That Map

Several have asked our opinion of the "Tacos of Texas Map."  I hesitated at first, but since it was posted on my personal timeline three times in twelve hours, it's become necessary to respond. 

First of all, the map shouldn't be confused with the Tacos of Texas website (tacosoftexas.com) nor the forthcoming book regarding the same subject. Though I'm not the author of the book - Mando Rayo and Marco Torres are writing and photographing it - I was selected as a Taco Ambassador for the book due out in Summer of 2016. 

From the look of the map, it appears that the designer is from the Corpus Christi/Laredo area. (I know, it seems weird to put those cities together, but they are relatively close and were actually part of the same Catholic diocese at one time.) One quick look at Mr. Garcia's Facebook page confirmed a Corpitos heritage. It's human to think that good, authentic, perfect anything comes from wherever we call home. This is why your abuela's carne guisada always tastes the best, while I know you're wrong because it's my abuela's carne guisada that would change your world. (See what I mean.)

Moving west to east: the assessment of the El Paso area isn't too far off, though like the rest of the map is overly simplistic. El Paso does revel in its Mexican-ness, but there's also a New Mexico influence and we can't forget the entire nomenclature issue: burro or taco? 

I really can't argue with the upper-west Texas and Panhandle assessment. It makes me kind of sad, actually to think about those poor, unenriched people. But then, I realized that there are two fellow Taco Council members in the Midland/Odessa area so I know that not all hope is lost. 

While Dallas is home to expensive food, it's not all. I've seen some great pics of tacos I'd love to try from that area and they really do look corn-tortilla authentic. 

I'm not sure there are tacos in Tyler, nor that they mind. 

If I was from Houston, I would be most upset about this map. There are certainly more options than chile relleno. Personally, I had some tacos off a truck, from a well-to-do section of the city and was unexpectedly delighted. More research has to be done. 

I'm not sure about where the expensive little tortillas are located. Is that Austin? Waco? West? (If you're looking for tacos in West, stop. Get yourself an authentic kolache and thank me later.) In any case, if it's the Austin area, then you're dealing with fusion and hipster influences. Yes they're tasty, delicious, innovative, but not my personal style. Also, there's an entire book of breakfast tacos from there, and that has to be noted. 

San Antonio - it's my humble opinion that this area has the legendary breakfast tacos. Also, it's where the puffy taco was invented and perfected, so reducing it all to just barbacoa and Big Red is, well, like saying that Corpus is only important because Selena was from there. 

Laredo needs its own place on the map. It has its own tortilla style, which I'm sure has the biggest Monterrey influence of all places on this map. 

I'm from the RGV and I hear there's great pastor here, but the two best tacos I've had have been fajitas from a political pachanga and anything my mom makes. Also, I've encountered a strong affinity, as much as El Paso, toward the corn tortilla in this area. 

All in all, the map sparks a great debate, but Texas is too complex to reduce to a few words mixed with geography. Further, the map does prove where the best tacos are: closest to home. 

That's something we taco bout all the time. 

Taco bout an opportunity lost

San Antonio government officials have a long history of finding creative solutions to important issues and making excellent decisions impacting the city’s future.  Occasionally – some might argue that it’s more frequent than occasionally, but I generally like our elected and selected officials – decisions are made that counter our city’s history and progressive thinking.  

After leaving his position as Chief of Police to be in charge of security for CPS Energy, William McManus through his hat back into the ring and asked for his job back.  City Manager Sheryl Scully agreed.

And that, as they say, is that.  The money spent from city coffers to on a nationwide search – gone.  The time and effort on behalf of city employees – squandered. The time and effort spent by qualified candidates in applying and interviewing for the position – wasted.

However, what is most upsetting to this observer, is that an opportunity has been lost.  Interim Chief Anthony Treviño was a finalist for this position.  San Antonio had the opportunity to select one of its own, an officer who has risen through its own ranks, understanding not only its local police culture, but our local San Antonio culture and community. 

Further, the opportunity to select as its Chief of Police, a Hispanic male in a majority-minority city was lost.  San Antonio would have been the only city in America with a population over one million people, with a Hispanic as its top police executive.  That’s an accomplishment that could have been announced today, October 1, in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Instead, City Council will vote today to approve what seems to the public as an underhanded move by the city manager.

I’ve met Mr. Treviño .  I’ve known him to be a humble man with a commanding presence.  He wouldn’t want the position to fill a quota or for the notoriety of being the first one of his ethnicity with that title.  He’s right.  Anthony Treviño deserves to Chief of Police of San Antonio because he’s the most qualified individual for the job.

And since he didn’t leave his position for greener, electrified pastures, it would only be fair. 

Eddie Vega (@eltacolico)

Soccer or Futbol?

Our friends at Cadera Clothing Company have cleverly addressed a situation that many of us encounter - the inner turmoil of having two sides to cheer for in the World Cup.  To some, however, there really is no conflict and a choice has been made.  We did some informal polling (a Facebook post and some conversation during Spurs playoff timeouts) and found some interesting results.  

There were some wobblers - "Well, USA first, but Mexico, too."

Some patriots - "I'm American!  I go for America's team."

A generational divide - "Sh--, my dad was a marine. In Vietnam.  And he still goes for Mexico."

An optimist - "I only root for USA!  If they get knocked out, then I cheer for for the team with the best looking guys."

And a lot of others who favor the USMNT and the squad featuring their favorite player - Argentina, Brazil, Spain, etc.

Needless to say, we didn't get a whole lot of straight answers.  Maybe they were afraid to say something, but why?

If you grew up Mexican-American in South Texas, odds are you visited family in Mexico on weekends and major holidays.  As the World Cup came around every four years, the topic of futbol accented many a dinner conversation where you would undoubtedly taco bout how good of a chance El Tri had at taking it all.  There was a whole lot of excitement in 1986 because Mexico was hosting and Hugo Sanchez was at the top of his game.  Mexico got pretty far in that tournament despite the lackluster performance from the Real Madrid star, yet was ultimately disappointed by the losing a shootout with West Germany.

And where was the American team in all this?  Absent.  The team didn't qualify in 1986.  Although there was a team in 1990, we wouldn't get very excited until 1994.  That's when our Mexican cousins started making fun of us because we were going to host a World Cup that our own people didn't care about.  Further, they would point out, there weren't even any stars on the U.S. team.  So then we had to go and find out who was on our roster besides Tab Ramos, because we all knew Tab Ramos from his Snickers commercials.  He was a Mexican like us and he was on the team.  (Actually, his father was from Uruguay, but that's close enough.  I mean, I knew at least three non-related Ramoses in high school.)  This being 1994, we had to search through actual newspapers and magazines for the information and pay attention to a lot of ESPN.  (These were the days before Sportscenter ran on a loop or told you what they were going to talk about fifteen minutes from now.)  Then we watched and we discovered Cobi Jones and Alexi Lalas and what?  Claudio Reyna?  Another Mexican!  (Turns out his dad was from Argentina, but that's close, too. I actually have family with that last name.)  We watched and they did way better than most people expected.

Things got more complicated over the years as soccer got more popular on this side of the charco.  But then came 2002, when things got really complicated - Mexico faced off with USA in a World Cup elimination game.  We had to wake up in the middle of the night to watch it and when it was over and we could finally get some sleep, we couldn't.  Now our Mexican cousins were fuming.  "How could this happen?" they asked.  They were holding onto the notion that we didn't care and this was the one thing they could beat us at.  

I watched the game out in northern California with some die-hard U.S.A. fans.  They eyed me with some suspicion, because I was torn about how much I should be rooting for either side.  But when it was over, I couldn't help but share in Mexico's frustration.  On the other hand though, I was really excited and a little relieved.  You see, when a Mexican-American travels in Mexico, even to see family, he doesn't always feel accepted.  I lived in Veracruz for most of a year and traveled through the southern region of the country.  It was the first time in my life I had ever been called "gringo."  I had to go to Mexico, where I was searching for roots, to fully understand that I was American.

Team USA made a bold statement that day (well, morning for us) in 2002.  It also helped cement our allegiance. And the continental rivalry has gotten pretty fierce, just read this account from a 2009 US versus Mexico game at Estadio Azteca.

Sporting Emotions At The Highest Pitch

But can Mexico not be thankful to the USMNT?  Remember, if it wasn't for the USA defeat of Panama, Mexico wouldn't be in this World Cup. 

God Bless America

Team USA has taken us on a roller-coaster ride, with plenty of ups, downs, and exhilarating moments.   Who can forget the 2010 World Cup and that final group match when Landon Donovan single-footedly vaulted the team into the knock-out stage.  I've watched plenty of live games at sports bars and have seen celebrations for Dallas touchdowns and Spurs jams, but there was nothing like the roar I heard and felt when Landon kicked that goal.

Yes, I might like the Mexico squad and know some of their players and who doesn't enjoy watching Miguel Herrera jump up and down on the sideline?  But I'm much more vocal, much more frustrated, and much more excited about watching Team USA.

I. I believe. I believe that.  I believe that we.  I Believe That We Will Win!

http://youtu.be/2uEpcfonkt4

Let's go USA!  Let's do this!  Si se puede!

Pete's Tako House

On Sunday, January 25th, We Taco Bout It visited Pete's Tako House.  The spot is outside of our usual Westside and Southside hunting grounds, but it came to us highly recommended by our friend Angelica Guzman-Jeffery.  Apparently, this spot has been around since 1978, but recently moved to a location, next to the Brooklynite.  Not knowing what to expect, we ventured in with Eddie's kids in tow.

We found ourselves having a highly enjoyable meal and could see ourselves coming back for more.  Here is our review.

Ambiance - Pete's Taco House is a very comfortable, relaxing restaurant.  The yellow walls are inviting and the decor is very eclectic.  There 's a mix of Texas, religious, artistic, and kitschy decorations, including someone's trophy from a competition (seemed like that of a proud parent) and a picture of the "Pope-mobile" that apparently drove by the old location on his previous visit to San Antonio in 1987.  And while it was pretty easy to find a table at 9:30 am when we arrived.  An hour later, it was pretty packed and almost at capacity.  Surely, the locals like this place. 5 Tortillas

Service - The service was pretty great.  The friendly staff checked on us right away, provide ample refills for our waters and coffee, and checked on us throughout.  Even though a line was building for seats, we never felt pressured to finish up and the food came out fast and hot.  In fact, for future visits, they even take reservations. 5 Tortillas

Menu - The menu options at Pete's are pretty standard from what you'd expect from a Mexican restaurant.  All of our usual favorites were represented, along with some classic lunch items.  They even have options for the taco-averse (yes, those exist) as Eddie's kids ordered the 'pancake plate.'  (He didn't make a scene, but did seem perturbed when confronted their choice.  "Your father co-writes a taco blog and you order a pancake plate?") 4 Tortillas

Food - The food was excellent overall.  Teno tasted the Chorizo and Egg, Machacado a la Mexicana, and the Bean and Egg.  The Chorizo and Egg had a perfect grease level.  The Machacado was tasty and spicy.  If he found a flaw with anything, it would be the Bean and Egg.  Not a bad taco, but not a great one either.  The bean to egg ratio could be adjusted a smidge.  Eddie ordered a Bean and Cheese taco and the Machacado a la Mexicana, and then ate the bits of egg, pancake, and bacon left behind by his kids. He did this despite the waitress asking if he would like another taco.  "No, I'm just going to finish off their plates."  (That's what my dad would've done.) 4.5 Tortillas 

Overall - Pete's Tako House is a solid restaurant with great ambiance, service, and food.  We would certainly bring our friends and family here on a future visit.

Pete's Tako House

502 Brooklyn Ave

San Antonio, TX 78215

(210) 224-2911

Teno's Tidbits - I was pretty impressed that Pete's gives you the option to make a reservation. This is pretty common at many restaurants these days, but it was a first for me to see it at a taco spot. I made a reservation anticipating a packed house, but luckily we were early enough to not really need it. Good to know for the next time. 

Eddie's Extras - Hipsters. They're everywhere.  Given the location, I thought this place would be full of them. We did see a few, having coffee, eating omelettes, reading the paper.  Fortunately, it was 9:30 when we arrived and most of them were likely still sleeping off their PBRs. Then Teno noticed I was wearing a hat and sporting a beard. Ok, fine. There's room for everyone in this town. Austin may be weird, but San Anto is eclectic. 

I'm keeping the hat, but going back to a proper Gen X goatee. Excuse me as I go back to my Counting Crows station on Pandora. 

Las Cazuelas

It's 2015 and despite our resolutions to get healthier, we remain committed to finding and discussing the best breakfast taco spots in San Antonio.  Tacos are good for the soul, so we can't go wrong.  However, we will exercise a little more moderation this year.  As a matter of fact, we only ordered two tacos each.  (Ignore the fact that we were eating barbacoa two hours later.  See Teno's Tidbits below.)  

As we mentioned in a previous post, we will also start venturing out further from the Westside, in hopes of finding the best spots in the city.  This first visit of 2015 took us to the San Antonio Southside!

Las Cazuelas is located off of IH-35, between Division and Southcross (though closer to Division).  The site looks recently remodeled and boasts ample parking.  Now, in full disclosure, the restaurant is owned by the family of one of our friends from St. Mary's.  We knew this going in and we did our best to remain impartial.  We both walked away having both enjoyed a good, filling meal, and we'd recommend you check it out, too.

Ambiance - The decor of Las Cazuelas is simple and comfortable.  The yellow walls are soothing and the simple decor includes some colorful animal ornaments.  Our favorite decoration though, was the two large cazuelas on the wall.  They made us yearn for a meal served in one of those.  We also noticed a white Christmas tree on display.  The tree had red hearts as ornaments.  Valentine's Day tree, perhaps?  Bonus points for re-purposing the tree!  4.5 Tortillas - 

Service - Service was good at Las Cazuelas.  We were seated promptly, checked up on regularly, and the food order came out right and relatively quickly.  No complaints here.
5 Tortillas

Menu - The menu options were adequate.  No surprises.  No frills.  All the usual suspects.  We did notice several different prices for tacos, tough.  Maybe this is a philosophical question, but shouldn't there just be two price points?  One set for simple tacos (bean/cheese, potato/egg, chorizo/egg, etc.) and one for premium tacos (machacado, chicharron, nopalitos, etc.).  (Teno reminds Eddie that if he wants to write a "taco-philosophy piece," he should do that separately.  This is a review, for crying out loud!)

Food - (Um...sorry, Teno.)  The breakfast tacos we each had were pretty good.  Above average, we'd say.  Teno ordered a bean and egg and a machacado and egg.  The bean and egg featured an "egg-splosion" since it had so much egg.  One could have made 2 or 3 tacos out of it.  The beans were delicious and held a good taste.  The machacado was also pretty good - not too spicy and very flavorful.  You didn't need to add any salsa to improve on it.  Eddie ordered a bean and cheese taco to go with a papas a la Mexicana taco.  The bean and cheese was everything a bean and cheese should be.  The papa a la Mexicana featured an "papa-splosion" and really was nothing more than potatoes with some finely chopped pico de gallo dropped in.  Eddie would have preferred the pico sauteed with the papas.  4 Tortillas

Overall - We both enjoyed our outing to Las Cazuelas and would certainly return with friends and family.  The other breakfast items on the menu, along with the lunch and dinner options, seemed to hold much promise.  It's definitely worth a drive to get there, no matter where in San Antonio you live. 4 Tortillas

Las Cazuelas

645 Chalmers Ave

San Antonio, TX 78214

(210) 932-1785

Teno's Tidbits - After breakfast, we had another event to attend at a friend's house.  Our friend had made some barbacoa from scratch and invited family and friends over.  Even though we'd just eaten, we wanted to go and show support.  Our only requirement was to bring a side or accompaniment.  We chose to bring some sweet bread and found a small family shop on the Westside.  We got a box, loaded it up nicely with all manner of items.  Conchas, quequitos, churros, empanadas.  About 16 items in total.  Being from the Valley, we remembered being able to buy a similar amount of food for around $5.  We thought it'd be about that.  Maybe $8.  Much to our surprise, the total was over $13.  That's a little less than $1 per piece.  Are we wrong for being shocked at that level of pricing?  Has time passed us by?  What are your experiences buying sweet bread in town?

Eddie's Extras - First, the last time I lived in the Valley, Ann Richards was governor. (I really miss Ann Richards.)  So, maybe we're stuck in early-90s pan dulce prices.  

Second, those cazuelas. They looked beautiful.  Now I want one. I want to make mole in a cazuela.  I want to make mole, with my girlfriend at my side, for my family in a great, big cazuela.  I've never made mole without Doña Maria, my family lives in the Valley, and I don't have a girlfriend, but those are all minor details. 

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Friends, 

As we kick-off 2015, we wanted to take a moment and look back at 2014 and the beginning of our personal little blogging world about tacos.

 

We started our adventures in March and formally launched the site in May.  We’ve been to countless (seriously, it’s hard to count how many we visited) taco spots on the Westside.  If you remember, this all started by us wanting to test what the SA Current listed as the best breakfast spots on the Westside.  We visited all of those and decided to find our own favorite spots.  Here we are, in January 2015, and we are comfortable saying that of all the spots we visited, our two favorites are:

 

Los Angeles Restaurant y Panaderia

http://wetacoboutit.blogspot.com/2014/06/review-los-angeles-restaurant-panaderia.html 

La Bandera Molino

http://wetacoboutit.blogspot.com/2014/09/review-bandera-molino.html

 

Those are the places we visited most often. The places we took our friends and family to. The places we will continue to visit moving forward.

 

Now, we feel it is time to expand our search for the best tacos to the greater San Antonio area.  We will start by visiting some spots on the Southside that have been recommended to us.  This isn’t to say we are done exploring the Westside.  Rather, it just means we’ll have that many more places to choose from.

 

And, in the spirit of a new year, we are making some resolutions.  We want to be better reviewers for you.  So, we are challenging ourselves to do the following:

 

1)   Be more consistent and prompt with our reviews.  We’ve visited many more restaurants these past few months, but just haven’t written and posted the review.  This isn’t to say the places weren’t worthy, but just that LIFE got in the way.  

2)   Launch a new site/logo.  We’ve done some work on our logo, now we just need to work on the look/feel of the site.  Sadly, neither of us has much experience in web design or layouts, but we’ll make it work.  

3)   Create some fun events.  We’d talked about approaching a restaurant and arranging some kind of deal or discount for people visiting on the same day we do – like around a birthday or milestone.  We’d still like to make this happen and we’ll keep you informed.  

 

So, that is where we are as we head into this new year.  Thank you for joining us on our journey so far.  Don’t stop believing in us and, together, we’ll find the best taco spots, a place where WE can TACO BOUT IT.

 

-Teno & Eddie