Forking Up

Being a foodie on a budget is TOUGH. Friends ask me how I'm always going out to eat when I'm seemingly drowning in student and credit card debt. Well, when you live in a city like Austin, it's not too hard to eat delicious food and not break the bank. Aside from Happy Hours, here are some of my faves.

The Soup Peddlar - Soup is an odd choice for a city that's summer weather 3/4ths of the year, but I recently discovered that the Soup Peddlar also has an extensive fresh juice menu. I was even more surprised to discover that while competitors will charge $10 a bottle (sometimes more, sometimes less) the offerings at Soup Peddlar are a lot more reasonably priced. If you're into juicing, or feel like having a hearty soup, definitely check them out!
Castle Hill - 1112 N. Lamar Blvd. / Airport - 4631 Airport Blvd. / Mary - 501 W. Mary St. / Lamar - 2801 S. Lamar Blvd.  / 183 - 13219 Hwy. 183 N. Austin, TX




Tyson's Tacos - If you order 100 tacos, you get to create and name a taco on the menu. And that's not hard to do, considering each taco averages about $2-3. Where else can you get crispy duck and a soft boiled egg on a tortilla, for under $5? And while the tacos obviously are the main attraction, be sure to try the avocado carpaccio or the street corn. All solid options.
4905 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX

Juan in a Million - If you take the Juan challenge, you're going to feed yourself for the entire day for under $10. It's an enormous migas plate that many have attempted but few have conquered. For those of us with smaller stomachs, there are a number of high quality breakfast tacos that won't break the bank.
2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX



Bangers - Bangers was the first place I ate at after setting foot in Austin for the first time. The menu has changed a bit since (I miss those late night bagel bites and deep fried mac and cheese!) but it's still incredible. While certain items on the menu aren't necessarily "budget" you can still get a gourmet hot dog or sausage for under $10.
79 Rainey St, Austin, TX

Mod Pizza - Mod Pizza is a chain, but don't let that stop you from trying one of their excellent personal pizzas. Where else can you pile your pie high with custom ingredients for the same low price? It's a great value, and a delicious meal.
1801 E. 51st St, Building D, Suite 410, Austin, TX / 500 W Canyon Ridge Dr, Suite J100, Austin, TX / 701 S Capital of Texas Highway, Suite F-600, West Lake Hills, TX 


Din Ho Chinese BBQ - For whatever reason, duck is my barometer for how pricey a place is. And here a seared duck breast will only put you out $14--and it will be DELICIOUS. The menu covers all manners of Chinese cuisine, and offers shareable plates in addition to inexpensive single portions. Worth a try if you're hungry for good Chinese in the city!
8557 Research Blvd #116, Austin, TX

Casino el Camino burgers - Make your way to the back of the bar for some of the best burgers in town, all for under $10. Big, juicy burgers on a soft bun. Or, grab some of their delicious wings. Accompany it with one of their famous bloody marys from the bar and make a night out of it.
517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 

Image courtesy of Waller Creek Pub House

Waller Creek Pub House Established in 2015, Waller Creek Pub House is known for its craft draft beer, original pub fare and laid-back vibe. Specials Monday’s Wing Deal, featuring 6 house made buffalo wings and a pint of Community Beer Company’s Helles Lager for only $10, or the rotating “Taco of the Day” selection for $10 or less are affordable options for those on a budget.
 603 Sabine St, Austin, TX

Image courtesy of PhoNatic

PhoNatic - With nearly all menu items coming in for less than $10, PhoNatic is the perfect spot to grab an affordable, high-quality meal. PhoNatic specializes in traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a modern environment. Be sure to try one of their Vietnamese classics like pho, banh mi and spring rolls. There are multiple locations across Austin, so you're always just minutes away from a flavorful bowl of tasty goodness.
Northcross - 2525 W. Anderson Ln. Bldg 3, Suite 280 / Southpark 9900 S IH 35, Suite P500 / Cedar Park - 1468 E Whitestone Blvd, Suite 200 / Round Rock - 200 University Blvd, Suite 530 / Mueller - 1201 Barbara Jordan, Ste. 1460


Torchy's - This is an addition from my fiance. While the tacos are a little more expensive than the average street taco, they pile them HIGH with ingredients. Two tacos and you're pleasantly full for under $10.
Multiple locations. Please visit their Locations page for details.

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This isn't a Happy Hour Roundup... but I felt the need to point out two GREAT low-cost, high-quality happy hours as well:

Pacific Rim Sushi & Yakitori Lounge - Their happy hour menu is extremely reasonable, but the real gem is Tuesday night dollar nights. And don't let "inexpensive sushi" scare you, it's so fresh! Don't miss it!

Salty Sow  - Everything on the happy hour menu is $5, with accompanying drink specials. Ordering one of everything comes out to a full meal for two, for $40 total. Not bad for one of the best restaurants in town!


Don't forget to check out the rest of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide for 2017!

Ms. P's Electric Cock -- Ms. P's touts "FRESH, never frozen, no hormones, no additives, LOCAL free range chicken." The skin is crispy and flavorful, the meat is juicy, and the whole "eat local" jazz is just the feel-good icing on the deep fried cake. Her sides go beyond the typical mac and cheese and slaw sides you find at most fried chicken joints--Truffle Mac and Cheese, Street Corn, and Waffles are only a few of the tasty sides. I can't wait for her brick and mortar to open soon!
80 Rainey St, Austin, TX


Hoover's -- If you enjoy a heavy hand on the breading, the homestyle feel and traditional sides make this a satisfying meal. The Happy Hour specials are some of the best in the city, with a chicken basket for $6 among many other snacks and drinks from 3-7pm Monday-Friday.
2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 


Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken --  While Gus's is actually a chain that began in Memphis, they have spicy fried chicken down to an art. There are no heat levels, just classically spicy, so be comfortable with a strong "medium" amount of spice if you check them out.
117 San Jacinto Austin, TX 


Lucy's -- Lucy's they deserve a spot on this list because it's a totally "Austin" spot and the view from the Lucy's on the Lake patio is breathtaking. The desserts and sides are delicious. Try the deep fried deviled eggs before you dig into the main course.
Multiple Locations:
2218 COLLEGE AVE/5408 BURNET ROAD/2900 RANCH RD 620 N

Photo courtesy of The Peached Tortilla

The Peached Tortilla – For an Asian twist on the southern favorite, stop by Peached for their Fried chicken night every Wednesday. The special includes Asian fried chicken, dashi bacon braised kale, grilled corn and biscuits. Not to mention, this night also boasts whiskey specials!
5520 Burnet Rd #100, Austin, TX



Black Star Coop -- This locally sourced, sustainably produced fried chicken never disappoints!Order by the dinner or snack size and enjoy the subtly spicy breading and accompanying homemade ranch dip.
7020 EASY WIND DR, STE 100, AUSTIN, TX



Don't forget to check out the rest of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide for 2017!

While Austin doesn't necessarily have the monopoly on Food Trucks (it's hard to nail down exactly where they began, and now they're pretty saturated across the country) it's arguably one of the most diverse offerings of these mobile foodie hotspots. When the weather is as beautiful year-round as it is in Austin, it's definitely worth it to have your lunch al fresco outside your favorite food truck!




Ms. Ps - One of my very favorite food trucks in town.  Ms P only serves FRESH, never frozen, no hormones, no additives, local free range chicken. The batter is crisp, slightly spicy, and the chicken and waffles can't be beat. Once located on South Congress, you can now find it on the iconic Rainey Street.
80 Rainey St, Austin, TX
Biscuits & Groovy - Biscuits and Gravy is a concept that was entirely foreign to me as a Northerner. But now that I've had it... there really is no going back. It's a delicious breakfast (even moreso when you're hungover!) that's filling, savory, and oh so good. And the Biscuits and Groovy food truck has made a whole business over it!
5015 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751

Arlo's - Fun story: there really isn't much on the signage to tell you this is a vegan food truck, and if there is, it's not very prominent. Leading my carnivore fiance to accidentally down half a burger before realizing it contained no meat. Another friend gushed about it being the best burger he's ever had... not knowing until long after it was meatless. If you want plant-based food that'll trick your tastebuds, or at least a cruelty-free meal, definitely check out Arlo's!
900 Red River at Cheerup Charlie's, 1308 E 4th St.at Scoot Inn, 2908 Fruth at Spider House Cafe
all in Austin, TX




La Barbecue - When people ask me for the best BBQ in town, I direct them here. Sure, Franklin's is the classic, but not everyone can wait in that dang line. And, to be honest, the brisket at La Barbecue just cannot. be. beat. It's tender, delicious, and while the line is still often long, it's not wait-for-eight-hours long. Stop by, you won't be sorry!

1906 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Paperboy - One of the best new breakfast/brunch spots in town is actually a food truck. Paperboy boasts a small menu that highlights produce and dairy from local farms, bread from local bakeries, and hot and cold brewed coffee.
1203 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702


Valentina's Tex Mex - They have BBQ. They have tacos. They have BBQ tacos. And they rock. This is the last year that Valentina's can truly be on a food truck roundup, as it officially becomes a brick and mortar at the end of the year! In the meantime, make sure you check out their Manchaca Road location to indulge in some crazy breakfast tacos and delicious BBQ. The daily specials are ALWAYS worth it, so make sure you try them!
11500 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 

Burro, Cheese Kitchen - It's your childhood dream. An entire food truck focused on grilled cheese. But not just any grilled cheese, Burro creates unique artisan flavors. Try the Partridge Family (Gouda, Provolone, and Bacon on Sourdough) or one of their specials like Bourbon Apple. Now, only if Burro would hook up with a tomato soup truck...
1221 South Congress Avenue & 80 Rainey Street



Mighty Cone - Delicious, walkable food.  Crunchy chicken, shrimp, and/or avocado in a tortilla in a cone. Who could ask for more? The food truck has its roots with a former Hudson's on the Bend chef and a famous festival--making it a truly Austin establishment.
1720 Barton Springs Road. Austin, TX.
Little Lucy's Mini Donuts - Do you ever wish you could have those classic county fair fried donuts all year round? You can definitely come close with Little Lucy's. While this is another Rainey Street mainstay/after hours food, it's delicious whenever those tasty little donuts are fresh out of the fryer. There's a handful of new flavors, but I suggest the classic cinnamon sugar.
75 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

Angry Egg Roll - The sign here cracks me up. And trust me, these aren't your typical egg rolls. Located near 6th Street, their larger-than-life eggrolls are the perfect snack after a night out. Or, a good way to line your tummy before hitting the bars. (and they're mighty tasty, too!)
667 Red River St, Austin TX



Dock n' Roll - One of the things I miss most about New England is a decent, fresh lobster roll. Dock n' Roll is the closest I've come to an authentic New England roll. Probably because they get their lobster directly from Portland, Maine!
Steampunk Saloon - 700 W. 6th St (On the patio adjacent to Rio Grande)
Midway Food Park - 1905 S. Capital of Texas Hwy (Near Tres Amigos)

Patrizi's - There's not a huge Italian population in Austin, so good, authentic Italian food is hard to find. Thank goodness I stumbled upon Patrizi's. One bite of their homemade pasta and sauce (a FOOD truck with HOMEMADE pasta and sauce?? Yup!) and you'll be hooked. The meatball has got to be my favorite in town. Buon appetito!
2307 Manor Rd. (in the Vortex Theater), Austin TX

Korean Komfort - Austin has a handful of delicious infusion restaurants, but for authentic Korean (comfort) food, definitely check out Korean Komfort. Highlights include the BiBimBop, Bulgogi, and Spicy Pork Bowls, but really anything on the menu is going to be amazing.
2512 Rio Grande St, Austin, Texas

I tried to highlight trucks that didn't yet have a brick and mortar. However, the following locations happen to have both. They're all Austin classics and deserve a visit--whether to their food truck OR their storefront.

Via 313 - Pizza
East Side King - Thai
Thai Kun - Thai
Chi'lantro - Korean
Peached Tortilla - Southern-Asian infusion
Garbo's - Maine Lobster
Veracruz All Natural - Tex Mex


Don't forget to check out the rest of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide for 2017!

I love this man so much I am only partially aware of the fact that my butt is the third person in this picture.

And by good, I mean delicious.

Whyyy am I working out on my birthday? (Answer: all the crap I ate at ACL?)

• 1 sweet potato
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp coconut flour
• 1/2 tbsp almond meal

• 4 grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 tsp onion, diced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp dried cilantro
• 1/4 tsp scallions
• 1 tsp olive oil

• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 avocado
• 2 tbsp coconut oil

Here's another Favorite Things! I'll go in and add more pics later... Just wanted to get this up!


Here's where I share things related to food/blogging/cooking/restaurants/everything else that I have discovered and/or received for review. If there's a *, I've received a product gratis from the company for purpose of reviewing.

T-fal All in One Cooker* (Excited to try) - Instant/All in one cookers are all the rage. And T-fal was kind enough to send me their Electric Pressure cooker to try out! I'm still figuring out how it works, but so far it's a great way to make a quick meal! Expect a how-to video, coming shortly.

Charcoal Toothpaste - (not food) I was not paid to write this. I am not one of those viral videos you're seeing in your feeds. This is just a true, honest-to-goodness personal review: this stuff is MAGICAL. I can't speak to any other brand, as this is the one I bought, but in ONE DAY my teeth were three shades whiter AT LEAST. My toothbrush's blue bristles are even turning white, so you KNOW it's effective. It's a gray powder, with a light spearmint flavor, that you sprinkle on your toothbrush. Brush your teeth normally, and rinse. It looks a little strange (the powder is BLACK and it looks like you're brushing with mud) but TRUST ME. The first week I used it every day, but I have sensitive teeth and I started to feel a bit more sensitive. This week I've been using it every couple of days, while using my old toothpaste in between, and my teeth are still sparkly white. Try it, it's amazing.

Better than Sex Mascara/Ipsy - (not food, but still a rec) I've been getting Ipsy for about four years now, and I absolutely love it. For $10 a month, I get a curated bag of makeup goodies in generous sample to full sizes. I've come across many different brands that I love this way. My current favorite is Better Than Sex Mascara. It's a cult product, but one that has a full size with a price point a bit more than I like to spend... if it weren't for Ipsy, I wouldn't know how worth it that price tag is! I have big, thick lashes to begin with, but the extra oomph from Better Than Sex makes them look legit fake. It's definitely earned its cult status!

Things I find on the internet and stuff.

Pokemon Go's Gen 2 - The original Pokemon was at peak popularity when I was about 12 (that age when you're still a kid but about to dive headfirst into teenagerdom), so Pokemon Go is incredibly nostalgic for me. The game has been out for a year, but they recently released about 80 NEW Pokemon from the second generation. These aren't the Pokemon I grew up with, but the giddy little-kid-feeling of exploring the outdoors and stumbling upon little monsters to catch is so much fun. It's been a happy little light in a world that is confusing and at times dark right now.

The Skimm - My new favorite part of the morning? Reading The Skimm while I drink my coffee. There's so many news outlets out there, it's hard to keep on top of everything. The Skimm is just what it sounds like--a skimmable digest of what's going on in the world.  It's informative, while still being detailed and brief. It's definitely left-leaning (as am I), but facts-forward. Great backup for civil discourse in this harsh political climate.

BoxMac - I've probably mentioned my friends' YouTube show here before (Frankie and Junt are on a mission to find the best boxed mac and cheese!), but this past January I was honored to visit and tape a show with them. My episode is still a month out--Frankie is an expert at content creation and plans MONTHS in advance--but in the meantime you should check out everything Red Cow Entertainment has to offer. Trust me, watching two dudes cook boxed mac and cheese doesn't sound like a ton of fun, but something about their chemistry and silly banter while they taste-test a childhood favorite is extremely addicting.

Spotlight on Other Food Bloggers!
Bourbon soaked cherries tiramisu from Bread Booze Bacon
Banana Split Granola Kabobs from Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

Each week I’m going to highlight a different thing I love in ATX. Might be a list, might be one highlight, who knows! This week it’s…

Central Market Cooking School *- Guys. It's BACON TIME. I was lucky enough to snag a media spot to their Bacon and Beer menu last year, and I highly recommend any class that Cindy is teaching. The upcoming class list is chock full of awesome Bacon and St. Patrick's Day favorites. If you want to get your hands dirty, take a cooking class. If you want to just watch and eat, sign up for a demonstration. Either way, you get to learn a bit while enjoying some tasty bites. The perfect date night!

Pacific Rim Sushi & Yakitori Lounge - I am OBSESSED with Dollar Tuesdays. $1 per piece of high-quality sushi? Count me the eff IN. Don't let the low cost fool you, this stuff is fresh and delicious. Plus, the drink specials are bomb (the Sake Bloody Mary is SO good), and my sushi-hating fiance can eat his fill of chicken and shrimp skewers when I drag him here to fulfill my sushi craving. This is also one of the few places where happy hour starts at 3 and runs UNTIL CLOSE, and on those days single sushi pieces average just $2. Extra extra points, it's five minutes from my apartment, and there's never a wait for a seat at the bar. I think I've found my new hangout.

Did I mention MY BOOK is available for pre-order? Check it out!


How to Eat a Lobster and Other Culinary Enigmas Explained is now available via pre-order! My lovely publisher, Quirk Books lists all the various places you can place an order for my book, so you can be first in line when it comes out April 4th.

Question of the week: How do you get your news?

Old Thousand's art is adorable.

SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD & DRY FRIED LONG BEANs - First up, we had some tasty veggies. I am pretty sure the green beans were switched out with broccoli rabe and woodyear mushrooms, because the pictures I have do not look like green beans. I loved the broccoli rabe mix, the veggies were cooked to a perfect al dente and seasoned well. I kept the spicy cucumber salad as a palate cleanser throughout the meal. I'm glad I did, as the rich food needed something in between courses!

LION HEAD MEATBALL SOUP (Meatball stuffed with crab). This was probably my least favorite course, but I still really liked it! The broth-to-noodle ratio was a bit off, I would have liked more broth, but the idea of a seafood-stuffed meatball was too good to pass up either way.


SALT & PEPPER CRAB - Probably my favorite course. I've never had fried crab before! The batter was delightfully seasoned and just a little bit spicy.

CANTONESE ROASTED CHICKEN - You know it's good when it's served on a fancy log. And goodness, this was flavorful! The chicken was so moist and tender and perfectly seasoned on its own, but the accompanying sauce just hit it out of the park.


DAN TA ( egg custard, meyer lemon, and vanilla). The perfect end to the meal. I love ending on a light, sweet custard with fruit. I've never been much for heavy desserts, so this was perfect.

Old Thousand is a delicious, authentic Chinese Food restaurant with its own modern twist. The menu is reasonably priced--the meal I got was a $70 two-person special, but most entrees are under $20. Overall, it's a great new restaurant that fits right in here in Austin. Definitely check it out!

Old Thousand is located on 1000 E 11th Street in Austin, Texas. and is open from 5pm to 11pm/12am daily.

 I received a complimentary delivery through Drizly as well as gift cards to facilitate my review and recipe. All opinions are my own.

Have y'all heard about Drizly? It's an awesome alcohol delivery service.  According to their website, they work with local stores so you can shop their shelves using your smartphone or computer to order beer, wine and liquor at the touch of a button.

Thanks for the awesome gift, @drizlyinc ! Excited to make some hot buttered bourbon for the holidays 🎄😜🍷 #ondemand #boozedelivery #cocktail #bourbon #instayum #instabooze #yum #liquor #booze #yum #nom #app #drizly

A video posted by Ashley Blom (@forking_up) on Dec 20, 2016 at 2:23pm PST

I don't know about you guys, but getting booze delivered to my door on Valentine's Day seems just as good, if not better, than getting chocolates! Even if you don't have a special someone to share a bottle of wine or cozy warm beverage with (see my recipe below!) Drizly is a great way to get good booze quickly.

Alright so, about this drink--it's RED VELVET hot buttered BOURBON. It's like my favorite things got together to give me a wonderous Valentine's Day treat! I plan on sharing

Red Velvet Hot Buttered Bourbon
(Makes about two large mug's worth)

• 1/2 stick butter, softened
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• pinch of ground cinnamon
• pinch of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup bourbon - I used Bulleit that I got delivered straight from Drizly! Click here to add it to your cart now!
• 1 cup boiling water

Topping: sprinkles and whipped cream.

-Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the cocoa powder, food coloring, whipping cream, and spices.

-Spoon the batter into a blender or food processor and, while running, slowly pour in the bourbon and boiling water (do this with the top ON, make sure your food processor or blender has an opening for this!).

-Serve in a mug with a bit of whipped cream and sprinkles