BIG VERN’S STEAKHOUSE

200 E 12th St
Shamrock, TX 79079

There are many steak houses all over this country: some are sophisticated, some are logs and smoke, and some are just down-home goodness restaurants. Big Vern’s is the latter. It also has “THE BEST CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK” I’ve ever eaten, and this comes from a guy who used to work and eat in Austin, Texas.

Chicken-fried steak is so “everywhere” in Texas I call it “the state bird of Texas.” Much of it is pretty good eating. But Big Vern’s has some attributes that go above and beyond any other chicken-fried steak I’ve ever eaten anywhere else: tenderness, lightness, and multiple flavors you can taste…actually taste. In other words the breading doesn’t override the rest of the dish.

You can find Big Vern’s just a couple of blocks off Interstate 40, then East. Turn at the historic Conoco gas station. You can’t miss the gas station and you shouldn’t miss Big Vern’s. Inside you’ll find a big dining room with table cloths and pretty little plastic flowers. The ever-present Texas restaurant bar is actually behind and off to the side of the dining room. This is a place to EAT. So try the “state bird of Texas” when in the Shamrock area. You can’t beat it.

ON THE BORDER

120 South Meridian Avenue

Oklahoma City, OK 73107

There are many Tex-Mex restaurants around the country; many are chains.  Such is “On The Border.”  There are the enchiladas, tacos, burritos, etc.  There is even a pretty fair guacamole served as a dip.  But we found a truly grand SURPRISE when we ordered the:

GUACAMOLE LIVE

“made fresh at your table with two avocados, plus your choice of tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, red onions and fresh lime juice.”

We enjoyed that as an appetizer with our dinner on a trip from East Tennessee to New Mexico.  The “Guacamole Live” was so good we stopped into “On The Border” again on our return trip and seriously thought about just ordering 2 servings of “Guacamole Live” for our entire dinner (we didn’t…but really enjoyed the appetizer the second time around, too).

We think “Guacamole Live” is worth a visit.  Check out the “On The Border” website http://ontheborder.com/ and enter your location to see if that particular restaurant offers “Guacamole Live.” 

Santa Maria!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!