I was in Houston Wednesday through Friday. I had a few hours to kill on Wednesday, and I had rented a GT-H from Hertz -- ROAD TRIP -- so I mashed the motor down I-10 and made Lockhart in under two hours (160 miles point-to-point). I figured I'd do the Texas barbecue thing, in the alleged Q-capital of Texas -- Blacks, Smitty's, and Kruez's Market. http://www.kreuzmarket.com/index.shtml

Blacks and Smittys closed early, so I settled on Kruez's Market. I really wanted to like this stuff -- but truth be told, I don't get it. First, the Q is dry - definately an acquired taste (very salty and inconsistent). Second, I really felt like I had smoked a pack of cigarettes after eating the brisket and the chop -- and I don't smoke. Third, I had heard that the ambience was terrific -- but there were only four people in a carvenous venue that seats over 300 people (and it was dinner time). It's simply weird to eat in a place that is world-famous, yet no one else is around.

So I have to say, reluctantly -- I don't get it. I think that the Texas-Q thing is something that everyone should do at least once. And Lockhart, Taylor, Gonzales -- these are the epicenters. But truthfully, the Q just wasn't that good. For all those going to V@V, for my money and taste, the Q in Lexington, NC (about a half-hour from Winston-Salem) beats the Texas barbecue, hands down. http://www.barbecuecenter.com/

I was told upon returning to Houston that I should have driven further West, past Austin, to Coopers. But that was simply too far. I may try it in April, when I have to go back to Texas. But honestly, for my money and taste, I'd rather just hang around Houston and eat Mexican. The Mexican restaurants in Houston are fabulous. But I just don't get the dry barbecue - as much as I wanted to, it just isn't my thing.

PS - You Texans are Nuckin' Futs. I was doing 110 down I-10 in the GT-H, and truckers and rice burners were passing me like I was standing still.