Grain Theory’s Block Party {July 2021} in Abilene, Texas
Check out the food at Grain Theory’s 2021 summer block party – frites cones, elote cups, lavendar lemonade, and more!
Grain Theory opened up its brewery, taproom, and restaurant in downtown Abilene at the end of 2020, but because they opened during a global pandemic, they didn’t get to have much of a celebration.
So, they waited 7 months and threw a block party instead!
Grain Theory’s block party included:
- live music
- raffle tickets
- food trucks (my favorite part!)
- a vendors market
- exclusive beer and food
We have a 1-year-old who goes to bed at 7pm, so we decided to get to the block party right when they started at 4pm.
There was plenty of parking at that time, which sure was nice, but, man, was it hot! Abilene has had a much cooler, rainier summer but the day of the block party hit 100 degrees and we felt it!
The block party was outside, with all of the vendors, live music, and food trucks set up on the street right in front of Grain Theory. They had a couple of shaded tables right in front of the live music but that was a bit loud for our little guy so we went down the street and found a shaded seat by a fountain that just happened to be right next to the food trucks (which is exactly where I wanted to be!).
So, let’s get to the good stuff – the food!
Grain Theory Block Party – The Food
The Grain Theory Frites Cone
This was definitely the highlight for me. This wax paper cone was filled with piping hot french fries and covered in their purple ranch (which also makes it pretty!).
At the time I’m writing this post, I still have no idea why it’s purple. Apparently that’s how they always serve it in their restaurant.
I’ve asked around and Abileneans have a couple of different theories – “It’s festive.” “I think it’s from sumac.”
I’ve tried tagging Grain Theory on Instagram stories to ask what the back story is but they haven’t responded. Yet. I’m determined to get to the bottom of this.
In the meantime, it’s delicious and I would order it again and again. I’ve tried a lot of french fries in my life and Grain Theory does them well.
The “Glazed & Confused” from The Toasted Traveler Food Truck
This was another highlight of that day. I’ve been watching The Toasted Traveler’s Instagram account, drooling over this particular sandwich.
The Glazed & Confused is a donut, split in half and made into a grilled cheese sandwich. And, yes, it is just as delicious as it sounds. It is perfectly sweet & salty with its melted cheddar and the grilled outside made it – it was so crispy and delicious!
They have so many other sandwiches I can’t wait to try, but this one is a must-try, for sure!
The Toasted Traveler
Street Tacos & Elote from Tacolote’s Food Truck
This was so unique! I’ve never had Elote in a cup before!
And it’s obviously an Abilene favorite because when I posted this picture on Instagram stories, so many people messaged me saying, “That stuff is delicious!” “It’s so good!” My FAVE!”
Tacolote
Lavender Lemonade from Monk’s Coffee Shop
This was the BEST refreshing drink on that hot day. I feel like I could have drunk a gallon of that stuff!
They had all kinds of other flavors but lavender lemonade is a favorite treat of mine.
Monk’s Coffee Shop
The Brisket Mac & Cheese from Crooked Creek Meats’ Food Truck
This was our son, Noah’s, favorite! He devoured the mac & cheese. I devoured the brisket.
I didn’t find out until afterward when I was checking out their Facebook page that they were selling these unique stuffed pineapples as a block party special. Bummer! I totally would have ordered that.
Crooked Creek Meats
White chocolate raspberry peanut butter from Gourmet Abilene
This was our last food purchase of the day and probably the toughest decision to make.
Gourmet Abilene was one of the vender booths and everything sounded amazing.
She had a garlic extra virgin olive oil that I’m kicking myself for not grabbing, along with hot sauces, jams, and all kinds of balsamic vinegars.
Next time, I’ll grab one of those but this time, I couldn’t pass up the white chocolate raspberry peanut butter. White chocolate raspberry is one of my flavor combos. Add it to peanut butter and it’s mind-blowingly good!
Gourmet Abilene
Find Grain Theory Here:
202 Pine Street, Suite 201
Abilene, Texas, 79601