Tuesday, January 27, 2009

More Chicken Fried Goodness

Last July, I posted an entry about a place in Texas that makes Chicken Fried Bacon, a heart attack waiting to happen. But I admit a great fondness for Chicken Fried Steak smothered in white gravy and topped by a few dashes of Frank's Hot Sauce or Tabasco. Now, I know full well that it isn't very good for me, so I don't have it very often. In fact, that was the feature in our cafeteria at work today, but instead I ate the shrimp cocktail I brought from home.

But tonight while surfing around the web, I found a site dedicated to the chicken fried foods of Texas. Chicken Fried Texas is a fairly new blog by a guy who is a fan of Chicken Fried Steak, and writes about his visits to the establishments that serve this dish. So far, he has reviewed restaurants in the greater Houston and Dallas areas. Some of these, I have been to myself (e.g. Black-Eyed Pea, Cracker Barrel, Grandy's). Another he mentions, the Saltgrass Steak House is based in Houston, but has a location right here in Parker. I have tasted their CFS, and let me tell you, it is freakin' huge! If you go, it is best to plan on sharing it.

When I lived in Houston there was a place that to this day made what I considered to be the very best Chicken Fried Steak ever. It was called Dirty's, and apparently it burned to the ground at some point. Too bad.

Also here in Douglas County, Colorado in the county seat of Castle Rock is the Castle Cafe. This place not only has some wonderful CFS, but also boasts Chicken Fried Chicken, as well as the best pan fried chicken you'll find anywhere.

But as much as I love these, after seeing my dad go through an emergency triple bypass last year, I am ever the more aware of limiting these kinds of meals. Why does everything good have to be bad for you?