Thursday, August 12

World Taco Premiere!! Vitamina T for Tacos

(((World Taco Premiere))) 🌮🌮🌮 New children’s book explores the cultural superpower of the taco! Our little libro is finally out!!! Get it for all the childrens because you know they are the future. 😉 Vitamina T for Tacos An alphabet book, taco dictionary and cultural guide By Mando Rayo & Suzanne García-Mateus Illustrated by Martha Samaniego Calderón Release Date | August 10, 2021 Genre: Children's Lit Paperback: 44 pages Language: English/Spanglish


CONTACT: Mando Rayo, armandorayo@gmail.com 512-785-0447 

“New children’s book explores the cultural superpower of the taco.” New children’s book, Vitamina T for Tacos explores food, culture and places in Latinx neighborhoods and the love for tacos. From the tacos we all grew up eating like barbacoa and huevos con chorizo, places in and around our neighborhoods like taquerias and trucks and cultural references that empower our children to embrace their Mexican and Latinx identities and roots. This book is a Spanglish alphabet book, a taco dictionary, a cultural guide and a reminder of the importance of tacos, places y la cultura Latina. Vitamina T for Tacos is co-authored by Mando Rayo (United Tacos of America/Tacos of Texas UT Press) & Suzanne García-Mateus and illustrated by Martha Samaniego Calderón (Behind my mask/Detras de mi cubrebocas 2020) and published by Jade Publishing. 

“Vitamina T is the cultural superpower that we get from embracing nuestra comida, language and heritage and we want to share this with the littlest of taco eaters” says Mando Rayo. 

 “We centered our love for Tacos and Spanglish as symbolic representations that honor our bicultural & bilingual identities in the borderlands,” states Dr. Suzanne Mateus-Garcia. Children need to see themselves in literature & published works and Vitamina T for Tacos offers a way to culturally sustain our bilingual foodie stories and experiences while also passing these traditions down to the next generation. Book illustrator, Martha Samaniego says "Vitamina T for Tacos is a book full of sabor, cultura and love. Through its vibrant colors and textures, this book will take you to your favorite taquería memory and will make you hungry for your favorite tacos." 

For questions and interviews and presentations, please contact Mando Rayo, armandorayo@gmail.com, 512-785-0447. You can purchase the book in all major book retailers and get a special price by ordering at www.jadepublishing.org. 


Tuesday, March 17

Support Austin Tacos: ATX Taco Map in response to #CoronaVirus

People of Austin, Texas. You love tacos, we love tacos. We also don't want to catch the #CoronaVirus or Modelo Farts! Seriously, wash your hands. We put together an ATX Taco Map in response to the social distancing we must do but that doesn't mean we can't support local taqueros, cocineras, small businesses, taco trucks and trailers. You can do your part by doing the following...

  • Order take-out and delivery only (please no dine-in!) 
  • Buy now, eat later. Gift certificates or gift cards are great ways to support local.  
  • Order your 3 de Asada but make it a double or triple! 
  • Por libra! Get it by the pound and pay for extra tortillas. You can even freeze it for later, y'know, the Mexican way. 
  • Instead of free salsa containers, pay for jar-full of your favorite salsas! 
  • Get all the breakfast tacos! Y'know you want them. 
  • Leave a big fat tip!!! 

Check out the #ATXTacoMap & Share-alo! Stay away from the people and #SupportAustinTacos!




Don't see your favorite taco shop? Add it to el mapa! Props Gerald Flores @TacoGear for the design.

Wednesday, October 2

This is the United Tacos of America

Oh hey, we made a taco show! We're super excited about our new show, "United Tacos of America" premiering on El Rey Network. The taco team has been working hard to produce our very own taco show with a lot of blood, sweat and manteca! So 'Merica, get ready for it. Show premieres on #TacoTuesday, October 15. 🌮🌮🌮



And you best believe we having a launch pari. Checkalo!

United Tacos of American Lunch Party
October 20, 2019
6:00 - 9:00pm
Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ
RSVP Here!

EL REY NETWORK HITS THE ROAD IN SEARCH OF THE BEST REGIONAL TACOS IN THEIR NEW SHOW “UNITED TACOS OF AMERICA” ‘Taco Journalists’ Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece Are Sharing Their Taco Journey with Audiences Beginning TUESDAY OCTOBER 15th at 10pm ET on EL REY NETWORK Austin, TX – October 1, 2019 -- El Rey Network announced today that “United Tacos of America,” the new docu-travel series created and hosted by ‘taco journalists’ Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece and directed by Dennis Burnett that strives to find the best tacos across the country, will debut on Tuesday October 15th at 10pm. Each 30 minute episode in the 8 episode series airs only on El Rey Network. Tacos come in all shapes, sizes, colors and makes. After exploring the tacos in their home state of Texas, Rayo and Neece wrote two successful bestselling books, Austin Breakfast Tacos and The Tacos of Texas. For their next adventure, they wanted to embark on a journey across the U.S. to discover regional variations of the taco. “United Tacos of America” follows the taco gurus on a cross-country road trip to discover new flavors and cultures that continue to define modern America. "Tacos are every part of the American experience, from the border in Texas' Rio Grande Valley to Lexington, Kentucky and NYC to Los Angeles,” said Co-Host Mando Rayo. “We explored taco culture and learned from taqueros and tortilleras, Abuelas y Tios and home cooks, rancheros and chefs about not only their love for the food but how culture truly is part of the story of the taco.” “Good food, especially tacos, brings people of all nationalities together,” said Robert Rodriguez, Head of El Rey Network. “As a foodie myself I can’t be more excited that Mando and Jarod’s show ‘United Tacos of America’ will showcase the love we all share for Mexican food across this country. We are proud that El Rey Network is continuing its mission of highlighting the authentic and positive stories our culture brings to this amazing nation.” Rayo continued on the topic of storytelling, “it was important for us to tell the stories behind the tacos, from the cooking traditions to how social issues are connected to the food; immigration, vendor rights, gentrification and respect of the culture are all part of the story.” "United Tacos Of America" Episode Guide Episode 1: "Houston - Asian Mexican Tacos" Episode 2: "Lexington - Nuevo South" Episode 3: "Austin - Brisket BBQ Tacos" Episode 4: "NYC - Nixtamal Corn Tortillas" Episode 5: "Rio Grande Valley - Ranch-style Cooking (Barbacoa & Cabrito)" Episode 6: "Los Angeles - Birria" Episode 7: "New Orleans - Underground Tacos" Episode 8: "Chicago - Carnitas" “United Tacos of America” is a Taco Journalism, LLC production. Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece are the series creators and writers. Dennis Burnett is the director and Mando Rayo, Jarod Neece and Dennis Burnett are the executive producers. “United Tacos of America” social media: www.facebook.com/UnitedTacosofAmerica www.instagram.com/UnitedTacosofAmerica_ www.twitter.com/UnitedTacosUSA To find El Rey Network in your area please check out the channel finder at ElReyNetwork.com. El Rey Network social media: Facebook: facebook.com/ElReyNetwork Twitter: twitter.com/ElReyNetwork Instagram: instagram.com/ElReyNetwork YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ElReyNetwork For El Rey Network Media Inquiries: Sierra Preston sierra@fonspr.com Bianca Flores bianca@fonspr.om About El Rey Network El Rey Network is a Latino-infused entertainment brand that revels in the courage, capacity, and creativity of ordinary people on extraordinary journeys. Launched by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and run by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, El Rey Network develops and produces linear and digital programming as well as integrated branded entertainment offerings. El Rey Network’s flagship is a 24-hour English-language entertainment and lifestyle cable channel that focuses a distinctly Latino lens on popular culture. El Rey Network is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade with a minority stake held by Univision Networks & Studios, Inc.


Tuesday, March 26

This is our Taco Manifesto!

That's right, we have a Taco Manifesto. We're trying to make tacos the official food of Texas not only cuz we love them but to honor and recognize the contributions of abuelas, mamás, tortilleras & taqueros that have been nourishing our bellies waaaay before Texas was Texas. So ladies and gentle folk, cowboys y vaqueros, this is our Taco Manifesto! 

TACO MANIFESTO

Whether you grew up here in Texas or got here as soon as you could, chances are, you’re eating tacos. In Texas, people eat tacos on a weekly basis, and to be honest, tacos have been trending since the 1800’s.

Rooted in Texas’ food culture, tacos are enjoyed all across the Lonestar State. In Texas, you can find tacos almost anywhere, not just at Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurants but food trucks, trailers, gas stations, restaurants of every culinary variety, barbecue joints, and even the classic All-American diner.

For many, tacos are a part of their daily diet and people in Texas are die-hard taco fans. Whether it's debating the origins of the breakfast taco, contemplating who makes the best brisket taco, or showing our love for the traditional recipes like al-pastor, carnitas, or fajitas; we Texans are passionate about our tacos. 

Tacos have brought people together to the table to discuss the important policy issues that we have to face. They help small business owners put their kids through school and strengthen our economy. They start many people’s days with a full stomach, nourished, ready to face the day and help make Texas the best place to live in the world. (Not to mention eating them for lunch and dinner as well.) They come in every variety, from eggs and bacon to brisket, al pastor, bhan mi y más.

In closing, we’re asking the people of Texas to add tacos to the menu along with current dishes and foods that are already recognized including Chili, Grapefruit, Jalapeños & chips & salsa. And doing so will make your abuela proud! 

++++++++++++++++++++

If you believe in our Taco Manifesto, I urge you to sign our petition here and contact your Texas State representatives (details in the petition page).

Mil Gracias, 

Mando Rayo, the TacoJournalist 

Tacos.Never.Die.

www.TacosofTexas.com


Thursday, March 7

Austin Taco Map: Eat these tacos at SXSW

Well hello SXSW. I know you love tacos so consider this a solid. With this Austin Taco Map, you can enjoy the tastiest tacos (40+ taco joints!) in Austin, Tejas, completely approved by this TacoJournalist. Sorry but if you're looking for gringo tacos, trendy or the touristy variety, this ain't that kinda list. So enjoy my friends and make sure you tag @TacosofTexas on the Insta as you devour these amah-zing Austin tacos.

Stay hungry my friends,
Mando, the Taco Journalist



The Real Deal Holyfield Brisket Breakfast Taco

Hand-made Carne Asada tacos - Estilo Rio Grande Valley

Battered bacon, eggs and beans
Breakfast Taco Heaven! 

Bistec all the way! 
Tacos Guerrero

Best Migas Taco in town!

Blackened Fish Tacos
Also see Chori-Migas taco

Slow Rider
Mellizoz Tacos
Braised Beefy goodness!

Taco Azteca
Pueblo Viejo 

Tacos Al Pastor
Mi Tradicion Panaderia
Tacos Al Pastor Enchilado (Extra spicy!)



Tacos al Pastor from the Trompo!
Rosita’s Al Pastor 


Carnitas Taco
Also see breakfast taco Number 0


A whole lotta crispy tacos! 
La Cocina de Consuelo
Also see breakfast burritos

Tacos de hongos y rajas **Veggie Alert** 
Papalote Taco House
Also see Taco de Coliflor!

Fajitas Ranchera Tacos - Muy Espicy!
Habanero Mexican Restaurant 

Monday, February 11

Make Tacos the Official Food of Texas!


Let's unite all cities across Texas and make tacos the official food of Texas! Whether you grew up in Texas or you got here as soon as you could, you’re probably eating tacos. In Texas, people eat tacos on a weekly basis. Hell, tacos were here before Texas was Texas.

Take the petition now!

Texas State Rep. Gina Hinojsa filed Bill HCR 57 and we're working to get Texas taco cities and taco lovers to unite and support our taco bill.

From El Paso to Texarkana, from Texline to Brownsville, from the Rio Grande to the Red River, Texans consume a lot of tacos, and most of the other foods Texans enjoy, including brisket, sausage, eggs, chorizo, beans, and seafood, are that much better when served in the warm embrace of a tortilla; and love such choices as pork al pastor, beef barbacoa, and chicken fajita, korean bbq & trompo with lots and lots of salsa!

RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate tacos as the official state food of Texas.

Take the petition now y share-alo!

Mando Rayo
Taco Journalist
#TacosofTexas


Saturday, December 1

Binge the tacos! Watch the first season of Tacos of Texas #DocuSeries

I know you love tacos and now you can stream the first season of the new Tacos of Texas Documentary Series. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll definitely get hungry! Enjoy Carnitas in El Paso, Migas in Austin, get get puffy with San Antonio's Puffy Tacos, learn about Tacos al Pastor and taco trucks in Houston, get a take on Modern Mexican in Dallas, make your own pozo for barbacoa in The Rio Grande Valley and wake up to Breakfast Tacos in Corpitos.

Stream all 7 episodes on our site: www.TacosofTexas.com or on Indie Lens Storycast on Youtube and SHARE-ALO!



But you don't have to take my word for it. My mom said, "Muy bien mijo" and my vecino said, "Oralé Mando." And other people also said...

"Interesting...the only Tacos I've ever had were from Taco Bell." by commenter 🤔
"Did you kill the cow before you cut it's head off?" ~ Kindergartner 😲
"This show is awesome." CaseyNeistat 🙏🏾
"Love this series! Highly recommend." ~ @EddieOsBBQ 👊
"Thank you for celebrating Houston and it's rich Mexican culture and it's tacos and taqueros!!!" ~ Momma of Dos/Connie Gomez 💖
"Absolutely LOVE this series! The fact that this Barbacoa episode is rooted in the RGV speaks to my corazonsito." ~ Kristina Schlegel 👍
"Man, I’m hooked, I want to binge on the series!!  Only problem is that now I’m craving badass tacos!!" ~ @AbeDelgadoEats 🌮🌮🌮
"Weenie and eggs! I thought I was the only one...lol" ~ @OnlyASocialEater 🤣

Stay hungry my friends,
Mando

Thursday, October 4

Watch New #Tacomentary on National Taco Day!

We made a #Tacomentary! And on this National Taco Day, you should watch the Tacos of Texas #DocuSeries including our first two episodes: Austin's Migas Tacos and Houston's Tacos al Pastor. While you're at it, why not support a local taqueria?!? Subscribe to our Youtube Channel here.

Houston: Tacos al Pastor
In Houston, one of America’s most diverse cities, there are taco trucks on every corner and tacos al pastor are the "tacos of the people." Party it up in H-Town as Mando and Jarod visit La Macro and Boombox taco trucks for some trompo tacos (“the Mexican shawarma”), meet photographer/taco aficionado Marco Torres, and get real with local DREAMers.



Austin Migas Taco: Series premiere: Longtime pals and Tacojournalism.com writers Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece, hit up Austin, where it's all about tasty migas tacos, famous for being stuffed with scrambled eggs and crumbled tortillas. Mando and Jarod explore East Austin, taco gentrification, what it takes to run a small taqueria and--of course--how to make the perfect migas taco. From Joe’s Bakery to Veracruz All Natural, see how Austin comes together over tacos.