1879 Chisholm Grill, Waxahachie, Texas - "GOLD+" Backwater Eatery

Original 1879 Chisholm Grill
Waxahachie town square:
Burned to the ground
January 2011

Waxahachie, county seat to Ellis County, is host to this Backwater eatery: 1879 Chisholm Grill. Up until January 2011 it was a throwback in time to a day when life was simpler. When you stepped into this place you could sense the presence of old, sun tanned and leathery faces leaning back in wooden captain's chairs discussing politics, religion, and the price of grain; Cowboy hats, Purina and John Deere caps slid back on the crowns of silver and thin hair headed, sagacious land and cattle men. 

Circa 1920

"In the 1870's the Chisholm Trail was one of the wonders of the western world. Cattle herds as large as ten thousand were driven                                                                                                                down dirt trails running from Texas to Oklahoma almost identical to where I-35 now runs. Many of the cowboys stopped in Waxahachie for food and supplies. The general store (along with several saloons) were small frame structures standing in the general vicinity where the 1879 Chisholm Grill [stood]. In 1890 [this] building was built to replace the general store and saloons as part of a row of two-story Victorian commercial buildings." (http://listings.dfw.com/waxahachie_tx/venues/show/994551-1879-chisholm-grill)


In January 2011 this time-warped establishment burned to the ground. It has since moved to a location outside of town and along Interstate Hwy I-35. Before the fire I gave it a "Diamond" rating. It had it all. Though the venue is new (300 N Interstate Hwy 35E) and the ambiance doesn't have quite the same look and feel, the food is still one of Texas' best, and the price is right too. READ ON...

After the warm homemade bread arrived with a side of butter, I decided to explore "Mom's Meatloaf" dish. Wow! Extra lean ground beef combined with fresh garlic, onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. Thick and chunky. Savory...covered in catsup with a couple of steamed veggie sides. You just have to roll it around your taste buds two or three times before you swaller'. 

Dianne had the "Chessy BBQ Hachie Burger." This is a half pound of Angus heaven. Juicy, thick, covered in cheddar and BBQ sauce, grilled onions and slathered with mayo. And don't forget that side of American fries, seasoned to perfection. How I managed to finagle a couple of bites out'a that burger from my wife I'll never know. Man I just had to close my eyes and savor each of those two bites. Mmmmm! Tender taste of an American burger classic. Then I helped her polish off those fries. 

Well, the next time you go through Waxahachie stop in for a bite of some Texas' best. You will not be sorry that you did. Tell'm the Backwater Gourmet said, "Hello." Check it out at www.chisholmgrill.com 

Cappy's Chowder House, Camden, Maine - "DIAMOND" Backwater Eatery

Cappy's Chowder House, 1 Main Street, Camden, Maine has it all: Great food, great ambiance, and great prices. My wife Dianne and I were there in the Fall of 2011 for our 40th anniversary. What a great place. It is a little restaurant on the second floor of an old town square building. You enter on the corner of the building and come up a narrow passage way on some old worn wooden steps. It is a warm and inviting place. The service was great and the people were very friendly.

You are greeted by a life size portrait of Cappy himself posing on a sailing vessel.

I had the "Chowda." It was absolutely the beast clam chowder that I have ever eaten. The bowl was brimming to the top with delicious creamy potatoes and large chunks of clam. It was served with some special New England biscuits. Don't know what they are called but they augmented this great dish along with the very authentic atmosphere.

Dianne had some New England chicken quesadillas perfectly seasoned and served with salsa and sour cream. We topped our lunch with the local favorite, blackberry pie and a great cup of black New England coffee.

For more information check this out and DO NOT miss this place if you're going to Camden, Main. http://www.cappyschowder.com/