Austin has changed since I was last here, four years ago. We’re staying in the downtown JW Marriott that was just completing construction back then, and we ran on the new “boardwalk” that now loops Lady Bird Lake. There are actually no boards in the suspended structure that winds along the shoreline but rather a slippery slate surface that might actually be dangerous after a rare rainstorm. We’re next headed to Perry’s Steakhouse on “Pork Chop Friday” for lunch, and meeting friends at various locations for multiple happy hours, followed by dinner at Jack Allen’s. Last night, it was Vivo’s puffy tacos, familiar Tex-Mex food but in a new location. I also had a frozen margarita with their signature orchid garnish. My wife wants to make sure we cover all of our favorite dining spots, even if it requires breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and multiple happy hours. She obviously misses the flavors of Austin.

We don’t have a rental car on this particular visit because just parking it for three nights at the hotel is over $130. Traffic is a hassle here, just like Portland. There are many other similarities between the two “weird” cities. In Austin, there are the Book People stores, while Portland easily wins with world-famous Powell’s. Portland has donuts while Austin favors tacos. There are popular food carts in both cities, but the hot tin roofs exposed to the relentless Texas sun make the chefs inside miserable and discourages diners from eating outside. Both cities also have major homeless problems, and the sidewalks are littered by abandoned bicycles and scooters. Live music also provides each city with an active after-dark scene that tends to lean more youthful in Austin with the UT campus located directly in the center of town. I feel fortunate to have lived in both cities. It’s great to come back.

Today we hope to get some BBQ at either Cooper’s convenient downtown location or at world-renowned Franklin BBQ. It’s all a matter of how long we want to wait in line. It will be crazy busy in the city today with a home football game tonight and some of the most elaborate tailgate parties you’ve ever seen in your life. We’re headed to a wedding, so there will be no time for dining-out until brunch tomorrow before we fly out. Plus, there’s a Salt Lick location at the airport, if we just don’t get enough brisket before we head back to Portland. This trip to Austin was like coming home, without any family obligations…just food obligations!