Chef Darian’s Blog

What are they thinking?

March 18, 2009 on 1:17 am | In Hill Country | No Comments

Okay, so it is Spring Break and I have headed to the Hill Country. It is a week of relaxation and going through antique and second-hand stores. Don’t forget eating. I was in Fredericksburg on Monday. I sent a text message to my good friend the Dining Diva and asked her if there was anything she needed from there. She mentioned a place on the North end of Main street called Chocolat. (I wonder if Alice Medrich knows.) Anyway, she asked me to pick up a couple boxes of chocolate. I was thinking that she could pick some chocolates up in Houston, but since I would do anything for the Diva…..

Anyway, I stopped in the store and met the most intriguing young woman. She explained that the filled chocolates that she had in the display case were filled with liquor, wines and coffee. I needed to shove the whole thing in my mouth – don’t take any sissy bites, she said. Well, I did as I was told and the Blackberry wine filled chocolate burst open and WOW! was that good. So if you go to Fredericksburg you need to stop in Chocolat at 330 North Main!

Today I stopped by a regular Marble Falls stop for lunch – the Bluebonnet Cafe. I have mixed reviews. I love a good chicken fried steak and know that I have been treated right there before when I ordered one. Again, I was not disappointed – well not until dessert came. I ordered a big slice of Coconut Pie. I knew that they were piled high with meringue – I could see them as I was waiting for my table. What I did not know was that of the 8″ high slice that only 1″ was actually coconut filling. The rest was all meringue. What are they thinking? Really? I appreciate the work put into a homemade pie, really I do. The waitress, when we asked, said that the pies were homemade, well, except for the crust. That came from Sysco. They make the filling she assured me. So what. I am not sure that I even know what the filling tastes like since there was so little.

I guess my point is this: at a time when my dollar is so valuable, what I get or don’t get on my plate when I order is a make-it or break-it for me when it comes to spreading a good word or not so good word. If you are looking for a great plate lunch or a homestyle dinner then the Bluebonnet is the place to go when in Marble Falls. If you order dessert I would hit a cream pie. In all fairness they were a bit thin on filling too, but a better value I think.

I think tomorrow will be breakfast at the Blanco Bowling Alley. Don’t laugh. You can get a great breakfast there. Try the fried sweet rolls. You have to go early as they run out by 9AM. You can call ahead and ask Melanie to reserve one for you! Trust me, I do. Also, ask for the homemade bread for your toast option too. You will be very happy with your breakfast there!