t h e
f o o d
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riomagazine 342I10/2017
Get hooked on
Watergrill
letter from the editor Welcome to my favorite issue…the Food Issue of RIO Magazine! Our team of writers and photographers (including myself) has captured the current food scene in all its delicious glory, starting with this month’s cover featuring Pesca Fresca. Now, onto what’s inside: Diego Mounetou gives us the rundown on what’s new and what’s next at his seafood restaurant, Pesca Fresca. We also visited the snack place on Del Mar, Sal y Limon, where we got to taste their delicious Mexican corn and banana split. Our intern from TAMIU, Michael Hernandez, caught up with the team behind Cultura Beer Garden and checked out this hip hangout place. Also, we stepped into Anise Kitchen to explore their happy hour drink menu. In our Travel Journal section, I wrote about my recent trip to the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Telluride, Colorado. Also, check out what I wrote about the culinary scene during my visit to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. As always, be sure you check out our event section for local happenings, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Taco Tote location on Zapata Highway and the Mercadito Fest. Look for RIO at your favorite restaurant, boutique, or a local store, and get ready for a satisfying read where you’ll get to take a culinary tour of our city. #eatlocal Cheers, Alejandra Cantu
STAFFEditorial
Ninfa Cantú Deándar publisher
Alejandra Cantú Editor
Rafael S. Gutiérrez art coordinator
Priscilla Tapia
cover photograpy
Ana Garza Michael Hernandez ContributorS
Carolina García
general manager
contenido 14
Fa r m e r s M a r k e t at Winfield
20
Tragos en Anise Kitchen
42
Cultura Beer Garden
WHATTODO
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Laredo or a nearby city, including local festivals, art and concerts, or sports outings, check out our events calendar. The following is a list of featured events for the month of October and November.
Laredo, Texas 3rd Annual Glow In Pink Power Walk Oct. 21 @ 6:30 PM · Texas A&M International University
Reik
Oct. 28 @ 8:30 PM Laredo Energy Arena
Spooky PopUp Texuz Oct. 28 @11 AM Arena Gun Club
Halloween Comic Fest Oct. 28 @10AM 2nd & Charles
Nuevo Laredo, Mexico Fear Obesity Halloween 5K Run Oct. 28 @6 PM Parque Viveros
90s Pop Tour en Laredo Texas Nov. 11 @ 7 PM ·
Laredo Energy Arena
Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars
Gran Bingo Club Rotario Nvo. Laredo Reforma Nov. 5 @ 2 PM
Casino de Expomex
Nov. 18 @3 PM
Laredo Energy Arena
37th Annual Guajolote 10k Run Nov. 23 @ 7 AM 1320 Garden St.
4to Medio Maratón Palos Garza Nov. 12 @ 7:30 AM
Bulevard Aeropuerto
6
event
Fotos por Betty Oliver
Inauguran nueva sucursal
del Taco Tote El sabor de la autentica cocina mexicana del Taco Tote se extendió al sur de Laredo con la apertura de su nuevo restaurante en Zapata Highway. El tradicional corte del listón fue encabezado por la familia Heras. El Taco Tote ya cuenta con tres ubicaciones en Laredo. Este restaurante ofrece deliciosos tacos, enchiladas, menudo y muchos otros platillos auténticos de México. Los asistentes felicitaron a la familia Heras y saborearon los deliciosos tacos que han conquistado los paladares de los laredenses.
Fiscal de Distrito Isidro Alanis, Eduardo Heras, Marco Heras propietario de Taco Tote y Marco Roman Heras
Francisco Braniff, Arturo Borrego, Arturo Borrego, Graciela y Alfonso Saenz
Marco Roman Heras, Hugo Herrera, Hector Heras y Sergio Heras
Miguel Gomez y Eduardo Heras Sra. Dora de Heras con su hijo Marco Heras propietario de Taco Tote
1
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Fotos por Betty Oliver
8
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12
event
Photos by Betty Oliver
Joe Garza, Elieser Jasso, Anselmo Castro and Juan Antonio Ortiz
Food4You
Launch Party
Aylin Jasso Morales and Lidia Olivia Morales
On August 31st a new local business, Food4You, hosted its Launch Party at the Embassy Suites to introduce their food delivery app. Elieser Jasso, founder of Food4You, presented his new mobile app which delivers foods, beverages, and small items to your door. This new business is a Startup Company, which brings a new industry into the Laredo market.
Elieser Jasso, Mary Minard, Joe Garza and Juan Antonio Ortiz Guillermo and Martha Salinas
14
event Fotos por Ana Garza
Niky Eakin y Lily Lerma
Farmer Market en The Shoppes
at Winfield El pasado 9 de septiembre, el Farmers Market se realizĂł en la increĂble y nueva plaza The Shoppes at Winfield. La gente de Laredo tuvo la oportunidad de asistir a este bonito evento para pasar un rato agradable, donde se dieron a conocer las exposiciones de tiendas y restaurantes quienes promovieron sus diferentes artĂculos y comidas.
Fabi Corona
Wendy Romo y Benny Arizola
Josie & Robert Melendez y Christa Russell Bobby Doni, Tracy y George Mapus
Alejandra Leon
Staff de Pesca Fresca
Ivana y Valeria Ovalle
Ernesto y Liseth Torres
Mariana Quintanilla y Irma Saldivar Claudia Flores
Carlos Canseco
Chaly Tijerina y Dale Maldonado
16
res tau rants
By Rachel Huynh
Photos by Alejandra Cantu
T Sweet Spot
The OPEN sign let out a buzz before flickering to life, flooding the patio with neon light. It was September 9, 2009 – the auspicious 9-9-9 we had raced towards to open our doors for the very first time. For months, my family and all of us kids
Frozen Yogurt: A story of family,
hope, and community
had been cooped up in the small commercial space at the corner of McPherson and Del Mar, laying tile and staining wood in hopes of building something bigger for our immigrant family: Sweet Spot: Frozen Yogurt. With minimal advertising dollars and no commercial history, Sweet Spot actually ended up being pretty quiet that evening. Still, we held our breaths at the sight of each passing car, musing over decorated cups of yogurt about the many miracles and hardships that carried my family from rural Vietnam to that blissful milestone in Laredo, Texas.
Not long after, the store was humming with life. As Mom, Uncle Kevin and us kids would scurry to bust tables and man the cashier, we couldn’t help but marvel at how the little store built with own two hands had undoubtedly become a beloved backdrop to life in our community: Laredo’s rowdy Sunday family get-togethers, the sweetest teenage first dates, the little league post-win celebrations. Though we’d been in town for a decade by then, we were surprised to discover the nuanced void Sweet Spot began to fill in a 2009 Laredo – a wholesome outing for families and friends, a safe place for nearby school kids to gather after the last bell, and a healthy alternative to the omnipresent Flamin’ Hots and sugary raspas feeding a diabetes-stricken community.We had been waiting for something like this, our new friends would tell us. I loved watching Mom quietly beam in those moments. Eight years have come and gone, and we have since replicated the magic of a little community frozen yogurt store across several food deserts of south Texas. This August 27 marked a particularly special day for us, when we came full circle and reintroduced the Sweet Spot name with 500 free cups at our second location on 2402 Bob Bullock Loop – this time, to a staggering queue of familiar faces. With endless gratitude for the Laredo community that affirmed our wildest dreams in every cup and conversation, we threw open our doors with the inaugural flicker of another OPEN sign, eager and grateful to serve our community better than ever before.
18
event
Photos by Ana Garza
Mercadito
Fest
Locals were treated to a fun-filled day at the Mercadito Fest held on September 24th. Attendees enjoyed awesome live music and entertainment by Grupo Toluache and ballet folclorico by Gabriela Mendoza. Locals savored great food and shopped some of the best local products from upand-coming vendors, including a variety of art and craft products such as paintings in different media, jewelry, artesanias, embroidery, and candles. The event was hosted by Lolita’s Bistro and Bolillos.
Aracely Vega and Amanda Montoya
Fernanda Martinez and Paola Cavazos Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia Ballet Folklorico
Claudia and Rabin Franco
Lolitas staff
Esther Firoba and Crystal Salinas
Benjamin Trevino, AJ Gutierrez and Sofy
Maritza and Louie Lozano
Alejandra Martinez and Amelie Muzza
Dr. Christian Cabello, Isaac Cabello, Romeo Mata, Monica San Miguel and Debbie Martinez
The Garibi Brothers
20
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Por Ana Garza
Fotos por Alejandra Cantu
Deliciosos tragos en
Anise Kitchen A
Anise Kitchen and Market es un restaurante que ofrece una gran variedad de comidas sanas nutritivas y con mucho sabor. Anise brinda a la comunidad de Laredo un ambiente agradable para pasar en familia o con los amigos. RIO platicĂł con Becky Casso, co-creadora y gerente de este restaurante, ella nos cuenta la gran diversidad en el menĂş de platillos, que van desde comidas veganas hasta en cortes especiales. TambiĂŠn nos dijo de las excelentes promociones con las que cuenta Anise en su amplia carta de vinos y licores, ofreciendo una gran calidad de bebidas a los mejores precios.
R. ¿Cuándo inició el restáurate Anise? B. Abrió en enero de 2017, pero empezamos desde enero de 2015 a empezar a planear todo el concepto del restaurante. R. ¿Qué es lo que caracteriza? B. Tenemos platillos para los váganos, vegetarianos y carniceros. Tratamos de usar lo más orgánico y natural posible en productos, que no tengan hormonas o preservativos. El concepto del restaurante se caracteriza por ser “comida limpia.” R. En cuanto a las bebidas
del bar, ¿cuáles son los promociones que ofrecen? B. El happy hour que lo tenemos de lunes a viernes de 5:00 pm a 7:00 pm. Lo que quería promocionar es que ahora el lunes tenemos el happy hour todo el día y los miércoles es ladies nigth de 5:00 pm a10:00 pm, lo que incluye es que la cerveza y el vino están a mitad de precio y las bebidas que son de la casa están a 5 dólares.
R. ¿Qué vinos y cervezas ofrecen? B. Usamos muchos jugos frescos orgánicos para que quede con el concepto del restaurante. También tenemos una variedad de cervezas en barril y botella incluyendo texanas y mexicanas. En los vinos tenemos una variedad de tintos y blancos como el Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay Y Rosé. Lo original de nuestros vinos es que la mayoría están en barriles manteniéndolos a su temperatura ideal. Ofrecemos una gran variedad para el gusto de cualquier cliente. De vez en cuando vamos sacando cosas nuevas para mantener interesante el restaurante. R. ¿Cuáles son las bebidas que normalmente se venden más? B. La “gimme’ a beet”, que es la margarita de betabel y el “hot pink” preparado con vodka, jugo fresco de toronja y jalapeño. Usamos jugos frescos y orgánicos que va con el concepto del restaurante. Cada mes sacamos una o dos bebidas originales de acuerdo a la temporada.
Fotos y editorial por Alejandra Cantu
Un paseo gastronomico por
SMA
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S
San Miguel de Allende se ha convertido en uno de los principales lugares de turismo en México. Recientemente obtuvo el mejor lugar de visitar en el mundo por la revista Time and Leisure. Su ambiente artístico y su arquitectura única crean una combinación perfecta. San Miguel también es reconocido por sus exquisitas propuestas culinarias. Desde un elote asado en el famoso Mercado, hasta unas típicas enmoladas en el popular Café Rama., esta bella ciudad cuenta con las
Aguachile de camarón en la azotea del hotel Rosewood
mejores experiencias gastronómicas.
Tostada de pulpo en el bar La Azotea
Cafe de Olla en restaurante La Güera
Enmoladas en Café Rama
Cazuelitas en restaurante La Güera
Molcajete de arrachera en restaurante Pueblo Viejo
Elotes y garbanzos preparados en El Mercado Ignacio Ramírez G.
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By Michael Hernandez Photos by Priscilla Tapia and courtesy photos
A Reimaging
at Pesca Fresca
Creating change is a difficult thing to accomplish, but the team behind Pesca Fresca was poised enough to achieve it in spades. Pesca Fresca founder, Diego Mounetou, and new chef, Samuel Cabrera, are finding ways to achieve it. Although change seems to be the mindset, Mounetou assured us, like the restaurant’s name—Pesca Fresca— the meals are primarily centered on fresh seafood. Old favorites such as arroz a la tumbada and ceviches are still present, but have been reimagined. Alongside these fan favorites, Mounetou and his team are also adding new styles and foods to the menu.
R
Regarding change, Mounetou
to a new meal entirely. One ex-
discussed how a new chef re-
ample of this is the inclusion of
ally makes everything different.
foods such as the tiradito (or oc-
Much of the menu’s style is still
topus tiradito), which normally
reminiscent of their previous
wouldn’t be on the menu.
delicacies, primarily Tampico style seafood. The new chef, Ca-
This change is part of the process
brera, has started injecting the
that Mounetou calls a “reimagin-
cultural flavors of Mexico City,
ing” of their old selections while
his home, which has helped
adding new ones alongside them.
make the alterations smoother.
In particular, the caldito, which is
As a result, old ideas are now
the base of many of their plates,
different and new ones have
has changed. Another difference
sprung alongside them. Mou-
is how the menu now has ceviche
netou describes the process as
negro, aguachile tatemado, and
simple as him suggesting some-
salmon de limón which comes
thing for a meal and Cabrera
with mashed potatoes. All of
suggesting something else (or
which have been well received
vice-versa) which tends to lead
by their clientele.
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This reimaging of the menu and work environment is only possible because of Mounetou and his staff (Chef Cabrera and the kitchen). He mentioned that he enjoys working with them because they share the same passion for food as he does. It is this feeling that Mounetou considers worth investing in because it carries over to the food. After all, change is the only thing we can really count on and Pesca Fresca is truly embracing that.
#gethookedonpescafresca Make sure you try their tasty new menu options at Pesca Fresca located at 5511 McPherson Rd. The restaurant offers live music on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Hours of operation: Tuesday & Wenesday: 11: 00 am to 8:00 pm Thrusday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Sunday: 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday: Closed
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Por Alejandra Cantu
N ¡Nos vamos
No hay nada como despertar y salir al desayuno o ir al “brunch” para recargar las energías y consentir el paladar. El concepto del “brunch” es una práctica que se inició en los países anglosajones y ahora se practica con fidelidad cada fin de semana. Como la palabra lo dice, se trata de la mezcla de “breakfast” y “lunch”. Esta comida entre el desayuno y el almuerzo es una total delicia y La Finca, Bruncheria y Café entiende muy bien este concepto. En La Finca, Bruncheria y Café encontrarás un menú extenso de desayunos típicos mexicanos y sus nuevos deliciosos platillos estilo Americano. Nancy Armendariz y Omar Buentello, creadores de La Finca, ofrecen un espacio agradable y familiar para gozar de un buen desayuno o brunch. Aquí sorprenderás tu paladar con platos que exploran diferentes cocinas, sin perder la sencillez de la comida hecha en casa y con el toque mexicano. En el menú podrás encontrar diferentes estilos de omelet, pancakes, waffles, crepas, y chilaquiles. Los huevos revueltos, chilaquiles toluqueños, chicken and waffle sliders y sus jugos naturales, son de sus principales especialidades. Los platillos más populares incluyen los molletes y las enfrijoladas. “En nuestro nuevo menú podrás encontrar huevos poche y mi platillo favorito, el Triple Crown Omelet que lleva salmón ahumado, crema y caviar” expreso Nancy. Ubicado en 1713 Del Mar Bulevar, La Finca ha servido desayunos a los laredenses desde 2011. “Estamos invirtiendo en una barra de café donde ofreceremos un menú más extenso”, señaló la entrevistada. De lunes a domingo, La Finca ofrece desayunos y “brunch” de 7:00 AM a 2:00 PM. Para mas información visite su pagina de facebook @lafincacm2011
de brunch!
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By Alejandra Cantu Photos by Alejandra Cantu and courtesy photos
Sal y Limon Snacks
W
With all the snack places
berries with cream and treats
able to add whatever they
in town, it is hard to decide
of all kinds.
like from the snack bar. Sal y
which location has the best
Nahum Hernandez, one of the
Limon also features a lunch
of everything. Sal y Limon
owners at Sal y Limon, talked
menu including tostadas si-
offers delicious sweet and
with RIO about what their
beria and salads.
sour treats that will leave you
business offers to Laredo-
As for drinks, Sal y Limon also
wanting to return for more.
ans: “We live in a society that
offers agua mineral prepara-
Sal y Limon is a hip hangout
is constantly in a rush; here
da and the famous drink, La
place where kids, teenagers
at Sal y Limon, we provide a
Rusa, topped with a scoop of
and adults can enjoy a deli-
family-friendly spot where
garrafa ice-cream.
cious treat and have a good
families can relax and enjoy a
Sal y Limon is located at 1705
time. It is a place where Lar-
snack,� said Nahum.
E Del Mar Blvd suite A111.
edoans can find their favorite
Sal y Limon has been open
Check them out on Facebook
snacks, music and environ-
since February 2016 offer-
@SalYLimon or give them a
ment. Students can study to-
ing mouth-watering snacks
call at (956) 568-1118.
gether, chat, play games, and
including nachos, tosti-elote,
of course, enjoy their menu
ice-cream,
which includes elotes mexi-
garrafas, and a create-your-
canos, mangonadas, straw-
own cup, where the client is
banana
splits,
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By Michael Hernandez
A
An identity is built through experience and history. At La Posada Hotel, their identity is steeped in excellence and consistency, as well as being part of Laredo’s community. As Enrique Lobo, the marketing and sales director at La Posada, discussed, they pride themselves on being a four-diamond hotel steeped in valued traditions, a restaurant, and community builders. Essentially, it’s a big umbrella encompassing many facets that are worth discussing. At La Posada, consistency is held through good service and great food, as Lobo points out that the Tack room, which is their steakhouse,
Courtesy photos
opened in 1982. One of the
to recognize the people who
to help the community of
ways they’ve kept it open is
work there. The food is made
Laredo. This is thanks to the
by satisfying their customers
at a top-level, worthy of having
Fasken’s Oil and Ranch who
with fresh food and savory
their doors open since1982.
own La Posada who Enrique
steaks. Alongside the award-
If you’re in the mood for other
calls very generous as they
winning
can
types of food, there is also the
value the idea of giving to
also get quail, seafood, and
Zaragoza Grill where you can
the community. This gener-
margaritas to enjoy with the
enjoy fine dining in Laredo.
osity includes projects such
steaks, you
heavy meals. The key words
Particular meals include The
as the Washington’s Birthday
Enrique used was longevity
Original Queso Fresco Ten-
Celebration Association and
and consistency, while also
derloin with Chile
the Abrazo Ceremony, which
emphasizing the family-like
Guajillo Butter Sauce or the
bridges our neighboring cit-
experience you get dining at
Grilled Texas Boar Chops
ies in Mexico with Laredo.
La Posada. The servers and
with Smoked Pecan Cajeta.
Overall, La Posada is steeped
other personnel are an ex-
There
desserts,
with a rich history and a tra-
ample of this family-oriented
which are made in-house, as
dition of excellence. It can
environment as many don’t
La Posada has a pastry chef.
be felt by how the service
consider their work as a sim-
Everything is made fresh.
greets you and how they’ve
ple job, rather it’s like a sec-
Although La Posada is an ex-
helped the community. This
ond home to them. Enrique
cellent choice for dining in
level of service pours over
points to Don Manuel Cantu,
and staying at their boutique
to how their restaurants have
the restaurant manager, who
hotel, it is so much more than
continued for more than 30
has been with La Posada for
that. It’s a well-oiled machine
years to make Laredo proud,
32 years. This longevity has
made to enrich Laredo, as La
only cementing La Posada as
led to the Laredo community
Posada also funds projects
a staple in Laredo, Texas.
are
also
A History of Excellence:
La Posada
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By Michael Hernandez Photos by Alejandra Cantu
A Spanish Experience
at Tabernilla:
Bar de Tapas
S
Spanish cuisine is what you will find when entering Tabernilla: Bar de Tapas, as chef and owner, Roberto Gonzalez, prides himself in bringing an authentic Spanish experience to Laredo. Much of the discussion I had with Roberto centered on his desire to bring as real of an experience as he could regarding Spanish restaurants. Roberto also delved into the idea that his restaurant isn’t only about experiencing new food, but also providing a social spot for people just wanting to hang out, while having their food. He mentioned that in Spain, eating “is an integral part of personal relationships,” and so Roberto and company desire to make their food feel like an integral part of your social life. Essentially, Tabernilla is the perfect place to taste Spanish food, but also to experience a culture that is different from Laredo.
The first thing you’ll notice is the huge amount of choices the menu provides. Roberto explained that the menu can be daunting to newcomers, but the servers are there to help and they do. The menus are divided into categories.
Roberto Gonzalez
chef and owner
The first section provides you with pintxos, montaditos, and tapas, which are similar to appetizers. These go hand in hand with a day’s work or get together with friends and families. They’re made to be eaten socially--basically food you can easily eat while hanging out with your friends. Or as Roberto called it, “tapeando,” which in Spain means to go dine together.
The Tabernilla menu is very extensive--another section is called chacineria y quesos, which are cured meat alongside their excellent cheese selections. As well as la coca del dia, which is Spain’s version of flatbreads. Roberto delved into other sections of their menu, pointing out their entrees called raciones, and particular meals called paellas, which are similar
to fideos. This is aided with the amount of fine wines from Portugal they provide. All in all, the menu is a lot bigger than what I have written down, but don’t fret. Simply ask for help or recommendations. Some of Roberto’s recommendations to start with are bife de lomo, which is a beef and red wine cooked potato, patatas bravas, which are fried potatoes with a creamy sauce on the side, pan tomate, which is a toasted bread with fresh tomato and olive oil, and cabrito rostizado, it’s roasted with smoked paprika and lemon. He also pointed out a drink that is not on the menu called picon punch, which is made from a special liquor and brandy. Roberto called it a fan favorite. Essentially, they are providing top notch food and drinks straight from Spain and Portugal.
The amount of choices truly reflects Tabernilla’s desire to bring a unique experience to Laredo. Roberto commented on how that is part of what makes his job of running the restaurant worth it. The idea of providing an experience to people they have yet to explore and hopefully creating repeat customers. One thing is for sure though, Spanish cuisine is here in Laredo and you can find it at Tabernilla: Bar de Tapas located at 7124 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo.
By Alejandra Cantu Courtesy Photos
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Firehouse Subs
F
Firehouse Subs has been delighting the hearts and stomachs of countless locals. Offering up a muchneeded twist on the classic sandwich, Firehouse Subs steams all of their sandwiches and utilizes USDA Choice meats for a flavor that is unparalleled. Firehouse Subs Laredo is owned by Elias Saucedo and Carolys Gordillo, a young couple of entrepreneurs with roots in the community. Loyal customers of the brand since college, the pair decided to bring the franchise to Laredo, confident that the concept would grow. Visit Firehouse Subs at 2438 Monarch Dr., suite #160.
RIO interviewed Elias to learn about his entrepreneurial journey at Firehouse Subs.
RIO: Why did you decide to open Firehouse Subs? Elias: I was looking into the fast, casual restaurant business. I was mainly looking at brands with a fresh and growing attitude. I was also a frequent customer of the brand, so I knew what it was made of and was sold from day 1 on the product. R: How long have you been open for business? E: Almost 3 years R: What does Firehouse Subs offer? E: The best subs in the world--we specialize in hot subs, but we can do them fresh or cold as well. Come by and check it out for yourself.
R: What have you been most satisfied with being part of this business journey? E: Seeing the reaction of our local customers and gaining their loyalty. Also, the people I have met through the business, both customers and employees. R: What about your restaurant brings you the most joy? E: Our customers and employees. We have a great staff that works really hard and does an awesome job. I am very proud of them. R: What do you think it takes to succeed in business? E: Thick skin, hard work and being able to let go and delegate while staying very alert and involved.
R: What can people expect from your restaurant? E: Consistent, good quality food, and great service. Firehouse Subs was founded by Firefighters, so we are big on giving back to First Responders through our Public Safety Foundation. Ultimately, you can expect a good experience, ambiance and to leave with a full stomach.
Visit Firehouse Subs at 2438 Monarch Dr., suite #160. Hours of operation: Daily, 10:30am to 9pm. New location coming soon.
Por Ana Garza
38
GOOD EATS
T
Los mejores cuentas de comida para
“ foodies ”
Te presentamos cinco de los food-
@jonatahncheban
bloggers más populares en las
Jonathan Chevan muestra extravagantes comidas en sus redes sociales, conocido también como el “FoodGod”, este joven empresario ha lanzado Prepped Delivery, un servicio de entrega de comida pre preparada. Cabe destacar que Jonathan es uno de los mejores amigos de la conocida celebridad Kim Kardashian y cuenta con más de 2.5 seguidores en Instagram.
redes sociales que son líderes en cuestiones gastronómicas. Estamos seguros que te cautivarán con sus originales y saludables comidas.
@fullyrawkristina
@rawvana
Meet Kristina Carrillo-Buckram es una de las foodbloggers más conocidas del momento ya que, tiene un estilo de vida vegano totalmente crudo, razón que la he hecho muy popular en las redes sociales. Mucha gente se ha unido a su estilo de vida. Kristina cuenta con más de 1 millón de seguidores en Instagram.
Yobana Mendoza también conocida como “el gurú mexicano”, la siguen todos aquellos interesados en mejorar su salud a través de una alimentación vegana y/o crudivegan. Su dieta consiste exclusivamente en alimentarse de frutas y verduras, no hay ningún producto animal, ni derivados. Cuenta con 1 millón de seguidores en Instagram.
@andreabemis Andrea Bemis es una agricultora orgánica, cocinera de comida casera y foodblogger de alimentos que viven en el noroeste del Pacífico, su blog se llama “Dying Up the Dirt”. Sus platillos de granja se distinguen por tener un estilo único y saludable. Posee más de 52.8 mil seguidores en Instagram.
@cookieandkate Kathryne Taylor cuenta con el blog de comida vegetariana más popular de Estados Unidos, “Cookie y Kate”. También tiene un libro llamado “Love Real Food”, donde ofrece más de 100 platillos sin carne. Sin duda alguna es una de las foodbloggers más presentes en las redes sociales, contando con más de 110 mil seguidores en Instagram.
res tau 40 rants
Photos by Diana Medina
La India Packing Co.
L
La India Packing Co. was
Catering services for small,
your space, due to limited
established in 1924 and is
medium and large events,
seating. They also provide
known as a purveyor of spe-
as well as small to medium
cooking classes for at least
cialty artisan spices, herbs
meetings and gatherings
8 people at your request. La
and seasonings.
are available at The Tasting
India is trying to keep their
The Tasting Room Café,
Room Café.
historical flavors alive while
founded in 2000, gratefully
La India Spice shop is open
also fusing in some new and
serves customers near and
Monday through Friday from
original flavors.
far from their historic loca-
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday
tion with many nostalgic
from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon.
mission has awarded La In-
reminders of the past in the
The Texas Historical Com-
dia packing Co. As a Texas
antique setting and décor
mission, along with the Lar-
treasure business.
with pictures of the found-
edo Convention and Visitors
La India helps our commu-
ers, Antonio and Antonia
bureau and La India have
nity by providing spices to
Rodriguez, as well as many
partnered to bring Frontera
many fundraising events.
other friends and family
Fusion cooking and herb
La India’s and The Tasting
members.
workshops, offered on the
Room’s mission Is to create
The Tasting Room is open
first Friday of every month
not only delicious flavors,
for lunch, Monday through
at 5:30pm for $25. Register
but also to create healthy
Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2 weeks in advance to save
food.
The Texas Historical Com-
22
Support local
I
amanda
montoya
I recently had a meaningful
millennial generation.
fested with the intention to
You don’t have to be a politi-
conversation about the prog-
We, as millenials, want the
promote our diverse culture,
cian to make a difference in
ress of our city. In this con-
full “out of Laredo” experi-
our city’s talented artists
our community. We can all
versation we spoke about the
ence (in Laredo.) Many of
and artisans, and offer Lar-
make a difference if we con-
sense of community and cul-
us have had the privilege
edo “something to do” every
tinue to support local and in-
ture that Laredo is currently
of leaving this town for our
season.
spire one another.
revisiting. There has been a
studies for several years at a
shift in business culture and
time. Those of us who return
restaurant culture throughout
are ready to contribute and
our city in the past 6-8 years.
embrace a city that has giv-
This new era of leadership
en us a foundation to thrive.
behind establishments and
Sure, the border has its idio-
developments have really
syncrasies, but if we learn to
given our city some variety,
use its quirkiness to our ben-
offering Laredo much more
efit we can make this city the
than what it has been used
most unique, most wonderful
to. I can attribute this shift to
place to live.
many things, but one in par-
Our inspiration to create The
ticular comes to mind, The
Mercadito Fest was mani-
res tau 42 rants
By Michael Hernandez Photos by Alejandra Cantu
Food Trucks, Beer, and Friends: Welcome to Cultura
E
Entering you’ll see people laughing, food trucks, a bar, night lights, art and on occasion, some live music. Essentially, Cultura Beer Garden is a great hang out as the owners encourage a friendly environment, which the place oozes with. The people behind Cultura Beer Garden are Chris, Valerie, Kendra, and Ben. Each has known each other for quite some time--since grade school to be exact. In fact, it even sounds like destiny that Cultura would eventually happen. As Chris and Valerie, both of whom are married, wanted to open a bar but had trouble finding the perfect space for it. Meanwhile, Kendra had a food truck she was going to park where Cultura Beer Garden stands now.
n e d r a G Beer
Eventually, the Pan American food truck park opened which paved the way for a bar opening alongside it. These childhood friends had no idea that each would cross paths to build Cultura Beer Garden. It is the uniqueness of the situation that characterizes Cultura Beer Garden. One of the aspects of the food truck/bar that stands out is that it’s the only food truck park in Laredo. That’s something that is stressed at Cultura Beer Garden, the idea of uniqueness, and how the food truck park is special in its environment. The food selections range from Mexican food to homely burgers and more. For the most part, the trucks have a variety of food types and since they change it
up daily, locals get to try a bunch of different flavors. Although Cultura Beer Garden does not control the food trucks that gather in the park, the landlord, trucks, and Cultura help each other out with constant communication as to how they’ll proceed every week. This friendly environment not only stays within the workers, but also spills over to the customers. As Ben discussed, many customers not only become regulars but friends. This leads to what Chris described as “a giant umbrella” which engulfs a niche community. It is this idea of community that Cultura prides itself on. One of their collective goals is to culturally enhance Laredo. By being a part of the
food truck park and having a bar, which carries beers from all over Texas and Mexico, it is a great place to host local talent and create a unique ambiance in Laredo. By giving musicians and artists a platform, Cultura has built not only a place to enjoy a beer and delicious food, but also celebrate the talents of the city. They do this with an art studio that is set up behind the bar called MUSA, which Valerie described as an open session for artists. Alongside the studio, they also host festivities regarding drinking and art. It’s essentially the perfect hangout, as well as the culmination of the dreams of the team behind Cultura, and that is to let individuals express themselves.
Visit Cultura Beer Garden located at 3301 San Bernardo Ave. For more information,
visit their Facebook page @culturabeergarden.
res tau 44 rants
Fotos y editorial por Alejandra Cantu
Tacos, t acos , y mas tacos L
Los tacos sobresalen en nuestra cultura por su rapidez de elaboración e infinidad de variedades.
!
Taco de lechuga con pollo Taco Villa
Estas características los convierten en un ícono de la frontera y en México, siendo el bocado más consumido por la gente.
Taco de trompo
Su gran popularidad se debe
Tacos Ravi
principalmente a su simpleza: Una tortilla que se dobla para contener diversos ingredientes o rellenos de carne de algún tipo, o verduras. Lo mejor es que no se
Quesadilla de maíz con fajita
necesita nada más que las manos para disfrutarlo una y otra vez.
Taco Tote
RIO visitó algunos restaurantes en Laredo que cuentan con los mejores tacos. ¿Cuál comerás tú?
Taco de langosta
Lolitas
Taco de ensenada La Laguna
travel
By Alejandra Cantu
45
A summer vacation in the
coolest place I
I recently traveled to Colorado with my family for a one week vacation. Colorado is known for its beautiful mountain towns and is one of my favorite states in the United States to visit. The only thing better than spending a winter in the Colorado Rockies is spending a summer there. I love a vacation full of outdoor activities and summer in Colorado is marked by mountain hikes, scenic rides, clear rivers, an exceptional dining scene and small-town charm. We traveled by car from Laredo to Telluride, Colorado. Since it is an 18-hour drive, we had to stop in Albuquerque to spend the night. It took a long ride to get to our destination, but the scenic routes made the trip enjoyable.
46
travel
What I loved most about traveling to Colorado in the summer was the landscapes and the refreshingly cool weather. The average high temperature was 73 degrees and the lowest was 45. This was my first time in Colorado during the summer. The people in the town were very friendly-not that it surprised me with all that scenery and perfect weather. I also loved that Colorado is a dog-friendly state. I saw the most beautiful breeds walking around the town. I decided to take my dog, Sancho, my Airedale Terrier, since we were driving up to Telluride. I’m sure he had the best time hiking and walking in Colorado. During our trip, we went hot air balloon riding, hiking, and motorcycle riding where we visited Silverton, Colorado, and spent our days at the western town of Telluride eating at local restaurants. Colorado is definitely a must for those who are outdoor enthusiasts. This state offers diverse environments, adventurous activities, and a great time at the Rocky Mountains.