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Exceptional Dining At Cobblestone Court
by Cactus Willie

Winter Texans love to be pampered and getting the most from the dollars they spend. I have been staying winters in Brownsville for the last 5 years and the Cobblestone Court located at 2200 Boca Chica Boulevard is one of the best places I have yet to find to eat. If you are not familiar with Brownsville, this place is in a little shopping center very close to the Highway 77/Boca Chica exchange and across from the H.E.B. Look for the green canopy that says Cobblestone Court and believe me when I say it is worth looking for.

First off, when entering Cobblestone Court you will note the table cloths, ambient lighting and a staff that is dressed up with to include ties. You will be seated and immediately assume needing a 2nd mortgage to pay for a meal there. That is not the case at all and you will find it is less expensive than most restaurants in the area!  Of course great atmosphere is neat and can make you feel like the Ritz, but the bottom line is... how good is the food?

James DuBois, the Executive Chef, was trained in San Antonio and does a wonderful job of preparing great tasting foods with a gourmet style of visual appeal. His wife, Virginia DuBois, makes sure that folks are treated well and service is up to par. The wait staff is among the most attentive and nicest I have encountered. So, what do they serve at the Cobblestone Court?

First off, I will recommend that you try the Chocolate Shrimp for starters. What?  My wife and I went with another couple that tried it and we all agreed it is fantastic and nothing like you imagine. Other appetizers such as Hot Spinach Dip, Baked Osyter Levi and Vegetable Springrolls are available, too. Hot soup choices are Roasted Chicken Green Pozole or Seafood Bisque. The Hot Sandwiches include Burgers, Chicken Bliss Clubs, BBQ and Reubens. Cold Sandwich Plates are also available. The Specialties section is where you will find some really wonderful preparations. Some include Brownsvilleno, Southwest Pork Shnitzel, Beef Relleno, Chicken Frontera. One item of note, the Crab Stuffed Flounder is totally out of this world. I could go on and on because all the food is fantastic. Another item of note is the wonderful in house brewed Spice Tea. Again it tastes nothing like you might imagine. Desserts offered include Mango Flan, Fried Ice Cream and a 5 Layer Cobblestone among other things.

The Cobblestone Court is available for private parties, catering events and offers an upstairs room that has been used by visiting Senators and other VIP's while visiting Brownsville. Call for more information if you wish to plan such an event at (956) 982-0911.

If you want to save a little more check out these special days/offers. Salads are 10% off on Tuesdays, Sandwiches are 10% off on Mondays and those Specialties are 10% off on Wednesdays.

You need to note that the hours are limited, Monday through Thursday 11 am to 4 pm and Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm. Cobblestone Court is closed on Sundays.

Cactus Willie heartily recommends the Cobblestone Court and hopes to see you there.

This is the best place to eat that I have been to in Brownsville!

Cactus Willie

What fun we had on February 4 from 1 - 3 pm in Matamoros for Garcia's 65th Anniversary Party!  There was free food, margaritas, entertainment and door prizes galore!  Folkloric dancers performed for the event and over 300 Winter Texans came out for the event!  Mr. Garcia said the event was such a success that they are going to have another party in March!  Stay tuned for more details!

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.