California Taco, Omaha NE

California Taco is an unlikely genre of restaurant for Omaha.  It is a Tex-Mex restaurant with a little spin.  The smell of the Wisconsin cheddar was unmistakable; very non-texmex.

There was a margarita machine with verde sauce and poco de guyo sauce.  Guy Fiere was on a constant loop playback.  It was charming for the first five minutes.

This was definitely a neighborhood place.  The customers acted like family.  Service was just okay.

California Taco
3235 California St.
Omaha, NE 68131

Betos on Broadway - San Antonio, TX

Beto's would probably be a great after work or night time dining joint.  They seem to be set up to be a great tex-mex version of a beer garden.  The outdoor area had its own bar, picnic tables and kids play equipment.  It was way too hot for that on my visit.  Everyone including me was forced into the inside air-conditioning.

The atmosphere was kind of festive.  There didn't appear to be anything special going on.  The place was just packed and the crowd was in a good mood.

They had a pretty decent beer selection.  I tried the Xingu.  It was a nice Brazilian black beer.  I recommend it.

I used the beer to wash down the fish tacos.  They serve the fish tacos with a generous amount of a creamy avocado sauce.  It was very good.  I would not call it crazy triple-D good but, it was very good.

Betos is worth checking out if you are in the area.  I would rate them an 8.8.

8142 Broadway Street
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 930-9393
www.betosinfo.com

Maria's Taco Express - Austin, TX

Maria's was one of those triple-D destinations that I had been trying to get to for a long time but had never had the opportunity.  I was glad that I finally made it.

One of the things that makes a triple-D restaurant is the unique atmosphere.   Maria's is kind of funky in the indoor/outdoor layout.  The architecture sends you off in every which direction.  There are all kinds of cool stuff on the walls.  A huge half mannequin/statue with arms stretched out to the sky greets you on the way in.  Maybe that's supposed to be Maria.  There is no shortage of funky and unique restaurants in Austin, Texas.  I am not sure that I would say that Maria's necessarily stands out from the Austin crowd.

Maria's is famous.  There were pictures of Guy Fiere and Rachel Ray with Maria on the wall from when they were here.  The real Maria walked right past me but, I didn't recognize her.  Someone told me afterwards.

We started off with some nachos and caso sauce.  The caso had a nice spicy kick to it.  It  was pretty good.  I had the fish tacos.  They were very good.  No complaints but, they didn't knock my socks off either.

I would score Maria's an 8.7.  My initial reaction was for a higher score but, I think that was just part of being happy to have finally made it here. Also, I was with my family at a triple-D restaurant which I rarely get to do.  I'm usually on a business trip. So, I was probably just feeling good.

Maybe I didn't order the right thing but, I just don't feel like Maria's lived up to the hype.

Maria's is cash only.


Maria's Taco Xpress
2529 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-0261
www.tacoxpress.com

Fred's Texas Cafe - Fort Worth, TX

Fred's Texas Cafe is tucked away on a side street in downtown Fort Worth.   Right away, you're reminded why Fort Worth is called "Cowtown."  This IS Texas, no doubt about it.

Everything from the loud friendly voices, cowboy boots and Tex-Mex food screams Texas.  It's got a funky vibe at the same time.  I actually got the feeling that we were more in hippie Austin than rough and tumble Cowtown.  There's local music and the feeling of a counter culture,  Lone Star style.

We hit the Sunday brunch just to check this place out.  I got the Migas because I had no idea what it was and was in the mood for an adventure.  I'm glad that I did.

The Wikipedia definition of Tex-Mex Migas described what I ate better than I could: "scrambled egg sauteed in butter or oil with torn strips of corn tortillas, diced onions, sliced chile peppers, diced fresh tomatoes, and cheese, plus various spices and condiments (e.g. salsa, pico de gallo). Migas are typically served with refried beans, and corn or flour tortillas are used to enfold all of the ingredients into tacos."

I can tell you this:  It was GOOD, but there was way too much of it!  We washed our food down with a couple of mamosas.  I thought that serving alcohol on Sunday before noon was against the law but, I wasn't about to complain. 

Fred's gets a solid thumbs up from me!

915 Currie Street
Fort Worth, Texas
(817) 332-0083

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