Homeland cuisine
Although Texas is known for its steaks and chili, here in the borderland we have the ultimate in border Mexican cuisine. Anything from the simple to the gourmet, the chiles and the tortillas never tasted better than those from the heart of El Paso.
While some El Pasoans will argue the worth of some of the foods I love, it’s like a calling when coming back home. Australians have their vegemite, Scots have their haggis, and El Pasoans have our own Chico’s Tacos made infamous by “Fluffy” (comedian Gabriel Iglesias), and all of us who grew up with late night visits after Friday high school football and crashing quinceaneras. Chico’s Tacos are the tacos that are really flautas drowned in tomato water, drenched in a hot green chile salsa, and covered in an un-meltable shredded cheese. And did I say nearly impossible to eat? While some use the fork-tong method to temporarily hold them above the paper tray and attempt neatness while eating, many of us just grab the thing and damn with the mess. Honestly, aren’t some of the best tasting foods the messiest to eat? (Ever had a Whopper that didn’t drip? What a disappointment!)
My other favorite El Paso landmark restaurant is Kiki’s, made famous by locals and multiple 
awards and appearances on the Food Network channel. Every Sunday afternoon following church you will find my son Austin and me enjoying a perfect specimen of borderland food there. Known for it’s machacas, which are amazing, this restaurant doesn’t fail on any of it’s menu. When not splurging, I enjoy just a simple green cheese enchilada, my favorite of all foods. Enchiladas are also my test food anytime I try a new restaurant. Hell, if they can’t get the basics in tortillas with chiles, sauces, and cheeses, then you won’t find me returning for a second go.
I love my border Mexican so much that I took it with me on my last trip. Loaded up on frozen tacos and enchiladas, I pulled them out and shared them with friends and family unfortunate enough to live back East, far away from our desert paradise.
And now I face their dilemma, a full-year without my favorites. Dry ice and FedEx anyone?
If you ever have the fortune of visiting El Paso, use the links below to find my favorites:
Kiki’s Restaurant http://www.kikisrestaurant.com/
Chico’s Tacos locations http://www.yellowpages.com/el-paso-tx/chicos-tacos (Bring cash, Chico’s does not accept credit cards)
traveling tUUsome 
February 6, 2013 at 7:34 pm
While Kiki’s is worth the mention, Chicos is a dump and the CDC should shut it down. It’s horrible. If you’re visiting El Paso, go to Cattleman’s Steakhouse in Fabens and forget you ever heard the word “Chicos”.
February 6, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Your opinion shows just how Chico’s is a place that many people love and many hate, and a place that not even we El Pasoans agree on! As for Cattleman’s in Fabens, it’s like State Line Restaurant, more of a group event place and not quite what it used to be.
February 7, 2013 at 7:05 am
Hey d&#khead, i get the impression you work at Catlleman’s. Every article regarding Chico’s I see you crackerass posting negative comments about it. If you hate it so much, keep it to yourself. Let others decide if they like it or not once they have tried it firsthand. Quick being a pr$#k.
(* Note from blog: Two words edited for content–family friendly blog =)
April 13, 2013 at 11:33 am
Seriously, what IS your problem? You say the same crap on every website that even mention Chico’s. So, you don’t like it….what’s with the mission you’re on? Bitter much?