L.A. Foodies who've spent time in Texas, what's the difference between Cali and Texas Mexican food? (San Diego: college, pitbull)

[johnrex62]

Now that you guys know that I am a tex-mex biggot , anyone got any suggestions for a place around Burbank/Universal City that might win my stamp of approval?

I am working on a project here for the next few months and need lunch place suggestions as well as dinner recommendations. I already found Don Cuco's and it is acceptable due to their enchiladas and salsa. I will not get their tamale again and have not yet tried their relleno. Any votes on whether I should or not?

I also like american food and soups/stews. Well, I will cut to the chase. If it moves slow enough I will eat it. If it stops I will keep eating. If it comes back I will eat leftovers. That said, there are some things I prefer, but few things I reject.

I am also accepting recommendations for "budget sushi", bbq (not to be confused with boiled pork aka NC/Alabama style bbq), steak, burger, soups, chinese buffet, thai etc.

I am not looking for the "famous first date" type of place, but good, relatively inexpensive and satisfying food.

[Claire_F]

Originally Posted by johnrex62

bbq (not to be confused with boiled pork aka NC/Alabama style bbq),

I was raised in Texas and lived there until I was 39 years old. I absolutely LOVE Texas BBQ. However, I've also come to love NC barbecue. One thing I do feel the need to correct you on - NC barbecue is most certainly NOT boiled. It is slow cooked in a pit. It's a whole 'nother cuisine than Texas barbecue, but I love them both.

[johnrex62]

Originally Posted by Claire_F

I was raised in Texas and lived there until I was 39 years old. I absolutely LOVE Texas BBQ. However, I've also come to love NC barbecue. One thing I do feel the need to correct you on - NC barbecue is most certainly NOT boiled. It is slow cooked in a pit. It's a whole 'nother cuisine than Texas barbecue, but I love them both.

I only have been forced to eat NC bbq in Greensboro, Lexington, Winston Salem and Virginia style in Richmond, Chester and Herndon. I understand it is advertised as slow cooked, but frankly the taste sure fooled me. I don't normally care much for coleslaw, but it did make the bbq taste better.

It must be an acquired taste that I never achieved. It did not taste bad, but it never did arouse any cravings for it in me. Perhaps the fact that I also do not care for vinegar flavored sauces was a strike against it for me.

[Claire_F]

I admit when I first tried it I didn't care for it. However, it didn't take living here long before I started to develop cravings.

I didn't help when I originally tried it with Texas barbecue on my mind. That'll definitely ruin it. I don't put extra sauce on it, but I do like the tangy taste of the meat when it comes off the pit.

BTW, there's also a difference between western NC barbecue and eastern NC barbecue. No matter which part of the state you try it, one thing's for sure - the emphasis here is on the meat, not on the sauce.

[JCheng91]

hmmmm. taco bell. lol.

[tuscanigirl]

Mexican food in CA is more authentic. The Tex Mex menu is more salty to salty to satisfy American taste buds. It is also less spicy and quite bland. I hated it.

[mbd723]

Holy Cannoli!!!! You just stirred up a hornets nest with THAT question!

But, as a native Texas I do have to say that the main difference is this: Cali-Mex is healthier, and Tex-Mex is comfort food. I love the fish and seafood focus of Cali-mex. Cali-mex allows you to taste all of the different flavors but in a choreographed sort of way. Now, Tex-mex is what I crave when I am hungover or want to be mean to my body. God love the lard, and the overabundance of cheese (queso!) and peppers. Tex-mex is similar to a casserole - a melange of flavors that somehow work together.

I love them both - but there are specific times I want them and it usually begins with my mindset at the moment.

[olman889]

Originally Posted by johnrex62

Now that you guys know that I am a tex-mex biggot , anyone got any suggestions for a place around Burbank/Universal City that might win my stamp of approval?

I am working on a project here for the next few months and need lunch place suggestions as well as dinner recommendations. I already found Don Cuco's and it is acceptable due to their enchiladas and salsa. I will not get their tamale again and have not yet tried their relleno. Any votes on whether I should or not?

I also like american food and soups/stews. Well, I will cut to the chase. If it moves slow enough I will eat it. If it stops I will keep eating. If it comes back I will eat leftovers. That said, there are some things I prefer, but few things I reject.

I am also accepting recommendations for "budget sushi", bbq (not to be confused with boiled pork aka NC/Alabama style bbq), steak, burger, soups, chinese buffet, thai etc.

I am not looking for the "famous first date" type of place, but good, relatively inexpensive and satisfying food.

if youre in the burbank area,try the burger joints,like astro burger,toms,etc...they serve good cooked fresh food.they have awesome cheesesteaks,pastrami,rib eye steak sandwiches and burgers.theres buffets all over.now if you want a good steak,look in the yellow pages.theres lots of good american restaurants in the area.
on don cucos,thats ok but too americanized.the local mexican restaurants are way better.gimme a holler and ill tell where theyre at,theres so many.
i got a good sushi place too but its a little exp but not as others.its a hole in the wall where you run into movie stars etc..

[eyeamsochill]

i moved to san antonio about a year ago..and I would have to say california mexican food is better. only because you have those dirty taco stands everywhere, thats the best you can get. also texas does not have king taco! so all the texans are missing out, as well as me...

[ladysrodgers]

Originally Posted by JackSparrow

Here's the difference: Texans have an inflated sense of self worth.



Texans like to talk loud while holding onto their huge belt buckles. But yeah, all talk. Everything is better there, haven't you heard??? And if you dispute it, they'll argue with you...

DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS!!!!, cause if you do, you'll have to hear them talk about why you shouldn't.

LOL Boy, isn't that the truth! I live in Plano, TX and hear it all the time.