – Book your appointment today.

🚨 Austin Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 13 Injured

A gunman opened fire outside a bar in Austin’s West Sixth Street district early Sunday morning, killing three people and injuring 13 others.

Police say the suspect drove an SUV around the block before firing from the vehicle, then exited and continued shooting with a rifle. Officers responded within minutes and fatally shot the gunman at the scene.

Authorities identified the victims as 30 year old Jorge Pederson, 21 year old Saditha Shan, and 19 year old Ryder Harrington, a Texas Tech student. Three injured victims remain in critical condition.

Investigators have not confirmed a motive but are examining possible terrorism indicators. More details, including body camera footage, are expected to be released soon.

It’s a heavy reminder that even vibrant entertainment districts can turn tragic in moments.

🗳️ 2026 Primary Season Is Officially Underway

Texas kicked off primary voting this week, launching what will be an eight month marathon to November’s midterms.

On the Republican side, Senator John Cornyn faces a tough challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico are battling in a closely watched race.

If no candidate clears 50%, expect runoffs.

Translation: The yard signs? They’re just getting started.

🏀 Mavericks Arena Plans Still Up in the Air

Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts says there is no deal, no leverage, and no project tied to the ongoing City Hall debate, at least not yet.

The team’s lease at the American Airlines Center ends in 2031, and ownership wants clarity on a new arena site starting this summer. But Welts emphasized that the next move belongs to the city.

He also shut down speculation about gambling, stating there are “absolutely no plans” for a casino component in future arena discussions.

For now? The dominoes are still standing.

❤️ Friday Night Date Night | No Cost

📍 March 6 | 7–9 PM | Kaleidoscope Park

Every first Friday now, Kaleidoscope Park turns into date night central. Expect lawn games, music, craft activities, and BYOB vibes.

You can even submit your favorite love song to be added to the March 6 playlist (email [email protected]).

Details: Here

Veterans & Family Meetup | No Cost

📍 March 6 | 6–8 PM | Frisco Kava Bar (Preston Rd.)

A relaxed, alcohol free gathering designed for veterans and their families.

Expect wellness discussions, karaoke (yes, karaoke), kava mocktail tastings, light games, and a supportive environment focused on connection and community.

Details: Here

🐶 Winds and Wagging Tails | Ticketed

📍 March 7 | 3 PM | Frisco Discovery Center

A pet themed musical adventure performed by a woodwind quintet.

From Cruella de Vil to Lady and the Tramp, kids will learn about instruments while enjoying animal-inspired tunes. Perfect for families with younger kids who love music (and dogs).

Details: Here

🎷 McKinney Jazz Showcase | No Cost

📍 March 7 | 4–7 PM | TUPPS Brewery, McKinney

Live jazz on the CUTX Outdoor Stage featuring McKinney Dance Band, Texins Jazz Band, and Ashton Weigel & the Latin Jazz Syndicate.

Food, drinks, lawn vibes, and the Small Business Silos grand opening happening at the same time. Bring a blanket or chair. Family friendly.

Details: Here

✨ Anomalía Beauty Society Grand Opening | No Cost

📍 March 8 | 5–9 PM | Downtown Plano (1008 E 15th St)

New luxury salon opening with:

• Complimentary birria tacos (first 50 guests)

• Margaritas (first 50 guests)

• Giveaways

• Mini tattoos (limited availability)

Dress up. Bring friends. It’s giving grand opening energy.

Details: Here