If there is one city that can give Atlanta a run for its money on heat and humidity, it is Houston, TX.
The last time I was in Houston, the Astros were still in the Astrodome. For those of you that need the quick math, that was over 25 years ago.
Side note - The Braves eliminated the Astros in the post season of 1999. Making the last game in the dome a loss for the Astros. Go Braves!
I had the good fortune to attend the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston last month. This conference caters to the off shore oil and gas industry. The conference itself was enormous, but the fascinating thing for me was the number of businesses that make up the infrastructure of this industry. We are talking everything from 24’ x 24’ drones that can carry equipment 300+ miles to off shore rigs, to the drill bits, and every sort of pipe coupling known to man. Very eye opening.
Of course when in Rome Houston, I’m going to search out some of the local BBQ eats.
Goode Company BBQ
Two words describe Goode Company BBQ.
Old School.
Wood paneling, old vintage signs, buffalo heads on the wall, and a slight haze of seasoned smoke wafting through the inside air. I’m fairly sure nothing has really changed with the menu or the decor from when the building first opened back in 1977.
I opted for the three meat plate consisting of brisket, turkey, sausage, mac n cheese, and their Austin baked beans.
The brisket is sliced thin and there is not much of a fat cap. I asked for the fatty side but pretty much got all lean. The bark and flavor where good, just would have like to get a little more phatty-ness.
Turkey flavor was good but was a little on the drier side. Not too unexpected as turkey is one of the harder meats to keep moist when trying to hold for service.
Sausage was ok.
Mac n cheese and Austin baked beans were good, but the cheddar jalapeño bread slice was awesome. I would perhaps get two slices next time.
The one thing that really confused me was their house sauce, which they serve to you in a bowl. It was an interesting flavor and consistency. Almost like a mix of a BBQ sauce and a marinara sauce. Dipping the bread in it was a decent, but I really did not try it on the meats. I am sure there are folks that love the sauce, I just found it a little odd.
I dug the vibe and would go back again to try out their ribs, chicken, and jalapeño cheddar sausage.
5109 Kirby Drive Houston, Texas 77098
https://goodecompanybarbeque.com/locations/the-original/
Truth BBQ
Whereas Goode Company BBQ was old school, Truth BBQ is what I consider new school Texas BBQ. I definitely get the same sort of vibes at Truth BBQ as when at Austin BBQ joints.
We got there a little late in the day, so unfortunately they were our of pork ribs. I was able to get the brisket, sausage, mac n cheese, corn pudding, and banana pudding.
The brisket was outstanding. Very moist, tender, and great bark. The flavor was on point - beefy with a little fat cap and a pop of salt/pepper.
Sausage was very good with a nice snap and bolder flavor. No sauce needed for either of the meats.
The mac n cheese held its own, but where I got really excited is the corn pudding. Outside of myself, I rarely see any other place make corn pudding. So this was a great chance to do a comparison. The flavor was very similar to mine, the difference came in the texture. Theirs is a bit more cake-like, whereas mine is a more on the custard side. Which is obviously the way it should be :)
I’m going to go ahead and admit I am a straight up snob when it comes to banana pudding. I can tell if it has been made using a pudding mix or if the custard base is made from scratch. I can tell if the whipped cream is made from scratch or a commercial whipped topping is being used. In my opinion, these make a huge difference in taste and texture of this iconic southern dessert. While Truth BBQ’s banana pudding is not quite scratch made, it was actually pretty good. Better than many others I have tried.
As of now, in my opinion Truth BBQ is the best BBQ joint in Houston and should be a must visit if you are in town.
110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
https://www.truthbbq.com/
Taste of Texas
Most cities have and institutional restaurant. Where the meal is great but you also go for the pure experience. Anyone remember Dante’s down the Hatch?
In Houston, this establishment would be the Taste of Texas.
The restaurant is a literal shrine to Texas history. From the six flags that have flown over Texas, to pictures of Davy Crockett at the Alamo, Texas is on full loud and proud display in this restaurant.
Speaking of the experience, we actually got to go in to the kitchen butcher area and pick out our own steaks. you could select your cut (Filet, Strip, Ribeye) and size (8, 12, 16 oz). The butcher would then hand cut your steak and stick a numbered charm in your steak. With the charm, you could verify the steak you picked was the one set down in front of you. I opted for the 16 oz ribeye myself - charm #387.
Everything was excellent. Could you get just as good a steak at another top steak house? Sure, but like I said, it was the whole experience that made the Taste of Texas a cool place.
Definitely recommended to try at least once.
10505 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024
https://www.tasteoftexas.com/
Just wanted to tell you, Ed, that I LOVE your BBQ AND your musings! Great writer, friend!