I spent last weekend with my brother-in-law, Scott, and my nephew, Matt, in Houston for our annual Texans football game. We started this tradition many years ago when they lived in Houston and have continued it, even though they are back in the Chicago area.

Our first stop is always Texadelphia. For those who ask me why I love “that sandwich place” so much, I always answer that their chicken cheesesteak is never “just a sandwich.” It is a savory, hearty mix of tastes and textures. I just want to know when they will expand to Chicago!

We had a relaxing Saturday night at our hotel, the Renaissance Houston, including a great workout in their fitness center, which featured free weights and machines. A lengthy stay in their sauna ended our night.

As always, we picked up sandwiches for our tailgating at Kenny and Ziggy’s, one of the best delis I have ever experienced. Just for fun, I weighed my turkey sandwich (with coleslaw and pickle), and it came in at a whopping 1.75 pounds of fresh, delicious goodness. Quantity and quality makes this a tailgating favorite.

Once inside Reliant Stadium, we met Dan Pastorini (former Houston Oilers legend), who was signing copies of his new book, Taking Flak. Pastorini was a childhood favorite of mine. I read Taking Flak on the flight home and found it very entertaining. He was honest about the ups and downs he experienced as a player and celebrity. It has great stories and a lot of interesting insight.

The game itself was very exciting. The Texans beat the Atlanta Falcons in a seesaw battle. The Texans should make the playoffs for the first time.

I really enjoy my yearly trips to Houston. The baseball trip is longer than the football trip, but both allow me to enjoy all of my favorite Houston spots and experience a few new ones.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist