Houston – The Home of the World’s Greatest Fajitas!

I am in Houston!

The trip started out quite auspiciously. I went to the bank to get a little American cash for when somewhere doesn’t take credit card. The computers at the bank were crashing. I was able to eventually get my money but I had to wait a while.

Once I got to the airport I found my line and waited patiently. The computers were apparently crashing at Air Canada as well. I thought it was the beginning of the computers taking over the world and I regretted what the computers knew about me due to me Google search history.

My fears were lifted soon afterwards when the systems came back up. I thought about deleting my internet history but I figured I had time before the computers take over. Besides I am betting the Zombies take over before the computers do.

The flight was okay. I was seated in the only seat in the plane that didn’t have a working TV screen. I laughed to myself since that would only happen to me. Thankfully the plane wasn’t full and I was able to move.  This was the first time I have been on a plane with personal viewing choices. I was able to choose from a variety of movies. Against my better judgement I watched Bad Teacher. I became bored while watching it but I refused to switch to something else. I felt a challenge to finish it. It never got better.

I remembered how much I hate peeing in plane. We landed a little late due to weather but I was off the plane quickly and in a cab faster than I expected. The cab was an adventure. The cabbie never spoke to me except to find out where I was going (and downtown wasn’t in her plans). Instead of the average, “Where are you coming from” crap that most cabbies talk about she went in a different route. She sang about Jesus. She sang the entire way.

I got to the hotel safely at least and with a new appreciation for songs about our Lord Saviour.

The hotel is okay. The strangest thing is that they have me a key to my room. An actual key. Not a keycard or something else that was invented in the 90s but an actual key. It’s like I have time travelled to 1970.  Even the elevator was a little scary. The buttons were big old ones and the “7” for the 7^th floor was an upside down “L”. And naturally there was no Lobby button.

This entire trip all I could think of was eating Mexican. I researched the area and found a place called “The Original Ninfa’s”. That was my first choice but I had to get some further advice.  The ladies in the hotel suggested somewhere else and never mentioned Ninfa’s. I asked the guys at the front door and they both said Ninfa’s and that the courtesy shuttle would take me.

Giddy up. Off I went.

It’s a small little place close to the Minute Maid place where the Astros play. They have valet parking and it seems like a popular place to go. Once inside I was greeted warmly and offered a seat on the patio. I couldn’t refuse since when will the next time be that I can eat outside? I was sat at the bar since I a loser. I mean since I was alone. Again I was greeted quickly and offered a drink. I chose Iced Tea since it is within my diet and I love real Iced Tea. Within a few seconds I was also given their chips and salsa. One was tomato based and the other was green chile. This was the moment I knew La Mexicana II in Toronto was in trouble. The salsas were incredible. I couldn’t stop eating it. My lips were burning a bit and I didn’t care.

I order the Chicken Fajitas and before I could even finish my tortilla chips, the fajitas arrived. The chicken was generous and covered in a light sauce. The onions were big and there were mixed peppers on the side. They were also served with rice and refried beans. I have never had refried beans before so I tasted them first. I was in for another hit. They were delicious. The rice was cooked perfectly and had a little kick to them.

My fajita was perfect. The sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole were all fresh tasted wonderful. The chicken was tender and the sauce on it was tasty. I was surprised that there didn’t come with any mixed cheese though.

This was the moment of truth. As I devoured all of the food I described I realised that I was definitely enjoying this more than La Mexicana. The food seemed a little lighter, yet tastier and the salsas and guacamole had more flavour. I think I just found a new “World’s Best Fajita” place. I was enjoying it so much that I knew I would be back the next day. Fuck the diet, when will I ever be back in Houston?

I also decided to try dessert. Again, I went with something I had never heard of. It was Banana Empanadas. Basically it was bananas, cocoa, chocolate, ice cream and pastry.  At first I thought it was a little dry until I realised I needed to pour the chocolate sauce over it. Holy shit, another fantastic dessert!

On my way out I bought a jar of their salsa. I hope it doesn’t explode on the plane. No matter, I will rinse out those clothes and find myself some chips!