Everything you need to know about Kalahari Resort in Round Rock TX

Kalahari Resorts Round Rock TX 3001 Kalahari Boulevard Round Rock, TX 78665

Recap

My kid turned 13 and his wish (one of . . .) was to hit Kalahari Resort's waterpark in Round Rock TX. We live in Austin, so while this was only a 30 minute trek, Kalahari Resort is very much a destination resort for family vacations. Last year we did Universal Studios in Orlando which might not top my personal bucket list but if you have kids, suddenly Harry Potter rides become part of the family lore. So now that you have the frank rundown of what got me here, lets take a look at the following highlights so you can max the fun at Kalahari Resorts Indoor Waterpark in Round Rock TX.

How intense are the rides?

For the record: I'm a total coward when it comes to all things rollercoasters. It was a miracle I went on the Harry Potter ride at Universal. In fact, when I got to Kalahari Resorts Indoor Waterpark, I was totally chill with hitting this:

The Wave Pool with the giant TV

Short of having a swim up bar, this is my idea of heaven at a kid's birthday party. And this is where I literally got my feet wet. But I did hit the rides, including a few of the extreme ones like "The Stingray" and “The Smoke That Thunders" and they were perfect for someone who is scared for no reason sometimes. I would do them both again in a heartbeat. And I am a coward.

The food at Kalahari Resort Round Rock

We stuck to the waterpark so our food options were the poolside fare at Zulu Grill. And poolside fare is what you are gonna get: evergreen handhelds like burgers, Hot Dogs, Pizza, Pretzels . . . you get the drift. Look, you aren't here for a sushi omakase experience, you are here for fuel in between rides. Here were two highlights in my book.

Customize the burger

Billed as a smashed burger, the double cheeseburger at Kalahari Resort Round Rock is more on the hearty side of the double cheeseburger spectrum. I recommend  ditchin' the vegetables like lettuce, tomato and onion and committing to the pickle cheese and special sauce. Makes for a more purist burger experience IMO.

Don't sleep on the 'za(pizza)

If you have never seen the "Za or Suh" pizza sketch on SNL, you might not get the reference. But get this: the pizza legit caught my eye at Kalahari Resort Round Rock because it appeared to be piping hot and actually cooked to order or just damn popular. I prefer a thinner crust, and this pizza isn't going to get a 7+ on Portnoy's reviews but it was respectable pool fare.

Adult Beverages at Kalahari Resort

Yes, Mom & Dad might indulge in a beer or two, especially in between dips. There is a main bar in the middle of all the action at Kalahari Resort Round Rock that you can't miss. But I suggest you not miss hitting the Grotto Bar which also has a swim up. For craft beer fans, they have Pinthouse Brewing's Electric Jellyfish on draft. Added bonus: for $16 you get a 20oz pour with subsequent refills at $8 a pop. In a word: awesome but of course drink responsibly.

Final thoughts

Keep an eye for deals on the prices here. Evenings are available for a lower rate FWIW. And we didn't even get to the arcade and there is a full on hotel/spa action to be had if you are planning to stay at Kalahari Resort Round Rock so know our experience was a fraction of the full version. Biggest takeaway: I was down for the rides, which never happens and so on that fact alone, I will be back.  

No Turkey on Thanksgiving? Yes, please!

Ok, so it is almost on noon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. And I still haven't gotten a turkey. I have good reasons for what should seem to be reckless procrastination. I just flew home from four day jaunt in Philadelphia to see family and eat carbs. Heck, I could go on a cleanse right now but it's Thanksgiving and I have to make something. And it is looking like it won't be turkey. Why? Well the best turkeys I have made involve brining, a process where salt(sometimes sugar and various aromatics) are seasoned either in a water solution or simply rubbed on the bird(dry brining). This takes up to several days. And while that ensures a flavorful and juicy bird, it takes more time than I have. So let's save some time with these tasty No Turkey Thanksgiving alternatives:

Option 1: Slow Roasted Salmon

My first option for a No Turkey Thanksgiving is slow roasted salmon. Now, being the holidays, I recommend you skip the Atlantic farmed salmon variety for something worth breaking out the good china for. This is an Ora King Salmon that I roasted low and slow. It can get pricey but in my experience, splurging on seafood is always worth it and will always be a fraction of what it costs when you go out. Recipe below:

• brush filet with olive oil, season with Kosher salt, fine ground pepper, herbs de provence
• roast in 275 degree oven till an internal temp of 120-130 degrees(the less the better IMO)
• serve as is or with an aioli or this: creme fraiche sauce

Option 2: Grill roasted rack of pork

My second option for a No Turkey Thanksgiving is a roasted rack of pork. Three years ago I grabbed this Berkshire Tomahawk Pork roast and roasted it on the grill. It was magnificent and I might do it again this year. The oven would work instead of a grill and while you don't have to splurge on the Berkshire pork and stick with supermarket standard, it's so worth it to splurge because pork is a relative bargain. Recipe below:

• Mince fresh herbs and garlic and mix with enough Dijon mustard to cover the roast(will vary with size)
• Season pork with salt, pepper and ground fennel seed
• Spread mustard mixture on roast
• Roast or set up grill for indirect cook for a temp of 325-350 degrees. Cook until an internal temp of 130 degrees(USDA recommends 145 but the temp will rise after resting)

Option 3: Prime Rib

My third option for a No Turkey Thanksgiving is a Prime Rib. Well technically this was a boneless rib roast but hey, close enough. Think Rib Eye steaks but more of them, this is arguably the most decadent of holiday roasts. Pricey, but not necessarily more than a large organic free range or heirloom/heritage turkey. And it's easy to cook and is always a hit. Recipe below:

• Mince fresh herbs(thyme, rosemary, oregano) and garlic and mix with olive oil to cover the roast(will vary with size)
• Season generously with Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper
• Spread herb mixture on roast
• Roast or set up grill for indirect cook for a temp of 325-350 degrees. Cook until an internal temp of 130 degrees. USDA recommends 145 but the temp will rise after resting and who wants to eat beef cooked to Medium Well?

So now it's quarter after 12pm. I still need to do more writing, a video for this post and clean out my grill. Then I gotta shop . . . . I think I might go pork if the cut is available but there is a likely chance I might somehow grab a bone in turkey breast and pray for a miracle. Either way, Thanksgiving will work out because like any great food holiday, it's about the people you share table with.   Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ali Khan Eats picks for Austin TX.

Spoiler alert: They are all Bib Gourmands.

  The esteemed Michelin guide finally came to Texas and last week served up one star awards and other designations of quality to excited chefs and restaurants throughout the state. If you caught my last post you will have noticed that Austin walked away a big winner. I was most excited about what Michelin would designate as a "Bib Gourmand ". Per Michelin's website, the category "Bib Gourmand" is defined as: That is a bit open to interpretation. Let's be honest, some foods are recognizable to some people more than others. I'll wager that in the case of Austin tacos are pretty darn recognizable and so is BBQ which might explain why the list favored both. Best of restaurant listings are always going to have some sense of controversy. Something always gets left out. But I think one thing we can all agree on is that dining out is simply more expensive and I for one am more picky than ever on slapping the label of "value "to any restaurant experience. With that being said here is the Ali Khan Eats guide to the 2024 Michelin Guide to Texas, Austin Bib Gourmand version.

Cuantos Tacos 1108 E. 12th Austin, TX 78702

In my mind this was where the 2024 Michelin Guide to Texas absolutely nailed it. Without a doubt Cuantos Tacos offers the most bang for your buck when it comes to tacos in Austin Texas. Prices at $2.75 a taco, these delectable authentic Mexico City style street tacos are consistently delicious and reflect a style not seen often in the city. Expect to drop well under $20 per person, which is excellent value for the quality of taco you are getting.

Ramen Del Barrio 1700 W Parmer Ln Suite 100, Austin, TX 

Chef Christopher Krinsky grew up in Mexico but ramen is his muse. The result is a remarkable balancing act at Ramen Del Barrio. His tacos feature Yakitori - mini Japanese shish kebabs if you will, but ramen is the main focus. There is a fascinating version that plays with Molé in the broth that I am keen on trying but it's hard not to settle on the Carnitas Tonkotsu. Foodies eschew the word fusion because it seems like a gimmick, the forced merging of two things that don't naturally go together. That's why I won't use fusion but it comes to this Ramen because it's more like destiny: two distinctive foods separated by an ocean that somehow harmoniously go together.

KG BBQ 3108 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

Kareem El-Ghayesh made a life changing career change that took him from corporate finance in Cairo to becoming one of the most exciting new BBQ Pitmasters in Texas. He snagged a James Beard nomination, landed himself in a hit Netflix series, and as if that wasn't enough he also has a Michelin added to his name. You'll be tempted not to simply order a gigantic platter like what you see here but in the spirit of Bib Gourmand, allow me to offer you the cheap eats hack. Order one of his rice bowls and see how amazing classic Texas brisket pairs with the flavors of Egypt. The bowls are hearty enough for two people to share at lunch and won't break a $20 spot.

La Santa Barbacha 2806 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

The recipe to a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner it turns out, is one part family tradition, one part a dedication to eye catching details and the last is hitting something Austinites truly treasure: an excellent breakfast taco. While the main focus is braising perfect beef barbacoa, La Santa Barbacha spoils you on scrambled eggs cooked to order, once you get used to it, there is no going back.

Final thought on the 2024 Michelin guide to Texas

Those are a few of my favs from the 2024 Michelin Guide to Texas. What unites all of these for me is an impeccable sense of value. For me, a "Bib Gourmand" means one person can eat for about $20 before drink and tip. In 2024, certainly in Austin Texas, exceptional food at the price point is worth recognizing and my congrats to the Ali Khan Eats Bib Gourmand winners.

Three takeaways from Michelin Guide Texas 2024

Last night, the esteemed Michelin Guide delivered their verdict on the Texas dining scene. While some might be surprised that no restaurants in the state were awarded two or three stars, I was not. My guess is Michelin was looking to make a splash of their own and perhaps drum up more interest to see what they have to say in the future. But more importantly, what does the Michelin Guide Texas 2024 awards say about the restaurant scene in Texas? Here are my big three takeaways.

BBQ is the Texas food scene

Barbecue restaurants made a big splash at Michelin Guide Texas 2024. Out of 15 one star awards given, four went to barbecue restaurants, the most for any one single cuisine. Another 10 barbecue restaurants were awarded Bib Gourmand awards(Michelin's "value" award). I'd also add that for the barbecue world in general, Craft Texas barbecue is the North star. Expect top shelf brisket, fine dining techniques, and forays into non traditional food cultures to drive the direction of barbecue for many years to come.

The Austin food scene came up big

I was expecting the Michelin Guide Texas 2024 awards to showcase the diversity of the Texas food scene. I was wrong. Austin was the focus and dominated the awards when it came to getting the stars. The Bib Gourmands were more even spread with Austin taking 13 of the 45 awards.

I don't get the Bib Gourmand.

I thought I did, too. My understanding was the Bib Gourmand was a way to highlight humble eateries that could never be considered for a star. Like a taco truck. That wasn't the case. It seemed like there were in fact thin margins that kept say Franklin BBQ from getting a star whereas La Barbecue did. Maybe the margins weren't that thin because I'm not an inspector but the overall experience, especially price, is close. Some Bib Gourmands made total sense to me, like Cuantos Taco. Cheap, delicious and meticulously consistent, that seemed like a slam dunk. Other restaurants seemed like a Bib Gourmad is almost dare I say insulting? I won't name names but I kinda don't get it. For the sake of the diner, the variance in price and overall experience is perplexing varied.

Final Thought

First and foremost a big congrats to everyone who made the list. The restaurant business is a brutal one and the wins don't come often enough. And thanks to Michelin for coming to Texas because it will ultimately drive business and it never hurts to recognize talent and reward hard work. Coming up with a system to evaluate what ultimately is subjective experiences is a challenging one, nothing is perfect. If you're in Texas, let me know what you thought of the Michelin Guide Texas 2024 awards or Michelin in general.

Austin Food & Wine Festival 2024 recap

For the fourth year in a row I rocked the house at the Austin Food and Wine Festival. We ducked some rain, braved the heat because it's always hot in Austin and stumbled upon some new exciting bites. Here are a few of my favs from the weekend:

Honey Walnut Shrimp from Wu Chow

The line at Austin Food and Wine was deep for this sweet, creamy shrimp dish from local Chinese heavy hitter Wu Chow. This was one of those classic Cantonese dishes that for me symbolize the NYC Chinese experience. Wu Chow strives for that nostalgia with commendable execution. Certainly a staple in Austin's OG Chinese food scene.

Pimento Cheese sandwich from Cabot Creamery

Wine and cheese go hand in hand. At Austin Food and Wine Festival, Cabot Creamery made a smart play when it comes to cheese and hand held foods: A pimento cheese slider. The pro move was to chase this down with some sparkling wine, like Cava.

AIX Rosé

Every year I make an effort to hit up the AIX Rosé tent for a glass or three of this thirst quenching French Rosé. The color comes from the skins staying on just long enough but never mistake this wine for the headache inducing doppelganger, White Zinfandel. Pro Tip - you can pick up this bottle at Whole Foods and it's a decent value too.  

Nonna's Meatballs from The Laurel

Out in Hill Country, The Laurel is serving up upscale Northern Italian fare at Hotel Viata. I am a lover of meatballs and usually prefer an all beef blend. However the veal, pork, beef mix here was a welcomed mellow take and showcased the sauce. If I'm craving meatballs, it looks like I'll be making a trip out west for it. I hope these guys come back to Austin Food and Wine Festival next year.  

Hattie B's Nashville Hot Chicken slider

Hattie B's was my most memorable bite at Austin Food and Wine Festival in 2023 and the same holds true for 2024. The chicken breast is brined and is incredibly juicy and the heat packs a wallop. Even at medium, the heat is REAL.  

The best food in Austin Texas: September 2024

  Fall is finally here in Austin Texas. Sure I might have a good chili recipe up my sleeve for the crisp low 70s weather but how about we talk about the best food in Austin I had over the last few weeks? The Vitals: the spot: Uchiko Austin 4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756 the eats: tasting menu the bucks: $$$ the full nelson: a curry lovers dream Chef Jack Yoss has a thing for Indonesian curries. And when you try his short rib beef Rendang, you might get a thing for Indonesian curries too. This tasting menu of Southeast Asian delights is a pop up so stay tuned to Uchiko and Jack Yoss' Instagram for the next event. Just know when the event does return, book ASAP as the event is limited seating. Check out my full experience here for a Southeast Asian feast that easily ranks among the best food in Austin. The Vitals: the spot: Poeta 1123 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 the eats: Pork Chop, Goat Cheese Cheesecake, all the pastas, beet salad the bucks: $$$ the full nelson: all day Italian with New Orleans vibes in East Austin  Chefs Ian Thurwachter and Krystal Craig are single handedly responsible for why Austin can take Italian food just as seriously as Philly or New York. My meal at Intero in 2021 easily remains a G.O.A.T. when it comes to best food in Austin as far as Italian goes. In 2024, there might be a new G.O.A.T. and that would be the goat cheese cheesecake at Poeta. Of course the carnivore in me swoons about the pork chop or the lamb confit gnocchi but . . . that goat cheese cheesecake, well I could make the joke again but the point has been made. The Vitals: the spot: Rockman Bakery 2400 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 200, Austin, TX 78702 the eats: all the croissants  the bucks: $ the full nelson: accomplished pastry chef seeks to up Austin's Croix game I have a soft spot for flaky croissants. Apparently so does Chef Amanda Rockman who takes years of fine dining experience and serves it up with a divine new bakery in East Austin. The pastries are as tasty as they are eye catching and while one might be tempted to stick to classics like a plain croissant(and let the chef's craft do the talking) you might find yourself more impressed with the more indulgent fare. Real Talk: I hate lemon meringue but her Croix version changed my mind like any great pastry chef can do. PS at $6-$7.50 I designate these Croix as total CHEAP EATS. They are huge and worth it. The Vitals: the spot: Guppy's ATX 2908 Fruth St B Unit 101, Austin, TX 78705 the eats: Indian Fried Chicken Sandwiches the bucks: $$ the full nelson: a new day for South Asian food in Austin The Indian fried chicken sandwich at Rowdy Rooster might have been the best bite I had of 2023. Sadly that was in New York City, so like, not exactly convenient. Guppy's ATX is vying to be the equivalent here in Austin and when it comes to Indian food trucks and best food in Austin, guys we got a real contender here. The flavors are as bold as the colors are striking and I'm told chef and owner Raj Bandi has been honing his recipe to reach a new level of Fried Chicken Nirvana. I'll see you there.

The Vitals: the spot: Knuckle Sandwich 440 E St Elmo Rd, Austin, TX 78745 the eats: All the sandwiches the bucks: $17 the full nelson: best italian sandwich I've ever had

It is a big statement to say Knuckle Sandwich is the best Italian sandwich I have ever had. But just making a statement like that means this sandwich trailer in South Austin is a shoe in for best food in Austin. Full details in my post here but for now I'll say this: it is worth the $17. Dude drives to San Antonio every day for the bread, the dude uses top shelf cured meats and the dude is a James Beard nominated chef who has slung tasting menus, opened 3 star restaurants in Asia and well, makes a mean sandwich.  

Austin City Limits Music Festival: best bites of weekend two

Fun fact: 2024 was the best food lineup Austin City Limits Music Festival has ever put together. The taco lineup of La Pachanga lived up to the hype. I was wowed by fried chicken and a recently closed epic burger shop made a smashing comeback with a smashed burger. Here were my three best bites: The Vitals: the spot: La Santa Barbacha 2806 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722 // @ACL Eats "La Pachanga" the eats: Barbacoa tacos the bucks: $16 (for three) the full nelson: a family recipe of braised beef tacos straight outta Mexico I love La Santa Barbacha so much I ate their tacos at Austin City Limits Music Festival and before when I pregamed at their taco truck location in East Austin. Their fork tender barbacoa, hand made tortillas and flavorful salsas didn't skip a beat at ACL. Plus they are some of the kindest most hard working peeps in the restaurant biz. The Vitals: the spot: CM Smokehouse two locations in Austin // @ACL Eats Main Food Court the eats: Brisket Crunchwrap the bucks: $13 (half) $24 (whole) the full nelson: if a Texas BBQ pitmaster did a pop up at a Taco Bell CM Smokehouse was destined to serve their brisket crunchwrap at ACL. Hand held foods simply shine at festivals and this hand held is about as unique as it gets. I've never had an actual crunchwrap from Taco Bell and frankly why would I when I have a brisket version thx to CM Smokehouse. Hands down the most fun nostalgic bite at Austin City Limits Music Festival. The Vitals: the spot: Bambino 79 Springdale Rd Suite 153, Austin, TX 78702 //  @ the craft beer tent by Miller Lite stage the eats: Pizza pizza pizza the bucks: $$ the full nelson: Hottest pizza in Austin takes center stage at ACL Eats I am a huge fan of Bambino: the hottest newest pizza joint in Austin. When I found out Austin City Limits Music Festival snagged this pie and gave them a spot next to the craft beer tent . . .  I knew where I was gonna get my carb fix. The cupped pepperoni pie was a particular fav of mine.

Adios Austin City Limits Music Festival 2024

As I write this, I am in full come down mode from attending two weekends of Austin City Limits Music Festival. It was as fun as it looked, and the acts were as always, top billing(Leon Bridges KILLED IT). And the food literally has never been better. I'm a little tired but I know I'll be back next year. See ya in 2025 ACL FEST!!!

Austin City Limits Music Festival: best bites

ACL rolled into town and Austin is a buzz. The food is just as important as the drinks at this iconic music festival and it shows in the restaurant selection. That being said, narrowing down my fav bites of weekend one wasn't easy as much as it was practical; I can only eat so much! So take a bite of my top three bites. The Vitals: the spot: Con Todo   10001 Metric Blvd, Austin, TX 78758 // @ACL Eats "La Pachanga" the eats: Carnitas Tostada the bucks: $16 (for two) the full nelson: James Beard nominated Chef slinging carnitas at ACL Chef Joseph Gomez runs a deceptively simple taco trailer at a brewery called Celis in North Austin. But this taquero ain't no late night trompo carver. With a storied resumé including Asian cooking and fine dining, his attention to the little things add up on the plate and the palate. At the Austin City Limits Music Festival he slings carnitas on a tostada that are equal parts succulent and spicy. Con Todo is a premium taco trailer experience so this is a rare case where the festival prices aren't too far from the norm. Also, great carnitas are a rare sighting at a music festival, and Chef Gomez serves some of the very best in the city. The Vitals: the spot: Vaquero Taquero  Two locations in Austin // @ACL Eats "La Pachanga" the eats: Al Pastor Gringa the bucks: $16 (3) the full nelson: Top tier Al Pastor at ACL Fest When Vaquero Taquero first popped up on my radar I hailed it as the arrival of excellent Al Pastor to Austin. They typically cook on a vertical rotisserie but for the Austin City Limits Music Festival they use a flat top grill. Vaquero serves open faced quesadillas that are frankly gargantuan and are generously stuffed with marinated pork and cheese. If you have the chance try their locations in town too. The Vitals: the spot: Gus's Fried Chicken 117 San Jacinto Austin TX 78701  // @ACL Eats Main Food Court the eats: Fried Chicken the bucks: $12 for a two piece the full nelson: Please just eat here There are two reasons why I never tried Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken until Weekend One of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. One, my son has a peanut allergy and they fry the chicken in peanut oil. The other is that they are in downtown Austin which is a total pain in the a** when it comes to parking. Well, I'm over the parking part. Guys this fried chicken is worth getting a parking ticket for. Hands down the best fried chicken I have had in years. Apparently they use refined peanut oil making the allergy issue not one but I will defer to my doctor before taking that step. In the meantime get yourself a two piece in between sets and beers, you are welcome. That's a wrap on Weekend One! More to come after Weekend Two.

The Vitals: the spot: Knuckle Sandwich 440 E St Elmo Rd, Austin, TX 78745 the eats: All the sandwiches the bucks: $17 the full nelson: best italian sandwich I've ever had

Best Italian Sandwich I've had.

Bold words I know but I was truly floored. Everything Chef Ryan Fox does in making this Italian Sandwich is pure chef flex. He drives to San Antonio to get the bread. The meats he uses are top shelf: Olympia Provisions. He makes a ridiculously genius sauce. There is more to it but the journey to trying the best Italian Sandwich I ever had starts with the journey of this uber talented chef.

Resumé of a fine dining chef

Tasting menus? Check. James Beard nomination? Check? Opened a major fine dining restaurant overseas and eventually left because he needed to keep honing his craft? Check. Ryan Fox is first and foremost from Cleveland, a town with a storied food culture and a killer Corned Beef sandwich town too. When I went there to film Cheap Eats, I learned all of this first hand.

CLE > NYC > Las Vegas > Singapore > Portland

He would leave his hometown to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Then he landed a job working with acclaimed Chef Joel Robuchon at L' Atelier, an over the top tasting menu experience. The gig took him to Singapore to open a location there before leaving to hone his skills in a different direction. He was in Portland most recently where he ran his own tasting menu restaurant and picked up a nomination as a rising star chef by the James Beard Foundation.

Not your average deli menu

Given Fox's resume, expect a not your average deli menu. I locked eyes on the Italian sandwich aka The Knuckle Sandwich. No regrets but next time I will be trying the Lion's Mane Pastrami mushroom which Chef seemed very proud of.

The Rundown:

Mortadella, Salami and Capicola make up the full rundown of the meats line up for this exquisite Italian sandwich. I love mortadella and if you do too, you will enjoy the offering by Olympia Provision. The shrettuce is there for texture and rather than rolling with a standard slice of cheese, fried Parmesan is offered. The bread, from Pullman market in San Antonio is shockingly light. The chia seed crust struck me as unconventional but frankly kinda rad. the Za'atar vinaigrette is chef flex but it pales in comparison to the Amba(spicy pickled mango) aioli. The Amba aioli made the meal. Epic Italian sandwiches have that perfect sauce: typically a combo of mayo, mustard and a vinaigrette that one hopes ends up balanced on the sandwich. Fox takes the next step by balancing all those elements in a house made aioli. So much effort goes into this sandwich, it easily justifies the $17 price tag, given the prices one finds in Austin these days. This Italian sandwich is a total banger.  

Austin City Limits Music Festival 2024: My five picks for where to eat at ACL Eats.

The Vitals: the spot: CM Smokehouse two locations in Austin TX + ACL Eats the eats: Brisket Crunchwrap  the bucks: $17  the full nelson: Texas BBQ meets Chef driven munchies 

As I looked over the food line up at this year's Austin City Limits Music Festival, CM Smokehouse jumped as a must visit spot. Fun handheld foods are the move at a music festival and CM's Brisket Crunchwrap is most certainly that. Chef Cade Mercer loads a large flour tortilla with a generous amount of brisket along with all the other classic elements of the famous Taco Bell crunchwrap. Yes this one will cost you a lot more but as I said when I tried it last year, it's the size of a small pizza and shareable. The Vitals: the spot: Shawarma Point multiple locations in Austin // @ACL Eats Main Food Court the eats: Gyro the bucks: $15 the full nelson: one of my fave ACL Eats Another example of a handheld that shines at Austin City Limits Music Festival is the Gyro at Shawarma Point. Despite the Greek name, this Gyro has the feels of a Halal Cart style shawarma sandwich exemplified by the dueling drizzles of creamy yogurt and a fiery chili sauce. The pita is nice and buttery and does a great job of holding the bold flavors together. The Vitals: the spot: Mama Fried @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 Sadly, Mama Fried closed its location in Austin but has been resurrected for the Austin City Limits Music Festival. I don't often eat fries but make exceptions when they are loaded with chopped beef from one of the best barbecue restaurants in the state. Queso, pico de gallo and pickled jalapeños mean salsa isn't required. Mama tried real good on this one folks. 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 Curry might not be the first thing that comes to mind at Austin City Limits Music Festival, I'll give you that. But consider the plethora of craft beers on tap and consider how well the aromatic spices from hoppy beer pair with the aromatic warming spices in a curry. For me, curry peaks with tender morsels of lamb which is what I have found year after year when I visit Lamba Royal Indian at ACL Eats. The Vitals: the spot: La Pachanga: located between the main merch tent and IHG Hotels  Resorts Stage the eats: all star tacos and Mexican Smashed Burger! the bucks: $-$$ the full nelson: What I am most excited for at ACL Eats Far and away the La Pachanga line up is what I am most excited for about the Austin City Limits Music Festival, sorry Dua Lipa. The mashup of who's who of taco giants in Austin is worthy of a Netflix series, or at least one on PBS. Many of these participants I have highlighted on this blog as well. I can only hope this dream of a food court lives up to my lofty expectations.