Smitty's Cafe and Bakery: Brenham

Smitty’s Café has become our new go to place in Brenham.  Located in an out of the way location near the Brenham High School, Smitty’s Café serves hamburgers and comfort food with daily specials.  Large cedar benches and tables wait for you to sit awhile.  Service is young and vibrant.  Smitty’s offers baked goods that change daily, and sometimes, they are completely absent.

On this Saturday, we stopped in for a hamburger.  My husband says this is the best burger in town.  It is good, but for my likings, the thick beef patty tends to be on the dry side.  I order the Firecracker burger with queso, jalapenos, and pico de gallo.  Served on a sweet home style bun, the heat, the meat, and the sweet combines beautifully into a mouthful of happiness.

BUT, the real winner at Smitty’s is the home made potato chips.  They are perfectly fried and perfectly dried- not greasy at all.  They are given a dash of what tastes like Tony’s seasoning salt.  Unfortunately, in recent visits, they have coated the chips with too much salt.  You might want to encourage just a dash.

Other notable dishes that I have tried yet forgot to photo have been the chicken tenders.  The tenders are huge with the lightest batter ever- it barely stays on and it fries up deep brown.  Very good.  I didn’t care for the cream gravy- not a lot of taste to it. 

The side dish of okra and tomatoes ROCKS.  It tastes just like my mom’s- lots of black pepper and bacon.  The side dish of green beans is great too.  More like haricot veins sautéed with onions and bacon in bacon grease- though I like to think it’s olive oil.

Overall, we really like Smitty’s Café.  The food is always good though we would suggest that they purchase a heat lamp.  We have had some cold plates come out, but they have always been happy to rectify the situation.  Plus, I would encourage the staff to quiet down about the karaoke from the night before.  It makes me laugh to hear yall laughing and giggling and belting out songs, but not everyone finds it as entertaining.

So, the next time you are in the Brenham area, use your GPS to find Smitty’s Café.  It is a little hidden gem that will make you smile.

Smitty’s Café & Bakery

1600 North Park Street

Benham, Texas 77833

979/277-1133

www.eatatsmittys.wix.com

Rusty Taco: Tyler and Longview

So, taco shops have been a crazed for awhile.  Now, they're moving into East Texas!  Rusty Taco has locations in Tyler and Longview!  I've given it two chances, and I'm not a fan.

First, I stopped into Tyler's South Broadway location for the usual breakfast taco- bacon, potato and cheese!  I got their green/tomatillo salsa, and I will admit that I do like it.  It's sweet enough yet it has the slightest of a bite.  These tacos are very small, and they are not brimming with ingredients either!  This morning, the diced potatoes are undercooked and crunchy- just gross!  Overall- these tacos are a nonevent!  For breakfast tacos, I would rather go to a BBQ place than to come back to Rusty Taco.

OK, second chance for a late lunch in Longview- I actually think my husband calls this Suppa!  I chose the beef fajita and chicken fajita  tacos!  Once again, these tacos are tiny, so make sure you get some chips and queso or something else!  You can hear and smell the sizzling meats on the griddle.  With such anticipation, I was irked when the chicken fajita taco was cold!  Served on a corn tortilla with pico de gallo, white and dark chicken chunks (not my favorite) were another nonevent!  Please note the amount of dos salsas that I have used!  Hint Hint.

The beef fajita was the better taco- cubed beef with onion, peppers, and cilantro sat in the warm corn tortilla that didn't hold together.  Basically, another nonevent!  
Overall, I was really disappointed with Rusty Taco in Tyler and Longview.  I'm so done with this taco place- don't waste your time.  There are too many other taco shops in East Texas, and trust me this one is VERY RUSTY.

Rusty Taco
http://www.therustytaco.com/

The Original Fried Pie Shop: Buffalo, TX

This year, my work area expanded, and I’ve been spending a lot of time in East Texas.  I keep passing places with Fried Pies.  Every time I see on a building “Fried Pies”- Hank Hill is saying it in my mind.  On this day driving home, I decided to stop at the Original Fried Pie Shop in Buffalo, Texas.

Located on the end of a gas station, I pulled up to the drive thru window.  There wasn’t even a menu, but luckily, I had looked on their website.  Now, my idea of a fried pie was the Ms. Baird apple pies in the blue and white packages that we would eat when I was younger.  

According to their website, the Original Fried Pie Shop has been making these family tried and true recipes since 1893- originally from the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma.  Now, the Original Fried Pie Shop has over 15 locations throughout Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri.  Taking pride in their hand made tender, flaky crust, the Original Fried Pie Shop strives for “quality, service, and homemade tastes that only Grandma could provide.”

Today, I picked up an apple from their fruit and nut pies and a lemon from their cream pies.  There is a meat section that brings the “concept of a ”pot pie” to your hand and savory flavors to your mouth.”    Additonally, you can combine the fruit flavors with the cream pies for a piping hot, custom made fried pie in just four minutes.

As I bite into the fried pie- yes, I am driving down I-45- the lemon cream is beyond delicious.  It isn’t that bright yellow lemon curd that makes your lips pucker.  I believe it is a mixture of lemon and lime because it is light and fresh.  Yum!

Now, I got the apple pie for my husband, but for some reason, the pie fell out of the bag, and broke open- that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.  The apple pie filling tasted like canned filling- too sweet for my liking, but chunks of apples.  Once again, the pie crust was flaky, tender, and perfect. My only suggestion would be to dust the pie crust with a slight coating of cinnamon sugar. 

Overall, I like fried pies.  These pies are quite large- enough to be shared- if they make it home.  Next time, I may have to venture into the Meat section- I’m curious of the Tex-Mex or Pizza Fried Pies- but probably not the Comfort Food Fried Pie.   If you get the chance, stop in and try the Original Fried Pie Shop.  Grandma would approve!

The Original Fried Pie Shop

2431 E Commerce Street

Buffalo, Texas

903/322-1788

www.theoriginalfriedpieshop.com

Scotty & Friends: Round Top

It is nearing that time of year, when the chaos comes to our neck of the woods- the Round Top Antique Fair.  If you have never been, one should truly experience the 25 plus miles of junk and treasures.  If antiques are not your thing, it’s a great time for people watching ranging from the Country Chic fashion show to just really bad drivers stopping in the middle of the road to admire our landscape.  But, I digress….

I’ve been craving breakfast food- crazy coming from the girl who despises eggs.  On this Sunday morning, we head down the road to Scotty & Friends in Round Top.  A large deck and a sprawling oak tree screams come drink wine under me, but today, it is breakfast not the breakfast of champions.

We enter inside only to be told to sit where ever we wanted, so we took our place on the front sun porch with a handful of other patrons.  Then, we waited, and waited, and waited.  We got to hear all about the lady from Katy and how she hates her sister in law- I wasn’t ease dropping- she was screaming across the main room in her whiskey cigarette laden voice.  We got to watch the wait staff stand around and around and around.  Finally, after 15 minutes of patience- as my husband reminded me, we were finally given menus, and our drink orders taken.  It wasn’t like they were busy or didn’t see us come in.  OK, so service is not their strong point. 

We placed our order- sausage &cheese omelet and a short stack with bacon- can you figure what I am eating. 

The omelet- well we were confused.  A sausage & cheese omelet usually has the sausage inside of the omelet not on top of it.  The sausage was not local, but typical frozen patty fare.  Why, when we live in the land of awesome sausage!  The cheese omelet was overall pretty decent per my husband- he's not a picky eater.  The toast was just typical toast with Land of Lake butter and Jelly Packets.  This is a pet peeve of mine- use real butter and real jelly for your country style breakfast! 

My pancakes were pretty good despite the black stuff on them.  The batter must have had or been cake mix because you could smell it.  The bacon was cold and old- keep it hot under a heat lamp at least.  Once again, the butter was Land of Lake packets, but the syrup was at least in a container - I am sure Mrs. Butterworth.

In the end, another waitress came to let us know that the sausage was supposed to be inside the omelet- never apologizing- but it was the wrong order that our waitress had brought out.  Previously, our waitress explained that she is just helping out during Round Top- here’s a hint: You don’t have a future in waiting tables, and you will not make it during the chaos of the next two weeks!

Overall, the food was fair to mediocre.  With the incredibly bad service, we won’t be back- even if it’s for wine under the oak tree- I will just go to the Stone Cellar.

Round Top:

Before antiques, Round Top used to be one of the smallest incorporated cities in Texas.  Established in 1822, the name arises from the early stage coach stand- the house with the round top.  Round Top hosts the longest continuously celebrated Fourth of July west of the Mississippi.  Other things to do include a side trip to the Winedale Historical Center, tune in for a performance at the International Festival Institute, drop some cash at the newly renovated and expanded Henkel Square or splurge on a piece of pie at Royer’s Café!  And, of course, sip a glass of wine under the oak tree at the Stone Cellar.

Scotty & Friends

109 Bauer Rumel

Round Top, TX

www.scottyandfriends.com

979/249-5512

Price's Chef @ 6 Points: Corpus Christi

After reading that Price’s Chef had King Ranch Chicken Casserole as the Friday special, I knew I had to go.  I am pretty partial to my King Ranch recipe, but King Ranch is King Ranch.  Located across the street from Hester’s, Price’s Chef @ 6 Points is your typical local diner.  On this dreary day, comfort food was definitely the call.

I took my place at the counter.  A younger granola type sat next to me to which the crusty white guy started in on her.  It was a fun conversation to listen to ranging from survival to labor unions to Obama.  It was quite interesting.  I order the King Ranch- two sides come with it, so I chose fried okra and broccoli Normandy- who really needs sides with King Ranch.

After the lame house salad came out with the Kraft Italian dressing in the squeeze tube, I was thankful for the lively conversation next to me.  Finally, the King Ranch arrives.  The first thing I notice is the over fried okra- looks right out of the freezer as well as the lame uninviting broccoli cauliflower mixture.  Luckily the King Ranch looked inviting with a lot of cheese and chunks of white meat.  Although it was decent- like I said King Ranch is King Ranch, it did lack any spice or kick to it.  It was just average.

 

Although my meal came with a choice of dessert, I was ready to go- the crusty white guy’s friends arrived, so the libtard was saved.  I don’t think dessert could have made the meal any better.   My server- a young granola boy- was never overly excited to have a customer, and he didn’t help the situation.  Personally, I don’t think he has a future in customer relations.

In the end, I was disappointed with Price’s Chef @ 6 Points.  If I have the choice, I will go back to Hester’s!  One thing for sure, don’t parallel park because you might find a lovely colorful yet graphic note on your vehicle just like I did- the author definitely has an anger issue- probably because he lives in the basement of his parent’s house, and they’ve closed down Blockbuster- but then again, I digress. 

Six Points:

Why is this area called Six Points?  Because three major streets- Ayers, Alameda, and Staples- come together.  It’s an urban area being revitalized by local hipsters.   It is a pretty cool little funky area, so check it out.  There are several shops and restaurants here- Tasty Texas Travels has featured Hester’s and Price’s Chef in blog posts.

Price’s Chef @ 6 Points

1800 S Alameda St

Corpus Christi, TX 78404

361/883-2786

Roadhouse: Bastrop

In honor of the year anniversary of the devastating wildfires, I chose to spend my money today in Bastrop, Texas.  I used to spend alot of time in Bastrop back before there was really anything here.  I did my graduate field work here, and needless to say there wasn't much available for restaurants. 

Things have changed, and a great little place is the Roadhouse, located on Highway 21 heading across from Bastrop State Park.  Voted as the best burger in Bastrop County for 8 years running, I had to stop, but I am going to try something other than a burger.

The menu is extensive from sandwiches to salads to burgers served on Shelia Partin's sweet sourdough.  Today, I am going for the Lydia Sandwich: blacken chicken topped with pepper jack cheese, banana peppers, pico de gallo, and fresh avocado slices on a hoagie roll. 

When my sandwich comes out, it's as colorful as spring in the Texas Hill Country.  My mouth starts watering at the sight of the fresh avocados, the banana peppers, and the mound of crunchy french fries.  After the first bite, I knew I had made the right diversion into this amazing sandwich.  It totally rocked!  The fries were great too- cooked just right with the slightest of seasoning- and they were perfect with Ranch dressing. 

This sandwich is large, so plan on a getting a to go box.  However, I am not going to guarantee the safe arrival to home since the ingredient mixture of this sandwich creates a constant craving in your mouth.  I will confess it didn't make it to dinner!  I give the roadhouse a thumbs up.  The crowd is a great mixture of golfers, fisherman, Austin weird to Texas normal, and DPS troopers.

Bastrop:

As previously mentioned, in 2011, Bastrop County suffered from one of the most devastating wildfires in the State of Texas.  Over 1600 homes burned charring over 30,000 acres, Bastrop is known to be one of Texas' oldest settlements originally called Mina.  More than 130 historic structures are located in Bastrop.  The Bastrop Advertiser, the local newspaper, is the oldest weekly newspaper in Texas.  Located just 25 miles South of Austin, Bastrop has become a poplar bedroom community of Austin.

Bastrop has everything from fishing to shopping to fine dining.  Sites to see: Bastrop State Park- the site of my master's thesis: Forest Stand Dynamics of an Upland Forest Ecosystem (copies available for some light reading); Bastrop Opera House; Bastrop County Historical Society Museum; LCRA's McKinney Roughs Nature Park; numerous golf courses; and numerous shops and fine dining in Downtown (one day Tasty Texas Travels will invade).  I particularly like the Blue Donkey Gallery for hand painted pottery.  And, of course, don't forget the Roadhouse on Highway 21!

Roadhouse
2804 Hwy 21
Bastrop, Texas 78602
www.roadhousebastrop.com
512/321-1803

Taqueria Chihuahua: Giddings

I’ve driven by this place for the last 15 years- always curious about it and always cars and trucks in front.  Today, I am going to stop.  As usual, the parking lots on both sides are full.  Inside, the line is wrapped around the restaurant.

The menu is on the wall to the right.  Two ladies are as busy as bees behind the hot plates.  The typical fare is present like bacon, sausage, eggs, and potatoes.  In addition, they have the traditional Mexican fare like guisados, chicharones, and asado.

I order my usual: bacon, potato, and cheese with hot red salsa.  Note: this taco is more like a burrito in size, so one is plenty.  Second note: don’t get it to go- it’s nearly impossible to eat it on the road especially when you are wearing a white shirt!  Did I mention the hot red salsa?

In the end, I am furious with myself for waiting fifteen years to stop.  This breakfast taco is filled with cheese, smashed red potatoes and bacon.  The hot red salsa is more runny than chunky with seeds present- it wasn’t too hot.  They offer a green salsa too, so on my next stop, I may have to try it!  The huge tortilla is handmade right in front of you!  Muy delicioso!

My only complaint is that they have the eggs in the same container as the bacon.  There is no way that the two don’t comingle at some point even in your taco, but it is definitely worth taking one for the team!  By far, this is the best breakfast taco that I have had in the State of the Texas.

So, the next time you are blowing through Giddings on your way to Austin, make Taqueria Chihuahua a definite stop.   It’s definitely worth it!  Aye Chihuahua!

Giddings:

Did you know that Giddings holds the Annual Texas Wendish festival in September every year?  Did you know that the Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center holds one of the largest Native American collections in the State?  And, you thought it was just all about peanuts and a beaver!

Giddings was established when the H&TC Railroad was laid from Brenham to Austin in 1871.  Most residents were Wendish Immigrants that migrated from the Serbin Community.   Famous Giddings residents include Hilton Lee Smith, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, August Schubert, who sold his historic home to the Missouri Synod of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in 1894 to house the Concordia Lutheran College, and Dr. William Edward York, a prominent pioneer physician.   Giddings is the county seat of Lee County.

Other sites to be seen include: the grave of the notorious outlaw Bill Longley, who was hung here in 1878, the Serbin Community-Wendish Museum-St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, one of the area’s painted churches located 6 miles south on FM 2239, the Lee County Courthouse- built in a red brick Romanesque style,  the Union Station Transportation Museum, and of course, Taqueria Chihuahua.

Taqueria Chihuahua

1935 E Austin Street (Hwy 290)

Giddings, TX 78942

979/542-3927

East Texas Burger Company: Mineola

On this lunch hour, I find myself in front of the East Texas Burger Company in downtown Mineola, Texas.  Rumor has it that Bonnie and Clyde dined here- well, that's what the Internet says!  Among the brick streets and numerous antique shops, the ETBC is beckoning me to come on in.

Place your order at the counter-the menu is to your right on the wall and the daily specials on the counter.  Of course, I am not venturing toward the green chile grilled chicken of the day, I am sticking toward the usual fare- the hamburger.  You can get a small burger or a large, and you can get whatever your heart's desire on it.  Your choices continue with your fries: hand cut, curly, sweet potato or chips.  I chose chips because you can't beat home made potato chips.

At first when my burger came out, I was not impressed, but after that first bite, I loved it.  The meat was so fresh, seasoned to a tee, and cooked to perfection.  The lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles were all overflowing and tasted super fresh.  The bun was slightly warmed with the utmost of butter flavor. 
The chips were beyond light, thinly cut, and lacking in oil.  I don't even think they were seasoned.  My only gripe was that they were cold- fresh hot chips would have been better.  Overall, a very good hamburger and lunch spot.

In the end, my visit to the East Texas Burger Company was pure bliss.  Everyone inside treated you like a local.  They have a great bunch of people working there- so friendly.  On this visit, I skipped dessert, but they have fried pies and pies by the slice.  Next time, I may have to splurge even more.  If you are ever in downtown Mineola, stop on by the East Texas Burger Company.  It is sure not to disappoint even if it's just for a fried pie! 


East Texas Burger Company
126 East Broad Street
Mineola, Texas
903/569-3140
www.easttexasburger.com

Mineola, Texas:

Located in Wood County, just 80 miles East of Dallas, Mineola came into existence when the railroads built lines through the timber country of East Texas in the 1840's.  The town was incorporated in 1877.  Notable Mineolans include San Francisco's Mayor Willie Brown, Texas Governor Jim Hogg's daughter, Ima (born in Mineola), and William Jesse McDonald, a well-known Texas Ranger- shoot em up type not baseball. 

Although, today, Mineola is known as the "Gateway to the Lake Country," downtown Mineola is rich and overflowing with antique stores.  Paying homage to their railroad ties, the Railroad Museum includes a restored 1906 depot and caboose.  Additionally, Mineola houses the Select Theatre, the oldest continuously operating movie house in the State.  Other notable stops in the area are the Mineola Historic Museum, Mineola Nature Preserve, and of course the East Texas Burger Company.

A New Direction for Tasty Texas Travels

Once again, it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged.  In the meantime, I’ve eaten at some good places and some not so good places, but I just haven’t found the time to blog.  I’m back on the road again, and I’ve decided to change up Tasty Texas Travels.  I’m fortunate to visit some of our best towns in Texas, so why not share a little bit of history about these Texas gems.  After all, this is Tasty Texas Travels. 

McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers: Huntsville

What a better way to start off the week much less a Monday with a blog about a good ol' hamburger? 

Started in Huntsville in 1995 by Kevin and Lisa McKenzie, McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers is truly a family affair.  Expanding their operations to Conroe and Montgomery, McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers has continued their excellence by winning the Best BBQ in Montgomery County for 11 years in a row and Best BBQ for Huntsville for 14 years.

My first visit to McKenzie's was five years ago.  I dropped in for a hamburger, and I fell in love with the then smaller, intimate location.  Forget the award winning barbeque, this girl sticks to their hamburgers.  Wednesday's lunch special is the hamburger basket, and guess what today is- Wednesday. 

As you can see, the shredded lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and pickles are overflowing- makes me feel better about eating a burger- healthier?  On this day, the beef patty is medium in thickness, slightly smaller than the buttery bun, seasoned well, though a bit overcooked and charred in some areas.  Overall, a pretty good burger.  The french fries are hand cut style.  Little to any seasoning, quite greasy, and slightly undercooked for my liking.

Maybe on this day, McKenzie's is just out of whack.  Overall, it was still a very edible burger basket.  Due to their popularity, they moved into a much larger location across the road a few years ago.  I am hoping this isn't part of the issue. 

As I was waiting in line, I noticed another familiar logo in McKenzie's- Bodacious BBQ Sauces and Seasonings.  According to their website, their sister, Shannon, owns a Bodacious BBQ.  Ummmm, I guess I will have to go back and try their BBQ since we all know how much I like Bodacious BBQ. 

If you are in Huntsville and you want to experience the Best of Huntsville and Montgomery County BBQ, check out McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers.  Did I mention that they have free pinto beans?

McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers
1548 11th Street (Hwy 30)
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 291-7347
http://www.mckenziesbarbeque.com/

Bodacious BBQ: Longview

When I got my first job, every Wednesday we would head to a BBQ joint on Division Street in Arlington, Texas.  I loved this BBQ place for the Postman sandwich- chopped brisket and chopped sausage.  Imagine this- it was named after the Postman that would come in and order. 

This BBQ joint was my first taste of Bodacious BBQ.

Years later, when I see a Bodacious BBQ, I will always stop.  On this day, I'm grabbing a late bite at the Bodacious BBQ on the Loop in Longview.  I grab up my new usual: chopped beef with a side of cole slaw.

As expected, the freshly chopped beef is in surplus and filled with smoke.  Bodacious's BBQ sauce is served on the side.  It is the perfect balance for me- just a little bit more tang than sweet.  It is on the watery side, but still just the right consistency to coat the beef and to wet the bun.  The cole slaw is sweeter than sour and mayonnaise based. 

Overall, Bodacious BBQ takes me back to the days when I was younger.  To date, it always satisfies my craving for BBQ.  If you are in East Texas, I can guarantee you can find a Bodacious BBQ.  They've grown and franchised quite a bit since starting in 1965.

Bodacious BBQ
1300 W Loop 281
Longview, Texas
(903) 759-3914

Tyler Bodacious BBQ Website:
http://www.thebodaciousbbq.com/

The Noonday Store: Noonday

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged about my Tasty Texas Travels.  Sometimes you just fall out of rhythm, but what a great way to start back with a good ol’ hamburger from the Noonday Store.

Located just outside of Tyler in Noonday, this gas station/convenience store has been serving up hamburgers and comfort food for the last 20 years.  Short on space and jam packed with people, the Noonday Store offers a food journey from hamburgers to country comfort food to even a fresh meat market.  Note to self, pack a cooler on the next trip because this beef was some of the best looking that I have ever seen.

Place your order, try to find an open spot where you are not in the way, and watch the magic of their kitchen.  Buns come out buttery golden with the condiments eagerly getting in line.  Then, the burgers- oh the burgers!

All I can say is TASTY!  I only imagine how well seasoned the griddle is- this is truly one of the best burgers in Texas.  A third pound of pure beef, seasoned to perfection, lettuce and Noonday onions overflowing, mayo and mustard oozing, and the cheese gooing- do I really need to say more. 

Did I mention the buttery bun?  The French fries are hand cut style.  Cooked to perfection, and just salted enough.  Overall, pure perfection and stomach satisfaction!

If you are anywhere near Tyler, you’ve got to stop in at the Noonday Store.  It’s truly an experience.  Everyone inside makes you feel like you are one of the locals- kinda like Cliff from Cheers.  It’s a place where everyone seems to know your name, and if they don’t, they’ll just make it up!  Check it out because it is truly a Tasty Texas Travel!

The Noonday Store

16822 State Highway 155 S

Tyler, TX 75703
(903) 534-9498

Victoria's Tru Thai Asian Cuisine: Victoria

Tonight, I am in the mood for Thai.  Two places pop up, so I decided to go with Victoria's Tru Thai Asian Cuisine.  Located in an older building on Business 59, you walk into a small clean restaurant with the sound of running water and filled with oil paintings of Thai farmers in their rice fields.

The menus are located under the plexiglass on the table, and it is not extensive.  They have a lot of curries which I will have to come back to try.  I had read that their Pad Thai was good, so of course, I move in that direction.    I order vegetarian Pad Thai: pan fried noodles with eggs, peanuts, green onions and bean sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots!  Your meat options include chicken, beef, or pork. The meal comes with soup and an egg roll, but I passed on this evening.  You can hear the owner's wife back in the kitchen clanging on the pots making your meal to order, so the excitement begins.

The only thing I can say about Victoria's Tru Thai's Pad Thai is that IT IS THE BEST PAD THAI THAT I HAVE EVER HAD!  The vegetables were super fresh.  The Noodles were wider glass noodles filled with seasoning and taste.  The bowl was huge, and it was hard to stop eating this delightful dish.  It was truly bliss.  I did have a funny eureka moment though...I thought the bigger pieces of the sponge like ingredient was tofu, but then I realized that this egg hater was actually eating chunks of egg. 

In the end, my experience was incredible.  I spoke with the owner regarding Thailand and an upcoming trip.  He was extremely friendly and provided great insight to the Country and Culture.  All the while, I could hear his wife banging away in the back for the next lucky food recipient.  When I am back in Victoria, I will definitely return to Victoria's Tru Thai Asian Cuisine, and I encourage you to give it a try too.

Victoria's Tru Thai Asian Cuisine
811 E Rio Grande St (Business 59)
Victoria, TX  77901
361/572-8851

Tumbleweed: Gladewater

My last night in Longview, I decided to drive West to Gladewater for dinner.  There's a new place in town, and it certainly is the talk of the town.  Not impressed by the sterile brown brick building, keep going inside to find a heavily wooded room with booths and tables- you can't help to feel the energy with the outgoing, energetic waitresses bolting around like bees.

Tonight I ordered a 6 oz filet with mushrooms and mash potatoes.  The fried mushrooms and onion rings coming out of the kitchen looked beyond tasty.  But, then it arrived.....

I dove into the mash potatoes because they looked like they were right out of a box, but to my surprise they must have had white cheddar cheese in them!  Excellent taste and wonderful consistency.  Next the bowl of mushrooms- boring, no taste, poured right out of the can- very disappointing especially when some Lea & Perrins or red wine can do wonders!  I would skip the mushrooms next time.

Finally the real winner: the 6 oz beef filet.  It was cooked more medium rare than medium, but it had a great seasoned flavor.  The meat was super tender.  Overall, it was an excellent steak.  And, the best part is that it was reasonably priced. 

Overall, when I am back in the area, I know where there is a great little steakhouse with great service.  I would get there early because of their popularity.  In the end, you will walk out a happy customer from Tumbleweed Steakhouse.

Tumbleweed Steakhouse

1103 West Upshur Avenue

Gladewater, TX 75647
(903) 845-5320

http://tumbleweedsteakhousegladewater.com/

Floyd’s Cajun Seafood and Texas Steakhouse: Beaumont

I haven’t been to Floyd’s in a really long time.  In fact, it was Don’s Seafood the last time I was at this location in Beaumont.  I remember not being overly impressed by Don’s, so I am hoping for a little more from Floyd’s.

Originally, I tried to come at 6 pm on a Saturday night, and the wait was over an hour at 6 pm.  I am in Beaumont, and it is Lent.   I came back at 11 am on a Sunday before the church crowds usher in.

As soon as I sit down, my drink order is taken and delivered.  A huge basket of French garlic bread is placed on the table.  As I am drooling and crying at the same time, I ask the waitress to remove it- I can’t even imagine how many Weight Watcher’s points are in it.  I decide to max out my points with a cup of chicken and sausage gumbo and grilled shrimp with seasonal vegetables.

The chicken and sausage gumbo comes out with a dark watery roux.  The roux was perfect- not too strong, but not too weak- actually, pretty perfect!  Small pieces of sausage and chunks of chicken breast happily swim in it.  This gumbo totally rocks.

Next, my grilled shrimp come out.  Good-sized perfectly skewered shrimp grace the plate.  Lightly seasoned and perfectly cooked although a few of the shrimp had a gritty sand taste to their texture!  The seasonal vegetable medley was nothing more than steamed zucchini, squash, carrots, and colored bell peppers with absolutely no seasoning at all- overall, a healthy non-event.

In the end, I heard that the crab bisque was beyond bliss too, but to me, it has some hard competition with Floyd’s gumbo.  Plus, the service was great.  Overall, when I am in the mood for seafood and in Beaumont, I will return to Floyd’s- Les es les bon ton roulette!

Floyd’s Cajun Seafood and Texas Steakhouse

2290 IH-10 South

Beaumont, Texas 77707

409/842-0686

http://www.floydsseafood.com/

Thai Orchid: Corpus Christi

I’m always on the look out for new Thai restaurants.  Tempted on returning HuDat or Drunkn’ Noodlez, I venture out to a new place in Corpus called Thai Orchid. 

I must emphasize, “DO NOT JUDGE THIS BOOK BY ITS COVER!”  From the outside, the neon lights and the shady strip shopping center, just cries out illegal massage parlor.  But, once you walk inside, you are transported to a immaculately clean, nice restaurant.

Once seated, the service experience has begun.  The wait staff provides the utmost attention beckoning to every need, and taking pride in their accomplishments.  If all establishments were as attentive as Thai Orchid, the world would be a better place.

Having a pot of jasmine hot tea, I order my usual spring rolls and Pad Thai.  The spring rolls come out beautifully presented.  Filled with fresh lettuce, carrots, shrimp and vermicelli, I plunge them into a sweeter than nuttier hoisin sauce.  Overall, thumbs up for these spring rolls.

The Pad Thai arrives.  Thin strips of chicken accompany the bean sprouts, vermicelli, and scallions.  Overall, this was above mediocre.  I prefer my pad thai with more taste, and I get a little weird about the meat in it.  Actually, when I was finished, I had a plate of chicken leftover.  The waitress asked if everything was ok because it seems that I didn’t like the chicken.  She went over and beyond to make sure I was a satisfied customer.  Ultimately, she said that they would be happy to make it with more vegetables if I wanted to go that route in the future.

In the end, I will return to Thai Orchid.  The food was above average, but the service is the real winner here.  In fact, I would return for that alone.  Check out Thai Orchid the next time you are in Corpus Christi because it is truly a happy ending.

Thai Orchid

4501 SPID

Corpus Christi, TX 78411

361/854-5888

Tom's Burger & More: Elmendorf (San Antonio)

Today, I found myself on the Southeast side of San Antonio looking for a place to eat.  Unfamiliar with the area, I stopped into Tom’s Burger and More.  They offer a variety of food from today’s special-spaghetti to the usual fare of burgers and fish and shrimp combos.

Today, I order the usual fare: a cheeseburger combo.  My burger and fries arrive- the fries are thick cut but not as thick as steak fries.  They are golden brown, but lacking crispness and taste.  They weren’t great, but still very edible.  The burger was a decent thickness, seasoned well, and tasted great.  Fresh tomatoes, onions, and lettuce accompanied it.  The bun was rich, fresh, and buttery.  Overall, Tom’s serves up a really good burger. 

But, then there was another white packet on my tray- dessert?  Yep, it was a fried apple pie.  I am not a purveyor of fried pies besides the Mrs. Baird kind that my mom used to eat in my early childhood.  In my tastes, the pie dough was odd in consistency it was bubbly and flaky.  I can’t say if this is how real fried pies are or not- the inside tasted just like apple pie filling from the can.  In my opinion, I can skip the fried pie the next time.

Overall, when I am back in the Southeast San Antonio Elmendorf area, I would stop back in for a burger at Tom’s.  The no frills place is filled with hard working people, so Tom’s must be doing something right.

Tom’s Burger and More

13950 IH-37 South

Elmendorf, TX 78112

210/633-0143

Old Towne General Store: Nacogdoches

Today, I find myself in downtown Nacogdoches looking for a place to eat an early lunch.  My first choice had a mechanical issue, so they were closed for the day.  I stumbled on Old Towne General Store on the Square.  If you have never been to downtown Nacogdoches, you’re truly missing out.

You walk into a revived old building with little trinkets in the front like candles, jarred goods, and t-shirts.  The deli is in the back of the building, and you can smell the baked potatoes as you walk up.  There is a glass cold case with sweet temptations, and a cauldron of chili crying out to you.

Choose from the menu on the wall.  Your choices range from stuffed spuds, soups, salads, and sandwiches.  Today, I try the grilled pimento cheese sandwich on my choice of bread- sour dough.

The panini like sandwich comes out with a pickle spear.  First off, the bread doesn’t taste like sourdough, but more like a honey wheat- it is sweet not sour like sourdough.  The pimiento cheese is strong on the mayo and lacking pimentos, but it has a nice blend of cheeses.  Overall, it is pretty good, but not the best!  The pickle spear is awesome.  It has a nice dill taste with a peppery kick.  It actually tastes like it is home made.

To top off the lunch, I go back for a sweet.  I grab a chocolate chip and peanut butter cookie to go.  I was extremely disappointed in the cookies- they were hard and tasted old.  Save your money, and skip the cookies.

Overall, I liked Old Towne General Store.  It is an eclectic mix of tattoos and sorority girl.  It would be a great place to meet up before heading out to the numerous shops on the square.  Check it out if you get a chance.

Old Towne General Store

205 E Main Street

Nacogdoches, TX  75961

936/560-3210

Boil-N-Go: Lufkin

If it’s a Thursday through Saturday, I’ve got the place for you to go.  Boil-N-Go in Lufkin is a hit as well as a must.  Parking is tight if there is any.  You walk up to a trailer bustling with people and boiled goodies.

Place your order which is written on post its, and just watch the process.  Looks like a family affair.  Boys are working the caldrons.  Girls are weighing out the goods from the coolers for the round trays.  Kids are delivering your food all the time screaming out your name.  It’s actually quite entertaining.

Tonight, I am tired, so I get a pound of boiled shrimp and a sausage link to go.  I walk out with a plastic grocery bag of hot shrimp and sausage. 

 

I couldn’t get to the hotel fast enough.  The shrimp were awesome.  They were spicy but not overwhelming.  They were a good size- not too big and not too small.  Overall, they rocked.  The sausage link was just fair.  If you do not like boiled sausage, then you can skip it.  I wished that I had gotten some potatoes and corn!

In the end, Boil-N-Go is just a great place.  It would be a great place to go with a 6 pack of beer and lots of friends.  Picnic tables grace the corner parking lot.  Other boiled options include corn and potatoes, snow crab legs, and of course, crawfish.  It's definitely an experience that you must try if you are in Lufkin.

Boil-N-Go

1202 Chestnut Street

Lufkin, TX 75901

936/366-3648

La Unica Tortilleria: Lufkin

The reviews were all positive for this Lufkin eatery, so I needed to check it out.  Located in not a great area of town, La Unica is a dive.  A very limited menu leads you to the basics like enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and tamales.  Voted as best tamales in Lufkin, I was obviously taking a dozen home with me.

Tonight, I tried the cheese enchiladas with rice and beans.  You place your order at the counter, and wait.  Do not look into the kitchen when you get your drink- just trust me.  Once seated, a lady delivers chips, salsa and pico de gallo.  The yellow corn chips are hot and light.  The salsa was so-so, but the pico was to die for.  It was super fresh with a lot of lime-definitely a winner.

My plate arrives with the cheese enchiladas, rice, lettuce- tomato salad, and charro beans.  I don’t know what they do to their rice, but it was the best rice that I have ever had.  One secret is the basmati rice.  The charro beans were just so-so, and the cheese enchiladas were just greasy cheese enchiladas.

I did get a dozen tamales to go- I was afraid of the grease seeping out of the paper bag.  However, the tamales were outstanding.  They were spicy, moist, and filled with pork- another winner.

In the end, I will probably try La Unica again.  It is more authentic than the other Tex-Mex places in town.  The employees are not the friendliest, but the tamales, rice, and pico make up for that shortcoming.  If you are heading up into East Texas, stop on in, and check out La Unica.

La Unica Tortilleria

1614 N Raguet St

Lufkin, Texas 75904

936/ 632-1680