With so many Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in The Woodlands area, it might be difficult to identify the difference between authentic Mexican and Texas flavors. Community Impact Newspaper has compiled a guide of flavors and cooking styles that distinguish Texas preferences from south of the border dishes.
Types of meat and cooking styles
Al Pastor Pork is marinated in chilies, spices and pineapple and slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The style of cooking was developed in central Mexico and derived from the Lebanese dish, shawarma.
Barbacoa Similar to cooking barbecue-style, barbacoa is made by slow-roasting meat—traditionally whole sheep—in an underground pit covered with leaves. The dish is common in many parts of Mexico and the Caribbean.
Carnitas A term that literally translates to “little meats,” carnitas is made by slowly simmering pork in oil or lard until it is tender. The dish originated in western Mexico.
Chorizo Pork is ground and mixed with spices before being stuffed inside a sausage casing. When prepared, the meat resembles ground beef and is popular as a breakfast meat and taco filling. Many cultures have their own version of chorizo, with different styles of preparation.
Popular desserts from south of the border
Capirotada The traditional type of bread pudding is made with toasted bread, syrup, cinnamon, nuts and fresh or dried fruits. Capirotada is traditionally eaten on Good Friday.
Flan Made with evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, flan is a dense custard topped with caramel sauce. The delicacy originated in Rome but has since become a traditional dessert in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines.
Sopapillas Similar to a doughnut, sopapillas are made from dough cut into triangles and then fried, causing them to puff up and create a hollow center. Sopapillas can then be stuffed with meats or cheese, but in the U.S., they are often topped and served with powdered sugar and honey.
Tres Leches Cake Meaning “three milks cake,” tres leches cake is made by soaking a butter or sponge cake in three types of milk—sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream.
Where to eat?
Alfonso’s Mexican Restaurant 3126 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands 281-298-8032
Casa Imperial Mexican Restaurant 387 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands 281-298-8195 www.casa-imperial.net
Casa Medina 28777 I-45 N., Shenandoah 281-298-9866 www.casamedinarestaurant.com
Central Taco 19075 I-45 N., Ste. 752, Shenandoah 936-206-5936 www.centraltaco.com
Charro Potato 8423 Cinnamon Run, The Woodlands 281-730-7373 www.charropotato.com
Cyclone Anaya’s 20 Waterway Ave., Ste. 110, The Woodlands 281-419-5771 www.cycloneanaya.com
Compadres Texas Cafe 26797 Hanna Road, Ste. 1&2 Conroe 281-292-0333 www.compadrestexascafe.com
El Bosque Mexican Restaurant 19073 I-45 S., Ste. 135, Shenandoah 936-321-9860 www.elbosquemexicangrill.com/site/woodlands/
El Chaparro Mexican Bar & Grill 5405 FM 1488, Magnolia 281-259-6769 www.elchaparro.net
Guadalajara Hacienda 27885 I-45 N., The Woodlands 281-362-0774 www.guadalajarahacienda.com
Herrera’s Mexican Grill 9420 College Park Drive, Ste. 300, The Woodlands 936-273-5466 www.herrerasmexicanrestaurant.net
La Bikina 4223 Reseach Forest Drive, The Woodlands 281-419-1985Los Cucos 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 200, The Woodlands 281-296-2303 www.loscucos.com
Mario’s Mexican Restaurant 610 Rayford Road, Ste. 650, Spring 281-367-9336 www.mariosmexican.com
Mi Rancho Mexican Grill 19189 I-45 S., Ste. A, Shenandoah 281-651-4856 www.miranchomexicangrill.com
Pallotta’s Mexican Grill 2211 Rayford Road, Ste. 119, Spring 281-362-1114 www.pallottasmexgrill.com
Ranchero’s Mexican Grill 32517 FM 2978, Magnolia 281-259-8701
Rico’s Mexican Grill 6777 Woodlands Parkway, Ste. 100, The Woodlands 281-292-2222 8000 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 200, The Woodlands 281-465-4820 www.ricosgrill.com
Taco USA 7 Switchbud Place, Ste. 194, The Woodlands 281-292-8226 www.tacousa.com
Texas Taco Company 6606 FM 1488, Magnolia 936-231-8332 www.texastacocomagnolia.com
Torchy’s Tacos 4747 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 281-465-8918 www.torchystacos.com
How to make tortillas[/caption]
