Imagine my surprise when I walk into Prasek's Hillje Smokehouse in Sealy, Texas, and see the Monte Cristo sandwich on their menu.
I came for the brisket sandwich. But the deep-fried ham sandwich sprinkled with powdered sugar was calling my name out loudly!
For some odd reason, it brings back memories from the 1980s, when my parents would take me to Bennigan's for my birthday. You 'member. One birthday, in particular, the server had me do a dance and prance around the restaurant for all to see. Times were innocent back then, pre-internet of course, and when Z. Cavaricci was still the rage. Yup, the Monte Cristo is still around but, more importantly, it makes them times forgivable.
What shall I do?
Easy! Order both. So, that's what I did.
Gas Station
Truth be told, I stopped here to get gas on my way back to Houston from San Antonio. I only decided on getting a bite to eat because it was 3 in the afternoon just enough time for my body to work off the meal.
To get here, take 718-exit off I-10 just before you reach Sealy. Do be careful and take it slow. There is quite a bit of road construction. But if you are on top of it, it shouldn't be a problem. If you have a trailer, that shouldn't be an issue either because the parking lot is massive. They don't have truck parking per se, but it's big enough so a driver can park and grab themselves something to eat.
A Must Stop
I'm so glad to have discovered this joint. Any traveler who is passing through Houston should stop here. It is far enough away from the city that you don't have to fight the crowds. But it is close enough to have all of the modern amenities that a big city has to offers
Wine and cheese …please! In Sealy, Texas, the home of Eric Dickerson? Of course, why can't a small town think big?
Smokehouse
When it comes to amenities, one should ask, what don't they have? This place offers shopping, butcher shop, ice-cream parlor, bakery, and processes meat for you cazadores out there. But I was here for the Monte Cristo ($7.95) so I made my way over to the grill.
To order simply tell the attendant what you want. They will ask if you will be eating in their food court or do you plan to take it with you. In my, case I told them "to go."
After taking your order, they will hand you a buzzer. When it goes off that means your food is ready to be picked up.
Amenities
Meanwhile, I walk around. I'm impressed with the store's entire showroom. There is a little bit of everything for everyone, even a fish tank. Think of compressing your local mall down to the size of a convenience store, and this is what you can expect at Prasek's. Since I didn't plan on shopping for a fishing pole or buying a shirt, I snapped a few pics, waiting for my buzzer to go off.
Monte Cristo and Brisket Sandwiches
When the buzzer did go off, I walk over to the counter to collect my food. As I pull out my wallet, the attendant directs me to pay at the cashier station located at the front of the store. Cool!
After paying, I make my way out of the store. While walking, all I can think about is coming back again. I didn't try the pastries nor the kolaches. Didn't get any sausage, or cheese, or even some wine. Didn't try any of the jerky either. Boy, let me stop, my mouth is starting to water.
When I get to the truck, I pull out the brisket sandwich first and take a bite. Delicious. Ashford, solid as a rock, said Simpson. The beauty of the sandwich is in its simplicity. This wasn't championship BBQ, its purpose is to give road-weary travelers a goods solid bite to eat and this is where the sandwich excels.
Next up the Monte Cristo.
Over the years I've eaten many of these sandwiches and are mostly disappointed. It seems many a chef cooks them to a crisp so that when you bite down a piece of skin from the top of your mouth peels off. Whoever fried these sandwiches knew what they were doing. It was soft but not soggy. That is an expert touch that only the most skilled can maneuver. The warmth from the ham and turkey was pure comfort. It put me at ease. The cheese gushed forth with each bite. Finally, the powdered sugar was enough to enhance the flavor without making a mess of itself. Yup, I'm coming back no doubt about it and I'm going to have the Monte Cristo again.
Verdict
Prasek's Hillje Smokehouse is a must-stop on the I-10 BBQ Trail between San Antonio and Houston.
Pros: Ample Parking, Monte Cristo sandwich. Perfect stop for having a bite eat, stretch the legs, use the restroom, and fill up on gas.
Cons: Brisket was robust but not award-winning. BBQ sauce is too ketchup-y for my taste buds.
Van With Driver gives this joint 4.5 out of 5 Stars.