Taking a bite of The Dancing Pig sandwich at Moore’s Store in historic downtown Ben Wheeler is a deliciously messy roller coaster of flavor.

The world’s getting ready to ring in 2019 on December 31 and those looking for something special — but maybe not too rowdy — have some good choices in the Upper East Side of Texas. Some, like the delightful Four Winds Steakhouse in Wills Point as well as other locations, are already booked up for the evening since early October so mark your calendars for next year. Others may still have a spot just right for you.

The world’s getting ready to ring in 2019 on December 31 and those looking for something special — but maybe not too rowdy — have some good choices in the Upper East Side of Texas. Some, like the delightful Four Winds Steakhouse in Wills Point as well as other locations, are already booked up for the evening since early October so mark your calendars for next year. Others may still have a spot just right for you.

This mouth-watering dish highlights the menu at The Rooster Cafe, one of the best treasures in the Upper East Side of Texas and well worth a trip from anywhere.

Jimmy’s Straight Texas Bourbon Whiskey recently received a coveted gold medal at the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition held in New Orleans

The Red Fire Grille, located on the first floor of the historic Redlands Hotel in downtown Palestine, is a culinary jewel.

New in downtown Edom is The Farmacy featuring farm fresh, local produce.

Kiepersol Vineyards & Winery in Bullard, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards in Pittsburg, and Sloan & Williams Winery in Grapevine represented the Upper East Side of Texas well with 21 gold, silver, and bronze medals plus several Texas and regional class awards.

Shreveport is upping its food game with many new chefs, new restaurants, and aspirants at the local farmers’ market and mobile food trucks. They are making their names and edging out some of the less inspired eateries, leaving a landscape of old, entrenched, but beloved, stalwarts and dazzling newcomers.

Really good coffee houses offer a wide selection of great coffee in a place that encourages relaxation and conversation. They have attentive wait staff and baristas that are excited to please guests with their creations.

Founding brewmasters and brothers Brian and Matt Gilstrap, along with co-owner Annie Gilstrap, opened East Texas Brewing Company in the downtown area of Tyler earlier this year in response to the area’s demand for more craft beer.