Down Unda Trading Post – Lampasas, Texas

Who would have thought that a pleasant forty-mile drive through the Texas countryside would lead to – Australia? Well, not exactly, but such a trip will give you a nice taste of the country 'down under.'

The 'Down Unda Trading Post', located on US Highway 281, sixteen miles north of Lampasas, Texas, provides a tasty glimpse of Australian food, including Vega Mite, Anzac biscuits, Australian Chocolate, and meat pies. It was the meat pies we were interested in, so we set out on a warm, sunny Spring day in search of this unlikely Aussie outpost.

'CB' - my cheese and bacon meat pie 

 Emmalee and Gabe are friendly and patient with those of us not familiar with Australian fare. Emmalee told us how she uses local beef and other fresh ingredients, and her own gravy recipe. She told us that her countrymen and women tend to eat meat pies with their hands, but since most Americans prefer a fork, that was okay.

The pies are about five dollars each; quite reasonable for such a delight. I had the cheese and bacon pie and it was fresh and delicious. The perfectly seasoned filling is surrounded by golden brown flaky pastry, something similar to a chicken pot pie, but this treat is in a league by itself. One pie is not enough for a meal, but it was perfect for an afternoon snack, and they sell frozen pies for take-out.

If you've eaten at the Down Unda Trading Post, then you already know how good the food is. If you haven't, do yourself a favor and make the trip – it is well worth it.

Author's note: The rumor as of October 2017 is that this unique place has closed their doors for good.

  KCEN TV video

Larry Manch is an author, teacher, guitar player, freelance writer, and columnist. His books include: 'Twisted Logic: 50 Edgy Flash Fiction Stories', 'The Toughest Hundred Dollars & Other Rock & Roll Stories', 'A Sports Junkie', 'The Avery Appointment', 'Between the Fuzzy Parts'. His books are available in paperback and e-book.

He also writes about sports for Season Tickets, food and travel on Miles & Meals, and music/guitars on The Backbeat.

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