Where I Ate in Austin (at the Blathering)

By Jennie

A little over a week ago, Food Lush took a couple days off because so many of our writers were out of town at the Blathering, a blogging meet-up that's both completely awesome and also filled with my kind of people. That kind would be: people who like to eat.

This year the meet-up was in Austin, and as people who like to eat, we made ourselves proud. We ate ... a lot.

If you're heading to Austin anytime soon, bookmark this page. You'll thank me later!

Thursday night dinner

A few of us went to Maudie's for delicious Mexican food. (Also, the menus are so cool, I have to strangely give them a shout out. Great design, whoever the designer may be!) I had the combo fajita quesadillas, and the table also shared (spicy) queso.

Friday brunch

We went to Kerbey Lane and sat outside, which was so nice. I've heard awesome things about this place over the years -- so I was a wee bit worried it wouldn't live up to the hype -- but both the migas AND the pumpkin pancakes were unbelievable.

(What, you don't have two breakfasts while you're on vacation? Amateur! Although, confession; I split both with a friend.)

{Photo courtesy of Sarah Lena of The Anvil Tree}

Also, while they don't take reservations, I called ahead to give them a heads up about our party size, and they happily accomodated us, even splitting the checks without hesitation at the end of our meal.

Friday dinner

We hosted a backyard BBQ and Ruby's catered. So good. We also had Delish cupcakes, which I thought were some of the best I've had. I thought we possibly over-ordered but we went through at least five dozen of the six really quickly.

{You can see the BBQ, the cupcakes, and the BBQ delivery guy. Hi!}

Saturday

A handful of us went to the Gypsy Picnic, a food truck festival.

{Photo courtesy of Jen from Jayesel}

I had a lot of food and should have (but didn't) written down everything I tasted and what I thought, but the best thing (by far!) was the fried avocado taco from Torchy's. (Elisabeth thought so too.)

It was so good, in fact, I stopped by the actual restaurant on my way out of town the next day to get another.

Runner up: The naughty and nice donut from Gourdoughs Big. Fat. Donuts.

Saturday dinner

We had a pre-fixe meal at Z Tejas, and it was fantastic!

I got the New York Strip and the ancho pie, and I loved both. The real star though (well, for me) was the jalapeno margarita the bartender talked me into it. Yum!

Sunday lunch

Before I got that additional fried avocado taco, I had lunch (it's a wonder I didn't return from this trip 20 pounds heavier) at Home Slice on Congress. We sat outside and it was really good pizza, although I think I may have finally decided I'm a deep dish girl instead of a New York thin slice one. We all have to decide at some point, don't we?

So, there you have it, where I ate (and ate and ate) in Austin.

What about you? What are YOUR favorite Austin eats and, if you were at the Blathering, what was a highlight for you?

Comments

[Elsha]

Those donuts were good, weren't they. YUM,

[Linnea]

At the Gypsy Picnic, my favorite was the deep-fried pierogi, though I don't remember where it was.

Also, I loved my Home Slice lunch, but I too, and a deep-dish person. Specifically, Giordano's in Chicago... that's my favorite.

[Ris]

OH my god please tell me you had Kerbey Queso. I'm practically drooling on my keyboard over here at the thought of their Migas. YUM.

[Carrisa]

I had the migas with queso and yes, heavenly. I can't stop thinking about them.

[Andrea]

A bunch of us ate at Magnolia Cafe. I had the Magnolia Omelette-black olives, avocado, tomato, cheese and lemon sour cream sauce. I wish I could eat it again right now!

[Jessica]

I'm so bummed I didn't try the fried avocado taco!