Austin
A technology in the past, Austin was a sleepy hippie city recognized for its music scene, Tex-Mex, and barbecue. Because the inhabitants boomed, town developed a culinary scene that cooks agree punches above its weight. There’s nonetheless world-class barbecue and Tex-Mex, however it’s joined by elegant small plates of Texas produce, high-end omakases, regional Mexican delicacies, and inventive Lao fare. Austin continues to be informal — meals vehicles are a complete scene, and shorts are acceptable even at fancy spots — however it’s thrilling to see the various totally different culinary interpretations of the state’s bounty.