AUSTIN, TEXAS: Cocktails and a Food Truck
On my January trip to Austin, one downtown highlight was visiting a popular food truck and enjoying expertly crafted cocktails guided by my friend Cristi, who lives in the city. Paul Qui's East Side King Thai-Kun is parked behind Whisler's and open 7 days a week, 4 pm to 1:45 am. Qui, who has also spent time at Uchi and Uchiko, has 4 East Side King food trucks and a legion of fans. With Chef Thai Changthong in charge, Thai-Kun is more Thai focused (other ESK locations may find you dining on pork belly buns, octopus tacos, fried kimchi, or ramen).
I wanted one of everything after seeing the menu, but we finally decided on 3 dishes. There are picnic tables set up to eat al fresco, but we took a seat at Whisler's bar, sipping on excellent Old Fashioneds stirred up by Brett (who formerly lived in Arizona and worked at the Jade Bar) as we waited for our dishes to be delivered.
The menu had me wanting one of everything, but we finally narrowed it down to three dishes. There are picnic tables set up to eat al fresco, but as we waited, we bellied up to the bar at Whisler's bar, sipping on excellent Old Fashioneds stirred up by Brett (who used to shake things up at Arizona’s Jade Bar at Sanctuary resort).
This was street food at its finest. Thai-Kun wasn’t afraid to bring the heat, and we were all in. The crunchy grilled baguette with peanut curry sauce was fantastic, as was Khao Man Gai, comfort on a plate with tender steamed chicken over luscious chicken-fat rice, with chicken jus and soybean sauce. And the Isaan sausage special? A garlicky, fermented pork sausage studded with rice, grilled to perfectionm, and served with fresh herbs and crisp cabbage. Every bite was a knockout.
Afterwards, at Brett's suggestion, we headed over to Firehouse Lounge & Hostel, a craft cocktail lounge with an entrance hidden behind a bookcase in the hostel lobby. Our evening ended with excellent service and libations (try a Quill or Familia Real) from Carolyn, and a complimentary round of Bee's Knees shots. It was a perfect last night in Austin before heading back home.
