Wednesday, June 20, 2012

CLOSED Cattle Baron Cafe--Burgers, Steaks and Home-Style Cooking

This evening my husband, myself and a friend went to the Cattle Baron Cafe on S. 1st, just west of Leggett.  It is in the location that used to be Tuscany's Coffeehouse. The menu offers steaks, several types of burgers, chicken-fried steak, grilled chicken and some nice desserts. Even a fried baloney sandwich.

Amarillo burger with beans and fries
I ordered the Amarillo burger which had cheddar cheese. lettuce, tomato, and onion rings on the sandwich.  Sides were hand-cut fries and home-made pinto beans. The stand out item on the burger was the fresh bun, except for the brand on top. Interesting idea but the scorched part of the bread didn't taste good.  It was a decent burger but I could tell the patty was pre-formed instead of done by hand which was a bit disappointing. Cost was $7.65.

My husband got the large chicken-fried steak which he LOVED...tender and pan-fried instead of deep fried. Yummy gravy, mashed red potatoes and pinto beans. It was actually two steaks for about $15. Our friend ordered the chopped sirloin and it also came with mashed potatoes and pinto beans and was piled high with sauteed onions. He said it was very good. For dessert we had lemon meringue pie, made with real lemon.

The service was excellent. Very attentive and friendly.

We like that the place is in the center of town and we don't have to drive over to the southwest part of the city to go eat at a sit-down restaurant. I'm sure we will go again and try some appetizers. Some of them were very tempting. I plan to try a steak next time.

Now serving breakfast 11/2012.

Cattle Baron Cafe
3905 S. 1st St.
Abilene, TX 79605
325-232-8217
CLOSED DOWN--APRIL 2014


Saturday, June 9, 2012

Deli at the United Supermarket on S.14th & S. Willis--Tasty Sandwiches

My favorite sandwich spot in town isn't Subway or Jimmy John's. It is a deli in a grocery store and if you hit the place at lunch you will find that many other people seem to feel the same. The seating area was full at 12:15pm on a Friday.

The sandwiches on the multi-grain wheat or home-style sourdough bread are the best. The bread is the highlight for me, along with the quality meats, cheeses, leaf lettuce and fresh tomato. I'm told the burgers are good as well.

Yesterday, I had the heart healthy roasted chicken on wheat--toasted so the cheese would melt. I've also enjoyed the Reuben and the California Club on previous occasions. They are served as combination meals with a side, a pickle spear and a drink...all for less than $6.00. Your choice of sides are fruit, potato chips or fries.

Grab a bite next time you need to pick up a few things at the store. I think you will be surprised.
 
3301 S 14th St
Abilene, TX 79605
(325) 690-9059

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Brick Oven Pizza Co.--A Thin Crust Delight

We enjoy the variety and taste of the pizzas at Brick Oven. They are a small chain with 8 locations in 3 states. Many of the pizza options are quite different from other places in town. They all have a thin crunchy crust. I tend to get the Portobello--pictured on the bottom right--(olive oil, pesto, fresh portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, feta and three other cheeses) or the Mediterranean (olive oil, chicken, sauteed onions, green olives, green peppers, seasoned tomatoes, feta, cheddar and mozzarella).  My husband usually goes for the Supreme--on the left--and my son likes the Bubba's Choice--upper right--since it has so many different kinds of meats. Some pizzas do use canned mushrooms or dried herbs instead of fresh ones but I think almost anyone could find one they like or create their own.

They do indeed use a brick oven and sometimes it takes a while to get your food. If the place is busy the servers can get overwhelmed with tables. We like to go on a weeknight and have always found the servers friendly. Don't be in a hurry when you go, just in case. No delivery but they do have take-out. The 8-inch small pie is great for one person. Cost for the small runs about $7.25 more or or less. The 10-inch medium is about $12.00 and the 14-inch large is approximately $15.25.

Other food options are several different types of sandwiches (also baked in the oven), salads and pasta dishes. The only appetizer we have ever ordered were the regular or spicy bread sticks but they have nachos, quesadillas and spinach artichoke or portobello dips. They also serve a wide variety of beers which the hubby appreciates.

Brick Oven Pizza Co. is located in the Woodhaven Shopping Center next to Hobby Lobby--

Su-Th 11-10
Fr-Sa 11-11
4714 South 14th Street  Abilene, TX 79605 
(325) 691-5303