My boots crunched in the gravel parking lot, the cool October breeze blew across my face, carrying the aroma of steaks on the grill and I knew I was home.
I love Texas. Perhaps one of these days I'll live outside of this state again, but I'll never stop wanting to be here.
Few places, if any, embody Texas like the steakhouse in Bellmead called Lone Star Tavern. It's not just because the beer signs on the wall take the shape of our state. It's a little bit because they serve up chicken fried steak the way your mama would. But it's also because your filet or rib eye or chopped sirloin come with a tin of natural gravy, and because the juke box has a Johnny Paycheck record on it.
For all you hipsters out there, you can wear your pearl-snap shirt and trucker hat and fit right in. The guy wearing the exact same thing at the next table won't even realize he's cooler than you. You like Sleeper Agent, while he likes George Strait, but neither one of you will turn your nose up at blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream.
And if those aren't enough reasons to make plans to dine at Lone Star Tavern this week, here's 10 more:
10) You get to order by circling your choices on a worksheet menu.
9) A large pitcher of beer is just $8.50 and pours a little more than 4 pints.
8) The sign in the entrance hall reads "Smoking IS permitted in this establishment."
7) They provide squeezable Parkay and a sprinkle jar of bacon bits for baked potatoes.
6) There's nothing better on fresh-cut fries than the drippings from a medium-rare steak. Except for …
5) Ketchup mixed with the drippings from medium rare steak.
4) Shredded lettuce salad. Ranch dressing. Captain's wafers crackers.
3) The branding iron is right at the top of the menu, while …
2) The New York strip is relegated to the bottom of the menu
1) A combination plate with a sirloin steak AND chicken fried steak is only $16.25!
I'm serious, now. We had a meet up at Lone Star Tavern on Tuesday night and the group that showed had an excellent time. We'll do it again, but don't wait for us. Go see for yourself. If you're a Texan, Lone Star Tavern should have a special place in your heart. It's true Texas comfort food in the most easy-going atmosphere.
One more bite: A sincere thank you to owners Rene' and Bobby Uptmor, Shelly and Justin for taking good care of us on Tuesday evening.
