Franklin Barbeque, and San Antonio

If you eat brisket in one place in the United States, do it here.

Get it from this guy.

It looks like this...

...and this.

That guy is Aaron Franklin. He makes the best brisket in the universe. It's moist and tender, has just the right amount of seasoning to make a beautiful bark, and just the right amount of smoke. It's the best. Ever. That's all. We waited in ninety-five degree Austin heat for two hours and thirty minutes. It was worth every minute. Typically, Tuesdays aren't quite as busy for Franklin Barbeque, but apparently the Independence Day holiday brought the crowd. We made friends with the family in front of us aaaand the family in back of us, aaaand I think the family behind them. We had time. Why not? It was part of the experience. From Austin we drove on down to San Antonio and took in one of the four missions we would like to see.

 

Mission Espada

I like the architecture. I like reading about the history. We drove by Mission San Juan, but there was the scaffolding all over the church so we decided not to stop and get out to see that one. We'll take a look at the other two tomorrow.

As if we hadn't eaten enough of possibly the worst food for you on earth by inhaling all the brisket, we ate at Mi Tierra for dinner. Tim had tamales, I had chile rellenos--both really good. The flour tortillas were made in house--they were excellent.

The lighting was funky, so it doesn't look as good as it tasted. Check out this room.

Mi Tierra was located about eleven blocks from our hotel. We needed the walk there and back as well as a quick stroll on the Riverwalk after all we ate today. In fact, I'd say a half-marathon might be in order, but that'll never happen.

Tomorrow will be a little more relaxed. We will explore San Antonio, a couple more missions, then take the boat tour of the Riverwalk in the evening.. That's it for today.