Day 10 - Big Texas Brings Big Flavors

 Fort Worth, TX to Austin, TX

Going back to the beginning, I remember toying with a number of ideas as to how this trip could or should go. And not just where to go, but where to go and why. The sights, the sounds, the smells, and of course, the foods! It's also worth noting that one of mine and Conor's favorite things to do back home on Johns Island is cook. Specifically, we love to smoke meats! This is a hobby I've been dipping my toe into for more than a decade, but when Conor took an interest in doing it with me, I stepped my game up. WAY up.

In January of 2022 I took delivery of a 48" Lang trailer smoker. This thing is towed behind my truck (or golf cart), and is ready made to go anywhere. I even gave a second thought to trailering it along this trip but (thankfully) realized how cumbersome that would be. Regardless, since buying the Lang I started following a number of barbecue artists and chefs on social media, and one place that always stood out was Austin's own, "Salt Lick". Conor and I will sit at home and look at all the food they're putting out, pictures of their smoke pit, lively customers, and famous folks coming to visit. The place has been around for over 50 years! Some attribute the Salt Lick to the famed Texas Barbecue scene!

I'm happy to report that we made it to the Salt Lick and that it was absolutely worth the hype! We gorged ourselves on beef brisket, house made smoked-sausage, pulled pork, pork ribs, baked beans, and homemade pickles... Outstanding stop! But just the first of several, as there are at least two more we're working on getting to. "Terry Blacks Barbecue" today, and "It's All Good Barbecue" Northwest of Austin tomorrow.   

But Texas is no one-trick pony on the culinary scene. This State and it's deep heritage and connection with Old Mexico is known the World over, ultimately creating its own fusion cuisine known as Tex-Mex. So in between the barbecue meat-sweats, we're getting into the big bold flavors of birria stew, enchiladas, street tacos, tamales, and of course, all the chilies we can handle! Don't you try and tell me we're not cultured!

There is no greater place to heal than across from loved ones at a table over a plate of delicious food. Every culture in World practices this. It's where families and friends come together to nourish, indulge, smile, and laugh. The Healing Road offers that and more, with new perspectives, new flavors, and traditions that are older than time itself. Chicken Soup for the Soul, as I'd once heard it. 

There are bumps in the road, however. For all the reasons explained above, there's also an emptiness present in these experiences. One seat unfilled. Sara was as much a foodie as either Conor or me, and he loved to share his passions with his mother. Since the beginning of this journey - and I'm not talking about the road trip - I've done my best to provide Conor with a soft spot to land. I've guided him and counseled him to not hold onto his feelings... To feel all the things, but to then take a deep breath and move forward; there's no use carrying that sadness. And for the most part he does really well. But now and again those emotions come to the surface and when they do, they are raw. After a fantastic meal at the Salt Lick, one such moment arose; the heartbreak and realization that we can't share these experiences with Sara. 

But then Conor surprised me. As we sat talking facing one another cross-legged on the bed in our quiet hotel room, he moved through his range of emotions, fought through his tears, took a deep breath, and pronounced that he was okay. Better, in fact. And stated very confidently, "Mommy would love this trip, Daddy. But she'd also be really proud of us for making it."

Another moment affirming to me that the Healing Road really is healing. And maybe, just maybe, this evening when you all sit down across from your loved ones to share a meal, you'll know in your heart of hearts that it just doesn't get better than this.

Until tomorrow...