The stars at night are big & bright...

Looking forward to it,my friend!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by billyboy


I was particularly scared by and yet laughed over Johnny's adventure in the local laundromat! Seems like it can be a whole different world in some parts of Texas.

This reminded me of the funniest chapter I have ever read in any book... Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods"... I think it is Ch 12 (my copy's in storage, sadly). His buddy Katz (nice RF name!) has an amazing laundromat experience. Check it out if you have the inclination! (He could be Johnny's alter-ego?!)

Billyboy, I am still stunned you made that list. Wow.

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

billyboy-
...Oh, and the idea of you living vicariously through my trip reports? Please! Everyone on this board, including me, says the exact same thing about you. You make me realize it has been way too long since I have been to NYC.

I totally second that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BB

I must say this you will probabbly have to stay home a while to recover from your TX marathon. I really enjoyed reading your report and enjoying your pix of all the great food & desserts.

I can definately see why TX was out of food with you, johnny & Ellen eating your way through there!




Thanks for a great trip report as always!

CajunKing-
I have been using watching the hockey games as an excuse, but I have enjoyed just relaxing at home the last two weekends. But, I am starting to really get that itch to go somewhere again.

As much great dessert as I ate, I never had THREE pieces of pie in one meal like you recently did. Although, Johnny did have two pieces of pie and peach coobler at Bryce's Cafeteria.

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

I am starting to really get that itch to go somewhere again.

I am getting that same itch! I'm getting a strong craving for brisket again! I may head up to Hill Country next weekend, (in NYC, that is !!) been there before, loved it...
Also looking forward to trying the new Wildwood BBQ right around the corner from there.

See you in NYC, Cliff? How about you , Billyboy? (you can almost walk over from your Fulton St area!) Sunday afternoon brisket in NYC,
followed by Sarge's for pastrami for dessert!

ellen

p.s. Who was the baseball team that gave up 7 homers to the Reds?
(that could even be a record, huh?) Sounds like they need some
better pitching. I'm looking forward to going to the Phillies-
Mets game at Citizens Bank Park in July.

p.p.s I am getting pastrami/brisket withdrawal symptoms !

Ellen-
The giving up seven home runs to the Reds reference was to ChiTownDiner about his Cubbies. Who are 6 - 0 against my Pirates so far this year, by the way. Have fun at the Phillies-Mets game!

My itch will be scratched over Memorial Day weekend, since I will be in Oklahoma, where I haven't been since 2001. If I have some brisket, which I most likely will, I will think of you.!

Ellen,

Hill Country may be a possibility (or Sarge's). Don't know if I could handle both in one day. I have a friend in from California that weekend, so not sure I can make it. I'll let you know for sure later in the week.

-billyboy

I think Buffetbuster just broke the record for most responses to a trip report!

You literally covered everything from soup to nuts.

I finally had a chance to finish reading your disseration, err, I mean report.

Now I have to go on the scale and see how much weight I gained- even thought I haven't actually eaten anything- it sure feels like I've "digested" a feast!

wanderingjew-
Thanks for the comments, but you did make me realize that I completely forget to mention beverages, as I often do.

My preconceived notion was that Texas would be part of the Southern sweet tea belt, but I could not have been more wrong. Every single place I ordered iced tea in, it came out unsweetened. I was sure that at least Bryce's Cafeteria in Texarkana would be sweet tea country, but no.

I tried Big Red once and thought it was just okay, while Johnny enjoyed it more than I did and got it several times. My big regret was seeing Triple XXX root beer available at Sonny Bryan's and not getting it. Can anyone tell me if I missed something special?

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

wanderingjew-

My preconceived notion was that Texas would be part of the Southern sweet tea belt, but I could not have been more wrong. Every single place I ordered iced tea in, it came out unsweetened. I was sure that at least Bryce's Cafeteria in Texarkana would be sweet tea country, but no.

I tried Big Red once and thought it was just okay, while Johnny enjoyed it more than I did and got it several times. My big regret was seeing Triple XXX root beer available at Sonny Bryan's and not getting it. Can anyone tell me if I missed something special?

Buffetbuster,

I could have told you that Texas was not in the "Sweet Tea Belt" I encountered the same situation initially on my 2005 Deep South and Texas Baseball Trip and was just as surprised.

I've had Big Red Before, ironically the first time I tried it was in Louisville Kentucky almost 2 decades ago- it was quite different since I never had bubble gum soda before, as a rule I try to avoid sweet drinks in general anyway, and even only do desserts in moderation- maybe every other day on any extended roadfood trip.

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

Thanks for the comments, but you did make me realize that I completely forget to mention beverages, as I often do.

If I recall correctly, you are more of a teetotaler, but some might say that the proper accompaniment to Texas BBQ is one of these...

Travelin Man-
Since I am not a beer drinker, I will have to take your word for it. But, we certainly saw plenty of Shiner Bock being drank while we were there.

You wouldn't like it anyway. It's bad.

quote:

Originally posted by cecif

quote:

Originally posted by billyboy


I was particularly scared by and yet laughed over Johnny's adventure in the local laundromat! Seems like it can be a whole different world in some parts of Texas.

This reminded me of the funniest chapter I have ever read in any book... Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods"... I think it is Ch 12 (my copy's in storage, sadly). His buddy Katz (nice RF name!) has an amazing laundromat experience. Check it out if you have the inclination! (He could be Johnny's alter-ego?!)

Billyboy, I am still stunned you made that list. Wow.

Ceci, thanks a mil! I love Bill Bryson! "Walk" is the first book of his I ever read. I'll have to look at it again as I don't remember that bit for some reason. Two guys who really have no business hiking the Appalachian Trail. Gotta love it!

I was back in the Lone Star state again over the weekend.  Didn't get to do everything I wanted, but the food highlight was the tall chocolate meringue pie

from Blanco Bowling Club.   The filling was deep, dark and fudgy, while the meringue was incredibly light with just the right amount of toasty browning on the outside.  This was a truly great slice of pie!

buffetbuster


I was back in the Lone Star state again over the weekend.  Didn't get to do everything I wanted, but the food highlight was the tall chocolate meringue pie

from Blanco Bowling Club.   The filling was deep, dark and fudgy, while the meringue was incredibly light with just the right amount of toasty browning on the outside.  This was a truly great slice of pie!

The Meringue is as high as an Elephant's Eye,
And it looks like it's reaching right up to the Sky,
Oh what a beautiful Morning,
Oh what a Beautiful Day,
I have a wonderful feeling,
This pie is deliciously OK!

The Travelin Man

some might say that the proper accompaniment to Texas BBQ is one of these...

when you are eating strictly regionally appropriate food, you cant ever be wrong with an


 
 

Three weeks til my departure for the Hog Hunt Ranch East of San Antonio. The place is just 15 miles from the Shiner Brewery !  I have many fond memories of visits to that location, as part of my escorting my elderly Mother (and young Bride, Janet) on our annual roadtrips...And of course, the many RF BBQ quests.
 
I am looking forward to introducing my grandson, Chris, and his other Grandfather to Bushie, and to BBQ- Texas Style, and  to Shiner's ! we leave June 2 and will be home on the 10th or 11th.  Hopefully with a good photo record of the trip.

I was with Al and WJ and others at Shiner's somewhere in Texas.  It is not a big place but they sure do have good beer.  I sincerely hpe that Al invites us all to his pig roast.
 
Good luck Mr. Mayor.
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

mayor al-
Sounds like you have a great trip planned and being able to share it with your grandson will make it that much more special.  Have a great time and I can't wait to see the photos!

Saturday actually turned out to be a five slices of pie kind of day.  The other ones enjoyed were buttermilk pie

from Hill Country Cupboard, banana cream pie

from Blue Bonnet Cafe, coconut cream pie

from Monument Cafe and lemon drop pie

from Texan Cafe.  There wasn't a loser in the bunch, but I really liked the not-too-sweet custardy buttermilk pie.  Still, the chocolate pie pictured above, stood (literally) head and shoulders above the rest.
 
As soon as I get my bbq photos downloaded, I will post those, too.

I would think five would be the daily minimum pie requirement.  That chocolate piece is a stunner!

Nancy-
A five pie day is a really good day, but you should have seen some of the cobblers I turned down to make that happen.  I blame my parents for me not being twins.

Thanks for bringing back memories of my trip to texas in September of 2008. The pie at the Blanco bowling club was sensational. Want to make it back to get to even more of the great austin places.

New Braunfels Smokehouse is just up the road from me about 12 miles.I sometimes drive up there to buy the small packs of jerky to send my sister in New York state.I've bought the Tasting Box which has samples of the turkey and some other things.
Been to Smitty's and Black's in Lockhart, but not Kreuz's yet.Haven't even been to  City market in Luling yet, not far from Lockhart. The photos look great, and it sounds like you had a great trip.
If you ever get this way again,check out the bracken Cafe in Bracken,Texas, north east of San Antonio.The old King's Highway runs past the town. They have a website,and very popular with the local crowd and the folks from Randolph Airforce Base.

Any trip that includes
the best of DFW Barbecue: 
(the original) Sonny Bryan's and Angelo's
 
and
the legendary Austin-area joints:
Louie Mueller's, Southside Market, Smitty's & Kreuz Market,
 
then concludes:
 
Best Barbecue
Johnny - Clark's Outpost
Cliff - Clark's Outpost
 
and

Best Meal
Johnny - Clark's Outpost
Cliff - Clark's Outpost,
 
I conclude is worthy of investigation! 
 
I was happily amazed to find that Clark's Outpost is only 25 miles or so from our home here in McKinney!  Mrs. Metro and I will be "investigating" this place very soon!
 
Thanks, BB, both for a wonderful trip report and for turning up this useful little nugget for me and the Mrs. 
 
This could be our best Roadfood "find" since The Breezy Heights!!!

My wife and I travelled the 41 miles from McKinney to Tioga to enjoy lunch at Clark's Outpost.  It was everything that BB said and well worth the trip.  My ribs were great and my wife's brisket was tender, moist, and smoky.  And, thanks to the advice I tried the cole slaw which was truly wonderful.  This is truly the best "Texas BBQ" we have enjoyed in our six years down here.  (Eastern Carolina still rules my BBQ appetite).
 
While we were waiting the short while for our food, Mrs. Metro (who is foreign-born) asked if the guy in the big cowboy hat pictured on the wall was someone famous.  Sure enough it was a young Gene Autry who, it turns out, was born in Tioga.  I enjoyed telling her about him - especially of his business acumen which, like Bob Hope, led him to invest his movie & TV money in SoCal land rather than "bling".

I am staying in McKinney right now and Clark's is on our list of must eats.
 
I've passed it many times when in Texas, but this trip it will finally happen.
 
What other McKinney area restaurants do you recommend?
Thanks.

mar52


I am staying in McKinney right now and Clark's is on our list of must eats.

I've passed it many times when in Texas, but this trip it will finally happen.

What other McKinney area restaurants do you recommend?
Thanks.

Mexican:  Petra's Fresh Mexican:  http://www.petramexicanbistro.com/ 
BBQ:  Hutchin's BBQ: http://www.hutchinsbbq.net/
Burgers:  Square Burger:  http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/13/1531667/restaurant/Square-Burger-McKinney
Pizza/Ttalian:  Sauce on the Square:  http://www.sauceonthesquare.com/index2.php
Steak and pan-fried chicken:  Rick's Chophouse:  http://www.rickschophouse.com/
Breakfast:  Spoon's Cafe (best bacon in TX!):  http://www.spoonscafe.com/ 
 
Enjoy!  (We certainly do!)  Let me know what you think. 

Just a little side note about Gene Autry. Don't know if this true, partly true or not true at all. Supposedly when Gene's horse died (Champion?) he was interested in having him stuffed aka mounted like Roy Rogers did with Trigger. When informed how much it would cost he reportedly said, Well just bury the sob then.

ces1948

Just a little side note about Gene Autry. Don't know if this true, partly true or not true at all. Supposedly when Gene's horse died (Champion?) he was interested in having him stuffed aka mounted like Roy Rogers did with Trigger. When informed how much it would cost he reportedly said, Well just bury the sob then.

Autry had 3 horses named "Champion" plus some backups. His career lasted longer than his horses! Based on this report, I doubt Autry even considered stuffing old "Champ"!
http://www.b-westerns.com/hoss-ga.htm

mar52

I am staying in McKinney right now

What's a nice girl like you doing in McKinney TX???????????

Foodbme

mar52

I am staying in McKinney right now

What's a nice girl like you doing in McKinney TX???????????

Presently, she's "enjoying" some Arizona, Valley of the Sun-style, heat:  103 here today.

First thing...  I am not nice.
 
Thanks for the recommendations.  It is hot here, but it doesn't bother me as much as the Los Angeles 80 degree heat.  Dry heat is so much better.
 
Visiting with family in McKinney.  We'll probably be here about 3 weeks using it as a base.  Going to drive to New Orleans and Branson, MO.
 
Traveling with 2 dogs makes some restaurant stops impossible.  I'll write about our eating adventures when I get home.
 
Went to McKinney Market Days yesterday to enjoy the heat.  Luckily there was a breeze to make it seem cooler.
 
Hutchins is going to be one of our dinners I believe.  Maybe we'll pick up a pizza when we visit The Square.
 
So far it was Chuy's for dinner which was okay.  We are also supposed to have lunch at Norma's Cafe in Plano.
 
Drove by the In 'n Out while we were exploring yesterday.
 
I like McKinney.   I can't believe how much retail is around here.  The housing reminds me of Palm Springs.... a whole bunch of planned neighborhoods.  We're staying near the intersections of Eldorado and Ridge.  Very nice homes here.
 
It's off to Denison today to visit with more family.
 
Thanks for the tips!

MetroplexJim

Foodbme

mar52

I am staying in McKinney right now

What's a nice girl like you doing in McKinney TX???????????

Presently, she's "enjoying" some Arizona, Valley of the Sun-style, heat:  103 here today.

109 here yesterday, more of same today! After it gets 100, it doesn't matter after that---It's hot!

mar52


I like McKinney.   I can't believe how much retail is around here.  The housing reminds me of Palm Springs.... a whole bunch of planned neighborhoods.  We're staying near the intersections of Eldorado and Ridge.  Very nice homes here.

Yes, the housing in McKinney is both planned and plush - the big difference between us and Palm Springs (aside from the fact that we have trees and grass lawns!) is that what costs $900,000 in Palm Springs you can get in McKinney for $250,000 all day long.  And what do we spend those housing savings on?
 
RETAIL!  If you think McKinney has retail, take the short trip west on Eldorado and turn left on Preston Rd.  The next six miles seemingly has two each of every "big box" conceived by the mind of man and a Sun Coast Plaza-scale "super mall". 
 
Comprising less than 10% of the DFW "Metroplex", the 600,000 citizens of Plano-McKinney-Frisco-Allen has to lead the world in retail sq. feet and restaurant seats per capita.  Our favorite saying:  "What recession?".

We drove around McKinney yesterday starting with breakfast at Bob Smith's.  Maybe his name is Bill.. I'll post pictures when I get home.
 
The retail is remarkable!
 
The housing in Palm Springs has taken a dive.  It's more realistic now.  A home that cost $429,000  about 5 - 6 years ago skyrocketed up in to the $700,000's and now can be had in the high $300,000's.
 
Saw Hutchin's yesterday and we'll probably do the drive-through and eat it at home.
I'm having fun in your supermarkets.
 
I realize that Tom Thumb is Safeway but it's still different.  Market Street had me coming back for more because I found the clearance table upstairs!

It is Bill Smith's.  I hope you had cash; otherwise, Bill nicks you for a $3.00 ATM fee - just like Joe T. Garcia's over in Ft. Worth.
 
I'd eat in at Hutchin's, otherwise you won't get your "free" banana puddin' w/ Nilla Vanillas.  BTW:  even though the 'hood there is not shiny and new, it is perfectly safe.  As you may have heard, crime is punished here in Texas:  surely, swiftly, and harshly.  That is why we have relatively few "incidents".
 
Even though we live near Eldorado CC, only about 0.3 miles east of Tom Thumb, we much prefer Market Street, which to us coming from McLean, VA is like a "mini-Wegman's".  One of the "cool" things about living here is that there is a definite "small town vibe", yet within 5 miles there are 12 groceries, three hospitals, 126 golf holes, 40 movie screens, two each of Home Depot & Lowe's, etc.  But, it is 10 miles to the nearest Nordstrom and 15 to Neiman's and Saks ...