The Burger Situation:
An M.O. Entreaty

Okay, here’s the deal… my life has been spent in the pursuit of excellence on many levels, not the least of which is gastronomic splendiferousness. Today is no exception. However, today I’m in search of something specific, something arguably ambiguous, yet, in my mind, very specific. Today, my quest is simple. I must find the most get down burger in Austin (or surrounding areas), and nothing less will do!
In my checkerboard, brawlcrawling existence I’ve sampled some of -what I consider-the best burgs to ever pass between two lips. Read the rest of this entry »

A Pie By Any Other Name: An Eight-Act Play (cont’d)
by: Magnus Opus

Act 5: “Back in the Saddle”

In the beginning of this pizza passion play I’d mentioned secretly yearning to be a food critic all my life, and trust me, I DO love my job here at The Daze. But what has increasingly become more important to me than sampling some get down fare and writing about it is the fact I get to meet some truly unique and special people who have all made tremendous sacrifices and shown courage in the face of adversity to make their dreams real. Read the rest of this entry »

Rare is the discovery of a truly authentic French restaurant between these shores. I’ve tried a few and most have been Americanized. Unfortunately, for those seeking authenticity, this is far from acceptable. But I’d been hearing rumblings about this French restaurant here in Austin. Folks were swearing that this place, Chez Nous, was a righteous, get down joint. The real deal neal! So in keeping with my being your global gastronomic tour guide, dear reader, I continue to find restaurants here in town whose food is authentic, foods that inspired me during my global trek.
Chez Nous, huh? Well, I’ll see about that! So, one night last week I set out to see just what all this fuss was about. So I headed over to…. Read the rest of this entry »

Give Me That Old Time Religion-

To have an icon of serious Austin history and lore right under my nose and not knowing about it made me feel a bit like a doofus. About midway through my interview with Ruby’s co-owner, Pat Mares, that devastating realization came home to roost. Big time.
Austin continues to be the proverbial onion. Even though I already knew much about the town after religiously visiting for many a year, since moving here I keep peeling back layer after layer of just incredible, mind-blowing stuff this fantastic city has to offer. And Ruby’s B.B.Q. certainly qualifies. Consider me here to sing their praises! Albeit belatedly…
I know when it comes to barbeque a thousand different people will give you a thousand different takes on what they think is the best. I know I certainly have my favorites. Read the rest of this entry »