The Vitals:
the spot:CM Smokehouse two locations in Austin TX
the eats: Brisket Crunchwrap + Elk Smashed burger
the bucks: $17 and $22 respectively
the full nelson: Texas BBQ meets Chef driven munchies and a lot of tempting burgers
CM Smokehouse has been stirring the pot of Austin's BBQ scene nearly three years now and it's because they are bit of a disrupter. I heard stories about their Wednesday burger specials and the infamous Brisket crunchwrap at their original location in South Austin. But I have been dragging my heels on going which isn't surprising as the barbecue scene in Austin, and really statewide has become saturated. At least that's what Daniel Vaughn of Texas Monthly recently reported.
Well, that all ended a couple weeks ago. I finally made it out to CM Smokehouse and brought along Chef Andy Knudson with me. We hit up the location in North Austin, which like the one in South Austin is part of Bouldin Acres that smartly merge food, adult beverages, pickleball and a playground for the kiddos. It's a Sunday Funday for all ages. This kind of spirit is part drew me to Austin when my family moved here with a three year old in tow. Now about that food.
Brisket freaking Crunchwrap
I haven't eaten at a Taco Bell since high school and I can't remember if they even had the crunchwrap on the menu back then. So let's just say I have never had one and now it looks like I never will. The size and weight of a small deep dish pizza, the brisket crunchwrap is easily shareable for two people which frankly helps soften the $17 pricetag. To be fair about the price . . . you're asking for it if you want this bad boy stuffed with brisket. And it's worth it.
On the comments on the Instagram post apparently there is another one being served somewhere in Houston. Even still, this is a find at at bbq joint or Chef driven Taco Bell pop up. The latter is not a thing but it sounds cool. So does an Elk Smashed Burger.
I think I just ate Bullwinkle. Or was it Rocky?
God I hope someone remembers Rocky and Bullwinkle. Even though the show came out 18 years before I was born and I'm confusing a Moose with an Elk, it still lands for me. I've always been up for eating game. The difference between me and say Chef Cade Mercer is that he is up for hunting game. He is a real Texan after all.
The Elk isn't from Texas though. It's actually from New Zealand and it is farm raised. Being a lean protein and because of some weird laws, the ground elk also has beef fat in it. I guess there are some laws I can live with. Priced at $22(with a side), the Elk burger is exotic and expensive but I think you should try it if you're serious about burgers like me or Cade.
On the thick side of a smashed burger, the gamey funk is noticeable and a refreshing change. The bun is brioche and is the same one used at Loro Smokehouse. The Thousand Island dressing is spiked with beef tallow, but don't think this burger gets too pretentious. Klausen pickles and American cheese bring in all the classic burger feels. A side is included and I tried the fried cauliflower which was pretty darn decadent.
A challenge to the Texas Trinity?
Look I love the sight of a classic Texas BBQ platter but its pricey and the meatsweats will burn you out. Something like this platter at CM Smokehouse makes sense if, like me, you have been surrounded by plenty of barbecue and need a little change. Or maybe you just want to eat an Elk burger or wonder if Taco Bell could be . . . you know, like awesome?
My plan is to try the other burgers on the menu which for what it's worth aren't all smashed. But if I bring a friend, which is a wise move here, I'm absolutely getting that Crunchwrap. That is a legendary Austin eat.
The Vitals:
the spot:Patty Palace 439 Industrial Blvd, Austin, TX 78745
the eats: Smashed Burgers
the bucks: $9-$11
the full nelson: Simplicity and Perfection smashed between a potato bun
The name "Patty Palace" sounds like some kind of random burger chain you drive past on a road trip that, well, might not be very good. The logo isn't exactly assuring either. It seems like a character from McDonald's playland but . . . kinda twisted, like a fever dream hallucination of one of Ronald's friends.
Folks these are the brilliant overtures of chef Dillon Misonznick who isn't trying to BS his burger onto a crowded playing field. He is using humor as the only extra condiment on an Austin smashed burger concept that best understands the genre. It's deceptively simple, very well executed and should be on your burger list of 2023.
Seriously look at the prices
It's fair to say when it comes to dining out in Austin TX, prices are becoming comparable to NYC and LA. That makes the prices at Patty Palace all the more impressive. The best burger deal I've found in 2023 was at 7th Street Burger in NYC where a double cheeseburger cost me a mere $9.50. Patty Palace charged $11 but the burger was also its superior by a noticeable margin.
Burger breakdown
Two 3oz patties of 75/25 meat to fat ratio of Texas beef bring in some bang for your burger buck at these prices. Deli style Kosher dill pickles, extra Sharp American cheese, grilled onions, yellow mustard and a tangy burger sauce that Chef Dillon Misonznick call's "Big Mac sauce worship" combine to create an instantly familiar and very repeatable burger flavor profile experience. This burger has an appeal that could rival the Dwayne The Rock Johnson.
A lot of R&D went into the final product.
Chef Dillon Misonznick tried 10 different pickles before landing on the Deli style Kosher dill. The grilled onions are pressed into the burger patty resulting in a mix of grilled and steamed onion bits. And perhaps most important was sizing up the patty to the pressure of the smash. "We ended up on a medium smash" Dillon tells me as I bite down on a juicy smashed burger patty that also has the coveted laced edge. That's where the edges of a smashed burger patty caramelize and become a "beef candy" as Burger Scholar George Motz puts it.
Coming soon: a Frita Burger
Frita burgers are a staple in Miami where Cuban immigrants crafted their interpretation of the All American classic. Chorizo is mixed with a beef patty and is topped with julienned fried potatoes. I've had a few over the years, at an iconic Miami spot and on Cheap Eats. This might seem bold but I think the version at Patty Palace might be the best I have had. I'd certainly take anybody from the 305 to try it out and give me their honest take. This one will be available in the coming weeks.
And if you're craving breakfast: stay tuned
Patty Palace offers a breakfast sandwich inspired by the East Coast staple of a Peppers and Eggs sandwich. This sandwich featured a double smash sausage patty, cheese folded egg as well as peppers and onions. Yes, I really pushed my statin on this visit. Like the Frita burger, this will be on the menu in the coming weeks.
So, like . . . go
Patty Palace is a gem. It's cheap and stays true to spirit of what a smashed burger should be. Oh and it's at a brewery. Yeah . . . this is the kind of spot that you realize is responsible for that extra 5-10 pounds you're doctor brings up at the annual physical. Well Christmas is around the corner and maybe it's time to add those jeggings to your Amazon wishlist.
Austin Food & Wine Festival 2023 recap
For the third year in a row I have been fortunate to attend the Austin Food and Wine Festival. Like every year, the weather has finally cooled down and the wine certainly did flow. Like a pro, I showed up early(yes having a media pass helps) and hit the vendors hard. These are a but a few of my favs from the weekend.
2M smokehouse has been on my bbq wishlist since since 2016. The fact that it is located in San Antonio might be reason why I haven't been but that might finally change in 2023 after finally trying their food. I had a few tacos during the Austin Food and Wine Festival but none slapped as hard as these skirt steak tacos. Also skirt steak tacos rule.
Back in 2017, my Cooking Channel series Cheap Eats, visited Nashville and you best believe we dipped into some serious Nashville Hot Chicken. While I still haven't been to Prince's, I was quite happy to scratch Hattie B's off the Hot Chicken Bucket list. Apparently this was entry level hot and I handled it well . . . just ask TikTok. PS - they are opening a location in Austin per Eater.
I've not spent much time in Waco but that doesn't mean the scene hasn't been drawing my attention. After trying these wild boar meatballs from Milo, I think I know where my first stop is going to be. Also they apparently do one mean chef driven burger which is always on my radar. If there burger game is anything like their meatball game I think I might already be a fan.
In an event like Austin Food and Wine, choosing a drink that can pair with a variety of foods is certainly a wise move. Champagne is often the suggestion of a sommelier and if you ask for a bargain version of Champagne . . . here comes the Cava. Spain's answer to sparkling wine is equally delicious, affordable and a move I leaned on quite a bit at the festival.
East Side King has been Austin food staple ever since it's food truck days parked at a bar on the east side of Austin. Paul Qui, the culinary driving force and at times lighting rod for controversy has endured because of his formidable cooking skills. They couldn't keep the boats on the table long enough before people like me dipped in for seconds and thirds. The roti was spot on too.
Another entry from San Antonio graced the live fire cooking arena: Sari Sari Supper Club. While I loved the steak taco from 2M Smokehouse, Sari Sari apparently had a lechon worth waiting a long line for. I missed the lechon but I was able to sneak in and grab these pork skewers which were quite tasty. I do wish I would have scored a little lechon too. Looks like I have another reason to go back San Antonio.
Last year I tried Sazan, Daiboku's sister ramen restaurant, and walked away with a ramen joint worthy of a date night thanks to their bar which serves well priced Japanese Whisky. Now I have not been to Daikoku but if they have this Pork Belly Ssam on the menu, I might ditch Sazan all together. This was my favorite bite at Austin Food and Wine Festival along with the chili crab from East Side King.
Yup, I just dropped my fav bites. Every year the line up changes at Austin Food and Wine and while these bites were truly a cut above, I still look forward to what's on deck for 2024. Maybe I'll see you there.
The Barbados Food and Rum Festival is what brought me to the little island in the Caribbean and while the events were loaded with a taste of Bajan cuisine I had to explore Barbados on my own. Turns out I didn't have to go far. In fact sometimes I didn't even have to leave the hotel . . . .
The Vitals:
the spot:Savannah Beach Hotel Hastings Main Rd, Bridgetown, Barbados
the eats: all inclusive hotel
the bucks: n/a
the full nelson: for an all inclusive you're in really good hands
I've stayed at a number of all inclusive hotels in Mexico where the food has ranged from decent to abysmal. At the end of the day one tires of the monotony of the same kitchen regardless of the variety. I had measured expectations when I ate at Savannah Beach club but as the week went on, I became more impressed.
The breakfast was OK, I tended to go light but the egg station was always a must. Most of the time I was out and about during lunch but one day I caught this decent little sushi and cold seafood spread. It hit the spot. I think it's fair to say not every sushi has to be some coveted omakase experience to scratch the itch and this spread certainly did that. Not pictured sadly are the curries which were SPOT ON. Honestly some of the best curries I have had in years were at Savannah Beach Club.
The Vitals:
the spot:Blush Cafe Highway 7, Bridgetown, Barbados
the eats: a breakfast cafe and coffee bar
the bucks: $$$
the full nelson: in a word overpriced
Blush Cafe was clearly designed for the age of Instagram. I can't argue that the barista artwork wasn't impressive but this cafe is simply overpriced. Walking distance from the hotel I stayed at, I gave this place a go on my last day. I ordered the full English breakfast which was a first for me. Twitter chimed in to say I was missing the blood sausage but I was happy to at least attempt trying this breakfast icon. I think I dropped like $25 for this and the coffee. The food was merely OK and it took the kitchen 45 minutes to bring my food. At least it looks pretty.
The Vitals:
the spot:Chefette multiple locations in Barbados
the eats: a Barbados fast food chain
the bucks: $ Cheap Eats $
the full nelson: Rihanna's fav restaurant? That's the rumor
Sometimes ya gotta get down and dirty when it comes to late night eats and that means fast food. I don't often eat fast food but I do make exceptions here and there. Chefette came highly recommended by my pals from the Caribbean and I had to give it a try, I mean when in Barbados right?
Fried chicken is what you want to focus on and it ain't that bad given the hour I was eating. It was not unlike getting fried chicken from a Konbini store in Tokyo which people love BTW. Is it the greatest fried chicken ever? No, but I'd get it again and I did get it twice on my trip. I tried the burger too and it was OK but you're here for the decent fast food fried chicken and under seasoned crinkle cut fries. Pro tip: ask for extra pepper sauce.
The Vitals:
the spot:Champers Skeetes Hill, Bridgetown, Barbados
the eats: a Barbados fine dining restaurant with a view to die for
the bucks: $$$
the full nelson: The waves crashing against the rocks are out of a novel. Now about the food . . .
Atmosphere alone is what should guide you to Champers which was billed as the finest dining to be had on Barbados. The plating matched the view and I really enjoyed the cocktails. To be blunt, the food was fine, understandably pricey but a little too "safe". Missing was the more exotic ambitious cooking I found being served by Bajan chefs at the festival where aromatic spices and pretty plating drove the experience. I guess you could say I hoped for more. The wine list gets ambitious by the bottle so if you are a wino . . . I mean Oenophile get into that.
The Vitals:
the spot:Seafood Shack Worthing Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados
the eats: a delicious shack by the sea
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: This is why you come to Barbados . . .
I was so glad to have made the time to check out a legit local's spot like Seafood Shack. A literal shack at the beach there was also a cheap bar nearby which helped offset the pricey lobster fries we had. It's not dirt cheap but the portions at Seafood Shack are huge(we got a half pound of lobster meat) and the view cannot be beat. In addition to the Lobster fries we got wings, and fried squid. I can honestly say I could eat at Seafood Shack every day I'm in Barbados but I might save lobster for the last day.
The Barbados Food and Rum Festival is what brought me to the little island in the Caribbean and while the events were loaded with a taste of Bajan cuisine I had to explore Barbados on my own. Turns out I didn't have to go far. In fact sometimes I didn't even have to leave the hotel . . . .
The Vitals:
the spot: Blush Cafe Highway 7, Bridgetown, Barbados
the eats: a breakfast cafe and coffee bar
the bucks: $$$
the full nelson: in a word overpriced
Blush Cafe was clearly designed for the age of Instagram. I can't argue that the barista artwork wasn't impressive but this cafe is simply overpriced. Walking distance from the hotel I stayed at, I gave this place a go on my last day. I ordered the full English breakfast which was a first for me. Twitter chimed in to say I was missing the blood sausage but I was happy to at least attempt trying this breakfast icon. I think I dropped like $25 for this and the coffee. The food was merely OK and it took the kitchen 45 minutes to bring my food. At least it looks pretty.
The Vitals:
the spot: Chefette multiple locations in Barbados
the eats: a Barbados fast food chain
the bucks: $ Cheap Eats $
the full nelson: Rihanna's fav restaurant? That's the rumor
Sometimes ya gotta get down and dirty when it comes to late night eats and that means fast food. I don't often eat fast food but I do make exceptions here and there. Chefette came highly recommended by my pals from the Caribbean and I had to give it a try, I mean when in Barbados right?
Fried chicken is what you want to focus on and it ain't that bad given the hour I was eating. It was not unlike getting fried chicken from a Konbini store in Tokyo which people love BTW. Is it the greatest fried chicken ever? No, but I'd get it again and I did get it twice on my trip. I tried the burger too and it was OK but you're here for the decent fast food fried chicken and under seasoned crinkle cut fries. Pro tip: ask for extra pepper sauce.
The Vitals:
the spot: Champers Skeetes Hill, Bridgetown, Barbados
the eats: a Barbados fine dining restaurant with a view to die for
the bucks: $$$
the full nelson: The waves crashing against the rocks are out of a novel. Now about the food . . .
Atmosphere alone is what should guide you to Champers which was billed as the finest dining to be had on Barbados. The plating matched the view and I really enjoyed the cocktails. To be blunt, the food was fine, understandably pricey but a little too "safe". Missing was the more exotic ambitious cooking I found being served by Bajan chefs at the festival where aromatic spices and pretty plating drove the experience. I guess you could say I hoped for more. The wine list gets ambitious by the bottle so if you are a wino . . . I mean Oenophile get into that.
The Vitals:
the spot: Seafood Shack Worthing Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados
the eats: a delicious shack by the sea
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: This is why you come to Barbados . . .
I was so glad to have made the time to check out a legit local's spot like Seafood Shack. A literal shack at the beach there was also a cheap bar nearby which helped offset the pricey lobster fries we had. It's not dirt cheap but the portions at Seafood Shack are huge(we got a half pound of lobster meat) and the view cannot be beat. In addition to the Lobster fries we got wings, and fried squid. I can honestly say I could eat at Seafood Shack every day I'm in Barbados but I might save lobster for the last day.
