Best Dishes in Texas
6 Austin dishes named best in Texas — including a few surprise picks
As Austinites, we're well aware that our city is home to some of the best culinary talent in the state. And it seems we're not the only ones. Recently, Food & Wine magazine reached out to three celebrated Texans and asked for their picks for the best dish in Texas.
Six local dishes made the cut, including a few surprises. Chef Tim Love applauded Odd Duck for its Ham and Cheese Stuffed Pretzel, a country ham- and Gouda-filled pretzel served with mustard-chile béchamel. Love also gave props to Food & Wine's Best New Chef Paul Qui for his crudo. The dish, which changes in presentation and concept almost every night, is a can't-miss at Qui's flagship East Sixth Street restaurant.
On the barbecue front, Micklethwait Craft Meats received a nod for its three-meat plate. Barbecue expert Daniel Vaughn noted that in addition to the meat, what makes Micklethwait such a treat is its staff of culinary stars. "Many barbecue joints focus their attention on the meat alone, but this trailer pays attention to the entire menu," he writes. And, as President Barack Obama also knows, Franklin Barbecue's brisket was lauded the best in the state (which in turn means the country and possibly the world).
Though famous for its New York-style pies, Home Slice Pizza's turkey sub was a surprising selection among the best dishes in Texas. Hotelier Liz Lambert called it "the best sandwich in Texas." (CultureMap Austin's former food editor Jessica Dupuy is also a fan.)
Those of us on the quest for the best French fry in Austin should check out Josephine House. Lambert picked the steak frites at this Clarksville restaurant as one of the state's best dishes.