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/

JW's Steakhouse: Carmine

Located in the heart of Carmine, Texas, JW'S Steakhouse is a family owned restaurant that specializes in country cooking.  Right off of Hwy 290 between Brenham and Giddings, JW's Steakhouse features mesquite fired steaks, certified Angus beef, seafood, burgers, daily specials, including lunch specials, and homemade desserts.  But, more important, they have a nice wine selection too.

On this day, we order off the menu though the daily lunch specials of fried fish or creamy chicken enchiladas are tempting.  I decided on the Chicken Tender Plate while my husband sticks to the Bone-In Ribeye.

These chicken tenders are amazing.  They are HUGE long strips of white breast meat.  The batter is so light that it is almost non-existent.  The tenders are cooked perfectly and extremely juicy.  The french fries are your typical bagged version, but they are fried to a crisp, golden color.  The gravy today is missing the mark.  I couldn't put enough pepper in it to get it to taste like anything.  Overall, these tenders are enough for two people and unlike any other tenders that I have had before.  Definitely, a winner!

The Bone-In Ribeye rocked.  According to the Carnivore, "It melts in my mouth."  Cooked to perfection and well seasoned, the ribeye comes with your choice of sides (sweet potato fries shown), a salad, and homemade toast.  This meal will definitely fulfill any Carnivore's cravings. 

Overall, JW's Steakhouse is a great place to stop.  The chicken fried steaks and burgers are good bets, but the Chicken Tender Plate and Bone In Ribeye are Great bets.  With friendly service and a great bar, JW's Steakhouse has something for everyone including Maddie the Mad Dog who definitely enjoyed her doggie bag.

JW's Steakhouse
122 S Hauptstrasse
Carmine, Texas
979-278-4240