Not only do these artists and interactive feens need sustenance and energy to get them through the day, Austin should spoil them with the best eats and drinks around town, and with this guide, the decision-making process of where to eat should be just a little bit easier.

Check out the guide. Visit a new restaurant. Share it with your friends that you love so much, yet once you’re well into the three-week long fest, you’ll begin to question why you let them crash on your couch in the first place. They need to eat too, and this way, you won’t have to be the one to feed them! They want true Texan BBQ? We’ve got it covered. How about the best places to find Asian cuisine, sustainable dining, or an upscale experience? We’ve got it. Trailers? Done. Austin Favorites so they can pretend to be local? Yes. Find it all here– your go-to one-stop-shop for finding the best eats during SXSW. Also, remember this link, bookmark it, and use it on your phone while you’re on the go! www.austinfoodlovers.com/sxswguide. Let us know what you find useful, and where you had your best bites in Austin over the next few weeks!

And, don’t forget to eat breakfast!

Related posts:

1. Austin Restablishments
2. Fun Fast-Food Finds
3. Keep Austin…Local!

“…whatever will be, will be, the future is ours to see…”  The future is bright for Austin’s newest queso (cheese) mongers, John and Kendall Antonelli.  Their cheese shop, Antonelli’s Cheese, opened in February, in one of Austin’s most charming neighborhoods, Hyde Park.  The adorable space housing two cases full of cheesy goods to see and taste, fits neatly between Hyde Park Grill, and Dolce Vita Gelato & Espresso at 42nd and Duval.

Cheese, like, olive oil, or Balsamic vinegar, or chocolate, is a delicacy that is taken for granted and who’s quality is often compromised because of its prevalence. Think Velveeta, or Kraft Singles. You can barely call that cheese. In contrast, John and Kendall are showing Austin the art of cheese.  How to eat it, pair it, even describe it. Where does it come from and how is it made?

Upon walking in the store, you will be greeted by the spunky and enthusiastic couple, eagerly waiting for you to try their flavorful inventory. If you’re ready to taste, you’ll be given a small piece of what seems to be parchment paper, upon which your samples will be placed before you dive in. You may even hear Kendall say, “Paper’s up!”, when she asks her customers to get ready for the serving of the next sample by placing their tasting paper up on top of the case. I was a delinquent and would savor each taste so much, I’d forget the drill immediately after each sample.

I first tried a well-rounded Manchego cheese (my favorite Spanish cheese!) but left with the Pleasant Ridge Reserve to branch out.  It is an award-winner made in Wisconsin, and was moderately sharp, firm, and a little nutty.  When I placed my order for the Pleasant Ridge, John threw a thumbs up to me…what can I say? I have good taste. 

I also came home with a Sundried Tomato Chutney that John gave me a sample of to complement another cheese I tasted that was extremely sharp, and I was looking for something to round out the flavors I was experiencing.  I may have to serve it at my next Petit Soiree!  The shop sells several other culinary compliments, cheese cookbooks, and gifts such as cheese-cutting boards, so your experience is complete!

And, one of the most personal and memorable aspects of an experience at Antonelli’s Cheese is what you will learn when you are in the shop. Each cheese in the case is topped with a label, describing the origin, the consistency, the flavors, and the price.  Have a question? John and Kendall are overflowing with information they will share with you, and their passion for cheese is contagious!

If you’re looking for a tasty activity and appreciate quality cheese, stop by Antonelli’s Cheese, where you can taste to your heart’s delight.  You will no doubt leave with new knowledge and some tasty cheesy goodness to enjoy until your next visit to the shop!

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1. John Joseph Drummerheimer Schmidt!

With SXSW around the corner, the charismatic town many of us know and love will be teeming with out-of-towners–wannabe Austinites, homecoming-ers who once walked our sacred streets, and first-timers who are not yet aware of the wonderfulness they will encounter on their pilgrimmage to the Capital of Texas and the “Live Music Capital of the World”- Austin. 

This post belongs to a collective SXSW Austin Food Bloggers' Guide. Click on the image to get ideas about dining during SXSW!

*The dining “restablishments” listed below are considered popular (based on the frequency at which I hear them mentioned. visited, and general awareness), local (for the most part, you can only find them in Austin), representative of the city’s funky/artistic culture, and many have maintained their charm for years throughout the city’s ever-changing landscape.  Many are centrally located, due to the central nature of SXSW happenings and they are listed in no particular order.

Austin Favorites- Restaurants

1. Kerbey Lane Cafe- Known for 24-hour eats, Kerbey Queso, infamous pancakes– you can even buy the mix and make them at home! (I Rebeccammend the Apple Whole Wheat, or Gingerbread). Locations just North of the UT campus, and the original location is just off of 35th Street.
2. Magnolia Cafe- Also known for 24-hour eats, pancakes, locations on both Lake Austin and South Congress, funky
3. Salt Lick BBQ- The BBQ is worth the drive from the city. Known for the experience, long wooden tables, lots of juicy meat, lighter, sweeter, flavorful BBQ sauce. Be prepared for a feast.
4. Stubbs BBQ- Known for BBQ sauce, also my favorite musical venue in Austin–amazing outdoor acoustics.  Also known for Gospel Brunch on Sundays.
5. Whole Foods Landmark Store- 5th and Lamar- Known for its size, plethora of culinary offerings within almost every major cuisine, eco-friendly culture. Austin is the Whole Foods headquarters. A delicious field trip to this store is a must if you are visiting.
6. Jo’s Coffee- South Congress (SoCo) and 2nd Street- Known for excellent coffee, the walk-up outdoor window at the shop on South Congress and outdoor seatings–it’s just the place to be, morning, noon, or night. The 2nd Street location has a broader menu with delicious salads and sandwiches. 
7. South Congress Cafe- Known for the delicious eats, and quality menu with everything from salads, to pasta, to fish and meat.  Every dish is a delight, and the price is right.  Also a hot brunch spot.
8. Homeslice Pizza- Walk up to the window to pick up a slice day or night on South Congress. You can also eat inside the restaurant or on the back patio. Just expanded into the space next door to provide more space for take out.
9. Guero’s Taco Bar- Known for the grab-your-own-salsas bar to accompany your spicy Tex-Mex meal and margaritas on Soco. I Rebeccammend the green salsa. Live music played outside with an adjacent bar for outdoor entertainment on nights and weekends.
10. Trudy’s- Longhorn alumni may miss the two’s-the-limit Mexican Martinis at the campus location (30th and Guadalupe). I also Rebeccammend the green salsa– so.good.  Also known for the Fried Avocado, and portabello fajitas with whole wheat tortillas.
11. Moonshine Bar & Grill- Housed in a landmark building on 3rd and Red River, Moonshine is one of the most Austin-y of restaurants. Western and Southern, rustic, hearty, full of charm. Known for spiced popcorn served before meals, along with spicy cornbread muffins, the Signature Skillet Apple Pie that can easily feed four, and drinks in mason jars.  Also known for their elaborate weekend brunch.
12. Amy’s Ice Cream- Everyone around here knows Amy’s ice cream. Known for the Mexican Vanilla, its richness, unique flavors, and mix-ins. Scoopers often mash in the goodies you pick and toss  your creation into the air, catching your dessert in the serving cup. Catch it on South Congress, at 6th and Lamar, and 35th and Guadalupe.
13. Shady Grove- Known for Western, corral feel, outdoor music on the large patio with a ton of seating. Also known for the Hippie Sandwich full of roasted veggies.  Sits on Barton Springs among many restaurants and hot spots.  Notable- Unplugged at The Grove- music every Thursday.
14. Hut’s Hamburgers-You guessed it, known for their burgers! On West 6th Street, you’ll get the diner experience at this burger joint for old times’ sake.
15. Hula Hut- On Lake Austin Boulevard, known for the view on Lake Austin, the beachy-tiki feel, tropical drinks, and delicious Tex-Mex. I Rebeccammend the Hawaiian Fajitas.
16. Mozart’s Coffee- Next to Hula Hut on Lake Austin Boulevard, known for wide outdoor decks above and at lake level, on-site-roasted coffee, and decadent desserts. Also boasts a gorgeous view of Lake Austin, day or night.

What else would you consider to be an “Austin Favorite” when it comes to restaurants/bars/cafes?  If you are visiting for SXSW, what do you have on your must-do list?

Related posts:

1. SXSW: Food Bloggers’ Guide to Austin
2. Life in Austin is…fabulous!
3. The Buzz on New Austin Bites

This was painted on the wall in front of the class. It definitely sets the fun, relaxed setting at Painting with a Twist!

We arrived on the evening of our class and received our blank canvases. Then, we found our spot at a table that had our names marked near an easel and paint palette. We opened a bottle of wine that we brought, and were ready to go!

The instructor led us through each step of the Valentine’s Day-themed painting.  She even sketched out the tricky parts on a dry-erase board, and broke it down for us into simple steps. There was an assistant that walked around to help when we had moments of doubt, fear, or slippage of the paint brush!  The class consisted of students of all ages, and both men and women. Guys— this is a really cute date idea!  And, ladies, this is such a fun activity for a night out w/ the girls.  Painting with a Twist even offers private classes, which could come in handy for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, or even Mothers’ Day!  Just keep in mind that whoever joins you at the class will have a similar version of the same painting to take home.

I wasn’t sure how my blank canvas would transform into a painting, and if it would look like the model hung on the wall in front of the class. I was pleasantly surprised at what I could do when I was walked through the process, and with a little vino, of course!

Check out my work in progress!

Check out the calendar to pick out a painting you might want to learn how to replicate and register online.  The Austin skyline is scheduled for February 23, and the $45 afternoon class on Saturday, February 28th will donate all proceeds to Haiti Missions, so you can help those in need just by painting!

Rebeccammended fun and relaxing activity for friends, family, couples, aspiring artists after a long day or week at work: Painting with a Twist! BYOB and paint away! Then bring your masterpiece home and hang it up to admire or give as a gift!

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Creative pastry chefs Michael and Amanda Joyner present their candy bar and snack cake samples to me...in a Star Wars lunch box at the HOPE farmer's market!

Irony. It’s everywhere. Take the phrase “old news”, for example.  Think about that. If it’s news, then it is new information.  So how can news be old?  Similarly, how can something antiquated also be new?  It can. We see it in vintage clothing and furniture, for example.  The whole idea of history repeating itself that applies to fashion, has seeped into the Austin culture through recreation and food.

Maybe trailer restaurants are a new take on an old tradition: ice cream trucks. The concept is that a moving vehicle carries sweet treats that customers can purchase from it. A mobile storefront that quenches peoples’ appetites.  This idea has been applied and executed successfully around town and this older tradition has now become a new city feature and tourist attraction.

In Austin, new gastronomic businesses popping up has become the status quo…some may even say “old news” since it happens all the time. Due to this fact, the brains and passions behind these new culinary ventures must find ways to differentiate.  I learned this weekend that emerging from the crowd are local pastry chefs Michael and Amanda Joyner, who are starting up a new business to bake and sell old school candy bars and snack cakes under the brand: Retro Bizzaro.

I came in contact with this spunky and passionate dessert-loving couple when I received an email saying RetroBizzaro was following me on Twitter.  I had never heard of this crazy name before, so I looked up their profile to find their fun new culinary concept.  On their page, I found their latest Tweet, which read “Be our 50th follower and get a hug!”. I immediately clicked the “Follow” button, and emailed Amanda through their site to find out where I could purchase their treats. She wrote back, saying I would receive a hug and a treat, offering to either drop it by my office, or hold it for me at the HOPE Farmer’s Market this Sunday.  (Such customer service!) I had been wanting to check out the market, so I did, and was so glad I got to meet the brains behind this bizarro baking concept!

Consistent with the brand name, I received my package in a Star Wars lunch box–haha! Michael and Amanda described the contents, including the Bananas Foster bar, which I took a bite of…well a few, and was packed with delicious flavor! To get the smokey/roasted taste of the fruity, yet toasty dessert, they include cinnamon cookies, add rum to the caramel, and, liquify their bananas in an all-natural, but special way. Also in the package were Mango Chili bars, Vegan Chocolate snack cakes, and Chocolate Pear cakes (which look a little bit like empanadas, only round in shape).

The couple told me about how they use local, organic, and fresh ingredients whenever possible.  Michael stated, “Whenever I find a local ingredient, I replace whatever I have been using with it.” They currently use Vital Farms for eggs, Texas Coffee Traders for coffee ingredients, and Finca Pura Vida for produce, which had set up camp immediately across from our meeting spot at the HOPE Farmer’s Market.

They produce their goodies in their commercial kitchen, and are busy finalizing their website, their flavors, and getting ready to set up shop at the HOPE Farmer’s Market in two weeks.

Get excited, Retro Bizzaro treats are coming our way….and boy are they tasty! I honestly can’t remember the last time I bit into a candy bar, and the experience definitely took me back to a place in my childhood.  Next on my tasting list, the Mango Chili. Thank you to Michael and Amanda for allowing me to sample their yummy treats!

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• Doilies.  You must always have these paper or woven cloth mats on hand to decorate dessert serving trays before placing sweet treats on top.  They instantly fancy up your display and make it look more classic.  Grandma, did you know that Doiley’s are named after a 17th-century draper?
• Pre-Event Robe or Apron. When you ladies are preparing delicacies in the kitchen before your guests arrive, if you must shower ahead of time, do your hair first, and wear a robe or apron while working in the kitchen so your clothes don’t get dirty.  Then just before guests arrive, put on your entertaining attire, and finish off with makeup. (Okay, so I’m not sure if this is the exact order, but the robe is a staple pre-event garment to prevent spilling and stains on the outfit you surely picked out ahead of time, and Grandma’s hair is always done in advance).
• Greet Guests at the Door. One of my favorite parts about visiting Grandma’s house when she’s entertaining is her greeting me at the door. Unless you are tending to an on-the-verge-of-a-kitchen-disaster situation, sneak away from the kitchen for a moment to greet each guest as they walk in. They will instantly feel at home, whether this is their first, or their twentieth time in your home.
• Candles.  Lighting a few candles in your home always creates a warm, cozy feel for guests, and may add a sweet scent to the social environment. They can also be a relaxing accent to the scene.
• Munchies. Always have snacks around for guests to munch on before the meal.  Grandma’s staples include mixed nuts, guacamole, veggies and hummus. You can almost always also find chocolate covered espresso beans or nuts, dried apricots or cranberries, and Hershey’s Nuggets on the bar en route to the living room– perfect placement for a swift movement of the hand.
• A Few Beverage Options. As they say, grandparents are known for spoiling their grandchildren.  And, at Grandma Joyce’s house, there are always options, and you’ll never go hungry…or thirsty. For dinner gatherings, red and white wine are always in stock, as well as a few soft drinks to please everyone.  They also say “you can’t please everyone”, but Grandma can, and she does.
• Grandma’s Special Salad Dressing. Grandma serves a salad made of fresh greens and vegetables with almost every evening meal. She adds her special touch by eye-balling her famous dressing that is so simple, but she still makes it better than I do every time! It consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and a little grated parmesan cheese. 
• Dessert. Another genetic hand-me-down I acquired from Grandma Joyce is my sweet tooth.  There is always dessert at Grandma’s.  I look forward to chocolate brownies (they freeze well!), chocolate chip cookies, and fruit sorbets in the summertime to bring my time at Grandma’s house to a sweet close.

These simple entertaining tips come from a woman I admire, cherish, and am so lucky to have as my hostessing mentor!  As Julie, her 2nd oldest grandchild eloquently states, “her grandchildren are so lucky to have such an incredible, empowering, fashionable, skilled entertainer and fabulous role model as our Grandma.”  Best of all, this classy and beautiful woman inside and out is not afraid to roll-up her sleeves and bite into a big ol’ burger and some fries.  Entertaining is all about fun! Grandma, I love you, Happy Birthday!

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Photo by: Rebecca

Groundhog Phil saw his shadow on Tuesday, which means we have several more weeks of winter ahead of us.  But the good news is… there are several happenin’ events in Austin this month to make the chilly days and nights go by faster!  It’s time to get moving, hit the town, and experience some of the entertaining highlights our one-of-a-kind city has to offer.

Here is a list of Rebeccammended February events you don’t want to miss!

• February 4th- First Thursday, South Congress, 5-10 PM.  Roam South Congress on the first Thursday of every month and you may get a free hug, hear free music, and go home with a new piece of art or jewelry from a street vendor. Also, every First Thursday is West End Gallery night on West 5th and 6th streets.  
• February 5th- B Scene at the Blanton Museum of Art at UT-Austin, 6-10:30 PM. The Desire exhibit will open during this event in the spirit of the romance and intimacy associated with the month of February. According to the Blanton website, “one provocative aspect of these works is not their imagery, per se, but the manner by which many of them take intimate experiences and translate them into public expression.”  The B Scene, which happens the first Friday of every month, is free for museum members and only $12 for non-members, to include free appetizers, music, cash bar, and art happenings!
• February 6th, Tasty Up Trailer Tour, All Around Austin, 12-6 PM. Join Addie Broyles of the Statesman’s Relish Austin and Jodi Bart of Tasty Touring for a journey that will take you to some of Austin’s best trailer eateries! Meet at La Boite at 1700 S. Lamar at noon. Bring a bike or car, bring cash, and bring an appetite! 12 trailers are part of the tour so you can roam freely and munch at your own pace!  More info here.
• February 11th, 3rd Annual Limbo Jewelry Designs Valentine’s Day Cocktail Party, 7-9 PM, at the Pump Project Studio T, 702 Shady Lane.  Shop for your someone special (men or women) at the studio of one of my favorite Austin handmade jewelers, Edson Enriquez of Limbo Jewelry Designs and endulge on classy beverages and tasty bites provided by Anne Rutt-Enriquez of Hosteria Verde Supper Club and Catering.
• February 11th, CharityBash benefitting Wonders & Worries, 7-10 PM, at the Livestrong Headquarters at 2201 E. 6th.  Join CharityBash every month for a fun night out on the town, with ticket proceeds benefiting a new cause each time!
• February 12-14th, Ballet Austin, Truth & Beauty/The Bach Project. Feel the love of Valentine’s Day through dance by watching this modern work by Stephen Mills. According to the website, this choreography includes “a variety of movement styles and interactive media”. Find more info and purchase tickets here.
• February 20th, Carnaval Brasileiro, 8PM-4 AM, $35 in advance, $37 at the door.  One of Austin’s biggest baddest Brazilian celebrations, complete with music and elaborate costumes. Purchase tickets online.
• February 27th, Art Night Austin, 6:30-10 PM, $75. It’s time for another one of my favorite art events: Art Night Austin. Hop on and off provided transportation to the art galleries on the tour in and around West 6th Stret and taste from some of Austin’s best culinary creators.  These events are organized by Art Alliance Austin, and each one is better than the last!   Find ticket info here.
• February 27th, Art Night Austin after-party, 9:30 PM-1 AM, $25.  If you can’t make Art Night Austin or you’re looking for an option that’s a little lighter on the wallet but just as artsy, classy, and delicious, attend the Art Night Austin After-Party at a the Starr Building, undergoing renovation, at 6th and Colorado.  Find ticket info here.
• February 28th-March 4th, Austin Restaurant Week, Week 1. Austin Restaurant Week, put on by Rare Media, provides diners with an opportunity to endulge at some of Austin’s top-notch restaurants for $10-15 at lunch, and $25-35 at dinner.  Also runs from March 7-10th. Make reservations ahead of time! For a list of participating restaurants, click here.  Destinations on the list I’ve been wanting to try include Fabi & Rosi and Green Pastures. Keep checking the website for Restaurant Week menus since most participants will offer specials for the event!

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Why had I never made a turkey before? Maybe it’s the fact that to get a cooked turkey, it must first be handled in its raw state–a sight that causes me to have a physical reaction that is squinting as to only see what is absolutely necessary to complete the task at hand. (Think the love-hate relationship that those of us with weak stomachs have when watching a gory scene on Grey’s Anatomy). Or, maybe cooking a turkey seemed like a time-consuming, daunting task that I wasn’t ready to tackle. There are a few things I’ve held off on learning how to make in the kitchen for fear of the unknown (tofu being one of them, and I must say I faced this fear tonight and dominated!).

Just like riding a bike, people may decide to face challenges when the time is right. My time for making a turkey came a few weeks ago on a still, cold, dreary Sunday in Austin.  I conceived a plan that consisted of purchasing a turkey, putting on sweats, and catching up on things at home while my turkey baked the afternoon away so I would have meals, or at least part of them, taken care of for most of the week. 

The plan went as scheduled, except for the part where I had to visit Central Market after I went to HEB only to find they didn’t have any fresh, natural turkeys in stock. For other amateur turkey makers out there, a fresh turkey is one that is not frozen. Finding a fresh turkey was crucial in my day-long mission since there would be no time to defrost a turkey, bake it, and eat it for dinner before the night came to a close.  I ended up with a 12-pounder that was both fresh and natural (no added chemicals or hormones). It was the perfect amount to get me through several lunches and dinners that week.

So, without further ado, here’s a 5-step easy turkey recipe. Make it for friends, family, or dinner guests.

1. Purchase foil turkey pan and turkey (you choose the size for both)
2. Remove the insides of the turkey, rinse under water, pat dry with paper towels.  (leave the metal or plastic pieces holding the turkey together in place)
3. Fill the inside of the turkey with a sliced orange and a sliced lemon. (The acid cooks out from the inside and provides for delicious flavor) 
4. Place turkey in the pan, legs facing down, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with desired spices. (I used garlic powder with parsley, paprika, and pepper)
5. Bake at 325 covered with foil for 2 hours, then remove foil for a golden brown outside for the remainder of baking time.  Bake until the plastic thermometer pops up. (For my 12 pounder, it took 3.5 hours)

Let the turkey sit once you remove it from the oven for 30 minutes- 1 hour so the flavor is locked in before carving.  Then gobble it up!  Here’s a video by the Food Network’s Alton Brown on how to carve a turkey since this can be the trickiest part of the process.

So I made a 12 pound turkey, now what??

A few ideas:

1. Serve with cranberry sauce and make an off-season Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Make turkey tacos/fajitas. Let your guests make their own by providing the tortillas and desired add-ons (tomatos, avocados, salsa, cheese, lettuce, queso). My family likes to make chile con queso to accompany fresh turkey. (In El Paso, we spice everything up!)
3. Put it on salads or make sandwiches or wraps with any goodies you choose for a tasty, protein-packed lunch.

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I'll give you a view from inside the doors of Lambert's fancy BBQ restaurant downtown during my first visit!

It’s not February yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your strong desire for that special someone, or re-kindle the flame that seemed a little bit hotter during the ‘honeymoon phase’.  Anniversaries are special occasions that should be celebrated and, as some men have learned the hard way–definitely not forgotten. But, for an occasion that comes up every month if your relationship is in the beginning stages, or every year for seasoned lovebirds, somehow we still struggle with ideas for what to do for that special guy or girl.  As for anniversary gifts–you’re on your own on that one for now. But, of course, Loyal Reader, I would never leave you hanging. If you are celebrating an anniversary in Austin, I Rebeccammend you keep the twinkle in your eye entertained with a night out on the town to commemorate your love –your smokin’ hot love–for eachother with a toasty pairing: dinner at Lambert’s on 2nd street, then tableside s’mores down the street at Halcyon Coffee Bar Lounge.

 This idea organically formed when Ben, my brother-in-law, came in town for a business trip. I was planning our dinner destinations for the two nights he would be in town, but plans shifted a bit when Julie, my sister and his wife, surprised me and came along for the trip too! (Thanks, Jules). Their anniversary was the day they were going to head back to the West Coast, so she came to celebrate their exciting 2nd year of marriage, and to see me of course! The first night, we ate at one of my consistent favorites, South Congress Café–which they loved. 

For the second night, and what we designated as their anniversary dinner, Julie made reservations at Lambert’s at 401 W. 2nd Street for the three of us, since Ben is a major BBQ fan. I was excited to finally try this frequently raved-about restaurant. And, it was delicious!  Local ingredients made our dishes fresh and flavorful. The family-style sides are hearty and a great way to supplement your main meal. My appetizer of Warm Baby Beets was fabulous, with watercress, a slice of grilled St. Francis cheese, and a fresh lemon drizzle. My entreé was the Oak Smoked Half Natural Chicken with Achiote and lime rub, charred red onion, cilantro, and salsa verde (that had a creamy kick!). Paired with sauteéd lemon spinach, macaroni and cheese, and Ranch-style beans, my tastebuds were happy and my meal was complete….

but not entirely complete until we finished off the anniversary celebration at Halcyon Coffee Bar Lounge  for tableside s’mores. Romantic, cute, private, a great way to keep that flame burning bright.

It wasn’t until later that I realized the theme for the evening, since both our delicious BBQ fare and the s’mores were cooked in some heat. Whether smoked, grilled, or roasted, from the chicken to the marshmellows, adding heat to the night is a sure-fire way to feel the love…

Jules and Ben, Happy Anniversary!

Clockwise (L to R): 1) Carrot Soup, 2) medly of flavorful house-made sauces served with every meal, 3) Achiote Oak Smoked Chicken with cilantro dipping sauce, 4) macaroni n' cheese (enough said), 5) sides of baked beans, sauteed lemon spinach, mac n' cheese, 6) beet salad with lemon vinaigrette and macadamia nuts.

Rebeccammended Austin Anniversary Idea: Fancy BBQ dinner at Lambert’s, then tableside s’mores at Halcyon.

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Tears are one of the human body’s most expressive reactions. They represent emotion and the body’s chemical response to phyical and psychological triggers. There are sad tears, there are happy tears, and then, there are the tears that stream down your face but you’re loving every minute of it. These tears are the result of your tastebuds and sinuses coming in contact with capsaicin–according to Wikipedia, the active component of chili peppers– basically, the tears that come from tasting something spicy. Over the years, after growing up on the border in El Paso where everything is a little zestier, and after being exposed to all kinds of salsas in the cultural hub of Austin, I have come to treat spicy foods as my release after a long day, and my excuse to reach for just one more chip. The spicier the better, when it comes to my tastebuds, and I’m not satisfied until I’m crying. (Sounds extreme, but I assure you, it’s true).

This is why I wrote about my experience at the Austin Hot Sauce Festival in August in a post entitled “Sizzling Sauces”. Actually, when I wrote it, it was called “Sizzlin’ Sauces”.  A “g” has since been added in response to a comment on my blog on the Hot Sauce Festival post from a man named Chef Bud Selmi who makes his own hot sauce in New Hampshire. His comment pointed out that the post title “Sizzlin’ Sauces” was identical to his trademarked company name and requested action be taken so they would not be identical. He informed me that he makes hot sauces on the East Coast, has won many awards for his recipes, and that hard work had been put into developing his business and brand.

As a blogger who is passionate about what I write about, I put forth my best effort to represent information accurately, and in good faith, as I believe most bloggers do. It is rare that an overlap of information is intentional as in this case, when I simply created an alliteration to make my post title catchy. As a blogger with a marketing passion and an entrepreneurial spirit, I very much appreciated Chef Bud’s comment, and especially acknowledge the hard work that goes into developing a new business and brand.  As a result, I adjusted the spelling of my title and notified Chef Bud that I was happy to do so.

In response to making this editorial edit, Chef Bud requested my physical address to send me an appropriate thank you note. I responded with my address, and mentioned I would love to try his sauces sometime, being from El Paso and a spicy fanatic.

Then, last week, while I was talking to Mom as I walked in the door after work, I found a small box with my name on it. I was not expecting a package, and had no idea what the contents would be. Mom got to hear my excitement as I opened the box to find 4 bottles of award-winning Sizzlin’ Sauces hot sauces for my tasting pleasure with a personally handwritten note by Chef Bud himself.

After I got off the phone, I took about 1 minute to take a picture (shown above), and then you better bet I ripped open the labels on two of the sauces, the garlic relish, a box of crackers (Kashi of course), and went at it.  Luckily, local Chef David Kogan happened to be visiting during the tasting, and offered his sophisticated palate insights.  I also gifted a bottle to soon-to-be Dr. Elliot Saperstein, a special college friend I saw last weekend who also loves a good kick.

As I tasted, I wrote down the thoughts that came to mind immediately so I wouldn’t mix the two up or forget how the first one tasted. I also documented reactions from Chef Kogan and Elliot. Here’s the verdict:

Papa Jack’s Buffalo Hot Sauce - 2010 Golden Chile Award

Rebeccammendations (R): Sweet at first, flavorful, complex, slow consistent heat
Kogan (K): Hot, while not being too hot. Good balance of sweet and sour.

XXX Spittin Fire- 2007 Golden Chili Award

R: Intense, tears in my eyes, rolling down my cheeks. Sweet, but then BAM!
K: I can see why it was the 2007 winner, because it has a great beginning, then just runs up from the gut like it’s on fire.

Razing Cane Garlic Relish- 2009 Fiery Food Challenge Winner

K: The relish is sweet without being hot. You could put it on grilled lamb, burgers, and fish. I don’t know about hot dogs. It would also be delicious over brie.

Creepin’ Quag Buffalo Hot Sauce- 2008 Fiery Food Challenge Winner

Elliot: I had it with Mahi Mahi fish tacos. It is rare to find a hot sauce that has as much flavor as it does kick.

You can order Chef Bud’s sauces online and search through his hot sauce recipes. I found Chef Bud’s Homemade Salsa recipe online and thought I’d share with you. 

Chef Bud’s Homemade Salsa
1 can Diced tomatoes in juice(drained)
6 ripe plum tomatoes
1 can tomato puree
1 medium size onion – fine dice
3 cups V-8(may use Spicy)
1 green pepper diced fine
1 red pepper diced fine
2 fresh jalapeños
Juice of three limes
1 small bunch Fresh Cilantro
1 Bunch Scallions sliced thin
1 Tbl Kosher Salt
Spittin Fire™ or XXX to taste

Procedure:
Drain diced tomatoes
small dice everything else (Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Jalapeños)
Mix everything together in a mixing bowl
Place in a container and refrigerate overnight to blend flavors

Thank you, Chef Bud…you have successfully satisfied my tastebuds, and evoked tears that are the sign of a truly well made hot sauce.

Related posts:

1. 6th Street Green
2. Sizzling Sauces
3. Smoky Chipotle Hummus