BlogHer Food Austin Recap: A Culinary Journey Through the Heart of Texas

Howdy, fellow food enthusiasts and travel adventurers! After an exhilarating two weeks of crisscrossing the country, I’m finally back in the Mile High City, still buzzing from the incredible experiences. My recent itinerary reads like a whirlwind tour: from Denver to Austin, then Houston, Chicago, Charleston, back to Houston, Wichita, and finally, home to Denver. And believe it or not, this was just the beginning of my summer travel escapades!

Before I even think about packing another suitcase, let’s dive deep into the heart of Texas and relive the fantastic food conference I attended in Austin last week. This trip marked several firsts for me: my inaugural visit to the vibrant city of Austin and my very first BlogHer Food conference. Naturally, I arrived with a mix of excitement and trepidation. My primary concerns? Battling the infamous Texas heat and navigating the vast, bustling landscape of a major professional conference to make meaningful connections. Little did I know, these three days in Austin would be nothing short of extraordinary, exceeding every expectation and leaving me with a renewed sense of inspiration, invaluable insights, and a host of new friendships. I not only conquered the heat like a seasoned Texan but also connected with some of the most inspiring individuals in the food blogging community. Let’s take a delightful stroll down memory lane, shall we?

Thursday: Austin Welcomes with Southern Charm and Culinary Delights

My Austin adventure kicked off on Thursday afternoon, and I hit the ground running. My first official event was a delightful gathering held at the serene Hiatus Spa, generously sponsored by Dixie Crystals and Imperial Sugar. It was a wonderful opportunity to ease into the conference spirit. Having previously met the charming PR representatives at the Mixed conference last year, it was a comforting start to see some familiar, friendly faces. The sponsors treated a small, select group of food bloggers to an afternoon of luxurious pampering and refreshing cocktails. I opted for a much-needed massage, a truly perfect way to unwind and prepare for a weekend packed with activities. There’s nothing quite like a dose of R&R to set the tone for an enriching experience.

After my invigorating massage, I made a quick stop back at our condo to drop off my bags. (More on our unique condo situation, affectionately dubbed the “bardo,” in a moment!) Then it was off to a fantastic dinner hosted by Stonyfield and Organic Valley. The evening unfolded at Parkside, a charming eatery conveniently located just a few blocks from our accommodation. This event was made even more special as it was co-hosted by my dear friend Brandi from BranAppetit and Liz from The Lemon Bowl, two incredibly talented and inspiring individuals in the food blogging sphere. The culinary spread was simply delicious, featuring organic weiners, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh salad, and an array of refreshing cocktails. For dessert, we indulged in sweet strawberry shortbread, a perfect end to a delightful meal. It was a joy to catch up with Ali from Gimme Some Oven and Cassie from Bake Your Day – I always cherish moments with my Kansas City gals. I also had the pleasure of meeting the adorable Meredith from In Sock Monkey Slippers and the incredibly engaging PR team from Stonyfield, who were, as we say, two snaps up!

As the dinner conversations wound down, it was time to transition to the next event: the lively Ziplist party, promising more wine and delightful desserts. Ziplist, for those unfamiliar, is the innovative company that provides the sleek and convenient recipe printing functionality on my blog. This exciting gathering was hosted by the esteemed Lori from Recipe Girl and Maria from Two Peas and Their Pod. I was so engrossed in engaging conversations and lively chatter that I completely forgot to snap a single photo – a true testament to how much fun I was having! Apparently, I was a “chatty Kathy,” and who knew I had it in me?

After a full evening of events, all the roomies – Liz from The Lemon Bowl, Shelia from Eat 2 Gather, Laurie from Simply Scratch, Megan from Country Cleaver, and Katie from The Hill Country Cook – headed back to our infamous condo. Oh, the condo! Or, as we affectionately called it, the “bardo.” Why “bardo”? Because it was quite literally perched directly above a vibrant bar. The rooms, to put it mildly, felt straight out of an MTV Real World episode from 1994, complete with loud music and notoriously scarce hot water. Yet, for the incredible price of $100 for the entire weekend, all six of us gladly piled in. This unconventional bachelor pad, however, would surprisingly pay dividends later, proving to be much more than just a quirky place to sleep.

Friday: Knowledge, Networking, and Austin’s Eclectic Charm

Rise and shine, it’s food conference time! After a night of listening to rhythmic “unce-unce” music, we emerged from our bardo, somewhat sleep-deprived but ready to tackle the day. Our first stop was the Hilton for a much-anticipated breakfast and conference registration. The energy in the main conference hall was palpable, a vibrant mix of anticipation and excitement.

Before diving into sessions, I made sure to stop by and say hello to several of our generous sponsor booths. The lineup was impressive, featuring industry giants like Hamilton Beach, KitchenAid, Wisconsin Cheese, Bob’s Red Mill, Wholesome Sweeteners, Dole, Bing, Whole Foods, and Stonyfield, among others. Each booth offered unique insights and engaging interactions. I was particularly enamored with the Wisconsin Cheese booth, not just for their delectable samples, but for their incredibly cute mini cork USB drive favors – a perfect blend of practicality and charm.

After breakfast, it was time for our first official session. I chose to attend the Mobile Photography session, led by the incredibly talented Diane Cu and Todd Porter from White on Rice Couple. I had heard rave reviews about their presentations, and let me assure you, they did not disappoint. Their wisdom, passion for food, and approachable teaching style were truly inspiring. For anyone looking to elevate their mobile photography game, they highly recommended checking out these essential apps: Snapseed, VSCO Cam, Filterstorm, Noir Photo (for stunning black & white), and Camera +. These tools promise to transform your phone into a powerful photographic device, a crucial skill for any food blogger.

Once our morning session concluded, a few of us ventured out for lunch at Walton’s Fancy and Staple, a delightful spot that offered a perfect respite from the conference buzz. I ordered the jalapeño chicken sandwich, perfectly paired with a fresh mixed salad – exactly what I needed to replenish my energy and keep going. Of course, no food blogger lunch would be complete without a classic group photo, capturing us in our natural habitat, being food bloggers. Classic indeed!

With only an hour for lunch, we dashed back to the Hilton for our afternoon session. Lori from Recipe Girl and Kristen from Dine and Dish led a fascinating discussion on taking our Facebook and Twitter strategies to the next level. I walked away with several actionable insights. My immediate goal became building more robust lists in Twitter to better manage and engage with the vast, ever-evolving space. I also picked up a few handy tricks for Facebook – did you know you can reposition your photos? Oh, you did? I knew it. I confess, when it comes to Facebook functions, I’m often still living in 2008, but every new trick helps!

After a day of learning, it was time for some well-deserved playtime before another round of evening parties! Meagan from A Zesty Bite, Laurie from Simply Scratch, Megan from Country Cleaver, Katie from The Hill Country Cook, Jeanne from Inside NanaBread’s Head (who I was thrilled to finally meet in person!), and I decided to explore the vibrant South Congress Avenue for a taste of authentic Austin flare. We immersed ourselves in the local culture, shopping for classic cowboy boots at Allen’s and unearthing unique food antique props at the wonderfully eclectic Uncommon Objects. The streets buzzed with live music, quirky shops, and the unmistakable Austin vibe.

Our South Congress exploration continued with laughter over salty margaritas at Guero’s Taco Bar, followed by a delightful indulgence in cupcakes from the iconic Hey Cupcake food truck. Their chocolate-on-chocolate creation, aptly named “The Michael Jackson,” was an absolute favorite and a sweet highlight of our afternoon. The combination of savory tacos, refreshing drinks, and decadent desserts perfectly encapsulated Austin’s vibrant culinary scene.

Before we could even say “holy Texas two-step,” it was time to head back to the condo to prepare for the Mann’s and Crunch Pak dinner. This dinner was also held at Parkside, but with a completely different, equally impressive spread. We savored salmon with Israeli couscous, delectable pulled pork sliders, spicy broccolini, and for dessert, scrumptious doughnuts with a caramel drizzle. Beyond the fantastic food, attendees were treated to super cute swag bags filled with foodie samples and charming nail polishes, adding an extra layer of delight to the evening.

After a relaxing glass of red wine, our evening continued at Swift’s Attic for the Rudi’s and Go Veggies cocktail party. The atmosphere was buzzing with conversations and laughter as I mixed and mingled with fellow bloggers. I found myself devouring delicious jalapeño shrimp with Laurie and Cassie, followed by sipping on a uniquely named drink called “Prince Edwards Ass” with Meagan. Random? Perhaps. Fab-tab-alicious fun? Totes! These informal evening events were truly where many of the most memorable connections and conversations happened, cementing the sense of community among us.

Saturday: Sessions, Surprises, and a Grand Finale

Saturday morning brought a blessed relief: I finally slept. Sort of. At least, I managed more than five hours, I think? Perhaps that’s why an unplanned “twin day” with Katie ensued, with both of us somehow coordinating similar outfits. It was a fun, serendipitous start to the day.

Instead of the hotel breakfast, the bardo roomies opted for a charming little breakfast spot just across the street called Old Pecan Street Cafe. The food was absolutely perfect, the company even better, but I’m still pretty sure it might have been a front for the Russian mob. I swear there was vodka in my coffee. Was it a joke? No? The mysterious ambiance only added to the charm of our morning.

After a hearty breakfast, we made our way back to the conference for the morning session: “How to Write an Effing Cookbook.” While that wasn’t its official title, it truly captured the essence of the intense, comprehensive discussion. The journal full and half a notebook of notes I took made the daunting task of cookbook writing sound even more challenging than I anticipated. Holy geez! It was a wealth of information, covering everything from finding an agent to developing recipes and managing deadlines. I definitely learned enough to dedicate an entire future blog post to the subject!

Remember when I mentioned the “condo curse”? Well, during the cookbook session, that curse miraculously transformed into a blessing! My talented roomie, Laurie from Simply Scratch, won a fantastic $250 gift card to Whole Foods. And yours truly? I walked away with a coveted 16-cup KitchenAid food processor AND one of those handy Hamilton Beach sandwich presses! Booyah! But wait, it still gets better. Our bardo bachelor pad was proving to be a serious good luck charm.

For lunch, a select group of food bloggers, including myself, were invited to a swanky old mansion nestled outside of Austin, courtesy of Dole Foods. The mansion was absolutely breathtaking, boasting exquisite architecture and an impressive infinity pool that instantly made me want to cannonball in! It was a luxurious escape, offering a beautiful change of scenery and a chance to truly relax.

Dole provided a delicious and elaborately prepared lunch featuring mouthwatering pulled pork sliders, delicate shrimp rolls, fresh salads, and a delightful pineapple upside-down cake. The culinary highlight for me, however, was observing Chef Ben Ford (yes, Harrison Ford’s son – though I assure you, he wasn’t looking for the Holy Grail, just expertly preparing food!) somewhat nervously making shrimp rolls in front of twenty eager food bloggers. Poor guy! I didn’t realize we could be so intimidating. It was a fun and memorable afternoon, filled with gourmet food, beautiful surroundings, and lighthearted moments. Oh, and before I forget, our bardo roomie Liz from The Lemon Bowl won a trip to Santa Monica to judge a Dole cook-off right there at the luncheon! The “condo curse” truly delivered, becoming our lucky charm throughout the weekend.

With the afternoon wide open, we decided to relax and hang out at the condo before dinner. These unstructured moments, chatting up a storm with all these brilliant ladies, were truly where much of my learning about the food blogging world took place. The collective wisdom and shared experiences were invaluable. Food bloggers are incredibly smart, supportive, and always eager to share their insights.

Before heading to the American Dairy Association wine and cheese tasting, Katie from The Hill Country Cook, Cassie from Bake Your Day, Laurie from Simply Scratch, and I decided to make a quick pit stop for one last salty margarita. After all, we were on vacation, and when in Austin, a good margarita is practically a requirement!

After “marg-thirty,” we casually strolled over to the Hilton to sample an exquisite selection of wines and cheeses, hosted by the Ohio Dairy Farmers Association. Wine and cheese? Yes, please! It was a sophisticated yet relaxed affair, offering another opportunity to mingle and enjoy fine flavors.

And then, seemingly all of a sudden, it was time for the grand finale: the closing party at Stubb’s. If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Stubb’s, it’s an iconic outdoor venue in Austin, famous for its lively atmosphere, fantastic barbecue, multiple bars, and incredible live music. It was undeniably hot – this is Texas, after all – but when in Texas, you always find a refreshing Shiner beer to cool you down and keep the good times rolling.

Despite the brutally hot weather, I had an absolute blast catching up with everyone! The closing party was a vibrant confluence of talent and friendship, a joyous celebration of the food blogging community. I had meaningful conversations with so many wonderful individuals, including Carrian from Oh Sweet Basil, Monique from Ambitious Kitchen, Heidi from FoodieCrush, Maria from Two Peas and Their Pod, Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer, Kirsten from Dine and Dish, Kelley from Mountain Mama Cooks, Julianne from Beyond Frosting, Caroline from Chocolate & Carrots, Georgia from The Comfort of Cooking, Rachel from A Southern Fairytale, Betsy from Tasty Kitchen, Jackie from Domestic Fits, and Lori from Recipe Girl, among many others. The energy was electric, a true testament to the camaraderie forged over the past few days.

A major highlight of the entire weekend was finally meeting the legendary Ree Drummond, famously known as The Pioneer Woman. She is genuinely down-to-earth, incredibly kind, and radiates authenticity. Meeting her only solidified my admiration for her even more! We danced and sweated until our feet ached, fueled by the fantastic music and vibrant company. And, of course, no party is complete without a few rounds of silly photo booth shenanigans, creating lasting, hilarious memories.

After the party wound down, all the roomies made one final stop for a classic Austin experience: a late-night slice of pizza. It was the perfect, comforting end to an action-packed day and a truly unforgettable conference experience.

Beyond the Plate: The Lasting Impact of BlogHer Food Austin

BlogHer Food Austin was, without a doubt, an absolutely amazing and transformative experience. It far surpassed my expectations, offering a rich blend of professional development, invaluable networking, and genuine human connection. From the moment I arrived in Austin, I was captivated by its unique charm and vibrant culinary scene, a city that truly lives up to its “Keep Austin Weird” motto. This conference allowed me to deepen existing friendships, forge exciting new connections with fellow passionate bloggers, and gather a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly propel my own food blogging journey forward.

The sessions, ranging from mobile photography to advanced social media strategies and the intricate art of cookbook writing, provided practical, actionable insights that I’m eager to implement. The sponsored events offered not just delicious food and fun perks, but also crucial opportunities to connect with brands and PR professionals in a relaxed, engaging setting. Beyond the official agenda, the informal chats over coffee, margaritas, and late-night pizza slices with my incredible roommates and other bloggers were equally, if not more, impactful. These conversations fostered a deep sense of community, shared passion, and mutual support that is truly invaluable in the often-solitary world of blogging.

I left Austin feeling not only inspired in a whole new way but also energized with fresh ideas and a renewed passion for what I do. The bonds formed, the lessons learned, and the pure joy of being surrounded by so many talented and enthusiastic individuals have left an indelible mark. It was more than just a conference; it was a vibrant celebration of food, community, and creativity. Until next time, Austin, you’ve captured a piece of my culinary heart!