Folks are drawn to Jefferson for many reasons: to explore the history of the 1840s East Texas town, to stay in one of its several infamously haunted (but charming) inns, to hunt for Bigfoot, or to fish for bass or catfish in Big Cypress Bayou. Whatever brought you here, dinner at Austin Street Bistro is a must. We discovered the place on a lazy, rainy afternoon and were immediately taken with the decidedly Parisian ambience, the cozy room, and the welcoming atmosphere. Chef-owner Gena McCormick’s delicious cream of curry peanut soup was so compelling that we’ve been trying to duplicate it at home ever since. The Pilgrim Sandwich—smoked turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, and cream cheese on squaw bread—made for an interesting international lunch combo. Our vegetarian friend was quite satisfied with his grilled cheese sandwich (with onion and tomato) served with tomato basil coup. For a quick, easy dessert, the oatmeal cookies were hard to beat. (See https://www.facebook.com/austin.bistro/)