A Taste Bud Takeover in Episode 12!

Coming up this weekend on Goodtaste with Tanji-

STATE FARE

The first stop on our ‘taste tour’ is the state fair…well almost! That’s the State Fare Kitchen & Bar – quickly becoming one of the hottest hangouts in the Bayou City. The idea behind the space was to recreate the kinds of comfort foods we all loved growing up; a sizzling showcase of diverse southern classics from fried chicken to chunky cheeseburgers to one very choice chili. Aptly named after one of the owners who supplied the recipe, Jimmy’s “Texas Red” Beef Chili contains ZERO chili powder, tomatoes, or beans. Just hand-cut beef simmered down with roasted ancho and pasilla chiles, plus a shot of Shiner Bock beer!

The menu itself is loaded with local flavors and includes over 70 items in all. There are also more than 40 local and imported beers on tap, along with eye-catching cocktails crafted with care and infused with fresh ingredients. You’ll taste the passion in every bite – and sip – at these “fare” grounds!

THE ROTTEN BUNCH

Who’s up for a little wine tasting? The folks at The Rotten Bunch in Austin are anything but! This award-winning wine bar is sharp and sophisticated, yet at the same time laid back and fun. Oh, and downright delicious! As you can tell by their name, it’s also the type of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown at this cozy nook with an open kitchen and a cool wrap around bar.

The food here is just fine too with interesting twists on traditional flavors. Take my personal fave, the Truffled Burrata, a cream filled Mozzarella ball plated with buttery leeks, sautéed asparagus and garnished with crispy Spanish prosciutto. A marvelous mouthful paired perfectly with a wine list like no other.

BACKYARD BISTRO

Stick around for gorgeous gourmet dishes from a tiny Texas Hill Country kitchen. Backyard Bistro in Pipe Creek, Texas oozes small town charm under the influence of a young chef who earned his cooking chops back in the Motor City. It’s a spot locals love and uniquely Texas!