Media Woes

The New York Times ends four-year partnership with Texas Tribune

Media Woes

The New York Times ends four-year partnership with Texas Tribune

New York Times is ending its partnership with the Texas Tribune, citing financial woes.Courtesy photo
Texas Tribune CEO and editor in chief Evan Smith.Photo courtesy of Texas Tribune

On the fourth anniversary of its partnership with The New York Times, Texas Tribune Editor in Chief and CEO Evan Smith announced on the Tribune's blog that the two companies are parting.

"Yesterday afternoon we learned from our pals at the Times that our work together will come to an end, sadly but not entirely unexpectedly, at the conclusion of the calendar year," said Smith.

Blaming an increasingly poor economic outlook for many journalistic outlets, Smith cited recent financial issues at the Times as the reason behind the split. "The Trib partnership, while innovative, ambitious and, relatively speaking, cheaply produced, was objectively an expendable line item."

The Texas Tribune was the last of three regional partnerships The Gray Lady had with news outlets around the country. The other two, San Francisco's The Bay Citizen and theChicago News Cooperative have already ended.

The Trib has created content for The New York Times every Friday and Sunday since 2010, focusing solely on Texas issues ranging from environmental woes, Wendy Davis' infamous filibuster and Rick Perry's ... everything.

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With Flying Colors

Austin airport eatery makes Bloomberg's world's best list — we add 4 more

The Salt Lick has charmed travelers at Bloomberg. Salt Lick/Instagram

The “globe-trotting editors” at Bloomberg have named their favorite airport restaurants in the world — not just the U.S. — and the Salt Lick at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) has earned their praise.

For decades, Central Texans have debated — politely, in most cases — which joint serves the best barbecue. For those who fly in and out of ABIA, barbecue options are scarce among all the dining alternatives.

But if you do have a hankerin’ for some tasty barbecue when you’re on the prowl for fare at the airport, you can’t go wrong with Salt Lick BBQ. At least that’s the opinion of Bloomberg.

Only two other U.S. airport restaurants appear on the list: One Flew South at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Bun Mee at San Francisco International Airport.

Here’s Bloomberg’s brief take on Salt Lick’s restaurant at the Austin airport:

"The Central Texas destination has been smoking meat over oak and pecan for more than 50 years. Its local airport spot, between gates 20 and 21, serves travelers platters of caramelized pulled pork and brisket and spiced Hill Country sausage."

Salt Lick also operates its original location in Driftwood, attracting thousands of visitors every year, and an outpost in Round Rock. In addition, a Salt Lick restaurant serves folks at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Okay, so some editors at Bloomberg anointed Salt Lick one of the eight best airport restaurants in the world. Yet what if you’re at the Austin airport and your stomach is growling, and you aren’t salivating over the thought of pulled pork? We’ve got you covered. Here are four other Austin favorites that we think fare well vs. Salt Lick.

24 Diner: Who doesn’t want to get comfortable before hopping on a flight? At 24 Diner, you can choose from an array of comforting food, like the chicken-and-waffle plate, 24 Hash, fried chicken sandwich, and “loaded” fries.
Flyrite Chicken: If you’re flying in or out of AUS, Flyrite Chicken might be the right culinary choice for you. As the restaurant’s name suggests, chicken shines as the star of the menu in the form of fried and grilled chicken sandwiches, plus chicken tenders.
The Peached Tortilla: In the mood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? The Peached Tortilla might satisfy your cravings (with several items featuring brisket). Items that may tempt your tastebuds include the Korean steak, egg, and cheese breakfast taco; the banh mi taco; and the Chinese barbecue chicken bowl.
Amy’s Ice Creams: We’re not suggesting that you make a meal out of the super-premium ice cream scooped up at Amy’s. Although you probably could. Best known for its trademark Mexican vanilla ice cream and an array of traditional flavors and toppings, Amy’s also serves specialties (often available for a limited time) such as Irish coffee, cherry pie, and peppermint bark ice cream. Aside from ice cream, you can order shakes, smoothies, and frozen yogurt.