Where should you eat when you visit Austin? That’s a very popular question and the answer varies depending on what you like to eat. But many will agree with the spots on this list.

These are the places that are usually top-of-mind when locals and people who have visited recommend restaurants. You might have seen these on viral videos and plenty of ‘best of’ lists. Some of these spots might have locations outside of Austin now, but they all originated here!

Donut at Gourdough’s

The loaded donuts are probably meant for sharing, but we won’t tell if you eat the whole thing yourself. Gourdough’s started as a trailer on S. 1st St.

Trailer: 1503 S 1st St., Austin, TX 78704 
https://gourdoughs.com/

Don Juan Breakfast Taco at Juan in a Million

Since its Man v. Food tv appearance, the Don Juan Challenge has only increased in popularity. One order of this massive breakfast taco with potato, egg, bacon, and cheese can easily be turned into three or four tacos.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St., 78702 Austin, Texas
http://juaninamillion.com/

Burger at Hopdoddy

These burgers are big, juicy, and delicious! They have several kinds and it’s hard to go wrong with any of them. But I will say the Primetime has brie and truffle aioli. Don’t forget the parmesan truffle fries! [See my post about Hopdoddy here.]

Eight locations in the Austin area
https://www.hopdoddy.com/

Barbecue

When it comes to popular barbecue, you have two main choices. Visit the classic – Salt Lick BBQ – which is about a 35-minute drive from downtown and has a huge barbecue pit on view, or the infamous – Franklin Barbecue – which will require at least a 4-hour wait in line. (Pro tip: order ahead or you can get a few of Franklin’s items at Loro, an Asian smokehouse restaurant co-owned by Aaron Franklin.) Avoiding all of that? La Barbecue, Micklethwait, and Stiles Switch will have lines but not as long.

• Salt Lick BBQ: (original location, cash only) 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619; also locations at the airport and in Round Rock; https://saltlickbbq.com/
• Franklin Barbecue: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702; https://franklinbbq.com/
• La Barbecue: 2027 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702; https://www.labarbecue.com/
• Micklethwait Craft Meats: 1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702; https://craftmeatsaustin.com/
• Stiles Switch: 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752; http://www.stilesswitchbbq.com/

New York Style Pizza at Home Slice Pizza

Big slices of thin-crust pizza are made fresh at one of Austin’s favorites – Home Slice. If you’re in a rush or just want a slice, go to the window for a slice to-go.

1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (original location) or 501 East 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
https://www.homeslicepizza.com

Detroit-Style Pizza at Via313

Detroit-style pizza came to Austin and we’ll never be the same. We love this thick, fluffy, and crisp crust with caramelized cheese on the edges. They started as a trailer and now they also have several brick-and-mortar locations. [See my post about Via313 here.]

Eight locations in the Austin area
http://www.via313.com/

Kimchi Fries at Chi’lantro

Welcome to the home of the original kimchi fries! Think French fries loaded with your choice of protein, kimchi, cheese, sauce, and spice. This restaurant fuses Korean and Mexican flavors into something we think you’ll love. It also went from food truck to brick-and-mortar AND you might have seen Chi’lantro on Shark Tank.

10 locations in the Austin area
http://www.chilantrobbq.com/

Tacos at Tacodeli or Torchy’s

Tacodeli or Torchy’s is a hot discussion in Austin, so it’s best if you visit both and let me know which one you prefer. I think Tacodeli is a little simpler while Torchy’s combinations are a little untraditional. If I had to choose, I would go to Tacodeli for breakfast and Torchy’s for lunch or dinner. Don’t forget the doña sauce at Tacodeli and try the queso at Torchy’s.

• Tacodeli: 7 locations in Austin; https://www.tacodeli.com
• Torchy’s Tacos: 11 locations in Austin; https://torchystacos.com/

Queso

Queso is another category where you’ll get many opinions. We have solid options in Austin, so I can see why. In addition to Torchy’s queso, I recommend:

• Cowboy Queso (with guacamole, black beans, and pico de gallo) at Kerbey Lane
• Bob Armstrong Dip (with picadillo ground beef, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream) at Matt’s El Rancho

• Kerbey Lane: 8 locations; https://kerbeylanecafe.com/
• Matt’s El Rancho: 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704; https://mattselrancho.com/
• Torchy’s Tacos: 11 locations in Austin; https://torchystacos.com/

Ramen at Ramen Tatsu-Ya

This is the shop that made ramen something in Austin. Their delicious broth produced long lines and buzz. You can get ramen in many places in the U.S. This one is our best. [See my post about Ramen Tatsu-Ya here.]

Five locations in Austin
http://ramen-tatsuya.com/

Fast-Food Burger at P. Terry’s

Yep, we’ve been hiding the best fast-food chain in Texas and it was founded in Austin. I’m not usually for fast food but P. Terry’s all-natural burger is one of the best around. I also like their chicken burger. Don’t forget a milkshake.

31 locations in Austin
https://pterrys.com

Ice Cream at Amy’s Ice Creams or Lick Ice Cream

I haven’t forgotten dessert! The classic ice cream option is Amy’s Ice Cream. If you’re looking for unique flavor combinations, try Lick Ice Cream. You can build ice cream combinations with toppings and sauces at Amy’s and Lick prides itself on using pure ingredients from Texas.

• Amy’s Ice Creams: 15 locations in Austin; https://amysicecreams.com/
• Lick Ice Cream: 3 locations in Austin; https://www.ilikelick.com/

Smoothie and Juice at Juiceland

What you hear is true. Despite this list of seemingly unhealthy food, Austin does have many healthy eats. We’re the reason why Juiceland has locations throughout the city. Their smoothies and juices are so good! I recommend the Wundershowzen and Originator.

25 locations in the Austin area
https://www.juiceland.com/

Sushi at Uchi, Uchiko, or Otoko

If you’re looking for finer dining, sushi restaurants top our restaurant lists for best eats. Uchi and Uchiko are sister restaurants while Otoko is an intimate experience. All have the fresh fish and creative dishes you’re looking for if you’re craving sushi. Otoko only offers an omakase tasting menu while Uchi and Uchiko also offer a la carte. Reservations are required if you want to get a seat.

• Uchi: 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704; https://uchiaustin.com/
• Uchiko: 4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756; https://uchikoaustin.com/
• Otoko: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704; https://otokoaustin.com/

See my Austin omakase guide here.

Farm-to-Table at Barley Swine or Odd Duck

Farm-to-table is more than a buzz phrase. Among many things, it’s a belief that local farmers should be supported and that local produce tastes better and is better for the environment. Chef Bryce Gilmore has been a leader in promoting this through his restaurants Barley Swine and Odd Duck. At these restaurants, you’ll enjoy creative, shared plates with plenty of local ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the tasting menu.

• Barley Swine: 6555 Burnet Rd #400, Austin, TX 78757; https://barleyswine.com/
• Odd Duck: 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704; https://oddduckaustin.com/

Craft Beer at Jester King Brewery or Banger’s

If you’re looking to get beer from the source, you’ve probably heard of the infamous Jester King Brewery. Located about 30 minutes from downtown, they specialize in farmhouse and barrel-aged ales. The largest tap wall in town is at Banger’s and it features local breweries that distribute.

[For many more craft beer recommendations, see my Ultimate Austin Brewery Guide.]

• Jester King Brewery: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736; https://jesterkingbrewery.com/
• Banger’s: 79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701; https://www.bangersaustin.com

Something Vegan

Ok, hear me out. If you’re following this list, you are probably not a vegan, but if you want to try vegan food anywhere, Austin is the place. Our vegan options are pretty good for people who choose not to eat animal products and/or who are dairy-free. Vegan food gets a bad rap but it can be a way to try something new. Here are some of my favorite options in Austin:

• Baked Goods at Zucchini Kill Bakery: 701 E 53rd St Suite C, Austin, TX 78751; https://www.zucchinikill.com/
• Pizza from Li’l Nonna’s: 440 E St Elmo Rd A1, Austin, TX 78745; http://www.lilnonnas.com/

Donut at Round Rock Donuts

Round Rock Donuts is about a 20-30 minute drive north of downtown. I’ve added it to this list because, like everything else on this list, the donuts get mentioned a lot, especially their gigantic Texas-sized donut. In the 1940s, they developed their secret recipe, using fresh eggs that give the donuts their signature yellow/orange color.

106 W Liberty Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664
1614 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
https://www.roundrockdonuts.com/

Are these the end-all, best restaurants in town? It depends on who you ask. We all have different tastes and experiences. If you want the most talked-about restaurants, these are it. They became famous for a reason. Now it’s your turn to see if they live up to your expectations. I hope they do!

Do you have any restaurants to add to the list? Comment below!

P.S. Want more restaurant recommendations? Check out these posts:

• My Favorite Austin Restaurants
• Top 30 Cold Treats (ice cream and more) in Austin
• Best Food Trucks in Austin
• Food Trucks that Now Have a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant
• Best Pastries in Austin
• Where to Eat Noodles in Austin
• Best Cupcakes in Austin
• Bubble Tea Shops in Austin
• Best Restaurants in North Austin

P.P.S. Want to read more about Austin? See my full Austin Travel Guide here.

The post The Ultimate Austin Foodie Bucket List appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Fall is my favorite season. I admit, weather-wise, fall is not very long or memorable in Austin, but when it happens, it’s the best day! Fall is when Texans emerge from summer hibernation, breathe in the crisp air, and say “I can finally go outside without immediately starting to sweat!”

So, fill up your October and November with some of these things to do in Austin this fall.

1. Visit a pumpkin patch

Pumpkins and pumpkins as far as the eye can see! All of these places have pumpkins for purchase and photo opportunities. Most of them require an admission fee.

• Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown
• Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls
• Texas Pumpkin Fest in Leander
• Pumpkin Fest in Dripping Springs
• Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms

2. Go to a food event

Some popular annual events are coming up. Check your budget and buy your ticket!

• Austin Food and Wine Festival (November 1-3)
• Texas Monthly BBQ Fest (November 2-3)
• Texas Craft Brewers Festival (November 16)

3. Watch a Halloween or spooky movie

I don’t typically like scary movies, but I’m ok with ones that are a bit spooky. I’ve never watched Hocus Pocus or The Shining! The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice are popular choices. Any other recommendations?

4. Carve or paint pumpkins

Get into the Halloween spirit by carving or decorating a pumpkin. Local grocery stores (the modern-day pumpkin patch) make it easy to get a pumpkin. They also carry carving kits. You can use the seeds and pulp for baking.

5. Eat on the patio

For the few months/weeks we Texans can enjoy patio eating, we take advantage of it! Here are a few Austin restaurant patio recommendations:

• Easy Tiger
• Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
• Lenoir
• Loro
• Nixta Taqueria
• Olive & June

6. Watch football

Of course! In Austin, we’re cheering on our hometown Texas Longhorns, but Austinites have plenty of loyalties between NFL and college teams.

7. Celebrate Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is an annual event in Munich, Germany celebrating Bavarian culture. It usually starts in mid-September and runs for two weeks. Oktoberfest beer, a type of lager, is a popular choice at breweries this time of year, and many places put on their own Oktoberfest festivities to celebrate.

• Easy Tiger and Banger’s are two beer gardens with Oktoberfest festivities and specials
• Live Oak Brewing Company, Meanwhile Brewing Co, Austin Beerworks, and St Elmo Brewing Company are a few local breweries that typically have events.
• Wurstfest (November 1-10) happens in New Braunfels annually. Think giant soft pretzels, bratwursts, and beer in steins while enjoying traditional music and dance.

For more info about breweries, see my ultimate Austin brewery guide.

8. Take a weekend getaway

The fall season can be overwhelming! Get away from Austin to relax and unwind. A wine-focused trip to Fredericksburg sounds fun or if you can hop on a plane, go to another state where you’ll experience some fall weather and colors. See this post for getaways from Austin.

9. Get outdoors

Spend some time outdoors in the beauty of nature! Catch the brief period the leaves change around Lady Bird Lake or visit some Texas parks known for their fall colors.

• Lost Maples State Natural Area
• Garner State Park
• Buescher State Park
• Pedernales Falls State Park

10. Live your best plant dreams

As the temperatures drop, we tend to stay indoors more often, which means time to cultivate our indoor plants. I’m planning to add more greenery to our home, including a tabletop herb garden, so this would be a good time to start. It’s also time to plant your fall and winter vegetables. Visit Succulent Native for their indoor plant selection.

11. Get scared at a haunted house

This year, House of Torment in Austin will scare you with three themed houses. They enhance the experience with scarier costumes and sets every year, so good luck trying not to be scared!

12. Start training for a run

Training season is here as runners prepare for the Decker Challenge (December), 3M Half-Marathon (January), and the Austin Marathon (February) in Austin. The cooler weather makes it an ideal time to run.

13. Join Dia de Muertos festivities

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrating friends and family who have died. It has nothing to do with Halloween other than the date; Día de Muertos is October 31 through November 2. The Mexic-Arte Museum’s annual festival and parade usually happen a few days before the holiday.

14. Shop for the holidays

Get an early start and shop local! Blue Genie Art Bazaar is one of my favorite places to browse local makers and it opens November 15th. Get more ideas for gifts in this post.

15. Take a haunted tour

Austin has its fair share of spooky locations. Want to know the creepy stories no one likes to talk about? Austin Ghost Tours offers downtown walking tours while Haunted ATX will take you to haunted locations in their hearse limo.

16. Try seasonal foods and drinks at restaurants

It’s everywhere! From lattes to cookies, you can indulge in pumpkin and spiced foods and drinks in restaurants and grocery stores. I love all the apple and cinnamon foods that Kerbey Lane provides in their pancakes and Lick Honest Ice Creams offers in their ice creams. Don’t forget seasonal cupcakes and pastries, so check your favorite local Austin bakery for Austin desserts.

Visit bars and breweries for seasonal drinks. Look for maple, cinnamon, apple, persimmon, and pear in your cocktails, as well as warm cocktails like hot toddies.

17. Give back to others

‘Tis the season! The holidays are a popular time to rally together to give back. You’ll find canned good drives, fundraising events, and more. Whether you give your time or money, here are some opportunities to consider:

• Austin Empty Bowl Project is a fundraiser for two local organizations fighting hunger. Donors create and decorate bowls for the event. The event is happening on Sunday, November 24. (This post features my experience a few years ago.)
• Operation Turkey delivers meals around the city on Thanksgiving Day.
• The Coats for Kids event gathers over 30,000 winter coats for kids in Central Texas.
• Central Texas Food Bank could always use a helping hand. Their volunteers help sort donations in their warehouse, distribute food through their mobile pantry, and prepare food in their community kitchen.

18. Experience new art exhibits

See something new! Austin has a handful of opportunities to see art this season.

• The Annual Creek Show is put on by Waterloo Greenway and features creative light art along Waller Creek downtown. You can see this on November 8-16.
• Wonderspaces features multiple exhibits and new exhibits also rotate in.

19. Run the Turkey Trot

A long-standing Thanksgiving tradition, the Turkey Trot is a family-focused event to get some exercise in before you spend the rest of the weekend eating turkey and watching movies in your sweatpants. Austin’s Turkey Trot offers a five-mile or one-mile run.

20. Cook and bake seasonal recipes

As the temperatures drop, warm soups and hearty dishes are a must! I crave turkey stew, chili, chicken soup, and shepherd’s pie. What are your favorite slow cooker dishes?

Don’t forget pies and baked goods with seasonal flavors. These chai latte cupcakes are on my list. Are you an apple, pumpkin, or pecan pie fan?

What’s on your fall bucket list?

P.S. A couple of years ago, I made a list of fall recipes to try. See it here!

The post 20 Things for Your Austin Fall Bucket List appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I decided to bring this post back for an update because it’s always good to track progress and keep dreaming about the future, especially after last year. Enjoy this post full of inspiration to create your own foodie bucket list!

Aimee, Blogger of Food Banjo

I have a couple of foodie aspirations for 2021, and they are both to help me be healthier!

Though I grew up in Texas and LOVE BBQ and chicken-fried steak, I’m trying to eat more vegan and vegetarian meals! I am slowly trying and incorporating these into my diet, and I would love to get to a point where most of my meals are vegan and veggie-packed. We started a backyard garden last year, so I’m hoping to grow a lot of zucchini and tomatoes that I can turn into vegan recipes this summer! I already have some recipes I love, like this Air Fryer Zaatar Zucchini, Bolognese Sauce with Spaghetti Squash Noodles, and a One-Pot Chickpea and Tomato Stew.

I also am working on drinking and creating more mocktails. I feel like 2020 was the year of making cocktails at home when suddenly we were all stuck at home trying to cope with the pandemic. (Shout-out to everyone trying to work from home with kids!) 2021 is my year to be healthier, so mocktails instead! I would love love love to figure out a martini mocktail, but that seems very daunting.

Shveta, Blogger of ATX Bites

I cannot believe it’s been over a year since I dined at a restaurant HOW THE HECK HAS IT BEEN A YEAR! Sorry sorry, not screaming at you – just in shock that’s all. As soon as I’m vaccinated, I’m definitely dining out (probably outdoors only):

• Comedor – I thought I’d go there for my birthday last year, but alas, my birthday was the day of the shutdown in Austin, so that didn’t happen
• Peacock – We’ve ordered take-out from Peacock several times and I absolutely adore their dishes. I’ve seen pictures of the restaurant and it looks like such a dreamy spot!
• Aba – Aba’s Austin location has a garden area that looks like such a stunner of a location to dine! We had their food for Thanksgiving and it was out of this world!
• Hestia – I never got to check them out pre-pandemic but the concept and food are supposed to be some of the best in Texas! So definitely hitting them up as soon as I can.

You’ll also find me sipping on a glass of vino out back at LoLo Wine. I was supposed to have a bunch of friends meet me there for a birthday celebration last year. Going to hit up their backyard very soon.

Don’t even get me started on all the places we want to visit as soon as we feel comfortable flying. Basically, anywhere out of this country lol!

Jessica, Photographer and Entrepreneur

I last wrote to Anita back in 2017 and at that time, my goal was to tackle the delicious street food of Asia in the style of my biggest inspiration – Anthony Bourdain. I spent over two years there voraciously exploring South Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan (with Morocco and Turkey in between). I look back so fondly on those memories. I was lucky to do and see – and eat – all of the things I did. What I learned was immeasurable, and some of my biggest successes always came from the practice of going local – talking to the locals to ask where they eat and what they order. Observe the places they choose to eat their meals, the dishes they order, and the method in which they mix the ingredients and garnish their food. The connections that you can make through food are incredible, and my experience has been that most people really enjoy your curiosity and find it an honor to be able to show you their customs. I enjoyed every moment of that journey and never wanted to stop, but like most, the pandemic had different plans for me. 

The last year has had its ups and downs. The ups: being “stuck” in Turkey – a country with such a diverse landscape and a unique culture – and having the opportunity to spend the whole summer on the Mediterranean Sea. And then, buckling down in the wintertime for more lockdowns and curfews gave me a lot of time to create. I have learned more in the kitchen over the last year than at any other point in my life. I made almost everything from scratch, baked sourdough, preserved lemons, brewed kombucha, grew herbs and arugula, pushed myself to try to create as close to a zero-waste house as possible given the circumstances, meal planned, shopped the farmer’s market, learned all about seasonality, and experimented with different recipes and cuisines daily. The downs? Well, mostly not being able to travel freely, curfews, lockdowns, etc. Despite that, life has been really, really interesting and I love having so much room for creating.

All the time creating has allowed me to pursue entrepreneurial projects. I learned the art of soap-making and have started creating my own handmade, small-batch line of natural products like soaps, whipped body butter, and lip balm. Since we last chatted, I began selling my travel photography online (I even have a piece on sale at Urban Outfitters) and have had more time to put my artwork out into the world as well – you can see or purchase here. My latest project is co-founding a start-up, SproutyPod: The Coolest Little Microfarm for Your Home. We expect to launch on Kickstarter in late Spring 2021 and are fast and furiously ramping up now.

The next phase of my life and travels will be in Italy. At the beginning of 2020, I applied to have my citizenship recognized through the Jure Sanguinis (bloodline) process, and I recently got word that it was officially approved. I just got my new passport and am excited to spend a few months in an informal apprenticeship in Florence at a charming, historic bed and breakfast. My end goal is to open my own B&B on a property with a garden/farm where I can grow ingredients for my natural product line as well as organic fruits and vegetables for consumption. I hope to continue on my journey of creation that I have recently fallen deeper in love with. I look forward to meeting my distant relatives and learning how to prepare all the dishes of my ancestors. I will spend a lot of time exploring Italy with the goal of finding a place to call home, learning to speak Italian, and of course, eating a lot of locally recommended dishes! I can’t wait to offer homegrown, authentic experiences for guests that are just as hungry for the local experiences as I always have been. I hope you will all come to visit me there one day, in the meantime, you can follow me on Instagram at @thedishstance.

Dan, Foodie Friend

When Anita last asked me for my bucket list food item, I went with eating the endangered and illegal ortolan whole. This time, I decided to stay on the friendly side of the law.

My next bucket list experience is The Fat Duck in London. It is a three-Michelin star restaurant, so you know it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What makes The Fat Duck my current top Michelin experience however is two words: molecular gastronomy.

Molecular gastronomy has been on the food scene for a while now. I first learned of it on season two of Top Chef, when the “bad boy” contestant Marcel gained lots of screen time for his attitude and for his novel methods that used science to innovate how cooking is done. Chicken cooked in a water bath! Distilling peach cobbler into a foam! It was all so unique and new.

And isn’t that why we’re all here? If you’re a reader of a food and travel blog, then I am sure what drives you is to experience the unique and the new. We’ve all had eggs benedict before. I LOVE eggs benedict. But I’ve never said, “Oh this restaurant has the most unique eggs benedict ever!” However, if you had ordered eggs benedict at the famous (though sadly now closed) molecular gastronomy restaurant wd50 in NYC, you would have been greeted by cubes of fried hollandaise covered in English muffin breadcrumbs with a smear of sous vide cooked egg yolk on the plate.

Even though there are several high-end, famous restaurants known for molecular gastronomy, they haven’t exactly become commonplace. So, I haven’t had a chance to eat at one. The Fat Duck, led by Chef Heston Blumenthal, is ranked by many to be the top in the world.

One of the most iconic dishes from The Fat Duck is called “The Sound of the Sea.” You are presented with what looks like a box of sand. Not so fast! On top of the box is a glass plate with what looks like more sand but is actually a mixture of tapioca, fried breadcrumbs, crushed fried baby eels, cod liver oil, and langoustine oil. That’s all topped with abalone, razor clams, shrimp, oysters, and seaweed and then covered in seafoam.

Here’s the kicker: you are also given an iPod to listen to ocean sounds while you eat the dish. Blumenthal had seen research that shows that sound can amplify our sense of taste. Hearing the ocean makes our taste buds anticipate the ocean salt! It is reported that diners have been moved to tears when tasting this dish.

While I doubt I would eat at a molecular gastronomy restaurant every week, I really do want to visit a high-end one someday. And The Fat Duck is currently the best of the best. As a three Michelin star restaurant, the price starts at $390, however, I am sure it will be one of the most unique and memorable dining experiences I could ever have. And for what other purpose is a bucket list for?

Anita, Blogger of Fearless Captivations

Since my previous foodie bucket list response, I’ve crossed a few things off my list like dining at The French Laundry, trying Pliny the Elder, dining at Otoko, and visiting Mexico City. I’ve even done things I didn’t know I could put on my bucket list, like eat an incredible 21-course dessert-focused meal. Still on my restaurants and dishes lists are dining at Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Noma and eating dim sum and egg tarts in Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

In the past few years, I’ve been inspired by people who follow a slow way of life when it comes to food. This means you’re more thoughtful about where your food comes from and typically looks like growing your own garden, being a regular customer at a farmers market, and eating seasonally. (Check out the Slow Food organization for more.) My year of eating locally and starting our CSA subscription helped me explore what slow food looks like, and it sparked the desire to continue on a path towards a low waste lifestyle. One day I’ll start a garden and hopefully, the garden will expand, maybe on a piece of land, to be able to sustain all our vegetable needs. We eat a lot of vegetables!

When it comes to travel, I know finding local eats and taking food tours will always be a part of the plan. Bucket list specific, take me to Casa Maria Luigia (or any picturesque estate, maybe Jessica’s future bed and breakfast!) in Italy to taste wine, make pasta, and enjoy care-free Italian life. Or I would happily try mushroom foraging in the Pacific Northwest with Terra Fleurs. Am I naive to think spending a week on a working farm, just to see how it’s like, would be fun?

What’s on your foodie bucket list?

Foodie bucket lists are a way to look forward to the future and try something new. From dining at certain restaurants or making something special in the kitchen, the possibilities are endless! Here are some more ideas to help you create your foodie bucket list.

• Have you ever picked fruit?
• How many Austin breweries have you visited?
• Have you ever visited or volunteered on a farm?
• Have you ever visited a top 20 restaurant in the world?
• Have you taken a cooking class?
• Have you baked bread?
• Have you ever eaten a 21-course, dessert-focused meal?
• Have you traveled to a foodie destination?

What’s on your foodie bucket list?

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The post What’s on Your Foodie Bucket List? appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

When we were planning the Napa trip, I thought maybe it would be my chance. Russian River Brewing, located in Santa Rosa and about an hour from Napa, is distributed in California, so maybe I could find Pliny the Elder at a local bottle shop. Since this trip would be all about my friend’s birthday, I wouldn’t make it a quest (hello, type A trip planner here), but I’d be pretty happy if the stars aligned.

The first day, we walked to a nearby Whole Foods to pick up some snacks and I walked by the beer coolers, just in case…YES there it was! I casually (probably not casually) brought this up to our group and we bought four bottles to start. There was a lot of wine in our future after all.

Pliny the Elder, the Roman author, and philosopher, is thought to be the first person who referenced hops in this writing. Pliny the Elder, the beer, is named after this first hops enthusiast. Rightly so, as the beer is a double IPA with four kinds of hops. It really is one of the best beers I’ve ever had. This beer is hoppy yet refreshing and very approachable for being a double IPA. The balanced flavors of pine, citrus, and floral are well-blended.

After enjoying our first sips of Pliny the Elder in the hot tub at our house, we took a road trip a few days later to visit its birthplace – Russian River Brewing. We were able to try many of their beers on tap, including Blind Pig (another of their flagship beers) and Pliny for President (a dry-hopped limited release). Their special releases and marketing may have helped drive their popularity, but at the foundation is an excellent beer worthy of praise.

It’s satisfying and surreal to have experienced something you’ve thought about for so long. But I’m also left wondering, did I drink the best beer I’ll ever have? The good thing is, there is a lot of fantastic beer out there, so I’ll keep tasting, just to make sure.

P.S. If you can’t get any Pliny the Elder, here are some hoppy beers you could find in a store near you:

• Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
• Lone Pint Brewery’s Yellow Rose
• 4th Tap’s Stay Gold
• IPAs from Pinthouse and Zilker Brewing

P.P.S. Looking for more posts about beer? See my Ultimate Austin Brewery Guide or my experience with an Italian brewery.

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The post I Crossed Pliny the Elder Off My Bucket List appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

From dining at incredible restaurants to trying rare ingredients, many foodies have some sort of “to-do” wish list in the back of their minds. Bucket lists or life lists, whatever you prefer to call it, are a great way to keep track of life goals and fun way to live your best life. There are so many incredible restaurants in the world and talented chefs behind those restaurants. And can you imagine the numerous dishes that could be made and shared? I love that there are so many different cuisines to discover and foodie cities to visit.

I was thinking about what would be on my foodie bucket list and was curious to hear what my favorite foodies had to say. So, I asked! Below, my foodie and blogger friends, who are world travelers with fun foodie experiences under their belt, share some of their biggest food-related aspirations, including restaurants, chefs, and cities they want to visit, and dishes they want to make. I loved all of their responses!

Yulia, blogger of The Foodie Miles

As a food and travel blogger, I have a never-ending list of places I dream of visiting and foods I would love to try. Where do I even start?

Let’s begin with Italy, a country that has been on my wish list for the past several years. My biggest dream is to spend several months traveling from region to region and learning how to make pasta from scratch, bake Naples-style pizza, visit a cheese farm, and learn basic Italian. So far, the only word I know is “Allora!” Master of None clearly was an inspiration.

Next on my list is my home country of Russia. I started traveling when I was a poor student who couldn’t afford a cup of coffee, let alone eating out on a regular basis. I would love to spend some time in Russia learning more about its rich food culture. Russian cuisine is on the rise now with many talented chefs reimagining traditional dishes and ingredients. In particular, I would love to try the tasting menu at Moscow’s White Rabbit that was named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world in 2017.

Finally, I would love to have a dinner at one of Europe’s Michelin-starred restaurants. This year, during a trip to Singapore, I had my first ever Michelin-starred meal, and it was the cheapest in the world too. I paid exactly $2 for my chicken rice. (Picture below!) But I would still love to enjoy a fancy dinner with a dozen different courses in one of European capitals.

Kelsey, blogger of So Much Life Blog

I feel pretty lucky to call Austin my home. We have so many talented chefs and fantastic restaurants right here! Of course, I’d love to plan foodie trips to Montreal, New Orleans, Tokyo, or NYC; but I know that while I’m here in Austin, I always have plenty of restaurants that are waiting to be explored right outside my front door. One of the things that fascinate me most about Austin’s food scene is how diverse it is for a city this size. Compared to Chicago, Houston, or LA, we’re a small city, but you can still find incredible sushi, ramen, BBQ, coffee shops, Thai food, cupcakes, Mexican, farm-to-table…you name it.

Jessica, blogger of The Dishstance

I am getting ready to head to Asia for a few months on October 1st. I have been before but only for a few days, and this time I have a new mission. I want to learn about the street food and edible culture in each location I visit. This means I want to do as the locals do and eat as the locals eat. With rumors circulating about the ban on street food in Thailand, I am determined to get there and learn as much as I can in case the ban does stick. This photo (below) is from my last visit to Bangkok in 2013, and you can see the variety of items served on the grill at a single stall! It’s important to note that this food isn’t just for the tourists, it is for the locals too. I was only there for 36 hours, so I tried as much as I could, most of the time just pointing at what I wanted and not really having any idea what I was eating – this time I will be more inquisitive. Of course, I want to try the familiar things like som tom, pad ka pow, and larb moo, but I have been reading about all the most exotic things you can find on the streets and I am curious to see if I will actually be able to eat fried spiders, live shrimp and octopus, scorpions, red ant eggs, and more! I can’t wait to share my findings on my blog and Instagram, it’s going to be an epic trip!

Dan, foodie friend

One word: Ortolan. For those of us of a certain age, there are a few celebrities responsible for the modern renaissance of foodies. Alton Brown made food entertaining and taught us the science of cooking. Emeril brought passion. And Anthony Bourdain made it cool. Bourdain seems like a mediocre chef, but his way with words makes him my personal modern Hemingway.

So, in the first chapter of his book Medium Raw, he described a secret, illegal dinner of an ortolan. Because of its legality and expense, I doubt I will ever eat it. So that makes it a prime candidate for food Holy Grail all by itself. But it’s how he described the act that has caused it to be seared into my brain.

Here are the technical details: Ortolan is an endangered little bird that has been a class treat of French cuisine for centuries. The birds are fatted up and then drowned in a brandy called Armagnac. (Let’s be honest, I am interested in eating anything where the preparation involves being drowned in brandy.) They are then roasted whole.  You then eat it whole in one bite while covering your head with a napkin, to hide your decadence from God, as the French say.

Eating a bird whole is not normally something I am into. However, Bourdain’s description makes an impression. The napkin traps the aromas all around your head. Once you bite into it, hot fat gushes out of the bird. (Apparently the fat has a taste of hazelnut. I would buy hazelnut fat in a heartbeat.) The bones crunch and scratch, mixing a little bit of your blood with the whole thing. The ortolan explodes in your mouth with a rush of flesh and flavor.

It sounds like a unique and delicious experience. The New York Times said that a single ortolan goes for $187 on the black market. A little pricey, but life is short. Maybe I’ll go to France and see if I can commit some crimes…

Caitlin, blogger of Big World, Small Girl

My biggest foodie aspiration would be to drink with the brewers at Band of Bohemia in Chicago, the first and only Michelin Rated brewpub in the world. This brewpub is accomplishing quite the feat; infusing culinary flavors into beers while pairing them with delicious plates takes twice the genius.

Change is good at Band of Bohemia. The brewpub is always experimenting with innovative flavors and styles so no matter when you visit you can always expect a unique, creative lineup.  Currently, some of the beers on tap at Band of Bohemia include a Guava Pink Peppercorn Rye and the Midnight in Kyoto, a black ale brewed with Cherry Blossoms and Green Tea (yay caffeine!). The weather and snow have always kept me from traveling to Chicago, but now the city’s at the top of my list!

Sharon, blogger of StreetSmart Kitchen

You know what travel means?

Taking a break, relaxing, sightseeing, meeting new people, learning a different culture, eating local food, and doing stuff you don’t normally do in your own town such as cliff jumping, mountain biking, or rock climbing on a gigantic vertical rock located in the middle of the ocean wearing a bathing suit and rock climbing shoes only. The list goes on. Oh yeah! I am 100% with you on all that fun stuff. I am especially fond of the eating part during travel. And sometimes I go a little out of the way to recreate my favorite local dishes after my trips are over. It could be a Caribbean-style Corn on The Cob which I absolutely loved when I was in Key West, Florida; three Authentic Mexican Salsa that I learned on a 3-week cross-country trip in Mexico; an Authentic Thai Vegetable Soup that I simply couldn’t get enough of during a cooking class I took in Chiang Mai, Thailand, etc.

I find that reverse engineering certain dishes I had from my trip, it brings back good memories, including the flavors from the places I visited. I love sharing that part of the experience with my readers through recipes. One day, I’d LOVE to go to Europe and experience true French and Italian cooking and bring back a few recipes from small restaurants owned by local families. It’s a dream, a dream that’s worth pursuing…

Kaylin, blogger of Enticing Healthy Eating

There aren’t many restaurants in the world that I just have to visit. I’m far more interested in those special moments where one can make a unique or difficult-to-craft food. A few of the foods I have on my “must make” list are sourdough bread, crescent rolls, sweet potato gnocchi, sous vide steak, and sauerkraut. I’m also interested in the idea of making homemade kombucha! Clearly, I like those foods which need the help of fermentation or bacteria to come to fruition. I’d say near the top of my foodie aspiration list, though, is to go on a salmon fishing expedition somewhere in the Northwest with the opportunity to also cook and eat the salmon that I catch. That and going on a truffle hunting expedition with those truffle-hunting pigs!

Shayda, blogger of Dine with Shayda

I was born into an American-Iranian family. My father is a first-generation Iranian, who moved to America during the revolution in the ’70s and later met my mother, a sweet southern lady from Texas. I’ve grown up my whole life enjoying my father’s cooking, learning to perfect his dishes, and indulging in the special spices and flavors of the middle east. But one thing that I have yet to do is to take a trip with my dad to his homeland. Iran is rich in native ingredients ranging from pistachios, saffron, pomegranates, and grapes. The Persian Empire is known for being one of the most, if not most, powerful empires in the history of the world, and with that came a rich culture of food. I dream of visiting the markets, picking out spices in the spice shops, and spending time with family soaking up the culture and the food of my ancestors. Some of my favorite dishes to eat, that I would love to try directly from the source, are koobideh kebab, which is a mixture of ground meat usually beef or lamb, seasoned with minced onion, salt, and pepper. It sounds simple, but the taste is addicting. Another dish that I aspire to perfect is a side dish, called Tadeeg. It’s essentially the burnt underparts of rice in a pan, but when Persians do it, they mix the right amount of spice, including saffron, and lots of butter to make a crispy staple in Persian cooking. I know there are places to get my fix of this cuisine, but to me, nothing would beat a trip to Iran to enjoy it first-hand!

Anita, blogger of Fearless Captivations

Of course, I couldn’t end this post without sharing a part of my ever-growing foodie bucket list.

Restaurants
Restaurant critics’ opinions of the world’s best restaurants change from year to year but I hope I’m always seeking to discover what makes these restaurants stand out and experience as many as possible. I would love to dine at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York because I believe in its mission of conscious dining. I’m still curious about dining at Per Se, Daniel, Alinea, and The French Laundry, some of the most notable, expensive, and hard-to-get-into restaurants in the U.S.

Dishes / Ingredients / Drinks
I’ve been intrigued about Pliny the Elder, an award-winning double IPA by Russian River Brewing Company in California since I heard about it and it is only distributed to a few places. I’ve made a plethora of desserts (Pavlova, macarons, baklava, and creme brulee are some of my favorites) but I don’t want to stop there! Bread pudding, Danish pastries, and Black Forest Cake are on my list. I also want to learn to make Kanom Sai Sai, an amazing coconut dessert I loved in Thailand, think about frequently, and haven’t found here.

Food Travel / Experiences
It would be so interesting to forage with Chef Rene Redzepi of award-winning restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark, and I would at least want to go eat at his restaurant. He closed the restaurant in February 2017 and will be opening a 2.0 version soon. Foodie travels are my favorite! I would love to visit Mexico City for the tacos, indulge in the best sushi in Japan, and go on a croissant-tasting tour in France. Now that I have a deeper curiosity for my culture, I would love to return to Guangzhou and Hong Kong to taste the most authentic dishes, like eating dim sum at Yan Toh Heen or an egg tart at Tai Cheong Bakery.

Austin
As Kelsey mentioned, Austin is an incredible foodie city and my Austin bucket list is never done because new places open up each month. I’m always on the mission to visit every brewery in town and I have about two left to visit before new ones open. At the top of my Austin restaurant bucket list are Otoko and Kyoten. Maybe I’ll cross those off before the year ends?

Your turn! What’s on your foodie bucket list? I would love to hear it in the comments below!

P.S. Curious about how to travel like a foodie? Check out this post.

Keep up with my foodie adventures! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Foodie Bucket List: Aspirations for Restaurants, Dishes, and Experiences appeared first on Fearless Captivations.