Back in November I saw Milo Local Provisions, one of the local food trucks, make a mention of their next Farm to Market dinner, I purchased a ticket and awaited information. Not knowing exactly how their system worked, notifying you of the location the day prior, I had a little unease but upon arrival it all melted away into a carefree environment that was one of new friends and many conversations.
The feature of the menu for the night was of course local food from local farms, but in particular a whole pig smoked over a fire the entire day. Most of the ingredients for the day had come within a few miles of the site, and the pig from within easy walking distance. The meal was held outside in near perfect weather after the rains had given way to some warmer weather and inviting fall evening. The Milo Local Provisions staff prepared a rustic, simple ingredients but full flavored meal, paired with Balcones Distillery offerings that made for a very memorable night. The cinnamon roll ice cream with the dinner was from Heritage Creamery @ Common Grounds. If you want to have a special night out with a loved one or just treat yourself, a Milo Farm to Table Dinner is highly recommended.
Now for many the dinners may be out of reach or not of interest, you are not to be left out. Milo has regular locations with 2 trailers offering a more regular menu with their biscuits and sandwiches. Let me tell you if you don't already know, a biscuit is not just for breakfast! Their menu may change a little based on what's available seasonally, but their general concept is a sandwich on either a wonderful freshly made biscuit bun, or a brioche bun pairs with locally sourced meats, eggs, veggies, roots, nuts, proteins, etc and a masterly crafted sandwich as the end result. I've not yet tried their full menu and not sure I will ever make it that far, I find myself returning for the Sicem On a Chicken. The Sicem on a Chicken is a sweet tea fried chicken with a scrambled egg, and it is divine. You can keep it simple and get biscuits and gravy, or step it up to burgers, roasted pork, go classic breakfast with a sausage or bacon and egg biscuit, whatever you do you owe it to yourself to go to a Milo truck and have a great meal today.
Milo Local Provisions has trailers behind Common Grounds coffee shop near Baylor on 8th St, and at the Magnolia Silos food truck area at 6th and Webster; they offer slightly different menus with the Magnolia Silos location having more options. They are a frequent vendor at the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturdays with a limited menu.
We've already been talking about a southern staple with biscuits, so let's continue with some sassy southern cuisine at Sascee's in downtown Waco. Last Sunday I wanted something new and different, I'd seen a friend recommend Sascee's earlier in the week and knew this is what I wanted for lunch. I got there at 12:30 only to discover they don't open till 1pm. I informed them of a bit of conflicting info on their Facebook and website. Not to let the long wait set me back or influence my thoughts, I was welcomed in a few minutes early and seated while they finished prep to open. The food was worth the wait, served in a cafeteria style their daily menu changes but on this Sunday I had options of:
Smothered Baked Chicken
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Candied Yams
Dressing
Mashed Potatoes
Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Mac and Cheese
I tried to sample a little of each but ran out of room on the plate and missed the last item and forgot to write it down, I'm still getting the hang of this reviewing and writing thing it seems. With all the food I found myself seeking no additional seasoning, even my ready standby Tabasco was of no need, the food was not overly seasoned; it was just right. The chicken was falling off the bone, the stuffed bell pepper had subtle hints of spice that really made it stand out, not just some meat stuffed in a pepper, but a true complimentary flavor and complete dish. All the sides were practically like my mother had made them, the cornbread brought to the table had a hint of sweetness and was not overly dry like I find so many places. I completed the meal with their Banana Pudding which was very light, sweet, and creamy, not overly heavy or loaded up with a heavy vanilla pudding that overwhelms the banana and crispness of the wafers. Sunday's at Sascee's are quite a bit more expensive than weekdays. Pricing at lunch is for the cafeteria style food, then add in drinks and any dessert. I found it worth the price, but the weekdays are quite a bit cheaper. I will return to Sascee's soon and maybe even make it a more regular stop when I am near downtown on weekdays a they rotate in some great sounding more rare items like ox tails, pot roasts, stewed okra, collard greens, and neck bones.
I dined twice at this location when it was known as Al Miraj, and that was more than enough back then. I am in awe of the cleanliness and brightness of the dining at Sascee's after seeing it in the previous state as a restaurant, Sascee's has done things right with their friendly and attentive service and great comfort food!
