Executive Chef Carol Hill

My first job in High School was working as a Hostess/Waitress at The River House Tea Room in Gruene, Texas.  That was 13 years ago.  Today The River House Tea room has been recognized as one of the top restaurants in the Nation, and my former boss Executive Chef Carol Hill has been awarded San Antonio Chef of the Year, Texas Chef of the Year, and various other honors.

I can still remember the sandwiches Carol used to make me every afternoon after my shift.  Open faced sandwiches on marble bread from Naglin’s Bakery, with turkey or ham, tomato, cheese and topped off with Oregano.  These sandwiches, along with her signature herb crackers are no longer on the menu, but I can guarantee you that anything you try will be in a word – AMAZING.

Tortilla Soup

One of my favorite foods in the world is Tortilla Soup.  Over the years I  must have tried no less than four dozen varieties at various locations around the country.  I have always maintained that Adobe Cafe in New Braunfels had THE BEST Tortilla Soup I’d ever tasted – that was until I tried Carol’s.  So if, like me you love Tortilla Soup, be sure and try it on your next visit.

Speaking of Southern specialties, I’m not sure what’s in the batter for the Chicken Fried Chicken, but I’m convinced it’s addictive cause I ate ever bite (and the portion size was beyond generous).

So the next time you’re in Gruene Texas – be sure and stop by this hidden gem for what will undoubtedly be one of the best meals of your life. Of course, I already know where you’ll be staying.

Six years after the city was founded, Gruene Hall – “The Oldest Dance Hall in Texas” was opened.  With live music almost nightly, Gruene Hall has played host to some of the most famous musical acts in History including Willie Nelson, George Strait, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Lyle Lovett who got his start in this small Texas Dance Hall.  And if you’ve seen the campy movie Michael starring John Travolta, the dance scene was filled inside Gruene Hall.

For me, the best part about “living” in a small town like Gruene is access to great food, great antiques, and a wide array of novelty items.  Today I discovered a new passion for Chocolate Rock Candy from the Gruene General Store, and I ate one of the best meals of my life at the River House Tea Room, a 5-star multi-award winning restaurant, the likes of which you would never expect to find in this small Texas Town.

Here are some photos from today’s adventure – Check out the Chocolate Covered Jalapenos!

I grew up in New Braunfels, Texas.  I attended High School here (Go Unicorns!).  I fell in love for the first time here with a Soccer Player on Crutches, who I boldly asked to be my date to a Friday Football Game.  I’m still surprised he said yes.  I went to church at First United Methodist here.  I attended friends funerals here.  And I even worked my way through college at The Applebee’s here in New Braunfels.

And for the next 3 weeks – “here” is my home.  Technically I’m living in Gruene.  But for me, Gruene has always been a large part of the New Braunfels Experience.  Separate but connected.

I jogged Panther Canyon today for the first time in 13 years.  I jogged all the way to Landa Park, and when I reached the park I thought of the millions of memories I’d made there.  Waltzing with Kyle Kolacek until 3 in the morning, jogging to Hinman Island with Bryan Dycus, sitting on the train in the middle of the park with JT Heyden when we were barely 16.  I still remember it all like it was yesterday, and at the same time I can’t remember a thing.  It’s like recalling a movie from a decade ago, where you remember the characters but can’t recall the plot.  It feels good to be home.

I was trying to think of the right words to describe the peace and tranquility of this place.  Of Gruene Mansion Inn.  But then I decided that a picture really is worth a thousand words.  So here for your viewing pleasure is my home for tonight:

Here are some pictures I took on a recent visit to the property: