Hungry? Texas Has You Covered!

Texas is the second largest state in the United States and it has a cuisine that is as big and diverse as the many cultures who have made Texas their home. Thanks to all the different ethnic groups that have resided there, eating in Texas means that there are lots of choices and lots of delicious experiences in store for you. Let’s focus on a couple of the most celebrated aspects of the food landscape that you can explore while in San Antonio.

Perhaps the most influential and widely known regional foods are what have come to be known as Tex-Mex. The flavors and dishes that make up Tex-Mex are the sum of the historical mix of people who populated Texas with primary influences that include Spain, Mexico, indigenous people, and other immigrants who came to the area. As early as the 16th century, the Spanish empire brought dishes such as paella, gazpacho, and cocido to the area when Texas was considered part of “New Spain”. This gave way to some local modifications over time as Mexico took over the region and dishes became more fused with traditional Mexican flavors that included new ways to prepare meats and the addition of seasonings beyond the traditional Spanish cumin, such as cilantro, bay leaf, anise, and cacao. Native Americans from the local Coahuiltecan, Caddo, Karankawa and Tonkawa tribes, among others, brought their local ingredients of corn, beans and chili peppers to the table further expanding the known menu. As the area disconnected from Mexico and the Republic of Texas transitioned into U.S. statehood, the addition of other cultures added to the mix from sources that include Germans, Czechs, Creole/Cajuns and Africans. The expanded inclusion of cheeses and new sauces became the finishing jewel in the Tex-Mex culinary crown. Today Tex-Mex cuisine has successfully spread all over the Southwest and is taught in culinary schools around the globe.

Another component of the Texas food scene is the simple steak. Ranching accounts for about 70 percent of all Texas farmland use and Texas is the undisputed leader in beef production in the U.S.  Ranching is one of the major economic drivers in the state and there are hundreds of ranches dotting the massive real estate of Texas. Many of these ranches have been passed through numerous generations to remain family-owned businesses (think TV’s “Yellowstone”) with the newest ranch owners becoming more mindful of proper land use, water conservation, animal welfare and rotational grazing to make sure there is less of an environmental impact on the state’s vast grasslands and the nearly 14 million heads of cattle raised there. Texas is known to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world and you can walk into any steak house in Texas and be served something that they are very proud to offer. Whether it’s a petite filet or a cowboy sized rib eye, there are plenty of restaurants in Texas waiting to offer you a good meal and good hospitality.

So! After you have completed your CEUs, your meetings and your trip through the HearTECH Expo Hall at the convention, do a quick search for a nearby restaurant that will satisfy your cravings for local fare!  San Antonio is at your service!