LIFE
T rai l d r i v e
Meat Meisters
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by Bob McCullough
DON’T MISS Thorndale Meat Market 300 U.S. 79 Thorndale, TX 76577 (512) 898-5387 frankfelton.com
T
hree major European powers of the 18th century – Spain, France and England – competed for control of territory that ultimately would become Texas. To help solidify its claim, Spain established missions, introduced cattle-raising and thus founded the ranching industry that has grown over the past three centuries. Today, iconic meat markets near rural areas take the bounty from farms and ranches and transform it into a dizzying array of products to satisfy Texans’ carnivorous cravings. Three prime examples – each with German roots – are Thorndale Meat Market in Thorndale, northeast of Austin; Eckermann’s Meat Market in Shelby, between Houston and Austin; and Bernhard’s Meat Market in Ingram, west of Kerrville in the Hill Country, home to large populations of exotic hoofstock. 42
AUTHENTIC TEXAS
Eckermann’s Meat Market 2543 FM 1457 New Ulm TX, 78950 (979) 836-8858 eckermanns.com Bernhard Meat Market 2920 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 367-2995
