Ok, so where can I buy decent Iberico jamon online? I love this stuff, but it just isn't available out in the sticks here in central TX.
Online you can get it from LaTienda,
http://www.tienda.com/jamon/jamon_iberico.html.
There's a Spanish Tapas bar in Texas (never been there myself)
http://www.1252tapasbar.com/ They are supposed to carry Iberico bellota at their tapas bar, although I'm not sure if it's always in stock. From my experience in Chicago it's wise to call ahead and let them know that Iberico jamon is part of the reason you've choose to dine there.
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406551820762 http://ferminiberico.com/ Believe it or not some Costco stores carry 4oz of Iberio bellota, pre-packaged slices. I'm not sure on the quality or the freshness dates on them.
Just speaking of prosciutto or jamon in general, you shouldn't discount one type of ham just because you didn't like it in the past. Just to give you an idea of what I mean, there are nearly 2,000 different producers of Jamon Serrano. Most grocery stores may not vary the producers of ANY prosciutto they carry. But if you find a decent supplier there can be a vast difference in taste from one Serrano to another...or one San Daniele to another, etc.
Speaking previously of Gumbo, has anyone tasted Jacob's andouille sausage? It's fantastic! Although I haven't been able to source it anywhere other than NoLa.
dan