Author: Trey Chapman

Trey Chapman is the Creator of Trey's Chow Down, Drink With Trey, and Trey's Chow Down T.V.. Always searching for the best chow, drink, chef's and good times for our fans and followers!

Texas BBQ – World Famous KREUZ MARKET

Trey Chapman Chow Leave a Comment on Texas BBQ – World Famous KREUZ MARKET

A Texas BBQ Legend KREUZ MARKET

Old Kreuz Market (Lockhart, Texas)

Welcome BBQ lovers! Thanks for stopping by to learn more about the WORLD FAMOUS Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas. We made the trip to this historic market to chow down and learn about their amazing lengthly history in TEXAS.

Their METHOD of preparing BBQ smoked meats is simple and they’ve followed it for over a century.

Top Quality Meat: Our entire operation begins and ends with prized Texas cuts — done and done.

Simply Seasoned: Nothin’ fancy — we dry rub our meats with the only two things that matter, salt and pepper.

Smoked To Perfection: We smoke ‘em over post oak wood in our signature pits — then we stop there.

They make it sound simple! In reality I’ve learned over my five decades in the food business you have to be perfect, have passion, experience and be consistent every single day with your cook. The KRUEZ FAMILY does just that! They BRING THE SMOKE to create TEXAS BBQ deliciousness every day and that’s what made them a LOCKHART LEGACY and WORLD FAMOUS.

FAMILY HISTORY  how it all began. In 1875, Jesse Swearingen opened the first meat market in Lockhart, Texas — selling barbecued pork and beef. In 1900, Charles Kreuz Sr. purchased the store from Swearingen and renamed it Kreuz Market.

Old KREUZ Menu look at those prices.

1911-1948 In 1911, Charles Kreuz sold the market to his sons Theodore, Will and Alvin. Will sold his shares to brother-in-law, Hugo Prove, husband of Amelia Kreuz. In 1925, the original metal building at 208 S. Commerce Street in downtown Lockhart was torn down and replaced with a brick building.

1848 1990 In 1948, the Kreuz family sold the market to long time employee and butcher, Edgar Schmidt. In 1984, Edgar Schmidt retired and sold the market to sons Rick and Don Schmidt.

1990 – 1999, In 1990, Edgar Schmidt passes away in Lockhart, Texas. Edgar leaves the original Kreuz building to his daughter Nina Sells, and his sons Rick and Don continue to own the business. In 1997, Don Schmidt retired leaving his brother Rick as the sole owner.

1999 – 2011, Kreuz Market resided at 208 S. Commerce Street in downtown Lockhart for 99 years. In 1999, owner Rick Schmidt moved Kreuz into the new location on 619 N. Colorado Street. Pit Master Roy Perez transports the original hot coals from the old pits to the new ones. Rick’s sister, Nina Sells, continued ownership of the original building and reopened as Smitty’s Market.

2011 – To Present, In 2011, Rick Schmidt retired and sold the restaurant to his son Keith. Rick could often be found at Kreuz Market where Keith set him up with his own table. In 2012, Keith Schmidt partnered with family members to open Schmidt Family Barbecue and Lockhart Smokehouse restaurants around Texas. In 2019, 4th generation owner Rick Schmidt, passed away at age 73. Rick was the elder statesman of Lockhart barbecue and one of the city’s most respected businessmen.

All of this was history in the making and why they are now WORLD FAMOUS. If you love BBQ I would highly recommend you to a trip to LOCKHART, TEXAS and chow down on some delicious TEXAS BBQ and enjoy the family history.

KREUX MARKET is an OFFICIALLY approved Trey’s Chow Down delicious destination for all to enjoy. You’re going to love it and THANK ME LATER!

Trey (CHOW DOWN) Chapman

 

 

 

 

Epic – Cowtown Burger Showdown 2024 River Ranch StockYards

Trey Chapman Burgers, Chow

It’s Burger Time in Texas!

Trey and Ali Talking Burgers (Fun Times)

It was an epic burger battle on a stormy and rainy day for our third year of the COWTOWN BURGER SHOWDOWN at River Ranch Stockyards. We had over 1,100 burger lovers show up to see who had the best burgers in North Texas! You could smell the smash burgers, classic and craft burgers cooking as the meaty deliciousness lofted in the air.  There were burger slang’ers from Tarrant County, Parker County, Dallas County and more. In total we had twenty-five chefs, pitmasters, restaurants, and food trucks that showed up and showed out to create tasty burgers trying to win some of the 10,000.00 in cash and prizes. The creativity was flowing as they created some beautiful and amazing burgers that where truly unforgettable.

Folks attended the event to taste burgers and have some fun before they VOTED for the best TRADITIONAL BURGER, NON-TRADITIONAL BURGER, and THE FAN FAVORITE PEOPLE’S CHOICE. We had live music rocking in the hizzy, cocktails were flowing, and cold beer was pouring. The unlimited French Fry and Tater Tot Bar stayed packed with hungry burger lovers. It was our BIGGEST showdown yet, and we CANNOT wait for 2025! We will be adding additional burger slang’ers and prize money for even higher stakes.

This year was special because we added a GOLDEN TICKET from the World Food Championships for the TOP two of the winners. We were a qualifying event for The World Food Championships. What is the WFC? It’s the largest competition in food sports, where winners of previous qualifying events compete for a chance at winning the ultimate food crown and their share of hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money. The World Food Championships is also the springboard for many up-and-coming culinary stars and home cooks as they seek TV fame through many well-known food shows and acting opportunities. We’re excited to see the two competitors who won their golden tickets and will registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. CONGRATULATIONS to our 2024 winners!

Folks have asked us how we judge the winners, and let me tell you it’s NOT an easy task and one we take extremely seriously because being fair is what counts. We use a three-tier judging process to choose a winner, with over thirty-two judges involved in the process. The final winners are chosen by our panel of MASTER Judges, who are Celebrity Food Professionals from around Texas, Food Network, and FOX Master Chef contestants.

We are excited for 2025 so stay tuned and will see you at the GRILLS for another EPIC burger showdown at River Ranch Stockyards.

Trey’s Celebrity Judges:

1. Fox Master Chef 2 X Contestant – Chef Cowboy Chef Newton

2. Celebrity Chef & Pitmaster- Chef Randy White

3. Food Network T.V. Host, Writer, Blogger – Ali Khan Eats

4. Food Expert & Blogger – Luis The Foodie Munster

5. Social Media Star and Chef – Kyle Istook

6. Food Expert, Writer, Blogger – Anthony Ant Macias

7. FTW City Councilman Food Lover – Carlos Flores

8. FTW Celebrity Food and Burger LOVER – Jordan Johnson

Ali Khan Food Show Host, Writer, Blogger and Burger Expert Slang’n some WISDOM

Grand Winners Cowtown Burger Showdown 2024 (3rd Annual)

1. Traditional Burger – Smashville Burgers and Tots Northlake, Texas 

 

2. Non – Traditional Burger – Dayne’s Craft Barbecue Aledo, Texas 

 

3. FAN Favorite Peoples’s Choice– Smoke & Bone BBQ Fort Worth, Texas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Best Mac-N-Cheese Destinations in Fort Worth & Dallas 2024!

Trey Chapman Chow

Howdy Mac-N-Cheese Lovers!

Drake’s Buffalo Mac-N-Cheese.

I always enjoy a little history with my food because I think it’s important to discuss the history of food. The first modern recipe for macaroni and cheese was included in Elizabeth Raffald’s 1769 book, The Experienced English Housekeeper. Raffald’s recipe is for a Béchamel sauce with cheddar cheese—a Mornay sauce in French cooking—which is mixed with macaroni, sprinkled with Parmesan, and baked until bubbly and golden brown. WOW! If that doesn’t sound delicious and straight from 1769.

I don’t know how someone COULDN’T be in LOVE with a bowl of fresh, savory, cheesy Mac-N-Cheese. Ever since I was a child I enjoyed Mac-N-Cheese. It’s always had that fresh culinary jingle that I love. There are so many creative variations of this classic dish that you can enjoy from chef’s menus these days. They offer it with multiple fresh cheeses, crab, lobster, bacon, smoked brisket, garlic, onions, chives, and even fresh truffles. No matter how you enjoy Mac-N-Cheese, there is a dish for you to chow down on in the North Texas area.

I enjoy the savory, buttery, seriously cheesy Mac-N-Cheese so all of my winners on this year’s list will be loaded with cheesy deliciousness. I just can’t see Mac-N-Cheese being served any other way! I spent all year hunting for the best Mac-N-Cheese that North Texas has to offer, and we found some great ones. Are you ready for your tour of baked, savory, cheesy deliciousness?

 

Chef and Pitmaster Mac-N-Cheese creations:  

1.Drake’s Hollywood   

Dallas, Texas

Chef Driven (Cover Photo)

Le Deluxe Mac and Cheese. Lobster, crab, and Ossetra Caviar

Baked Snow Crab & Black Truffle Mac N Cheese (Cover)

Baked Buffalo Mac-N-Cheese

Panther City Mind BLOWN Mac!

Drake’s is a dark, cozy, old-fashion Hollywood style eatery that is loaded with charm and coziness. Old painted Hollywood actors line the walls of the dining room and bar area. Drake’s offers plenty of chef-driven deliciousness like pizzas, steaks, and crazy desserts, but I want to discuss the mega cheesy options and I’ve tired them all. “Le Deluxe Mac and Cheese. Lobster, Crab, and Ossetra Caviar.” You better have a BIB and be ready for cheesy goodness to drip down your chin with each bite because this MAC is DRIP’N with deliciousness. They’ve also offered tow others I’ve enjoyed.  “Snow Crab & Black Truffle Mac ‘N’ Cheese” and the “Buffalo Mac-N-Cheese”. You just can’t go wrong with this savory, gooey, cheesy, flavorful, and delicious Mac-N-Cheese. It’s always served HF&D Hot, Fresh and Delicious! Better make reservations before you head out!

2. Panther City BBQ 

Fort Worth, Texas

Pitmaster Driven

Spicy Smoked Mac-N-Cheese (K-BOOM)

Knife Dallas Johnny’s Mac.

Panther City BBQ specializes in award winning BBQ and smoke meaty deliciousness. They offer big variety of fresh prepared meats and Texas BBQ that will set your taste buds at attention and make a bull dog break his chain. They keep racking up the awards for meaty perfection and upping the ante in the BBQ game. Their fresh prepared Spicy Mac-N-Cheese is no different. it’s simply PERFECT in every way being slightly smokey, savory and very cheesy because they use six different cheeses. Yes, six different cheeses! That’s what you call Mac-N-Cheese perfection. Their Mac-N-Cheese will smack your taste buds so hard you might cry for ya mama. Just sayin!

3 Knife Dallas    

Dallas & Plano, Texas

Chef John Tesar

Johnny’s Mac-N-Cheese & Bacon Bread Crumbs

Chef John Tesar has done a masterful job at creating a steakhouse that exceeds all expectations of what a steak dinner experience should be. He offers a Texas-sized variety of dry aged meats and cuts where a true steak connoisseur will feel like a kid in a candy store. I want to discuss Johnny’s Mac and Cheese & Bacon Bread Crumbs appetizer that melts in your mouth with each bite. It’s served with fresh mac, a slightly crispy baked top that is loaded with savory, bacon, cheesy, bread crumb deliciousness. You better saddle up boyz and girls because you’re going to the FLAVOR RODEO with this Mac-N-Cheese. Check out Knife in Dallas or Plano for some cheesy perfection. Better make reservations before you head out!

4. Bankhead Brewing   

Fort Worth, Texas

Chef Driven Eats

Lobster Mac-N-Cheese

Bankhead Brewing Lobster Mac.

Located in Fort Worth in the West 7th Street area, Bankhead Brewing is a craft brewpub offering fresh, chef-driven eats and tasty craft beers. They opened during the pandemic and have been a driving force in the vibrant west 7th street area slinging deliciousness and fun. Their craft beers have won awards including 2018 Silver Medal Winners at the Great American Beer Festival for their Southern German-style Hefeweizen (Hoofer’s Hef). When we heard about the fresh Lobster Mac-N-Cheese I couldn’t resist the culinary tug to try this dish. Prepared with various cheeses, fresh lobster, and pasta, each bite is a karate chop of savory cheesy deliciousness. A must try in 2024. Don’t forget an award-winning craft beer!

5.Brick & Bones    

Deep Ellum, Texas

Habanero Mac N Cheese

Brick & Bones is a cozy little food and drink joint located in Deep Ellum arts district of Dallas. I discovered Brick and Bones a few years ago and fell in love with the fresh-prepared menu items. They offer some of the BEST Mac-N-Cheese in North Texas. The Habanero Mac-N-Cheese is served baked, savory, and cheesy. Topped with fresh chopped bacon, each bite offers a little heat but is loaded with flavor. If you love Mac-N-Cheese, you need to check out Brick and Bones. You can also order it TOGO! Your choice, should you make the trip.

6. The Londoner Pub 

Colleyville & Addsion, Texas

Chef Driven

Fresh Mac-N-Cheese

Located in Colleyville and Addison, the Londoner is slinging some fresh-prepared, authentic English deliciousness. I fell in LOVE with the simple Mac-N-Cheese because it was served extra cheesy. Prepared with long holey pasta, loads of cheese, chopped bacon, fresh parsley and served in a Texas-size bowl. Each bite is extra cheesy and crates a flavor explosion in your mouth because the cheese gets trapped inside the long holey pasta. If you love Mac-N-Cheese head over to the Londoner and don’t forget to crab an order of the fresh Fish-N-Chips!

7. Smoke City Proz 

Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas

Pitmaster Driven

Smoke City Proz – Smoked Turkey Leg Mac-N-Cheese

Cajun Style Mac-N-Cheese, Brisket Style Mac-N-Cheese, Turkey Leg Mac-N-Cheese

Combining Kanas City BBQ with Texas BBQ Smoke City Proz is slang’n some an award-winning Mac-N-Cheese options. They also offer a variety of fresh pit master-prepared deliciousness daily. The Mac-N-Cheese options are so savory, cheesy and delicious you will want to try each of them. the good thing is you can order however much your heart desires. That’s what we did ordered all three of them.  Each Mac-N-Cheese combination we tried with was served HF&D Hot Fresh and Delicious. Each bite is savory, cheesy deliciousness in your mouth. Don’t forget some smoked fresh Texas Craft Brisket with your fresh Mac-N-Cheese because brisket makes everything better.

8. Doc B’s Restaurant & Bar  

Fort Worth & Dallas, Texas

Chef Driven

Cast Iron Skillet Mac-N-Cheese

I don’t know the story behind Doc B’s, but I do know they’re slinging creative deliciousness all day. They have open spaces for dining rooms and wonderful outdoor patio areas. The fresh prepared cast iron skillet mac-n-cheese is served with a baked, slightly crispy outside shell with a soft savory cheesy inside. It’s always served GBD Golden Brown and delicious. Don’t forget a Big TEXAS Angry Meatball.

9. Cane Rosso  

DFW Locations

Chef Driven Pizza Concept

Fresh Skillet Mac-N-Cheese

Cane Rosso Mac. (Photo Cane Rosso)

Cane Rosso offers wide open spaces slinging fresh-prepared craft Neapolitan style pizzas. They only use fresh ingredients to create deliciousness and the fresh-prepared Mac-N-Cheese is no exception. It’s cheesy goodness is unforgettable. Prepared and baked in a skillet with fresh fontina cream, provolone, mozzarella, parsley, crispy garlic breadcrumbs, and you can add bacon marmalade & white truffle oil to create savory cheesy perfection. If you haven’t this dish you should probably head over and chow down. Don’t forget one of these Neapolitan style pizzas.

10. Palmer’s Hot Chicken  

Dallas, Texas

Chef Driven Concept

Mac-N-Cheese

Palmer’s offers award-winning hot chicken, sides, and craft cocktails. They have a big wide-open dining room and a great patio if you love the fresh Texas outdoor air. Their Mac-N-Cheese is considered a side item, but it’s loaded with savory, cheesy deliciousness with each bite. You can always add some chunks of famous Palmer’s Fried Hot Chicken to create Mac-N-Cheese perfection.

If you love fresh Mac-N-Cheese, I strongly suggest you try some of these delicious spots in North Texas. Please follow us on our social media platforms for daily delicious ideas and creative chefs. We are passionate about locating and reporting on deliciousness!

 

 

Trey (Chow Down) Chapman

Please follow us on our social media platforms for daily deliciousness. I’ve been covering food, chefs and deliciousness for decades.

 

Are the suggestions above helpful?

Pizza and Garlic Bread Perfection from Chef Ryan Westover – Birmingham, AL

Trey Chapman Chow

Howdy Chow Hounds!

Pizza Grace Pepperoni

I’m asking yu to share this article with your family and friends who LOVE unforgettable garlic bread and pizzas. We discovered the most incredible GARLIC BREAD I’ve ever enjoyed. Chef Ryans Garlic bread is so flavorful and delicious that we feel it deserves its own feature and highlight. the PIZZAS are very delicious too but that GARLIC BREAD is DANGEROUS. Dangerously Delicious!

Trey’s Chow Down discovered some of the most incredibly delicious GARLIC BREAD 🍞 that I’ve ever enjoyed. The process to prepare his amazing bread is detailed, painstaking, and tedious. When you combine the painstaking process and Chef Ryans’ culinary talent and passion for perfection, you get some of the most unforgettable garlic bread you’re ever going to enjoy.

The first bite you take is warm, buttery, and loaded with hints of garlic. It’s one of those bites that’s so delicious that you can’t believe you’re sitting in a pizza joint. But then again, what I discovered is that anything you order from Chef Ryan and his fabulous PIZZA GRACE is going to be unforgettable. I know this because I haven’t quit thinking about his bread and pizza since I walked out a few months ago. I’ve been researching and watching Chef Ryans dishes and his approach to culinary perfection since late 2023 before I made my first visit.

Some of Chef Ryan’s Bread

If you ask me to describe Chef 👨‍🍳 Ryan with one word, it’s easy “PERFECTION.” 👌 I know this because his passion to create elevated dishes and delicious flavor profiles are unwavering. You don’t have to believe me! Just make a visit to Pizza Grace and see for yourself. You’re going to THANK ME LATER! 🙏

🚗 2212 Morris Ave Suite 105, Birmingham, AL 35203

Now let’s talk about his amazing, fresh, chef driven pizzas. Each bite is truly an incredible experience of deliciousness. Something every pizza and food lover should experience is a meal from Chef Ryan and his culinary team.👨‍🍳 They only have one rule for everything they create, “PERFECTION” and it shows with every bite you will take.

The rest of the story: 👇
Grace” has many meanings.  pizza GRACE was created in order to bring those meanings to life. Grace, simple elegance and refinement of movement, this is our approach to cooking and baking. Grace, courteous goodwill, this is our approach to hospitality. Grace, a divinely given blessing, this is our view of pizza, bread, and our local farms and producers. Grace, a short prayer of thanks said before a meal, this is the spirit of pizza GRACE, gratitude.

Pizza Grace is an officially APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down delicious destination for all food lovers to enjoy. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it. I just don’t feel words to his flavor profiles and dishes justice. You need to enjoy it for yourself. I love PIZZA GRACE.❤️ BUT, truth be told, anything Ryan creates is going to be loaded with deliciousness.

Pizza Grace is must visit and worth a drive from anywhere in the USA to enjoy chef Ryan’s delicious.

Trey ( Chow Down) Chapman

Watch Ryan explain his passion!

Mississippi has it ALL and we LOVE IT!

Trey Chapman Uncategorized

Mississippi here we come!

That should be the NEW tag line because they have it all in Mississippi and we love it. Soon as you cross the state line you’re met with those beautiful Mississippi views that are unforgettable. Yes, it’s where BLUES started and people who know music know that what we know as blues music started right outside of Cleveland at Dockery Farms. Back in the day, Mr. Dockery was one of the few plantation owners that allowed music to be played on the weekends and so blues music began to be refined and sprung up around the gin. Who doesn’t love the BLUES and if you LOVE the BLUES then you have to love history because HISTORY defines the BLUES. In fact without history we have no BLUES at all. Cleveland Mississippi is where it all began! 

Ridiculously Delicious Texas Barbecue and Burgers!

Trey Chapman Chow
Dayne and Ashley Weaver

Howdy Texas BBQ Lovers!

When you talk about Texas BBQ and all it offers then you have to mention Dayne’s Craft BBQ. They’ve won so many awards and accolades that it’s impossible to list them all. I’ve been following them since they began and I’ve watched them as they’ve climb their way to the TOP of the Texas BBQ peak. The success they’ve enjoyed has come from blood, sweat, tears, hard work and dedication to their craft. All the smoked meats, pork, sausages, sides, sweets, and burgers are simply RIDICULOUSLY DELICIOUS. They’ve even prepared AND SMOKED WHOLE HOGS where ever bite was PORK-O-LICIOUS.

Let’s talk burgers! They won the Cowtown Burger Showdown in Fort Worth at RIVER RANCH two years in a row. Dayne’s OG SMASH BURGER has got a flavor profile so delicious that everyone wants it. It’s cheesy smash burger deliciousness that’s truly unforgettable. It’s become a TEXAS BURGER LEGEND running through Texas like a run away freight train.

Their story is great one: Dayne Weaver started his journey in Texas barbecue as a backyard smoker enthusiast. His father-in-law left a small kettle grill in his backyard in 2017, which he converted into a mini-smoker. He threw a brisket on and was immediately hooked. He began smoking meat every weekend; however, barbecuing is an expensive hobby. Dayne’s wife, Ashley, told him that if he was going to continue to cook regularly, he needed to find someone to buy it. That’s how “Dayne’s Underground Barbecue” was born.

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Texas BBQ Perfection that’s unforgettable! (Interstellar)

Trey Chapman Chow

Texas BBQ Perfection (Award Winning )
Interstellar BBQNorthwest Austin, Texas

🌟 DROP US A COMMENT about BBQ deliciousness. TAG or RESHARE with family and friends about the world 🌎 famous award winning Interstellar BBQ joint. Everyone needs to enjoy some of the BEST BBQ, SIDES, DESSERTS, and some of the BEST PORK BELLY in the USA. 🇺🇸

More information at https://www.theinterstellarbbq.com/

🏆 John’s “PEACH TEA GLAZED PORK BELLY” is some of my favorite PORK BELLY I’ve tasted and enjoyed in the USA. 🇺🇸 Coast to coast we’ve visited 26 states and John’s “PEACH TEA GLAZED PORK BELLY” is absolute perfection. The texture is perfect, and the flavors are balanced to create PORK BELLY DELICIOUSNESS that’s truly unforgettable.

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Trey’s Food Truck Friday on ABC News

Trey Chapman Chow

Howdy Food Truck Fans!

If you love Food Trucks and all the deliciousness they offer I have some great choices for you to enjoy some fresh and delicious food truck eats. I was proud to present my delicious food truck options on Trey’s Food Truck Friday on ABC NEWS DAYBREAK. It was a two-hour LIVE show on ABC WFAA and we had a blast presenting some creative food trucks offering fresh and delicious options that you can enjoy daily from these food trucks.

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100 of DFW’s Delicious & Unique Dishes for 2024 (Best Things I Ate!)

Trey Chapman Chow

Hello Y’all, & Welcome! 

100 of DFW’s BEST On Fox Good Day 2023.

Thanks for visiting Trey’s Chow Down Brands. If this is your first visit, you’re in a for a treat. If you love food and travel, then you’re going to love what we have in store for you to enjoy in 2024.

This article DOES NOT contain Trey’s BEST BBQ picks! Trey’s separate BEST of the BEST in the USA articles for BURGERS, BBQ, BAGELS, DONUTS, HOTELS and RESORTS will be released throughout the calendar year in 2024. Stay tuned and follow us for these enlightening and informational articles. Thank you! – TREY 

I hope everyone had a fantastic 2023 and has great plans to rock the new year in 2024. We had an amazing year at Trey’s Chow Down Brands. Thanks to all of our followers, friends, and national media network partners we reached over 100 million food, drink and travel-loving fans. We’re continuing our hunt for the BEST of the BEST so we can tell the world where to find the most creative chefs, delicious eats, tasty sweet treats, unbelievable bakeries, and unique restaurants everyone can enjoy. As we travel the USA, we’re also looking for the best hotels and resorts for our friends and followers to enjoy. We do it all, and we do it for you!

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A Unique, Dreamy and Picturesque Southern Travel Experience (Louisiana)

Trey Chapman Travel Experiences
Welcome To The Dreamy Maison Madeleine

Have you ever seen pictures of a place so dreamy, beautiful, peaceful and picturesque you think to yourself, that can’t be real. It’s just not possible – there’s no way a place like that can exist in today’s world. Well, we discovered a place just like that in Lake Martin, Louisiana; a place so unbelievable we just wanted to pinch ourselves. It is simply known as Maison La Madeleine.

 

I’m going to tell you the rest of this fantastic story and how it all began so you can enjoy this incredibly unique travel destination that is rich in history, cozy vibes, southern hospitality, and food so delicious you will want to lick your plates clean after every meal.

 

This story starts back in 1860, when Jean Pierre Cenac walked to Bordeaux from the foothills of the Pyrenees and arrived in Algiers, Louisiana on Christmas Eve. He set up shop, got to work, and started making family history. Fast forward about 160 years and today Proprietress Madeleine Cenac and her husband Walt Adams own and operate one of the most incredible bed and breakfast travel destinations in the world: Maison La Madeleine. It’s located in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin, adjacent to the Nature Conservancy’s 9,300-acre Cypress Island Preserve in Lake Martin, Louisiana.

 

 

Established as a Bed & Breakfast in 2005 by its owner Madeleine Cenac, it’s been a successful operation for going on 17 years. Madeleine and her family oversaw every little detail and put in years of blood, sweat and tears restoring a beautiful rustic 1840’s southern cottage. She’s extremely detail-oriented and every single item about the restoration, right down to the floor nails, was kept authentic and true to the times. As I walked around studying the details, the beauty, and soaking up the history, I was in a trance. It was so convincing that one would think they were actually back in the 1840’s, except for the modern conveniences.

 

They have also won accolades from the travel and tourism industry, magazines, programs and of course the tourists who are lucky enough to visit. They offer incredible service, history, fantastic stories, delicious meals, live music with a supper club series, incredible French Creole surroundings and accommodations fit for kings and queens.

 

I can’t begin to describe the feeling you get as you drive down the beautiful tree-lined roads on the way to the cottage. Your heart will smile because it’s absolutely breathtaking! The sights, smells, sounds, colors, and animals create a vision like you’re driving into a movie scene. When you finally arrive and step out into the beautiful world that is Masion La Madeleine, you will be in awe of the surrounding landscape and happenings.

 

 

The main house, or historic structure – a circa 1840 French Creole cottage – was moved to its location on Lake Martin in St. Martin Parish from property on the Vermillion River near Perry, Louisiana in 1997. Painstakingly restored and authentically furnished to its original grandeur, it serves as the centerpiece of the Bed & Breakfast. This is one of less than 50 such surviving 19th Century structures in the Acadiana Parishes.

 

When you enter the home, you get a warm cozy feeling that I can’t describe, except to say it’s pure bliss. From floor to ceiling and wall to wall its full of furnishings, artwork, and historical artifacts that would make any historian green with envy. My eyes and senses were on overload as I enjoyed it all – especially once I completely understood how much detail, hard work and dedication went into every aspect of this home and its surroundings.

 

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you get a key and start upstairs to your living quarters. The stairs creak and the wood pops as you make your way up the narrow staircase. As you slowly push the door open you see the beautiful hallway and rooms decorated so perfectly. It’s like you’ve entered a fairy tale. There are two bedrooms, complete with sitting areas and even a hidden sleeping nook for children to enjoy. Accompanying this is a little kitchen area and a wonderful cozy bathroom. The entire living quarters is inviting and warm, with history about the family and Maison La Madeleine.

 

 

You can stroll around and enjoy the unique, colorful, and beautiful landscape surroundings. When you’re done you can relax on the big front southern still pouch, or in the back by the river. My favorite place was the old Jesus Bar, which is behind the cottage main house. They have an incredible outdoor kitchen and seating area, but the Jesus Bar is where all the good stuff happens! You can also choose to enjoy a private cooking class from professional Cajun-Creole chefs who live close by and are some of the bests you will find. I would highly recommend a cooking class because it’s educational, fun, and packed with delicious eats.

 

” I’ve traveled a lot in my life and enjoy traveling to wonderful and beautiful destinations. Maison Madeleine is TRULY UNIQUE and should be enjoyed by anyone who loves to travel, learn about history, eat, drink, and enjoy Louisiana. If you have some extra time, take a boat ride on Lake Martin to look at gators, or stroll around the nearby Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I fell in love with everything about this wonderful bed and breakfast and of course the amazing Madeleine and Walt.”

Special Thanks to Chef Herbert and Chef Vicki two incredibly talented authentic Cajun Chefs that are simply wonderful! 

Please follow us on social media. Hope to meet you at a table soon!

Trey & Jana ( Chow & Travel Hounds )

 

Walt, Madeleine & Trey at Jesus Bar + Herbert, Vicki, Jana & Trey Private Cajun Cooking Class + Trey Cooking + Jesus Bar From Door + Jana & Trey in Bliss.

 

Trey’s Chow Down Fresh Crawfish Étouffée and Trey’s Louisiana Bread Pudding ( Thank YOU Chef Walt and Chef Vicki ) 

1937 Kansas City Burger Deliciousness

Trey Chapman Burgers, Chow

Kansas City Burger History!

Trey’s Chow Down on our MEETS, EATS and SWEETS Tour Road Trip’in the USA for deliciousness. Today we’re in Kansas City MO for some OLD SCHOOL smash burger perfection. It all began in 1937 when Town Topic Hamburgers opened for business with a very small, cozy building that’s still in use today.

In Kansas City, a little white diner named Town Topic Hamburgers opened unceremoniously on 24th and Broadway and began selling hamburgers for 5 cents each. It was opened by Claude Sparks, who at the end of his first day pocketed a whopping $21.00. It’s more than 75 years later and Town Topic is still selling hamburgers by the bagful. They still cook them the same way, with grilled onions and a steamed bun. They also have the same full breakfast line they’ve always had, and it’s all cooked fresh to order. In fact, the downtown diners haven’t changed a whole lot since the early days.

I really enjoyed this restaurant because it’s cozy, with an old school feel you notice right when you pull up. I watched folks standing around outside, waiting for chance to grab a seat and enjoy old school perfection. We were among the group, patiently waiting for our chance at one of those TOWN TOPIC SMASH BURGERS.

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