Last month, we shared some of the favorite meals we had while traveling. You guys seemed to enjoy it, so we’re back!

I already shared some of my meals in the New York Comic Con blog — including my favorite thing ever, Junior’s cheesecake. But there were some more noms to be had. Unfortunately, because of the travel, I wasn’t present for most of the dessert Fridays in the office, so there aren’t any photos of that.

Austin, TX

I was honored to be asked to speak at GDC Online in Austin, TX last month. There’s lots of great food and great people in Austin, and it’s always fun to visit.

One of the great places I went was Casino el Camino — a dive bar with rockin’ burgers. I met my friend (and fellow panelist) Stan from Astro Gaming there, and we had burgers and wings for lunch. YUM.

I was also super-excited to see my friend Marj again. Marj used to be our web producer here at SEGA, so if you’ve enjoyed a SEGA website in the past few years, you probably have Marj to thank for that. She also appeared in our Free Stuff Friday videos a few times  (you can see her in that video at 0:49, standing next to Aaron). Marj lives in Austin now, and she took me to Salt Lick BBQ — this amazing place just outside of Austin. As you walk in, you’re greeted by the BBQ pit. I am sorry that the photo can’t capture the smell coming off this thing, because it was amazing.

We had the family-style meal, which includes this plate of mixed grilled meats and several sides like potatoes, bread, beans, and cole slaw. So good, but an epic amount of food.

While I was there, Marj also took me to Gourdough’s, which is a food truck that makes fresh donuts and tops them with crazy stuff and, if you want, ice cream. These are the donuts we got — mine had brown sugar and cooked bananas on it. It was creative and delicious.

Venice, CA

A couple weeks later, I was in Venice Beach for the Sonic Generations of Skate event. After the event, I grabbed some food and drink with a friend. Whenever I see anything crazy on the menu, I always have the urge to order it. And that’s what happened to me. I saw this thing on the menu and had to have it.

What you are witnessing is a hot dog, wrapped in bacon, nestled in a bun that has cream cheese on it, and chopped jalapenos and onions on top of it. See what I mean? Craziest thing on the menu. I had to order it. And it was delicious.

We also had duck burgers. Not quite as strange as the hot dog, but strange enough that we felt compelled to order them. They were also really good. (And yes, we made duck jokes all night.)

The Great Candy Corn Debate

While not technically something we ate while traveling, there is something else food-related that you might be interested in. Kate and I were recently invited to be on the Food Addicts podcast with our friends from SEGA Addicts. Listen in as Kate and I defend the existence of candy corn, Kate teaches us all how to make Reese’s goggles, and I discuss my aversion to artificially fruit flavored things.

That was October!