Originally Posted by Pa Jayhawk  Well thank you all for the suggestions. Turned out to be a great trip. Didn't see your post until I got back Bravo. We did have a GPS, which just makes traveling much more enjoyable. Although we did do La Fogata, as I figured if it was at the top of Eracer's list it would be worth the drive. We Played La Cantera - Palmer Course, Pecan Valley, and The Quarry. We ate at Rudys, Mi Tierra, La Fogata, and various places along the riverwalk including one of their BBQ Places and a Steak Place (First day we went out with some of the people my wife works with). Probably drank enough Margaritas and Frozen Margaritas to fill and freeze over the San Antonio River. Man, they serve those up like water down there. We already decided that we may likely go down this year for the Final 4 if we can get booked, whether or not Kansas is involved. We will have to try Paloma Blanca and Tomatillos at that time.
As far as Golf, La Cantera was a great course but it is unlikely we would play there again for the money. My wife and I came to the conclusion that it is likely a bit more prominent because it plays like a mountain course in the middle of Texas. Which is probably pretty unusual. But I can think of many course up here that are better, and are only about $50 to play instead of $140. There were also far to many blind shots on the course for my liking, it seemed like every other hole. Again, great course, but to me it seemed like it was probably so popular because of the elevation changes, which we are all to familiar with up here. The Quarry was a very unusual course, and well worth the $90 just to see how they pieced this thing together. Fortunately the back 9 in the Quarry was open. I guess up until last week the back was closed due to the recent flooding. You could see that on the course, but it still played relatively well. Pecan Valley may have been the best bang for the buck at under $60, and probably what I would view as Texas golf if I had any vision going into the round. Wind played a heavy role that day. Also noticed this was the location of the 50th PGA Championship, as still advertised on their scoreboard. All 3 rounds were enjoyable. I am not sure I will ever get used to the spongy, fuzzy grass around the greens, that wreaked havoc on my short game this week, and most prominent at La Cantera.
Food wise, we went to Rudy's after the round at La Cantera. I have always been convinced there are two type of BBQ in this world. That based around Sauce and that based around Rub. Although they can both mix. I have always been a fan of good sauce. So while Rudy's had great BBQ, to me it was actually a little disappointing. They pride themselves on their smoking and use of Rub. Their sauce leaves alot to be desired. So while I did pick up their Rub to Bring home, I could never compare it to my liking for KC BBQ which has always prided themselves on their sauce. Although that being said, I will agree Eracer, their cream corn is special and was the highlight of their food for my wife and I. I will also say their Beans are much better than what I found in KC as well. If I ever went back it would like be more for the Corn than the beef. While they are a true BBQ shack, and the certainly better than anything you would find in our neck of the woods, I have always just been a fan of Wet BBQ. Actually the Commercialized BBQ place on the Riverwalk was probably just as suited to my taste, as I thought they may have had better sauce. Mi Tierra was great Mexican food with a great atmosphere, we went on our way back from Pecan Valley. They may have had the some of the best margaritas, and atmosphere. Mariachi singers and the whole works. They are open 24/7, so we will likely have to try breakfast next time around. La Fogata was definitely our favorite this time around. Went after playing the Quarry. Good atmosphere and probably the best food we had down there. We went for lunch, and next time down I would like to go at night and sit out with the fountains and fire rings that they had set up for latter.
As indicated before, I was more looking forward to the food than the golf and San Antonio did not disappoint. Both were good, but I would likely give the edge to the food.
We also went during the Big 12 Championship, in a sea of OU and Mizzou fans. So I was one of token KU fans in the crowd. I compare this area to, in my own words, "A civilized New Orleans setting" I will also add that we stayed at the Hilton Homewood Suites on the Riverwalk, and while the price, room and services were great I would have to add that they built this into a fixed up older building and while they did a great job, they did a lousy job soundproofing the rooms. Which likely takes it from being one of the better deals and an incredible room you may find to just So~So as you wake each morning to the "Sounds of San Antonio".
Such a nice room and accommodations, but makes it hard to say if we would stay there again.
Will have to try Silverhorn and the other choices next time around. It seemed another heavy choice with the locals, and Republic was another mentioned by a few down there.
Thanks again all!!! |