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

Jonathan Safran Foer

Cajun-Creole Deliciousness at Cafe Sydnie Mae

Trey Chapman Brunch, Chow
A plate of food on top of a table.


Hello Chow Hounds!

A plate of food on top of a table.
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

A plate of food on top of a table.

 

Salt Lick BBQ – A Real Texas BBQ Experience!

Trey Chapman Chow
A grill with lots of food on it


Driftwood Texas BBQ Deliciousness  

A man holding two pieces of meat in his hands.
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

Trey Chapman Chow
A plate of food on top of a table.


I discovered French Cajun-Creole Cuisine Heaven – WOW!

A man sitting at the table holding two plates of food.
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.

ðŸ“👉 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

A plate of food on top of a wooden table.
The Delicious Fresh Seafood Nachos (CHEESY)

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

Trey Chapman Brunch, Chow
A bowl of food on top of a white plate.


Breakfast + Brunch + Lunch Hill Country, Fredericksburg, TX

A yellow building with trees and bushes around it.
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!

Read More

Avery Island An Unforgettable TABASCO Experience.

Trey Chapman Chow, Travel Experiences
A man standing in front of large bottles of sauce.


History & Hot Sauce Deliciousness  

A man standing next to a cart filled with rocks.
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 table with two bowls of food and sauces.
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

Trey Chapman Chow, Travel Experiences
A rhino and a glass of wine on the table


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. A glass of wine on top of a menu.

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.

Three people standing next to a cow in an enclosure.
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 

Two people standing next to a statue of an elephant.

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

DFW Chef John Tesar WINS Michelin star!

Trey Chapman Chow, Travel Experiences
A man holding up a paper flower in front of his face.


Florida Perfection!

Two men posing for a picture together.
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

A red and white flower on top of a white sheet.
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.

Read More

Addictive Bark-O-lious Texas Style BBQ in California

Trey Chapman Chow
A tray of food that includes meat, corn and potatoes.


A tray of food with meat, corn and potatoes.
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.

A rusted tanker trailer with white wheels.
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.

Read More

VooDoo Doughnuts Unique, Colorful & Delicious!

Trey Chapman Chow
A collage of different types of donuts


Good day, Doughnut Lovers!

They told me: “The magic is in the hole!”  

As we continue our Road Trippin’ the USA: MEETS, EATS and SWEETS 2022 Tour, I’ve located another unique hand-crafted doughnut experience that is savory, sweet and sure to please your sweet tooth cravings.

Today we’re in Houston, TX at the world-famous Voodoo Doughnut. They have other Texas locations in the cities of Cypress and Austin, as well as a total of 12 other locations in six different states as they continue growing in the USA.

Locations👉 https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/locations/ 

The Story goes: Voodoo Doughnut is the brainchild of old friends and entertainment-minded Portlanders Kenneth “Cat Daddy†Pogson and Tres Shannon. In 2000, they decided to embark on a shared entrepreneurial venture – something that combined quality hospitality with their daring do-it-yourself brand of show business.

Read More

Tesar Coast to Coast Perfection in Florida & California

Trey Chapman Chow
A collage of different types of food including lobster, steak and other meats.


Good Day, Everyone!

A man in an apron standing next to a wall.
Celebrity Chef John Tesar

About eight years ago I met a chef in Dallas who I had read so much about and heard so many stories. I had been wanting to meet him for several years, but our paths had never crossed, and I’m not one to push meetings. Being in the food and restaurant business for decades, I understand all too well the complications of restaurant operations and how short on time chefs, managers, partners and owners can be every day. Time is a commodity that everyone is short on these days, especially celebrity chefs. They have a tough schedule already, and if they’re traveling between multiple restaurant concepts, events, charity functions, meetings, and TV interviews, there truly is NO TIME to spare. With that in mind, I waited until the time was right to meet him.

When I met Chef John Tesar and got to spend some time with him hosting him on my TV show, I realized how passionate he was about the restaurant business and how he personally feels about perfection and what that word truly means. In today’s times some folks mistake passion and the pursuit of perfection for something else entirely. To be honest, being deeply passionate and dedicated toward something is a trait few folks will ever understand, but Chef John Tesar knows all too well because he lives it 24/7/365.

You can never fully understand a person by what you read or hear. You really have to spend some time talking with them to understand what they’re trying to achieve, and the path they’re walking to reach their goals. It would be safe to say that John isn’t walking anywhere – he is running full speed all the time in the relentless pursuit of creating deliciousness for everyone to enjoy.

Read More

Old School Sub Sandwich Perfection!

Trey Chapman Chow
A collage of different sandwiches and a man sitting at the counter.


Sandwich Perfection isn’t easy, but I’ve discovered it! 

A piece of pizza sitting on top of a paper.
Meat Ball Sub!

Trey’s Chow Down says, “Forgive me father, for I have sinned. I was told at least 50 times about the deliciousness at Dino’s, and it took me 3 years to make the trip.” I TRULY WISH I HAD LISTENED “ and visited years ago when I first received the tip. I had no idea Dino’s had been slinging subs for decades in the DFW area!

Yesterday we were road trippin’ for deliciousness and took a ride over to Dino’s Subs in Arlington, Texas for an unforgettable experience. We walked through the door and could smell the sandwiches being prepared fresh. As we stood in line my mouth was watering at the thought of sinking my teeth into one of Dino’s classic subs. My excitement grew as the line moved forward little by little. It was a great experience once it was our turn to order and we stood at the glass, looking through at the fresh-cut meats and ingredients. If you love perfect food experiences then you will understand what I’m saying.

All I can say is this! It was one of those old school deli meals that you just can’t stop eating. I was like a fat hog at the feed trough. I would bite then chew, BITE then chew, BITE then chew, only to breathe when absolutely necessary! The sandwiches were so savory and freaking delicious. I had crumbs all over me from slinging the sandwiches table to mouth. Heck, I even had hot mustard on my shirt and cheeks, and I didn’t care! You know why I didn’t care? Because it was so F@$#$ Delicious! That’s the truth – all I could think was: THANK YOU SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER?

Read More

A Meat LOVERS Dream Houston BBQ Festival 2022

Trey Chapman Chow
A man standing in front of some food.


Houston BBQ Festival 2022 at the Humble Civic Center

A man sitting at a table with many different types of donuts.
Just some of the meat delicious I enjoyed!

If you ever wondered how popular Texas BBQ has become, you need to look no further than the number of successful BBQ Festivals these days. We’ve attended four and hosted two in the last 6 months alone, and there have been many more that we just couldn’t attend.

Texas BBQ has really made big strides in the last 15 years, and has really surged in the last decade. While traveling around the state and attending events, doing restaurant reviews, and hosting my live TV show and podcast, I’ve seen so many changes and new ideas, and they’ve all been for the better. During my travels around the USA, I get asked quite often about the surge in popularity of Texas BBQ. I make my answers brief and easy to understand, because everyone seems to be short on time these days.

To me, the popularity is quite simple: It’s the creativity, hard work, and dedication to producing that perfect meaty flavor. It’s the TEXAS pride that says, “We’re going to be the best, create the best, and sling the BEST Q anyone has ever tasted, or we’ll die trying!†You sure can’t leave out the competitive nature of Texans – that in its self is simply INCREDIBLE! I guess to put in simple terms you can just say, “Well It’s a Texas thing and you wouldn’t understand!” LOL. 

They understood 9 years ago when they hosted the first ever Houston BBQ Festival and it’s still standing strong today!  On April 3rd, 2022, 28 BBQ Joints, chefs and pit masters attended the 9th annual BBQ festival in Humble. Trey’s Chow Down got a tip from some of our followers in Texas about this amazing festival and we took a ride out to Houston to see what it was all about. After 2 years of waiting due to covid, the FESTIVAL WAS BACK! Chefs and pit masters were smoking up Humble, TX and slinging creative, delicious Texas BBQ for everyone to enjoy.

Read More