SignalJoe

This is the only reason I haven't been back yet. That test at the airport in Cuba requires the traveler to quarantine while awaiting the results, which takes about 5 days. Not looking to spend half my time on the island hiding waiting for the Cuban bureaucracy to produce test results.

Connie A and HU2

For those unfamiliar Mr. Overton was Americas veteran and lived to the age of 112. He attributed his longevity to drinking whiskey and smoking cigars daily, 10-12 to be exact! Sadly he passed two days after Christmas in 2018, fortunately some cigar store owners in East Austin found a way to pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of an icon. https://www.fox7austin.com/video/736544?fbclid=IwAR0_ARICmvmqYJdt4206u2-vdYqBygrpSgLlh3wI554Gf2G-Vd6LKXdw6JQ

I ordered 4

I'm in for 4

Understood. That's why i said if you ever decide to do another run let me know.

Looks like I missed the boat on this one. If you should ever open up to do another please let us know.

Right at $230 a box. Supply was not plentiful during Partagas week. I bought two boxes at Havana Libre and saw a single box at store on Obispo street.

Came back through Houston a few weeks ago without issue. The agent asked if I had purchased tobacco when I said yes he asked "how many?" I told him I have 75 in this bag, He said "Ok" and "welcome back." I didn't seem like the appropriate time to mention the substantially larger quantities in my checked bags.

PM sent.

No issues. I pack the bulk of the boxes in one checked bag. I put as many customs as possible in a large Xikar case with 2-3 boxes in another and the same in my carry on. It's sort of a shell game to make big numbers look smaller.

My Cuba haul fresh from the freezer. Customs from Alex, Papo and others.

They were not easily available on the island. If you asked the right person or were friendly with a house roller they could be found. I managed to source 6 boxes, including one I blindly walked into at the Vegueros factory in Pinar. Asking for them usually drew responses ranging from flat out no, supposed to get some (pick a day), to sold out or not released yet.

The best BBQ in Dallas by far is Cattleack BBQ. They are only open Thursday and Friday, so show up early as the line gets long and do sell out. Well worth the wait. https://www.texasmonthly.com/restaurant/cattleack-barbeque/

I'll say so. I was feeling pretty good about picking all 15 games correctly until I realized 4 others had done so! ?‍♀️

The best breakfast in Texas prepared by 84 year old Pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz. Why BBQ for breakfast? In 2008 Snow's BBQ was to be rated the best BBQ in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine. Prior to the magazine being printed a fact checker called and asked the owner what time they opened. Kerry (the owner) replied that they normally got there at 8 am on Saturdays (only open one day a week). After the magazine came out they felt compelled to stick to the hours that had been printed. It's so good and so popular you just about have to show up at 8 to get some.

Yes, Talisman with 2019 box codes and 17 EL bands have been seen.

I have always been a fan of Frank Sinatra's hamburger recipe. There was a reason they called him the "Chairman of the Board."

Has there been anything "official" in regards to dates?

We are waiting to hear from a restaurant manager on availability, I'll let you know when we hear back.

I can't imagine anyone better for the job.

No shame in kissing the Franklin ring. Aaron paved the way for the bbq renaissance we're seeing today. But I wholeheartedly agree that both Micklethwait and La BBQ are as good or better. La BBQ is amazing for their consistency. Their pitmasters leave (frequently) and open up successful restaurants of their own and somehow the consistency and quality never changes.

You name the weekend and I'll meet you there!

Schedule it for next Saturday (they are *only* open on Saturdays) and I will join you with some good bourbon and some nice cigars. Gratuitous picture of the amazing ribs at Snow's.

@cmbarton Micklethwait is another great option in Austin. You should check out their new location in Smithville when you get the chance. In my opinion the best BBQ in Texas is a tie between Truth BBQ (Brenham & Houston) and 2M Smokehouse (San Antonio). Both are amazingly consistent with all their proteins and the sides carry their weight as well. Truth is a little closer to traditional Central Texas style while 2M brings a TexMex twist to the staples. 2M's Oaxaca cheese and serrano sausage may well be the best in the state. @mdinius Pinkerton's is amazing. I consider myself fortunate to be able to call the owner Grant a friend. On Friday he won Grand Champion in beef at Memphis in May. An amazing accomplishment competing against some of the best in the world.