A Tex-Mex Tall Tale from Mullethead and Hambone:
Why Folks Flock to Texas
Mullethead and Hambone here, two Texas-lovin’ dudes who know a thing or two about delicious eats and good times. Today we’re talking about why folks flock to Texas. Ever wondered why tourists pour into the Lone Star State from all corners of the map? Sure, there’s the wide-open spaces, the friendly folks, and the twangin’ tunes. But let’s be honest, partners, there’s one big reason that keeps them comin’ back for more: the food!
Now, we ain’t talkin’ about your mama’s holier than thou kale salad or tofu scramble. We’re talkin’ about real deal, mouth-waterin’, flavor-explodin’ Tex-Mex and Texas-style BBQ that’ll make your tastebuds sing and your belly do a happy dance.
But first, let us introduce ourselves. We are Mullethead and Hambone, two best buds who grew up in San Antonio, Texas who fancy ourselves laid back, easy going Texas dudes. Like most Texans we love live music–rock and roll and country–as well as classic comedy, and golf. We’re also lovers of Tex-Mex and BBQ, eat it almost every day–and know where to get the good stuff!
Join the Journey
We decided to write this blog post after having a conversation about why folks flock to Texas, while eating at one of our favorite Tex-Mex restaurants, Los Barrios. Here’s how it went:
Mullethead: Hey, Hambone, have you noticed how many tourists are in town lately?
Hambone: Yeah, I have. They’re everywhere. Taking pictures, wearing cowboy hats and boots, saying “y’all”, “howdy” and yelling “Yee ha”!
Mullethead: That’s really cool! I wonder what brings them here. I mean, Texas is awesome, but all states are unique and have multiple reasons to visit including famous landmarks and attractions.
Hambone: Maybe they’re here for the weather. You know, the sunny days, mild winters, the occasional tornado and hurricane.
Mullethead: Nah, I don’t think so. The weather here is interesting, but it’s not that special. Besides, some of these tourists come from places that have better weather than us. Like California or Hawaii.
Is it the Culture?
Hambone: True. Maybe they’re here for the culture. You know, the music, the art, the history, the rodeos.
Mullethead: Nah, I don’t think so. The culture here is cool, but some of these tourists come from places that have more culture than us. Like New York, Paris, or Tokyo.
Hambone: True. Maybe folks flock to Texas for the people. You know, the friendly, hospitable, generous, and hard-working Texans.
Mullethead: Nah, I don’t think so. The people here are great, sometimes weird, and certainly unique. But some of these tourists come from places that have really nice people too. Like Canada, Sweden, or New Zealand.
Hambone: (wiping a salsa-stained mustache) Preach, brother! So why, do you think, folks come flockin’ here from all corners of the globe? Like moths to a flame, drawn by somethin’ more powerful than a Kardashian’s Instagram post. Â
Mullethead: (raising an eyebrow) More powerful than a Kardashian’s Instagram post? Wow! That’s too easy. But hold on, partner; I think I got the answer. It ain’t the glitzy city lights or the high-falutin’ museums. No sir, it’s somethin’ far more basic, somethin’ that tickles the soul and warms the belly. It’s the food. Glorious, delicious, mouth-watering food. That’s the reason they come here.
It’s the food, glorious food.
Hambone: The food?
Mullethead: Yeah, the food. It’s the food, Hambone! The lip-smackin’, greasy, flavor-exploding food! You think folks come here for kale smoothies and tofu scrambles? Heck no! They crave the real deal: brisket smoked low and slow, ribs fallin’ off the bone, chicken-fried steak bigger than a hubcap, and mountains of Tex-Mex that would make a mariachi band weep with joy.
Hambone: Now you’re talkin’ my language! You think about it: where else can you get breakfast tacos the size of your head, queso that flows like a river of golden cheese, and margaritas that’ll grow hair on your head–or at least make you forget you lost yours?
Mullethead: Exactly! Folks up north unfortunately may be stuck with bland salads, sandwiches and 60s-70s cafeteria-style dishes–not sure though, never been there, it may be good– They ain’t never experienced the symphony of spices in a classic, authentic Tex-Mex dish—the smoky caress of a perfectly cooked brisket. It’s a cultural awakening, a tastebud revolution!
Hambone: And let’s not forget the hospitality, partner. Texans are as warm as a fresh kolache recently removed from the oven. We welcome everyone with open arms, even if they put ketchup on their brisket (we forgive you). We show ’em how to two-step, how to tell a tall tale, and how to appreciate a surreal sunset over a field of bluebonnets.
No Judgement
Mullethead: It’s the whole package, Hambone! The food, the fun, and the freedom. You can wear boots and a Stetson (or not) without anyone batting an eye. You can blast AC/DC in your pickup truck and sing along at the top of your lungs. It’s a place where you can be yourself, flaws and all, and still be celebrated.
Hambone: You’re making’ me blush, Mullethead–maybe you should mention we also like to brag. But seriously, you might be onto somethin’. Maybe we should start a travel agency: “Mullethead & Hambone’s Texas Two-Step: Food, Fun, and Freedom Tour.” We’d take ’em on a whirlwind adventure of BBQ joints, Tex-Mex fiestas, and honky-tonk dives. We’d teach ’em the lingo, the customs–you know, what it’s like to live as an everyday Texan.
Mullethead: (grinning) Now that’s an idea I can get behind! We’d be ambassadors of awesomeness, spreadin’ the Texas gospel far and wide. We could even have a theme song, somethin’ catchy like “Don’t Mess with Texas, ‘Less You’re Hungry!”
Hambone: (Chuckles) I like the way you think, Mullethead. But first things first, let’s get some more pico de gallo and finish these plates. Remember, the best way to convince people about Texas is to let them experience it for themselves. One barbacoa taco, one margarita, and they’ll be hooked for life.
“Don’t Mess with Texas, ‘Less You’re Hungry!”
Mullethead: Exactly. So, Hambone, as we polish off our Tex-Mex feast, it’s clear as day why folks are flocking to Texas like armadillos to a watering hole. It’s the promise of a sensory overload – from the taste buds to the eardrums, Texas delivers.
(The two friends clink their margaritas, their laughter echoing through the restaurant, a testament to the simple truth that sometimes the best reasons to visit a place are the most delicious.)
And that’s our theory. Thanks for joining us! We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it. And we hope you agree with us that Tex-Mex food and Texas-style BBQ are a major reason why folks flock to Texas. And if you don’t, well, that’s cool too!
How to Find Great Tamales in Your Town with Mullethead and Hambone.
But if you do, then we have some good news for you. You don’t have to travel to Texas to get it. If you’re fairly handy in the kitchen, why not learn how to make it yourself? Below, we will pass along some recipe links that will get you started on your journey to Tex-Mex and BBQ bliss! Â
- San Antonio-Style Cheese Enchiladas with Chopped Onion and Chili Gravy.
- Tex-Mex Rice (Spanish Rice)
- Crock-Pot Pinto Beans Tex-Mex Style
- Texas ChiliÂ
- Pico de Gallo
- Grandma Terry’s Carne Guisada
- Corn Tortillas
- Flour Tortillas (video)
- Tamales
- Texas-Style Smoked Brisket
As the Lone Star State continues to shine on the map, Mullethead and Hambone will be right here, enjoying the laughter, devouring Tex-Mex and BBQ, helping each other navigate the twists and turns of our modern South Texas lives. Y’all reckon the rest of the world will catch on? Until then, let’s savor the spice and laughter that make Texas the irresistible destination it is.
Happy eating and happy trails y’all!
