Last week my friend Liberty, my wife Diane and I stopped to dine at one of the newest fast food places to hit the scene. Chick-fil-A has a number of restaurants in the valley with locations being well within a short drive for most anyone. This one was located not far from the Hwy 83 and Jackson exit on the south side next to Sams Club and Walmart.

We were greeted nicely by the owner and the delightful staff. Of course chicken is the prime food of choice here. We ordered a deluxe chicken sandwich meal, a grilled deluxe chicken sandwich meal and a regular chicken sandwich. Beverages were included with the meal plans and all was offered at a reasonable price. The orders were delivered to our table and wait staff was very attentive during our visit.

You will not see chicken in a bucket like some of the other food chains. The food was hot, fresh and great tasting. The fries, unlike most fast food chains, are a cottage cut instead of a little shoe string. Of course a great meal is not complete without desert. You can have a brownie with or without ice cream. However, you must try the cheese cake, it is simply the best I have had in many years.

So if you are looking for a great place to grab a quick chicken sandwich. Look no further than the Chick-fil-A on Jackson Avenue in McAllen and remember as the cows say "Eat Mor Chikin".

Cactus Willie's pick of the week: Chick-fil-A Best choice: Grilled Chicken Sandwich Meal Noteworthy: The Cheesecake gets 5 points!

Kristi's Notes:  Stop by on Wednesday Mornings at 9 am for Biscuits and Bingo!

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Dear Kristi,

I think that you should know about Remington’s Restaurant at the Embassy Suites Hotel on 2^nd street, in McAllen, Texas. My neighbor Bill and Karen Eck asked us to go with them to have some shrimp. They know how I like shrimp, and they have been at Remington’s prior to this. They had us collect our coupon out of the ‘Welcome Home’ magazine.  Friday’s the restaurant has a sea food buffet, they assured me that the shrimp was good.  We arrived at 11:45 am to a busy establishment. The waiter seated us, took our drink order and said that the buffet was open. I started out with a bunch of shrimp, ready to peel and eat. I then I had a shrimp that was in the form of a dip. Next up came the fantail shrimp that were delicious. I would say from personal experience that it was comparable to “dirty Al’s” and the Shrimp Haus in Padre Island. Go and try it, Winter Texans, that is my advice!

Remington’s has a Mexican Buffet on Wednesday and Thursday and a Sunday brunch buffet. Here is the best part, the cost is 2 for 1 (but you need to clip the ad to receive the 2-1 offer).

Wayne Halverson

pictured are [L-R] Bill ECK, Karen ECK, Patricia Halverson, Wayne Halverson

Padre Island Brewing Company Loves Winter Texans

By Cactus Willie

Just the other day, while out at Padre Island, my friends and I stopped in at Padre Island Brewing Company located at 3400 Padre Island Boulevard to eat and have fun. When you walk in you will notice a blackboard with all the specials of the day and a wait staff that will seat you at a table. Now I must admit, I came here to try out some of the beer there.

Micro breweries have been gaining popularity for the past few years offering a wide range of superior products made in small batches gives a more personal experience to those that thrive on better than average tasting beer. Markkus Haggenmiller has been doing just that for the past 15 years on Padre Island. As head brewer he has created a wonderful assortment that ranges from light to dark and every thing in between. If you love the taste of good beer this is a place for you.

I was surprised to see a very complete menu to choose from that included starters
like Ale Steamed Peel and Eat Shrimp, Fried Dill Pickles and Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The main menu items ranged from Brew Pub Burgers, Fish Poboy, Toco Wraps, Beer Battered Shrimp Baskets, Red Snapper and even Texas Stuffed Quail. Steaks and Ribs are also available in various combinations. If you have been lucky fishing on the bay the cook can prepare your catch for you.

My friends and I were very happy with our food and the service there. The Red
Snapper was grilled to perfection and I will say that the burgers are huge and well worth the price. Here are some noted money savers if you stop there. They offer a $9.99 Early Bird Dinner from 4-6 pm daily and the happy hour is 2-6 pm daily offering many specials that includes beer for a dollar ($1). So if you come early you can save lots of money and drink a great tasting beer at a winter texan lovers price.

Other items of note is that Padre Island Brewing Company will do a carry out, 956-761-9585, should you decide to stay on the island for a few days. Come on down to Padre Island Brewing Company like I did and enjoy the great food, beer and atmosphere.

Flea markets abound in the Rio Grande Valley. But none offer the added touch of great food and music to the mix like at the Don Wes Flea market in Donna (next to Victoria Palms). My band, The Cowboy and Hobo Show featuring Cactus Willie, Boxcar Bob and The Drifter, are regular entertainment under the pavilion almost dead center of the flea market. Other entertainers are featured there as well. Some can be heard in the restaurant located in the main building.

Order yourself some food, breakfast or lunch, get a beer, soda, water and have a nice time being entertained by live music. Jim, the owner of the It's Five O'Clock Somewhere,will treat you right when it comes to food for the dollar. The breakfast special is the way to go in the mornings. If I were to recommend anything it would be those hamburgers for lunch. They are a full half pound and cooked just for you. I love 'em and get one every time I get out to Don Wes Flea market. Don't forget the cheese, lettuce, and tomato too.

Make sure and look at the many vendors out there. If you need a custom shade for your RV check out Don Wes Flea market for a quote. Things change out there from time to time and the only way to know what vendors are offering is to go there. One thing to note is the flea market is only open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. So make a list on the off days and check it off while you are there.

Cactus Willie says it is well worth the trip to eat and enjoy the music. The restaurant is a kick back nice place that can get busy. Most noteworthy are the hamburgers with a cold glass of beer!

 

  Photos by Liberty

Just off the service road north of Sunrise Mall in Brownsville (off Nolana & 281 in Pharr) you will find one of the best BBQ establishments in the Rio Grande Valley. I grew up in the south and have had my share of BBQ and can say you will not be disappointed with the food there. The Brisket is my favorite and the sandwich is great if you want a meal on a bun. Sides can be any number of items that are offered. Unlike some places you can mix and match meat or sides. Have a 1/4 pound of pork or beef or whatever you like.

Even order by a slice! I had the baby back ribs and they are fall off the bone tender and you can add to that the regular BBQ sauce (you can have the sissy BBQ stuff if you are the timid type). The corn is great, cream style or on the cob and top it off with a bottled Coke. Enough to make any country folk smile cheek to cheek.

Cactus Willie's pick for Rudy's
1. Baby Back Ribs or Brisket Sandwich (a toss up there) 2. Creamed Corn 3.
Bottle of Coke