Episodes

  • Sizzling Austin: Smoked Veggies, Frozen Sangria, and Omakase Oh My!

    Sizzling Austin: Smoked Veggies, Frozen Sangria, and Omakase Oh My!
    Apr 19 2025
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin’s culinary scene isn’t just heating up—it’s absolutely sizzling with inventive energy, bold personalities, and a spirit that captures the city’s famously quirky soul. Step into Gina’s on Congress, and you’ll be wrapped in the warm embrace of Italian-American classics, with a Texas twist. The housemade pastas and impossibly tender meatballs are already drawing locals in droves—if you want the rigatoni vodka, get there early. Then there’s Uroko, turning sushi into a choose-your-own adventure with hand roll courses that showcase pristine Gulf seafood and playful flavors snapping with yuzu and shiso.

    Barbecue legends LeRoy and Lewis finally traded their food truck for a brick-and-mortar outpost in South Austin, and brisket purists are swooning over uniquely smoked short rib, house-made sausages, and—brace yourself—smoked vegetables. Their audacious smoked Italian beef sandwich practically demands a side of their frozen Big Red Sangria, a sweet Texas wink that sums up the city’s penchant for irreverence. Meanwhile, Birdie’s buzzes with lines out the door, thanks to chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel’s relaxed fine dining ethos. Her ever-changing dishes—think snapper crudo laced with Texas olive oil, or pillowy gnocchi tossed with local mushrooms—epitomize Austin’s bounty-driven creativity.

    Downtown’s omakase temple, Sushi by Scratch, is the kind of hidden gem that’s anything but understated. With just ten seats, the 22-course, chef-guided meal is a theatrical parade of dry-aged fish, seared A5 wagyu, and chef Margarita Kallas-Lee’s whimsical desserts. Reservations are gold, but the experience is priceless for devout sushi aficionados.

    Austin’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s the city’s embrace of experimental concepts and tech-driven hospitality that keeps things interesting. Keep an eye out for the upcoming openings from Innovative Dining Group, whose Sushi Roku and BOA Steakhouse are poised to shake up downtown with their West Coast polish and chef-driven flair. The AI-powered dining concepts cropping up across the city are also catching national attention, blending high-tech efficiency with Austin’s trademark friendliness.

    Local ingredients are the lifeblood here, from Gulf shrimp at Con Vista Al Mar’s coastal-Mexican plates to the short rib machacado at Eldorado Café, a Tex-Mex sensation that celebrates regional comfort food in its purest, most comforting form. Festivals like the Austin Food + Wine Festival and quirky pop-up dinners let chefs collaborate, experiment, and showcase the city’s wild flavor spectrum.

    What makes Austin’s culinary scene irresistible isn’t just the food—it’s the magnetic blend of tradition, innovation, and a community that roots for every creative leap. For listeners eager to taste the next big thing, Austin’s tables are set for adventure..


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    3 mins
  • Sizzling Secrets: Austin's Culinary Scene Uncovered! Michelin Stars, Omakase Theatrics, and Tex-Mex Triumphs

    Sizzling Secrets: Austin's Culinary Scene Uncovered! Michelin Stars, Omakase Theatrics, and Tex-Mex Triumphs
    Apr 17 2025
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin is cooking up a storm in 2025, and the city’s dining scene has never sizzled brighter. Hailed as the capital of culinary creativity, Austin blends homegrown Texas charm with bold global flavors, cutting-edge concepts, and an experimental spirit that keeps food lovers perpetually hungry for more.

    A recent headline-grabber, Craft Omakase, topped Texas Monthly’s list of best new restaurants, earning not just adoration from local fans but one of Austin’s first Michelin stars—a feat that cements its position in the gastronomic stratosphere. At Craft Omakase, the experience is as meticulously choreographed as the knife work: imagine glistening pink hamachi, flown in from Japan and sliced just moments before it melts on your tongue, or yellowtail dressed delicately with grape and plum juice. The 22-course menu isn’t just a meal; it’s a masterclass in umami.

    Downtown, Sushi by Scratch is turning high-end sushi into theater, with just ten coveted seats per service and a 22-course omakase that flirts with extravagance. A torch singes wagyu and aged toro tableside while Japanese jellyfish and sweet corn pudding offer playful interludes in a menu that evolves with the season and the chef’s whims.

    Yet Austin’s food scene thrives on inclusivity and invention, not exclusivity. Eldorado Cafe wins die-hard loyalty with pitch-perfect Tex-Mex—think enchiladas verdes, crispy tacos, and tangy homemade salsas that demand to be bottled and carted home. Meanwhile, LeRoy and Lewis has graduated from food truck fame to a South Austin brick-and-mortar, serving barbecue that treats vegetables and beef with equal reverence, paired with creative cocktails like a frozen Big Red Sangria for that signature local twist.

    This year, the city’s dining landscape is infused with international flair and technological innovation. Electric Gravy, the Mumbai-inspired hotspot, slyly fuses Indian street snacks with Texas comfort—imagine samosas and Bombay sandwiches featuring fried chicken tucked into naan, finished with spice-forward, alcohol-free cocktails. Pop-ups like Bad Larry’s are morphing into full-on burger joints with vibrant side acts: DJ sets, coffee bars, even mini food festivals.

    Community and culture are the secret ingredients here. Local chefs showcase Hill Country produce, Gulf seafood, and the multicultural tapestry of Austin itself. From food trucks slinging Louisiana-inflected brisket to a new dumpling spot blending Taiwanese and Bolivian flavors, there’s never a dull bite.

    At the heart of Austin’s continuing culinary boom are stories—of innovation, tradition, and the city’s signature laid-back hospitality. For food lovers, this is a city where dinner is always an adventure, and the menu is still being written. So grab your appetite and join the feast—Austin’s table is set, and everyone’s invited..


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    3 mins
  • Sizzling Secrets: Austin's Culinary Scene Heats Up with Michelin Stars and Trendy Trucks

    Sizzling Secrets: Austin's Culinary Scene Heats Up with Michelin Stars and Trendy Trucks
    Apr 15 2025
    Food Scene Austin

    Austin's culinary scene is sizzling with innovation and diversity, making it a destination food lovers won’t want to miss. The city’s dining landscape is a delicious tapestry of local traditions, fresh ingredients, and global flavors, boasting everything from Michelin-starred omakase to inventive food trucks.

    Among the city’s crown jewels is Craft Omakase, recently named Texas Monthly’s best new restaurant for 2025. This sushi haven has earned one of Austin's rare Michelin stars, thanks to its impeccable 22-course tasting menu that delicately balances reverence for traditional sushi with playful creativity. Highlights include hamachi, flown in fresh from Japan and dressed with delicate grape and plum juice, and a captivating array of beyond-fish dishes that ensure every palate is catered to.

    Equally ambitious is Sushi by Scratch Restaurants, which promises a theatrical dining experience. Downtown diners are treated to an intimate, 10-seat setting where chefs craft exquisite bites of dry-aged fish, bone marrow, and even sweet corn pudding. Reservations are a must for this gastronomic journey through flavors and textures.

    Austin's barbecue is also charting bold territory. LeRoy and Lewis, once a beloved food truck, now thrives in its much-anticipated brick-and-mortar location in South Austin. Known for creative options like smoked Italian beef sandwiches and even smoked vegetables, this spot redefines Texan barbecue without losing its soul. Pair a Sam Houston burger with a frozen Big Red Sangria for a playful spin on tradition.

    Fusion reigns supreme at Electric Gravy, a recently opened Mumbai-inspired bar and restaurant that blends Indian flavors with Texan charm. Samosas rub shoulders with Bombay sandwiches wrapped in naan, while the cocktail menu impresses with both boozy and zero-proof innovations. Meanwhile, Con Vista Al Mar brings the flavors of coastal Mexico to Central East Austin, offering fresh seafood dishes like beer-battered fish tacos and seared tuna, alongside wines from Baja California.

    For trendsetters, the buzz around the food truck scene is hard to ignore. From the barbecue-Louisiana mash-up at Batch Craft Beer to inventive dumplings blending Taiwanese and Bolivian street food, new ventures are redefining casual dining in Austin. As if that weren’t enough, 1972, a women's sports pub, adds a unique cultural twist with its focus on celebrating female athletes alongside craft beers and hearty snacks.

    Rooted in its Texan heritage yet boldly innovative, Austin’s culinary scene is a testament to creativity and passion. Whether savoring smoked brisket or indulging in a 22-course omakase, dining here is an adventure brimming with flavor and fun. Food lovers, take note—Austin is a feast worth traveling for..


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    3 mins
  • Juicy Bites: Austin's Sizzling Food Scene Exposed!

    Juicy Bites: Austin's Sizzling Food Scene Exposed!
    Apr 12 2025
    Food Scene Austin

    **Savor Austin: The Culinary Capital of Texas is on Fire**

    Austin's food scene is sizzling in 2025, blending innovation, tradition, and an unapologetic love for bold flavors. Home to an eclectic mix of trailblazing chefs, fresh produce, and cultural influences, the city continues to cement its reputation as a foodie destination that refuses to be boxed in. Whether it's Michelin-star sushi or the latest smash burger craze, Austin’s gastronomic offerings promise something extraordinary for every palate.

    A spotlight shines brightly on Craft Omakase, crowned as Texas Monthly's best new restaurant of the year. This sushi gem elevates dining to an art form with its 22-course menu, featuring fish flown in daily from Japan and meticulously crafted into exquisite bites. The restaurant’s ability to honor the deep history of sushi while embracing a playful, modern sensibility is why it’s garnered both a Michelin star and endless praise. Meanwhile, the newly opened Sushi by Scratch offers its own 22-course omakase experience, where Wagyu beef, bone marrow, and even sweet corn pudding are woven into a fine-dining tapestry.

    If you're looking for local tradition with a twist, LeRoy and Lewis has transformed from a beloved food truck into a brick-and-mortar barbecue paradise in South Austin. Known for its innovative take on Texas BBQ, you’ll find smoky favorites like brisket and sausage alongside daring dishes like smoked vegetables and their signature smoked Italian beef sandwich. Wash it all down with their frozen Big Red Sangria, a cheeky nod to Texas nostalgia.

    Austin is also embracing Mediterranean and European influences. Ēma, opening later this year, will bring mezze-style plates to Domain NORTHSIDE, perfect for grazing over brunch or late-night dinners. Fish Shop, debuting in East Austin, channels the charm of European coastlines, serving oysters, clams, and crudo that practically smell of the sea. For a full-blown Spanish tapas experience, Kalimotxo delivers vibrant small plates, Spanish wines, and porrones of sangria to amplify any gathering.

    The city's commitment to sustainability and seasonality continues to shine with spots like Emmer & Rye, where hyperlocal, seasonal dishes and in-house fermentation create a unique farm-to-table experience. Their Michelin Green Star is a testament to their dedication to eco-conscious dining.

    Austin’s culinary prowess extends beyond restaurants. Annual events like the Austin Food + Wine Festival bring together top-tier chefs, intimate tastings, and vibrant music, celebrating the city’s communal spirit. Local farmers’ markets provide chefs and home cooks alike access to Texas-grown treasures like Hill Country peaches and heritage grains.

    What makes Austin irresistible is its blend of bold innovation and enduring traditions. It’s a city that constantly reinvents itself while staying anchored to its roots. Whether you're a barbecue purist, a sushi connoisseur, or a mezze enthusiast, Austin’s culinary scene is proof that food here isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life. So, food lovers, grab your forks and prepare to fall in love, bite by bite..


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    3 mins
  • Sizzling Secrets: Austin's Culinary Scene Heats Up in 2025! Juicy Details Inside

    Sizzling Secrets: Austin's Culinary Scene Heats Up in 2025! Juicy Details Inside
    Apr 10 2025
    Food Scene Austin

    **Austin’s Culinary Renaissance: A Food Lover’s Paradise**

    Austin’s culinary scene is sizzling in 2025, blending bold innovation with a deep respect for local traditions and ingredients. This dynamic city is carving its place as a gastronomic hotspot, and there’s no shortage of reasons why food enthusiasts should be paying attention.

    The new year has already welcomed exciting restaurant openings. Craft Omakase, Austin’s top-ranked sushi restaurant, continues to captivate diners with its meticulously crafted 22-course menu. Earning a Michelin star, this venue takes sushi to new heights with dishes like hamachi kissed by plum juice, encapsulating the artistry of Japanese cuisine while embracing playful modern touches. Meanwhile, for Mediterranean lovers, Ēma brings the mezze magic to Domain NORTHSIDE this fall, offering small plates that are as vibrant as the Texas sunsets.

    Smash burgers and music lovers will find their groove at Bad Larry’s, a hip new eatery in the Holly neighborhood. It’s not just about the standout food—think smash burgers and breakfast spreads—but the energy, with concerts, DJ sets, and even a music and food festival rounding out the experience. For seafood aficionados, Fish Shop on East 6th Street delivers a taste of European coastal charm with fresh oysters, scallops, and crudo.

    Long-time Austin staples are also making waves. LeRoy and Lewis have transformed from a food truck favorite into a brick-and-mortar sensation, bringing their inventive barbecue and smoked vegetables to a larger audience. Their frozen Big Red Sangria is a nostalgic yet adventurous pairing that perfectly embodies Austin’s culinary creativity.

    The city’s ties to Texan agriculture and sustainability shine through restaurants like Emmer & Rye, which champions local farms and seasonal menus. By milling heirloom grains in-house and utilizing whole-animal butchery, Emmer & Rye not only elevates flavor but remains committed to carbon-neutral dining. Other spots like Ezov celebrate the blending of Texas bounty with global inspirations, offering Mediterranean dishes designed for sharing alongside bold, herbaceous cocktails.

    Austin’s flair for innovation extends to its dining concepts. The AI-powered restaurant trend, pioneered by talents like Yong Wang, merges cutting-edge technology with traditional service, showcasing how forward-thinking Austin has become.

    What sets Austin apart is its unabashed celebration of diversity—cuisines from around the world are reimagined with a distinctly Texan twist, fueled by local ingredients and a commitment to community. Add to this an array of lively food festivals and a culture that thrives on creativity, and it’s clear: Austin isn’t just cooking; it’s setting the culinary world on fire..


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    3 mins
  • Savory Secrets: Austin's Hottest New Restaurants Revealed!

    Savory Secrets: Austin's Hottest New Restaurants Revealed!
    Apr 10 2025
    Food Scene Austin

    **Austin's Culinary Symphony: A Savory Exploration of Innovation and Tradition**

    As the vibrant city of Austin continues to be a beacon for live music and quirky attractions, a tantalizing culinary composition is unfolding within its lively neighborhoods. New restaurant openings and experimental dining concepts are beckoning food enthusiasts with promises of innovation and a dash of Texan tradition.

    Austin's newest culinary starlets are already dazzling diners with unique experiences. At the helm of this flavorful charge is *Canje*, a trendy spot offering a fresh take on Caribbean cuisine, where Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph marries Austin’s love for bold flavors with his own Guyanese heritage. The signature jerk chicken, complemented by a zesty mango slaw, is a masterpiece of both spice and harmony.

    In East Austin, the opening of *Suerte* under the creative eye of Chef Fermín Núñez has been a cause for celebration. Here, the spotlight is on masa, an ancient Mexican dough made from corn. By fusing locally sourced ingredients with traditional Mexican techniques, Suerte crafts exquisite tacos that are a symphony of texture and taste. The lamb barbacoa taco is an unassuming hero, its tender meat wrapped in a pillowy handmade tortilla.

    Meanwhile, *Intero* offers a delightful foray into sustainable Italian cuisine. Helmed by owners Chris and Krystal O’Connor, this restaurant uses whole animals and locally sourced produce to shine a light on Italian classics with an Austin twist. Their chocolate hazelnut budino, crafted in-house, is a decadent ode to the city's commitment to sustainability and quality.

    Beyond these fresh faces, Austin is pulsating with culinary festivals that celebrate its diversity and ingenuity. The *Austin Food & Wine Festival* is a grand spectacle, drawing food lovers from across the nation to savor the city's boldest flavors and culinary innovations. This annual gathering is a stage for emerging talent—an ideal place to glimpse the future stars of Austin's restaurant scene.

    Local ingredients are the steady drumbeat in this culinary orchestra, with Texas beef, gulf shrimp, and farm-fresh produce playing leading roles. The city’s focus on farm-to-table dining is more than a trend; it's a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and a nod to sustainability. Austin’s cultural tapestry is equally influential, blending Mexican, Southern, and international flavors into a delicious melting pot.

    What truly sets Austin apart, however, is its community spirit, creativity, and unabashed free-spiritedness. This is a city where fine dining coexists beautifully with food trucks, where chefs share their stories on vibrant plates, and where every bite is an adventure. It's a city where the local is celebrated, innovation is encouraged, and traditions are revered—making it a gastronomic destination like no other.

    For food lovers seeking a journey of layered flavors and inventive artistry, Austin is not just a stop on the map; it’s a culinary symphony waiting to be savored. Whether you’re feasting on a delicate dish at one of its newest establishments or diving into a beloved bowl of queso at a local favorite, Austin promises a dining experience bursting with creativity and warmth.


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    4 mins
  • Savoring Austin: Sizzling Secrets, Bold Bites, and Culinary Trailblazers

    Savoring Austin: Sizzling Secrets, Bold Bites, and Culinary Trailblazers
    Apr 8 2025
    Food Scene Austin

    **Austin's Flavor Frontier: Where Tradition Meets Innovation**

    In the heart of Texas, Austin's culinary scene is a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation, a city where the rustic charm of barbecue meets the elegance of avant-garde cuisine. With each visit, you'll find the air tinged with aromas from slow-smoked briskets mingling with exotic spices, evidence of the city's diverse gastronomic landscape. From pioneering chefs crafting extraordinary menus to intimate eateries tucked away in vibrant neighborhoods, Austin offers a culinary adventure like no other.

    **New Beginnings: Fresh Faces on the Block**

    Austin's restaurant scene is buzzing with the excitement of fresh openings, and Eberly is one of the most celebrated newcomers. Located on South Lamar Boulevard, this stylish spot combines modern American fare with a stunning interior that feels both sophisticated and inviting. From the wood-fired steaks to the perfectly executed cocktails, Eberly has established itself as a culinary destination that appeals to all the senses.

    Another star stepping onto Austin's stage is Birdie's, an unpretentious yet meticulously curated wine garden and counter-service restaurant. Nestled in East Austin, Birdie's menu features an ever-changing roster of seasonal dishes. Highlights include their house-made pasta, which sings with the simplicity and beauty of its farm-fresh ingredients, and a curated wine list that's as thoughtful as the food.

    **Innovative Dining Concepts: Beyond the Plate**

    Austin has always been a city for the daring, and nowhere is this more evident than in its approach to dining. Emmer & Rye stands as a testament to the city's embrace of culinary innovation. As a pioneer of the "dim sum" inspired service of small plates alongside a rotating menu, Emmer & Rye provides an interactive experience, where diners are encouraged to explore and savor the unexpected. With a commitment to local sourcing, Chef Kevin Fink's dishes are a direct reflection of the city's lush produce.

    Meanwhile, Lenoir offers a "hot weather" menu perfectly tailored to Austin's balmy climate. Diners can expect bright, vibrant flavors using locally sourced ingredients that provide a true taste of Texas terroir. The lush outdoor wine garden provides an escape, combining the charm of a backyard gathering with the refinement of a world-class restaurant.

    **Events and Festivals: A Celebration of Flavors**

    Austin's food culture thrives not only in its restaurants but also through its festivals. The Austin Food & Wine Festival brings together culinary masters and burgeoning talent from across the country for a weekend of taste exploration and culinary camaraderie. Here, food lovers can immerse themselves in the world of flavors, guided by the expertise of chefs who have made their mark on the city’s ever-evolving palate.

    **Why Austin is Unmissable**

    What sets Austin apart is its harmonious blend of the familiar and the new. It is a city that respects its culinary roots, as evidenced by its legendary love of barbecue and Tex-Mex, while eagerly embracing the novel influences brought by its creative chefs. The use of local ingredients not only underscores a commitment to sustainability but also promises a true taste of the region with every bite.

    Austin's culinary scene is more than just a collection of restaurants; it's a vibrant ecosystem that reflects the city's spirit — progressive, diverse, and resilient. For food enthusiasts seeking the thrill of discovery, Austin is the place where every meal tells a story, inviting diners to become part of its rich tapestry, one delicious bite at a time.


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    4 mins
  • Sizzling Secrets: Austin's Hottest New Restaurants Revealed!

    Sizzling Secrets: Austin's Hottest New Restaurants Revealed!
    Apr 5 2025
    Food Scene Austin

    **Savoring the Austin Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure Awaits**

    Austin, Texas—a city where the food scene is as dynamic as its live music. Here, culinary innovation meets laid-back Southern charm, creating an edible playground for food lovers. With the city’s vibrant energy, it’s no wonder that Austin has become a breeding ground for some of the most thrilling new restaurant openings, innovative dining concepts, and tantalizing food trends.

    ### A Smorgasbord of New Openings

    In the heart of downtown, "Canje" captures the imagination with its vibrant Caribbean flavors. Helmed by Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, a rising star in Austin's culinary firmament, the restaurant cleverly intertwines traditional and modern influences in dishes like their aromatic curry goat and addictive plantain chips. Meanwhile, "Olamaie" continues to redefine Southern cuisine under the guidance of Chef Michael Fojtasek, whose signature biscuits have developed a cult following.

    On the east side, "Este" offers a bold exploration of Mexican coastal cuisine with its charred octopus and zesty aguachile rounding out a menu as colorful as the murals adorning its walls. Embodying the spirit of collaboration, "Comedor" delights patrons with a marriage of contemporary Mexican and global influences, spearheaded by chefs Gabe Erales and Philip Speer.

    ### Culinary Concepts and Edible Innovations

    Beyond the sheer number of new openings, Austin dazzles with unique dining concepts. "Emmer & Rye" is pioneering the idea of 'dim sum-style' service with locally sourced small plates that roam the dining room. Chef Kevin Fink’s commitment to seasonality means diners have delightful surprises with each visit, like wild mustard blossoms paired with house-made pasta.

    Similarly, Austin’s food truck scene remains unparalleled. "Dee Dee," a beloved Thai trailer, serves vibrant dishes inspired by the Isan region, with a khao soi that brings layers of spice and comfort to Texas’ capital. This mobile eatery exemplifies Austin’s adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit.

    ### Tantalizing Texas Traditions and Cultural Influences

    Of course, local ingredients play a starring role in the Austin culinary drama. "Dai Due" champions Texas terroir, offering game meats like wild boar and venison, expertly crafted by Chef Jesse Griffiths. Shaped by the city’s cultural melting pot, Austin’s gastronomy benefits from a diverse array of influences, ranging from classic Tex-Mex flavors to inventive fusion cuisines.

    Events like the Austin Food and Wine Festival further bolster the city’s reputation as a food lover's paradise, drawing chefs and aficionados from across the globe to celebrate and collaborate.

    ### A Unique Palette Worth Exploring

    Austin is not just another stop on a foodie’s itinerary—it’s a destination where culinary expression meets community vibe. Each bite tells a story of resilience, creativity, and passion, set against the backdrop of the city’s eclectic culture. As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, Austin firmly holds its place on the map as a city where food lovers should linger, explore, and, above all, savor. The invitation is open—come hungry, and leave inspired.


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    3 mins
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