Houston BBQ Fest tickets on sale tomorrow

http://houbbq.com/

Sunday, April 26.  20 joints, mostly from the Houston area.

Pecan Lodge, Dallas 2/7/15

Sampled 2/7/15

Had some friends in town this weekend and they wanted to "meat up" for some BBQ at Pecan Lodge.  Like I needed an excuse.  The weather was beautiful for February so I suggested we go around 1 pm and use the express line to grab a "Pecan Lodge trough" and some brisket to go.  Good thing we went express as the line was down the sidewalk to the corner and stayed there, off and and on, through our meal.

I cued at the express lane with no waiting and my name was quickly blared over speakers to come and grab our food.  There it is above and it was every bit as delicious as it looked.  The brisket was smokey, tender, and juicy, with silky smooth fat that melted into pure flavor.  The ribs were every bit as moist and flavorful with tenderness that left a nice bite mark without pulling the meat off the bone.  I continue to believe Pecan Lodge does beef ribs better than anyone else and the portion today did not change my opinion at all.  They had more silky smooth fat which was packed with smoke flavor. The sausage was awesome with a perfect casing snap and nice spicy insides which were moist but without a drip of grease.  The pulled pork was just that.  I have yet to find anyone who makes pulled pork that makes me want to rave, but with the 4 other meats here I feel I've probably raved enough anyway.  :)

I grabbed a couple of extra pounds of fatty brisket to go and got two nice end pieces in the bargain. Into the freezer they went for happy times ahead.

Red Dirt to name this year's joints on Monday

http://reddirtbbqfest.com/

This was our favorite fest last year and I'm looking forward to seeing who they have lined up this year.  The fest is May 2.