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Finding local beef: it can happen even when a Wendy's film crew isn't on SoCo, if you hit Thunder Heart Bison's Ranch to Trailer. The new venture's an outlet for South TX's most princely bovine, who roams its protein/iron-rich hide across 13000 acres of grassland, resulting in what Thunder calls "the purest protein on the planet", and a flustered Muscle Milk calls "a goddamn lie".

The menu -- whose other ingredients are even local-er -- was prepared by a chef who sharpened her knives at the Belmont, and starts with standbys like burgers & sliders topped with Jack on Sweetish Hill buns, Milagro crispy or soft tacos with kicks of cumin, paprika, and chipotle, and a cold-weather special of bison chili, which is also what M. says when he can't find his cape after a fight.

More creative options include Tequila Tacos (hooch-marinated sirloin topped w/ tomato, cilantro & jalapenos), Coffee Braised Short Ribs augmented with Richardson's Farms pork belly, shallots & rosemary, and Oxtail Pho with jasmine-infused rice noodles and seasonal veggies, "shortened seasonal veggies" not being available 'til Christmas Day, at which point they'll show up totally out of shape.

Out of respect for the beasts, Thunder Heart attempts to use all of the animal, meaning you get to take home everything from jerky sausage to a host of hide-harvested goods -- hopefully including a sweet leather vest, so when people come seeking the beef, they'll end up finding you.

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Scope their menu and specials at their Facebook page

And see what restaurants and farmer's markets are stocking their meats at ThunderHeartBison.com