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Texas Cuisine At A Tyler Landmark

January 8th, 2010

When visiting a new city, one of my favorite things to do is try local restaurants that serve dishes native to the area. And as someone who has lived and traveled outside my home state, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to seek out a lot of hole in the wall places where locals congregate. This has often led me to think about our own Texan specialties. What are they, and where would I send an out of towner to sample them?

When most people think of Texas cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is of course barbeque. One of our best, locally owned barbeque sources in Tyler Texas is Stanley’s. Located at 525 South Beckham, Stanley’s is about sixty years old, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Tyler. They serve outstanding Texas fare that has gained statewide recognition. The signature dish is a sandwich called “The Brother-in-law,” it’s packed with chopped beef, hot links and cheese. They also serve the usual forms of sliced or chopped beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken and ribs. The brisket is cooked for at least sixteen hours. Stanley’s also has an outdoor deck where they occasionally feature live music. They also offer catering services.

So the next time you have out of town guests who want to experience genuine Texas flavor and culture, consider this family owned and operated Tyler landmark instead of the usual chains. The food is outstanding and the atmosphere authentic. Located across from Trinity Mother Francis Hospital. Also see http://www.stanleyspitbbq.com

Great Cooking in East Texas

October 14th, 2009

As I get older, I find that I am becoming a traditionalist in nearly every way, and yes this also applies to food. I am a firm believer in patronizing local restaurants who cook foods native to this particular region. In Texas, one of our primary cultural foods is barbeque.

We have numerous barbeque restaurants in and around Tyler, some of which are quite good, but only two are locally owned, with local cooking methods and local pride. The Purple Pig is located on 155 between Tyler and Palestine. When you hear folks talk about out of the way establishments who serve out of this world food, they may well be discussing the Purple Pig. Here is the authentic Texas barbeque you’ve been hearing so much about. This local fav has become an East Texas tradition in and of itself. In fact it has expanded gradually over the last couple of years in order to accommodate more customers and a growing reputation. The atmosphere is rustic, but that is after all, what you want in a barbeque joint. The food takes priority over all other concerns. I have often taken out of town guests there in order to give them a genuine Tyler, Texas experience.

The Pig’s menu consists of all the barbeque favorites from ribs and brisket to sausage and pork wings, yes pork wings, and they cook them like no one else. All the meats they serve are smoky and tender, and (if applicable) fall off the bone. My personal favorite is the sliced brisket. They also serve the old standbys like baked beans and coleslaw.

The Pig also takes a monthly road trip to Canton Trade Days. Events like this no doubt help to spread the gospel of the Purple Pig! For more info on this particular gospel, see their website, located at www.purplepigcafe.com. Better yet, pay them a visit. They’re open seven day week. For more on great Tyler barbeque see the Tyler Blog section of this site, and look for the title “Texas cuisine at a Tyler landmark.”