Al Is Quite A Bull-Buster

Billy Bob's Texas... Part 2

On Tuesday night I had about six minutes to cover the 127,000 square feet of Billy Bob's... I decided to return there for lunch on Wednesday before my drive to Amarillo. I arrived the following day and ordered a plate of ribs. Not bad... but ultimately forgettable (my experience at Carl's Perfect Pig in TN may have ruined my taste for any other ribs). Afterwards I finally had an opportunity to absorb Billy Bob's... it has slot machines... a million pool tables... three dance floors... a stage for live bands... a stage for concerts (Ted Nugent is the current record holder for attendance... yes they have non country music shows as well)... and get this, live professional bull riding (Friday and Saturday nights only). It's insane! But on this particular afternoon it was dead as a doornail. Not the raucous hootenanny for which I'd hoped. Much like at a museum I quietly walked around and took in the place. It was really cool, and delightfully over the top... but ultimately without many customers, or live music, or bullriding going on it was a pretty tame experience. That is until I found a bull and hopped on for a ride. Debbie, the photographer, was a terrific coach and transformed me into a rodeo king. I left Billy Bob's Texas in a fabulous mood!



Then I drove to the North and West towards Amarillo. This was going to be a meat filled day! Before even bothering to check into the hotel I had dinner at The Big Texan. Aside from being... well, big... it's famous for the 72 0z. steak challenge. Eat a 72 oz. steak, baked potato, shrimp cocktail, salad, and buttered roll in under an hour and it's free! Otherwise the challenger must pay for the meal. I had a normal sized steak and was better for it. During my meal a trio of cowboy musicians moved from table to table playing requests. For me they did a fine rendition of Hank Williams' "Cold, Cold Heart." Really, really nice guys...