A cadre of creative chefs, farmers, producers and distillers informed and inspired us as we led and fed a group of chefs and f&b leaders on a three-day culinary immersion Deep in the Heart of Austin.

Thanks to all who joined us. Let’s give a shout out to all the hospitable Texans who welcomed, inspired, and educated us. And made sure we didn’t go hungry.

Loro, the smokehouse where Texas meets Asia. Chef Danny Chacon at ATX Cocina who demonstrated the transformation of corn into masa and then into the best tortilla chips you’ve ever had and followed up with a veritable feast of high end Mexican dishes. Troy Geyer who gave us a taste of his Big Hat cocktails and mocktails. Veracruz All Natural made sure we started a day like true Austinites with breakfast tacos. Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph who inspired us with his philosophy of life and hospitality. We were in Luck on Wille Nelson’s Luck Ranch where we were inspired by regenerative farmers Tina and Orion Weldon. Lakecliff Golf Club where we were the first to experience the new collaboration between the Terrapurezza farmers and chef Michael Marzal. Sotol, a different kind of spirit made from a cactus, at Desert Door. A tasting of various locally distilled spirits at Treaty Oak. Ezov where Texas meets Tel Aviv. Mum Foods where the Platonic ideal of pastrami reigns supreme. Distant Relatives where chef Damien Brockway puts an African American touch on BBQ.

Many thanks to the sponsors who made it all possible—AIR, Arc Cardinal, Nestle Premium Waters, Texas Pete, Bigelow Tea. . We couldn’t have done it without you.

Our home away from home was the Austin Fairmont where we always get treated royally. Executive Chef Gilberto Ramirez led us on an amazing behind the scenes tour of the hotel’s many kitchens and restaurants where he and his team take it in stride to feed banquets as large as two thousand. He started our day off shaving truffles over the best soft scrambled eggs this side of France and topping bite sized croquettes with a dollop of caviar. You couldn’t wish for a more delicious beginning to a day!