The Texas Rangers not only lost the World Series this week, but they also lost the opportunity to give their state’s Lt. Governor a taste of what Sunset Magazine once called “the best barbecue in the world.”
Indeed, prior to the showdown between the Rangers and the San Francisco Giants, Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst made a friendly wager with California’s Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado, who happens to be a native of the Santa Maria Valley.
Said Maldonado, “In the unlikely event California does not win this series, I’m prepared to deliver Santa Maria style barbeque, our famous California wine and sandwiches from San Francisco’s famous Ike’s Deli to Lt. Governor Dewhurst and his staff.”
Dewhurst responded, “The San Francisco Giants are going to learn pretty quick that everything’s bigger here in Texas. That’s why I’m wagering a Texas-size portion of our legendary beef brisket, and looking forward to celebrating the Texas Rangers’ World Series Championship with a GIANT plate of Santa Maria Style Barbecue courtesy of my good friend, Lt. Governor Maldonado.”
Well, the Giants won the series, and Lt. Governor Dewhurst missed an opportunity to discover that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to barbecue! Texas barbecue may be legendary, but there’s nothing like classic Santa Maria BBQ.
