Japanese tourists visiting Texas for the World Cup were shocked to discover that, contrary to popular belief, Texas is not just a barren wasteland of tumbleweeds, cowboys, and oversized hats. No, Texas is apparently also home to something called "barbecue.
"I was expecting a lot of big food," said one tourist, clearly not setting the bar very high for the Lone Star State. "I'm so happy to eat everything."
Well, color us surprised! Tourists found the barbecue to be not only edible but even relatively affordable. One group reportedly ate until they were stuffed, a phenomenon unheard of in their native Japan.
But the real shocker came when one tourist, posting under the handle @pomi0423, described Terry Black’s Barbecue as "mind-blowing." The meat was apparently so juicy and tender, it was "way beyond expectations." Considering most tourists' expectations of Texas involve rodeos and cattle ranches, we can only imagine what they were expecting.
One fan summed up the appeal of Texas barbecue after a long day of watching soccer: "The meat seeps into my tired body from all the cheering." Ah yes, nothing like a heavy dose of barbecue to rejuvenate the soul and keep the drowsiness at bay.
So there you have it, folks. Texas has officially put itself on the map for something other than cowboy boots and oil rigs. Barbecue: the true hero of the World Cup.