Bill Tucker - The Austinot

Batch Brewery Goes Beyond Kolaches Into Brave Flavor Frontier

Posted on November 11, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Batch Brewery Grand Opening in Austin, TX — Batch Brewery joins Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches to create a delicious duo (Credit: Kayla Rodriguez)

Everyone has a home base, a place in town where they feel welcome, comfortable, and relaxed. For me and many of us at The Austinot, that place is Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches.

It’s easy to explain why. Not only does Batch produce exquisite baked goods, but the exceptional craft beer tap list, awesome bottle selection, and family-friendly environment sets it apart from the rest. Whenever I’m planning to meet friends, Batch is my go-to recommendation.

But with a new brewery open as of this past weekend, our venerated local hangout is wading into uncharted waters. Luckily, Batch has approached this new venture with the same heart and spirit of adventure that created Austin’s kolache haven in the first place. And with an initial offering of brews you won’t find anywhere else, there’s nowhere to go but up.

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Ultimate Guide to Austin Pitmasters at Texas Monthly BBQ Festival 2019

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Guide to 10th Annual Texas Monthly BBQ Festival in Austin — The 10th Annual Texas Monthly BBQ Festival brings all the meat (Credit: Julia Keim)

Breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex, and barbecue. The three points of the foodie Texas Trinity. Arguably the tip of this triangle of tasty treats, barbecue fandom goes beyond intense. Tell somebody you prefer Rudy’s over Franklin’s and prepare for battle.

But barbecue doesn’t stop with Central Texas. The Lone Star State is flush with some of the finest pitmasters in the world, 31 of whom will be attending the 10th Annual Texas Monthly BBQ Festival on Nov. 3, 2019, at the Long Center.

Six local masters of meat will be representing Austin (more than any other major city). In true hyperlocal fashion, here’s our guide to each and every one of them. Though they won’t be offering their full menus at the event, you can build up your appetite with this review of their smoking hot strengths.

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Austin City Limits Music Festival 2019, Weekend Two: Photo Retrospective

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Jumping From ACL Fest Picture Frame — Jumping from the ACL Fest picture frame is an annual tradition (Credit: John Cabuena/Flipintex Fotos)

And just like that, it’s over. Three days of drastic weather changes, massive crowds, and fantastic music are officially in the books. To aid in the recovery from a wild Weekend Two, here’s our yearly photo retrospective of Austin City Limits Music Festival 2019.

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Ultimate Guide to Local Artists at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2019

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Guide to Austin Artists at ACL Music Festival 2019

Every year, as September turns to October, the eyes and ears of the entertainment world turn toward Zilker Park. Now in its 17th year, Austin City Limits Music Festival turns the Great Lawn into a cultural and musical epicenter. It’s 46 acres of food, drink, activities, installations, shopping, and–most prominently–incredible live music performances.

While headliners like The Cure, Billie Ellish, Lizzo, and Guns ‘n Roses dominate the billboards, the bottom of the lineup poster is where the magic of discovery happens. Like every year, Austin bands and artists will be well-represented in 2019, both in the early hours and prime time slots.

Here’s a roundup of every Austin musician performing each weekend, all worth arriving early for. Remember friends, listen local!

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Insider’s Guide to Food and Entertainment in Austin’s 2ND Street District

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Visit Austin’s 2ND Street District for bars, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment (Credit: 2ND Street District/Giant Noise)

The college kids dig Sixth Street, hip cats dig the east side, and shoppers flock to South Congress or The Domain. But there’s a rad collection of bars, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment in the heart of downtown, in Austin’s 2ND Street District.

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7 Multicultural Film Festivals That Deliver Diversity to Austin Movie Lovers

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Cine Las Americas in Austin TX — Cine Las Americas opening night (Credit: Daniele Gambassi)

At the risk of sounding cheesy, there’s nothing better than diversity. Multiple points of view stimulate thinking and broaden our horizons. Different voices with different experiences enrich us and help us grow.

Unfortunately, in the world of mainstream entertainment, there isn’t much outside of superheroes, lame comedies, and Oscar bait biopics.

Enter Austin’s many multicultural film festivals and their dedication to introducing us to a wide variety of cultures through the magic of movies. Whether you’re hungry for Asian American drama or looking for the latest in New French cinema, Austin has a festival tailor-made for your personal taste, and sense of adventure.

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Fluff Meringues & More Creates Decadent Desserts in Laid-back Setting

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Fluff Meringues & More Dessert Selection in Austin — Fluff Meringues & More offers drops, macaroons, and treats of all styles (Credit: Leonid Furmansky)

When you think of local baked goods, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Giant slices of pecan pie? A heaping mound of Cop Stop ice cream from Amy’s? Or maybe a doughnut sandwich from Gourdough’s tickles your sweet tooth.

Prepare to add something a bit more delicate to that pantheon of delectable Austin treats. By perfecting the under-appreciated and oft maligned meringue, the team at Fluff Meringues & More has filled a niche local foodies didn’t know they needed. These sweet treats are created with impeccable technique, exquisite style, and out of this world flavors.

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Tacodeli’s Downtown Location Continues Legacy of Flavorful, Fresh Tacos

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Tacodeli Breakfast Tacos in Austin — Lovely spread of Tacodeli breakfast tacos (Credit: Rachel Ayotte)

Here in Austin, the battle for taco supremacy is a bloody one. Families divided, friendships dashed, and Twitter feeds triggered over the age-old argument of who does it better. With the multitude of options available, it’s easy to get lost in the debate.

For those weary of the war, there’s a familiar shelter in the storm. A mainstay of excellence in the local Tex-Mex scene for almost 20 years, Tacodeli has endured using fresh ingredients, attention to quality, and a heart for all things local.

With a new downtown Austin location ready to open its doors, a whole new audience is poised to try this old favorite for the first time.

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Basilflower Patisserie: Fresh French Flavors With an Exotic Edge

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Basil macarons by Basilflower Patisserie in Austin — Basil macarons by Basilflower Patisserie (Credit: Manisri Sivaraju)

Whenever I do a food tasting, it’s usually in a public setting. A small shop on 25th Street, a bustling dining room, or even in a commissary kitchen, surrounded by clouds of flour smoke and blazing ovens. Imagine my surprise when I found myself at the baker’s dining room table, tasting delectable treats for the purposes of this review.

A storefront isn’t necessary to create baked good magic. With a handful of pop-up events on its side and a menu of sensational sweet treats to share, Basilflower Patisserie creates unique takes on classic dishes and across-the-pond culinary delights.

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Superfónicos Brings Authentic Colombian Cumbia to Austin Stages

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Bill Tucker

Superfonicos Black Fret Show at Little Woodrow's Austin — Superfónicos bring down the house at Little Woodrow’s during a Black Fret showcase (Credit: Bill Tucker)

It’s 7:30 in the evening on a random Wednesday and Little Woodrow’s at Southpark Meadows is rocking. As smokey Colombian rhythm mainlines into my ears, my right leg refuses to quit jumping to the beat. A perma-smile is plastered to my face. With a quietly attentive Black Fret crowd behind me, everyone seems transfixed by the soulful, haunting sound of cumbia, salsa, and Latin jazz.

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