Texas Standard Food Roundup: Must-Read Stories from 2024

Here are the stories featured on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Tune in via your local Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard.

Earlier this month, French tire company Michelin revealed the first recipients of its prestigious stars and other accolades in its guide to Texas’ culinary scene. Laura Rice breaks down the winners.

Texas Monthly’s celebrated barbecue editor, Daniel Vaughn, spent a year and a half touring 37 states and nearly 150 barbecue joints. Along the way, he had what he calls a “barbecue epiphany.” Vaughn joined the show in October to share his newfound insight.

Alma Vera, who grew up along the Texas-Mexico border, has had barbecue in her life since childhood. Her father has owned Vera’s King O Meats in Edinburg for almost 55 years. But it wasn’t until 2012, when Vera began helping out a friend, that she first competed in the barbecue world.

Texas is making a name for itself in the whiskey scene. While Kentucky and Scotland are typically associated with whiskey, Texas is home to a growing number of distilleries. The Texas Whiskey Trail, a new podcast produced by Go Texan, explores the state’s whiskey craftsmanship. Host Mando Rayo, known for Tacos of Texas, and Chloe Bertrand from Go Texan joined the show last month to talk about the podcast.

Kareem El-Ghayesh still remembers his first bite of Texas brisket. That life-changing experience led him to leave Egypt and move to Texas to pursue a career in Texas-style barbecue. He found success with his KG BBQ food trailer and later competed in the Netflix show Barbecue Showdown. El-Ghayesh joined Texas Standard in July before the winner was announced.

A San Antonio chef has been chosen by Taco Bell to launch an inaugural culinary program. Her challenge? To re-imagine the iconic Crunchwrap Supreme. Texas Public Radio’s Marian Navarro introduced the chef in March.

Frito pie, or Fritos chili pie, is a beloved staple at Friday night football games across Texas. In August, Texas Standard commentator WF Strong explored the rich history and traditions behind this iconic dish.

If you came across a Chick-O-Stick or Mary Jane while trick-or-treating this year, you can thank a Texas company. Atkinson Candy Company, based in Lufkin, has been making treats like their famous Peanut Butter Bar since 1932. During the pandemic, they began hosting a special Chick-O-Treat event for the public. CEO Eric Atkinson joined Texas Standard on Halloween to share the company’s story.

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