Okay, so every year I mark my calendar for the Austin Festival, mostly for the food and drinks. This year was no different. I packed my comfy shoes and an empty stomach and headed out early Saturday morning.
First Stop: The BBQ Situation
Right after getting through the gates, I bee-lined for Franklin’s tent. Smelled that smoky brisket from a mile away. Grabbed a tray with burnt ends and a slice of white bread – no sauce needed. That meat just fell apart. Messy fingers? Worth it. Paired it with a local IPA from Live Oak. Cold, hoppy, cut right through the grease.
Midday Snack Attack
By noon, I was sweating but still hunting. Hit up this taco stand called Veracruz All Natural hiding near the east stage. Got their migas taco – scrambled eggs with crispy tortilla bits and avocado. Sounds weird? Tasted like breakfast heaven. Washed it down with a cucumber-lime agua fresca. So dang refreshing in that Texas heat.
Sweet Tooth Intermission
Stumbled upon this tiny gelato cart around 2PM. They had Mexican vanilla bean and dark chocolate chili scoops. Tried both swirled together in a cup. That spicy kick mixed with cold sweetness? Mind blown. Took a break under some oak trees and just people-watched while licking that cup clean.
Evening Liquid Therapy
As the sun dipped, I found the cocktail garden. One bartender was muddling jalapeños for margaritas. Ordered one with mezcal instead of tequila – smoky meets spicy, salt on the rim. Drank it slow while listening to blues drifting from the main stage. Hands-down best drink of the day.
Final Fuel Before Collapse
Around 8PM, my feet were screaming but my stomach wanted one more round. Tracked down Chi’Lantro Korean BBQ truck. Got their kimchi fries – loaded with bulgogi beef, sriracha mayo, and a fried egg. Sat on the curb shoveling it in. Greasy, spicy, absolutely necessary.
Left around 9, completely wrecked but already planning for next year’s food crawl. The musts? Franklin’s brisket, Veracruz migas tacos, that mezcal-jalapeño marg, and kimchi fries. Forget your diet that day. Just come hungry and leave happy.
