Local Food Writers Describe 2017’s Austin Restaurant Scene in One Word

As is the tradition as we near the end of 2017, Eater asked a trusted group of friends, industry types, and local bloggers for their takes on the past culinary year in Austin. The annual survey spans eight questions, from dining surprises to best food neighborhoods and disappointing meals. All answers will be revealed as the week rolls on — cut, pasted, (mostly) unedited, and in no particular order. Readers, add your answers in the comments below. Question number three:

Sum up the 2017 restaurant world in one word.

Erin Kuschner, editor of Time Out Austin

Soft serve (shout out to Holy Roller and Pool Burger). And I guess just “soft,” if you had to narrow it down.

Anastacia Uriegas, freelance food and cocktail writer

GURLLLLLL.

Brandon Watson, food editor at CultureMap Austin

Nervous.

Tom Thornton, freelance food writer and contributor at Eater Austin

Recalibrating.

Veronica Meewes, Zagat Austin editor and freelance food and travel writer

Hectic.

Jolène M. Bouchon, critic for Austin Monthly

Too upscale. (I know. That's two.)

Matthew Odam, restaurant critic at Statesman

Fraught.

Jane Ko, blogger at A Taste of Koko

Well-rounded.

Sommer Brugal, freelance writer and contributor at Eater Austin

Fusion.

Kelly Stocker, creative consultant and contributor at Eater Austin

Hectic.

Erin Russell, associate editor of Eater Austin

Fine.

Nadia Chaudhury, editor of Eater Austin

Unsure.

• Austin’s Top Restaurant Newcomers of 2017: Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, Pitchfork Pretty, Holy Roller [EATX]
• Austin Dining Experts Share Top Restaurant Standbys of 2017 [EATX]
• All Year in Eater [EATX]