It's the end of another year, and here at Eating...Our Words we're looking back at all the great stories we shared in 2012, remembering some that weren't so popular and figuring out new ways to keep you coming back for more.
We've already looked at the best new restaurants of 2013, biggest scandals of 2013 and the most unfortunate food trends of 2013. Continuing our look back at the past 12 months of food writing, we bring you our ten most popular stories of 2013. This round-up doesn't include lists (that'll come later), just news, scandals, humorous opinions, rants, raves and everything in between.
10. Weaponized Bacon Unofficial Theme at Rodeo's 2013 Gold Buckle Foodie Awards In March, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo held its annual Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, and the general consensus was that the buckles need to be loosened. Bacon was everywhere and in everything at the festival food competition -- from cotton candy to cinnamon rolls. We hear there were also plastic surgeons on hand to perform liposuction at a moment's notice.
9. Bartender at Rice Institution Valhalla Threatens To Cut Off Alumnus' Necktie Surely everyone knows the no-ties rule at Rice University bar Valhalla, right? Apparently not, as one young man found out when he attempted to drink at the bar wearing a tie. After getting away with ordering a few drinks, he was denied a third, and his whole party was denied service as well until he took his tie off. He didn't, so now he's not allowed back. He was pissed at Valhalla, Valhalla was pissed at him, and a lot of people read this story.
8. Woman Files Lawsuit Against Underbelly and The Pass & Provisions We don't like it when restaurants get in trouble with the law, but you sure do, especially when it's high-profile restaurants like Underbelly and The Pass & Provisions and when there seem to be many sides to one story. It's a bit convoluted, so read the entire article to understand the issue. The lawsuit is ongoing, so, of course, we'll update if we learn more.