re: TulaneLSU's Top 10 Mexican eateries of Houston

Friend,

Does Houston still have any 'Pancho's All You Can Eat Mexican Buffet Restaurants. If they do, stopping by one would have been a real exciting stop for you, while on your culinary investigation.

The last time I went to one was maybe 15 years back, and I still remember it so well. You walk the line and very friendly Hispanic servers pile up all of the food you might want on your plate.

Then after you consume what they shoveled onto your plate, each table has a little Mexican flag, that if raised, signals a server to come see what else you would like to eat as a second, third, fourth or fifth helping.

I got more than I wanted during my trip down the line, but as far as I could tell, they would be willing to go back for you twenty or thirty times, or at least they did for some of the more stoutly built folks eating there the night we decided to give the place in Houston a try. Back then, the location we visited was on the Beltway, close to the exit where the bubbas liked to shoot at each other as they weaved in and out of the traffic flow. I think there were several other locations, but I may be wrong.

At one time, there was one in Monroe, LA if I am not mistaken, so Mr. Balls and Mr. Otis, probably have stories they might share about their experience if they ever dined at the Monroe location. My memory is it was right on the west bound frontage road back then. We were always too anxious to get to Ft. Worth to stop, but the lot was always full when we passed by.

The next time you pass through Meridian, MS, I would seriously recommend stopping at La Piñata (the pinata) Mexican Restaurant, on 18th street, one block north of I-20. They are next door to The Rib Shack, which is easy to spot because they have a huge sign on the side of their establishment notifying the public that, "You Don't Need No Teeth to Eat Our Meat". When you see the sign, La Pinata is the next building down the street.

La Pinata has the best chips and salsa in Meridian, and their Tacos Carne Asada are the best you will find anywhere.

If you make it on a Tuesday, everything on the dinner menu is 1/2 off, which means you and Mother should be able to chow down (a common military term for eating) for maybe $8.00 before the tip. Please feel free to tell them MeridianDog told you to stop. They are great friends for many years. I also recommend their 25 cent mint patties, available at the check out register. An excellent end to a nice Mexican meal. Get at least 4 of the foil wrapped patties and share 2 with Mother. Give her a hug for me when you do.

Oh, don't park by the trash dumpster that sits against the car repair place across from La Pinata. There is a guy who sells Cocaine there and right after you park, he will come over and get somewhat upset when he finds out you want Mexican food instead of Cocaine. If you think about it for a moment or two, you should be able to figure out how I might know that fact.

Did you visit any of the Houston area Ice Houses while Mother was on her mission of restitution? A Top Ten Ice House list would be fun for everyone to review. You can do that on a future visit.

I bid you peace, Brother