The Vitals:
the spot:NADC Burger Two locations in Austin TX
the eats: NADC burger
the bucks: $16
the full nelson: gOne of the most hyped burgers in Austin TX from a Michelin starred chef
NADC stands for Not a Damn Chance, a burger concept from celebrity chef Philip Frankland Lee. His sushi restaurants, Sushi by Scratch and Pasta bar are LA imports to Austin that have begun opening branches across the country. Lee is a regular on Joe Rogan's Podcast and he even holds a Michelin star. So what's up with his $16 smashed burger?
Is this Smashed Burger worth $16?
That is the question my friends. I suppose some clarity is in order. First off the burger isn't billed as a Smashed Burger but it is a double patty with American cheese, some variant of Thousand Island dressing dubbed a secret sauce, thin sliced grilled onions cooked into the patty like an Oklahoma style smashed burger and pickles. According the menu there are jalapeños on there too.
Or should I say "tamed jalapeños"
What does that even mean? More importantly, what's the point? I'm not sure but then again I am someone that loves heat and would never tame a jalapeño which I find fairly mild. The big draw about this burger isn't the toppings though, it's this:
Certified Wagyu from Iron Table Farms
So what is Iron Table Farms? I didn't know either because I had yet to come across it in my burger escapades. Turns out I was close at one point. CM Smokehouse in Austin serves Iron Table Wagyu but when I went, I crossed paths with the elk burger. Daniel Vaughn of Texas Monthly is a fan too. Per his article in June of this year, he credits NADC for serving him a "Wagyu smashburger whose patty has a sear dreams are made of." The bottomline is the burger you are getting at NADC is a full blooded Wagyu cattle raised in Texas as opposed to the popular Angus and Wagyu crossbreeds that are often served in Texas as Wagyu.
So is the burger worth $16?
Given what I just shared about Iron Table Farms, it's fair to say you are getting an exclusive burger product. If the steaks retail at around $80 a pound(per Texas Monthly) than a 1/3lb burger cooked for you should come at some cost. So let's breakdown the burger. I'd bet money this bun is a Martin's Potato roll but it isn't listed as such. The secret sauce is excellent and the burger eats like it looks: ooey gooey cheeseburger bliss. It's juicy. But did it scream of Wagyu? Did I taste remarkable beef in a burger? No.
I have a theory: you don't need premium beef to create a great smashed burger experience. What the experience relies on is technique where the right size patty meets the right sized pressure from a spatula. I've found that for well under $12 so I find NADC overpriced but more importantly not as special as the beef certificate proudly displayed would indicate.
I'm curious to go back to see if maybe I had an off cook(the smash was pretty light) or if I can get the burger cooked medium rare and really taste the beef. Then I'm reminded of the secret sauce and American cheese that might overpower the subtle complexities I might expect from this kind of beef. I ponder about ordering it sans cheese, pickles, jalapeños and sauce and rely on onion and beef to do the talking. But modifications aren't allowed.
Or as they aptly put it in their name: Not a Damn Chance.
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 & Rum Festival 2023 . . .
. . . was the first overseas media event I have ever attended so naturally I was excited and bound to be blown away. Add to that the fact that I have never gone to the Caribbean and well, let's just say I do realize how lucky I am. While one could say "geez Ali, you ate and drank in Barbados for a week, way to gloat!" I am also here to share what was a week loaded with experiences so you too can experience what I did.
Opening Night
My Barbados Food and Rum festival began with a lux party at a pretty lux beach side home. This first night set the tone for the food theme of the week: amuse bouche bites from Bajan chefs who were flexing their culinary skills. The flavors of the island which represents a melting pot cultures, was an experience I did not see coming either.
The flavors of South Asian food were as prevalent as the fresh fish I would eat for the the rest of my time there. Usually my overseas vacations mean eating Mexican food in Mexico(which I love,) but sinking my teeth into Bajan cuisine was equally as flavorful and reminded me of the cooking of my parents and their friends, albeit in a more refined manner and with superbly fresh seafood.
Mount Gay Rum tasting and Rum Route tour
Well you can't go to the Barbados Food and Rum Festival and not spend some time drinking rum. Our first day took us to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery where we did a proper tasting of rum served neat. This is probably why I took home a bottle of Mount Gay's Eclipse but as I'm sure you can imagine, the birthplace of rum is teeming with other distilleries. Enter the rum route which was a bus tour of three distilleries plus karaoke. The rest of that evening was lively to say the least.
More info on the Rum Route tour here
The Rise and Rum party
My experience at the Barbados Food and Rum Festival peaked twice during my week long stay. Once was when I went snorkeling for the first time ever which also coincided with the first time I swam in the Caribbean(well floated). The other was this epic party. A few things to get out of the way: it starts 4am, you must wear yellow and you might get wet because it rains during October and it is so worth it. Honestly I don't have any words I can share except one: GO!!!!
More info on the Rise and Rum party here
Liquid Gold
The last hurrah of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival is a black tie affair. Liquid Gold is as blingy as it gets and it's fun for both tourists like myself and Bajans who get down in their finest threads. Like pretty much everywhere this year, it was a hot one Barbados but I kept my jacket on the whole night. And yes the suit is currently at the dry cleaners.
The food and drinks at Liquid Gold are the best showing of the whole festival. Both Rise and Rum and Liquid Gold showed off the Rum of Barbados through the lens of accomplished Mixologists. I walked way learning there is a lot more you can with rum than just a daiquiri.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, the South Asian flavors kept coming through in these beautiful bites from these Bajan Chefs. But take into account that you aren't saddled with the typical heaviness in volume and richness with a traditional serving of curry and rice or naan. When I think about where South Asian food is evolving in terms of fine dining in the US(most notably at The Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel), taking notes from these Bajan chefs would do wonders with fine dining and the aromatics of the Indian Subcontinent.
More info on Liquid Gold here
That covers the events but there are more posts coming including where I stayed, non food activities and of course the restaurants I experienced as well. For now I will leave you with this: Barbados is worth the flight, the culture of the Caribbean is a harmony of diversity and Bajans can get down with curry. I might have found the place I should retire . . . .
ACL Eats round 2
It's the last day of the Austin City Limits Music Festival and while I wind down, the music, food and fun is still going strong. It's always a come down when a weekend comes to an end, let alone two weekends of ACL. Still I'm ready to get off the rollercoaster and I can definitely say I ate well.
The Vitals:
the spot: Steamies Dumplings 6929 Airport Blvd Ste 148, Austin, TX 78752 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Chicken and Shitake Dumplings
the bucks: $15
the full nelson: Pro move is to get these dumplings
It's always admirable to see events like Austin City Limits Music Festival partner with great local restaurants. That being said, restaurants are challenged to serve their food in an outdoor environment. Some foods typically do better than others. Folks, dumplings do well and you aren't going to do much better in the dumpling department than Steamies. I was tempted to get the pork and cabbage but the umami of Shitake called to me. I'm glad I listened. Honestly I can't wait to go to Steamies and get these dumplings again.
The Vitals:
the spot: Brotherton's BBQ 15608 Spring Hill Ln Suite 105, Pflugerville, TX 78660// @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Sliced Brisket Sandwich
the bucks: $16
the full nelson: Great lowkey Austin BBQ joint to add to your list
Located just outside of Austin, Brotherton's BBQ is just under the radar of the BBQ masses but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be on your radar. I first went there back in 2020 and their bbq, particularly the Bahn Mi Brisket sandwich lived up to the hype. I got a sandwich at their ACL Eats location and while the bun was far from exemplary, the mix of lean and moist sliced brisket was all I really needed to care about. As always with Texas Brisket, bbq sauce is optional.
The Vitals:
the spot: Juiceland locations in Austin, Dallas and Houston// @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Watermelon Agua Fresca
the bucks: $9
the full nelson: Hydrate in style with a thirst quenching agua fresca
Overall the weather at Austin City Limits Music Festival was about as good as it gets. Except early Friday when it was unusually humid. I was keeping it low key aka no beers and needed some kind of liquid refreshment besides water. The Watermelon Agua Fresca was a lifesaver. It almost made a heat index 95 degrees seem manageable.
The Vitals:
the spot: Chilantro BBQ locations in Austin// @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: WKimchi Fries
the bucks: $12
the full nelson: These loaded fries are an ACL Eats staple
Chilantro BBQ has been an Austin staple since 2010. The legacy is as cemented as their brick and mortar locations but the heart and soul of it is pure food truck. The loaded fries are as essential as a bottle of sriracha in your pantry. I scarfed this down till the boat was dry with zero shame. Good thing ACL don't judge.
The Vitals:
the spot: Micklethwait Craft Meats 1309 Rosewood Ave Austin TX 78722, at the ACL main food court
the eats: Pastrami Dog
the bucks: $17
the full nelson: This is not your average Frankfurter
I've been going to Micklethwait BBQ since I first moved to Austin back in 2015. It has stood the test of time as one of the finest BBQ joints in Austin. Tom Micklethwait is a friend at this point and I'm always down to check out what he is serving at ACL. The Pastrami Hot Dog is actually a housemade sausage with pastrami seasonings. It was topped to the 9s and was as much a work of edible art as it was lunch.
The Vitals:
the spot: Lamba Royal Indian 80 Rainey St. Austin TX 78701 // @ACL Eats main area
the eats: Spicy Lamb Curry
the bucks: $16
the full nelson: Solid Curry Fix
Last year I discovered Lamba's Indian Curry and had a feeling I was going to come back. Like the gumbo I had last weekend, curry seems to do well at food festivals. The basmati rice was a lovely al dente and the curry had kick. Not gonna lie though: I could have used a little more lamb in dish. If you love lamb, you're gonna like this.
Cheers from Ali Khan and Hendricks!!
Adios ACL, it was indeed a fine time. I'm ready to rest but I'll be back. Oh and a shout out to Hendrick's Gin for bringing me to their lounge, Austin City Limits Music Festival for bringing me back to the fest and of course a shout out to ATX where we keep it weird and you keep coming back for more. See you next year ACL!
8 years of ACL Eats
There was a moment on Sunday when I echoed the words of Detective Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon(Danny Glover's character) "I'm getting too old for this s***" but that probably means I'll do a better job of pacing myself for weekend two. I hit the ground running with the ACL Eats at this year's Austin City Limits Music festival. Here is where I went:
The Vitals:
the spot:Cuantos Tacos 1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Tacos
the bucks: $5 each
the full nelson: Mexico City style tacos at ACL Eats
It took me a bit of will power not to eat at Cuantos Tacos more than once. The Mexico City style tacos were by far best tacos I've had at the festival over the years. A big reason for that is their nixtamalized corn tortillas. I tried the suadero(confit brisket), carnitas and the mushroom. The fungus ended up finishing first in class.
The Vitals:
the spot:Salt & Time 1912 E.7th St, Austin, TX 78702 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Smashed Burger
the bucks: $16 for the double cheeseburger
the full nelson: The best artisan butcher shop in Austin serves Smashed Burgers at ACL Eats
I've been a long time fan of Salt and Time's burger ever since I tried the Butcher's Blend back in 2019. Given the realities of serving burgers at a festival like ACL Eats, I know this burger could be even better but what I got easily lived up to lofty expectations. I might go back and try the single to see if the meat to bun ratio is perhaps better but it's hard to go wrong either way.
The Vitals:
the spot:Underdog 1600 S 1st St Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Fried chicken wings
the bucks: $15
the full nelson: The best bite I had at ACL Eats
Austin Monthly declared Underdog has the best fried chicken in Austin and I can't say they don't belong in the conversation. I actually think the wings are best cut for fried chicken so this dish easily won me over for the best bite of ACL Eats. Getting these wings is as essential as hitting the craft beer tent.
The Vitals:
the spot: Shake Shack all over the world // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Double Shack Burger
the bucks: $18
the full nelson: It might be too easy and overpriced but it's always good
Even with soggy lettuce and a barely recognizable tomato, Shake Shack delivers their star smashed burger patty quite well in all manner of environments: parks, airports and live music festivals. The only downside is the price which makes regular Shake Shack seem . . . reasonable? For out of towners I'd point you to Salt & Time for a local burger experience but Shake Shack hits every time.
The Vitals:
the spot: Mama Fried 10106 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Chopped Beef Nacho Fries
the bucks: $16
the full nelson: Essential loaded fries that has been proven to fight hangovers
I tried Mama Fried at last year's ACL Eats and knew it was gonna happen again. On the surface loaded fries seems like typical fare for a concert but there's a little more happening with this Mama. The chopped beef is from sister food truck Leroy and Lewis who slings some of the best barbecue around. This one is meant to share and it's a hangover cure in my book.
The Vitals:
the spot: Redfin Food Truck moving food truck in Austin, TX // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Gumbo
the bucks: $9
the full nelson: EThe best deal at ACL Eats and second fav bite at ACL Eats
My last meal at ACL Eats 2023 Weekend One was from a food truck I had never heard of before. Apparently Red Fin parks it over by Tesla HQ which makes me consider taking a trip to Elon's office to get my gumbo fix. At $9 it is a steal and the gumbo was solid though a touch salty. The basmati rice was a perfect al dente. There is a high probability I might get this again next weekend.
Once again ACL Eats showed off Austin's reputation of being a food centric city. I walked away with new favs like Redfin, evergreen concert fare pleasers like Underdog's fried chicken and sated my burger craving twice over. And there is still another weekend to go . . . .
The Vitals:
the spot:Diner Bar 500 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
the eats: Martini and Burger Happy Hour specials
the bucks: $10 for martini, same for burger
the full nelson: Happy Hour from a James Beard winning chef
You can find Diner Bar at the Thompson hotel in Downtown Austin, which might give you a clue that this Diner is pretty swank. Unlike the diners I grew up going to in the Midwest circa the 1980s, you won't find Slingers or Corned Beef Hash on the menu but rather a thoughtful menu of Southern fare connected to the African continent. Oh and a solid burger too. All from Chef Mashama Bailey who won chef of the year 2022 at the James Beard Awards.
Diner bar keeps it classy.
I can't resist deviled eggs on a menu but I'm also over two things: bacon topped deviled eggs and deviled eggs that are served too cold. Both pitfalls are eliminated here. Most notable is the substitute for bacon: smoked trout roe. If Smoked Salmon can be the bacon of the sea, Smoked Trout Roe can be the bacon bits of . . . . the lake?
Diner Bar wins with $10 martinis
This alone was worth the visit. A big pour plus a sidecar of martini(I did Gin) that practically lasted me the whole meal. Or it would have if I didn't get distracted with plates like these:
Fried Ugali: think African Grits
Ugali is a common starch in African cooking. Here Chef Mashama Bailey fries the cornmeal and the result is similar to a super crisp hush puppy with a very soft and tender interior. The salsa macha sets it off with pure heat similar to Szechuan chili oil on steamed dumplings.
Rabbit Mortadella on buttered baguette
Nothing says fancy quite like buttered baguette. Well maybe Rabbit Mortadella buttered baguette. I love plain old pork mortadella; it's a forced meat charcuterie that shows you what happens when someone gives a damn about bologna. But rabbit? I'm all for it. Game meats always take me back to eating fancy French food with my parents growing up. Yes, I went to private school.
Best dish: The Shrimp n Middlins
Turns out when you go out to eat you can learn something. "Middlins" is a term that refers to "broken rice" which happens when rice is harvested. Perhaps not surprisingly, historically these scraps fell into the hands of African American slaves who turned it into something delicious, as is the case with so many great soul food dishes.
This shrimp and rice dish is the dish you will come back to Diner Bar again and again, I promise. The rice was just tender enough, the acidity was perfect and those shrimp were juicy. Shrimp gets overcooked easily. Getting to a desirable texture in a sauce is risotto level tough. This dish was the kitchen flexing their skills and ordering it makes for a smart choice, fellow diners.
A burger that lives up to the name Diner Bar
I'm a sucker for pink sauce on a burger. I love to make it and it has been an anchor for my burger tastes for most of my life. Diner Bar's pink sauce(listed at comeback sauce), grilled onions, pickle and most important: housemade bun hits all the marks. Even at the Happy Hour price of $10 I could have used a second patty, so I can't say this burger change your life. But if they sold these buns I'd gladly pay whatever they charged.
Checkmate with the Chess Pie
I don't have the world's biggest sweet tooth. But I have also been on a few baking shows and know when the baked goods are worth the calories. Like the bun on the burger, the pie is made at Diner Bar and they aren't messing around with the dough. I would certainly get this again.
Diner Bar is a happy hour that can lure you into the cooking of an acclaimed chef. And while the bill might escalate, you're not breaking your wallet on overpriced chicken wings. The Happy Hour martini and a burger is a great way to spend $20. It's the more accomplished efforts in the kitchen like Shrimp and Middlin's that will cause you bill to soar. Just remember that you aren't eating at at overpriced hotel restaurant but at a restaurant from a two time James Beard winning chef. So get the damn shrimp.
The Vitals:
the spot:Cuantos Hamburguesas 1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
the eats: The Americana, The Campechana, The Hawaiian, The Sincronizada
the bucks: $8 each(just shy)
the full nelson: Mexican Street style burgers from street taco king Cuantos Tacos
A Prequel to Cuantos Hamburguesas
On an October evening in 2019, fate or perhaps destiny gave me the unique pleasure of crossing paths with Chef Luis "Beto" Robledo and his little yellow bus that served Mexico City style tacos parked in a Shell gas station. What took me in immediately was how the tacos were cooked: meats simmering in a convex pan in a rich liquid. I had run into tacos cooked in this manner in Los Angeles but never in Austin. Beto would enlighten me that the special comal(pan) the meats were cooked in was called a "choricera" and rather than dry heat, the meats simmer in a confit of rendered fat. I was instantly hooked. And soon so did the rest of the city.
One could say "Beto blew up" since those days but in truth it looks like he is just getting started. Sure it might be because he is about to be featured in a new PBS TV series about a new wave of Austin Taqueros called Taco Mafia. But what really impresses me his follow up to Cuantos Taco: Cuantos Hamburguesas.
Bet you can't choose just one . . .
Priced at just under $8 you just might find yourself tempted to try more than burger at Cuantos Hamburguesas Much like the taco sibling, Cuantos Tacos, your best bet is to eat en masse. You could almost finish two burgers but you would be better off bringing a friend and splitting three. The question is . . which hamburguesa to get right? I'm glad you asked.
The Hawaiian
Seared ham and pineapple set this smashed burger patty off and totally justify the name. Ham on Mexican street burgers is common but what makes me a fan of Cuantos Hamburguesas' Hawaiian the terrific sear on the ham from the plancha or flattop grill. Like every burger at Cuantos Hamburguesas, the toppings are thoughtfully curated. Ketchup, mayo, American cheese and Romaine lettuce ground the burger experience while the pickles hint at a Cuban sandwich vibe. Ham and Pineapple make fora good pair but so do ham and pickles. There's pickled jalapeños too because . . these are Mexican street burgers after all.
The Campechana
Longaniza a type of chorizo that has been aged. The Mexican sausage is a staple among taco stands but on a burger? A combo that clearly was meant to be, especially when placed on top of a single 2oz smashed burger patty, with minced onion, cilantro, lime juice, chimichurri mayo and an open faced corn quesadilla(costra).
On paper this was the burger I expected to find at Cuantos Hamburguesas and odds are it will be the most popular burger served. This burger screams to be hit with a little salsa from Cuantos Tacos. I suggest the green salsa for the acidity but the smoky red salsa would work well too.
The Sincronizada
Here's a little secret about me: I don't love hot dogs and I don't love meat on meat on meat burgers. So how will a 2oz smashed burger patty decked out with a butterflied beef hotdog and ham fare with yours truly? Like every burger at Cuantos Hamburguesas, the elements are layered with balance and harmony. Equally as important to the meats were the perfect amount of Romaine lettuce, pickles, pickled jalapeños, American cheese and Chimichurri Mayo.
For the skeptics(like me) try it once, you won't regret it. This burger is absolutely part of the Mexican Street burger canon and executed at a deft level. Not my favorite on the menu but I was impressed nonetheless.
The Americana
My favorite burger of the set was the most surprising. The Americana at Cuantos Hamburguesas pretty much delivers what the name implies. Ketchup, mayo, mustard, minced onion and pickles always deliver childhood burger nostalgia, for me at least. This was the burger that reminded me that the architect of this Mexican Street burger inspired food truck is just like me: an American with similar food nostalgia. I was shocked at how well he nailed . . . NAILED the classic American burger experience just by executing the right ratios of meat to bun to toppings.
Cuantos Hamburguesas is more that a follow up to one of the best Mexico City style taco trucks I have ever been to. It's is a coming out part for a chef who clearly has his sights set on mastering different genres. In a soon to be released PBS docuseries, Chef Beto cites French and Japanese influences in Mexico City style taco truck. That simultaneously blew me away and makes so much sense. Beto doesn't make a big show out of it on the plate but the work and vision is there. Much like his tacos, his burgers are a work of art on a paper plate.
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.
That covers the events but there are more posts coming including where I stayed, non food activities and of course the restaurants I experienced as well. For now I will leave you with this: Barbados is worth the flight, the culture of the Caribbean is a harmony of diversity and Bajans can get down with curry. I might have found the place I should retire . . . .
The Vitals:
the spot: Steamies Dumplings 6929 Airport Blvd Ste 148, Austin, TX 78752 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Chicken and Shitake Dumplings
the bucks: $15
the full nelson: Pro move is to get these dumplings
It's always admirable to see events like Austin City Limits Music Festival partner with great local restaurants. That being said, restaurants are challenged to serve their food in an outdoor environment. Some foods typically do better than others. Folks, dumplings do well and you aren't going to do much better in the dumpling department than Steamies. I was tempted to get the pork and cabbage but the umami of Shitake called to me. I'm glad I listened. Honestly I can't wait to go to Steamies and get these dumplings again.
The Vitals:
the spot: Brotherton's BBQ 15608 Spring Hill Ln Suite 105, Pflugerville, TX 78660// @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Sliced Brisket Sandwich
the bucks: $16
the full nelson: Great lowkey Austin BBQ joint to add to your list
Located just outside of Austin, Brotherton's BBQ is just under the radar of the BBQ masses but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be on your radar. I first went there back in 2020 and their bbq, particularly the Bahn Mi Brisket sandwich lived up to the hype. I got a sandwich at their ACL Eats location and while the bun was far from exemplary, the mix of lean and moist sliced brisket was all I really needed to care about. As always with Texas Brisket, bbq sauce is optional.
The Vitals:
the spot: Juiceland locations in Austin, Dallas and Houston// @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Watermelon Agua Fresca
the bucks: $9
the full nelson: Hydrate in style with a thirst quenching agua fresca
Overall the weather at Austin City Limits Music Festival was about as good as it gets. Except early Friday when it was unusually humid. I was keeping it low key aka no beers and needed some kind of liquid refreshment besides water. The Watermelon Agua Fresca was a lifesaver. It almost made a heat index 95 degrees seem manageable.
The Vitals:
the spot: Chilantro BBQ locations in Austin// @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: WKimchi Fries
the bucks: $12
the full nelson: These loaded fries are an ACL Eats staple
Chilantro BBQ has been an Austin staple since 2010. The legacy is as cemented as their brick and mortar locations but the heart and soul of it is pure food truck. The loaded fries are as essential as a bottle of sriracha in your pantry. I scarfed this down till the boat was dry with zero shame. Good thing ACL don't judge.
The Vitals:
the spot: Micklethwait Craft Meats 1309 Rosewood Ave Austin TX 78722, at the ACL main food court
the eats: Pastrami Dog
the bucks: $17
the full nelson: This is not your average Frankfurter
I've been going to Micklethwait BBQ since I first moved to Austin back in 2015. It has stood the test of time as one of the finest BBQ joints in Austin. Tom Micklethwait is a friend at this point and I'm always down to check out what he is serving at ACL. The Pastrami Hot Dog is actually a housemade sausage with pastrami seasonings. It was topped to the 9s and was as much a work of edible art as it was lunch.
The Vitals:
the spot: Lamba Royal Indian 80 Rainey St. Austin TX 78701 // @ACL Eats main area
the eats: Spicy Lamb Curry
the bucks: $16
the full nelson: Solid Curry Fix
Last year I discovered Lamba's Indian Curry and had a feeling I was going to come back. Like the gumbo I had last weekend, curry seems to do well at food festivals. The basmati rice was a lovely al dente and the curry had kick. Not gonna lie though: I could have used a little more lamb in dish. If you love lamb, you're gonna like this.
The Vitals:
the spot:Cuantos Tacos 1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Tacos
the bucks: $5 each
the full nelson: Mexico City style tacos at ACL Eats
It took me a bit of will power not to eat at Cuantos Tacos more than once. The Mexico City style tacos were by far best tacos I've had at the festival over the years. A big reason for that is their nixtamalized corn tortillas. I tried the suadero(confit brisket), carnitas and the mushroom. The fungus ended up finishing first in class.
The Vitals:
the spot: Salt & Time 1912 E.7th St, Austin, TX 78702 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Smashed Burger
the bucks: $16 for the double cheeseburger
the full nelson: The best artisan butcher shop in Austin serves Smashed Burgers at ACL Eats
I've been a long time fan of Salt and Time's burger ever since I tried the Butcher's Blend back in 2019. Given the realities of serving burgers at a festival like ACL Eats, I know this burger could be even better but what I got easily lived up to lofty expectations. I might go back and try the single to see if the meat to bun ratio is perhaps better but it's hard to go wrong either way.
The Vitals:
the spot: Underdog 1600 S 1st St Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Fried chicken wings
the bucks: $15
the full nelson: The best bite I had at ACL Eats
Austin Monthly declared Underdog has the best fried chicken in Austin and I can't say they don't belong in the conversation. I actually think the wings are best cut for fried chicken so this dish easily won me over for the best bite of ACL Eats. Getting these wings is as essential as hitting the craft beer tent.
The Vitals:
the spot: Shake Shack all over the world // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Double Shack Burger
the bucks: $18
the full nelson: It might be too easy and overpriced but it's always good
Even with soggy lettuce and a barely recognizable tomato, Shake Shack delivers their star smashed burger patty quite well in all manner of environments: parks, airports and live music festivals. The only downside is the price which makes regular Shake Shack seem . . . reasonable? For out of towners I'd point you to Salt & Time for a local burger experience but Shake Shack hits every time.
The Vitals:
the spot: Mama Fried 10106 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748 // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Chopped Beef Nacho Fries
the bucks: $16
the full nelson: Essential loaded fries that has been proven to fight hangovers
I tried Mama Fried at last year's ACL Eats and knew it was gonna happen again. On the surface loaded fries seems like typical fare for a concert but there's a little more happening with this Mama. The chopped beef is from sister food truck Leroy and Lewis who slings some of the best barbecue around. This one is meant to share and it's a hangover cure in my book.
The Vitals:
the spot: Redfin Food Truck moving food truck in Austin, TX // @ACL Eats Main Food Court
the eats: Gumbo
the bucks: $9
the full nelson: EThe best deal at ACL Eats and second fav bite at ACL Eats
My last meal at ACL Eats 2023 Weekend One was from a food truck I had never heard of before. Apparently Red Fin parks it over by Tesla HQ which makes me consider taking a trip to Elon's office to get my gumbo fix. At $9 it is a steal and the gumbo was solid though a touch salty. The basmati rice was a perfect al dente. There is a high probability I might get this again next weekend.
Once again ACL Eats showed off Austin's reputation of being a food centric city. I walked away with new favs like Redfin, evergreen concert fare pleasers like Underdog's fried chicken and sated my burger craving twice over. And there is still another weekend to go . . . .
