Taco Journalism

World Taco Premiere!! Vitamina T for Tacos

2021-08-12T12:55:00.003-05:00

(((World Taco Premiere))) 🌮🌮🌮 New children’s book explores the cultural superpower of the taco! Our little libro is finally out!!! Get it for all the childrens because you know they are the future. 😉 Vitamina T for Tacos An alphabet book, taco dictionary and cultural guide By Mando Rayo & Suzanne García-Mateus Illustrated by Martha Samaniego Calderón Release Date | August 10, 2021 Genre: Children's Lit Paperback: 44 pages Language: English/Spanglish

CONTACT: Mando Rayo, armandorayo@gmail.com 512-785-0447

“New children’s book explores the cultural superpower of the taco.” New children’s book, Vitamina T for Tacos explores food, culture and places in Latinx neighborhoods and the love for tacos. From the tacos we all grew up eating like barbacoa and huevos con chorizo, places in and around our neighborhoods like taquerias and trucks and cultural references that empower our children to embrace their Mexican and Latinx identities and roots. This book is a Spanglish alphabet book, a taco dictionary, a cultural guide and a reminder of the importance of tacos, places y la cultura Latina. Vitamina T for Tacos is co-authored by Mando Rayo (United Tacos of America/Tacos of Texas UT Press) & Suzanne García-Mateus and illustrated by Martha Samaniego Calderón (Behind my mask/Detras de mi cubrebocas 2020) and published by Jade Publishing.

“Vitamina T is the cultural superpower that we get from embracing nuestra comida, language and heritage and we want to share this with the littlest of taco eaters” says Mando Rayo.

“We centered our love for Tacos and Spanglish as symbolic representations that honor our bicultural & bilingual identities in the borderlands,” states Dr. Suzanne Mateus-Garcia. Children need to see themselves in literature & published works and Vitamina T for Tacos offers a way to culturally sustain our bilingual foodie stories and experiences while also passing these traditions down to the next generation. Book illustrator, Martha Samaniego says "Vitamina T for Tacos is a book full of sabor, cultura and love. Through its vibrant colors and textures, this book will take you to your favorite taquería memory and will make you hungry for your favorite tacos."

For questions and interviews and presentations, please contact Mando Rayo, armandorayo@gmail.com, 512-785-0447. You can purchase the book in all major book retailers and get a special price by ordering at www.jadepublishing.org.

Support Austin Tacos: ATX Taco Map in response to #CoronaVirus

2020-03-17T12:14:00.000-06:00

People of Austin, Texas. You love tacos, we love tacos. We also don't want to catch the #CoronaVirus or Modelo Farts! Seriously, wash your hands. We put together an ATX Taco Map in response to the social distancing we must do but that doesn't mean we can't support local taqueros, cocineras, small businesses, taco trucks and trailers. You can do your part by doing the following...

Order take-out and delivery only (please no dine-in!)
Buy now, eat later. Gift certificates or gift cards are great ways to support local.
Order your 3 de Asada but make it a double or triple!
Por libra! Get it by the pound and pay for extra tortillas. You can even freeze it for later, y'know, the Mexican way.
Instead of free salsa containers, pay for jar-full of your favorite salsas!
Get all the breakfast tacos! Y'know you want them.
Leave a big fat tip!!!

Check out the #ATXTacoMap & Share-alo! Stay away from the people and #SupportAustinTacos!

Don't see your favorite taco shop? Add it to el mapa! Props Gerald Flores @TacoGear for the design.

This is the United Tacos of America

2019-10-02T09:03:00.001-05:00

Oh hey, we made a taco show! We're super excited about our new show, "United Tacos of America" premiering on El Rey Network. The taco team has been working hard to produce our very own taco show with a lot of blood, sweat and manteca! So 'Merica, get ready for it. Show premieres on #TacoTuesday, October 15. 🌮🌮🌮

And you best believe we having a launch pari. Checkalo!

United Tacos of American Lunch Party
October 20, 2019
6:00 - 9:00pm
Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ
RSVP Here!

EL REY NETWORK HITS THE ROAD IN SEARCH OF THE BEST REGIONAL TACOS IN THEIR NEW SHOW “UNITED TACOS OF AMERICA” ‘Taco Journalists’ Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece Are Sharing Their Taco Journey with Audiences Beginning TUESDAY OCTOBER 15th at 10pm ET on EL REY NETWORK Austin, TX – October 1, 2019 -- El Rey Network announced today that “United Tacos of America,” the new docu-travel series created and hosted by ‘taco journalists’ Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece and directed by Dennis Burnett that strives to find the best tacos across the country, will debut on Tuesday October 15th at 10pm. Each 30 minute episode in the 8 episode series airs only on El Rey Network. Tacos come in all shapes, sizes, colors and makes. After exploring the tacos in their home state of Texas, Rayo and Neece wrote two successful bestselling books, Austin Breakfast Tacos and The Tacos of Texas. For their next adventure, they wanted to embark on a journey across the U.S. to discover regional variations of the taco. “United Tacos of America” follows the taco gurus on a cross-country road trip to discover new flavors and cultures that continue to define modern America. "Tacos are every part of the American experience, from the border in Texas' Rio Grande Valley to Lexington, Kentucky and NYC to Los Angeles,” said Co-Host Mando Rayo. “We explored taco culture and learned from taqueros and tortilleras, Abuelas y Tios and home cooks, rancheros and chefs about not only their love for the food but how culture truly is part of the story of the taco.” “Good food, especially tacos, brings people of all nationalities together,” said Robert Rodriguez, Head of El Rey Network. “As a foodie myself I can’t be more excited that Mando and Jarod’s show ‘United Tacos of America’ will showcase the love we all share for Mexican food across this country. We are proud that El Rey Network is continuing its mission of highlighting the authentic and positive stories our culture brings to this amazing nation.” Rayo continued on the topic of storytelling, “it was important for us to tell the stories behind the tacos, from the cooking traditions to how social issues are connected to the food; immigration, vendor rights, gentrification and respect of the culture are all part of the story.” "United Tacos Of America" Episode Guide Episode 1: "Houston - Asian Mexican Tacos" Episode 2: "Lexington - Nuevo South" Episode 3: "Austin - Brisket BBQ Tacos" Episode 4: "NYC - Nixtamal Corn Tortillas" Episode 5: "Rio Grande Valley - Ranch-style Cooking (Barbacoa & Cabrito)" Episode 6: "Los Angeles - Birria" Episode 7: "New Orleans - Underground Tacos" Episode 8: "Chicago - Carnitas" “United Tacos of America” is a Taco Journalism, LLC production. Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece are the series creators and writers. Dennis Burnett is the director and Mando Rayo, Jarod Neece and Dennis Burnett are the executive producers. “United Tacos of America” social media: www.facebook.com/UnitedTacosofAmerica www.instagram.com/UnitedTacosofAmerica_ www.twitter.com/UnitedTacosUSA To find El Rey Network in your area please check out the channel finder at ElReyNetwork.com. El Rey Network social media: Facebook: facebook.com/ElReyNetwork Twitter: twitter.com/ElReyNetwork Instagram: instagram.com/ElReyNetwork YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ElReyNetwork For El Rey Network Media Inquiries: Sierra Preston sierra@fonspr.com Bianca Flores bianca@fonspr.om About El Rey Network El Rey Network is a Latino-infused entertainment brand that revels in the courage, capacity, and creativity of ordinary people on extraordinary journeys. Launched by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and run by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, El Rey Network develops and produces linear and digital programming as well as integrated branded entertainment offerings. El Rey Network’s flagship is a 24-hour English-language entertainment and lifestyle cable channel that focuses a distinctly Latino lens on popular culture. El Rey Network is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade with a minority stake held by Univision Networks & Studios, Inc.

This is our Taco Manifesto!

2019-03-26T14:13:00.000-06:00

That's right, we have a Taco Manifesto. We're trying to make tacos the official food of Texas not only cuz we love them but to honor and recognize the contributions of abuelas, mamás, tortilleras & taqueros that have been nourishing our bellies waaaay before Texas was Texas. So ladies and gentle folk, cowboys y vaqueros, this is our Taco Manifesto!

TACO MANIFESTO

Whether you grew up here in Texas or got here as soon as you could, chances are, you’re eating tacos. In Texas, people eat tacos on a weekly basis, and to be honest, tacos have been trending since the 1800’s.

Rooted in Texas’ food culture, tacos are enjoyed all across the Lonestar State. In Texas, you can find tacos almost anywhere, not just at Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurants but food trucks, trailers, gas stations, restaurants of every culinary variety, barbecue joints, and even the classic All-American diner.

For many, tacos are a part of their daily diet and people in Texas are die-hard taco fans. Whether it's debating the origins of the breakfast taco, contemplating who makes the best brisket taco, or showing our love for the traditional recipes like al-pastor, carnitas, or fajitas; we Texans are passionate about our tacos.

Tacos have brought people together to the table to discuss the important policy issues that we have to face. They help small business owners put their kids through school and strengthen our economy. They start many people’s days with a full stomach, nourished, ready to face the day and help make Texas the best place to live in the world. (Not to mention eating them for lunch and dinner as well.) They come in every variety, from eggs and bacon to brisket, al pastor, bhan mi y más.

In closing, we’re asking the people of Texas to add tacos to the menu along with current dishes and foods that are already recognized including Chili, Grapefruit, Jalapeños & chips & salsa. And doing so will make your abuela proud!

++++++++++++++++++++

If you believe in our Taco Manifesto, I urge you to sign our petition here and contact your Texas State representatives (details in the petition page).

Mil Gracias,

Mando Rayo, the TacoJournalist

Tacos.Never.Die.

www.TacosofTexas.com

Austin Taco Map: Eat these tacos at SXSW

2019-03-07T22:27:00.001-06:00

Well hello SXSW. I know you love tacos so consider this a solid. With this Austin Taco Map, you can enjoy the tastiest tacos (40+ taco joints!) in Austin, Tejas, completely approved by this TacoJournalist. Sorry but if you're looking for gringo tacos, trendy or the touristy variety, this ain't that kinda list. So enjoy my friends and make sure you tag @TacosofTexas on the Insta as you devour these amah-zing Austin tacos.

Stay hungry my friends,
Mando, the Taco Journalist

The Real Deal Holyfield Brisket Breakfast Taco

Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ

Hand-made Carne Asada tacos - Estilo Rio Grande Valley

Vaquero Taquero

Battered bacon, eggs and beans

Breakfast Taco Heaven!

Joe's Bakery

Bistec all the way!

Tacos Guerrero

Best Migas Taco in town!

Veracruz All Natural

Blackened Fish Tacos

Tamale House East

Also see Chori-Migas taco

Slow Rider

Mellizoz Tacos
Braised Beefy goodness!

Taco Azteca
Pueblo Viejo

Tacos Al Pastor

Mi Tradicion Panaderia

Tacos Al Pastor Enchilado (Extra spicy!)

Tacos al Pastor from the Trompo!

Rosita’s Al Pastor

Carnitas Taco

Mi Madre's Restaurant

Also see breakfast taco Number 0

A whole lotta crispy tacos!

La Cocina de Consuelo

Also see breakfast burritos

Tacos de hongos y rajas **Veggie Alert**

Papalote Taco House

Also see Taco de Coliflor!

Fajitas Ranchera Tacos - Muy Espicy!

Habanero Mexican Restaurant

Make Tacos the Official Food of Texas!

2019-02-11T12:03:00.001-06:00

Let's unite all cities across Texas and make tacos the official food of Texas! Whether you grew up in Texas or you got here as soon as you could, you’re probably eating tacos. In Texas, people eat tacos on a weekly basis. Hell, tacos were here before Texas was Texas.

Take the petition now!

Texas State Rep. Gina Hinojsa filed Bill HCR 57 and we're working to get Texas taco cities and taco lovers to unite and support our taco bill.

From El Paso to Texarkana, from Texline to Brownsville, from the Rio Grande to the Red River, Texans consume a lot of tacos, and most of the other foods Texans enjoy, including brisket, sausage, eggs, chorizo, beans, and seafood, are that much better when served in the warm embrace of a tortilla; and love such choices as pork al pastor, beef barbacoa, and chicken fajita, korean bbq & trompo with lots and lots of salsa!

RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate tacos as the official state food of Texas.

Take the petition now y share-alo!

Mando Rayo
Taco Journalist
#TacosofTexas

Binge the tacos! Watch the first season of Tacos of Texas #DocuSeries

2018-12-01T09:08:00.000-06:00

I know you love tacos and now you can stream the first season of the new Tacos of Texas Documentary Series. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll definitely get hungry! Enjoy Carnitas in El Paso, Migas in Austin, get get puffy with San Antonio's Puffy Tacos, learn about Tacos al Pastor and taco trucks in Houston, get a take on Modern Mexican in Dallas, make your own pozo for barbacoa in The Rio Grande Valley and wake up to Breakfast Tacos in Corpitos.

Stream all 7 episodes on our site: www.TacosofTexas.com or on Indie Lens Storycast on Youtube and SHARE-ALO!

But you don't have to take my word for it. My mom said, "Muy bien mijo" and my vecino said, "Oralé Mando." And other people also said...

"Interesting...the only Tacos I've ever had were from Taco Bell." by commenter 🤔
"Did you kill the cow before you cut it's head off?" ~ Kindergartner 😲
"This show is awesome." CaseyNeistat 🙏🏾
"Love this series! Highly recommend." ~ @EddieOsBBQ 👊
"Thank you for celebrating Houston and it's rich Mexican culture and it's tacos and taqueros!!!" ~ Momma of Dos/Connie Gomez 💖
"Absolutely LOVE this series! The fact that this Barbacoa episode is rooted in the RGV speaks to my corazonsito." ~ Kristina Schlegel 👍
"Man, I’m hooked, I want to binge on the series!! Only problem is that now I’m craving badass tacos!!" ~ @AbeDelgadoEats 🌮🌮🌮
"Weenie and eggs! I thought I was the only one...lol" ~ @OnlyASocialEater 🤣

Stay hungry my friends,
Mando

Watch New #Tacomentary on National Taco Day!

2018-10-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

We made a #Tacomentary! And on this National Taco Day, you should watch the Tacos of Texas #DocuSeries including our first two episodes: Austin's Migas Tacos and Houston's Tacos al Pastor. While you're at it, why not support a local taqueria?!? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel here.

Houston: Tacos al Pastor
In Houston, one of America’s most diverse cities, there are taco trucks on every corner and tacos al pastor are the "tacos of the people." Party it up in H-Town as Mando and Jarod visit La Macro and Boombox taco trucks for some trompo tacos (“the Mexican shawarma”), meet photographer/taco aficionado Marco Torres, and get real with local DREAMers.

Austin Migas Taco: Series premiere: Longtime pals and Tacojournalism.com writers Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece, hit up Austin, where it's all about tasty migas tacos, famous for being stuffed with scrambled eggs and crumbled tortillas. Mando and Jarod explore East Austin, taco gentrification, what it takes to run a small taqueria and--of course--how to make the perfect migas taco. From Joe’s Bakery to Veracruz All Natural, see how Austin comes together over tacos.

SXSW TACO MAP 2018

2018-03-09T12:21:00.002-06:00

This is a TACO SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT! We created the SXSW Taco Map with 30 go-to taco joints for your eating pleasure! We've eaten at all these taco joints, taquerias, trailers, trucks and mom & pop shops so yes, these are TacoJournalism approved. Sorry no gringo tacos here, no hotel tacos, no commercial tacos, no college tacos and no downtown tacos. So if you like the real deal tacos, hit these places up!

Stay hungry mi amigos!
TacoJournalism
Tacos of Texas

P.S. Hit us up for the Airbnb Austin Taco Tour on Saturday, March 10 at 10:30am. Register here.

We're making a Tacomentary!!!

2018-02-20T21:04:00.000-06:00

Y'all know we're about that #TacoLife and we about to take the tacos and The Tacos of Texas to a whole 'nother level! We pitched our idea, shot the pilot and now we're on for a 7 episode docu-series with ITVS Indie Lens Storycast in partnership with PBS Digital Studios.

We'll explore all things tacos, taco culture and the people who make them and explore issues (cuz y'know, it's PBS) such as: taco gentrification and the importance of the tortilla, connecting audiences with the faces of immigrants who keep local traditions alive while pursuing the American Dream. Shoot, we'll prally chow down some tacos with Cookie Monster! LOL. No, not really.

Check out el presser below for más details.

ITVS Indie Lens Storycast Picks Up 'The Tacos of Texas'

Digital Web Series

Austin, Texas, February 20, 2018 – ITVS has greenlit a new digital series, The Tacos of Texas, that will stream exclusively on Indie Lens Storycast, a YouTube channel launched September 12, 2017 in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece, the team behind the books, The Tacos of Texas and Austin Breakfast Tacos: The Story of the Most Important Taco of the Day, set off to explore iconic tacos in cities throughout the Lone Star State in this seven-episode documentary series.

"We're excited to show viewers Texas' iconic taco styles such as San Antonio’s Puffy tacos, Austin’s Migas tacos, El Paso’s Carnitas tacos and the Rio Grande Valley’s Barbacoa tacos y más. We'll talk to the people behind the tacos, explore their stories, food traditions and uncover each city’s unique take on tacos," said Mando Rayo, Series Producer.

Born with tacos in hand, these Texas natives spent the past ten years covering the local taco scene, and now their love of this Texas staple will take them deeper than ever before as they explore the Taco Culture. The series will highlight local issues such as: taco gentrification and the importance of the tortilla, connecting audiences with the faces of immigrants who keep local traditions alive while pursuing the American Dream.

"Tacos are everything in Texas. We want people to see it for themselves through the eyes of people that make them. We're excited to partner with ITVS for this series because for us, tacos always taste better when you know the story behind the tortilla," said Jarod Neece, Series Co-Producer.

The series has already begun filming and will continue through July, visiting El Paso, Austin, San Antonio, Brownsville, Houston, Corpus Christi and Dallas.

"With Tacos of Texas, the Indie Lens Storycast team saw two very engaging hosts in Mando and Jarod, who both have a deep knowledge of the diverse and quirky taco scenes across Texas," says Pamela Torno, Indie Lens Storycast Series Producer. "This series will give our digital audience an authentic tour of the state and give voice to the communities that are holding onto traditions while creating new ones, so we're pleased to support it."

Stay up-to-date and go behind the scenes by subscribing to Indie Lens Storycast and following The Tacos of Texas:

Tacos of Texas: www.tacosoftexas.com

Tacos of Texas sample images: http://www.tacosoftexas.com/itvs-web-series

Indie Lens Storycast: http://bit.ly/StorycastSubscribe

Tacos of Texas on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tacosoftexas

Tacos of Texas on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tacosoftexas

About the Producers

Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece are the authors of the best-selling books, The Tacos of Texas (University of Texas Press, 2016), Austin Breakfast Tacos: The Story of the Most Important Taco of the Day (The History Press, 2013) and founders of the blog TacoJournalism.com. Rayo is the CEO and engagement strategist at Mando Rayo + Collective, a multicultural advertising agency and Neece is the Senior Film Programmer for SXSW Conference & Festivals, working with them since 2002.

Crew

Mando Rayo, Producer/Co-Host

Jarod Neece, Co-Producer/Co-Host

Dennis Burnett, Director

Zachary Edick, Co-Director

Wynona Becker, Editor

Maria Real, Field Producer

Gerald Flores, Field Producer

Nick Worthen, Sound Engineer

Robert Gomez, Key Grip / Still Photographer

###

CONTACT: Mando Rayo, armandorayo@gmail.com, 512-785-0447

About Indie Lens Storycast

Indie Lens Storycast is a free docuseries YouTube channel presented by Independent Lens in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. Created by indie filmmakers, and developed by ITVS, Indie Lens Storycast showcases stories that reflect the funny, strange, and dynamic world we live in. Featuring a range of topics and expanding Independent Lens' content offerings to connect with a digital-savvy audience and experiment with new formats to spark conversations vital to communities across America. Visit the Indie Lens Storycast channel on YouTube for more information.

About Independent Lens

Independent Lens is an Emmy®Award-winning weekly series airing on PBS Monday nights at 10:00 PM. The acclaimed series, with Lois Vossen as executive producer, features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, the series is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people, with additional funding from PBS, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens. Join the conversation:facebook.com/independentlens and on Twitter @IndependentLens

About PBS Digital Studios

The PBS Digital Studios network on YouTube includes more than 15 ongoing original series, including from PBS member stations across the country, designed to engage, enlighten and entertain online audiences. The PBS Digital Studios network has more than 12 million subscribers and has generated more than one billion views. Series include the Webby Award-winning It’s Okay To Be Smart, Physics Girl and Crash Course, as well as popular series such as BrainCraft, PBS Space Time and more.

About ITVS

ITVS is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that has, for over 25 years, funded and partnered with a diverse range of documentary filmmakers to produce and distribute untold stories. ITVS incubates and co-produces these award-winning films and then airs them for free on PBS via our weekly series, Independent Lens, as well as on other PBS series and through our digital platform, OVEE. ITVS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. For more information, visit itvs.org.

Tacos for Houston (Hurricane Harvey Relief)

2017-09-01T13:28:00.003-05:00

Calling all taco lovers! Join us for Tacos for Houston as we raise funds for Hurricane Harvey Relief. Your mission is to go eat tacos this Saturday, 9/2 (yes all day!) with our participating taco shops & taquerias as portions of the sales will help our amigos in Houston & the Gulf Coast.

Veracruz All Natural (All locations)
Tamale House East (East Austin featuring #RevolucionBeer)
VaqueroTaquero (Hyde Park)
Taco Joint (All locations)
Pueblo Viejo (Brushy Creek Location)
Mellizoz Tacos (South First Street Location)
Independence Brewing Co. (#RevolucionBeer stop!)
Kesos Taco House (UT area)

Click here for el map

RSVP Aquí!

So wake up on Saturday and satisfy your taco obsession while helping nuestros amigos in Houston and the Gulf Coast!

Proceeds will benefit the Greater Houston Community Foundation & other local nonprofits.

Nobody CAN like a MexiCAN! #RevolucionBeer

2017-08-03T11:03:00.000-05:00

By now, some of you may have huuurd about our taco beer - Revolución Saison Ale, a collab with Independence Brewing. Yeah, we're taking the tacos to a whole 'nother level ya'll! We had a big blow out pari at IndyBrewing with all the tacos, we introduced it to SA and guess what? They like it, expect for the group of teachers that prefer light beer. :/ Anyjuays. You can get your Revolución at you local HEB, checka the list of Texas stores aquí. Read up on why Revolución is the perfect complement to your carnitas, carne asada and even tacos al pastor on Food and Wine. Oh yeah, we fancy like dat!

Also checka the world premiere of Nobody CAN like a MexiCAN. Get it, get it??? Bwaahaha!

Breaking Taco News! Tacos of Texas selected for ITVS funding

2017-06-21T11:43:00.001-05:00

El team behind the recent hit book The Tacos of Texas, Mando Rayo & Jarod Neece (that's us!), have been selected for ITVS funding to develop a pilot episode for a new Online Series. If greenlit, the Digital Series will focus on the people, the places and the taco culture in the Great State of Tejas. ITVS will be developing the series with the intention of distributing through public media.

The Tacos of Texas team will film the pilot episode in El Paso, Texas this summer. “Being a border town and this Taco Journalist’s hometown, I think it opens up a great story, not only on the love of tacos or it’s people but with issues associated with the region including the border wall, immigration and border-style cuisine.” “We’re excited to be part of ITVS and share our taco love with the world!,” says Rayo.

The core Tacos of Texas team include Mando Rayo, Producer/Co-Host; Jarod Neece, Co-Producer/Co-Host and Dennis Burnett, Director and with work with local teams and the Texas Taco Council for local knowledge and taco insights. “We are thrilled to be working with ITVS to develop this new series. We think it's a great fit for our story and will help us reach a large and diverse audience,” says Neece. ITVS partnership comes through the Digital Open Call which offers research and development funding to pilot a series on public media platforms. The Tacos of Texas aims to partner with local PBS stations across Texas to showcase each city’s tacos through the eyes of taco fans across the state.

MANDO RAYO and JAROD NEECE are the authors of the best-selling books, The Tacos of Texas (University of Texas Press, 2016) and Austin Breakfast Tacos: The Story of the Most Important Taco of the Day (The History Press, 2013) and founders of the blog TacoJournalism.com. Rayo is the CEO and engagement strategist at Mando Rayo + Collective, a multicultural advertising agency; Neece has been with SXSW since 2002 and is the Senior Film Programmer.

TACOLAB: Rancho-style Carnitas (cooking class)

2017-05-15T10:49:00.001-05:00

Y'know tacos taste better when you make 'em yourself but they taste even better when they're made in a cazo, in a brewery and rancho-style. Yeah, put those pots and pans away, cuz we gonna make carnitas, rancho-style. The TacoLab is my introduction to Texas and Mexican style cooking that go back generations, from carnitas in a cazo (cauldron), to barbacoa in a pozo and al pastor on a trompo. These are just some of the styles I grew up with and now I'm sharing the taco love with home cooks, newbies and seasoned taqueros. And no, you don't have to be a chef or have a fancy title, you just have to bring your "grassroots cocinero" attitude & ganas! Register aquí.

THE TACO LAB: Rancho-style Carnitas with author and grassroots cocinero, Mando Rayo
- in partnership with Independence Brewing Company and South Texas Heritage Pork

Enjoy a muy tasty hands-on cooking class by author and grassroots cocinero Mando Rayo. In this TACO LAB, Mando will walk you through the process of making carnitas (pork) in a cazo (cauldron), el rancho grande style. By participating in this TACO LAB, you will be named El Chingon or La Chingona en el mundo de carnitas and tacos. Participants also receive the following:

+ Overview of The Tacos of Texas book
+ History, culture and traditions of carnitas in Mexico and Texas
+ Step by Step process of making carnitas + recipe
+ Beer tasting and pairing
+ Brewery Tour
+ Carnitas Assembly Kit (to make carnitas at home) in parntership wtih South Texas Heritage Pork
+ Option to purchase a signed copy of The Tacos of Texas book
+ All the carnitas until we run out!

Thank you to our partners Independence Brewing Company & South Texas Heritage Pork.

Register here: www.tacolab.eventbrite.com
Tickets are $75 (+ tax) per person.

WHEREAS, Texans love the warm embrace of a tortilla

2017-03-29T08:40:00.000-06:00

WHEREAS, people in Texas eat more tacos than any other food. AMIRITE? Trust me, we do. WHEREAS, we started a petition and now Texas State Representative Gina Hinojosa filed the bill to make tacos the official food of Texas. And for that, generations of Texans and Mexicans thank you. Thank you for enjoying our food, our culture, our tortillas and eating tacos, hell, way before Texas was Texas!

The resolution has been filed and we'll need lots more support from both sides if ya know what I mean! And y'know it's real cuz this is a pic of Rep. Gina Hinojosa and the taco journalist (me)!

Bill: HCR 110
Legislative Session: 85(R)
Council Document: 85R 14323 KSM-D
Last Action: 03/10/2017 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption Text: Designating tacos as the official state food of Texas.
Author: Hinojosa, Gina
Subjects: Resolutions--Official Designations--State Symbols (I0718)
STATE FOOD (NH908)
TACOS (NH870)

By: Hinojosa H.C.R. No. 110

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, From El Paso to Texarkana, from Texline to Brownsville, from the Rio Grande to the Red River, Texans consume a lot of tacos, and most of the other foods Texans enjoy, including brisket, sausage, eggs, chorizo, beans, and seafood, are that much better when served in the warm embrace of a tortilla; and

WHEREAS, While the exact origins of the taco are uncertain, this staple of Mexican cuisine is thought to have been around at least as long as the Lone Star State, and it has been wholeheartedly adopted as a mainstay of Texas dining; and

WHEREAS, Texans have strong opinions about whether flour or corn tortillas reign supreme, and as far as fillings go, we delight in such traditional choices as pork al pastor, beef barbacoa, and chicken fajita, and we also appreciate the more exotic ingredients that have been pressed into service, including everything from octopus to elk to kimchi fried rice; our state is believed to be the birthplace of the breakfast taco, and although Texans have yet to arrive at a consensus regarding which region deserves recognition for the best breakfast tacos, we are happy to indulge in the spirited debate and taste testing related to this serious issue; and

WHEREAS, One thing Texans can agree on is that, despite the availability of tacos in the other 49 states, the tastiest tacos can be found in the great State of Texas; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature has recognized a variety of state symbols as tangible representations of the proud character and colorful heritage of the Lone Star State; while tortilla chips and salsa make for a satisfying state snack and chili is worthy of its selection as the official state dish, the taco, which needs no dish and can be hearty enough to serve as a meal all by itself, is indeed deserving of a place at the table; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate tacos as the official state food of Texas.

Eat tacos like a loco during SXSW!

2017-03-13T14:05:00.000-06:00

Eat tacos like a loco and like a local. Listen to my interview on the Texas Standard and check out our updated SXSW taco lista!

The Real Deal Holyfield Brisket Breakfast Taco

Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ

Hand-made breakfast tacos - Estilo Rio Grande Valley

Vaquero Taquero

Battered bacon, eggs & beans

Breakfast Taco Heaven!

Joe's Bakery

Bistec all the way!

Tacos Guerrero

Best Migas Taco in town!

Veracruz All Natural

Blackened Fish Tacos

Tamale House East

Also see Chori-Migas taco

Egg and Chorizo Breakfast Taco

Keeping a classic classic.

El Primo Trailer

Barbacoa Taco

ConMadre Kitchen

South Texas style

Tacos Al Pastor

Mi Tradicion Panaderia

Tacos Al Pastor Enchilado (Extra spicy!)

Tacos al Pastor from the Trompo!

Rosita’s Al Pastor

Carnitas Taco

Mi Madre's Restaurant

Also see breakfast taco Number 0

Del Mar Fish Tacos

Mellizoz Tacos
Talapia goodness!

A whole lotta crispy tacos!

La Cocina de Consuelo

Also see breakfast burritos

Tacos de hongos y rajas **Veggie Alert**
Papalote Taco House
Also see Taco de Coliflor!

Deep in the heart of Fajitas!

Matt's El Rancho

Don't forget the Bob Armstrong Queso!

Fajitas Ranchera Tacos - Muy Espicy!

Habanero Mexican Restaurant

Make Tacos the National Food of Texas!

2017-02-17T09:01:00.000-06:00

Calling all taco lovers! Let's make tacos the official food of Texas! Whether you grew up here in Texas or you got here as soon as you could, you’re eating tacos. In Texas, people eat tacos on a weekly basis. Hell, tacos were here before Texas was Texas!

If you love tacos, please check out my petition, sign it and share it with your friends and network via email, Facebook, Twitter y más!

Once we get momentum, I'm going to share the petition to a taco friendly Texas State Senator.

Click here to sign the petition!

Gas Station Tacos: Taqueria Huentitan

2017-02-14T13:17:00.002-06:00

Like most people, I'm a little weary of tacos with a side gasolina fumes. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about gas station tacos as long as they're legit, y'know with real taqueras behind the counter. When I went into the Highland Market aka Exxon gas station, I had a hunch the taqueria in there was the real deal. Not only from the smells, but from the taco ladies serving it up and a nice-er menu that most gas stations. I took my friend Adam was like "I don't know Mando, I haven't had good luck eating at gas stations." I reassured him and reminded him who was taking him out for tacos. And then he said, "Oh Palabra."

Mira, El Menu!

So here's the deal. Taqueria Huentitan is inside the Highland Market/Exxon gas station next to the In and Out Burger. Yeah, skip the cheap burgers and go to Whataburger (obviously) or go inside the market to get some goody tacos. Once inside the market, go through the beef jerky aisle and take a quick left at the Doritos. You'll find 2, I repeat only 2 seats. Sit down and order the barbacoa and carnitas tacos. I kid you not, these are some of the sweetest barbacoa tacos in town. The salsas are spicy, green and red and the nachos with fajitas are tasty as well. Finish it off with a fountain drink and you're set for the rest of the day.

Barbacoa and Carnitas

You're Welcome.
Mando, The TacoJournalist

The Best Tacos I ate in 2016 (full list)

2017-01-05T19:20:00.000-06:00

I know, it's a hard job but this Taco Journalist had to do it! In our "research" for el book - The Tacos of Texas book - we ate over 500 tacos across 10 cities in Tejas and yes, we grew 3 taco sizes larger. We ate taco stands, trailers and trucks, mom & pop shops and fast food joints, with chefes & familias, in backyards and ranchos. All in the name of tacos! So when the Texas Standard asked us for the top list, we were happy to oblige. Listen to the story and check out the full lista below. Ladies and gentlemen, cowboys y vaqueros, these are the best tacos I ate in 2016. Enjoy!

Tacos included are based on taco book calendar year. ;) Photos by El Mero Mero Fotografero, Marco Torres.

Taco: The Real Deal Holyfield (Breakfast taco)
Place: Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ
City: Austin
Why it's the best: The Real Deal Holyfield is the best of the best. This taco is the one that separates the men from the boys, las chingonas from the niñas. It's the Mex and Tex wrapped up in a fresh flour tortilla with slow and low smoked brisket, beans, potatoes, thick cut bacon topped with a huevo estrellado (fried egg) and a mean tomato serrano salsa.

Just had to make sure the Real Deal Holyfield taco by @valentinastexmexbbq was one of the best I had in 2016. Yes, yes it is. #tacos #breakfasttacos #brisket #texas #texmex #austin

A photo posted by The Tacos of Texas (@tacosoftexas) on Dec 20, 2016 at 8:44am PST

Taco: Trompo
Place: Trompo
City: Dallas
Why it's the best: This trompo from Trompo in Dallas had me at "do you want eat tacos in the back of my garage?" This pork masterpiece is sazonado con paprika, hails from Monterrey and is winning the hearts and bellies of the taco world.

Taco: Discada
Place: Tacoholics
City: El Paso
Why it's the best: The discada is one of the reasons men cook and drink together. And it was no different with Tacoholics' own, Jessie Peña - Disco Master. One of the ways we do this is with a disco, a pan developed somewhere between the farmlands of Mexico and Texas. Large tractor tills are welded together to form a concave pan used for outdoor cooking. El disco is more than a pan; it’s a way for Mexican men (mostly) to share the experience of cooking and bringing families together with food and culture. It's the process of cooking up the red meats, pork, sausages, weenies, bacon, chorizo, jalapeños, and cebollitas as the corn tortillas warm up on the edges of the pan and we converse about life, politics, food, family, beers, tequila, y más.

Taco: Puffy Taco
Place: Ray's Puffy Tacos
City: San Antonio
Why it's the best: There's nothing better than eating a light and fluffy masa that's fried & shaped to perfection. This taco filled with ground beef, lettuce and yellow cheese and even better, from an old school drive-inn!

Taco: Barbacoa
Place: Estilo Tierra Caliente
City: Houston
Why it's the best: Maria Samano has been holding it down in Montrose and doubles down on why her barbacoa tacos are so good, "Because I make them myself and they.are.good!" I agree.

Taco: Pirata
Place: Taco Palenque
City: Laredo
Why it's the best: Ask anyone in Laredo and Jarod (it's one of his favorites) the taco they love to eat and they will happily respond with a Pirata from Taco Palenque. Take Mexican Mayonnaise (thin spread of refried beans), grilled fajitas and add yellow cheese and you've got something born out of the border. It's great in the morning, 2am or 9am.

Chicharron con huevos (breakfast taco)
Hi-Ho Restaurant
Corpus Christi
Why it's the best: Fluffy handmade tortillas, just like abuelita used to make or like the ones that still work at Hi-Ho. I had the crunchiest, creamiest and pico-est taco I've ever had and I think Selena would agree.

Taco: Guisado de Puerco
Place: Manuel's Tortilla and Tamale Factory
City: Odessa
Why it's the best: West Texas sabores are spicier and the chile sauces are earthier, all thanks to the influence of Mexico and New Mexico. We had the best undercover guisado de puerco tacos that side of Pecos. If you stop by, ask them by name cuz the only thing on the menu are tortillas and tamales.

Taco: Taco Callejeros/Street Tacos
Place: Ultimo Taco
City: Brownsville
Why it's the best: Your first stop in the Rio Grande Valley should be Ultimo Taco. The street tacos come in 6-packs and 8-packs with all kinds of meaty varieties: Bistec, Al Pastor, Barbacoa, Mollejas & Tripas. The place is so good they don't need any decorations on the walls. Yeah, that good.

Taco: Barbacoa
Place: Vera's Backyard Bar-B-Que
City: Brownsville
Why it's the best: Armando Vera, pit master and barbacoa boss has been cooking cabezas since he was 11 years old. Not only is it one of the best in Texas, they still cook the beef heads in pozos (underground ovens). Get there at 4am to beat the crowds.

Tacos of Texas: El Book Tour!

2016-10-04T15:17:00.000-05:00

That's right. We coming to your ciudad in Texas! We kicked off Austin with one hellavah taco party and now we're going back to celebrate the tacos - 8 cities in total. Invite your friends, bring yo kids & let's eat tacos!

RSVP on the Tacos of Texas event page.

Taco World Premiere: The Tacos of Texas Trailer

2016-08-17T22:22:00.002-05:00

Last year we started the "taco research," yeah we went to 10 cities in Texas to uncover the best tacos in the Lonestar State which is basically like half of America. We traveled over 7,000 miles, covered 10 cities, interviewed over 100 people and ate around 500 tacos (give or take a few tortillas). Oh yeah and we filmed it too thanks to Dennis Burnett aka El Flaco Rojo. Check out the Tacos of Texas book trailer and look for the upcoming video series featuring the taco vibe and culture in 10 cities in Texas.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Cowboys & Vaqueros, these are The Tacos of Texas.
Film by Dennis Burnett

Get the Tacos of Texas book at www.TacosofTexas.com.

Granny's Tacos: Taco Truck formerly known as Ambulance Truck.

2016-07-19T16:39:00.001-05:00

Run, do not walk to Granny's Tacos. They just posted up the first of July (2016) right next to the Vintage coffee shop. Armando Vasquez and his wife run the ambulance truck turnt taco truck so even after your try their hot salsas you can get treated too. ;) Waaah!

It's not just the truck that makes it a winner. The tacos are yummy, the al pastor and the chile spices come through with strong tones and hints of chile. So good. The migas are spot on, just what you would expect from an ambulance truck. :o

Granny's Taco's is still off the grid. ;) It's in the super small trailer park next to Vintage coffee on East 7th and Navasota. I know some people like to keep these "finds" a secret but I'm all about supporting taqueros, so run, don't walk to Granny's Tacos!

Barbacoa Love

2016-07-14T12:35:00.002-05:00

Barbacoa Sundays – It’s a way of life in South Texas. Rooted in family traditions of backyard cooking, barbacoa is a cultural taste that grew out of farms and ranches and is enjoyed by many families across Texas. Slow-cooked or steamed to beef cheek perfection, barbacoa is prepared traditionally in a pozo, (in-ground pit or outdoor oven) or in a slow cooker (crockpot) and for those of us that like to pick it up by the pound, our local supermercado or taqueria.

Check out the Texas Traditions videos, a series we're doing with Beef Loving Texans. You can view the videos below or read the full blog post aquí.

Texas Traditions: Barbacoa

How-to Barbacoa for the home cooks!

Taco Map: The Iconic Tacos of Texas

2016-06-25T11:35:00.001-05:00

For our upcoming libro, The Tacos of Texas, we've done muy important research; we discovered and rediscovered different parts of Texas, all in the name of tacos. From South Texas to West Texas, if people were making tacos, we were there to eat them. No tacos were left untouched. And, yes, Texas does have a ton of taco options, and as we drove thousands of miles for The Tacos of Texas, we found that each region has different flavors and styles and the taco that everyone loves. Way back when we got our contract with UT Press, we set out to do a taco map for the book. It took us a while to develop the content and thanks to Tanya Ramirez, our taco design intern, we have the ultimate taco map all mapped out for you! Ladies and gentlemen, cowboys y vaqueros, These are The Iconic Tacos of Texas!

Texas Standard: How we mix cultures to make great tacos

2016-04-25T15:08:00.002-05:00

The Texas Standard asks, "When does a taco stop being a taco?" I say NEVER! As long as there are warm corn or flour tortillas, we will always have tacos. In the latest segment of my #tacotalk with David Brown of the Texas Standard, we talk about veggie, chapulines, Korean BBQ, Farm to Table and how we mix cultures to make great tacos.

Korean BBQ Tacos by Tacoholics in El Paso
Photo by Marco Torres

Listen Aquí!