Anybody who knows me knows I love Pico de Gallo. The tear-inducing smell of chopped onion melds perfectly with the sweetness gushing out of the tomato. Both cut by the tanginess of freshly squeezed lime juice found in this type of salsa creates an aromatic flavor that is intoxicating. I can't get enough. I'll argue that a good taco with Pico added becomes a great taco. And you want to know the trick to having a great Pico? Freshness, that's it, nothing else.
Deli
So, imagine my elation when I see that the Chappel Hill Bakery & Deli sells Pico de Gallo Sausage. Let me repeat P-Co-Day-Guy-Yo-Saw-Sedge phonetically. I know, I had to look twice too.
I immediately snatch up a pack. I then grab a pack of their Green Onion Sausage, followed by Sweet Chipotle, Peppercorn and Garlic, Habanero (HOT), and finally, a pack of Chicken Fajita Sausage. Wow. I was totally impressed by the variety of sausage flavors they sell. I bought all these packs with a plan to bring them home, put them on the pellet grill, and then do a taste test. Let's see if these flavors are on par with the uniqueness of their pairings. I'll make sure to share the results of the taste test in Part 2.
Restaurant
From Franklins in Austin to Killen's in Houston, I'll argue the BBQ Trail between both cities on Highway 290 is some of the best BBQ in the state, if not the best. I've made many stops on this route and have rarely found disappointment.
It's here that the traveler will come across Chappel Hill Bakery & Deli, located at 8900 Highway 290 E, in Chappell Hill, TX 77426.
Part bakery, part deli, and part smokehouse Chappell Hill is a one-stop-shop for all your traveling needs. Depending on the time of the day, usually, late-lunch, I will make it a point to stop and grab a bite to eat. As a bonus, parking the truck is not a problem, there is more than enough parking.
Having stopped here many times, I've tried almost everything on their menu. However, I do have a favorite. As I get in line to place my order, I ask for the 2-meat plate ($13.49), dark meat chicken and jalapeño sausage, which comes with two sides, I ask for coleslaw and mashed potatoes. For the drink, I got with a water.
Food
Being that the Covid-19 shutdown is still effect there is limited seating inside the restaurant. Also, masks are required, not while eating at least. With this in my I find a nice spot close to the window.
As previously mentioned, I love the dark meat from the chicken. Not just the flavor either but the texture as well. For many a novice pitmaster, there is a dreaded tendency to make the skin chewy. Well, whoever is the pitmaster at this joint is an expert because the skin is crispy and peppery and delicious. One bite of the jalapeño is all a person needs to taste the flavor. It's a full taste and is not lacking. At the end of the bite, the spice appears and kicks the back of the throat. Finally, the coleslaw stands on its own, the taste of cabbage is pronounced.
Verdict
Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli is a must stop on the BBQ Trail between Austin and Houston.
Pros: Ample Parking, Dark Meat Chicken, Jalapeño Sausage. Deli sells a wide variety of sausage to prepare at home.
Cons: Brisket was dry. BBQ sauce is too tomato-y for my taste buds.
Van With Driver gives this joint 3.5 out of 5 Stars.