It was going to be quick but we had so much to do. So much to eat. So much to drink. Although there were a few places that definitely needed a re-dough, I mean a re-do, headed back to Austin, Texas for Spring Break this year was a little bit of a bucket-lister. Topping the list was Franklin Barbecue. I had heard enough. Lines be damned, it had to be done. And so it began...
First off, the re-do(ish). K and I had to go back to Gordoughs. The Granny's Pie (Cream Cheese icing, Caramel, Pecans, Bananas, and Graham Crackers) and a second sampling of the Ring of Fire ( Chipotle infused chocolate batter, Chocolate sauce, Brownie bits, Salted Caramel Sauce, Cayenne Candied Pecans) were all we needed to remind us that maybe a certain pink box organization in PDX could up their game a bit. Plus the drinks available at this Public House are over the top. Infused tequilas and vodkas, mason jars, splashes of St. Germain and the like. You get the picture.
Wednesday morning opened the quest. Is it a myth? Just a giant pile of hipster driven hype? A good thing taken to the limits by amazing marketing? We were here to find out and so at 9:00 am, a good two hours before they even open the doors, we headed downtown towards Franklin Barbecue. It is almost synonymous with Austin eating and so we braved forth. Empty handed. Hearing that some smarter folk bring chairs and games and coolers of provisions, we still were not sure what really to expect. Many of the reviews and articles I had been reading were over two years old. Was it still the experience being touted across the internet? I know I had been kicking myself all winter for not attending the PDX Feast which included the Tillamook Brunch Village that featured Franklins.
But we were here, now, our time had come. When we arrived approximately 9:15, we found about 35 people in line. We felt fortunate. SXSW was the previous week and we were here mid-week. No line wrapping around the building yet meant we may be walking in shortly after opening at 11 right? Don't hold your breath. The sweetest young lady came out to us to get a "pre-order". Simply feeling out the situation regarding how much brisket and other assorted goodies we wanted and gauge how soon she was going to cut off the line. She very graciously let us know we would probably eating around 12:15. What?! That was almost 3 hours away. Maybe she was being safe and expanding the time so we wouldn't grumble if she under-evaluated. Let me just tell you now she had it Right. On. The. Money. We had our food and found a lovely table inside at 12:15. Franklin magic. And it was. I'm telling you right here and now, it was worth a 3 hour wait for the brisket. And I would do it again. The restaurant has a small corral for rag-tag, take 'em and leave 'em chairs under the stairs so if you're early enough and didn't have the forethought to bring your own, all is not lost. There is also a CVS right around the corner to purchase "fortification" if you so need but around 10, a server from the restaurant comes out again to check on how y'all are doing and offer you beverages for a small fee. I, of course, went for a Shiner (when in Texas as the saying goes...)
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| Growing line...yikes. |
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| Smoke rising from Heaven |
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| Franklin hospitality. Thank you. |
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| Almost there... |
Getting the job done. 
At this point, I may be tearing up a little. 
We over-ordered. There were five of us and we ordered enough meat for 10. We were going to walk out of there with the meat sweats or die trying. This particular plate held a lb of Brisket, a lb of Sausage and 1/2 lb of Pulled Pork. We unfortunately did not order the turkey but I will next time. I probably will not order the sausage. It was good, but I've had better and so will not want to waste digestion energy. I wish I was better with BBQ words. I wish I could wax on about the "bark" and how it was crispy meat candy (it was). How the savory mixed with the sweet and married the heat and there was no need for a sauce ( there wasn't). Words like succulent, moist, melting, tender all leap to mind. Where are my words?! I can only tell you I would do it again. I would wait 3 hours to eat more meat in one sitting than I should in a week. Thank you, Mr. Franklin ( he was there but I didn't want to post his picture w/o actually meeting him and getting permission)
I know you may be thinking "that's enough food for the day" but no. No. We needed to head into Houston to our hotel so we could rise bright and early and hit as many Museums on Free Museum day as possible. Going to Houston meant there were different restaurants to try out. We headed to the Hobbit Cafe. Haven of Tolken paraphernalia and Guacamole goodness. The curried chicken is so thick on my sandwich I cannot pick it up. This is a good thing and I am in love. I am also in love with my sweet potato french fries and my Leprechaun Hard Cider. 
The service here is fair. I don't think they were prepared for the number of patrons they were receiving and they were audibly complaining about how tired and busy they were but our server was pleasant at our table and so there's a plus. We ate outside on the patio which has a fun atmosphere, busy and colorful with special details that most fans of Tolkien would well appreciate. Parking situation for this place and the surrounding restaurants sucks. Simply being honest here. You'd do better to take a cab.
Thursday morning, we woke to pouring rain that threatened to damper a day of walking round so we delayed the walk and headed to La Guadalupana Cafe for amazing coffee. Cinnamon delicious. Not overbearing simply well, perfect. The delightful owner made us feel as if he had known us for years and after a wait for our breakfast tacos, machaca and tortas he brought us out a Tres Leches that was delightful. If I lived in the Montrose area of Houston, I would be here every week.
After we had finished with the museums and parks which were all amazing and lovely and a little overwhelming, we went to Tampico Seafood and Cocina. Had a very delicious and generously portioned Ceviche. The fish here was fresh and delicious. 
Headed back through San Francisco's Terminal 2 ( Thank you Virgin America!) Had a quick dinner at Cat Cora's Kitchen. The Lobster Mac and Cheese? Yes please! Creamy, delightful deliciousness.
The grilled Chili-Lime Flank Steak tacos were some of the tastiest most tender tacos we've ever enjoyed. Love this little layover. And so our Moveable Feast moves on. Heres to traveling on your stomach ;)
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