Dearest Austin,

You’ve captivated and muddled my sheltered, cynical heart. Your taste in foods is progressive and damn good, without all the pretentious stigmas that are easily attached to fusion restaurants. Parts of you are new and shiny, and other parts of you are rustic and timeless—a solid mix of innovation and old-school culture. You would be the exact product of everything cities like Portland, SF/Berkeley, and New Orleans strive to be collectively. Don't get me wrong; each respective city is special in their own right, but you've somehow figured out how to emulate all strengths gracefully and cohesively. We ended up connecting with our long lost festival dad while standing in the endless line for the Tumblr Party, which actually didn't seem that long with great company. Though we were only present for the Tech weekend, it was nice getting a little taste of the SXSW glory. A great city with an even greater heart, and substantial taste in music. And weather that’s almost as bipolar as San Francisco’s, maybe a little more forgiving to the pretentious girl from the Bay Area who forgot to bring a decent jacket. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enamored with you and the people inside of you, Austin. Anyway, let's keep this friendship going— I’ll see you next year. During music week? With a thrice revised excel planning sheet. And a waterproof jacket. I think I'll leave the Japanese whiskey at home. Austin, it’s been about three weeks since I’ve been inside of you and I miss you all the same. Thank yooou for the memories!

Affectionately,

Moogs

Restaurants :

Torchy’s Tacos
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Via 313 Pizza
I can't remember the rest due to consistent inebriation throughout the weekend

Bonus video if you're looking for further recommendations. Also, this is literally the first Vice Munchies feature I ever watched. Past Me connecting with Present Me :)