Tales from a Mid-Lifer

While my family all enjoy tacos – whatever version those might be up here in the northeast – I honestly don’t like them. They eat enchiladas, burritos and versions of tacos, while I push around some rice bowl thing I’ve ordered.

Enter Velvet Taco whenever I’m in Texas. Apparently, this is a chain across several states, so native-Texans and more traditional Mexican taco eaters may snub their nose regarding its authenticity. No matter for this gal, I love their veggie mediterranean mushroom and I have never claimed to remotely enjoy a taco. 

We’ve eaten Velvet Taco most often in Dallas and Waco (1.30 hours distance apart), both delicious but a very different environment between the big city and central Texas Waco.

My Dallas-daughter who lived in the city all of last year also turned us onto Torchy’s Tacos. A yummy second to Velvet.

For the native Texans at this point in the post feeling sorry for me that I’ve yet to mention a more authentic taco place, rest assured I have also sampled my youngest’s favorite place in Waco named Fuego. Her roommate was working for Baylor at the time, and Fuego was a big hit among the college kids – and the still-broke, just-graduated girls!

Rudy’s Real Texas Bar-B-Q is a beloved favorite, particularly in Central Texas. Though there are several locations, they mostly hover in the great state. This is one Texas food I rather enjoy! My family cringes as I order meat on a plate with no sauce, but it’s my favorite way to eat brisket and traditional pulled pork, along with lots of salt.

For dessert? Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. Yep, another chain but when you live in central Texas as my youngest daughter has for a few years, you’re super thankful for any culinary experience beyond the revered BBQ (which comes next). Between her living briefly in Waco, Temple and Killeen, this is major flatland, somewhat rural, and the food and dessert choices on every delicious corner in New York are painfully scarce in her location. We’re ok with supporting the chains.

That leads me to another fun place we have visited for BBQ: Schoepf’s. This felt by far the most genuine small town, rustic food experience I’ve enjoyed so far. The place was a hub for families and teenagers the night we were there, located in the town of Belton. We walked around outside after dinner, enjoying the quaint community.

Millers Smokehouse also in Belton, Texas was very good and we have visited there a couple of times and enjoyed it!

We have been to a handful of Austin and Dallas restaurants, but all dining experiences were more upscale and less down-home.

Again, for the native Texans (which now include several in-laws), I acknowledge having much to learn and experience when it comes to authentic Texas cuisine.

Magnolia by Chip and Joanna Gaines breathed new life into the town of Waco and offer some delicious food on site, but particularly at Magnolia Table, which is their restaurant close by. I’ll share those visits and food during a future post.

Have a terrific Tuesday!