If you know anything about me, you know I like to make every meal count. So when I head off to a convention, I do my research. And with LoneStarCon 3 right around the corner (hey, when you’re making strategic plans like these, what can I say, August does seem just around the corner), I’ve already scouted out where I want to eat in San Antonio.

First on my hit list—did you know that the Culinary Institute of America, training ground for so many fine chefs, has a branch in San Antonio? And that they operate a restaurant? I had no idea, but it’s called Nao, and I aim to eat there either the Friday or Saturday night of the convention.

That’s their causitas made with purple potato puree and crab above, which I look forward to seeing on a plate in front of me in a few months.

Next up, Bliss, where chef Mark Bliss, considered a San Antonio legend, does his stuff.

Pork belly, anyone?

There are a few other fine dining restaurants I find intriguing, such as Bin 55, from chef Robbie Nowlin, formerly of The French Laundry, and Sustenio, which apparently has an amazing tasting menu, but for now, those first two are the ones I’m targeting.

But my plans don’t only include eating at restaurants which serve foie gras and use tweezers to garnish their plates. I also love the kinds of places recommended by Adam Richman of Man v. Food. Check out the video below and discover three more spots I plan to visit.

While I won’t be taking the Four Horseman challenge at Chunky’s Burgers, I intend to watch Adam-Troy Castro burst into flames there, and record it for posterity, as I did at Bricks Pizza during Worldcon last year. And I wouldn’t want to miss Lulu’s Bakery and Café or Big Lou’s either.

And then there’s one last restaurant which in my food madness I want to return to. My favorite BBQ joint of all time is Salt Lick, outside of Austin, and when I checked the mileage, I saw it was only an hour and 15 minutes away from the convention hotel.

Road trip anyone?

Those are my Worldcon foodie goals. What are yours?