Former SMU QB Kyle Padron

[MrMustang1965]

Our problem is all the Yankee transplants in Dallas. Hardly any Texans here anymore. A victim of our own prosperity. Its why great civilizations fall - others immigrate and bring their backwards ideas poisoning the native prosperity and using it selfishly without loyalty. Happened to Rome, happened to Byzantium, happening to Dallas.

Same reason Dallas restaurants serve watered down mild garbage salsa at restaurants, yet you hit up La Familia in Fort Worth and it is still spicy and manly.

Just a question: salsa is originally from Mexico, right? Therefore, the people who immigrated to Texas (when it was part of Mexico) from the eastern U.S. (and other areas around the globe) would be the ones who brought THEIR 'backwards ideas' and 'poisoned the native prosperity' and used it 'selfishly without loyalty', according to your argument.

[Stallion]

I don't really think Texas pride in Tex-Mex became a real thing until maybe the 1970s as the market for Hispanic Food became more popular. In the 1960s there was El Chico and the superior quality of the Martinez family at El Fenix-but I don't remember there being a bunch of well known competitors at least in the Anglo community

[Comet]

Yes, that is of course after Spaniards brought their ass-backwards ways into what would become Tejas y Coahuila.

[Stallion]

Damn that Cabezza de Vaca

[MrMustang1965]

I don't really think Texas pride in Tex-Mex became a real thing until maybe the 1970s as the market for Hispanic Food became more popular. In the 1960s there was El Chico and the superior quality of the Martinez family at El Fenix-but I don't remember there being a bunch of well known competitors at least in the Anglo community

The Martinez family (Alfred and my father attended North Dallas High together) had El Fenix. The Cuellar family (whose son Gilbert attended Highland Park with me) had El Chico. Then there was Mariano's in Old Town Shopping Center near The Village Apartments aka Sin City where the frozen margarita was invented (the machine is now in the Smithsonian Institute!). Also, Casa Dominguez on Cedar Springs and Casita Dominguez behind what once was Sterling's Jewelers on NW Hwy. (now Half Price Books). Tupinamba (former location???) which is now on Inwood Road across the street from Jesuit High. There's also Ojeda's, Herrera's and Avila's, all on Maple Ave.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

I don't really think Texas pride in Tex-Mex became a real thing until maybe the 1970s as the market for Hispanic Food became more populary

Tex-Mex really exploded as a genre in the 80s when places like Ninfa's, The Blue Goose, and On The Border started to make tacos al carbon and fajitas mainstream.

[lwjr]

So let me get this straight. This thread was started because Padron was pulled in the EWU/SHSU game on Saturday and now it has morphed into a discussion on the beginning and growth of Tex Mex establishments in Dallas.. Talk about derailment!!

For the money, i was raised on El Fenix downtown location. I always looked forward going there because the lady who use to make the tortillas by hand in the dining area always gave me free tortillas. I still like El Fenix among other great places around Dallas and Ft Worth.

[PonySnob]

Blue Goose is terrible now.......

[RGV Pony]

Agree

[Comet]

For what its worth, I'm Mexican and I really enjoy the El Fenix chain of restaurants (as did my family when they came here a few years back to visit me).

[EconPony'10]

I had El Fenix downtown for lunch

[mustangxc]

I'm a fan of Taco Diner. Not your typical Mexican, but still good. I remember getting the fish tacos and they were pretty good. For more authentic mexican food, I eat at home lol.

[Arkpony]

El Fenix has the best Tortilla soup in Texas without a doubt!

[smumustang1980]

I remember the old days at El Fenix with the homemade tortillas... and the nice murals on the wall at the Northpark restaurant. I also like Mi Tierra's in San Antonio for the atmosphere.

[Nacho]

for street tacos it's hard to beat rusty taco.