February, At Last!

Was January not the longest month in history?! I've never so happy to welcome February. It shouldn't have been bad. We traveled each and every weekend; making every attempt to dodge the cold. Unfortunately, it follows us everywhere we go.

Laughlin seemed like a good way to kick off the 2020 travels. We had a nice time, but brrr! I don't think we've ever felt it so cold. Thankfully, the machines were warmer. I was able to break even after a long run playing video poker.





The following weekend we tried our luck in San Diego. It was sunny, but cool. We ran across the border chasing the sun, but winter was there too. At least, tacos make everything better. We also snuck in one last visit to Con Pane Bakery. When, we were noshing on the best damn sandwiches (Italian on Rosemary and PB&J) and cinnamon bun known to man we had no idea it would be the last. They closed permanently two days later. The news was devastating! I'm so glad we got one last taste.



The third weekend of January, we were back in Mexico. This time we drove down to San Felipe, we met Frank's family in El Centro. They flew in from Chicago, and would stay at his uncle's house in El Dorado Ranch. We rented an Airbnb nearby. We stopped for lunch in Mexicali on the way. We've been told the Chinese food is amazing. Who would have thought that, but it's true. It was fantastic. I love the twist and fusions too like limes on the table; avocado or chorizo in the fried rice. The flavors were spot on, but somehow, brighter, with farm fresh produce. It was a delight, and a must stop on all future trips.



We had nice visit with his mom, Dennis, aunt and uncle. We grabbed bites at all our favorites, we discovered, Restaurant Toro; a new (to us) diner with killer breakfast and revisited the Valle de Gigantes. It's too beautiful not to repeat and it was neat to show Dennis. Living in KY, he's not seen anything quite like it.





The next weekend we traveled to Austin. Frontier was offering dirt cheap fares we could not refuse. When the drinks on board cost more than the flight itself how can one refuse? Plus, BBQ. I mean there is no arm twisting here. Better yet, I snagged my favorite hotel - the Fairmont - on Hotwire. Sometimes the stars just align. We were also able to meet up friends from Chicago and grab a bite with Frank's coworker born and raised in Austin. We gorged ourselves silly on brisket, links and ribs. Smoked turkey and Frito Pie can be included in the lot. No matter how often we visit I am still stunned by the sheer number of BBQ joints and shocked by how many are outstanding. We are always on a quest to try them all.

 

This time a dent was made by trying Terry Black's and La Valentina. We revisited old favorites like Rudy's, Cooper's and Stile Switch. And to further prove that kismet exists and we are meant to be happy, our favorite whiskey bar in Los Angeles is now open is Austin too. But wait for it... Seven Grand is connected to a Mezcaleria... by a cigar friendly patio. It could not have been more perfect. Although, we did kick a dead rat on the way back so do not be mislead I am not able paint a complete picture of perfection. Curious, though, is that bad luck or good luck since it's the year of the rat? I guess we'll see how the year pans out. For now, I'll default to my belief that there is an ebb and flow to all things. The universe, included. To further prove the notion, winter followed us to Texas too. Pity was taken on us on our last day. The sun shined and offered hope that warmer days are ahead. I soaked up every last drop!





 

January concluded with a trip to the south. We thought we'd be welcomed with sunshine and warmer temperatures than home but the joke was on us. A cold front met us in New Orleans and hung around for the entire Superbowl weekend in both MS and AL. I mean we experienced cooler than normal temps in three states; only to return home to a cold blast. It dropped 30 degrees in 24 hours. Dust off the hot hands. Winter isn't over yet.

Fairhope, Alabama

 

Mobile, Alabama

 

New Orleans, Louisana

 

 


 




Biloxi, Mississippi



 



 

 

The Wurst Time in Texas

It's impossible to stay away from Austin for long. The BBQ and cheap fares on Frontier lure us time and time again. Last November we made a quick three day jaunt. We took the red eye and arrived bright and early. Thanks to a glitch I secured an amazing rate for an SUV on Alamo's website, it pays to keep checking rates long after you've booked. We were exhausted and in need of sleep, but first, breakfast. Yelp led me to Snooze an AM Eatery. Despite the great reviews, I honestly thought it was a bit of a dud. A snoozefest, if you will. Nothing was bad, it just lacked that something "special" that could've helped to justify the price ($34).





After filling our bellies, we checked into our Airbnb; we stayed with Alice again. Her place is just too perfect to pass up. Super comfy and superb location in Zilker.



We hit all of our favorite haunts: Cooper's, Rudy's and Torchy's - Always stellar. Plus, a trip to Oasis on Lake Travis is always a must. And a few hours at the Cigar Room has become tradition. It was Frank's choice to hole up there to watch the Sunday football games.

You might remember we made friends with Jim in Grenada, Nicaragua. He was our tour guide at Mombacho Cigar Factory. He's now living in Austin. So, we made plans to meet up at Stile Switch.

[Photo: Yelp/Rashi J.]

It was new to us, we had to try a bit of everything. The Frito Pie was amazing with big 'ole chunks of brisket! The beef rib was outstanding too. We now have a third BBQ joint to add to the list of favorites. It was a delight to catch up with Jim. We ended up chatting to the wee hours of morning over scotch and cigars at his neighborhood cigar lounge.

We took a day trip out to New Braunfels to check out Wurstfest. It's a ten day festival honoring sausage! They say, "everything is bigger in Texas!" so we felt we were in for a treat. It was the wurst. You must go, if given the opportunity. I loved it.







Not only was there sausage galore and pork chop on a stick, but we also found the BEST POTATO PANCAKES!!





The trip to New Braunfels meant a stop at Buc-ees!



I tried not to drool all over the jerky case while making our selections. I want to try them all!!





Frank picked up Topo Chico Mineral Water. I guess it's been around forever, but it was the first we've had it. It was love at first sip. We've searched all over Vegas for it and it's pretty scarce. I have ordered cases from Walmart.com and we bought in bulk when we went to San Felipe, MX. We are hooked.



If that wasn't enough reason to love Buc-ee's there was also this shirt with just the right amount of cheese.



We've traveled to Austin plenty, but we had never been to the capital building and we spent very little time on 6th street. It was time we changed that. The balmy weather was perfect to stroll the beautiful grounds. The gardens attracted dozens of butterflies it was a sight to see. I appreciated the architecture of the capital building; the limestone and granite, deep colored woods, the columns and scroll work - all lovely. The arched doorways & windows were positively dreamy and the rotunda was quite stately.















Over on 6th Street, we were asked to save the bees and the children. Businesses were welcoming West Virginia since many had traveled to see the Mountaineers vs. the Longhorns. We settled into the cigar shop and chatted up a local performer that popped in for a smoke. His life is music. He's happy as long as he's playing. I wish I had passion like that. I've always envied those who know what's needed to fulfill their mind, body and soul. Aside from traveling and to love and be loved, I tend to come up empty. Heck! I'm still searching for what I want to be when I grow up. Anyhow, we always enjoy Austin. This trip was no different.