Today was going to one of our longest drives, from Memphis all the way to Dallas so a hearty breakfast was required. This was provided by the Econo lodge (where we were staying) and consisted of biscuits and gravy, for those that don't know a biscuit is pretty much a scone and you get them with nearly every meal in the south. This biscuit is then covered in a gravy, which is nothing like KFC gravy it is a thick white sauce with flavouring, in most cases Chicken. It is surprisingly tasty, and I'm sure it was a direct injection into my ever expanding waistline.
Upon leaving Memphis we said goodbye to the Mississippi river for the last time and said hello to Arkansas. We didn't really know much about this state so we consulted the guidebook. It turns there isn't a lot to do in Arkansas, most of the states tourist attractions revolve around it's greatest son, Bill Clinton. Although I do respect Bill, especially the way he showed everyone how versatile a cigar can be, we decided to give these attractions a miss.
We did need lunch though we were aiming for a place called Hot Spring which, just like the name suggests has hot springs, however we missed the turn off and ended up in a place called Malvern. Melvern isn't a big place but it does make more bricks than anywhere else in the world, and Billy Bob Thornton was born there. We all had burgers of varying sizes, Sam went for one called a hubcap, and the food was pretty good so they teach their cooks well math however not so much. As we left the restaurant the waitress came running out looking for an additional 74 cents when in fact we had left a $5 tip. After a quick recount of the money she realised her mistake and we were allowed to leave.
The remainder of the drive was fairly uneventful we hit some pretty bad traffic on the way in which delayed our arrival a little, but we arrived early enough to still have a little rest before heading out for dinner. Being in Texas having a steak was mandatory, according to trip adviser the best local steakhouse was a place called Saltgrass (we found out later this is actually a chain restaurant). We took a cab as we were pretty tired after our long drive, this cab ride was interesting. It started out okay but the driver missed the turn off and once this happened he tripled his speed and became quite erratic, we did not leave a tip.
The steaks we had were good value and just like most meals we have had in the US had too much food. The cab ride back to the hotel was also pretty speedy but a little less erratic. Tomorrow Dallas and Fort Worth.
Beer of the Day:
Samuel Adams Winter Lager - Draft Pint - Dark, malty, hints of caramel and cinnamon. Bit watery and lacking enough decent carbonation to make it satisfying.
Saltgrass has gone done hill considerably in the last few years since it was franchised. If you have time, swing by the Mustangs of Las Colinas display (huge bronze horses). Pure tourist is touring Cowboys Stadium. If you want a driving experience, find the Mixmaster on the south side of Dallas near rush hour (4, 6-8 lane highways merge and split).
ReplyDeleteIf you are headed south towards Houston, look up the Collin Street Bakery which is about 30 miles south. Good sweets for your waist line though it looks like you're headed to Austin next.
Glad you survived Arkansas (for some reason I've broken down multiple times in that little state).
Once you leave San Antonio, you will get into the vast emptiness of the American Southwest. Long drives with lots of not much...