February 2021
CURRENT PICKS
BIRD BIRD BISCUIT | Check out my latest review. I plan to swing by for lunch this month.
BLUE DAHLIA | I haven’t visited BD nearly enough in the past year. For a long time, it was my go-to Saturday lunch spot, hummus and chicken salad tartines for two. The Westlake location has an outdoor patio that I recommend for a lunch stop. More info here.
CIPOLLINA | I tried the Chestnut & Celery Root Puree Soup this month. Me being me, I called them back to let them know about my experience when I was halfway finished with it. It’s something that was unexpected comfort food, side of ciabatta included. More info here.
FOODHEADS | Great for midday salads and sandwiches, it’s an underrated spot for those who live nearby. I recommend the fish tacos.
LAMBERTS | Lamberts back patio (heated) is ideal for the winter months. I recommend stopping before March hits for their heavier dishes. They’ve consistently changed up the menu in recent months with additions that have kept me going back. Read my review.
SWEDISH HILL | I popped in last weekend for breakfast and some time to reevaluate my priorities. I prefer it in the morning, but its late afternoon hours are underrated. More info here.
TEXAS HONEY HAM | My favorite breakfast tacos on the planet for a little over seven years. Bacon (or Sausage) Egg Cheese Potato with red salsa. Treat yoself.
UCHIKO | Don’t expect it to leave the list anytime soon. Invite me and, if you don’t, make sure you order hama chili. Trust them with their recommendations. More info here.
WHOLLY COW BURGERS | In the mood for casual cheeseburger? Grass-fed beef—I recommend The Heavenly if you’re really hungry. More info here.
TIDBITS
THE CUSTOMER IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT | This article stuck with me for the month. It addresses the subject of customer entitlement and the need for change.
GOOD APPLE FOODS | Delivered to your door, $30 per week for enough local produce for two people. It also pays for a box for someone who needs it. Use this code for $10 off: AzZcvBS7EKztDIC4. Find it here.
LOOK AT WHAT I’M COOKIN | A best friend of mine and an (already) incredibly talented baker, Lucy Diepenhorst started in January at The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio. She’s sharing her weekly learnings on her new account, @lookatwhatimcookin.
LOST AUSTIN | This article tells stories of a few of Austin’s iconic restaurants that closed in 2020. Do your part to support local, especially during a time of such radical growth in our city.
SLOW UP | New to the market, Slow Up offers savory or sweet bars ordered by subscription. They’re Brooklyn-based, and currently deliver to the NY area, for those of you based there.
TOP FEW THINGS
I created this category for affiliate marketing to support my website. If you’re considering purchasing the below, please use the links to add them to your cart! Long-term, it’ll leave me with a bigger budget for brand growth. If any of you have websites that you recommend for affiliate marketing, send them my way. Amazon isn’t my first pick, but it’s a start.
AMERICAN CATCH | Eager to learn more about the seafood industry and improve your consumption habits? Start with this book.
HABANERO SRIRACHA | Found through Kitchen Garden Farm, I’ve seen this sriracha recommended multiple times. I’m not sure I can handle it, but I recommend it for any of you who are spice psychos.
BIRCHWOOD PAIRING KNIFE | I received this knife over the holidays and have used it daily every since. It’s incredibly delicate and efficient. Check it out. Anyone who consistently cooks would greatly appreciate it.
INTERESTING THOUGHTS
“We've learned that quiet isn't always peace,
and the norms and notions
of what just is
isn't always just-ice.” — Amanda Gorman, “The Hill We Climb”
“Success is producing a handful of masterpieces, not a mountain of mediocre work.” — Adam Grant
“The happiest people discover their own nature and match their life to it.” — Ray Dalio