ACL Food Rocks

As I have documented in this space before, I love going to arguably the countries’ best music festival, Austin City Limits, which just wrapped up its 10th anniversary weekend of music (and food). Outside of seeing Stevie Wonder, My Morning Jacket, Coldplay, Fitz & the Tantrums, Iron and Wine, and many others, I spent my fair share of time in the food court – it is the sacrifice I am prepared to make for So Good readers.

For the uninitiated, ACL does not do “fair food.” Please. Instead, a bunch of local restaurants, food truck chefs and other purveyors each have their own booths, selling favorite dishes and time-honored ACL staples to festival-goers. Do you think Boneroo has bacon wrapped sweet peppers with goat cheese, a pork belly slider with pickled onion, or a warm snickerdoodle ice cream sandwich?

My highlights:

Torchy’s Tacos: Baja Shrimp tacos
These two tacos featured hand-battered shrimp topped with cabbage cut slaw, pickled jalapeños & onions, queso fresco, cilantro and a lime wedge – all topped with a chipotle sauce on flour tortilla. The shrimp was hot and crunchy, and the whole sour/creamy/spicy concoction was a perfect taste synergy. Best dish I had.

 Garrido’s: Oyster Tacos
Two fried oyster tacos with habanero honey aioli and pico de gallo. Super good as well, and barely in second place – crunchy, fresh and bursting with flavor. A big plus went to the slightly oversized tortillas, which kept everything well-contained.

 Children of the Kettle Corn
A perfect mixture of salty and sweet, this addicting treat was still warm after being made fresh on site. Impossible to put down. No picture available, because this was a late evening snack, and I am ashamed how much I put away. Take my word for it.

What more can I say, but another great year of music and food. See you next year, ACL.