In Texas, food is more than just a meal. I discovered this while I was exploring the Lone Star State at the beginning of the month — you can see some of my food photos on Instagram. Food brings families and friends together and restaurants serving delicious dishes are often crowded come meal time.
Is the BBQ as good as everyone says it is? YES! Will you ever get tired of Tex-Mex? NO! But there’s a lot more to Texas than just BBQ and Tex-Mex.
I overindulged a little too much while in Texas and have spent the past few weeks working off my “food baby” (also known as “belly bulge”).
If you have an adventurous palate, here is my list of must try dishes for those visiting or vacationing in Texas:
1. BBQ – Beef Brisket
It goes without saying, Texans know a lot about BBQ. This is one of the first “dishes” that comes to mind when I think about Texas and every local that I asked about barbecue said to order the beef brisket – because it’s smoked all day over woodchips unlike how I make it at home (in the oven without chips or in the slowcooker with liquid smoke).
It’s hard to have some restraint when it comes to BBQ but I thought I did a good job at Cooper’s in Fort Worth. Sadly, my eyes were bigger than my stomach. I did manage to eat all the brisket though and it was everything people said it would be. Crispy on the outside, tender, juicy and a bit fatty on the inside.
2. Chilaquiles Verdes
When I think of Mexican breakfast dishes, huevos rancheros (rancher’s eggs) immediately comes to mind. However, when I spotted chilaquiles verdes on the Cafe on the Green breakfast menu at Four Seasons Dallas. An egg dish with a ton of heat from the salsa — I could definitely see myself trying to make this at home for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
3. Frito Pie
I’ve seen the chefs on Food Network cook this Tex-Mex comfort food dish many times and I immediately ordered it when I saw it on the Oddfellows menu in Dallas. What makes this one a bit more special is that it’s made with wild boar chorizo. For even more heat, they top it with queso, tons of jalapenos, pickles and sour cream – hence the name Angry Frito Pie.
This is a big dish and I barely got through half of it on my own. If you order this frito pie, make sure you have a buddy to help you finish it.
4. Queso
Speaking of queso, this appetizer/side dish of melted cheese and chili pepper at Brewed – a coffeehouse brewpub in Fort Worth – uses goat cheese for extra tang. At first I was excited for the duck fat fries (shown on the bottom right hand corner of the photo above) but one scoop of the queso and I did a 180. If I didn’t have to share with others at the table, I wouldn’t have. But I did. 🙂
5. Guava and Cream Cheese Empanada
While having lunch at La Fogata in San Antonio – I fell in love with their dessert empanadas.
Although they are known for their margaritas, guacamole and a slew of other Mexican dishes, I think I might have finished the guava and cream cheese empanada before I finished my actual lunch. The empanadas we eat at home (thanks to some relatives from Ecuador) are mainly the savoury kind – filled with meat or cheese. The guava cream cheese combination sounded odd at first but one bite was all I needed to change my mind. So now I need to figure out or ask someone how to recreate this at home. I don’t even know where to look for fresh guava!
6. Almond Croissant
Another memorable dessert (sometimes this is classified as a morning pastry in France) is the almond croissant at Main Street Bistro and Bakery in Grapevine. Flaky croissant filled with almond cream and then topped with powdered sugar and more almonds is to die for.
I found out that the owners of this bakery are originally from France so of course this explains this delicious heavenly pastry. I’ve been trying to figure out where to get this in Toronto but so far I haven’t found it – croissants aux amandes is the French name for it. I did try that Starbucks La Boulange pastry that sounded similar but no — definitely not the same.
7. Whataburger Burgers
Ask a local where to go for a good burger and many of them will tell you to head to Whataburger. This San Antonio based fast food chain specializes in burgers. Don’t even try to argue that In-N-Out is better with a local! The A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger may not look like anything special but I dare you to take a bite out of this sandwich featuring two patties, American cheese, onions, bacon and A.1. Thick & Hearty Sauce (a bit sweeter and smokier than the original A.1. sauce) and tell me you don’t love it. It was goooood!
8. Tuna Tostada – Tiritas de Atun
After all these heavy foods, it was nice to have a small dish at The Fruiteria in San Antonio. Chef Johnny Hernandez’s vision for this restaurant was to offer Mexican style tapas and drinks using fresh market ingredients. The Tiritas de Atun (sashimi grade tuna marinated in lime juice and roasted habaneros and then mixed with avocado cream and shredded vegetables) was the perfect light lunch I was looking for after several days of tons of meat.
9. Calf Fries – Bull Testicle
Feeling brave? When in Texas… do as the Texans do and eat calf fries! These deep fried bull testicles had the texture of meatballs (which I guess technically they are – HAHAHA!) but had a bit of a gamey taste. The Rustic in Dallas serves calf fries with buttermilk dip and I guess the tanginess it used to offset the gamey-ness.
It is true what they say about Texas – everything is bigger there and portions sizes will satisfy even the hungriest of visitors. Thank you Texas Tourism for showing me what a great foodie destination Texas is.
There were pastries bigger than a toddler’s head and side dishes that were served on platters that I’d use for entrees. Prices are very reasonable too so foodies on a small budget will not be disappointed. I wish I had more room in my belly to try other things but I guess that means I’ll have to make a second trip there. Or third. Or fourth. You get my drift… 🙂
*For more information on Texas’ food and drink offerings, check out TravelTex.com. But don’t do it when you’re hungry!
Have You Read These?
We had the most amazing brisket at Salt Lick in Austin and can’t wait to go back there one day! The frito pie and queso dip look really delicious.
These are some good looking food pictures:) I have never been to Texas, but when we go, food will be one of the draws:)
A trip to Texas without a stop at Perini’s Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap is a wasted trip! Order the aged strip no more done than med-rare with grilled jalapenos and you will have the best steak you have ever eaten.
You are making me hungry for USA food. While we love Spain, there is no food like “home”. 😉
I went to high school in Texas and you have this right-on! And yes on Whataburger = after school hangout. 🙂
We went to McAllen Texas for a wedding once and we ate so much barbeque, I felt I was about to explode. Chilaquiles Verdes and Frito pies look so delicious. Will have to try that again next time we’re in Texas!
I just gained 4 pounds reading this post.
I would definitely love to try the Chilaquiles Verdes, but it all looks so good!
Yum! FYI, Whataburger originated in Corpus Christi, the corporate office just relocated to SA. Go there to the 2-story Whataburger on the Bay 🙂 Also, it is rare to find a queso with goat cheese, traditional Tex-Mex/taco joints will probably not have that.
A warm guava and cheese emanate will make you melt. (Don’t think cheddar.) No need for fresh guava; all you need is guava paste from a Latin market. I’m a Texan, so now I just need to head over to Empamundo in Irving to have one made to order!
You were a little too far north to get the best BBQ in Texas. You need to go south to Austin, Manor, Taylor, Burnet, Luling or Lockhart for the primo stuff. But the North Texas folks do an OK job.
Being a Texan, I like your list. If you are in Dallas, I highly recommend Smoke for BBQ and an amazing view of the Dallas skyline. Did you also know that Whataburger makes their own ketchup? So good and the container is great for dipping.
Calf fries, huh? Mmm … I probably will just stick with Whataburger instead. Thanks! 🙂