It’s pretty early to be thinking about BBQ but I can’t help myself (well, it was early before distractions set in- phone calls etc.) My body is stiff from lugging around this cast and boot. So I know that I should be stretching and getting my little crippled exercise on to start the day. Though, in the name of a recent impressionable food experience- that can wait until I express both my enthusiasm for a sweet little Southern Roadhouse called Johnny Reb’s and utter gratitude for my amazing pals.
On Tuesday I had a laundry list of important errands to run. While having a broken foot and lacking a vehicle can make accomplishing these day-to-day tasks tricky, I am fortunate enough to have some spectacular friends to help me out. Damn I am lucky! On Tuesday, my dear friend TK picked me up early to begin knocking out responsibilities at The DMV, the bank, the doctor’s office, the post office, the library, etc. While stops at all of those Government institutions may seem dull, we had a blast doing it- shootin’ the shit and laughing all the way, ha, ha, ha! By 11:30/12:00ish we were done and TK wanted to introduce me to Johnny Reb’s Southern Roadhouse. Sure The DMV was pretty riveting, but lunch at Johnny Reb’s was indeed the highlight. The food was, the jam, legit, da bomb, dank, nomm – you choose whichever all-encompassing yum words that you like- that’s what it was.
Errands Done... Ha! looks like a Shiner ad.
I could select no better person than TK, to enjoy my first Johnny Reb’s experience with. I get a little stuck here because I want to explain to you just how neat of a dude TK is. Over the last couple of years I have become great friends with this talented writer. We have spent many hours in coffee shops, laptop to laptop, writing, sparking ideas and being ridiculous together. TK has got forty some years full of travel, writing, studying and life experience on me. So the words of wisdom and intellect that often come unintentionally and eloquently through his faded Texan accent, stick to my psyche the way that Johnny Reb’s Cornbread and brisket stick to my ribs. In the context of this blog, the faded Texan accent that often delivers that food for thought is golden, because it means my pal may know a thing or two about Texan StyleBBQ. Who better to eat Texan style BBQ with, than a Texan? So, long as it is not that one Texan whom we shall not name. In that case I’d rather be eating ribs with a ballerina. Anyway, back to the BBQ.
We ordered the brisket, which came with cornbread, greens and black-eyed peas. All of which I enjoyed with my first Shiner Bock beer (apparently an iconic Texan brew.) The Shiner was delicious and a perfect companion for the smokiness and sweetness of our BBQ lunch. Each item on the plate was authentic perfection. The Brisket had a nice smoke flavor on it and its’ tender body reflected low and slow cooking. A bite of the brisket with the traditional BBQ sauce was sweet, smoky and meaty harmony. The greens were cooked to tender perfection and their residual
juices were good enough to sip. The corn bread was hearty,dense and just slightly sweet with the flavor and texture of corn breaking through with full life. The black-eyed peas were phenomenal as 
well; though they took on a whole new life when my Texan bud showed me that the traditional Texan way of eating them is with a touch of Texas Pete’s pepper sauce and black pepper. He also showed me that you order a few slices of raw white onion as sort of a condiment to allof these eats. Fresh and acidic little nibbles of the onion between bites really make the whole meal dance.
That atmosphere of this place, as well as the Southern hospitality- like service, make you feel like you are in the South- or at least what imagine it feels like to be in the
South. Brick walls, peanut shells on the floor, a huge American flag hanging and an overall eclectic décor dotted with random pieces of furniture on the walls, antique dishware, Southern flags, taxidermy and drinks served in Mason jars are what create this Southern feel. According to TK, it does indeed feel like a Texas Roadhouse and tastes like one too.
I can’t wait to get back to try the peach cobbler!
Ovenhappy 
