Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Food But Were Too Distracted To Ask

Do you have burning questions about burning food? Do you want to know more about cutting on the bias but want to remain impartial? Do you want to know why saffron is only somewhat less expensive per pound than crushed Faberge eggs and Bald Eagle skulls? Well, we may not know the answers, but we certainly know a ton of people in the culinary community who might. Don’t be afraid, just ask. We’ll run a weekly Q&A food column addressing your questions with real answers from real experts. Ask your food questions in the comments section of this entry and we'll get started. Ready… go.

We’re not all policy wonks, but we recently cornered mayoral political advisor and all-around good guy Matt Curtis at Jo’s Coffee on 2nd Street and coerced him into divulging his picks for Austin’s biggest political haunts, restaurant-wise. We cut the poor guy a break and kept the conversation focused on provisions instead of politics. The consummate statesman, he had about a million choices, but here are a few of his top picks:

• Arturo’s
314 W. 17th Street.
This Capital-area complex has gone from dive- dump to chic in the last four years. Culinary capital: An assortment of baked goods and a stand-out variety of breakfast tacos.

• Little City Coffee
916 Congress Ave.
Known as Little City Hall when the big one was around the corner and before the great pointy building landed on Cesar Chavez. Culinary capital:A "Large Mexican" or a "Small Ethiopian” coffee.

• Las Manitas
211 Congress Ave.
The greatest political breakfast spot. Eat there now, say you did later. Culinary capital: signature cinnamon-flavored coffee and homemade tortillas are a delicious addition to Chilaquilas, Migas or the must have Central American Plate (who knew a fried plantain could taste so good with sour cream and black beans?)

• Juan in a Million
2300 E. Cesar Chavez
A holdover of a day gone by. Culinary capital: The machacado con huevo, huevos rancheros and rib steak breakfast are firm and hearty, not unlike that handshake owner Juan Meza gives when you walk in the front door.

• Jo's Coffee
242 West Second Street
The reigning place for City Hall insiders (Curtis was holding court at Jo’s when we ran into him, on-the-run to his next meeting.) Culinary capital: Obviously, the coffee is good, but owner Liz Lambert (Hotel San Jose) has figured out one thing; how people like to sit and congregate. (Thanks, Liz.)

Are you a member? If you are at Wheastville Food Co-op, drop by this Saturday for 10% discount between noon and 4pm. That’s ALL purchases. We assume this includes delicious vegetarian Frito pie.