Recipes and Essays

Chef Johnny Hernandez on TexMex Cuisine

Chef Johnny Hernandez on TexMex Cuisine

TexMex, understood authentically, is the local and seasonal cuisine of the Texas Mexican zone or region, explains Chef Johnny Hernandez, native San Antonian, award winning chef/restaurateur.  A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Hernandez talks candidly about the damaged reputation of TexMex cuisine 

Carne Con Chile a.k.a. “Chili”

Carne Con Chile a.k.a. “Chili”

I’ve refrained from publishing this post because here in Coahuila, Texas,  everybody and her/his cow has the authentic Texas “chili” recipe. Yup, replete with that “secret ingredient” and those implausible anecdotes about a cow falling into a vat of chiles, a deer getting stewed by 

Restaurant Trends: Chef Hinnerk von Bargen

Restaurant Trends: Chef Hinnerk von Bargen

“Something is lost in translation,” says Chef Hinnerk von Bargen, as he explains how dishes are created in large chain restaurants.   This restaurant trend requires that line cooks execute the culinary ideas of the head office and this is different from the one-owner chef restaurants 

Chef Hinnerk von Bargen, “Why I Cook”

Chef Hinnerk von Bargen, “Why I Cook”

Good to get a no-fuss, truthful insight into the  love of cooking and people.  Chef Hinnerk von Bargen contrasts  shares his personal insights about what it means to cook, a very personal story.  A professional and personal insight into the career and vocation of a 

Mexican Food in the USA: Chef Iliana de la Vega

Mexican Food in the USA: Chef Iliana de la Vega

In this 3-minute video interview, Chef Iliana de la Vega explains how it is that much Mexican food in USA restaurants is not culturally relevant: “that’s not the way we eat.”   Stereotypes in Food, Chef Iliana De L

Margarita with Salt “Aire”

Margarita with Salt “Aire”

 Salt “Aire” is the foam created by Chef José Andrés for the margarita served at his Oyamel restaurant in D.C.  The first time I tried it I fell in love with it.  Some of my friends eschew it, though. They are orthodox and demand the 

Tacos de Pescado, Fish Tacos

Tacos de Pescado, Fish Tacos

These tacos are a variation of the famous Baja California fish taco. I omit the wheat flour batter, thereby focusing exclusively on the flavor and texture of the freshly-made corn tortilla. It also foregrounds the sweet fresh fish.  I use tomatillo salsa to continue the 

“The Institute of Chili” in San Antonio, a new generation of “chili queens”

“The Institute of Chili” in San Antonio, a new generation of “chili queens”

“The Institute of Chili” is a food truck in San Antonio operated by visual artist and cook, Ana Fernandez. Parked just a short walk from the Alamo in a bustling food truck park called Alamo Street Eat Bar, the truck offers traditional and updated chili 

Peach Tart

Peach Tart

The rustic French peach tart is belovedly famous world-wide.  Add Native American peaches and, once again, a beautiful marriage: French pastry genius with delectable indigenous flavor. Whoa,  I hear you saying, peaches are from Europe! Here’s where I’m happy to enjoy this peach tart with 

Serrano Salsa en Molcajete

Serrano Salsa en Molcajete

Serrano Salsa is a  classic Texas Mexican table salsa.  If you’re from this region, send me an email or comment about how you’ve savored this in your home. Amá (we did not use the Spanish word, mamá) always had this salsa on the kitchen table.