Top 5: Road Trip Worth Texas Foods

What would you drive a day for? What food would entice you so much that you'd spend nearly $200 in gas to get? Well, that's what this is about.

[Note: While usually this article is a Top 8, the subjective nature of this article limits it to a simpler 5.]

Honorable Mention: Water Street Oyster Bar, Corpus Christi. Yeah, this place is perhaps the most over-rated on this list. Why is it still present? The seafood, when it's on, is that good. Had some killer mahi mahi a few years ago. The decor is quite nice as well.

5. Texas Barbecue, Small-town, Texas - That's right, you can only find this in small towns. Unless you crash some good ol' boys 'cue on the weekend. The pit is on the side or out back, cords of wood stacked up and visible, and the old ladies behind the counter don't give a shit about your fancy suit or iPhone. Best joint ever? Mount Zion in Huntsville, Texas. All you can eat lunch and service that will leave a smile tattooed on your face. And Dad, it ain't pulled, so you can order with confidence.

4. Mata's Cafe, Florsville, Texas - It's the smallest of Mexican food joints, but I've never left there feeling hungry or dissatisfied. Having them on speed dial is a testament to the tastiness of their food. While this isn't the only Mexican joint in town (there are four within two blocks of this place, a total of eight just within city limits), they offer great service and tasty food (namely, the food is awesome, the tortillas hot and tender, the tea cool, sweat and flavorful, and quick and personable service). But, what anyone has to understand is that the small hovel-looking Mexican joints are perhaps the best ones. Following my religious needs, if the Mexican joint ain't got a visible picture of Mary, you need to keep looking. If you have to ask, then you wouldn't understand. Sorry, that's how it is.

3. Blue Bell Ice Cream, Brenham, Texas - A lot of folks really go for Ben & Jerry's. I will admit they do it up really nice. Folks down here though, we are bred on that metallic rimmed container holding the frozen loveliness. The slogan is/was "We eat all we can, and sell the rest." It's not just a slogan; it's the real deal. Growing up in high school, we'd play cards and with the winnings buy ice cream for $.25 a pop; easy way to impress that cute girl (unless you lost). To this day, "We serve Blue Bell Ice Cream" always wins out. HEB's Creamy Creations is simply a distance second.

2. What-A-Burger, Corpus Christi, Texas - While you can find this chain in a great many towns across our nice state, it all started in the little town on the coast. The burgers are made the old fashioned fast food way, and served in pretty much the same fashion. A lot of small Mom & Pop joints do the same thing, perhaps a bit cheaper. Why here at #2? Because I can get Mom & Pop's goodness in over 700 locations across the southern United States.

1. Chicken fried steak, Non major chain, Texas - Read the previous article about my dad. It's just that good. Best ever? Growing up, it was K-Bob's in Brenham, Texas (no longer there). Currently, it's a tie between two local joints, but there's a plenty out there.

Well, that concludes the top. You probably have something to say about it. I welcome it.

Cheers,

Mert

Spring Break

Sigh...

A contented relief exhaled upon a computer screen, done so without obligations or work-related responsibilities.

It's been a rough patch these last few weeks.  I've missed many a days due to golf tournaments.  TAKS loomed its ugly arse (standardized testing just plain sucks).  And to top it all off, I also had about eight packets to grade for Future Problem Solving, or commonly referred to as FPS.

I can't say that my life is at a bad spot; in fact, I'm at my most fortunate right this very moment.  One of my boys is playing Guitar Hero: World Tour and jamming out to some old classic rock.  The other is taking a bubble bath (after defacating in his pull-ups; I just wanted to share).  

I guess, I'm really looking forward to Spring Break.  I've been working hard (not to say that all you wonderful blue collar folks [ahem...Dad...cough...Nelson...Jessica...cough cough...] don't work.  I just do my part to the best I can.  Maybe in my younger years (when I knew it all), I didn't work as hard as I do now and didn't mind the longer periods without a break.  Now though, I enjoy, relish the time with my family, the interruption from the grind, and just a chance to enjoy the absence of work.

Amidst all the previous work I have been doing, I've been slacking on this blog of mine.  My apologies to you three readers.  In respect for you, here's a song that's probably my theme song for the upcoming week.

Be safe to all you traveling.  Don't hit me or my family, or anyone else's for that.

Cheers,

The Mert

Simplest of Things

Today, my 7-year-old and I had a bit of a father-son day. How nice it was.

It's not often I go into the city, so doing so can be a treat. On this particular occasion, it was a student holiday so my son and I had the day to make whatever we wanted to. Earlier in the week, I made an eye appointment and from there, the fates would draw us.

Dylan was especially attentive and inquisitive in the optometrist's office. Before Dr. Nguyen came into the room, he and I literally examined the various tools used to examine the eyes and ascertain the needed prescription. He would ask about a tools function, and I would do my best to describe it.

Our next stop was to feed our hedonistic and machismo-driven male selves, Best Buy. I love going there, and to have my son ask to go there is a guilty pleasure "Sure son. We can do that."
We didn't spend too much money, but picking up both copies of Star Wars: Clone Wars was especially sweet. Report cards came out this week; having an A average has it's rewards.

Following that digital high, we went to feed our stomachs. The Longhorn Cafe, a local joint, has a really nice atmosphere and great food. Not too pricey, but fair for the quality of eats. Check it out.

Stuffed with good eats and unable to take a nap, we ventured onwards. To sum it up, we did stop at another electronics store, bought some glow in the dark paint, and picked up a snack and drinks.

Why is this worth writing about? Most of the time, we do things as a family. Often, expecially this time of the year, I'm quite occupied (mentally and physically) with coaching duties and work. That's not fair for my family, especially my growing boys. A day like today really renews our bonds, but more so puts into perspective what my priorities are and what they should be.

How often do we become precoccupied with "important" things? How much does it cost to take a quick trip to the ice cream shop, the park, or even a leisurely drive around the neighborhood? I'm sure anyone can spout off some quote of X dollars, but what do you get in return? The simplest things in life can't be priced.

You child's laughter at one of your cheesiest jokes, a tight squeeze of the hands and you walk across the street or parking lot, a sincere "Thank you, Daddy", a nuzzle in the tummy of your infant child to evoke a gaggle of giggles. Days like today happen often, but I'm guilty of not taking advantage of them. Go hug your special ones; tell the ones that matter "Thanks" and that you love them. Make that call that you've been putting off for two weeks. Now is the best time. It always is.

More of what IT entails...

So, we finished up our round, but not before Alton had to depart our company to pick up a couple of things for the missus. Jeremy and I actually hit quite a few shots, but couldn't quite finish the round before daylight left our company.

We boogied to Alton's house and kinda of chille dout for a bit. Anton [sic] was there, and I got to meet him, get acquainted with Danielle and Cade, and change before departing for another friend's house.

22st Later PM - So we ventured further north of Austin (I don't know exactly where, so don't ask right now) to Tony's house. A nice neighborhood, as we got out of the vehicles, a few house down, James (who I would meet later) beckoned us over. We never quite left his garage, where a heated game of Beer Pong would ensue throughout the cold night. While I could go on and on about all the crazy things inebrieated people do (or don't...), let's just leave it at a couple of choice keywords: projectile, "That's done", peanut oil, spillage, smoke, Legend, Romo, Jeremy & Spoken for Women, Environmentalists, Tasers (no joke, safetly counts!), and hospitality of friends.

23nd - Left Alton's early, hopped onto MoPac and south to big bro's house. Wasn't nearly as far as I thought and very easy to find. Stayed for few minutes, then departed. Interesting, saw a CSI van down by the park, probably investigating a death of some sorts. Sad nonetheless. Stopped to get a bite at Mickey D's, but had to run back because Nelson forgot his wallet. Made good time and mileage to Waco. Mom was receptive, as was Chris and Tayari. Alex was stone cold out from a wedding and Stacy was with her dad. It was nice cathcing up with them. I don't get to see my mom nearly enough, but when I do , it's always nice. The kids are growing up and seem big and strong. Perhaps most telling in this visit was how receptive all the kids were to each other. Often times, I feel like an outsider looking in when I visit with them. I don't blame them, but this time it felt a bit different, a more warm feeling, just more receptive. Nice. I got to play Rock Band, and OMG! Freakin' awesome. When you have four people just going at it, the fun and hilarity of it all just forms this whole ball of fun that rivals almost anything else out there. If you haven't, get out there and try it. Just once at least. You won't be let down. I don't divulge too much about the visit. It was nice all in all. Memories to stay with me.

24th - Onward to home! Had to leave Nelson in Austin, but always, visiting with him is nice. Long and lonely trip home, but keeping the kids in mind gave me motivation to drive safe to see them. Over 500 miles in four days will tire anyone out, and it took a few days to catch up on it, but it was definitely worth it (braggin rights alone is nice...). Christmas Eve was nice; Dylan made an excellent king and the presents weren't too shabby either. Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and upcoming new year.

Cheers from South TX,

The Mert

The Holidays and All that IT Entails

I'm damn near speechless, but hey, what fun would that be to you right?

It's been hectic few days, but I think in the end it's been worth it. I've been able to touch base with a number of people, many of whom I have seen or spoken with in over a DECADE. Ten years. Wow. More on that in a bit.

Started on the last day of work. Get out early on the 20th. Short nine hole practice (Thanks Cy!). Played decent, but the guys are slowly getting better. That night, mandatory coaches training in S.A. Not bad, but just peeved as the commish in town didn't see fit to call me when it was held locally, less than two miles from my house. Sign in, take an ugly pic, and sit on a hard assed bench for 90 minutes. I did pick up a few pointers, but all in all, I'm still amazed at the things parents do for thier kids.

21st - Off to Grandma's. 135-ish miles through backwoods (not really, but kinda sorta) and small towns. I took my pal Pope's (or is that Frost?) advice and take a different route. That truly made all the difference that day. My mind stayed more alert, I saw things I hadn't seen before, and discovered a new way to Granny's. Good thing is I'll be back that way soon enough. Visit was good. Caught up on things granny's and grandkids catch up on. Lisa and Ron came on down after work and we went to this awesome seafood joint that rocked (The shrimp was better that Schobel's, according to Lisa).

22nd AM - Off to Austin. Another 135-ish miles, stuck on 71N. All good. Passed up Pope on the way it. I ended up meeting an elementary buddy, Kris. Such a nice boy. He'll make you some tea, bring you a blanket, and even tell you what time is it (I had to get that out of the way, boy). He took me to a local joint, Austin Java. Really good eats and coffee. A bit pricey for this small town boy, but the city boy picked up the tab. That's a genorous guy for you! We mainly reminisced about times passed and moments lost, but for the most part, reestablished what has always been a strong friendship with the affirmation that we won't let it degrade to what it was. Worst part of the visit? Seeing a lady crunch an SUV whilest attempting to park her car. That totally sucks. Second best part? Seeing and being demolished by the ever so loving Kimberly. Maybe I'm not as affectionate as I used to be, but she really knows how to hug. Seeing my Denby couterparts was absolutely awesome and they are now permanently part of the Austin Visit Circuit.

22nd PM - This is where the day get's really long. Had a tee time at Riverside Golf Course at 2:00. Pushing it really close, but hey, I figured, can hit 290 and bogey down, no problems. --WRONG-O!!!--- Apparently, I don't know Austin traffic that well. Traffic was jamming at the intersection with procrastinating shoppers at this shopping center and it really held up traffic. I barely missed my tee time (pulled in at 1:58), but Jeremy was really late, so it wasn't my fault anyways :) . Alton was sipping on some pale ale and smiling as I pulled up. Long story short here: I whipped their ass while playing like caca in the 40+ mph winds. Man, it was windy. Did have a bird though. Alton and Jeremy held their own. Had we set up our wagers to begin with, they would have taken the front side. They would have gotten two strokes a hole. I only beat them by 17. Ouch! I still enjoyed it, and I'd like to believe that amongst all the laughing, cussing, lost ball searches, and prodding to play ready golf, they both had an excellent time.

Next entry: What happened that night. Wow, was that a party. And the adventures northward!