1. Shari

   I’m the one with the Joe T. Garcia’s post.

   “Tex-Mex” and “real” Mexican aren’t the same cuisine at all. So, your wondering if I’ve ever eaten in a “real” Mexican restaurant has me a bit boggled.

   But, since you asked, yes, I have. (Again, not that this has anything to do with Tex-Mex.) I spent every summer in TX while growing up, then lived all around Texas for almost 20 years before moving to Las Vegas, and it’s safe to say I’ve enjoyed a variety of Tex-Mex in my life. From hole-in-the-wall to big box franchise, I love it all… except in DFW, which I find odd.

   It’s not a criticism against the metroplex’s offerings - who can love everything? - it’s just an observation. I find that those who prefer DFW-based Tex-Mex also like things like chicken fried steak and other heavy-but-simple comfort foods that are popular in this part of the state. (Again, not a criticism.)

   However, I can’t see the NV/CA angle on Joe T’s because I’ve never had anything like Joe T’s after crossing the Arizona border. I think it’s a lot closer to what I’ve had in smaller places in south Texas (Houston, Victoria, Corpus). It certainly doesn’t have the complex menus and sometimes hyperfresh emphasis that the west coast favours. (And again, not praise nor criticism for any particular style here. I know what I like, but that doesn’t make it *better*.)

   That said, if this is an issue of going into a Tex-Mex place and expecting “real” Mexican food, then I guess it’s all going to look like an endless sea of cheddar cheese. Not sure why Nevada or California would get the blame for that, though - that’s how Tex-Mex has been proudly defined by native Texans for at least 40 years.

   In any case, I probably wasn’t very clear in my original post. I find Joe T’s harmless, and I think west coasters may prefer it to other popular places in the area. Plus, it’s a lovely environment. That said, they won’t like it because it’s anything like CA/NV food, but because it’s not *as* opposite to it as other local places are. These visitors would be just as pleased with half the joints in Austin and probably most of the stuff on the coast.

   The good part is that neither of us can be right until we eat in every Tex-Mex west of the Mississippi. That’s an assignment I don’t mind one bit - bon appetit!

   Aug 17th, 2008

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2. Pete Wann

   Thanks for replying Shari.

   My comment wasn’t intended to be a dig on your appreciation of Tex-Mex or Mexican food. My objection to Joe T.’s is simply that there are so many better options in Fort Worth. Joe T.’s continues to be in business because 1. The food isn’t *THAT* bad (but it’s definitely NOT great) 2. The margaritas are decent and usually cheap and 3. The patio and pool area are great theater and make it a unique experience.

   The comment about trying the other restaurants — You mentioned in your post that there are so many other places around there (Including a ton of REAL Mexican restaurants, not just Tex-Mex), yet you still went to Joe T.’s. That’s disappointing to me, since I don’t think Joe T.’s is a good representation of Fort Worth. It’s all sizzle and no steak, IMO.

   My comment wasn’t phrased well, and I appreciate your measured response.

   Aug 21st, 2008

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