The United States Department of Agriculture has a way of monitoring drought. They have labels for certain conditions, ranging from "Abnormally Dry" all the way to "Exceptional Drought". Welcome to "Exceptional Drought".
There has been a drought with my words and writing too, to say the least.
What can I say? I have always been a travelin' gal, even when I stay in the same place.
There is plenty of food that you eat when you travel, and then there is travelin' food.
It can be the granola bar and starbucks coffee consumed in my uber-yuppie volvo in the morning. It can be the order of ultra fried fast food picked up late at night. It can be a sandwich in a ziploc bag a la Mom. It can be the best thing you have ever tasted or your worst enemy in a bite.
Do we consume more food in our cars than we consume at home at our kitchen tables (or in front of our televisions)? The answer is a resounding yes. So why not, in the heat of the summer, dedicate a little of this ol' blog to the subject of road food.
With a state as big as Texas... I cannot begin to identify all the famous spots. I can only tell you what I know, what I like, what you should avoid...
All-time best drive-through: Player's in Austin, Texas
I know I am not the only fan of this place, but where else can you get a fried veggie combo basket at 3 am in the morning? I have to admit, I have been here more times in the dark than in the middle of the day... but it is damn good. Just make sure you wait for the fried mushrooms to cool, lest you burn your tongue. The shakes and burgers are fantastic too. There have been rumors about the larger businesses nearby buying the lot or tearing the restaurant down, but the outcry from devotees has won out so far. I hope this institution is still there when my offspring leave home to spend 4 or 5 or 6 years in Austin like I did. So there you have it.
All-time best pit stop on I-35: Czech Stop in West, Texas
I know, I know... this is also not news... but really, with a state as big as ours, and with all the driving we do, name one better. Where else can you get a full tank of unleaded and a dozen kolaches that taste good straight out of the fridge or even better after 10 seconds in the microwave? Everything from the clean restrooms to the old-school "Y'all come back now"... I really can't find a reason to knock this place.
All-time best jerky from a gas station: Buc-ee's in everywhere, Texas
I don't really want to think about the fact that I have tried just about every jerky out there. I will admit it - I have snapped into a Slim Jim. I have also had (when it is bestowed upon me) venison jerky from my dear old dad made fresh from the processing plant. There are highs and lows in the world of jerky. The meat case at Buc-ee's is certainly something to behold. The brand stinkin-new Buc-ee's on I-10 in Luling, TX has quite a selection of turkey, buffalo, elk, venison, and of course, beef jerkies (jerkys?). All are delicious, tender, well-seasoned and perfect for the road or otherwise.
One to skip: Woody's Smokehouse in Centerville, Texas
It's fine for gas and Dr. Pepper, but really, skip the meat case at this well-known establishment. I guess all the folks that stop here haven't had the Buc-ee's version. Or my dad's.
All-time best river food: peanut butter and jelly
Weeeeelll, I know this one might be a stretch, but really, if you aren't travelin on the river, then what the hell else are ya doin? Call it the redneck riviera if you wish, but floating the river is an institution here in Texas, and a day on the river, is a day well spent. I was recently introduced to a really experienced floater with his own method for ensuring maximum success with pb&j river style. This can be acheived by bagging the multiple sandwiches in the bag the bread came in not once, but TWICE. The squished but not soggy sandwich might just be the best thing for you. Trust me, eat the sandwich.
