Ep 44. Howdy, Texas!

Howdy, y'all! This episode of Food Paradise takes us to the great state of Texas, where everything is bigger and better - especially the food. The Lone Star State is known for its bold flavors and larger-than-life portions, and this episode is no exception.

First up, we head to Lockhart, the barbecue capital of Texas, to sample some of the best smoked meats in the state. Kreuz Market has been serving up pit-smoked beef, sausage, and pork since 1900, and their legendary brisket is a must-try for any meat lover. We also visit Black's Barbecue, where they've been smoking meat for over 80 years and have plenty of awards to show for it.

Next, we head to Dallas to check out some of the city's finest Tex-Mex cuisine. At Mia's Tex-Mex, we try their famous brisket tacos and queso, which are made with a special blend of cheeses and roasted green chiles. We also visit El Come Taco, where they make their tortillas by hand and serve up some of the most authentic tacos in the city.

Of course, no trip to Texas would be complete without trying some of the state's signature dishes, like chicken-fried steak and chili. At the Dixie Chicken in College Station, we try their famous "choke" - a chicken-fried steak sandwich smothered in gravy. And at the chili cook-off in Terlingua, we sample some of the best chili in the state and learn about the long-standing rivalry between Texas-style chili and Cincinnati-style chili.

Finally, we end our journey in Austin, where the food scene is as funky and eclectic as the city itself. At Franklin Barbecue, we wait in line for hours to try their world-famous brisket, which some people call the best barbecue in the world. And at East Side King, we sample some of the most creative and delicious Asian fusion cuisine in the city - like the beet home fries and the Thai chicken karaage.

Throughout the episode, we meet plenty of colorful characters who embody the spirit of Texas - from the pitmasters who've been smoking meat for generations to the cowboys who still ride the ranches. We also learn about the unique ingredients and cooking techniques that make Texas cuisine so special, like the mesquite wood that gives barbecue its distinct flavor and the hot chili peppers that add a kick to every dish.

In the end, we leave Texas with a deep appreciation for the state's rich culinary history and its enduring love affair with good food. Whether you're a barbecue fanatic, a Tex-Mex connoisseur, or just a hungry traveler, Texas has something for everyone - and this episode of Food Paradise shows us the very best of what the Lone Star State has to offer.