On the Road Again

Previously:

Hat Man Returns  - -   Cape Fair   

 Cowboy (Back) Up  - -  Golden Anniversary

You've probably noticed that things are different this year.  Due to the pandemic, most large events have been canceled and the State Fair of Texas was not immune.  Luckily, hungry Texans need not go without their deep fried Fall fair food altogether.  This year the Fair offers a drive-thru version that includes several of your favorites and a visit with Big Tex himself.

 ...and Little Tex, as you can see above.  There are a couple of packages available and several "add-ons" for those with specific tastes (especially if you're hankering for a turkey leg).  I got the one with the maximum amount of corn dogs.  

Starting at Gate 11, the route takes visitors through Fair Park and has plenty of fun signs with trivia and Texas facts to amuse as you wait in line.  Although, the day I went, there wasn't much of a wait at all.  First up is the drink station where the options range from soda to bottled water.  Next up are the Jack's French Fries and Fletcher's Corn Dog stops.  I got so excited that I ate my corn dog without taking a picture.  Thankfully, I got it together for Big Tex.

In the middle of the drive, Big Tex awaits his photo op with visitors.  There were several photo stations set up to get people in and out with their professional pic (they text it to you immediately).  Of course, visitors are also allowed to take pictures on their own phones.  Assuming that this is the only year BT wears a mask then this is a once in a lifetime photo opportunity.  After a quick drive thru midway game it was time for  dessert!

 
Deep Fried Oreo's were easily my favorite but other stops include more traditional fair fare like cotton candy and kettle corn.  There were plenty of options for those that wanted to indulge in sweets...or if you'd like, maybe mix them all together in one bag and gorge yourself.  It's your car after all.

So, yeah, it sucks that there's no State Fair this year but thankfully Fair fans like me don't have to leave Autumn empty handed...or with an empty stomach.. 

 

Matchbook Memories: Pig Stand

Previously - Matchbook Memories: The Buckhorn Saloon 

Another old school matchbook leads us to back down south to fill our bellies with pork and nostalgia.  The Pig Stand is a Texas icon and pioneer in the restaurant business who, at one time, had around 130 locations in several states.  But if you want any Pig Stand memories today you have to either head to San Antonio, to their only remaining location, or to eBay to buy an antique matchbook:

The original Pig Stand in Dallas was known as the home of the country's first drive-in.  The restaurant's other claims to fame include inventing the onion ring, the chicken fried steak sandwich and Texas toast.  These claims are harder to verify but the drive-in portion survives today in the San Antonio location.  Although you also have the option to dine inside:

The menu has standard diner food with a southern slant.  Their signature item is the Pig Sandwich - sliced BBQ pork on a bun with "special sauce."  The platter comes with fries, onion rings and cole slaw.  If you ever find yourself eating across Texas, this is one of the famous foods that should be on your list:

The BBQ itself may not be the best in the state but it's got great flavor and, wisely, the "secret sauce" is the Stand's own signature barbecue sauce.  While the sandwich is good, it easily gets overshadowed by the sides.  I'm not a huge french fry guy but the fries and onion rings are the best I've ever had.  Texture and flavor combine in the best way and these guys could have been their own meal. 

 While you're munching on history it's important to take a moment to remember the Pig Stands of the past that are no longer with us, some of which were commemorated on the back of the matchbook (with accompanying original artwork):

I think we've got representations of NASA, the State Capitol, the Alamo and possibly the Cotton Bowl for Dallas?  Let me know if that's not right.

So we now archive this one in the matchbook file as well as the full stomach file as we hit the road to the next stop.