[Traveling Tale] A Texas Daytrip

[I've got a lot of traveling stories to share, it may take me a while but I'll get them posted eventually...]

We decided it was time for a girls day out in my family and so my sister, my mom and I piled into the van and started to drive. About 2 ½ hours northeast of Austin, after a drive past scenery that exemplifies what I think of when I think Central Texas (large pastures, barbed wire fences, gently rolling hills, a herd of cattle, a few stock ponds and a windmill or two thrown in for good measure)you arrive in the town of Calvert. You might wonder what is so special about Calvert, a town many Texans have never heard of, that we would make it our destination for the day. My sister had done her research and learned that amidst the antique stores on the main street of town there is a place called Cocoamoda. It is a producer of fine truffles and just happens to also have a cafe that is open for lunch and dinner. Thanks to our cold midweek choice we happened to be the only three in the restaurant. After ordering from our waiter (who used to be a server for Carnival Cruise lines) we were given three sample of truffles (a seriously yummy appetizer). I can highly recommend the double chocolate truffle. Lunch itself was also enjoyable – my quiche was fluffy, moist and hot (although perhaps a bit too hot as it cracked the Wedgewood plate it was set on) and my mom and sister seemed to enjoy their choices. Of course, though, the best part of the meal was dessert. We got a sampler of truffles – and when they’re so rich you can definitely share one among three people, seven new choices were more than enough. While sampling our treats we got to meet the owner and confectioner (?? What do you call someone who makes truffles?) and received a nice short lesson on what was necessary to truly appreciate a good truffle, a bit of his history and that of the café, as well as a glimpse of his future plans (all I can say is that it involves gold coating). All in all a delicious experience and one I can recommend.