[Cider Jim]

JDUB, have you had any Texas BBQ? How does it compare to NC's BBQ?

[El Scorcho]

saw the galleria today. huge. the ice rink was pretty cool. most of the stores were way out of my price range, but I still enjoyed walking around for a few hours looking at people and different overpriced junk haha

The Galleria mall and surrounding area holds some pretty special memories for me now. Had a fantastic trip to Houston in early March. I would highly recommend it.

[El Scorcho]

As for this...

North Carolina, does NOT know how to do BBQ. I just moved to NC over a year ago, and have had some of their 'best' BBQ. Nasty stuff. People from NC do not know BBQ until they go to the midwest... heck even the deep south.

I think what you meant to say is that the rest of the country owes NC a great deal of gratitude for starting a fine barbecue tradition that spawned the other traditions and varieties enjoyed around the country today. What you eat in NC is barbecue, historically speaking. Everything else needs an adjective or descriptor put in front of it.

I highly recommend reading this: http://goo.gl/XBI0j

I have a copy signed by the authors.

[JDUB]

LOL good link scorch.

I think i'm going to one of the papas restaurants tonight. Will report back later. What other restaurants in the energy corridor are really good texas food the Sly didn't already mention? I'm gonna keep checking that small book for reference while I'm here haha

[Sly Fox]

If you want to head back down by the Galleria, here's a great Texan BBQ option:

http://www.lulingcitymarket.com/contact.html

If you want to try some Mom & Pop BBQ that has a good rep (even though I've never been there) you might try this place:

http://www.virgiesbbq.com/
It is about 15 minutes NNE of your location. Take Beltway/Sam Houston Tollway north up to 290 East .. then immediately take Gessner south.

Texas is known for its Chicken Fried Steak and there are a slew of options including Hickory Hollow near the Sam Houston Racetrack (about 30 minutes north on Sam Houston Tollway).

Once again, if you are on company nickel and want the best then I would suggest the following:

http://www.brennanshouston.com/

It is the Houston branch of the famous New Orleans restauranteurs. I haven't been since they rebuilt after a fire during Hurricane Ike. But it is nationally acclaimed. It is located in Midtown close to the Museum District.

[JDUB]

went to papadeaux tonight, great place! especially recommend the cajun alligator bites on the appetizer

[Sly Fox]

Pappadeaux is one of my family's faves. We usually order one of the big platters and split it between us. On Fridays & Saturdays they generally have live zydeco bands.

And just so you'll know, they have a Pappadeaux & a Pappasitos in Terminal E at IAH. If you ever have a layover in Houston, I highly recommend choosing one of those two spots. And they also have locations on the north side of Atlanta for some reason.

[LUconn]

Be sure to visit the soon-to-be gay district

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/lo ... dst-rumors

[Sly Fox]

Yeah, our openly lesbian mayor is someone we are all immensely proud to call our own ... nor not.

I look forward to hearing reviews of Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk & the Galleria from J-Dub once he leaves balmy Houston for the frigid Mid-Atlantic region.