Archive for the ‘Other stuff’ Category

I needed a small vacation so what did I do? I made my way to Texas, Johnson city to be exact. To help out a friend shoot her dogs and horses. No not that way but, for her web site. Ty is a Champion Great Dane at the age of 13 months (unheard of, usually they don’t make champion till 2 years old). “Rubys jewel of  Honesty” is his kennel name, Ty to us mortals and chew toys (I have the marks to prove it). Did I mention he is Big, 170 lbs at only 14 months… BIG!

After the shoot it was time to get some lunch. Off we went to Rileys in Johnson city for some Bar-B-Q.

A little back story I’ve been a fan of Chili and Bar-B-Q for quite some time going to Chili cook offs in Terlingua TX. nestled in the Big Bend national forest. If you ever have a chance get down there it’s beautiful, but there is nothing else around.

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I also had the pleasure of studying under the tutelage of  the wise sage and author of  “Pit Pot & Skillet” Red Caldwell. We stayed up all night cooked a few dozen Briskets and 100 Chickens for an event in San Antonio, more years ago than I want to remember. Great time, great Brisket.

Enough of my creds and on to the review. We picked up a few lbs of, Turkey, Brisket and Ribs, a few side dishes and off we went.
The turkey was moist and had a slight smoke to it, Granted we got to Rileys late in the day however the brisket and ribs were just servicable.
The sauce had a it too much black pepper in it for my taste. However the shinning star was the pickled onions. Sliced onions pickled in vinegar, sugar and spices. excellent!!!

Day 2

The next day I was off to photograph Sherron Watkins in Houston. I had been to TX many times, I made the exodus to Terlingua one year from Marble Falls (a very long ride). I had forgotten just how much Texas is in Texas.
3 1/2 hours to Houston Photograph Ms. Watkins then head back to Johnson City. a very long day and nothing to eat till I got to Ellinger TX..

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Ellinger is one of those towns like Barstow CA. half way between two large cities so you can gas up and get something to eat.

Well gas up I did and after a day of driving and shooting I was hungry. I searched high and low and found “Peters” Ok it was across the street from the gas station and there really isn’t much else around, it just sounded good.

I walked in again towards the end of the day just looking for something to tide me over till I got back. There were only 4 people sitting down having a bite to eat, I walked towards the ordering station and stood there for a minute or two till Peter came over. Now I’m not sure he was Peter but I’ll assume he was for the purpose of this article. It looked like my presence was a bother for him, an outsider wanting a bit of food “what do you want?” Peter said , ” a sliced beef sandwich and iced tea please” I replied. “pickles and onions?” he asked “just onions thanks”, In a gruff he turned and pulled out a slab of brisket and started cutting it, right there I had the inkling that this might be good. He trimmed off a bit of the bark and proceeded to slice the brisket with the an ease that only comes with years of slicing. As the slices fell I noticed the perfect red ring of smoke and the tenderness of the brisket as it fell apart. He Plopped the stack of beef on to the sauced hamburger bun and added the onions (this place is not haute cusine, just honest grub). Wrapped it up and took my money. I grabbed a cup and proceeded to get the tea. Back in my car I opened the the package he bestowed upon me.
Now I know I was hungry but this was the way Brisket should be done. Nice smoke, not too over bearing, tender, and just the right amount of sauce and spices to help the meat sing. 10 minutes and 50 miles down the road I wanted to turn back and get another sandwich. So if you ever find yourself in Ellinger TX on your way to either Houston or Austin, stop at Peters and as they say “eat where the customer is king” you won’t be disappointed.

Where are the photos of the sandwich, … well I did say I was hungry.