My interest in low and slow bbq came about from a recent roadtrip to Texas. Here is my full report on my dining whilst there.
First up was a steak at Texas Roadhouse, a chain restaurant with 300 across the USA. Great value. Not a big fan of chains but they are better in the US than here. Their ribs were fantastic, falling off the bone and loads of meat.Good place for a cheap no nonsense steak, 8 out of 10. It was good enough for us to go twice. They are handy as they are often alongside the freeway.
First visit was ribs for starter followed by 16oz rib eye medium rare ($18 inc sides)
Second visit (wasn't very hungry), ribs followed by 8 oz fillet cooked rare ($15). Had to have the ribs both times as they were so good. Both steaks were very tender. The fillet lacked a bit of flavour. Both were cooked very accurately.
Next up was a small owner run BBQ place in Bandera (cowboy central). This was quite fast foodie but was fine for a quick lunch . I had pulled pork, the lady had smoked turkey.
The best BBQ joint I went to was the Salt Lick @ Driftwood. Legendary place. 9 out of 10. I had a combo plate of BBQ brisket and pork ribs with half a BBQ chicken as a side
. Don't think I 'd had lunch. I mis-ordered, should have had the BBQ Turkey like my compadre. The BBQ sauce was superb. Great atmopshere too. The turkey was unlike any turkey I've ever had before. I can see BBQ turkey being done for Christmas one year.
Only had space for one burger, Casino el Camino (Austin). 8.5 out of 10. Great girth, fresh tasting, good bun but the meat could've had a bit more flavour.
I had some good mexican food a couple of times. One in San Antonio and one in Fort Worth (Joe T. Garcias).
I brought a few condiments back
. 
Transporting them wasn't easy and I was a bit concerned they might spill over all the clobber I'd bought. Luckily no sauce escaped. Why are pickles so much better in the US?
I could do a separate thread on record shops in Austin. Loads of vinyl and good second hand stuff. I am staggered by the size of everything in the US, but record shops probably take the biscuit. A few were as big as football pitches in Austin. Spent an entire day going around them, could've easily been two days. Texas for a holiday is highly recommneded. Avoid Dallas.
How Jealous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!