I’d like to take you along for a ride to Virginia Beach, VA to check out A Taste of Texas. On the day of our visit they were just starting their 2nd week in the restaurant. Prior to that they had operated a food truck and catering business. So this is kind of their grand opening, a week late. Well we just couldn’t get there the previous weekend. But here we are and I want you to come along with us to check this brand new restaurant out.
The Restaurant and Staff at A Taste of Texas:
For starters, A Taste of Texas is owned and operated by a US Veteran. I loved that from the start. I’m all for supporting our veterans when they start up a business. They are located on Lynnhaven Road not far off of I-264. Talking to Timm after we ate, he told me that they live close by and wanted to bring a good family restaurant to the neighborhood. So when the building became available he decided it was time to give it a try. They have a nice little set-up. The dining room is open and the tables are spread out. I believe there were 4 – 5 tables in there. Several more have been moved outside for dining away from the dining room and keeping the distance between tables.
We were greeted as soon as we came in the door. Everyone was very nice and helpful with menu selections and general questions. Once you place your order at the counter you can grab your drink from the cooler and pick a seat. They call your name when your order is ready for you to pick up. While we were eating we were checked on several times by the staff. All of them seemed genuinely grateful to every customer that came in. It was great to see this hospitality and warmth making everyone feel right at home. Now let’s talk about some food.
Tammy’s Choices at A Taste of Texas:
Tammy ordered a Sliced Brisket Platter with Sinful Bacon Mac & Cheese and Texas Cream Corn. She also added an order of Bacon Burnt Ends. So the sinful bacon mac & cheese lives up to its name. It was great. Really thick and tasty. The Texas cream corn was also delicious. Tammy wouldn’t tell me because she figured I wouldn’t like it but I think it may have some sour cream or cream cheese in it. Even if it does, it’s still a great side.
You know there’s a lot of talk now days about Texas brisket and who has the best and so on. Well, A Taste of Texas has brisket that is right up there with the best we’ve had. At first I didn’t think Tammy was going to even let me try it so I knew something was up. She usually is pretty good about sharing with me. Today, not so much. Yes, Timm said he is from Texas so he should know a little about it. This brisket just pulled away with your fork and melted in your mouth. The seasoning and smoke were awesome. And bacon burnt ends? I had never heard of them until today. They were like some restaurants call pork belly which most of them smoke. These went a little further than just smoking and leaned on over to the “burnt ends” side of town. They were fantastic. These are a special that was running and not a regular menu item so you have to catch them on the right day. But so worth it.
And My Choices at A Taste of Texas:
Well today I chose a Pulled Pork Platter with Slaw and Pit Smoked Beans. I also ordered some Ribs to go with mine. So the slaw was pretty good. It has mayo and a little bit of a twang to it. I was joking with Timm after we ate that I usually don’t order slaw since I’m just not the greatest of slaw fans. I told him that Tammy usually orders it and I try hers. Though I do eat more of it now than I used to. I’ve taken a liking to some slaws and this was one of them. I would get it again. As for the pit smoked beans they’re definitely a get again item. I loved them. And I don’t know for sure, I usually don’t ask about recipes, but they almost seemed to have a very slight hint of vinegar in them. They were wonderful.
Now on with the meats. The pulled pork at A Taste of Texas is delicious. The smoke and seasoning were just right. Everyone knows that Texas is known for beef, but this Texan can smoke some pork too. He has had some practice. This would probably be a good time to mention that I did not try any of their sauces. I watched some people cover their pork and their brisket with sauce. I just don’t know why. But none the less, they do offer sauces for those who insist. But the ribs. The ribs were some of the best I’ve had in a long time. Even though I don’t compare restaurants to one another when I write these posts, these ribs were right in the same ballpark with some of my favorites. Tender, smoky, well-seasoned and they just pulled right off of the bone. I loved the ribs. Again, nothing with sauce.
One Final Touch:
So for the final straw we had to order some dessert. We shared an order of Apple Filled Churros. We didn’t have a clue what they were or if we’d like them but they looked wonderful. For those who don’t know what they are, a churro is a type of pastry. I’m not positive but they may be fried. They are long and hollow in the middle. That’s where they stuffed the apples. It then gets topped with a cinnamon maple coating and a drizzle of caramel. You get 4 pieces to an order. Save a little room. They are awesome.
Final Thoughts On A Taste of Texas:
I am so glad we found A Taste of Texas. Actually, Timm found me and then I found them. However it worked I’m happy it did. Virginia Beach, you have another BBQ restaurant to be proud of. I really enjoyed talking to Timm and the guys out back after we ate. It was nice to get to know them a little better. While we were talking they were getting ready to start their Sunday Special, Beef Ribs. Man those babies looked good. I am honored to help support one of our veterans too. Everyone seemed so humble and grateful to have every customer. I’m simply impressed with their food, the service and the atmosphere. I’m already thinking about my next visit.
Now For Your Thoughts:
So here we have a brand new restaurant. Have you tried them out? What were your thoughts? I know that A Taste of Texas ran a food truck prior to opening the restaurant so I’m sure that some loyal customers followed them in. What are you favorites? Tell us about more of the menu items. We could only try so much. Here is your opportunity to tell others why you’re a fan and why they should come out and support A Taste of Texas.
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You can check out their website at: https://atasteoftexasinva.com/
You can also find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/A-Taste-of-Texas-1909103319356871/
4 Comments
Best bbq in Va .awesome employees the owner I could go on forever Timm is a awesome person who takes pride in what he does
Mickey, Timm did seem to take a lot of pride in his work. He also seems to enjoy trying different recipes, in particular with his sides.
Everyone there was fantastic along with the food. We loved our visit. Glad to hear that others do as well.
Thanks.
The Brisket is the best….but and I have to say this again but wait till Thanksgiving season… omg smoked turkey is the best…I don’t whatbhe does but I can’t get enough
Kelly, Thank you so much for the input. Tammy loves smoked turkey so I’m sure we’ll be trying some out. And the brisket is awesome. We loved it.
BTW…Nice name. We have a niece whose name is Kelly Brown. Small world.
Thanks again.