Pecan Lodge is certain to give you the meat sweats

It was overcast, windy, and threatening rain when the soccer game finished, and we went in search of some 'cue. TheKiddo and I wondered aloud if the line at Pecan Lodge would already be out the door at 11:15. We had considered visiting many times, and hadn't yet because our Saturdays are typically packed with back-to-back activities which makes the usual line we've seen a concern about our schedule issue. 

After a bit of a discussion we decided we'd head that way to find out, and it really wasn't all that cold anyway.

We rolled slowly past on Main and were glad to see there was no outside line. As soon as we hopped out of the car, we were thrilled. The aroma of smoke smothered us from half a block away. 

"Good decision," said TheKiddo as she took my hand to cross the street. 

The line was to the door when we entered, and the folks behind us were the first ones out the door. So we'd arrived at an ideal moment. 

The line lasted about half an hour, which was plenty of time for us to watch people, scout out tables we hoped would be open, and decide on our lunch. We settled on splitting a three meat platter - brisket, ribs, and sausage - with a sides of mac & cheese, fried okra, and rolls.

The food was heaped onto the tray in a gloriously gluttonous display. We actually started giggling. Almost immediately, we shut up with reverence as we tucked into the divine.

The brisket was smoked-meat perfection. A crusty exterior, with plenty of spice that was wrapped around tender, moist, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. We originally thought we'd have some left over to save for later. The foolishness of that concept was quickly apparent.

We were cramming it into our faces with both hands along with huge scoops of the bacon mac & cheese. 

While barbecue joints aren't typically known for their sides, I'd be tempted to roll into Pecan Lodge just to snag some of this. We all know this isn't probable. I'm unable to enter such an establishment and leave without smoked meat. It just doesn't happen. 

Like the brisket and mac & cheese, the sausage was simply sublime, and we've vowed to try the jalapeno variety on our next visit. 

The only disappointment, and frankly it's a matter of context, was the ribs. They had wonderful flavor and a delightful crust similar to the brisket. They just didn't fall off the bone, and match the tenderness of the brisket.

After devouring everything we could manage, which was almost everything on our platter, we sat for a few moments sipping tea and telling jokes. 

After several minutes, TheKiddo looked at me and said, "Daddy. I've got the meat sweats." Then she pushed out her chair, stood up, and started for the door.

There isn't a stronger endorsement for barbecue than that. We'll be back, and we'll be back often.

Deep Ellum Dining: Pepes & Mitos Mexican Café

Pepes & Mitos is unquestionably my favorite tex-mex restaurant in Dallas. Even if it is another one of my Deep Ellum staples that was discovered by the frosted-spiked-dbag coifed fellow on Food Network. So far, it hasn't made it hard to get a table. And that's a good thing since we've been known to wander over just because we were craving chips, salsa and beer.

Their chips are usually freshly warm and crispy. The accompanying salsa is delightfully delicious with just enough heat to get your attention.

I tend to have the Tacos Al Pastor (pork, not chicken) on every visit. I cannot help myself. They're too tasty to ignore.

The Tacos Norteños are delicious, too.

Frankly, it's impossible not to enjoy the food here.

Deep Ellum dining: Baker's Ribs

My favorite barbecue joint has a new location, and a few new wrinkles. The smoked meats, however, remain heavenly.

If you've never heard me extol the virtues of this den of divine smoke, a brief overview is in order.

I've eaten 'cue from all over the U.S. and Baker's Ribs is my favorite—hands down. It's consistently delicious and very reasonably priced. I typically head for brisket and ribs, though all their meats have been wonderful.

The brisket always has a nice crunchy exterior and the smoky, moist, melt-in-your mouth meat that dwells beneath is heavenly.

For me, however, the brisket pales in glorious comparison to the ribs. One bite and I was hooked. Like the brisket, the smoky exterior contained juicy, falling-off-the-bone-tender meat that is the perfect combination of smoke and seasoning.

The sauce, if you choose to use it, is a delightful compliment to the seasoning on the meat and provides just a slight tang rather than overwhelming you with sweetness the way so many sauces do.

As for sides, well one doesn't normally choose a barbecue joint for the sides. That being said, you must try the potato salad. And be sure to grab some bread from the counter top as you pass through. The addition of french fries to the menu after the move was a great choice, and they were delicious. They had a nice, crispy exterior, with plenty of seasoning. 

I admit, I was skeptical when I learned that Baker's would be moving. I worried that the magic would remain in the old location. Sure, my fears were somewhat abated after learning that the pits and the people would all be making the transition from one location to the next. 

After visiting the new location, I realize I had nothing at all to worry about. In fact, TheKiddo™ and I may visit even more often just to sit on the rooftop and watch the city as we dine.

We've enjoyed the fried pies since they were introduced to the menu—particularly the pecan. 

Now, we a whole new spectrum of food goodness opening to us. I severely doubt that I'll swap smoked-meat goodness for a savory pie; however, there is something appealing about the breakfast offering.

Suddenly, I'm craving. I know where I'll be later this week. See you there.

Dining in DFW: Royal Wok

TheBetterHalf® TheKiddo™ and I have been dining at the Royal Wok on occasion for a couple of years now. And each time we go I wonder, "Why don't we eat here more often"? I never have a good answer.

The staff is wonderful. The atmosphere relaxing and comfortable (despite the fact that from the outside you're truly expecting a dive upon arrival). And the food is consistently delicious.

During our latest visit to this temple of Korean-Chinese cuisine, we happened to be there for a late lunch/early supper. That meant we had arrived to enjoy the luncheon menu. We'd always been for dinner previously, so didn't immediately realize what a budget friendly treat we had discovered.

Most of the dishes are priced just under $6. Which is about the cost of a fat-laden value meal at any of the fast food chains you can think of. I decided to try the Hunan Been. Started off with some tasty wonton soup. Even TheKiddo™ enjoyed it. Will have to get her a bowl of her own next time. (I don't mind sharing, but one wasn't enough for the two of us.)

The Hunan Beef was deliciously spicy without being overpowering.  The eggroll was very crispy and delicious. And, as always, the chinese bun was a delight. TheKiddo™ devoured her chicken lo mein, as TheBetterHalf® practically licked her plate clean.

How good was it? We almost returned the very next day to try some other dishes. Might even work up the courage to try some of the Korean fare.