This holiday weekend has not been very conducive to the onset of summer and picnics at the lake. I did manage to light the small grill up on Friday night to cook a brat with some baked beans and an ear of corn - which was far from summer ripe. But other than that, the rain has been a bust for both gardening and outdoor eats.
So instead, I have opted to try out some of the great restaurants around town with great results. Let's start with the Smack Shack. What began as a meager food truck is now a swanky place in the Warehouse North Loop. I grabbed a happy hour umbrella in the shade of the city and was not disappointed. There were great beer & food options to choose from, but I had to try the infamous Lobster Rolls they are known for - even at a whopping $17 price tag. I don't think I have ever had such substantial pieces of lobster meat, even when cracking out of a shell myself. This is not little shreds; I had a whole claw staring at me out of the sandwich. The french fries were saved only by the Old Bay seasonings, but the pickle was worthy. I'd be anxious to try more on the menu.
Next up was my new go-to joint of the George & the Dragon down the street tucked away on 50th & Bryant. It is upscale British pub with neighborhood vibe & prices. In the few times I have been there I have always been eagerly pleased. That is when there is no wait for the mere 15 tables. Lunch is the safest bet, but even that was crowded on a holiday weekend. With Morel Mushrooms in season I went with the mushroom burger. Certainly not just a mouthful, but also a handful. It needed no condiments and stood entirely on its own. I always opt for the deep fried green beans, which are delish but far too heavy for my stomach. The truffle batter is a guilty pleasure.
Last, was a Sunday brunch with Jeff at Red Cow. It also has become a favorite with a menu that has plenty of options. The beef is always a feature, but I have had several other twists like Root Beet Pork that surprise at every turn. I took the servers advice and got the Chilaquiles brunch option. A mound of all things Tex-Mex breakfast. Perfect poached eggs in a bayou hollandaise. All on top of incredible marinated pork, hashbrowns and incredible thick home-made tortilla chips. Very filling but managed to down the whole plate. Great offerings on a blustery weekend!
