Correct off the interstate in a stand-by itself procuring middle sits TX Lodge Bar & Grill, a corner suite with an outside patio a big 7-foot indication overhead. Within, the minuscule house exhibits off three West Texas-themed photos courtesy of the historic museum and a uncomplicated over-all glimpse. In reality, based mostly off the décor and title, one particular may possibly consider the establishment is just a different steakhouse, giving Midlanders the same ole’ pile of meat like constantly. However, the menu tells a different story.
“At the time, I was doing MMA and BJJ, but I desired a job to pay out my charges,” Eddie Canepa joked. “I got a occupation (in Milan) in the kitchen just to clean the dishes element time. I commenced encouraging them do prepping and then one particular day the owner needed assistance cooking mainly because his prepare dinner didn’t display up. I did not even know what I was accomplishing, but he started off schooling me.”
Now, the Liguria, Italy indigenous clocks in 25 several years in the sector, doing work in international locations all around the planet: Brazil, London, Belgium, the Uk and, of program, Italy. Just after coming to Midland for a chef position at a (now-closed) Brazilian steakhouse, Eddie satisfied his wife Ellie, a Cuba native. Collectively, the partner-spouse team established the 12 months-previous restaurant where by they provide reliable Italian, Cuban, and American dishes to the Tall Metropolis each day, pulling from previous loved ones recipes and their have creativeness.
TX Lodge Bar & Grill can be uncovered at 503 E. Interstate 20, Ste. 130. They are open up 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday via Sunday. For a lot more info or to buy carryout, go to www.texaslodgebargrill.com and comply with them on Fb (www.fb.com/texaslodgebargrill) and Instagram (@texas_lodgebargrill).
Scorching bites
You could think placing Italian, Cuban, and American food stuff on the same menu appears a little odd, and I would not automatically disagree, but for the Canepas, it’s a way to showcase foods from their respective cultures and if I’ve explained it as soon as I have mentioned it 100 occasions, Midland desires the variety.
Given that just about every dish is manufactured making use of fresh new ingredients everyday, you just simply cannot go erroneous with something you order. For starters, attendees can pick from Brushcetta, Chicken Pear Meatballs, Wings, French Fries, and Breadsticks (not like Olive Yard, which is not genuine Italian, y’all). Soups and salads include a Grilled Caesar, the Caesar Salad Tx Lodge Design and style, a Mixed Greens, and a tiny and large Tomato Bisque Soup.
As for entrees, select from Pesto Rooster pasta, Penne a la Romana, a Rosemary Jalapeno Burger, Spaghetti alla Bolognese, a traditional Cuban sandwich, Arroz Congri and Slow Cooked Roasted Pork (6 several hours to be exact), a ribeye, flatbreads and much more.
A dessert menu consists of cheesecake, German chocolate cake, and a pecan pie with vanilla ice cream whilst the kids menu addresses almost everything from mac and cheese to hen strips and French fries.
A couple enjoyment details: If you have not now guessed, Eddie and Ellie satisfaction them selves on the freshness and simplicity of their elements. To keep in line with this pledge, Eddie only orders 15 to 20 steaks a 7 days from Dallas, so when the slabs are absent, they are absent. You will also discover him using a thermometer when grilling steak, a technique he believes every person must use no matter how a lot of many years of working experience they may possibly have. He also only makes use of salt and purple pepper as seasoning, permitting the combination of organic substances converse for themselves.
And finally, just about every sauce utilised in the cafe is well prepared by the pair. I’m speaking the pesto (which is probably the most effective pesto I have at any time experienced — not also oily and just the perfect quantity of zing), Caesar, mustard, ranch, Rosemary Jalapeno (observed on the burgers), and extra.
Observe: TX Lodge Bar & Grill serves smooth beverages, Cuban and American coffee, tea, and water. Because of to troubles, the business’s TABC license acquired delayed, but alcohol will be flowing quickly, which include mixed beverages from both of those Italy and Cuba.
Over-all vibes
I usually get pleasure from doing work on a Compact Bites piece due to the fact I get to meet down to earth individuals like Eddie and Ellie. For them, proudly owning TX Lodge Bar & Grill isn’t about the dollars or getting a point out-recognised crew. They’re below simply because they love what they do, enjoy demonstrating men and women the elegance behind Italian and Cuban food stuff, and most importantly, they appreciate undertaking it alongside one another. They actually greet and treat just about every customer — no make any difference qualifications — like relatives (a custom made attributed to Eddie’s grandmother), and just like any loving family, their beloved times arrive from seeing buyers comprehensively appreciate their one particular-of-a-sort dishes. Without barrier-breaking businesspeople like Eddie and Ellie, the Tall City would tumble brief in cultural schooling, acceptance, and downright delicious meals. There’s a rationale the Canepas have a roster of repeating patrons, and if you consider for 1 2nd you are going to come across something near to the very good-hearted hospitality of the a few-man or woman workforce right here in Midland, think again.
