Austin’s Dining Scene in One Word for 2018: “Oof”

As is the tradition as we near the end of 2018, 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. Question number three:

Sum up the 2018 restaurant world in one word.

Brandon Watson, food editor, CultureMap Austin
Oof.

Jolène M. Bouchon, critic at Austin Monthly
Relaxed. Way more relaxed.

Jimmy Ho, blogger and Eater contributor, The Smoking Ho
Cautious.

Veronica Mewes, freelance food writer
Manic.

Pat Sharpe, executive editor and food writer for Texas Monthly
Unexpected.

Rachel Holtin, blogger, AustinFoodstagram
Passionate. Regardless of the health of the market, we continue to see chefs pour their hearts out on the table.

Dan Gentile, freelance food writer
Insular.

Tom Thornton, freelance food writer and contributor at Eater Austin
Pragmatic.

Jane Ko, blogger, A Taste of Koko
Well-rounded.

Erin Russell, associate editor, Eater Austin
I’ll second “relaxed.”

Nadia Chaudhury, editor of Eater Austin
Repeating my word from last year: Unsure.