10/3/2011 7:44:56 PM
ROUND ROCK, Texas - The place has been staring me in the face for the last six days, just begging me to walk through the door. But for some mysterious reason I didn't make the move until Monday night, when my stay here in Central Texas is rapidly coming to an end.
I finished up my writing from championship day at the WWBA South Qualifier at about 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Monday and decided it was time to start packing. The flight to Fort Myers leaves at 6:50 a.m. Tuesday so there will be no time to dilly-dally in the morning. I popped a cold Bud Light fresh out of my hotel room fridge and got down to business. It didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would - I'm getting pretty proficient at this packing thing - so at 7 p.m. I decided to go out and gas-up the rental and grab a bite to eat to bring back to the hotel.
I finally stopped at Rudy's Country Store & BBQ, which, like the Blue Oak Grill, is within walking distance of my hotel. Rudy's motto, as written on the sign on the front of the building, is "Worst BBQ in Texas." I beg to differ.
Rudy's features a somewhat limited BBQ menu with beef brisket, pork loin and racks of pork ribs the featured items. There are side dishes - cold and hot - like cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans and creamed corn. About a half a dozen slices of white bread are included with every order. I waited in line, ordered a half-pound of "extra moist" beef brisket with creamed corn to go, filled up a little cup with "Rudy's Special BBQ Sauce" and headed back to my room.
What an absolute delight. It was the best beef brisket I've ever eaten and I walked out of the joint having spent just about $10. I wish I would have walked into Rudy's earlier in my stay.
I am, BTW, just getting around to reading this morning's USA Today. There is a great article in there about Perfect Game alumni and brothers Justin and B.J. Upton and how their parents try to balance the travel required to see each one of them play during the playoffs. With Justin playing for the D-Backs and B.J. with the Rays, there's a chance they could meet in the World Series. It's a great story.
The alarm is set for 4 a.m. Better sign off. Next stop: Fort Myers!