Trailer park tacos they say. I say damn good lunch, my friends. They opened a new restaurant just off William Cannon.....quite different than the trailers they started in. The food remains tasty. In fact, the Green Chili Pork tacos are addicting. Might be a feeding compound. Probably is the slow roasting of fine southern piggy......they have a Green Chile Queso that actually has chile in it. Why is it that so many places offer Chile con queso and somehow manage to leave out the Chile? If I wanted melted velveeta, I would through a brick of it into the microwave and save the drive. The Republican is a taco composed of grilled galapeno sausage. I wouldn't call this health food, but soul food it is. If chicken is your thing, then order up the Brush Fire taco. They spoon some Diablo sauce over it, and the grilling of the chicken is spot on. Side notes: the tacos are big. In fact one of theirs equals two of most everyone else.....Order a trio and share with someone.

The menu, if you need it: Torchy's Taco Menu

 

 

My third sandwich from this charming bakery in Dripping Springs made me want to move there. Now mind you I haven't.....but it takes quite a sandwich to make you think this way. Let me tell you about this Sandwich. It is called the Chicken Tango. I had mine on a Ciabatta....it is loaded with fresh roasted chicken, homemade mayo, tomatoes, texas pecans and cilantro. I encountered fresh apples and mustard as well. Each bite varies and all are simply joyous. The roasted chicken meshes with the pecans and cilantro so simply and so perfectly. It is odd to be so weepy about a sandwich, but I am. In fact, I usually despise those sandwichs that make  savory and sweet things comingle. It just seems wrong.....until you taste this Chicken Tango Sandwich. You can find these good people and their great food at 333 Highway 290 West in the heart of Dripping Springs. And, if you see a man sitting on the patio adoring a Chicken Tango sandwich, it's probably me......

If you need more info, here it is: Thyme and Dough

 

Home Slice Pizza: Queen of Pies. New York Slices in Austin? Yes, and bear in mind that my genetics are strongly influenced by Napoli so I am rabidly opinionated regarding pizza of any type.....that  being said, pay 'em a visit. You can buy a slice or a pie. A slice is one of my favorite fast lunches in the city. Period. The wait can be long, if you want to sit down for dinner, but it is worth it. When you stop in try a white pie with spinach. It is spectacular and simple. The crust is succulent and crisp and I dare say perfect. The white pie is a gathering of garlic, olive oil, ricotta and mozzarella: not even a hint of red sauce. There is a bit of spinach to add some vitamins to your pie.....here is a menu for your edification HomeSliceMenuApril2010.pdf

Though I just ran on about a white pie, the slice I indulge in, most often, is the mushroom and peperoni. This is a staple and it is executed with perfection every time.....when you seek pizza go see these good people. 1415 Congress. Open Daily.

 

There is something perfectly primal about walking past an open pit barbeque. The wood fire is low and a gentle smoke urges hundreds of pounds of beef, ribs, chicken and sausage to flavorful perfection. I have been to the Salt Lick many, many times as it is just a few minutes away from my home. I want to share a special day with all of you and that would be Sundays at the Salt Lick. You see, they bring out the ribs, not pork ribs mind you, but the beef ribs. And they are a succulent masterpiece. The massive ribs are perfectly smoked and tender beyond description. They have one sauce that has been hopped up with Habanero peppers and I find it to be a perfect match, though the ribs can stand on their own. And friends, it is my belief that they are the best ribs anywhere in America and that is saying something. If you need more info here is a link to their website: The Salt Lick BBQ 

 

I love Thai food and one of my favorites is Madam Mams on Westgate. Needless to say, I was thrilled to try a new Thai place and it is great. You might have concern that Coat and Thai is housed in a trailer: I say set aside your bias and come try it out! They cook everything to order, so your food comes out hot and perfectly seasoned. There is no troublesome MSG and more importantly it is delicious. If you like a bit of heat, I highly recommend the Green Curry Fried Rice. This dish is a fantastic combination of Green curry, fresh green beans, chicken and rice. This place is definetly worth a try: this is my favorite trailer in the area! A menu if you need it: Coat and Thai Menu