INTRODUCTION

Everything really is bigger in Texas. The people in Central Texas have huge hearts, plenty of patience, and a friendliness that seems supersized.

As I traveled the region researching this book, Texans graciously answered numerous questions, refilled countless cups of coffee, and served up some of the biggest slices of pie I’ve ever seen. They shared generously the names of their favorites—from burgers to honky-tonks, enchiladas to swimming holes.

While the list was long, a guidebook can only be so big. This book is big enough to include all the basics and many of the extras, but as you make your way between the featured establishments, feel free to stray from the path I’ve laid out. Change your plans, pull into a farm stand, stop at a bakery, have a beer, and by all means ask a Texan for directions, suggestions, and recommendations. Let ’em lay some hospitality on you.

Extra-large thanks to all the good folks living in Austin, San Antonio, the surrounding communities, and the towns of the Hill Country. I gratefully appreciate your courtesy, knowledge, and kindness. Since most of you did not know I was writing a guidebook, the sincerity of your gestures was truly heartwarming.

Enormous thanks to the folks at Countryman and W. W. Norton for the opportunity to write about a region I love.

Deepest gratitude to my fantastic family.

Thank you.

Amy K. Brown

www.amykbrown.com

DINING ALONG THE RIVERWALK IN SAN ANTONIO