The Essence of America
Around 25 years ago Texas Monthly came out with an annual "The Best BBQ in Texas" guide. The guide lined out the best BBQ in Texas, and many of the "BBQ joints" were in small towns around the state I had never been to. On weekends, or when we were skipping class, we would pile in someone's car and make the pilgrimage to many of these joints to eat, talk, learn and experience what our parents and grandparents did. Many of these places hadn't changed in the last half century, they didn't need to. If you've seen The Last Picture Show, some of these towns were like "Anarene" and the restaurant was one of the last great establishments that was keeping the town alive.
I often like jumping in the car without a plan. I love exploring new places without an agenda or any kind of outcome in mind. Yesterday, I decided to explore a bit of downtown Indy. For those that haven't been to Indy it really is a great place to live and raise a family. I grew up most of my life and formative years in Texas, and it has taken me years to assimilate to the Midwest.
On my trip, I happened upon the food truck in the picture above, Old Gold BBQ (https://www.oldgoldbarbecue.com/). Texas pride runs deep to my core. I no longer live there, but I still fly a Texas flag outside of my home. "Texas BBQ in Indiana," Yeah, bullshit. I've heard this before, Indy's version of "Tex-Mex" involves not chile con queso, but "Cheese Dip." Hardly what I grew up with, but what the hell I stopped and got a sandwich, and I'm glad I did.
The couple running the truck is from Austin, Texas. They've been here a year and a half and have struggled like most other businesses have this year. It's funny, when most folks grow up in the South, they struggle with their first winters. We shared some funny stories about our first winters here while they were prepping my sandwich, and we talked about our favorite joints in Texas. I think I'd be friends with these folks even if they didn't make badass BBQ, Sandwich ready, and a line of people behind me wishing I would shut the hell up so they can order too.
Wow, certain things have the power to mentally take you back home. This was the best BBQ I've had in Indy, and everything they promised was spot on. Served properly, raw onion, pickles and jalapenos on the side. Sauce on the side because real BBQ doesn't need sauce(My opinion of course, but I'm right). I told them I'd let my friends know, and immediately supported them through (Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc...) and am now writing this article to hopefully get a few of my Indy friends to stop by. They are an example of what makes this country great, they are food pioneers.
It's an election year, and the claws are out and the venom is spewing. People like Brittany and her husband make this country what it is. The essence of America is to explore, take risks, take chances and hopefully build an incredible existence together. If they fail, they'll get back up, and get back to it, because in this country you are allowed to do that. Rise and fail, rise and fail, rise and succeed, don't ever give up and be glad you live in a place that allows you to keep going.
If you took the time to read this, I'd love for you to explore your hometown this week or weekend. Take a risk, find a place, support a local business and then help tell their story. If you are lucky like I was, you'll find a place that will remind you of home and renew your belief that we live in a great place.