“Nothing-NOT a conversation, NOT a handshake or even a hug establishes friendship so forcefully as eating together!”

Jonathan Safran Foer

Trey’s Cowtown Burger SHOWDOWN 2023

Trey’s Cowtown Burger Showdown 2023

Held at the River Ranch Stockyards, we were proud to present the First Annual Cowtown Burger Showdown to find out who creates the BEST burger in North Texas. We had Old School Burgers, Smash Burgers, Craft Burgers, and more! At the Cowtown Burger Showdown it was all about the BURGER deliciousness and the creative chefs who were slinging them. Burger slingers from ALL OVER Texas came to throw down for the showdown and it was truly an unbelievable day of burgers, fun, and wild cards. It was a family-friendly event and we had over 3,500 burger-loving folks attend to enjoy the festivities. A portion of the proceeds from this event went to benefit the Brotherhood for the Fallen, a Texas-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to responding to the families of officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
We can’t wait to bring you the NEXT Cowtown Burger Showdown in the spring of 2024. Stay tuned and please enjoy some delicious TEXAS burgers!
THANKS to the WINNER and PITMASTER Dayne Weaver of Dayne’s Craft BBQ in Fort Worth, Texas. Dayne and Ashley have some of the BEST BBQ in TEXAS and now they have the BEST BURGER, too!
Dayne’s Craft BBQ
9840 Camp Bowie West Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76116

Website For Dayne’s https://daynescraftbarbecue.com

Please see some of the photos from event!

Bonnie’s Donuts Delicious 5 and 10 Pound Cinnamon Rolls!

Howdy Y’all,

As you know, Trey’s Chow Down road trips the USA for creative chefs, tasty eats, savory sweet treats, and unique travel destinations. Today we’re in League City, TX, a suburb of Houston, to enjoy some of the biggest cinnamon rolls, sweet donuts, and incredible pastries – all prepared fresh at Bonnie’s Donuts.

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the desserts! That holds true here in League City, thanks to Bonnie’s Donuts and their 5–10-pound cinnamon rolls. I couldn’t believe the size of these monsters. The customers we spoke with said that every thing is delectable, delicious, and worth checking out especially the FRESH 5 and 10 pound cinnamon rolls.

The owner Natalie Chun has been making these gigantic rolls with her husband for a about five years. Natalie came to the U.S. from Cambodia 8 years ago to pursue her dream of owning a business. She started out working for a local baker and when the opportunity came to purchase Bonnie’s Donuts, she didn’t hesitate. The cinnamon rolls quickly became a fan favorite thanks to social media, food bloggers, and YouTube channels.

I was lucky enough to be invited in to try some of their award-winning donuts and the Texas-size cinnamon rolls. I was shocked at how heavy, dense, and massive the rolls were. Each batch, which includes an estimated pound of cinnamon, takes roughly two hours to prepare. When I picked up the ten-pound cinnamon roll I was smiling ear to ear and couldn’t wait to get my icing on and start chowing down!

You can check out the giant desserts along with their other creative creations on their Facebook and webpage. I absolutely loved meeting them and enjoyed these one-of-a-kind savory sweet Texas-sized treats. Don’t sleep on the donuts, because there delicious too.

Bonnie’s is a NEW officially APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy. Tell’em Ole Trey sent you to chow down!

Hope to meet you at a table soon!

Trey

Unforgettable Po-Boys, Sides & Bread Pudding NOLA

Howdy Chow Hounds!

Po-Boy Deliciousness “I’m in Heaven!”

History has it that the Po-boy was invented by the Martin brothers, Benny and Clovis, to feed striking streetcar drivers in New Orleans in 1929. According to an account on the website of the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, Benny Martin once said: “We fed those men free of charge until the strike ended. Whenever we saw one of the striking men coming, one of us would say, “Here comes another poor boy.” I’m not really sure how it was created but the generally accepted and repeated story of how the celebrated Po-Boy sandwich was invented first appeared in a New Orleans newspaper in 1969, 40 years after the streetcar strike. All I know is I love me a good Po-Boy sandwich and I sure found one of the BEST Louisiana originals.

Today we’re at Frady’s One Stop, located at 3231 Dauphine St in the Bywater District of New Orleans. It’s a COZY and BRIGHT store on the corner that just screams old school New Orleans. It’s been family owned and operated for decades and has unbelievably friendly service. You will fall in love when you see it, just like I did!

The building that houses Frady’s One Stop has been around for more than a hundred years. Before Joseph Frady bought the going-out-of-business Flick’s Meat Market in 1972, it was an open-air fruit stand. Frady bought the meat market with two goals in mind: to turn it into a corner grocery store and to serve the best cold drinks and sandwiches. He did make that dream happen and today they’re slinging some of the BEST Po-Boys in the USA.

Frady’s in the Bywater District is the perfect place to go after long walks, bike rides, or if you’re just plain hungry. They offer fried shrimp and meatball po’ boys that are truly unforgettable and loaded with deliciousness. They also offer roast beef, fried prawns, fresh sides, and savory sweet bread pudding. Be sure to also check out some of their tasty beer options!

Featured Dishes: Fresh Meatball Po’ Boy and Fresh Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy. Prepared on bakery-fresh French bread that is soft on the inside and with a fantastic crust on the outside. Absolutely the PERFECT Po’ Boys loaded with deliciousness.

Lexy’s – A Dallas Treasure of Deliciousness

Howdy Y’all!

Trey’s Chow Down was honored to enjoy some fresh, chef-driven deliciousness at the NEW Lexy’s Dallas, a hip local restaurant serving up creative American cuisine. Every dish is prepared fresh using only LOCALLY SOURCED vegetables and proteins from local farms and craft suppliers. Each dish is prepared by master chefs, absolutely perfect and loaded with deliciousness.

It’s located in the beautiful Trinity Groves a buzzing dining district with an eclectic range of eateries in converted warehouses. Sleek hip restaurants, a down-to-earth vibrant Art Park, and a bistro serving Asian fusion fare are among the options. Nearby, contemporary art galleries showcase the works of emerging local artists. Spanning the Trinity River, the Ronald Kirk footbridge has skyline views and access to trails in the river basin below.

The restaurant is colorful and vibrant, but still cozy and beautiful. As you enter through the front doors of LEXY’S you’re transported to a place of calm and coziness. You will feel relaxed and love the laid-back atmosphere. The menu is loaded with succulent flavorful meats, craft cocktails, sweets and a CHAMPAGNE VENDING MACHINE. I loved the SIZZLING WAGYU BEEF platter!! #stupiddelicious.

They offer a big variety including: Filet Mignon, Seared Tuna, Flatbreads, Salads, Fresh Wagyu Beef, Roasted Chicken, Big Phat Tomahawk Steaks, Herb-Crusted Salmon, Wines, fresh craft Cocktails, all with incredibly friendly service.

Trey’s Thoughts: 

“If you love bright, beautiful, and cozy restaurants that are slinging deliciousness with big smiles and tasty craft cocktails, The new LEXY’S DALLAS is where you want to be. One of the BEST new restaurant openings of 2022. Chef Beto, along with his wife ALEXY and their team have a created an awesome world of culinary perfection and cocktail heaven!”  

LEXY’S is a new official APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food and cocktail lovers to enjoy. Their brunch is a must see!

Hope to meet you at a table soon! Stay Hungry!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

 

Cajun-Creole Deliciousness at Cafe Sydnie Mae

Hello Chow Hounds!

100 Year Old Casket Elevator

We’re back on the road again on our MEETS, EATS and SWEETS Tour 2022. If you follow us you know we’re always on the hunt for the MOST DELICIOUS eats, savory sweet treats, and the BEST Places to MEET. We received another tip about this incredibly cozy and friendly spot in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana Cafe Sydnie Mae. They are slinging some of the BEST French Cajun-creole cuisine in state of Louisiana.

Breaux Bridge is a beautiful and cozy community nestled in the St. Martin parish of Louisiana. It’s centered around an amazing old bridge that was constructed in 1779 to assist with crossing the Bayou Têche, helping ease the passage across for families and neighbors. The rest, they say, is history. The bridge still stands today and has been renovated to its current beautiful state. I loved walking across the bridge, thinking what it must have been like in 1779.

When we heard about Cafe Sydnie Mae, we made reservations and headed out for dinner. Located at the foot of the Breaux Bridge in downtown, we loved the coziness soon as we pulled up. The cafe is located in a 100-year-old casket factory and is full of history. They offer chef-driven, fresh-prepared dishes that are loaded with flavor. The atmosphere is extremely homey, with live music and a beautiful old school Louisiana vibe.

We ordered a big variety of dishes to try and each one we enjoyed was better than the last, all loaded with flavor. My favorite was the BIG PHAT fresh GRILLED pork chop. That Pork Chop was so delicious it was Pork-O-Liciousness. It was so flavorful that I would drive 500 miles to enjoy it again. The fresh dessert was also savory, sweet deliciousness.

Cafe Sydnie Mae is worth a drive a drive from anywhere in Texas and Louisiana to enjoy some incredibly fresh Cajun-creole cooking in a beautiful old-Louisiana atmosphere, with friendly service and toe tapping music.

SIMPLY PUT: ” It’s so delicious and cozy you will never want to leave! I can’t wait to return for more deliciousness and fun. “

They’re a NEW OFFICIALLY APPROVED Trey’s Coastal Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy. Tell’em Trey sent ya to Chow Down!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

 

Salt Lick BBQ – A Real Texas BBQ Experience!

Driftwood Texas BBQ Deliciousness  

Trey Holding Succulent Ribs!

Driftwood is home to the world famous SALT LICK BBQ. As we pulled up I had a realization that any day is the perfect day to enjoy some Texas BBQ! We took a ride over because we’re on our MEETS, EATS and SWEETS Tour 2022 on the road to discover deliciousness all over the USA.

The Salt Lick doesn’t just serve great BBQ, they offer a TEXAS BBQ experience. They smoke all the meats you can imagine: brisket, pork, beef ribs, buffalo ribs, turkey, sausages, pork ribs… heck, we could go on forever. I’m pretty sure they could smoke anything and it would be delicious. The sandwiches are BIG, and loaded with meat too. They offer one, “Marino’s Triple Chop” that is crazy, meaty deliciousness.

Let’s also talk about the sweets: a slice of chocolate pecan pie, blackberry or peach cobbler and homemade pecan pie that is just insanely flavorful. You can also get a half tray of cobbler (peach or blackberry) TO GO.

The Texas BBQ is worth the drive alone, but it’s the atmosphere that makes you sit a spell. Plenty of inside seating with dining rooms that have an old TEXAS ranch-like atmosphere. The outside seating is truly Texas outdoors as well, complete with big and small trees providing shade over the whole property. They even have an adult-only section with tasty wine and good vibes.

If you follow me you know I’m big believer in overall foodie experiences, and that’s what you get when you Chow Down at The Salt Lick. I would highly recommend a day trip for some Texas Deliciousness. It’s the worth the drive from anywhere! They are a new official Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all BBQ loves to enjoy.

Hope to meet you a table soon for great conversation and some deliciousness!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

French Cajun-Creole Cuisine Heaven – Little Big Cup

I discovered French Cajun-Creole Cuisine Heaven – WOW!

Little Big Cup Perfection

If you also love to travel for deliciousness, then I have something special for you. If you’re searching for tasty craft cocktails and wonderful food experiences, look no further. This is the one!

Trey’s Chow Down is Road Trip’in the USA for Trey’s Coastal Chow Down deliciousness and today we’re in Arnaudville, Louisiana at The Little Big Cup for some serious comfort food and sweet treats. Located just five hours from DFW on the way to New Orleans, it’s worth a visit to chow down on some seriously creative and flavorful French Cajun-Creole cooking.

Kevin Robin and Sanjay Maharaj are the owners of The Little Big Cup. Kevin is all about food and Sanjay handles the management side. Together they strike a perfect balance and bring you The Little Big Cup.

Kevin is a native of Arnaudville but spent 20 years in New York before returning home to work at his family’s business: Russell’s Food Center, a five-generation operation that has brought the best in food to the Acadiana area. Sanjay is a native of Trinidad.

We received several tips about this place and just had to check it out. We’re glad we did, because their entire operation is incredible – from the menu to the service. Everything we tried was perfection from beginning to end.

They’ve won many awards and offer one of the BEST Po’boys in Louisiana, and that’s saying something. That Po’boy is creamy, savory deliciousness stacked and packed with fresh goodies that will have you screaming, “THANK YOU MAY I HAVE ANOTHER?” Just #Stupiddelicious We ordered a wide variety of dishes and we couldn’t find a single bad one. There was something for everyone and they were all served HF&D #HotFreshandDelicious.

We enjoyed many items, including:

Cracklin’ Dusted Fried Mac-N-Cheese Balls – OMG DELISH!

Cheesy Seafood Nachos – R.I.D.I.C.U.L.O.U.S!

Fried Crawfish Cornbread- Unbelievable!

Kevin’s Po Boy – Savory Deliciousness!

Soft Crab Stack 2.0 ABSOLUTE perfection!

SAVORY SWEET TREATS that were so delicious your tongue will slap your brains out wanting more.

📝👉 https://thelittlebigcup.com/

If you LOVE to eat and you LOVE incredible food experiences, then I would highly recommend a visit to LITTLE BIG CUP to CHOW DOWN. They are a new official APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy.  

Please follow one of our 11 social media platforms for delicious east, tasty craft cocktails, savory sweet treats and unique travel destinations.

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

The Delicious Fresh Seafood Nachos (CHEESY)

Amazing Delicious Destination – Top 10 in the USA – Emma and Ollie

Breakfast + Brunch + Lunch Hill Country, Fredericksburg, TX

Emma + Ollie Cozy Delicious Destination

A few months back, while we were “Road Trip’in” for deliciousness, we had to check out a place we heard about in beautiful Fredericksburg, Texas. To say it was worth the trip would be greatly understated. Sometimes culinary perfection is found tucked back in the most unassuming places. When this happens, it puts a smile on my face, fills my heart with joy, and my belly with deliciousness.

Located in a little old home surrounded by trees and a beautiful landscape, the atmosphere is cozy and the house is bursting with life. It’s one of those little joints where everything is perfect. The colors, flowers, the wall decorations, and of course the incredible old-school service. It just feels so right as soon as you see it. The kind of place you want to meet family, loved ones, and friends to enjoy something creative and delicious. Simply put, this is a truly hidden spot of culinary perfection that’s unforgettable!

Avery Island An Unforgettable TABASCO Experience.

History & Hot Sauce Deliciousness  

Old Salt Mine Recreation.

Howdy! If you’re new to our site, my name is Trey and I specialize in locating creative and talented chefs, delicious dishes, tasty cocktails, and unique travel experiences that everyone should enjoy around the USA.

We’re so grateful for the private tour, tasting and extremely friendly staff at TABASCO® and Avery Island, Louisiana. Jana and I had an unforgettable time learning the history behind the TABASCO® brands and the beautiful surroundings that Avery Island offers. We never understood the true amount of EFFORT and TIME that Edward Mcllhenny spent creating the TABASCO® brands in 1868 on Avery Island. I’m not sure the man ever slept a wink, much like my father Barney – very remarkable!

He not only created TABASCO® on the Island; he also mined salt, planted thousands of different varieties of plants and bamboo for the US government. He’s even responsible for helping save the Snowy Egrets and other species. There is so much more that he and the family did for America and the world, which you can learn about during the tour. This tour is a MUST visit if you love historical facts, beauty and of course deliciousness. The TABASCO® restaurant was wonderful too and the staff was fantastic.

TABASCO® Brand products are made by McIlhenny Company, founded by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana. It was there that he developed the recipe for TABASCO® Original Red Pepper Sauce that’s been passed down from generation to generation. To this day, the company is still family-owned and operated on that very same island. The McIlhenny family has made TABASCO® Sauce on Avery Island, Louisiana for over 5 generations. Built on a salt dome, it’s a mysteriously beautiful place where the red peppers grow, the factory hums, and abundant wildlife can be seen in Jungle Gardens.

A Small Tastings From 1868.

The Jungle Garden Tour is a must if you LOVE wildlife, history and beautiful surroundings. You can take a guided bird tour, or a self-guided tour through Jungle Gardens and experience the beauty and tranquility of the ancient oaks and bayous. It is truly a stunning tour and inspiring to see the happenings and all the incredible wildlife come to life.

If you’re looking for a truly memorable TRAVEL experience I would HIGHLY recommend a visit to Avery Island. You can spend the day enjoying life and forgetting about your troubles.

Hope to meet you on our travels and see you at a table soon!

With LOVE Trey & Jana

Unique Texas Hill Country Travel Experience

Howdy Y’all!

If you’re new to our site, my name is Trey and I specialize in locating creative and talented chefs, delicious dishes, tasty cocktails, and unique travel experiences that everyone should enjoy.

I was so excited when I heard about and booked this NEW travel adventure that I literally didn’t sleep for two nights prior to leaving. It combines and encompasses some of my greatest passions: endangered species, history, tasty wines, and unique travel destinations. The GREATEST factor? It’s an affordable experience that everyone can enjoy. It involves learning about the historic and important factors with the endangered Southern White Rhino population.

The RHINORY is now OPEN in Fredericksburg the beautiful hill country of Texas and worth every single second of your time. You can visit, meet, and have an opportunity to touch and rub BIG BLAKE, a beautiful and sweet Endangered White Rhino. During this time, you can also learn about and enjoy some very tasty wines. Drinking is optional – you can still enjoy this incredible experience without the wine. ( You must make reservations for Rhino visit )

Their 55-acre ranch in Fredericksburg is close to everything, but as you pull through the gates you will be entering into a whole new world when you arrive. They have a special area where you will be able to get up close and personal with Big Blake.  The rhino keeper will escort you and guide you through the experience where you will learn more about this rhino and potentially get the opportunity to feed him, touch and or rub him.  This is an amazing experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. All revenue from the experience will go to the International Rhino Foundation to further aid rhino conservation worldwide.

The concept came about after owner Craig Stevens and wife Chesney witnessed a devastating loss while traveling in Africa and wanted to tell the world about the issues rhinos are facing. I was very impressed with Chris and Kristen’s passion, professionalism and knowledge about rhinos. They have over three decades of experience and will educate you and your family on the history of this incredible species that faces extinction, and how we can help save them.

Chris and Kristen the passionate Rhino Keepers.

The wine team is also excellent and will explain the wide variety of wines offered and help you make educated choices so you can enjoy sipping on some incredible wines. They will answer your questions and educate you on the flavor profiles as well as the origins of the wine. The Stevens family settled in Hill Country over 150 years ago and they’re proud to continue the ranching and farming tradition, albeit they’re raising rhinos instead of cattle and wine grapes instead of hay.

Don’t forget to join the “Winos for Rhinos” wine club before you leave, this is a must if you love wine. Jana and I joined and took home 12 bottles of tasty wine that we can enjoy as we talk about and remember Blake, the sweet Rhino.

I strongly and highly recommend this travel experience that everyone can enjoy at the RHINORY… It’s one you will cherish for the rest of your life!

This is truly one of the most unique and unforgettable travel experiences you will ever encounter. I was so IMPRESSED and TAKEN by my experience that I had a hard time leaving. We said goodbye to BLAKE and the staff and now we are off to locate more fantastic and memorable experiences.

If you love deliciousness, good times, and real travel experiences, I urge you to follow us on our social channels, watch our TV show, listen to our podcast, or sign up for our email list.

Thank you so much for time!

Trey Chapman 

Trey Chapman / Trey’s Chow Down /Drink With Trey & Craig Stevens OWNER The Rhinory.

DFW Chef John Tesar WINS Michelin star!

Florida Perfection!

Chef John & Chef Gerald

Orlando Florida has a new reason to celebrate TODAY! Dallas Chef John Tesar WON a Michelin Star for his KNIFE & SPOON Restaurant located at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Orlando visitors can now enjoy dinning at the Michelin star restaurant because last night was a FIRST for Florida. The 122-year-old guide book announced its first-ever star rating and dining guide to Florida and chef John Tesar’s KNIFE & SPOON was among the star-rated restaurants.

John created Knife Dallas and Knife Plano award winning steakhouses serving some of the best steaks in the world. Two months ago he opened OUTER REEF in Dana Point, California with steaks, seafood and creative desserts. There’s NO stopping John now! He has no time to rest with his current venture opening in Los Colinas later this year. Knife Italian will open at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas at the Ritz-Carlton later in 2022.

The Michelin star guide awarded 15 restaurants in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide to Florida 2022. Please see the link for the NEW guide below.

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-star-revelation/2022-florida-michelin-stars

Michelin star 2022

When you visit Orlando a trip to Knife & Spoon is a must for anyone that wants to enjoy a wide ranch of creative deliciousness with an award winning steak, seafood and savory sweet desserts. Congratulations to Chef John Tesar, Chef Gerald and the entire team culinary team for a job well done.

Addictive Bark-O-lious Texas Style BBQ in California

Succulent Pull Pork, Meaty Burnt Ends, Flavorful Sausage and Sides.

Howdy, BBQ Lovers!

If you’re a barbecue lover like me, then no city, state, or country is out of reach – especially when it’s a barbecue joint that’s slinging succulent Texas-style, award-winning, and Bark-O-Licious barbecue.

As we continue on our MEETS, EATS & SWEETS Tour 2022, we headed to the small community of San Juan Capistrano, California. This is an extremely cozy and beautiful town located in Orange County, California, along the Orange Coast. San Juan Capistrano was founded by the Spanish in 1776 when St. Junípero Serra established Mission San Juan Capistrano. It’s a beautiful place with friendly folks and now offers some of the BEST BARBECUE in the state of California.

One of Four Big Beautiful Pits.

I could smell the aromas lofting in the air a block away, and my mouth started watering as we approached. When we pulled up, we saw the beautiful surroundings with the palm trees and landscape dancing with the wind. What an amazing atmosphere to enjoy some delicious barbecue.

Heritage Barbecue is a Texas-style barbecue joint offering a rotating menu of home-made sides, succulent smoked brisket, beef ribs, and pulled pork. They also offer juicy, flavor-loaded tri-tip, smoked chicken, turkey, K.C-style burnt-ends, and a variety of other proteins, even house-prepared sausages.

They have the ordering process down to a science. It’s easy and organized, and the line moves like a finely tuned Swiss watch. We ordered and then enjoyed the fresh air in the unique and cozy outdoor atmosphere. They have four massive barbecue pits on display that are constantly billowing smoke in the California sun while you sit and enjoy your barbecue. The pits are beautiful, offering a variety of colorful patinas that happen naturally in the barbecue smoking process.