The Royers took over the restaurant in this tiny town of Round Top (between Austin and Houston) many years ago, and we've been going there for the great food for a long, long time. Several years ago, when Bud and the Royers fell on hard times, my husband and I, my friend Ann Criswell and a friend of hers went up there to do our little bit. Unfortunately, Bud readily recognized Ann (she was the former food editor for the Houston Chronicle) and he brought out the best he had. I doubt we paid nearly enuf.

I attended a pie making class he gave at Central Market once. I think I flunked. He said he would give me a crust.