The Monument Inn - La Porte, TX

Visiting the San Jacinto Monument is a treat. The grounds are great for strolling and the museum in the base of the monument is chock full of historical goodies.



If only we could combine this experience with a tender CFS... The Monument Inn give us the opportunity. Located at the end of the Texas Independence Highway, the Inn has a big menu and a rather sophisticated dining room.

The CFS was a little disappointing. The breading was a little thin (and cold) and became soggy under the gravy. However, the flavor of the steak and the gravy together was very good, salty and savory. The steak was tender and moist.



The lunch plate came with salad and potato product. I chose fresh fries, which were excellent. Brussels sprout agreed and munched several whole fries for the first time.




Given how much I love the Monument and how often we go, no doubt the Inn will be in rotation. I plan to try the fried fish and the burger next, which various members of the chicken fried family tried.

Confusing Fried Steak

This is an odd development.

Blogging the Fair (early evening)

After seeing many of the best livestock Texas has to offer, we decided to partake in some if their kin, chicken fried style.



Just outside the pig exhibit was a revelation: chicken fried bacon. It was salty, as you can imagine but surprisingly good. The bacon was nicely fried and it was nice and flat. Ranch dressing (out of a pump) was provided, but we passed.



The crispy ends were the best part. Only Oinkus T. Pig (won by Tater Tot on the midway) objected.

Blogging the Fair (late afternoon)

A taste of fall. Fried pumpkin pie. A delicious and creamy and light filling of pumpkin pie mix, topped with whip cream and some powdered sugar (the official garnish of the Fair).



Tater tot proclaimed it as his favorite of the Fair. Worth battling the growing crowd to get to.

Blogging the fair (late afternoon)

Indulging Mrs. CFT and tater tot's love of sweets, we grabbed a basket of fried brownies. The perfect balls were chocolatey and gooey with a nice hint of almond. The balls were drizzles with caramel sauce and chocolate powder.



The trend has been that the little plastic forks are inadequate for cutting (and sharing) the fried goodies. Better to use your hands and get them in single bites.

Blogging the Fair (afternoon)

Working our way to the Texas Hall, and having not eaten in about half an hour, we stopped for water and... French fries. Smothered with chicken wing sauce, these things were addictive. Plus they came in a cone for easy and portable eating.



A 3 napkin dish.

Blogging the Fair (afternoon)

Wandering through the Midway, just past the giant alligators, I found fried tamales. Skeptical but intrigued, I put my 7 tickets down and bit in.



The balls were a bit dry on the outside but moist in the middle. The filling was a spicy riced tamale. It came with seven and that was plenty for a quick fix.