By Amanda Hill
What’s the test of a true Texan? Ask them what they call melted, spicy cheese. I cringe at “hot cheese” and “cheese dip”—It’s queso, bless their hearts…
Cinco de Mayo is this week, and like any good Texan, I’ll be celebrating with my favorite Tex-Mex dinner—chicken enchiladas, rice and more chips, salsa and queso than I certainly need. We Texans love our Tex-Mex, especially the really authentic tacos, burritos, homemade tortillas and refried beans that come from restaurants off the beaten path. Or, if you’d rather whip up something yourself, check out Robb Walsh’s The Tex-Mex Cookbook: A history in recipes and photos.
It’s pretty rare to find great Tex-Mex north of the Red River. Actually, in my opinion, the fare tastes better the closer you get to the Texas-Mexico border. San Antonio is often credited for the largest concentration of Tex-Mex restaurants in the Lone Star State, including Mi Tierra, a must-visit when I’m in San Antone. But, to be honest, ask any Texan where to find the best Tex-Mex in the state, and they’ll all give you different answers. There are just too many to narrow it to one.
In a lot of ways, Tex-Mex is a window into the Lone Star State itself. It’s not purely Mexican cuisine. Apparently, the genre originated as a group effort of Mexican, Czech, German and Anglo immigrants in the 1800s. They brought their own flair to food that became uniquely Texan.
The same holds true today. Every Tex-Mex restaurant has its own unique personality, taste and atmosphere. But let’s be honest—true Texans know that the good stuff can only be found this side of the state line.
What about you? Any Tex-Mex spots that you swear by?
I have been going to El Conquistador in Waco since before I could walk. Now I take my daughter there. We love the Gonzales family and the wonderful food they serve us through out the year. Now I really want some Queso!
I love some good Tex-Mex. Folks from California will claim that their Mexican food is “authentic”, when in reality it is just their own version of Mexican food.
The worst Mexican food experience I have ever had was in Wyoming (I should have known better!). The meat was bland and the sauce was just tomato sauce. And the queso was just “hot cheese”. Hot because it came off a burner, nto because it had any spice to it.
Oh man, Coleburn, that’s the worst! I understand – sometimes you just need a taste of home when you’re on the road. Unfortunately, I’d agree that Tex-Mex just doesn’t live up to its name in Wyoming.
I’ve always said there are two things you should NEVER eat outside of your region—barbecue and Mexican food. I had some great Mexican food in South Lake Tahoe a few times…way out of Texas and a bit on the designer side of Mexican but it was still good. As for Mexican food in Texas, if you are ever in Meridian, give El Jardin Restaurant a try. They are across the street from the courthouse. Everything is as fresh as it can be and truly Tex-Mex.
Cindy, El Jardin sounds awesome! I think I may have to reroute my next road trip that way… Thanks!
I love The Tex Mex cookbook..a perfect guide to great etx-mex..oh goodness I live in Edinburg, Texas about 40 minutes from the border..Edinburg, McAllen, Weslaco and Mercedes are the best spots for Tex-Mex. I am Tex-Mex heaven!!
sweetlife
Sweetlife, our team travels down that way often and we’re always looking for good Tex-Mex. We’ll need some of your recommendations next time we’re in your neighborhood!
[…] and there is a staple that goes along with football in our house—queso. Not cheese dip or hot cheese, but honest to goodness queso. Now, I have been known to take the easy route and mix a brick of […]