Ala What?

"Hey Stew, it's time to remember the Alamo!"  Not the most normal way to be woken up but hey, its San Antonio.
Today Scott and I set our sights on the historic Alamo, River walk, and Downtown SA.  But first lets talk a minute about the Alamo.

According to the sources, by this i mean what i gleaned and paraphrased from the gift shop AKA "Alamo Museum" the Alamo was a mission first then a fort.  The Mexican Army took it over then a bunch of angry Texans and some other folks came in and took the whole thing back.  Surprisingly the Mexicans did not like this and then, "On February 23, 1836, the arrival of General Antonio López de Santa Anna's army outside San Antonio nearly caught them by surprise."  So they holed themselves up and started fighting a huge number with about 160 people.  They asked for help and they got 36 people, seems like this should of been an omen to give up the tiny little fort because no one outside of the people involved thought it was a good idea to keep it!  So then they fought for a bit and they were all killed.  The end.

Now having this history in my head we toured the grounds, in 5 minutes.  This place is so tiny and, I feel that I must point this out, the floor was sticky everywhere!!!  I was trying to culture myself and learn me some Texas history but all I could think was,"Did they spill soda everywhere, no that wouldn't do this.  Are these trees sap trees, no they are not.  How could it get like this, is it the blood of fallen patriots, no they would of cleaned that up a long time ago.  WHY!!!!"  Then once inside the famous structure of the Alamo it was empty.  All the display cases were empty, there were these side rooms with nothing in them but they were fenced off anyway, and the only real interesting thing was..... umm.... the electronic guest book?  But that might of been because of the colors and movement, and my ADD.

Now that i can forever say that I will remember the Alamo we move on to a more more pressing issue, Lunch.  We start walking and Scott does his best tour guide impression,

"That's a building, its old.  That's a big thing....oh the torch of friendship.  That's the River Walk.  That's the hall of Justice (which while jay walking in front of we almost got hit by a bus).  What else did you need to know?" and so on.  It was a very informative tour.

We stopped for lunch at Druthers, a great little sandwich place in the heart of downtown.  I had the Smuther Druther, A tarragon grilled chicken sandwich with bacon, avocado, mayo and provolone on toasted sour dough bread.  Every bite was a bit of happy with perfectly complimenting flavors and textures.  Scott had the Cheesesteak, everything great with just under the amount of slop as a Philly Philly.  But both our sides were disappointing, no real flavor in my potato salad or Scotts pasta salad.  Oh well, on we go.

Oh one building of note, the NIX.  It's a hospital built in a historic building that has been around forever.  The problem is that its a historic building, so you can't easily upgrade, add-on, or advance your hospital.  Only one elevator can carry a full gurney, and the other 2 are spotty at best with their performances.  The company put in a 20 person barometric chamber which they had to put it in from the side of the building meaning....they had to label and remove every brick in the way.  Store them, then reassemble the building exactly as it was before they put a hole in it.  Its all very silly.

Since Scott had to work this night I went out to the Food Truck Spot called Boulevard on Bulverde.  Its a food truck spot in between shanktown and bodydumpsville.  But unfazed I carried on, and i was so happy I did.

My first stop was the guy selling key beer for $2 a cup, you know to take in the sights better.  Then off to the Korean taco truck, Seoul Grill Eats.  I had the Bulgogi taco, marinated rib eye topped with Korean slaw, cilantro, green onions and Seoul Sauce.  Amazing?  Huge understatement!  These tacos were so fresh, light but with amazing spicy flavor and the perfect mix of textures.  Oh yes my friends, the Korean taco truck is a winning concept.

From there it was off to Tapa Tapa to try the Pork belly taco with a spicy tomatillo salsa, warm pico and topped with these ground up spicy Mexican cheeto things.  I liked it, but it was missing a depth of flavor and a memorable kick.  It was just there, sad for pork belly. But he did offer a great treat, watermelon marinated in lime juice and mint with pop rocks on top.  I like the idea, need improvement but could be an awesome dish.

Hopefully the next spot will lift my spirits, and they tried hard.  Bistro Six offered Truffled grilled cheese, yes Ma'am!  Buttered sourdough with swiss, goat and blue cheese, caramelized onions and truffle oil.  All served with a small side salad with a lemon vinaigrette.  Screw the salad, it tasted like they made it with bottled lemon juice and salt, but the sandwich was amazing!!!  While ever present the truffle oil did not overwhelm everything, it played nicely with all parties.  I like this gooey truffley guy, needs a recreation on day.

Belly full and eyes getting heavy I headed back to Scotts place.  And then off to meet up with one of his friends at a bar called 50/50.  Nothing of note happened here except that the bad gave us the evil eye for leaving and going into the walled off quieter room.  But after the bar..... Taco truck time.

El Gallito De Jalisco, was the name of this truck set up in a car wash.  Perfect.  I ordered the al pastor and the barbacoa tacos.  To say these were the best tacos i have had in Texas would be true, but needed to be said much louder.  These were amazing!  And the translation made by google of the restaurants name means, "Fighting Cocks of the Straw Hat."  I feel it might be a miss translation but i like it the same.

Stewart Lane