This spring break, I really worked on my Cabo bod… by going to Texas and eating everything in sight. Let’s be real, would you rather enjoy good food and be happy or deprive yourself and be miserable? We all know what I chose. I brought back a few insights on my discoveries for all you curious country folk.
1. Sides are necessary (and highly recommended)
Photo by Megan Clarkson
When I go to a restaurant in California, it’s extremely rare that I buy an extra side to go with my meal. However, my first Texas restaurant in Fort Worth, Woodshed, taught me something new. When at a BBQ restaurant, always, I repeat always, go for the extra sides. Whether it’s baked potatoes, corn on the cob, chips and hummus, or guac dip, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Texas BBQ food is not a myth
Photo by Megan Clarkson
When planning my trip to Texas, all I could think about was the hype over Texas BBQ. Lemme tell you, believe the hype. I could eat this BBQ sandwich from Woodshed for all of eternity. Note the five sides in the background. Wasn’t lying about that.
3. Even breakfast can be fried
Photo by Megan Clarkson
We all know Texas is known for their fried food, so when I ordered the “Ricotta Fritters with Carmel Apple Sauce” from Brewed in Fort Worth, I shouldn’t have been surprised when ‘fritters‘ turned out to be some sort of fried breakfast food. When in Texas, expect the unexpected. And by unexpected, I mean fried food.
4. Tex Mex? More like ice cream in a taco-shaped waffle cone
Photo by Megan Clarkson
I won’t lie, I went to some Texas Mexican restaurants that were just as bomb as San Diego Mexican food straight from Old Town. Soon after I deemed this whole “Tex Mex” thing a lie, I experienced Taco Tuesday at Melt Ice Cream in Fort Worth. This was not your average Taco Tuesday consisting of meat filled tacos and margaritas.
What I held in my hand was pretty magical… a taco-shaped waffle cone filled with home-made ice cream. I’m talking one scoop of Black Forest (dark chocolate cake and meringue, plus organic black cherry jam) and one scoop of Lucky Brew (Irish whiskey cream and chocolate stout ganache). How does that not sound like the best Taco Tuesday ever?
5. Dessert can be healthy
Photo by Megan Clarkson
I thought I could do five days of Texas food, but I was soon feeling like Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory rolling down the street. Naturally, this wasn’t enough to stop me from eating dessert. These popsicles from Steel City Pops in Fort Worth are made in the store from all-natural ingredients. We got strawberry lemonade, raspberry lemon, and mango… although my indulgent self almost went for the cookie popsicle dipped in chocolate.
6. Burgers are everywhere
Photo by Megan Clarkson
I think in the 5 days I was in Texas I had 4 burgers. Within 3 days. Not to say they weren’t all delicious, because they definitely were. This chicken burger from The Rustic in Dallas was only one of the many burgers I had. From pulled pork, to regular beef patties, to chicken…I ate it all. Needless to say, I haven’t eaten a burger since. I definitely came, saw, and conquered.
7. By bigger, I don’t just mean the food
Photo by Megan Clarkson
Something you don’t see often see in California is a huge, outdoor restaurant. Woodshed and The Rustic both had very fun outdoor areas with picnic tables, live music, and beautiful views. Instead of just racing in for some delicious food, like I usually do, Texas is all about enjoying the company you’re with and the great outdoors.