BrookLEn in Texas: The Salt Lick

Leaving Austin, we headed into Texas Hill Country, and onto one of the more famous (and infamous) Bar-B-Q ranches in Texas, The Salt Lick. It had been a while since I had last visited, and every time I almost miss the turnoff. Even though The Salt Lick has become a much bigger production—online ordering, BBQ tours, etc.— the original stone barn and wood smoker feel revived from a different century.

Gluttony is the word, with an all-you-can-eat selection of ribs, brisket, and the indelible sausages. Athough I enjoyed it all, I still feel partial to the sausages, with their thin, mustard-y mop. Mrs. LBT opted for the leaner smoked turkey plate, which was (not surprisingly) also delicious. It's hard to do anything but waddle out of there when you leave, and any time spent staring at the pit might leave you considering vegetarianism.

The good folks there let me come into the kitchen for these pictures. I must give credit to a truly friendly staff and service at the Salt Lick, which will make you want to stay until they roll you away.


The Salt Lick
18001 FM 1826
Driftwood, Texas 78619

BrookLEn in Texas: Flip Happy Crepes

Trailer is the new gourmet vehicle in Austin. As we cruised the city, we noticed gorgeous silver-streamlined trailers selling treats like snow cones and cupcakes. We had been recommended a crepe trailer near Barton Springs called Flip Happy Crepes.
Even on a weekday, there was a surge of people waiting for this lunchtime-only eatery. Most of the menu leaned towards the savory, so we obliged.
Mrs. LBT tried the chicken and mushrooms, and I went for a more traditional ham and gruyere with a mornay sauce. Exceptional does not do these crepes justice. They were criminal, stolen from Paris, and smuggled like squealing pigs to this empty lot, to be slaughtered for the Texans. Amazingly light but still rich, I would go back again in a heartbeat.

Flip Happy Crepes
400 Jessie St
Austin, TX 78704

BrookLEn in Texas: South Congress Cafe

Me and Mrs. LBT headed down to Texas for a big ol' Memorial Day roadtrip. We arrived in Austin around noon on a weekday, and in our delirious and famished state, we tripped on over to South Congress Cafe. This is fancier that most Austin natives usually eat, but there was no lack of Texan love in the food. We started with a homemade salsa & chip sampler with a touch of guacamole. Even though the heat levels started at mild, I think it was a higher Scoville count than we expected. The crab cakes were the house specialty, and delivered as promised, with a great cornmeal crust. We even got a healthy seared tuna salad.
I'll be posting more reports soon from Austin and many points west, including Marfa, Marathon, and the Salt Lick!