Category Archives: General

I love cooking, photographing and writing about food in Austin. I couldn’t keep doing it without the support of our sponsors. To the group that keeps my burners lit, please welcome Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill. You probably know their story and had their food, but if you don’t, this is the scoop. The restaurant is situated in one of the most historic buildings in Austin. It’s true. I went on a ghost tour of down town and Moonshine was the first stop. The old wood and stone dining rooms have a relaxed feel. Outside, there are big patios and porches in every direction. The bar out back is one of my favorite watering holes (no lie). The menu is updated American comfort food: Shrimp “Corn Dogs”, Chicken Artichoke Sandwich and Buffalo Meatloaf to name a few. If you haven’t, stop by and check them out.

I just met with Bill Samuels, Jr., President of Maker’s Mark Bourbon. It seems Bill knew of my preference for Jack Daniels so he flew in to town to mop things up with me. Not that I didn’t prefer Maker’s, it just was a few bucks more and that remaining money was being diverted to a secret slush fund. Shhh, don’t tell.

Not sure what this woman has been eating, but she is looking a little pale. I’m mentally sending her some vegetables: spinach, potatoes, corn. Hold off on the mushrooms.

Florance and the Machine : Dog Days are Over

Can’t get enough of the Food Network? You are in luck. They are launching a second channel to spread the mediocrity. Launching on Memorial Day, the new channel will be called (drum roll please) The Cooking Channel. I spoke with a Food Network producer a few months ago and he said the second channel was imminent, as was the phasing out of larger Chef stars. The network wants more control over profits from branding its talent. Hence, the creation of “The Next Food Network Star” series to find “talent” that doesn’t already have an agent and PR team. He said the network was pissed that the large stars were building their own empires the Food Network couldn’t profit from. The new stars sign away their food lives to the network. Probably why the one of the only things Guy Fieri can shill on his own are sunglasses.

Here is the problem with eating local. I have fond memories of the things I ate in my youth. Now, I have to come to grips with the fact that everything I ate growing up is trying to kill me. I know that I am healthier now, but my tiny mind gets confused sometimes. Like the warm, furry baby blanket I had as a child (which probably contained a poisonous Asbestos laced fire retardant). Comforting, but will ultimately kill me.