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

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

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.

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

Dairy Burger: Alice

After a long drive from the Valley, I was craving just a good ol’ burger.  Coming into Alice, Texas, just West of Corpus Christi, I stopped into Dairy Burger.  It’s after 2, and it packed at this location.  I had read the reviews, and for the most part, positive.  One even called it a Dairy Queen knock off.  As I walked through the door, I did a double check because it does resemble a Dairy Queen.

You order at a counter from a menu filled with burgers, chicken strips, and tacos.  Today, I’m trying a cheeseburger combo.  The cheeseburger came out looking a little lame, but the fries were small cut like shoestrings. 

The cheeseburger was pretty good.  The patty is very thin, but the veggies were ample.  The mayo was the sweetest that I had ever tasted while the mustard juxtaposed it to a tee.  The real winner was the shoestring French fries.  They were perfectly cooked with the slightest of salt on them.  They totally rocked.  They reminded me of Belgium Frites!

In the end, I would come back to Dairy Burger.  The people were extremely friendly.  It’s a place where you can hear the locals talking about their dating issues- these locals were 70 plus seniors.  I have never laughed so hard, but I guess some things never change.  If you get a chance, stop on by because I hail Dairy Burger as the best Texas French fry!

Dairy Burger

314 N Johnson St

Alice, Texas 78322

361/664-2117

Splendora Cafe: Splendora

Today, I find myself in Splendora, Texas.  Located about 45 minutes north of Houston, this little cafe tempted my taste buds after reading the reviews online.  Located in a strip shopping center just North of FM 2090, I walk into a large non-descript room booming with business and patrons.  You seat yourself, and you are promptly greeted by the nicest wait staff ever.  A few other words come to mind: bubbly, energetic and attentive.

Today is Friday, and I have a feeling I am about to be VERY bad.  They have fried pickles, fried mushrooms, fried this and that, but I perplexed by the Queso DipnSides: as described by my waitress, "chunks of yellow cheese rolled into tri-colored tortilla chips, fried and served with Ranch."  Wow, that sounds great, but so do the fried pickles.   Luckily, I didn't have to make too much of choice since I could order the Mixed Appetizer:  Fried Pickles and Queso DipnSides.

OK, the fried pickles were very good, though the fluffy batter was slightly too salty for me.  The real hit was the Queso DipnSides.  OMG.  It was like queso just melting in your mouth.  There was some jalapenos rolled in the batter too.  They were to die for, and the Ranch dressing tasted like homemade Hidden Valley.  Yummy. 

I knew I was being bad, so I went for the worse thing on the menu for my arteries and my main meal.  I chose the Lunch Portion of the Chicken Fried Steak.  The 8 oz sirloin came with a choice of side (Cole Slaw for me) and a salad from their salad bar (I skipped the only healthy thing of my meal).  You could also chose white or brown gravy.  As soon as it came out, I asked for a to go box. 

The lunch portion was huge; but then again, I am sure the Fried Pickles and Queso DipnSides had nothing to do with it.  The Cole Slaw was good- not too sweet and not too tart.  It actually tasted like the kind that comes right out of the bag- I really like that kind since that's the kind my mom used to make.  Back to the CFS though, the batter is the same fluffy batter from the fried pickles, but the meat has a taste that I can't figure out- it's a VERY good thing.  It tastes almost like they soaked it in white wine.  It was super tender and just amazing.  The gravy was just fair, but it didn't matter- that meat was just superb. 

If you are ever on your way North from Houston, stop in and try Splendora Cafe.  The food and the staff will not disappoint.  In fact, add thoughtful to the description of my waitress.  She brought me out an extra large tea to go on this hot afternoon.  Splendora Cafe was packed from the time that I got there at 12:45 to an hour later.  They definitely have something good going on!

Splendora Cafe and BBQ
13817 Hwy 59 #F
Splendora, TX 77372
281/699-1650

Hut's Hamburger: Austin

Hut's Hamburgers is always a stop for this girl when staying in Austin.  This Hut's location originally started in 1939 as Sammie's Drive In.   It has been Eli's Lounge and Picante Mexican restaurant.  But, in 1969, Homer "Hut" Hutson moved in with Hut's Hamburgers.


At Hut's, they have every and any kind of burger you can desire- in fact 20 listed on the menu ranging from the Tuby's Tickler to the Boodieburger to the Theta Special.  Located on West 6th Street, this place is packed at all hours.


For starters, we ordered a half order of onion rings.  Their onion rings are HUGE, thick cut onion slices tossed in a black pepper batter.  You can make a meal out of these alone- especially when they are dipped into their homemade ranch dressing.

Today, our burgers were just OK.  They didn't seem to be the usual Hut's Hamburger.  The burgers are filled to the brim with fresh lettuce, onions, tomatoes and pickles.  The patties are 1/2 inch thick and seasoned well.  The meat is fresh never frozen from Johnny G's Meat Market in South Austin.  The fries rock especially when dipped into that homemade ranch.


Overall, Hut's Hamburgers still rocks.  If you are not in the hamburger mood, they have daily blue plate specials, buffalo from Thunderheart Bison Ranch, longhorn from Bandera Grasslands, chicken and if you must, veggie burgers.  If you find yourself on 6th Street, wonder on down to Hut's Hamburgers.  You can also visit their sister restaurant, Frankie and Angie's, for pizza.  Neither will disappoint!


Huts Hamburgers
807 West 6th Street
Austin, TX 78703-5403
(512) 472-0693
www.hutsfrankandangies.com