Lunch in the Country at Josie’s Kitchen

It is the first full day of autumn! The weather is glorious, and I have persuaded Michael that lunch at Josie’s Kitchen in Blanco, along the banks of the Blanco River, would be a perfect beginning to the cool weather season. To get to our destination, we drive down tree-shaded, curling country roads that make my heart happy even before we step out of the car. Arriving eight minutes after they open, the vehicles of hungry patrons are already filling the space.

As we step through the door of Josie’s Kitchen for the first time, a server tells us to sit where we like. The deck that wraps around the back of the restaurant is virtually empty at the moment, so we choose a table tucked in a shady corner nook and enjoy the bliss of the day. Vapor trails from soaring aircraft crisscross the cloud-dusted skies above. I point out one of the white streaks of vapor to Michael that looks like a hundred yards of fringe decorating an expanse of watered blue silk. It is a small, magical lunchtime gift.

Poutine—It’s on the Menu!

The first time I saw Poutine was years ago during a trip to Quebec. We were driving through the Quebecois version of a KFC, and I saw people walking away with French fries covered in gravy with white lumps on the top. I wanted to try this new potato dish, whatever it was, but I didn’t know how to order something that I didn’t know the name of in this French-speaking world – even at a KFC. In retrospect, I could have pointed and said, “I want one of those.”

I’ve done that before.

When our server hands us two menus, rather than looking up, we look down. Like a magnet, my eyes drop to the appetizer section, and the only thing I see is the word Poutine. “Michael, they have Poutine! We have to order it and share!”

The Josie’s Kitchen version of Poutine, a dish that originated in Centre-du-Québec, arrives as our appetizer, and it is comfort food heaven. Short rib gravy blankets a mound of crispy fries with generous chunks of cheese curds tucked into the mix. It is delicious. I could make a meal of this!

Burgers and Sandwiches

A Green Sammy at Josie’s Kitchen in Blanco

Deciding what to eat, for me, is always a challenge. Choosing between the creative selection of hot paninis, burgers, and sandwiches puts me in a quandary.  Finally, I decide on the last thing I see, A Green Sammy.

A creamy layer of creamy pimento cheese is laced through every bite of ultra-crunchy fried green tomatoes, salty bacon, and fresh field greens lightly dressed with sweet aged balsamic vinegar. This a treat beyond anything I was expecting and all of these delectable flavors are sandwiched between a soft as cloud torta roll.

Michael’s Queso Burger is blanketed with green chile white queso, and tortilla strips. There is even a shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado topper. Served open-faced, rather than pick it up and eat it cradled in his hands, Michael uses a knife and fork and demolishes the entire thing!

Josie’s Kitchen

Why have we waited so long to visit this tiny piece of heaven tucked into the shade trees edging the banks of the Blanco River? Lunch was delightful, and I could spend the rest of the afternoon happily sampling everything on the menu – but then I would have to be carted out the door in a wheelbarrow, and there isn’t one of those anywhere in sight.  And Josie’s Kitchen closes at 2 pm today – not half long enough for my intentions.

Restaurant seating and pies! pies! pies! at Josie’s Kitchen in Blanco

New to me, Josie’s Kitchen is apparently not new to the rest of the surrounding world of Blanco and beyond. I am surprised to learn that Joe Hanus and his wife, Jessie, have been creating gourmet artisan sandwiches and baked goods since 2015 in this location. I continue to lament the fact that this is the first time we have ever been here. Why didn’t I learn about it before now? My recent discovery of their existence was a case of serendipity at work.

Josie’s Kitchen is a treasure to be cherished and patronized, and enjoyed. Michael and I are already making plans to come back next week for lunch with friends and enjoying dinner soon after. 

Left to Right – View of the Blanco River from the balcony deck at Hosie’s Kitchen in Blanco, and a bird’s eye view of the lower deck/patio seating.

The Particulars

• Contact Information
  • Phone: (830) 833-3232
  • Email: josieskitchenblancotx@gmail.com
  • Address: 18 Main St., Blanco, TX 78606
  • Josie’s Kitchen is off US Highway 281, located only 500 feet south of the Blanco State Park entrance and five blocks south of the Old Blanco County Courthouse Square.
• Business Hours
  • Tuesday & Wednesday 11am-3pm
  • Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, Lunch: 11am-5pm & Dinner: 5pm-9pm
  • Closed Sunday & Monday
  • Reservations are accepted
• Website
  • https://josies-kitchen.com/

Along with Josie’s Kitchen’s regular menu, they also offer a variety of daily specials for lunch (Tuesday through Saturday) and dinner (Thursday thru Saturday). A selection of beer and wine is also available.