There is one reason for this post and one reason only. (Ok, maybe two). I’ve finally found my favorite tortilla chip in Austin! And, no, it’s not the Premium saltine cracker accompanying the ceviche sampler in the photo above. Look a little bit harder and you’ll see the basket of what I think is the perfect chip at La Condesa on the 2nd street block. This discovery calls for bringing them forward and into the limelight. I’ve had my share of chips n’ salsa since my upbringing in El Paso, Texas, located on the border where they are the fries and ketchup, crackers and cheese, the ubiquitous appetizer or side that accompanies almost every meal, whether you like it or not.

But, when I visited La Condesa recently, one of my favorite and unique Mexican restaurants in Austin, for Happy Hour, I made friends with their chips. What’s so great about them? They appear to be grilled or toasted, instead of fried. They are thin, crunchy, and sleek. They aren’t fried, covered in air bubbles, or coated in salt like many of the tortilla chips I frequently encounter. And, when they were paired with La Condesa’s salsa and ceviche samplers, this restaurant quickly became my new favorite happy hour spot. Sitting in the bar (when you enter, up the stairs and to the right), you’ll notice fresh fruits and herbs adorning the counter and the drinks served up to eager eaters and drinkers. And, the half-price appetizers and beverages are a nice perk too! I’m a big fan of La Condesa but just acquired this new found appreciation for their unique combination of flavors and a fresh, tasty menu, which extends to Happy Hour, and of course their chips.  This brings me to my secondary point of this post.

Salsa. I’ve been wanting to compile a list of my favorite salsas in Austin for a long time now. I’m a tough critic and keep in mind, this list does not include salsas without a good kick or salsas that look like straight up tomato sauce.  In no particular order:

1. La Condesa Salsa Sampler (shown below). Get a range of flavors and temperatures, including cool, spicy, spice-y, and tangy. Pair them with the perfect chip and you’re set! (I also HAVE To mention the Crab and Green Apple Guac shown below too- just do it.)

2. Trudy’s Green Salsa– Spicy a little tangy, and addicting. Round it out with a legendary Mex-Mart (Mexican Martini).
3. Cantina Laredo Cold Salsa– They serve a warm salsa and a cold one– go for the cold, it’s chilled, packed with flavor and manageable heat.
4. Zocalo Cafe– A little heartier, but not chunky, these red and green salsas are awesome! You’ll get a little punch of flavor and heat when you endulge.
5. Manuel’s–  This salsa is unique. It’s sweeter and lighter, almost like a relish than a liquid dipper. Refreshing and leaving you wanting another sweet bite with lots of flavor.
6. Copa Bar & Grill–  Pretty traditional consistency, not watery, but fluid, seems to be very finely ground roasted tomatoes and chiles, giving it a great combination of cold salsa with the flavorful heat it brings to your tongue.
7. Tacodeli– All of ’em. Just take your pick according to your taste. I heart anything with habanero– the more vibrant orange, the better.
8. Torchy’s Tacos– Again, the Diablo, packed with habanero heat, vinegar, tomatoes and spices are only fit for the heat-lover out there.
9. Tears of Joy 6th Street Green– Made right out of the kitchen in the back of Tears of Joy hot sauce shop on E. 6th, this green salsa is tangy, light, full of roasted green good stuff and onions. It would be awesome on homemade enchiladas with salsa verde, to give you an idea.
10.  *Lulu B’s Vietnamese Sandwiches– I realize this is not a salsa, but when it comes to heat, the Bahn Mi sandwiches at Lulu B’s on S. Lamar have chili sauce and some kind of magical chili peppers in them that just make me on another planet. If we’re talking about flavorful spice, this awesome trailer totally makes the list!