This was one of the best trips I have ever taken. I cannot say enough about June and Cynthia and the people I met while on the culinary tour of Big Bend and Marfa. While I try to form my thoughts and come down from my food high, I will give you a few highlights that I think make their tour stand out.
Highlight #1 We stayed at the Gage hotel, which every travel book will tell you to do while staying in Marathon. However, we had a special guest chef who demonstrated buttermilk biscuits and explained the process of trimming and cooking beef tenderloin.
Lou Lambert was there to cook one of the best meals of my life -Lamberts Chopped salad, beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, and for dessert – Mexican flan. He came out to talk about the inspiration behind each course and what inspired him to write his book “Big Ranch, Big City.”
Like whoa
Highlight #2 They had Austin Street Cafe, which is only open “occasional sundays & by appointment anytime” open for us. It is owned by a wonderful couple who have made Marfa their home and have created a beautiful cafe in an historic house once owned by Donald Judd.
Egg casserole with chard fresh from the garden topped with black beans and salsa
Highlight #3 They arranged a hands-on goat cheese cooking class with Malinda Beeman of Marfa Maid dairy.
I think I have found my calling. I just need goats and someone to milk them.
Highlight #4 Dinner under the stars at the Micallef family ranch – owners of Reata restaurant in Alpine and Fort Worth – prepared by Mike himself. It kicked off with Reata’s wedge salad and was followed by one heck of a ribeye served with cheesey grits and asparagus. For dessert – chipotle chocolate brownies with homemade cinnamon ice cream. Are you kidding me? Does life get better than an evening like this?
Well yes it does because they invited two of the most passionate astronomers I have met to bring telescopes and high powered flashlights out to show us constellations, planets, and galaxies. As you are probably aware, there are a few more stars visible in West Texas than say, the metroplex.
Highlight #5 It rained. Out in this area of Texas that needs it so badly we saw a West Texas thunderstorm.
Okay maybe they did not have any control over the rain
There is so much more to share and, after so much indulging, so many miles to run.
Triva- Do you know where the world’s largest road runner is located?
To be continued……
RoadTrippinTexas 