One of things I love about traveling around America, is the different feel each city or town has. I remember as a kid the first thing that came to me were the smells of each place we’d pass. Some smells were great like when we drove up to a local mom and pop BBQ joint and some smells were nasty like when we’d drive by an oil refinery. Now, I have to say that most of America is becoming homogenized just like our milk. Every place has a Walmart a Target a Chili’s, but every place also has hidden deep within one place that’s truly unique and amazing. Some towns have many such places. When you’re driving down the highway and you see a random sign that says,”Keep Austin Weird” you know you’re in for an experience.
Austin is the capital of Texas and it has enjoyed some huge major changes. It’s a tech mecca where many internet entrepreneurs have set down roots and now it can also boast a 1 billion dollar, 3 million square foot Apple Campus. They have even been so bold as to call themselves the Taco capital of the world, I’m reserving judgement on that one! I will say when I turned off the highway towards my destination BNB I felt like I was in the movie “Logans Run”. For those who don’t know in the movie version, everyone is put to death at the age of 30 to help save resources and prevent overpopulation. So of course the world is full of beautiful young people, who are all in great shape. This is what I saw after pulling off the highway. I counted no less than 15 people jogging, twice that many on the bike path and many more walking dogs, and yes everyone was young and beautiful. It felt a bit surrealistic but it also showed that Austin is a thriving city that attracts young people looking to make a better life for themselves.
Another thing that I liked about my first impression was how the city was built around nature. The Colorado river runs right down the middle of the city. The river is dammed in two places to make Austin lake and Lady Bird Lake. I stayed right next to Zilker Park, which is a huge green space or green belt as they call it. There’s hiking trails and a botanical garden and the Hillside Theater an outdoor venue. I could literally walk right out the front door and onto a hiking trail. I felt as though I was in the middle of nowhere except for the rare glimpse of a house here and there. When a city uses it’s green space to its advantage rather than clear cutting and building as many homes as possible you know they’re doing something right.
After my hike I was getting hungry and wanted to explore the food scene. I knew Austin was home to an incredible amount of food trucks but I wasn’t sure I was ready for all the choices. You know how that is sometimes? Having to many choices can become overwhelming and leave you with regret. You feel maybe, I should have eaten here or there or chose something else. Or maybe you don’t have that problem and it’s only because I’m writing a food blog and would literally like to try everything I see! When in doubt keep it simple! I opted for a taco place only a mile away.
Taco Deli first opened it’s doors in 1999 in Austin, inspired by the street tacos of Mexico City. The funky vibe of Austin was the perfect place to make their philosophy shine, local, fresh, responsible, inspired and balanced. By buying local and giving back to the community they are inspired to make Austin a better place. Many of the businesses in Austin have similar ideals and I think it’s one reason Austin feels so inviting. I did like that Taco Deli has 2 different menus for breakfast tacos and lunch and dinner tacos, however I was a little bit surprised that their dinner tacos were $4.50 each! I have never paid that much for a taco, or course that didn’t stop me from ordering 3 different types of tacos! I had to try their Puerco Verde or green chili pork, the Mexico City Chicken and the Cowboy taco. I also ordered a small guacamole. There was ample outdoor seating which is the only way I eat in restaurants anymore ( for the time being).
The first thing I noticed was the guacamole was very spicy, more so than even when I make it using two jalapeños, unusual as it was the flavors still held up. It wasn’t amazing but it was good and certainly different. The tacos were all soft corn tortillas in keeping with the street taco tradition. The green chili pork was delicious and cooked to perfection. The cowboy taco was dry-rubbed beef tenderloin, grilled corn, caramelized onion, roasted peppers, guacamole and queso fresco. This was a fusion of Austin’s BBQ roots coupled with good Mexican flavors. The Mexico City chicken taco was a simple grilled breast served with cilantro and onions. Sometimes simplicity is a wonderful thing, and this was no exception. I will say that despite the cost, I did get a lot of meat in each taco, and each taco was something that I would order and eat again. The guacamole I might pass on, just because the spiciness seemed like a gimmick.
I was told that I should go into downtown Austin to see the capital building at sunset but I was told that after sunset! So I opted to go in at night and see what was in store for me. I knew Austin had a storied music scene and grew up watching Austin City Limits on my local PBS channel. Rainey street or 6th street was going to be a destination tonight along with a quick stop at the capital building. Austin is growing rapidly and I think people are afraid it’ll lose it’s old town flavor as more and more high rises are built. I would gather that’s why I saw a lot of bumper stickers that said “Don’t Dallas My Austin”. Still there are pockets of old Austin where you can get the feel for the town that is also called “The live music capital of the world”.
The capital building was an amazing site at night. It can be seen from miles away and every corner of it is lit up making it stand out in the darkness. It took 6 years to build and was started in 1882. It is taller than the US Capital in DC and was added to the Historic Register in the 1970’s. I would have liked to see it in the daytime but you got to go with the flow. Next I decided to to visit Rainey street to see their food truck scene and listen to some music. What I didn’t expect was how busy it was. Rainey is just a small street a few blocks long. It’s comprised of music venues, restaurants and bars. I couldn’t find a place to park on the street and was told there was a dirt lot at the end of the street where parking was free. I didn’t feel good about parking my car in a dark deserted parking lot with NY plates and my car full of stuff. I’ve worked in enough NYC bars to know “Opportunists” when I see them and there were a few hanging around on the street that night. Not all of the food trucks were open either so, I decided it was best to do a couple of passes in my car to hear some music and take a few pictures before calling it a night. I was road weary anyway and needed some sleep.
So far my Austin experience has been a joy and has kept me busy. I love the feel of the city and it’s people are diverse and open and for the most part friendly. I’m going to end on that note for the night and will continue with part 2 tomorrow. Goodnight and until next time, Boone Appétit!
Loving to hear about your travels throughout America, Charlie.
Hi Val, thank you! I really love traveling around the country and doing this so let’s hope it turns into something bigger!
Awesome post Charlie! I really enjoyed it and learned a few new things too!
Hi Cindi, thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it, and hope I can do Austin justice in the next one!