Texas Ribs (in honor of Father's Day!)

Caution: Reading the following can cause hunger.

There is a saying that "Everything is Bigger in Texas."

I am here to tell you that it is all true!

A few years ago I moved to Austin and some friends thought I need to be properly initiated to true Texas barbeque. There are a few places that one can go for the real barbeque experience but on this day we were taken to The County Line (that's the name of the restaurant!) I've never been a big fan of the whole barbeque experience. I go along for the ride usually -- hubby has a passion for good ribs. I'm a real sissy and hate to eat things that get me all messy...if a wet wipe is required afterwards, count me out. If there were such a thing as chocolate ribs, I might be willing to make an exception to my rule.

As usual, I ordered the sliced turkey and it was very good. Everyone else enjoyed their ribs like true barbeque connoissuers. Now to truly complete the experience, a real Texas sized rib was brought out. I think this is more for the tourists but our friends felt the need to immortalize the event while simultaneously mortifing me. LOL I felt very silly at the time but now, looking back on the photo, it is kind of cute!

During my time in Austin, I had the opportunity to sample a few more great BBQ restaurants like The Salt Lick which has been featured on many travel shows but I wasn't that impressed.

My personal favorite is Rudy's, better known as "The worst BBQ in Texas!" Why they bill themselves as the worst is a mystery to me because they are by far my favorite.

The brisket, sliced turkey, chicken, sausages and yes, even the ribs are to die for. If you are a newbie, they will let you sample any and everything on their menu. The sause (this is not a typo) at Rudy's is also the best. A little known secret is that they have Sissy Sause for those who can't take the spice. Do you really want to have to ask for Sissy Sause? LOL To do it right, you need a few slices of the

cheap white bread offered with every order. My mouth waters at the thought of their sliced turkey on that bread with a little sause! On a recent trip to the Austin Spa, I had my driver stop at Rudy's on our way to the airport so I could have a little taste of heaven. The crowning touch on any Rudy's meal is a cup of the banana pudding and a Dublin Dr. Pepper. You've never had Dr. Pepper if you haven't had a Dublin Dr. Pepper! Dublin in a town in Texas where Dr. Pepper is made and they still bottle it in little glass bottles and it tastes so much better than the cans you find in stores across the country.

One more charming fact about Rudy's is that it is "Fillin' Station" BBQ. What, you've never heard of this concept? What could be more perfect than gassing up the car and getting your lunch or dinner at the same time. My favorite trick was sending my daughter in to get the food while I filled the car. Ah the good old days!

Enjoy life, don't take yourself too seriously and anytime you find yourself near a real Texas BBQ joint, don't pass up the opportunity. I no longer live in Texas but I hope to be moving back before too long. If you can't get to Texas, check out AirRibs.com, The County Line ships and I've utilized this service, the next best thing to being there. I wish that Rudy's shipped BBQ, there would be a whole lot more BBQ being served at my house if they did!

Happy Father's Day!