we've decided that bbq is as quintessentially texan as practicing lassoing bulls in your front yard. (true story.)

our favorite place for texas bbq is rudy's. i'll admit, when j first drove me to rudy's the first words out of my mouth were "you did not just drive me to a gas station for lunch?!" but on the record: i take it back. rudy's is awesome, and i love everything from the drinks stored in ice in the metal washbins to the bbq "sause" on the tables.

it's kind of cutesy in a disney world kind of way, where you know everything is contrived but the overall effect is still nice. it's my mom's favorite place to try out when she's in town.

our favorites are the moist brisket (with lots of bread!) turkey and pulled pork.

last saturday we took a trip over to the mcallen farmer's market, held in the parking lot at the mcallen public library. which, by the way did you know used to be a walmart?! the little market, which is held every saturday from 10am-1pm has lots of fresh, organic produce for sale, the nino's rio pizza food truck (which now boasts our favorite pizza in town), and raspas!

previously when i had seen images of raspas, they just looked like snowcones. some photos even showed fruit on top and for some reason i must admit they looked....pretty unappetizing. but the raspas at the farmer's market are different! (they look like lightly colored slushies) after scoping out a couple, i decided to give them a try. i ordered the melon flavor (cantaloupe) and it was delicious! they pour juice over the ice (not syrup) and it tastes really fresh and sweet, yet not synthetic. would definitely recommend, especially on a hot day!

for this weekend i'm in need of some honey and granola!