Mexican food, as it's most commonly known (although technically it's Tex-Mex of which I speak), has but one equal--(MJ + dollar beer night + a glass of water in the desert + shelter, a lucky machete, and fire in the wilderness + perhaps Jebebus). Its seductively addictive aromas and flavors would unmistakably hit 3rd in a stout lineup. I have had the pleasure of being away from home for long periods of time--far away, multiple times. There is something to be said for the first meal that is pre-decided for me when I return. I don't believe that man has the capacity to make such decisions. Assuming absolute honesty with thyself, the first meal back is something commonly........no, perpetually......... sulked over its absence while away. It's something you know the taste of so well, and yet, upon eating it again (even without an extended absence of it) you seemed to have forgotten just how ridiculous it tastes. It can't actually be that good--how could anything? It's fuckin big time; thus, that decision is not anyone's to make. Airport-------> baggage claim-------> parking garage-------> taqueria = inevitability. Obviously this varies among people/regions of the world.
In Texas, the Tex-Mex is too strong to resist. What's more, it's annoying how the nominal simplicity is what gets you. "Hell, it's all good," (Bubba Tidwell, 2008)! This is truth at its finest, but the rice, beans, chips, salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, jalepeños, and an ice cold Dos Equis just has no business being that good. These are merely the compliments of the cuisine; the humble plate-fillers and table-crowders and stomach-joy-makers. So simple that you almost think you can make it at home, but I seriously doubt it. These side items are infuriating when you can't eat another bite and they're still staring you in the face. I don't even wanna get into the entrees because let's be honest: if you don't already know what I'm talking about then anything i say could never do it justice. Just go to Texas........and bring your stomach.
First Comment. (sorry had to do it...)
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head. Although I personally would have had to make mention of the jalapeño ranch that we know and like so much, well I love more than almost anything in this world.
There are some things in this world that affect us in ways that are indescribable. Being able to taste food that you long for is a byproduct of one of those things. Mexican (Tex-mex) is one of those things.
Going one step further I would like to elaborate on your "Just go to Texas....." Another thing that affects us in this way is Texas hospitality. People that visit here, the ones I have talked to, always have the greatest things to say about the people that they met while they were here. I missed the Texas hospitality when I was in AZ. I will say though there are some people here that I would rather beat my head against the wall continuously for any amount of hours, then have a conversation with, but if you are reading this and thinking about visiting Texas, don't let my head banging comment deter you... there are stupid people everywhere. There are a lot of great people in Texas...
So, like you say... Just go to Texas, enjoy the people, and bring your stomach.