I created my original recipe “Arugula QuinWa-ssup Salad” specifically for the unofficial launch of summer. It’s very light and refreshing and is the perfect complement to your BBQ mains. 

Tricolored organic quinoa, arugula, sweet yellow tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, walnuts, and a fresh lemon juice/fig-infused white balsamic vinegar to dress. Word.

#QueenOfQuinoa #EatHardWorkOutHard

Every March I go to Austin, TX to cover SXSW Music Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the country with more than 2,000 performers playing in more than 90 venues. This year marked my 10th consecutive year attending the festival and for the 10th year in a row, my mission is just as much about the BBQ as it is about the bands…ok it’s ALL about the BBQ. The following is my WOMAN VERSUS FOOD EAT SHEET based on my most recent trip to Austin. I got your backs, y’all. 

THE SALT LICK: I always sandwich my annual Austin adventure with not one but TWO trips to the famous Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, one of the most iconic BBQ spots outside of Austin. I go immediately upon landing in Austin simply because I cannot focus on anything else, and I return each Sunday since it is the only day they serve their habanero chicken and crowd-pleasing baby back ribs. That being said, I still think the beef ribs are the highlight of The Salt Lick. Beef ribs or bust.

RUBY’S BBQ: It was ALL about the brisket here. ‘Nuff said. 

CHI’LANTRO: This is a Korean/Mexican Fusion Food Truck that specializes in tacos and its famous Kimchi Fries…caramelized Kimchi, a mound of sizzling Korean BBQ, chopped grilled onions, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, magic sauce, sriracha and sesame seeds all set on top of a pile of crispy French Fries aka a magical pile of heaven.

BBQ Chicken Taco

Kick Ass Kimchi Fries

LAMBERTS DOWNTOWN BARBECUE: I have 8 words for you…”Mustard and Brown Sugar Crusted Niman Ranch Ribeye”. That’s all you need to know.  

STUBBS BBQ: Stubbs is more about being a music venue than a BBQ go-to but I did down their BBQ chicken here and loved every second of it. 

PECHE’ AUSTIN: When you need a BBQ-break, head to Austin’s first Absinthe bar and cafe.  This is where you go when you need a recess from ranch-style eats and want something a little more refined (think prohibition-style cocktails). Go for the bread pudding here. The proof (that I was NOT holding back) is in the pudding.

WHOLLY COW BURGERS: Burger spot that uses local hormone-free organic grass-fed beef. I opted for the “The Fit Cross (Paleo Style Burger)” aka a burger sandwiched in between two portabella mushroom caps as the bun. Pretty good. Great texture.

AMY’S ICE CREAMS: A post-BBQ staple, getting Amy’s while you’re in Austin is a must. Fortunately there’s an Amy’s in the Austin airport which is where I grabbed this cup of “Trifle”: Mexican Vanilla, strawberries, brandy-soaked pound cake.  How sweet it is.

While I was eating my way through Austin, checking in to the various spots on Foursquare, I was awarded two badges for my dining dedication.

I’m not sure if these badges serve as a gold star for my efforts or a red flag that I have a major BBQ addiction. Either way, I think we can all agree…everything truly IS bigger in Texas; including my insatiable appetite for meat. This trip is officially #WomanVersusFood Approved. Don’t Mess With (ME IN) Texas ;-)