Regional food, message for TEXANS

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

Hi --

Amanda Lewanski wrote:

> This experience with British *ahem* "pizza," for lack of a better
> euphemism, is familiar to any Texan who has tried to order Mexican
> food north of Dallas, by the way. Anyone else ever had to stare down
> refried beans made with *black beans*?

An OT rant I can definitely participate in!!  While I prefer the real
Tex-Mex refried beans (the greasier the better), refried beans made with
black beans are a fine substitute in my book.  What I find difficult to
bear when eating Mexican food outside the great state of Texas (although
I confess to never having eaten it in California, so I'll reserve
judgment based on Jen's claims) -- the lack of spices!!!  I find it
absolutely incomprehensible that you can serve salsa that has little
more spice than ketchup with some cumin mixed in & label it "salsa."
Salsa served in Texas Mexican restaurants: well, the non-natives are
best off waiting until the waiter has served the ice water before
digging in (natives, however, can happily munch on chips & salsa for
15-20 minutes without need of a beverage).

The food served in Mexican restaurants elsewhere is similarly bland.  I
went to a Mexican place in Iowa City once (God help me) -- told the
waiter I was from Texas and wanted the spiciest thing on the menu.  He
brought me a burrito that had been spiced almost entirely with chili
powder (Yuck!).  Mexican restaurants elsewhere seem to tone down their
food to meet local sensibilities.  I ate in a Mexican place a few times
last summer while in South Dakota for 9 days .... I think I embarassed
my travelling companion by requesting bowl after bowl of "salsa" to
throw over my main dish in an effort to spice it up somewhat.  <Are you
reading this Nancy?>

Mexican food in London.  Done that too.  The summer of 1989 was the
hottest on record in the UK (at least up to that point).  My friend and
I ventured at least twice a week to Chi-Chi's Mexican chain (can no
longer remember where in London it was) .... reason?  They had air
conditioning, they served beverages with ice without being asked
repeatedly and the food was .... well "somewhat spicy."  Okay, so we
mainly went for the air conditioning & iced beverages.  <g>

While I have had very good Mexican food in New Mexico, Colorado &
Arizona -- it's a different style than Tex-Mex.  I think Tex-Mex may be
quite unique.  I'm with Amanda though  -- if you want the *best* Mexican
food, you need to come to Texas!

> AND TEXANS, UNITE!
>
> How's San Antonio for our regional gathering? It's my first proposal,
> since I live in the area, but I'm amenable to Austin too, as more
> central (and probably closer to the old Texian Academy of
> Magick--maybe we could arrange a tour?).

I would love either location, but my presence depends on timing due to
impending arrival of Baby Linsenmayer.  I will almost certainly be in
San Antonio in mid-September as Bryce has a firm retreat then at the La
Cantera resort.  I'm not missing *that* -- even if Baby must accompany
us.  <g>

Penny