Sad to See Old Traditions Die: The Austin Hot Sauce Contest
30 years ago, I founded the Austin Hot Sauce Contest. I served as head judge for 26 years. Covid cancelled this year’s party, ending a tradition. Here’s an intro I …
Texas Joe’s London Tex-Mex Fiesta
It’s great to be back in London! Texas Joe invited me to sign books and give a Tex-Mex talk for a big Cinco de Mayo fiesta at his BBQ joint. …
Manx-Mex Chronicles: Moving On!
Tortilla chips and salsa, chili con carne, and fajitas are now typical European bar food. Rare is the English pub that doesn’t serve “nachos.” The influence of Tex-Mex on world cuisine …
Chile con Queso vs. Cheese Dip
A Wall Street Journal reporter who grew up in Arkansas wrote an article titled: Don’t tell Texas, but Arkansas is laying claim to queso. I am quoted in the article …
Goodbye Hot Sauce Contest!
I am announcing my retirement from the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce festival. The Chronicle has graciously bought me out of the event we founded together 27 years ago. I am …
25 Years of Hot Sauce!
Hard to believe I have been at the helm of the big hot sauce contest in Austin for a quarter century. I have never missed a year. It’s one of …
June 2015 Recap
[View the story “Junebugs and BBQ ” on Storify]
Recap: The Texas Mexican Table: 2015 Foodways Texas Symposium
[View the story “Recap: 2015 Foodways Texas Symposium” on Storify]
Duck Larb and Other Isan Delights
Hot and spicy Isan Thai food is brimming with fish sauce, bird chiles and fresh herbs–with none of the comforting coconut milk found in Southern Thai cuisine. Sour sausage with …
Tex-Mex Symposium in Old San Antone
2015 Foodways Texas Symposium “The Texas Mexican Table” 5th Annual Foodways Texas Symposium May 7-9, 2015 San Antonio, Texas Tickets on sale: Members – $290 Public – $325 Buy Tickets …