For most of the year, we open our doors (and our couches) to the rest of the country. March is taken over by SXSW, October is dedicated to ACL and next weekend to Formula One. In between we have book festivals, bachelorette parties (so many bachelorette parties), food events, ROT rally, Longhorn football and so much more.
But for one weekend a year, Austin gets a festival just for us. Fun Fun Fun Fest is like the city's best block party, complete with good food and an awesome soundtrack. With so many Austinites gathered together, FFF is also a chance to collectively learn some important things. From the plans of a certain Law and Order: SVU cast member to the magic of migas, here are just a few things we picked up this weekend.
Ice-T will never leave Law and Order: SVU
"I'm not leaving until they shoot my black ass," said Ice-T in a backstage interview about whether he is planning to leave the NBC drama. The small crowd who had collected to watch Ice-T collectively sighed with relief. Although Detective Stabler's leaving broke our heart, an SVU without Detective Fin Tutuola would be too much to handle.
Migas unites us all
Sure, entire books have been written about the revered breakfast taco, but is there anything more satisfying than a plate of migas? We submit that there is not. So when three strangers sit down at a picnic bench, it's only natural that the conversation will turn to this important topic. What makes the perfect migas? We all agreed it was a cheese to egg ratio, a full chip rather than a strip and the right amount of crunch and chewiness.
So where are the best migas? That's where we differed. The acclaimed pastry chef submitted the Maudie's Too on South Lamar (the one on North Lamar doesn't cook its eggs the same way, he said). The popular bartender believes in Tamale House East (the cheese is so thick it creates "cheese soup"). Someone else swore by Veracruz All Natural's migas taco. Other top choices? Guero's (arguably the most controversial choice) and Las Cazuelas(best use of a poached egg).
We don't mind corporate sponsorship if it's retro-cool
Remember a few years ago when that much maligned giant blow-up Doritos advertisement parked itself on Congress Avenue for the duration of SXSW? Perhaps it wasn't the fact that it was an ad that bothered us, but the fact that we were universally offended by its unoriginality. Give us an FFF sculpture made out of giant Luden's throat drops? We love it! Why? 'Cause Luden's is just cool enough to be invited to the party.
Same goes for Twinkies which were handed out by the bucketful (literally). Good-looking men and women walking around in T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase "the sweetest comeback in the history of ever" played just enough into our feelings of nostalgia that we didn't mind. Plus, who doesn't love an amorous, life-sized Twinkie the Kid?
The one thing we don't care for? Beach balls.
When you dress appropriately for FFF, you dress appropriately for life
While ACL is a quest to stay cool, FFF is a quest to look cool. Why should you put extra effort into what you wear to FFF? Because you are about to run into every single person you know.
Ex-boyfriend? You're gonna see him. Old boss? She is standing with you in the bar line. Tillamook Cheese guy? He'll be eating a hot dog next to you. Current crush? There. Old roommate? Yup. Person you went on an awkward OkCupid date with three years ago? Works with your friend. They will all be there so you need to dress sharp — and wear comfortable shoes.
See that guy in the sunglasses? Yeah, you probably dated him.
