The 10 Most Delicious Things I Ate in 2019
This year is almost over, and I can hardly believe it. It’s truly been a whirlwind. I’ve honestly been so incredibly busy this year that it’s been a little difficult for me to stay on top of new restaurants in Austin. But, I’ve gotten to try some—when I’m not too busy sticking to my tried-and-true favorites or ordering Uber Eats delivery while watching Baby Yoda light up my life. Also, I’ve had some time for travel this year—heading to Louisville, Kentucky, for some bourbon tasting and some delicious eats, as well as exploring Washington Wine Country, eating my way through New Orleans (for like the umpteenth time), and checking out Denver.
Here, in no particular order, are the 10 dishes that have stuck with me all year long.
Bone Marrow Tacos at Comedor
Yes, these are as good as everyone says they are. They truly live up to the hype, as does the entire dining experience at this sexy, new downtown Austin eatery. If you only order one thing at Comedor, make it these tacos. Basically, you scrape the bone marrow out and slather it onto homemade tortillas (SO GOOD) and top with the provided sautéed kale, which sounds boring AF but is a great companion to the super rich bone marrow. Every bite is as good as the first.
Bourbon Aficionado at 610 Magnolia
My meal at Chef Edward Lee’s seasonally-driven Louisville restaurant was gorgeous from start to finish, but this dessert on the chef’s tasting menu truly shined. Complete with a drunken banana cake, butterscotch, chocolate Pappy maple syrup, corn, brown butter ice cream, and “smoke,” it was divine. Here’s what I wrote about it in January: “Straight up this dessert is insane. It comes smokey in a glass, and it’s basically all the components of bourbon in one incredible dessert. Every bite was delicious on its own, but mixed together it created a symphony of flavors.” I still feel the same way, almost a year later.
Roasted Chicken at Austin Rotisserie
Roasted chicken is so easy to make but so difficult to make truly spectacularly, which is why this little food truck, helmed by a Parisian woman and her Mexican husband, is a hidden gem. The two cultures of its owners create a harmonious relationship, seen very clearly in the chicken sandwiches topped with “guaca-mousse.” The simple roasted half chicken comes complete with potatoes roasted underneath the chicken fat drippings and are as addictive as the main dish. The fact that this truck is stationed at the new Shady Lane location of Infinite Monkey Theorem definitely adds to is appeal.
Veggie Quiche at Hedges Family Estate
Continuing on my French theme, one of my favorite dining experiences this year was after touring Hedges Family Estate in Red Mountain, Washington. We were treated to a delicate French lunch inside their enormous kitchen, and I felt like I was plucked right out of a scene in Ratatouille. A dozen or so people sat around the table, sharing stories, drinking wine, and noshing on simple green salads and a veggie-packed quiche amongst a towering vintage oven, gorgeous French doors, and classic tile floors in the breathtaking chateau on the estate. It doesn’t get better than this.
Apricot Souffle at Jeffrey’s
A souffle is one of my favorite desserts of all time. I think it’s because they’re so difficult to perfect, which keeps me from doing it myself at home, makes them feel so insanely special. I finished a decadent anniversary meal with this light and fluffy concoction, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect ending.
Fried Chicken at Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Hands-down the best fried chicken in the world. I’ve eaten it multiple times on multiple visits to New Orleans, and it never fails to disappoint. Yes, the line can sometimes be daunting, but it moves FAST, especially if you go on off days. Just go. Order the chicken. Eat everything. The sides are all super good too.
Pancake of the Week at Wendell’s
My boyfriend is obsessed with pancakes. So, when we travel, I try to find the absolute BEST ONES EVER in that city. On our recent trip to Denver, this was at the fairly new Wendell’s. This adorable modern diner dishes up pancake of the week specials, so they rotate out often, but on our trip, it was apple caramel, and it was rich but oh-so-good. It was basically like eating dessert for breakfast in all the best ways.
Kentucky Hot Brown at the Brown Hotel
Speaking of RICH, the famous Kentucky Hot Brown is truly over-the-top. It’s almost insane how much goes into these open-faced sandwiches. Thankfully, I split one! It’s essentially a turkey sandwich topped with Mornay sauce, bacon, and tomatoes, but that description doesn’t do it justice. I think my heart stopped for a while afterwards (but, like in a good way?). Plan on stopping at this historic hotel and ordering one when visiting Louisville.
Seafood Tower at Bar Melusine
I had probably the freshest seafood of my life in Seattle, and none more delicious than at the (frickin’ adorable!) Bar Melusine. Honestly, forget the food for a second, I would live in this restaurants dining room—with its seafoam chevron flooring and brass touches, it’s basically everything I want out of home décor. Thankfully, the seafood matches the aesthetic. A seafood tower to me symbolizes the most baller of baller ways to start a meal, and the ones they create here are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Everything at Spicy Boys
OK, first things first: yes, the spicy chicken at Spicy Boys is HOT. Like, snot dripping down your face hot. But so delicious you can’t stop eating it. Like. So good. Really and truly. It’s the perfect beer drankin’ food. HOWEVER, the fried chicken isn’t anywhere near the best thing at Spicy Boys, which feels actually insane to write. The roti and chicken curry may, truly, be the most delicious thing I ate all year. I think I may have cried a little bit while I ate it? The roti is so flakey and buttery, and the yellow chicken curry dipping sauce is just so complicated yet approachable all at the same time. Just do yourself a favor and order the combo plate, which, THANK GOD, comes with both the fried chicken and a serving of curry and roti. Just do it. You’re welcome.
