Matt Alexander

DALLAS, TEXAS – DAY ONE

If you know me, you know that food is more than just fuel — it’s a big part of the journey. In fact, all my travels are planned around where we will find our next great meal. And last week, as we touched down in Dallas, Texas for the SBC Annual Meeting, we wasted no time getting to work on our unofficial mission: experience the best eats our Homeland has to offer. Yep, my family is originally from the great state of TEXAS!

We landed Saturday morning and headed straight for the rental car pickup. With our luggage stowed and our appetites raging, my son Caleb and I made our first official stop: In-N-Out Burger. Now, listen — when you’re out West, it’s practically a requirement. I kept it classic and went with the Double Cheeseburger. No frills, just a fresh, flavorful burger that hit the spot. The toasted bun, the crisp lettuce, and the signature sauce — all working in harmony. It was the perfect kickoff to our Texas food tour.

Next, we journeyed south to Meat Church in Waxahachie. If you’re not familiar with Meat Church, let me enlighten you. Founded by pitmaster Matt Pittman, Meat Church is not just a BBQ supply store — it’s a brand, a movement, and a community for meat lovers. They offer everything from high-quality rubs and injections to apparel and classes on the fine art of smoking meat. I personally use a lot of their products in my backyard smoking! The staff was friendly, the merchandise was top-notch, and you could just feel the Texas BBQ culture pulsing through the walls. It’s a must-stop for any pitmaster, backyard griller, or food-lover passing through. Let me say, I had a “religious moment” at MEAT CHURCH. lol

From Waxahachie, we headed to our AirBnB… or at least, we tried to. Let’s just say getting in was a journey in itself. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say the lock wasn’t cooperating. Still, we rolled with it and pressed on.

We made our way up to Flower Mound for the 4 PM worship gathering at The Village Church, pastored by Matt Chandler. The building was buzzing with life and beautifully decorated for their VBS (Summer Camp). The worship was powerful, the preaching was solid, and the atmosphere was Christ-centered. It was a much-needed time of spiritual refreshment.

Then came the second round of drama with our AirBnB. Once again, we faced the front door like weary travelers looking for shelter. None of our check in instructions worked and we were getting “Hangry”.. I’ll leave it at that. (Let’s just say, I now have a deep appreciation for hotels with key cards.)

Dinner was a bit of a trek — literally. With parking nearly impossible to find in Deep Ellum, we decided to walk about 1/2 mile to Pecan Lodge in that Texas Heat, one of the most iconic BBQ spots in all of Texas. Located in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas, Pecan Lodge is legendary — and for good reason. The line often wraps around the building, and once you get a taste, you understand why.

I ordered the Brisket and the Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage. Let me tell you — the brisket was absolute perfection. Smoky, tender, with just the right amount of bark and fat. But that sausage? Easily some of the best I’ve ever had. The balance of heat from the jalapeños and richness from the cheese made it unforgettable. Every bite was a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. Pecan Lodge lived up to HIPE but we did encounter several other great spots on our trip.

From burgers to brisket, worship to walking, our first day in Dallas was full of flavor, adventure, and a little bit of chaos — just the way I like it. And that was just Day One!

More meals and memories coming soon. Until then — stay hungry, friends.

• Matt Alexander Fusion Church Madison