THE ULTIMATE DINNERTIME DEATH MATCH: THE BATTLE OF LOCKHART-KREUZ Market VS BLACK'S Barbecue VS SMITTY'S Market VS CHISHOLM TRAIL

It has all come down to this.  A city with four amazing BBQ restaurants.  Lockhart, Texas is seen by many as the BBQ capital of the world.  The food in this small town is on a different high level.  Just as I, many jolly diners trek their way to Lockhart for the best BBQ around.  One question rises from many after visiting the big four BBQ joints.....who is the best?  I decided to partake in this quest very happily.  I have been to all four of these fine BBQ establishments.  You have the sibling rivalry between KREUZ MARKET and SMITTY'S MARKET.  In another corner you have the foodie popular BLACK'S BARBECUE.  Rounding off this battle is the friendly neighborhood CHISHOLM TRAIL LOCKHART BAR-BQ.  All four are great, but only one can be called the best.  Let's battle!

Each restaurant will be rated on 10 different categories.  Each category will be given a score from 1 to 10.  1 being the worst, and 10 being the best.  The BBQ joint with the highest score will be declared the winner.  Here we go!

KREUZ MARKET

BRISKET                           9

SAUSAGE                           10

PORK RIBS                            8

BEEF RIBS                            9

PORK CHOPS                        10

TURKEY                                  8

HAM                                        8

SIDES                                       8

FACILITY                              10

SERVICE                                  9

TOTAL:                   89

Kreuz Market does many things right.  They have a strong menu full of quality meats.  They have the biggest facility.  Their staff is fast and accurate.  They give you a great dining experience without losing the down home BBQ feel.  Their clear star is their sausage.  You can see boxes of it being bought almost every 10 minutes. They also offer great desserts and even deer jerky, which is delicious.   Out of  towners like myself  love this place.  As you can see, Kreuz earns high marks.

BLACK'S BARBECUE

BRISKET                              8

PORK RIBS                           10

SAUSAGE                             8

BEEF RIBS                            10

TURKEY                               9

PORK-CHOP                        8

CHICKEN                           9

SIDES                                   9

FACILITY                           8

SERVICE                             9

TOTAL:                  87

Black's Barbecue may have a small building, but that building is full of flavor.  The beef and pork ribs stand out on this delicious menu.  Black's has a ton of sides to choose from.  They make huge meat sandwiches, and that chicken is mouth watering.  Both staff and diners there are friendly, you might even see a member of the Black family cutting meat to your order.  A very delicious menu.  Kudos to Black's Barbecue.

SMITTY'S MARKET

BRISKET                         10

SAUSAGE                         8

PORK RIBS                       8

PRIME RIB                        8

PORK-CHOP                     8

SHOULDER CLOD            10

TURKEY                            9

SIDES                                   9

FACILITY                            8

SERVICE                              8

TOTAL:              86

Hands down, Smitty's Market has the best brisket.  It's a work of art.  It tastes amazing like it was custom made for bread.  The beans they make are great.  They may have the smallest meat menu, but the flavor in each item is delicious.  The tables are big, and the dining area is very relaxing.  Try the turkey.  It is mighty tasty. Great old school BBQ joint.  Go early.  Trust me on this.  Brisket is King there.

CHISHOLM TRAIL LOCKHART BAR-BQ

BRISKET                                       7

SAUSAGE                                      9

PORK RIBS                                  8

BEEF RIBS                                  8

CHICKEN                                    8

TURKEY                                      8

HAM                                             8

SIDES                                          10

FACILITY                                     9

SERVICE                                      10

TOTAL:                         85

Chisholm Trail Lockhart Bar-BQ has an inviting small town feel. It also has the best sides in town.  Try the fried okra and you will see what I mean.  Their sausage has a peppery taste that will have you ordering another link.  They offer a number of different plates from their huge menu.  Your order is served with a smile, and the other diners there are just as friendly.  They are also the only BBQ joint of the big four that has a drive through.  Chisholm Trail is also the lightest on your wallet or pocket book.  A very pleasant dining experience.  

It was very close, and it was not easy analyzing these four great establishments.  By a slim margin, Kreuz Market wins this Dinnertime Death Match.  They have the best all around meat menu.  It is quality that gives them victory.  All four of these great BBQ joints are worth a visit.  They are about an hour away from San Antonio, and you can get there pretty quickly using Texas Highway Toll Road 130.  If you love BBQ, get your ass to Lockhart, Texas.  If you choose to go to Smitty's Market, take cash.  What are you waiting for?  BBQ Shangri-La awaits.  

  

My 5 Favorite Beers of All Time

I rarely ever drink anymore.  I wanted to focus on staying healthy.  But, there was a time when I was a bit of a beer snob.  I would seek out beers I only heard about to try them for myself.  I tried bad ones, and I tasted some great ones.  There were a handful of beers that were amazing.  I would bring them to parties, and my friends loved them.  So here are my top 5 beers of all time.

#5 

GUINNESS

Guinness was my chill beer.  I can also drink a pint of this stout in 4 seconds, which no one should ever try.  I don't anymore.  This dry stout is thick, smooth, and helps you relax.  It has a mild and rich taste that I like.  It is also high in Iron, so it has a healthy quality that 99% of beers don't have.  It should not be drank in excess due to its thick body.  I love the taste.  There is nothing like relaxing with a pint of the ole black stuff in your hand.  

#4 La Fin Du Monde

If you are used to drinking domestic beers like Coors and Budweiser, this is not the beer for you.  If you appreciate rich and distinctive beer, by all means try it.  It is strong, yet has great flavor.  This blonde strong ale from Montreal is triple fermented.  It has some bite to it, but is very enjoyable to drink.  I give the bottles to friends for birthdays, and they become fans right away.  It has a wine like taste that I appreciate.  It also goes great with a steak.  It comes in a 24 oz. bottle, so it might be smart to share with a friend.  It has won many honors for a reason.

#3

PAULANER HEFEWEIZEN

Usually only available from September through January, Paulaner Hefeweizen might just be the most flavorful beer known to man.  It has an irresistible fruit taste that you have to try to believe.  It is not heavy, and is best drunk out of a pilsner glass.  This German delight is the beer that will bring a smile to your face just because its flavor jumps out at you.  I just wish it was available year round.  It's a crowd pleaser  that will bring smiles.

#2

BODDINGTONS PUB ALE

In my opinion, Boddingtons Pub Ale is the best English beer there is.  Even out of the can, it tastes like it came right out of a keg.  It's a little strong, but smooth to the taste.  This Manchster born brew is quality beer.  It is quite refreshing for a beer that is stronger than most ales.  The spicket inside keeps the consistency of the brew satisfactory.  I love this beer.  It is readily available.  You have to try this beer.

#!

ROGUE MORIMOTO SOBA ALE

Step aside Budweiser, Rogue Morimotop Soba Ale is the true king of beers.  A multi-award winning ale, Morimoto has taken the beer business by storm.  It tastes amazing, considering it is made from rhubarb.  It also stays cold longer.  That may have to do with the chemical make up of  this brew that bears the name of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.  I brought Morimoto to parties, and my friends were in shock how great it was.  Not too strong, but as smooth as they come.  It is truly my favorite beer.  I truly think that Morimoto is the best beer on the market.  A true masterpiece of an ale.  Go out and buy a bottle.

Remember to drink responsibly.  Don't drink and drive.  Don't drink to excess, because if you do, you are not drinking for the flavor of the beer.  If you try any of these great beers, I suggest you do it in the confines of your own home.  Good night and be safe.

THE JOHN EATS WORLD Best of the Best 2018 pt. 1

In the seven months I have been writing this blog, I have eaten at more places than I have ever have at any point in my life.  It has been fun, and rewarding.  I want to take the time to recognize some excellent food items that have really stood out this year.  I can't state enough how great it is to be a food blogger these days.  I am having so much fun exploring food in my hometown and elsewhere. Without further ado.....here are the best of the best.

BEST BURGER

The American Kobe Beef Burger from Fuddruckers

May not look like much, but this burger tastes amazing.  The half pound kobe beef patty has the make of a really good ribeye steak, and goes with cheese in sweet harmony.  Try it with A1 steak sauce.  It costs $10, but it is well worth it.  The king of burgers in town.  Incredible taste.

BEST STEAK

16 oz. RIBEYE STEAK FROM LITTLE RED BARN

If you look up juicy steak in the dictionary, you are likely to see this steak's picture there.  It is the best steak I have ever had.  I don't even need steak sauce because it is so good.  I like mine medium-well, and it is a carnival in my mouth.  And it is served on a metal plate.  How cool is that?  Cut and grilled perfectly.  Best steak in town.  

BEST MEXICAN PLATE

  

PARRILLADA from JALEPENOS

When you get a hot metal plate with peppers, shrimp, and fajitas you are gonna grab your fork immediately.  The shrimp is good size and marinated very well.  The fajitas are tender and mesh well with the red peppers.  It is a lot of food, but who's complaining.  Did I mention the sweet onions in this delicious mix?  One word to describe this plate......WOW!

BEST ASIAN DISH

LEMON CHICKEN from DING HOW

There are few Asian dishes in San Antonio that have the pull that Ding How's Lemon Chicken has.  It might just be the best lemon chicken in the country, or at least the best I have ever had.  It's perfect!  A great mesh of quality and quantity.  It is the only plate I order at Ding How, and I'm pretty sure I am not the only person who feels that way.  It's one of my go to eats.  So delicious.

BEST APPETIZER

CAJUN NACHOS from ACADIANA CAFE

I have been to ACADIANA CAFE many times, and the Cajun nachos were the one item on the menu I always put off only because I wasn't sure I would like it.  About 8 years ago, I finally tried them.  I am so glad I did.  They are delicious.  The concept is to put jambalaya toppings on top of tortilla chips with queso.  Delightfully great.  You have to try them.

BEST SLICE OF PIZZA

GOOMBA'S PIZZERIA

The best New York Style pizza in town.  There isn't a better slice of pizza in the 210 than GOOMBA'S.  Great balance of toppings, cheese, and sauce.  I compare every pizza I order to GOOMBA'S amazing Pepperoni and Sausage 20 inch pizza pie.  They do not disappoint.  There is no one better.  Great service as well.

BEST BUFFET

M.Y. Chock Dee Oriental Market and Restaurant

If you love Asian food, this is heaven.  Especially Filipino food.  It is a huge buffet with so many delectable entrees to choose from, and they are all delicious.  For under $10, you get enjoy lumpia, chicken adobo, and pancit.  It is over by Randolph Air Force Base, but the trip is well worth it.  I can not say enough great things about this place.  Thank you to the Edralin's for introducing this eatery to me.  

BEST SIDE ITEM

THE CREAM CORN FROM RUDY'S BBQ

The cream corn from Rudy's BBQ will stop anyone in their tracks.  You can't have enough of it.  My youngest brother worked for Rudy's, and he would go with the catering team to serve at weddings and parties.  He always said the cream corn was always the first food item to run out.  You mention Rudy's to anyone, and two things come up.  Their BBQ sauce and the amazingly delicious cream corn.  I always order a quart to save for later.  It's edible gold man.  

Part 2 will be coming Friday.  Look up these places and try some of these dishes.  They have my seal of approval.  

Are you kidding me? Taco Bell is America's favorite Mexican restaurant!

Recently, a Harris Poll EquiTrend study declared that Taco Bell is America's favorite Mexican Restaurant.  The popular fast food franchise beat out other national brands such as Chipotle and Moe's.  How did this happen?  Like myself, many other diners are scratching their heads on why Taco Bell is number one in this study.  Don't get me wrong.  I actually like Taco Bell, but considering all of the other Mexican eateries I have been to, it is not the best.

Why was Taco Bell considered the king?  The biggest reason is that the really great Mexican restaurants are local.  They are exclusive to specific cities.  Los Angeles has Guelaguetza Restaurante.  New York City has Toloache.  Chicago has Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill.  My hometown of San Antonio has Mi Tierra.  These fine establishments have better quality dishes than Taco Bell, but have far less number of locations.  Taco Bell is everywhere.  One just opened in Tokyo.  Even the local Mom and Pop places only have one or two locations.  In the eyes of some, more locations means I can have Mexican food whenever I want.  But it is not exactly the best.

Another factor of Taco Bell being named King of the Mountain is that they are the least expensive.  You can feed an army with $20 at Taco bell.  At a quality Mexican restaurant, you will be spending a little more, and for only 2 people.  Taco Bell is also faster.  It takes about 5 minutes to get an average order at the bell.  The items themselves are not complex by any means, but you won't be waiting 20 minutes while munching on chips and salsa.  When we all go to a great Mexican Restaurant, it is as if we have all the time in the world.  At Taco Bell, you are there a half hour at most.  

Taco Bell is also innovative.  The local favorite restaurants have dishes that are unique in a traditional way, but Taco Bell thinks outside the box.  Their line of Doritos crunchy tacos is fantastic.  The Nacho Fries are simple, but really good.  Their take on breakfast has become really popular without the need of traditional Latin breakfast entrees.  The Bell is brave when when it comes to bringing the masses something new.  They are masters at peaking the interests of their customers.  I remember going nuts when they brought EXTREME NACHOS to the world.  In my hometown, Roy's Tacos has huge breakfast tacos, but they have the same ingredients their smaller versions have.  Taco Bell comes up big in originality.

Taco Bell is in no means a 5 star restaurant, but they do alot of things right for a fast food Mexican eatery.  I have had great Mexican food in my travels, but places like Palominos #2 in San Diego or La Azteca in Atlanta are not around the corner.  Taco Bell is.  It may not be the quality you seek, but it is light on your wallet.  They are a global brand, but not many Mexican eateries are.  Who do I think is the best Mexican Restaurant in America?  I have to go with La Margaritas in Market Square in San Antonio.  Their menu is a culinary masterpiece.  Just ask ZZ TOP.

The Top 5 people I would like to interview for this blog

     JOHN EATS WORLD has become popular in my hometown of San Antonio.  I am always looking to expand this blog into something much bigger.  Eventually, I will be interviewing some famous people in the food business.  There are many people I would love to interview, so I thought I would show my loyal viewers MY TOP 5 DREAM INTERVIEWS.  By the way, I have a huge interview coming up.

#5  

RACHAEL RAY

Aside from being my celebrity crush during my college days, Rachael Ray has a vast insight on being a chef and a diner.  She wowed audiences by showing her viewers how to score 3 meals for $40 a day in certain cities.  Her charming personality won an army of fans.  She was the girl next door that could whip up a mean bowl of pasta.  She now has a talk show, and she cooks some of the most delicious entrees going today.  And she has not changed a bit.  She is as nice as they come. 

#4

MARTIN YAN

A true icon of Chinese cuisine, Martin Yan has amazed his loyal viewers since 1982 on his award winning cooking show YAN CAN COOK.  He understands both the fundamentals and science behind Chinese cuisine.  He is a great teacher of his craft, and has written many best selling cook books.  He is known for his over the top kind personality that has made him a legend among celebrity chefs.  Interviewing him would be so much fun, and his anecdotes would be awesome.

#3

RICK BAYLESS

As my Grandma Rosa used to say, "That gringo knows how to cook Mexican!"  That is an understatement.  Chef Bayless is this country's best traditional Mexican  cuisine culinary artist.  He travels through every inch of Mexico to hone his craft, and take him the flavors he discovers to his fine dining restaurants in the U.S.  He is a very nice guy, and is always looking to pass his knowledge on to aspiring chefs.  And yes he is the younger brother of sports journalist SKIP BAYLESS.  He is a true historian of Mexican food, so picking his brain in an interview would be cool.  

#2

Emeril Lagasse

Emeril Lagasse is the King of  New Orleans.  If you know me, I love Cajun and French cuisine.  Emeril is our country's best at both.   He is super social, and is often considered America's favorite chef.  An interview with him would be inspirational for anyone looking to study the culinary arts.  His cooking style is often imitated, but never duplicated.  Just to hear his trademark BAM would be epic.  He is a frtanchise, so he could provide insight on how a chef or food blogger can get themselves noticed.  Who doesn't love this guy?

AND NOW FOR 

#1

MASAHARU MORIMOTO

When it it comes to cooking, Masaharu Morimoto is my hero.  I would have so much to ask him.  What was it like to be Head Chef at the legendary Nobu restaurant?  What does Rokusaburo Michiba, the God of Japanese cuisine, mean to you?  Where did you get the idea to brew your own award winning beer.  This man brought Neo-Japanese cuisine to the masses.  He was easily the most popular IRON CHEF when the Japanese show ran regularly on the Food Network.  He captured the imagination of foodies everywhere with his amazing culinary creations.  He was and still is a PHENOM.  It would be an honor to interview Morimoto-San.

I can only hope to get these interviews, but one can dream.  Big things are coming for my blog, so say tuned.  Shiawasena shokuji!

Legendary Menu Item: 3 Piece Fried Chicken from the now closed MALTHOUSE

About a month ago, the building that was my favorite restaurant The Malthouse was demolished.  A sad day for many in the westside of San Antonio.  Their menu had many great food items, but one particular item got alot of attention.  The Malthouse may have had the largest pieces of fried chicken in the United States.  Twice the size of what you would get at a national franchise.  The 3 Piece Fried Chicken Plate from The Malthouse was a legendary menu item.

In a menu with Fatboy Burgers, Un Poquito de Todo Mexican platters, and some of the best onion rings in the world; the fried chicken at The Malthouse would get you through the door by word of mouth.  The chicken is often referred to as "fried chicken on steroids" because of the size of the pieces.  Large in size, but very delicious.  Considered by many food critics as some of the best fried chicken in Texas.  And for $5.99, it was a bargain and a half.  In most cases, it took 2 people to finish this plate.  Along with the behemoth chicken, you get a hearty serving of mashed potatoes with brown gravy.  The gravy at the Malthouse was great.  In my times dining at The Malthouse, other patrons there referred to the fried chicken plate as "My Usual."  It sold so well, It was painted on the front window of the restaurant.  I had tried it many times, and it was amazing.  

As I said, The Malthouse is gone.  I will always remember all great times I had there.  I tried everything on the menu, and they were delicious.  To this day, the 3 piece fried chicken plate is legend.  The Malthouse will be missed.  We need to help out the Mom and Pop neighborhood restaurants so they can stay open.  Make time to get a burger from the Pig Stand, the chicken fried steak from Tip Top Cafe, or the amazing seafood from Gulfo de Mexico.  Some of the best food can be found at the local gems around town.  Long live THE MALTHOUSE!