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!
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.
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 separateBEST 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!
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 )
Trey’s Chow Down on our MEETS, EATS and SWEETS Tour Road Trip’in the USA for deliciousness. Today we’re inKansas 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.
If you’ve been in the Fort Worth area for a while, then I’m sure you’ve heard of a place called “Kincaid’s Hamburgers”. What a lot of you might not know is that Kincaid’s started out as a grocery store on Camp Bowie.
Howdy BBQ lovers! We struck BBQ deliciousness in Savannah.
I just had to start off STRONG because FACTS are FACTS. I travel coast to coast hunting down deliciousness and I was excited to make the trip to Savannah to meet the SLOW FIRE BBQ team. I’ve heard so much about them through the BBQ world. Their craft BBQ, house prepared sides, fresh sandwiches and CHEERWINE are being talked about coast to coast and for good reason… It’s FREAKING DELICIOUSNESS ON THE NEXT LEVEL!
When I was walking up to the Starland Yard food truck park, I could smell the BBQ aromas wafting over the gate like a big cloud of deliciousness. I thought for a second, “Am I in Texas or Georgia?” That’s when I knew I was in for treat.
I walked up to the old converted school bus to meet the Slow Fire BBQteam, who were busy slang’n deliciousness out the windows for all the waiting BBQ lovers. It was hot… real hot, and the humidity was on full tilt. Everyone was hot and sweaty, but nobody cared because everyone was in full BBQ Boogie mode, waiting to chow down on Slow Fire perfection. As I always say: that’s the difference between BBQ perfection and just plain old BBQ. If folks are willing to wait, stand, and sweat waiting for their BBQ you know it’s pure perfection. I’ve seen it and I can guarantee that’s a FACT!
Pitmaster Terren Williams has paid his dues. Make no mistake about it, Slow Fire wasn’t an overnight success – it took years of grinding and learning to understand the BBQ game so he could create a legendary BBQ spot everyone would love. He grew up in Savannah, moved to Atlanta, and went to culinary school. Next, he moved to Dallas, Texas where he figured out real quick what real BBQ was. After visiting Lockhart at Smitty’s Market, he was immediately hooked. His passion hit overdrive and the gears started turning.
After staying in Texas for 10 years, learning and honing his craft, he moved back to Savannah and went to work as the chef de cuisine over The Grey for James Beard winner chef Mashama Bailey. When Covid hit, that came to an end and provided the perfect opportunity for him to start Slow Fire BBQ. He sources as much as possible from local farms to use the freshest meats, vegetables and ingredients to create flavor profiles are always HF&D: Hot, Fresh and Delicious. They believe in perfection with everything they serve or they won’t serve it.
As always, we tried a big variety of BBQ and sides. Every bite I took had that perfect culinary jingle I like to call BBQ deliciousness. The sides were so savory and delicious they’re unforgettable. I was blown away by the offerings, service and the pure BBQ perfection they offer. I can say they have the BEST BBQ in Savannah and the GREAT STATE of Georgia!
If you’re looking for something so delicious that you want to wear it has meat cologne so you never forget it I would HIGHLY SUGGESTyou take a ride over to SLOW FIRE BBQ and CHOW DOWN!
Features we enjoyed:
Fried Brisket Mac and Cheese Squares: Chopped brisket and Mac and cheese breaded and fried, topped with comeback sauce and side of house made hot honey made with local honey
Slow Fire BLT: Fried green tomatoes (locally grown), house pork belly brisket (pork belly seasoned and smoked like brisket), lettuce, comeback sauce, sliced fresh brioche
The Trey’s Chow Down – Slow Fire Platter:
Heritage breed duroc pulled pork, sliced Texas style turkey (dipped in butter), and succulent pork belly brisket.
House made sausages: One was pimiento cheese and the other is a low country boil sausage (made with all the ingredients of a low country boil stuffed in the sausage including locally caught ga shrimp!
Sides were smoked Mac and cheese topped with crunchies, fried Brussel sprouts topped with our house made Asian bbq sauce, coke slaw topped with chili crisp, burnt end baked beans and Savannah street corn (cut corn seasoned with harissa and topped with preserved lemon Mayo, cotija cheese and parsley.
Slow Fire Dino beef Rib. Pretty self-explanatory. Big PHAT meaty beef slowly smoked to perfection.
They make the pickles, pickled onions and BBQ sauce in house. The bread on our trays is a bread made locally in Savannah.
Slow Fire BBQ is a NEW officially approved Trey’s Chow Down USA delicious destination for all food lovers to enjoy.
Follow our social channels for coast-to-coast deliciousness and unique travel destinations.
We discovered something quite special and unique, so we had to share it with the world. This is a restaurant offering multiple delicious features from one location in Arlington, Texas. That’s right – multiple features! Everything is prepared in-house using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, beef, and fish to create some tasty dishes that are unforgettable.
Welcome to M’Jay’s House of Smoke and TJ’S Catfish and Wings in Arlington, Texas. Located in the middle of the Fort Worth and Dallas metroplex, they’re offering amazing TEXAS CRAFT BBQ, TACOS, CATFISH, CORNBREAD, TEXAS-SIZE STUFFED TATORS, FROZEN COCKTAILS, and MORE. It’s a real treasure for food lovers because there is something for everyone and it’s all simply SCRUMPTIOUS.
Owned and operated by the Johnsons, a local Arlington, Texas family. Pit-master and Chef Marcus Campbell, Gwen Johnson, and Travis Johnson formed a partnership after Mr. Johnson (Dad) passed away unexpectedly. They wanted to honor his heritage and the restaurant he left behind. They spent some time remodeling and reopened after about four months for expansion and renovation. The rest, they say, is history because they’ve skyrocketed the restaurant to stardom, offering incredible customer service and deliciousness.
The TEXAS BBQ was succulent and loaded with flavor. The brisket was crusted and covered with BARK-O-LICIOUS BARK. The sausage was pure perfection, and the tacos tasted like MORE, because more is all we wanted. An absolutely incredible meal!
Now let’s talk catfish! It was slightly crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside; cooked to GBD #GoldenBrownandDelicious. Oh, and how about the house-prepared HUSH PUPPIES and corn bread? Perfect.
I know you’re already on your way, but if that’s not enough, how about a TEXAS sized baked potato? Two pounds of tater deliciousness. If you don’t desire a tater, then maybe you would love some Brisket Mac-N-Cheese? They also offer wings and you can choose your favorite flavors. They were cooked just the way I like, FLAVORFUL and DELICIOUS.
If you love to eat and you love big portions loaded with deliciousness, you need to head over toTJ’s and M’ Jay’sand Chow Down. They are a new official Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy. You will Thank me later!
We’re always on the hunt for deliciousness coast to coast so follow our social media platforms for daily updates.
Trey’s Coastal Chow Down took a ride over to enjoy with some FRESH chef driven seasonally inspired dishes that are served in a beautiful atmosphere with island charm and views so beautiful they’re unforgettable. THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT in Anna Maria Island is one of this magical places you will fall in love with and find it hard to leave even after your meal is finished.
Built in 1922, the cottage was one of the original homes on Anna Maria Island. At that time, and for many years after, it was referred to as “Lorraine Cottage”, Lorraine being the name of the builders’ daughter. The main room of the cottage had wood panel walls recovered from the inside of an old ship and a fireplace made of stone and brick, just as you see it today. Most interestingly, a wagon wheel was used as the masonry support in building the fireplace, giving it its unusual circular pattern. The cottage remained a seasonal home for many decades, with several additions being made as ownership changed hands. In the 1970’s the cottage got its first commercial use as an art gallery. The next decade, it was reimagined as an ice cream parlor known as Candy Cane’s, well-known for its player-piano. The cottage then became Ato’s, a family-owned Polynesian style restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. In 1999, an English couple took ownership and rebranded the restaurant under the name you know as today, The Waterfront. The Suzor family purchased The Waterfront Restaurant in 2002, and they continue to proudly own and operate it today. Tragically, in the early hours of March 18th, 2004, most of the original cottage was destroyed by a fire. Only the original fireplace and back building could be salvaged. These remaining fixtures played an important role in the new construction, as the restaurant was designed with Lorraine Cottage in mind. Nineteen months later, in October of 2005, The Waterfront Restaurant reopened with much of the original staff and management.
We enjoyed a beautiful dinner with plenty of creative and fresh chef prepared dishes that anyone would love. You just can’t go wrong with anything on the menu or from the craft bar because it’s all fantastic. Not to mention, it’s all served in a stunning and magical island atmosphere. ✨️
If you love to eat, drink, and enjoy seasonally inspired dishes, then you need to make a visit to The Waterfront Restaurant and chow down. It’s an officially approved Trey’s Coastal Chow Down delicious destination for all island lovers to enjoy. 😋
“It’s truly an unforgettable and magical experience everyone needs to enjoy.”
Are you looking for a truly unique barbecue experience in South Carolina that offers a Karate Chop of flavor with each bite? Well we found it!
Trey’s Chow Down is road trip’in the USA for deliciousness and today we’re in Anderson, South Carolina to meet with chef and pitmaster Dylan Cooke, the mastermind behind the amazing Fork Grove barbecue venture. We made the trip because we heard he had some of the BEST BBQ in South Carolina, and we just had to find out!
As we pulled in the front gates and headed down the tree lined drive I had a feeling this was going to be an incredible experience. The beautifully manicured property and stunning views of Fork Grove Barbecue and the amazing pitroom were blissful. I could smell the aromas of smoke, barbecue and deliciousness lofting in the air. As we started walking towards the front door my barbecue senses went into full tilt boogie. I was ready to CHOW DOWN!
The story goes something like this. Dylan was Born and raised in South Carolina and his journey to barbecue perfection started at the age of 15. He worked at a restaurant owned by a buddy and they only worked on Saturdays, because barbecue was typically a Saturday only or weekend thang. Dylan was consumed by his love of barbecue and his passion went crazy from there.
It didn’t take us long to fall in love with Dylan’s amazing BBQ and soulful sides. From the first bite to the last it was a trip straight to Deliciousville. In case you need directions, DELICIOUSVILLE is one stop past FLAVORTOWN because it’s simply CAN NOT GET ANY BETTER. Dylan’s passion and precise culinary execution has achieved a full, and well-rounded menu. We were not only impressed by the food, but also Dylan’s passion and love for the culinary arts.
Featured Fork Grove Deliciousness we enjoyed and I highly recommend that you try every one of these!
They way I see it, Fork Grove Barbecue is the NEW HOT SPOT in South Carolina for your barbecue ADDICTION. They’re a new officially approved Trey’s Chow Down delicious destination for any food lover to enjoy. A MUST VISIT!
Fork Grove Barbecue – 1721 SC-187, Anderson, South Carolina 29626
Stay hungry my friends and follow our social media for deliciousness coast to coast.
As we travel the USA coast to coast in search of comfortable and unique destenations we’re sometimes extremely surprised but what we discover. That’s exactly what happened when we checked into the NEW Renaissance Austinlocated in North Austin. We discovered a world of bliss and beauty so perfect that it took us by total surprise. From the time we entered the front doors our weekend was filled with plush accommodations,tasty craft cocktails, delicious chef driven eats, beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country, and an outdoor entraining mecca complete with two pools.
The hotel went through a BIG and COMPLETE restoration, modernizing the guest rooms and suites. All of the accommodations are simply stunning, colorful and vibrant, featuring stylish décor, local artwork, and thoughtful amenities. Everything is TEXAS chic, and represents Texas music, fun and an active life style. From the hanging guitars to the cattle and livestock artwork, it’s TEXAS BEAUTIFUL, but also extremely inviting and very comfortable to enjoy a long weekend.
You can enjoy all-day dining with chef driven farm-to-table cuisine and craft cocktails at the Knotty Deck and Bar. There is dining available in the beautiful dinning area, at the bar or outdoors on one of the multiple decks. Oh, and you can’t forget the LUCKY PONY for poolside Texas inspired craft cocktails or fresh snacks. We found the dining and snacking options to be truly unlimited and always fresh and delicious.
Let’s talk about all of the incredible outdoor entertainment areas. They have four different patio areas on different levels, complete with fire pits, lounging areas, swinging chairs, games… all shaded with trees and landscape. A great feature was the mist machines in the trees, keeping you cool when you’re not enjoying the NEW pool area. Speaking of which, they have two pools. Yes, two pools! One is located inside with a hot tub and the new pool is outside, offering a sundeck, hot tub and plenty of lounging areas to enjoy the outdoor life. They’ve added a fantastic music system to enjoy some good tunes with fresh craft cocktails so you can chill and get lost in time. When you spend time outside it’s like your miles away from the big city, even though it’s right there. The outdoor area is made for relaxation and good times, which allow you to recharge and enjoy life and that’s exactly what we did!
There is so much to discover at the NEW Renaissance Austin because it’s close to many venues and surrounded by Hill Country scenery. It offers North Austin charm and it celebrates the local character of Austin and the state of TEXAS. You can enjoy Savor Texas-inspired American fare at Knotty Deck & Bar, or lift your spirits with coffee, tacos and tequila from Choza. Enjoy the fitness center with the state-of-the-art Peloton room, 24-hour fitness room or one of our two sparkling pools. The scenic outdoor spaces are ideal for large or small events. You can easily explore North Austin from the hotel, just minutes from the Domain, the Austin Greenbelt and downtown Austin. A refreshing and unforgettable hotel experience awaits you at this four-star Renaissance hotel in North Austin, Texas.
They’re a NEW officially approved Trey’s Chow Down Travel destination and a MUST Visit for anyone looking for a overnight, weekend, or a staycation with family and friends. It’s Austin’s NEW paradise for relaxation, fun or entertaining. Hope to see you poolside soon enjoying North Austin’s beautiful Hill Country.
Kennedy Manor, located in the heart of historic Jefferson, offers bed & breakfast accommodations with a gourmet breakfast. Six guest rooms feature antique furnishings, private baths with showers and modern amenities, individual climate control, flat-screen TVs with satellite, and complimentary WiFi.
In addition to the 6 guest rooms, Kennedy Manor offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the entire house. Guests can read a good book in the Library or spend time in the Music Parlor playing on the Grand Piano or spinning an old vinyl on the Victrola.
The large dining room can accommodate a full house of guests. Refreshments are available in 2 coffee bar areas in the home. The house has large hallways and spacious 13-foot ceilings, and a large wraparound porch. The backyard area features an enclosed sunporch, custom brick patio with seating and a fire pit, and a beautiful goldfish pond for your enjoyment.
Kennedy Manor Bed and Breakfast is truly a little slice of heaven. They are a TEN out of TEN for Trey’s Chow Down Travel and a must visit if you love Bed & Breakfast places.
“What you’re about to read is truly one of the most unique southern inspired dishes that’s a flavor explosion in your mouth with each bite.”
You know that I believe everything tastes better with a story. Today I have something special for you that was created in Texas out of necessity… simply because she was hungry. Most great inventions have been created out of a need, and KITT’S delicious invention has now become world-famous.
A few months ago, we made our way to Jefferson, Texas to visit with Kitt Williams, the inventor of the KORNBREAD SANDWICH, and the owner of “Kitt’s Kornbread Sandwich and Pie Bar“ for the most flavorful and delicious kornbread sandwiches I’ve ever tasted.
Kitt was a hungry eight-year-old sitting in her living room. She looked for bread, but there wasn’t any. She saw the kornbread sitting on the counter from the night before, and a light went off. She could just make a sandwich using the kornbread! She did just that, and it was DELICIOUS. The rest, they say, is HISTORY! Kitt’s famous kornbread sandwich was born.
Fast forward some years, and now we have Kitt’s Kornbread Sandwich and Pie Bar, where they’re creating and slang’n the most delicious sandwiches, pies, salads, wraps, soups and desserts. Although everything is wonderful, the famous kornbread sandwiches remain the star of the show.
Kitt went through a rigorous process of figuring out how to make the kornbread work for sandwiches. She has a secret recipe for the kornbread, uses special square pans, and even has a special way of stirring the kornbread mix. It’s all thanks to Kitt’s creative process that she invented these now world-famous sandwiches.
I was excited to try her sandwiches because we heard so much about them. As soon as they sat the kornbread sandwiches in front of us I could smell that down home, southern scent of kornbread. That first bite was nothing but deliciousness. Kornbread like I’ve never tasted! They were moist, flavorful and so delicious that it was easy to understand why folks are driving from miles away to enjoy a Kitt’s Kornbread sandwich. It’s what I like to call a little kornbread deliciousness in every bite!
If you’re looking to try something NEW and truly unique, I would highly recommend you make a trip to Kitt’s Kornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar to chow down. They’re a new officially approved Trey’s Chow Down delicious destination and a MUST TRY for food lovers. I can PROMISE you’re going to fall in LOVE with kornbread all over again. I hope to see you at a table soon!
Kitt’s Kornbread – Sandwich and Pie Bar is located at 125 N Polk St, Jefferson, TX 75657