Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Got Gas?

With the prices of gas falling fast, where in town do you get the best gas prices? The lowest gas prices in town are usually at the Corner Store on E Highway and Main. They always have the lowest prices in town, followed by the HEB Gas Station on Adams/Highway 16. HEB will even let you write a check for your gas, as long as it's local. Want to keep up on the lowest gas prices in town, visit: http://www.gasbuddy.com/ and enter the 78624 zip code. It will give you a running list of prices around town.



Now all we need in town is a good car wash, where you can have your car washed and vaccuumed for you.

West End Pizza

A new pizza joint just opened this week on Main street in the space previously occupied by "Hannah's on Main" and before that "Cottage Cafe". West End Pizza Co offers many choices of pizza as well as pasta and salads. The main pizza menu comes in two sizes, 14 or 16 inch and cost between $16 and $20.
The atmosphere is great and the staff is very friendly. Go around back and try a game of air hockey or pinball, it's sure to be lots of fun.
Credit Cards are accepted but no liquor license yet.

West End Pizzeria
232 W. Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
www.westendpizzacompany.com

Monday, November 24, 2008

Fangs

My dentist is Thomas Schmidt. He is generally on time which is a pleasant change for a medical professional and has reassuring chairside manner.
Teeth cleaning is an overall relaxing experience but I wish the hygienist would ask "talking or non talking " before starting as I find conversation with a pick in my mouth uncomfortable.

Not sure on what insurance he takes.
205 W Windcrest St # 210
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-7232

Peach Pit BBQ

When you say Texas most people will think cowboys and steers. But another thing Texas is famous for is the Barbecue. And around these parts nothing brings a smile like a heaping plate of BBQ with all the trimmings. If you are in the mood but not sure where to go, try Peach Pit BBQ on highway 16 headed out of town. For around $7 - $9 dollars a plate you can enjoy the meat of your choice with one or two sides, bread, and a drink. The barbecue sauce is served hot and has a tangy sweet taste to it. I caution you to go early! They serve up plates until they run out and close until the next day. Parking can also be a bit tight. They also provide catering service and meats by the pound if you are looking to bring something home to the family.
So next time your headed south of town stop by Peach Pit and give them a try but bring cash or checks as they don't accept credit/debit cards.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Opa's Smoked Meats

Try out the great sausages at Opa's, just a couple of blocks south of Main Street, on Washington. Great Christmas gift items, which they can package, as well. The real secret is the smoked beef filet jerkey. Try it, thinly sliced with smoked cheese on a cracker, and you will be hooked. It's expensive per pound (something like fourteen or sixteen bucks), but a small amount goes a long way. This company has been in FBG. for over fifty years. So give em a try.

Breakfast at Old German Bakery

Breakfast at The Old German Bakery is definitely the place to go. omlettes, pancakes and homemade German sausage or bacon...both served with fresh baked biscuits, and plenty of coffee. Or you can can the migas (a big plate full of eggs and tortillas with green sauce) or one of their specials like Eggs Benedict. Real German pastries, great breakfast for six to seven dollars per person, and very popular on the weekends or during special events. Get there before 8:30AM and you will get right in. Oh, and they don't take credit cards. But who cares for good food at good prices

Beer


I like beer.
Rick and Alton make it at the Fredericksburg Brewery on Main Street. I recommend you stop by and sample some while you wait for your wife etc to stop shopping. My favorite is the Pale Ale .
Sit at the bar, eat some bottlecaps (fried jalapenos) and before you know it she will be back. Or you can take your beer to go (it is legal on Main Street).
Buy the "make beer not war" apparel at Alton's site www.beerandpeace.com

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Bejas

If you are looking for a great place to have lunch or dinner outdoors Bejas has a wonderful patio. This is a nice place to visit with friends or family and just relax and enjoy any of their tasty choices on their menu. The only complaint I have is the servers do not seem very happy, maybe they should try a margarita from the menu. (which by the way are also very good)

A Scenic Drive on Highway 16

Highlights of the Texas Hill Country include the dramatic scenery on Highway 16 between Fredericksburg and Kerrville. Aromatic scents of fall and breathtaking views of of the countryside are what this road has to offer. Overall the 22 miles offer complete bliss to anyone out for a Sunday drive (even if it is Tuesday).
But don't be surprised if you're mowed off the road by big Texas 4x4 or soccer mom in her SUV. If you're not doing at least the speed limit ( 70 mph ) or usually over that, you will be angrily tailgated by those that are in a hurry. Since this is a one lane highway, common courtesy would tell you that people should follow behind until the next passing lane arrives. Don't expect the locals to follow suit, if you are enjoying a leisurely drive at 50 mph, do yourself a favor and move over to the shoulder. This allows them to pass and you to keep going on your way without honking, name-calling, hand gestures, and the like.
Another passing problem this time of year is DEER. Those cute, cuddly creatures you've seen in the movies are nothing but common pests along this highway. Be wary of them darting out in front of you while doing high speeds because it may not be just one. Damaged cars and trucks are a common occurrence that cost time and money. At dusk and after dark is when it's hardest to spot these animals so keep an eye out for them.
All in all this road offers more than transportation. With it's gorgeous scenery and wild life abundance it's no wonder people call this highway home. To anyone passing through, be sure to take this 22 mile stretch, just make sure you do it from the shoulder and watch out for Dead Man's Curve!

Nothing like turkey for breakfast!

Today was the annual Thanksgiving lunch at Fredericksburg Elementary School. Hundreds of parents joined their children for the annual meal of turkey, dressing and all the fixings while trying to balance themselves on the small round stools at the tables. With all of the children and their guests passing through the cafetria lines, lunch starts early. Actually right around breakfast. MMMMMmmmm, turkey for breakfast! And for those of us lucky enough to have more that one child at the school, we get turkey for breakfast and a little later again for lunch.

The school does a great job of making the day special with decorations made by the children. Parents and Grandparents come from miles away to join their kids for lunch on this special day. If you have a child who will be in the elementary school-start marking your calendar now. If you miss it, your disappointed child will not let you forget!

Speed Traps

The area on Llano from Austin to College is definitely a speed trap - and the limit during school pick-up and drop-off times is a mere 20mph. I can definitely run faster than that (but admittedly only for a moment). Slow down just past Lady Bird Johnson Park on Highway 16, the limit there is 55 for a few miles, and you think it should be much higher. I almost always see a trooper there, so keep it slow.

Traffic Tickets

My tips for the best place to get a speeding ticket.

Milam between Highway 16 and Main Street. The limit is 30 (I think i can walk faster) and there is plenty of downhill to build up speed.

Just past the Post Office on Highway 87. The limit stays at 55 for about 3 miles but because it not very developed it seems it should be 70. State troopers love to get people coming in and out of town.

Heidi and Hedwig both recommend the school zone around the elementary school as another great place to get a ticket.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Another Great Place to Eat-Kelly's Cafe

We like to eat at Kelly's Cafe on Main Street. The menu is diverse and everything is very good. Our regular favorites are the New Mexico Blue Corn Enchiladas and the Spiral Pasta Salad. The deserts are a sweet treat so save room!

Kelly's also offers their food to go, so find your favorite item and call and get it to go.

The only downside is the parking. Park on Main Street for the easiest access.

Great Eats at Altdorf

Another great place to eat is Altdorf. The outside biergarten atmosphere is great, and you should really try their Sangria - the best I've ever had this side of the Atlantic - I understand its based on a recipe the owner got from his favorite hangout in Spain. Regular favorites of mine include the Taco salad and the Ruben, but I've never had a bad dish there and I admit, I love their homemade french fries. I also love the apple struesel when they have it - it's flaky delicious, especially a la mode. My only complaint is that the chairs outside are not super duper comfortable, nor is the gravel underfoot.

Welcome to the Fredericksburg, Texas insider blog.

My favorite breakfast spot at the moment is Mahaleys.
Located at Main and 87, their bacon or sausage breakfast burritos are delicious. (I think they are better than Hildas and you don't have to wait as long...Plus they don't run out). Ask for the "fire in the hole" hot sauce if you dare. Price $2.75

If you have some local knowledge you would like to share email me fritz@fritz-town.com.