Alejandra's Restaurant, Balinger

On my way to Abilene, I've passed through Ballinger. It's a cute town with a courthouse and a downtown. Well actually, "downtown" is the only part of town in Ballinger. There's some quaint looking restaurants that I've seen and I've been dying to stop but work or the time of day has always prevented me. But today was my lucky day! I drove through Ballinger around 7:30pm. I drove down the strip to look at my prospects more closely. There was a restaurant that was packed with cars in its parking lot and on both sides of the street. It was labeled as a mexican/american restaurant. Eh, for once, I was looking for something other than Mexican. I drove past the courthouse to the next block. The café on the corner that was my first pick was closed for lunch. There was another restaurant across the street but it only had five cars at it. It paled in comparison to the Mexican restaurant. I turned around; I figured the residents of Ballinger wouldn't lead me wrong. Boy, was I ever right!

After looking over the extensive menu with options like Mexican Caviar, chicken with grilled onions and queso, stuffed bell peppers, KC steak, chicken fried steak and chicken fried bacon in addition to the traditional Mexican fare, I decided on Steak a la Mexicana. "Steak bits with grilled onions, jalapenos and tomatoes. with a cheese enchilada, guacamole, rice and beans. $10.99" Sounded right up my alley, except for the price tag. After numerous occurrences of being nickled and dimed to death, I couldn't help but notice there were no tortillas on the agenda and I was worried if I would get my money's worth. I placed my order with the waitress, who then asked how I would like my steak cooked. I thought this was an odd questions from a mexican food restaurant but I told her anyways, Medium Rare. Yeah right, I thought to myself, because medium rare NEVER happens for me.

My food came out fairly promptly AND with an order of tortillas (YES!). My first bite was heaven. There it was a medium rare steak chopped into small bite size chunks with grilled onions, jalapenos and tomatoes. Exactly as described. I have never had a steak cooked so properly and seasoned so well. This was enough for two meals. I wish I could say I finished it all but I took over half of the meat home, enough to make two tacos worth later. I talked with the hostess as I was checking out. I told her I had never had a better steak anywhere in Texas and she proceeds to tell me that the cook was the chef at one of the leading steak houses in Abilene or San Angelo (I can't remember which, don't hate me!) and he was tired of the big city so he moved out here.

I would recommend this place to anyone. It's got wonderful atmosphere with old Texas relics on the brick wall inside. Stop in the next time you're in Ballinger, you won't regret it. I might have to go back and just try a steak!

Threadgill's, Austin, TX

Testifying before a House committee at the Capitol can really work up an appetite. After we were done, we decided to hit up local eats in Austin. Threadgill's boasts home cooking and I was bound to determine if that was true. When you walk in, the atmosphere is awesome. Gingham tablecloths, crock condiment holders and music posters plastered all over the walls makes you feel like your at a cross between your favorite country bar and your grandma's house. They have chalkboards on every wall listing a blue plate special, veggie of the day, soup of the day and dessert of the day. (Which I have to say, I LOVE a restaurant that can change their menu every day. It shows versatility, creativity and it is not your stock chain place.)



We started with fried green tomatoes because I mean, how can you NOT order fried green tomatoes when they are available? I was shocked to learn that out of myself, my aunt and my uncle, I was the only one who had ever had fried green tomatoes. So for the record, it is NOT just a movie, bt a pretty scrumptous dish. Green tomatoes are a little tangy and firmer than ripe tomatoes. Served along with a spicy ranch, they are delish!

Did I mention that they give you complimentary cornbread and yeast rolls? The cornbread is more traditional muffin style that pan cornbread. It is a little sweeter and has whole kernels of corn in it. But awesome nonetheless.



Now what every southern gal wants, Chicken Friend Steak! This was an above average chicken fried steak. Now by NO means does this mean it was bad, but a girl has certain needs and wants. I like a tender steak, crispy batter, thick cream white gravy are all a must. This CFS had two out of the three. The steak was so tender I could a fork to cut it and the batter was light and crispy. The gravy was, well different. I prefer gravy that I can eat with a fork. Threadgill's was thinner and had a sweeter taste to it. Perhaps they made it from ham dripping instead of bacon because there wasn't that smoky flavor to it. Would I eat it again? Heck yes. The sides are just like your grandma would make. They have an extensive listing of sides which all sounded too good. I finally decided on San Antonio squash and cheesy garlic grits, as you can see in the background. San Antonio squash was just another name for cheesy squash. It could have been sliced a little thinner, but the flavor was good. The cheesy garlic grits was tasty, not too much garlic, but plenty of cheese.



My aunt had grilled chicken with spinach and asparagus. It was average. The chicken was moist but not a lot of bold flavors. My uncle had the pecan crusted chicken and HOLY COW! this was good. I think I would have traded my CFS for his chicken. The chicken was so thin and the batter was not too thick. It was placed on a bed of creamy pecan gravy. I would highly recommend this dish to anyone; even if you don't like pecans, try it, it doesn't taste like it. It just has a subtly sweet taste and amazing texture.

Overall: 4/5

Eating at Threadgill's is an experience. We had a wonderful and attentive waiter with great food. The eclectic crowd that eats here is what defines Austin. So yes, I'm picky, but it was still good. I would eat here again in two heartbeats.

Honey B Ham, Conroe, TX

...or Honey Bee Ham, I'm really not sure which is correct. I drove by this place with a banner that proclaimed the "Best Burgers in Montgomery County." Always the one looking for a good cheeseburger, I had to stop and give it a try. I was highly skeptical however, I mean after all, there were a deli, not a hamburger place. It was a small place in a shopping center, both lined the sides and tables in the middle, but the place was packed! I order their standard hamburger, but there are so many choices! Your choice of cheese and your choice of homemade bread. I opted for American cheese and jalepeno bread. I tend to stick to the ideology of the Texas Burger Guy except for the fact that I don't need the "herd killer" aspect of a burger. I do enjoy a moist (not greasy) burger that when the juices from the properly seasoned patty mingle with the mayonnaise it forms an exlir from heaven. This burger in Conroe was pretty dang close. The homemade bun was killer. It rivaled Tiki Bar in Crystal Beach, one that I could eat every stinkin day. There wasn't much kick from the jalepenos but it was slighty sweet, toasted on the inside but soft and chewy outside. The burger was well seasoned and not over-cooked. Served with seasoned fries, this burger was a steal. Definitely under $10 and SO filling. I give it 4.5 stars only because the decor/atmosphere left something to be desired. If it had been in a rustic burger joint, it would have been 5 stars all around.

Pie in the Sky, Part II

Okay, so I HAD to go back since I was in Conroe. This time I had their savory pie of the day, which had: zuchinni, squash, tomatoes, onions, fresh spinach, cilantro, bread, ham, bacon and eggs and I'm not sure what else, all baked in a pie shell. Then they broiled a sliced tomato and cheese on top. It was so tasty. I remembered to take a picture of it as I was almost done. It was SOOO tall and very filling. They served it along with your choice of soup for $7.95.



I had to skip dessert this time because I was so full. But there's always next time. (This place is actually what inspired me to make my chocolate chip pie again.) =)

Pie in the Sky, Conroe, TX

I don't think I have given out five stars yet in my reviewing restaurants, but *DING DING DING* we have a winner. Holy cow this place is awesome. I have no idea what kind of building it used to be, but the Pie in the Sky people have transformed it in to a cute, quaint little cafe. It's got bold bright green, blues and oranges on the walls, complete with rustic doors lining the ceiling. EVERYONE feels comfortable here. There's a group of ladies spliting a pie at the table next to me, across the room are two men car salesman. No one is unwelcome here. Every dish that comes out of the kitchen looks spectacular, including the sweet potato fries. I instead opted to have their strawberry spinach salad and let me tell you. They don't play around. Served in a tall glass bowl, this was packed full with spinach and FRESH strawberries. The dressing wasn't too heavy or too sweet. Then, the killer, Mississippi Mud pie. Whoa man. It came out on a plate, warmed, drizzled with chocolate and caramel syrup, dotted with chocolate chips and pecans and huge scoop of ice cream AND whip cream. I think I'm gaining pounds just by looking at it. One bite and it's heaven. I'm not comparing, but it's better than a certain piece of "Heaven" in the Bryan/College Station area pie. I would HIGHLY recommend this place!


Bueno: EVERYTHING, even the wait staff
Cons: You have to leave/
Rating: 5/5

New York Deli II

I'm in the Rio Grande Valley this week which means...sandwiches? You would think being a hop, skip, and a jump, I would be engorging myself on Mexican food. However, last time I was down this way, I was less than impressed with the "Mexican" food. You see, apparently "real" Mexican food and Tex-Mex are waaaaaaaaaay different. I have found that I am a Tex-Mex gal. Real authentic Mexican food is too bland for my personal palate. Nothing seemed to quench my mexican food craving last time, so this time I'm carefully researching it. In the mean time, I hit a relatively new place to town called New York Deli II. Apparently, they did so well in a neighboring town, they opened up one in Harlingen, so it HAD to be good, right? RIGHT! I ordered a traditional corned beef Reuben. There was cheese on both sides of bread and a hearty amount of sauerkraut, something which most places just sprinkles on. With homemade Russian dressing! It was so good, and apparently so popular, that it comes in a bottle, like ketchup would. You also get your choice of potato salad, coleslaw or bagged potato chips. I went for the coleslaw after questioning the waitress about it's creamy-ness or vinegary-ness. She said she totally understood my concern, she's had that question before but the best answer she could give was that it's both.[I was glad to know I wasn't the first to ask!] So I decided to give it a try and was glad I did! The cabbage was finely shredded, like almost to the likes of sprouts, I mean that thin. It was crazy and I couldn't figure it out. But true to her word, the coleslaw was creamy with just the right hint of sweet and vinegar. I would recommend this place without hesitation. The only cons was that it's a small place, about 25 tables and it gets PACKED and LOUD during traditional lunch hours. So come early or late, or be prepared to scout out a table. I wish I had some pictures or they even had a website, but I was ill prepared, but trust me, this is a keeper!

Pros: Awesome sandwiches with quality meats and cheese, prompt waitress
Cons: Can be packed and loud at times
Will I Return?: HECK YES!
Rating: 5/5

BY THE WAY, if you happen to find yourself in Harlingen and at New York Deli II, make sure to grab a bag of cookies at the counter. They were from a local place that just had a tag that said "Dulce Vida." They looked like a cookie I remember devouring by the dozen in my past, although my old age prevents me from remembering where I got them. I just had to buy a bag, even though it was $4/dz. However, they were SOO delicious I am thinking of calling the number on the back to get some more before I have to leave town. They were two versions, one with powdered sugar and one with cinnamon and sugar. I opted for cinnamon sugar and they were absolutely fab. They just dissolve in your mouth to the texture of sand [I know it's a horrible analogy but the best way I could think to describe it.] DEFINITELY buy yourself a bag!