The yeast roll is an art that is rapidly being supplanted by more trendy biscuits and savory muffins.  That being said, there is nothing quite like a good yeast roll.  The soft pillowy texture with just a hint of the yeasty flavor evokes a certain warmness that is difficult to compare.  The Royers continue the tradition of the yeast roll by serving each table a generous portion with herbed butter and strawberry preserves.  Unlike more traditional yeast rolls, the Royers' rendition has a hint of sweetness with egg yolks providing both a unique richness and coloring.  The warm rolls, when slathered with either the herb butter or homemade strawberry preserves give a delicious and comforting combination that alternates between the savory and zestiness and sweet and tangy.  Both provide an excellent start to the meal.

There are your run of the mill stuffed jalapenos, then there are the stuffed jalapenos served at Royer's Round Top Cafe.  The usual goodies are there - seeded Jalapenos and creamy cheese coated in a bread crumb crust.  In this case, multiply the normal stuffed jalapeno by about four times in size and you'll approximate the size of these peppers.  Add in crab and shrimp for flavor and serve over a savory pesto cream sauce.  The effect is surprisingly mild while retaining much of the jalapeno flavor.  The cream sauce nicely accents the sweetness of the shrimp and crab and helps to blend with the molten cheese within.  The addition of the crab helps to add substance to a usually forgettable appetizer.  Rather than eating each jalapeno whole, it is best to cut each into fourths in order to make the portion managible.   

The Cafe's Jalapeno Sourdough Bread Grilled Shrimp BLT harks back to Bud Royer's days working for the legendary Ninfa's in Houston.  In many ways a homage to Ninfa and her influence on the cuisine of Texas, the sandwich incorporates thick sliced hickory smoked bacon with seasoned grilled shrimp and sweet red onions with a sweet and spicy hickory mustard sauce and layered between a savory sweet roll with just a hint of kick.  The flavor combination is intense and truly memorable.  The mustard sauce brings out the spicy seasoning and sweetness of the shrimp while the bacon rounds out the flavors of the sandwich with its substantial presence.  The roll melds the flavors of the ingredients while being cushioned by the lettuce and tomato to keep it crispy, yet soft. 

Chicken Corn Chowder & Cilantro is a hearty blend of chunks of chicken, corn, vegetables and herbs in a creamy savory base.  Unlike many chowders, the Chicken Corn Chowder & Cilantro packs a definite spice kick that wakes up the palate.  The corn lends a pleasant sweetness to the seasoned flavors of the chicken and stew.  Cilantro adds a definite accent that sharpens the chowder's edge. 

Flavor is the name of the Cafe's Jalapeno Cheese soup.  The soup nicely blends the flavors of the jalapeno pepper while retaining enough spice to give it a kick without being overwhelming.  The accents of the jalapeno are further enhanced by the flavors of the cheddar melded into the creaminess of the soup.  The combination with the Cafe's subtly sweet bread makes for an excellent start to the meal.

Please click below for the Great Steak and Micah's Snapper-