My Own Psychedelic Picnic

I’ve just finished listening to the audiobook version of Kinky Friedman’s The Great Psychedelic Armadillo Picnic: A “Walk” in Austin, enjoyable especially because of Kinky’s profound love of this city that he clearly relishes sharing with the reader (ok, listener), making one happy to be an Austinite.

At one point, Kinky names his twelve favorite Austin restaurants and that, of course got me hungry. So for what it’s worth, in no particular order and in honor of the Kinkster, my top twelve:

1. Kim Phung – tofu lemongrass vermicelli…mmmm
2. Castle Hill Cafe – the menu always changes, what’s not to like?
3. Chuy’s – rellenos made with Hatch green chiles (nature’s most perfect food) rather than the more typical poblano
4. Vivo’s – micheladas
5. Guero’s – the South Congress vibe, the enchiladas
6. Las Manitas – mas enchiladas
7. Thai Passion – the hottest tofu noodle dish I’ve ever had
8. The Clay Pit – ok so the service was bad last time, but what a curry
9. Hut’s – whether a veggie burger, buffalo burger, or somewhere in between it’s always the Wolfman Jack
10. Katz’s – never closes, there’s always parking, and has the best bloody mary, what else is needed?
11. Thundercloud – of course
12. The Salt Lick – for the sides and suasage and the guy playing old outlaw country tunes on the porch

So there it is. Right now, but likely to change tomorrow, my top twelve Austin comfort food establishments, and I’m already wondering how I forgot Mongolian BBQ, Dirty’s, Kerbey Lane, The Magnolia Cafe, Thai Noodle Bowl, Etc., The Texas Chili Parlor… oh my cup runneth over! What an embarrassment of riches we have here.

James Brush

James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.

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