Author: Omar C. Garcia

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Dog and Pony Grill

Searching for the best burgers in Texas is an enjoyable part of my adventuring in the Lone Star State. I have discovered that there are no shortages of places to find delicious burgers. I have visited some burger joints at the recommendation of friends, others because I read about them in some publication, and occasionally I just ask Siri to find me burger joints close to me as I wander down highways and byways.
Dog and Pony ExteriorWhile recently traveling from Katy to Big Bend Ranch State Park, I asked Siri to find me burger joints near San Antonio. Siri produced her usual list of fast food burger places as well as other options. That’s how I learned about the Dog and Pony Grill in Boerne. To be honest, my buddy and I decided to try this place just because we found the name so interesting. Google maps did the rest of the work and guided us to the parking lot.
Dog and Pony InteriorWe arrived a bit early for lunch but with enough of an appetite to eat a healthy-sized burger. At the recommendation of the young lady at the counter, I ordered the Bodacious Boerne Cheddar Burger, listed as “Our Favorite Burger” on the menu. This burger comes with a healthy one-third pound of pure beef and is topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mustard and mayo. A side order of onion rings and a cold cup of sweet tea completed my order.

When I started writing about burgers on my blog I decided that if I did not have anything good to say about a burger I just would not write about it. So, I am writing about the Bodacious Boerne Cheddar Burger because it definitely outclassed a lot of burgers I have eaten and because it was pretty doggone tasty. Wow! I mean it was a really good burger.
Dog and Pony BurgerEverything about his burger worked well, from the amazing bun to the delicious cooked-to-perfection patty. And the onion rings were pretty good, too. After taking my last bite, I took a deep satisfying breath and determined that this is a place I want to visit again. And it’s a place I highly recommend to anyone passing through the area. In fact, it’s worth taking a detour to go to the Dog and Pony Grill if you are anywhere near this part of the state.
Dog and Pony Grill VanThe Dog and Pony Grill offers a lot more than their tasty burgers on their menu. The joint has a cool and comfortable vibe — the kind of place where you can have a good time with family and friends. The next time you find yourself near Boerne, set your map app to get you to the Dog and Pony in time for lunch. You won’t be disappointed!

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Estero Llano Grande State Park

When it comes to lesser known state parks in Texas, Estero Llano Grande State Park is  definitely on that list. This under-the-radar park is located south of Weslaco along International Boulevard, the road that leads to the Rio Grande River and Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Estero Llano is at the geographic center of the World Birding Center — a network of nine unique birding locations along a 120-mile stretch in the Rio Grande Valley.
Estero Llano Grande EntranceThe Spanish words Estero Llano Grande are translated “a wet place on the big plain.” And indeed it is. More than 300 species of birds and a variety of flora and fauna can be found within the park’s 230 acres of ponds, woodlands, and thorn forest. Since opening in 2006, the park has become one of the top birding destinations in the Rio Grande Valley.
Ibis PondEstero Llano Grande is indeed a treasure among our state parks. And because it is located along a major bird migration corridor, it is a popular hotel for migratory birds as well as many tropical bird species found nowhere else in the United States. The park offers regular guided bird, butterfly and dragonfly hikes — an excellent way to learn some really interesting stuff about everything that lives, grows, and thrives at the park.
Estero Llano DucksWhether or not you are a birder, you will enjoy all that this beautiful park has to offer. I am not a birder but I did purchased a guide to South Texas birds at the park store. I was amazed at how many birds I saw as I strolled along the well-maintained trails. The benches along the trails prompted me to slow down to enjoy and to listen to the birds. Hopefully I will get better at the identification of birds with time and practice.
Estero Llano GuidebooksI also purchased guidebooks about native shrubs and plants of the Rio Grande Valley. Many of the trees, plants, and shrubs at the park are already identified by information markers. Others were easy to identify with the help of the guidebooks. This area is rich with a diversity of native plants and trees. Of course, I am partial to the gnarly mesquite.
Estero Llano BoardwalkI hope that you will discover and enjoy the state parks and natural areas near you. Invest in a Texas State Parks Pass — well worth every penny and a great way to support our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Estero Llano is just one of 95 Texas State Parks you can enjoy with your State Parks Pass. This South Texas wildlife refuge is certainly worth a visit.

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Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo

The area around Goliad is rich in Texas history. The Goliad Massacre, regarded as the darkest day in Texas history, took place at Presidio La Bahia. On March 27, 1836, Colonel James Fannin and 342 of his men were put to death under orders of Mexican General Santa Anna. Texans were so outraged that they embraced the battle cry “Remember Goliad” and vowed to win the war for Texas independence.
Mission Espiritu SantoLess than one-quarter mile from Presidio La Bahia is Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga. This spiritual outpost was established by Franciscan priests. The first mission was built at Matagorda Bay in 1722 adjacent to Presidio La Bahía. In 1749, both the mission and the fort were relocated to their present sites on opposite banks of the San Antonio River and near Camino La Bahía, a major Spanish trade route.
Mission Espiritu Santo InteriorThe Franciscan priests reached out to the native Aranama peoples and involved them in life at the mission. Under the supervision of the priests, the Indians worked with cattle, tilled the soil, learned to build with stone and mortar, spun wool for clothing, and made clay pots. Ranching, however, eventually became the main occupation at the mission and the indians became accomplished vaqueros (the original cowboys). By 1830, the mission was forced to close because of declining Indian populations and lack of money.
Mission Espiritu Santo CourtyardIn 1886, a hurricane destroyed what was left of Mission Espíritu Santo. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps was tasked with the reconstruction of the historic mission complex and the nearby Presidio La Bahia. Along with the restoration work, archeologists excavated the site and uncovered artifacts from the original mission structure. These are now on display at the site. The mission received a historical park designation in 1931 and is today listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Mission Espiritu Santo AltarMission Espíritu Santo is part of Goliad State Park and Historic Site. You can take a self-guided tour of the mission’s church and grounds, the focal point of the park. Park personnel and volunteers are available to answer your questions and to give you insight into what life was like at the mission. Also, there is an informative museum adjacent to the church. I encourage you to add this beautiful and historic site to your list of places to visit in the Lone Star State.

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5 Facts About Indian Paintbrush

The magnificent Texas Bluebonnet is the undisputed star of the wildflower show that premiers every spring in the Lone Star State. This beautiful state flower is always a sight to behold when it makes its debut along our highways and byways. The Indian Paintbrush, another beautiful flower, has earned a costarring role alongside the bluebonnet. These two flowers are often seen together, complementing one another on nature’s springtime screen. Here are five interesting facts about this costar in the Lone Star State’s springtime wildflower extravaganza.
Indian Paintbrush Field1. How the Indian Paintbrush was named.

The name of this flower is based on the legend of an Indian who wanted to paint a sunset. Frustrated that he could not produce any of the colors that matched the beauty of a sunset, he asked the Great Spirit for help. The Great Spirit provided him with paintbrushes to create his painting. After completing his work, the artist then discarded his used paintbrushes around the landscape. These paint bushes later blossomed into plants. Another similar Native American legend also involves an artist whose discarded paint brushes became flowers.
Indian Paintbrush Along Road2. The Indian Paintbrush has several aliases and uses.

This beautiful flower is also known by other names like Texas Paintbrush, Scarlet Paintbrush, Grandmother’s Hair, Common Red Paintbrush, Butterfly Weed, Prairie Fire, Painted Cup, and Painted Lady. Most folks prefer to call it by its most popular name — Indian Paintbrush.

The name Grandmother’s Hair is attributed to the Chippewa Indians who used the plant to treat women’s diseases and rheumatism. The Navajo Indians also used the plant for medicinal purposes. And, Native Americans soaked the plant in grease to make a hair oil.

3. Indian Paintbrush are parasitic.

Don’t be alarmed. This means that the Indian Paintbrush rely on other plants to grow. When the roots of the Indian Paintbrush come in contact with the roots of other plants and grasses, they latch on to their neighbor’s roots to get additional nutrients. So, the next time you see Indian Paintbrush growing alongside Texas Bluebonnets, you can pretty much know what’s going on. Those free-loading paintbrushes are actually soaking up nutrients from their blue clad neighbors.
Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush4. Indian Paintbrush are made up of bracts.

From a distance, it appears that the slender stalk of the Indian Paintbrush is covered with flowers. These flowers are actually petallike bracts or colored leaves that grow below the actual flower of the plant. In the case of the paintbrush, these bracts get more attention than the inconspicuous cream-colored flowers.
Indian Paintbrush5. The Indian Paintbrush is the Wyoming State Flower.

By 1916, over half of the states had already designated a state flower. The Wyoming Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution felt it was time for Wyoming to designate a state flower and put their support behind the Indian Paintbrush. Some objected on the grounds that there were too many varieties and the flower was not common throughout the state. However, when all was said and done, the Wyoming Legislature made the Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariaefolia) the official state flower of Wyoming on January 31, 1917.

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Bentsen—Rio Grande Valley State Park

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages 95 state parks in the Lone Star State. My goal is to visit all of them. Regardless of where you live in Texas, you are within a short drive of a state park or a state natural area — places where you can go hiking, biking, camping, boating, birding, or whatever scratches your outdoor itch.

If you are a history buff then you are in luck. Several parks preserve and bring Texas history to life — everything from ancient pictographs, twentieth century battleships, hallowed burial grounds, silent battle sites, and Spanish missions. You can even visit the place where Texas declared its independence from Mexico. We are indeed fortunate to have so many parks in Texas.
Bentsen State Park SignBentsen—Rio Grande Valley State Park, located just outside of my hometown of Mission, is the first state park I visited as a kid. As a Boy Scout, I spent many days camping and hiking all over this 760-acre park. This is where I learned to identify a variety of birds, where to locate the constellations in the night sky, and how to leave a campsite better than I found it.
Bentsen Birding SignNamed after the family of the late Senator Lloyd Bentsen, this park serves as the headquarters of the nine World Birding Center sites in South Texas. More than 340 species of birds and more than 200 species of butterflies have been documented within the park’s boundaries. Because the park is a World Birding Center, no vehicular traffic is allowed in the park. Access into the park is restricted to walking, biking, or tram.
Bentsen Bird Viewing AreaBentsen is more than a popular stop for migratory birds and butterflies, it’s a very popular place for birders, locals, and winter Texans. The park offers several convenient places from which to watch birds, including a two-story high Hawk Observation Tower. A pair of binoculars is definitely a plus when visiting the park. And, if you are not a birder, pick up an inexpensive guide to the birds of the area at the park store and see how many species you can spot.
Bentsen State Park MesquiteLike all of our state parks, Bentsen is a Texas treasure. I enjoy riding my bike in the park and stopping at the designated bird observation areas to see the amazing varieties of birds. And because I happen to love mesquite trees, I enjoy taking photos of these trees with their gnarled trunks and branches throughout the park. The park is also home to other varieties of trees, including the beautiful ebony.
Bentsen State Park BikingI always enjoy visiting Bentsen—Rio Grande Valley State Park whenever I am in South Texas. It is a nostalgic and peaceful place for me. I am glad that in 1944 the Bentsen family gave this land to the state of Texas with the understanding that it be maintained and preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. Their generous gift continues to be enjoyed by countless visitors from all over the world.

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Enchanted Rock Defaced

The Lone Star State is home to some of the most beautiful natural areas in the country. Along with our state parks, these natural areas are managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the enjoyment of all Texans and guests to the Lone Star State. The rules and regulations about what visitors can and should not do are designed to ensure that we steward these natural treasures for our own enjoyment and that of future generations.

The Texas State Parks Rules and Regulations clearly state what should be a no-brainer in regard to what one should not do to geological features: “It is an offense for any person to take, remove, destroy, deface, tamper with, or disturb any rock, earth, soil, gem, mineral, fossil, or other geological deposit except by permit issued by the director.” The problem is that some people who visit our parks and natural areas have no brains.

Earlier this week, two individuals of questionable intelligence visited Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Most people who visit our parks carry water bottles, snacks, and trekking poles. These dull-witted guests carried spray paint — which puts their actions into the premeditated category. Honestly, who carries a can of spray paint with them to a state park? That’s like taking an accordion with you when you go deer hunting.
Enchanted Rock TaggedThe parks service believes that two individuals seen in a photograph are responsible for tagging one of the granite formations at Enchanted Rock. The offense took place sometime between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 20. Further evidence that these culprits have a combined IQ lower than that of a bucket of rocks is the cryptic message they graffitied onto the face of the geological formation: CA$H TRUCK. Really?

And now, the search is on to find the two imbeciles who messed with Texas. The Parks and Wildlife folks are utilizing social media to circulate the pic of the alleged suspects. Hopefully someone will recognize them and contact the TPWD at 830-685-3636 or email Doug Cochran at doug.Cochran@tpwd.texas.gov. In the meantime, dollars that could have been used for something better must now be invested in cleaning up after Goofus and Doofus.

So, what should you do if you see someone defacing property at one of our state parks or natural areas? At the very least use your smart phone to take pics of the violators. If you do not feel it is safe to confront them, then follow them to their vehicle and take a photo of their license plate. And, report it to park personnel as quickly as possible.

Most of our state parks and natural areas are big and vast, making it hard for park personnel to know everything that is going on. These guardians of our parks need our eyes and our cooperation. Every Texan has a responsibility to help steward the precious natural areas that we are all privileged to enjoy. So, keep your eyes open for Goofus and Doofus. Let’s stop them before they strike again!

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Marco’s Burgers and Fries

Every road trip is an opportunity for me to continue my search for the best burgers in the Lone Star State. That means I stop and eat at a lot of burger joints. And just about the time I think that I can’t possibly find a better burger, it happens. I find a better burger!
IMG_8398On a recent road trip to the Rio Grande Valley, I visited Marco’s Burgers and Fries in my hometown of Mission. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made on my burger quest. Lots of places serve varieties of burgers distinguished by creative combinations of this or that added to a burger. Marco’s Burgers, however, takes the burger experience beyond the ordinary.
Marco's Burgers FlyerMarco Suarez, the owner of Marco’s Burgers, has done more than just add stuff to the basic buns and meat that make up a burger. Marco went to the heart of the matter — the meat! He figured that if you want to make a better burger you have to get the meat right. So, Marco decided to take ribeye and grind it daily. He offers his customers mouth-watering burger patties made of 100% fresh ground ribeye with nothing added to the meat.
Marco's MenuWhen I arrived at Marco’s Burgers located at 2507 East Griffin Parkway between Mission and McAllen, the first thing I noticed was how clean the place was. The young lady behind the counter offered a welcoming greeting and took the time to explain the various options on the menu. I am partial to bacon cheeseburgers so that is what I ordered, along with a side of onion rings and sweet tea.
Marco's Burger in HandMy first bite confirmed what I had hoped — that this was going to be one delicious burger. And, indeed it was. Adding bacon and cheese or anything else to a burger is ok. But the ground ribeye meat made everything about this burger stand out. The meat was lean, moist, full of flavor, and cooked to perfection. This burger puts to shame any burger made with a hockey puck patty pulled out of the freezer and tossed on a grill.
Marco's Sweet Potato FriesIn addition to onion rings, I sampled the sweet potato fries and regular cut fries. Both were delicious but I believe that I will order sweet potato fries on my next visit. These were really tasty. And, I have already made up my mind to go beyond my normal bacon cheeseburger on my next visit. Marco’s offers several tempting combinations of their ground ribeye burgers.
Marco's Burger CounterI visited another highly-rated burger joint in the Valley on this road trip. But, I have to say that I found that experience somewhat disappointing and have placed that burger on my list of places I will not blog about. Thankfully, Marco’s Burgers and Fries redeemed this road trip in regard to my search for a memorable burger experience. It’s no wonder that Marco’s Burgers was awarded Best Burgers in Texas on the Fall 2013 season of The Texas Bucket List.
Marco's Burgers ExteriorIf you happen to live in South Texas or just wander in that direction, I hope you will take the time to visit Marco’s Burgers and Fries. I am confident that you will come away more than satisfied by this burger that gets it right in every category. Thank you Marco and staff for a delicious and memorable dining experience. I hope to return again the next time I am in the neighborhood.

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Iwo Jima Monument in Harlingen

On February 23, 1945, Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal captured a unique moment in time at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Rosenthal’s photograph of the Marines of Company E, 2nd Battalion raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi endures as one of the greatest war photographs in U.S. history. His image resonated with the American people and became an iconic representation of the fierce resolve of the greatest generation to fight for the preservation of our democratic way of life.
Joe Rosenthal Iwo Jima PicRosenthal’s photograph stirred the heart of a sculptor named Dr. Felix W. de Weldon. On duty with the U.S. Navy at the time Rosenthal’s photograph was released, Dr. de Weldon immediately constructed a small scale model of the scene. After the war, he worked for nine and a half years to depict the scene on a more massive scale. Once Dr. de Weldon completed the plaster model, he spent an additional three years overseeing the bronze casting process.

After the massive sculpture was completed, the various parts were shipped to our nation’s capital and assembled at Arlington National Cemetery. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially dedicated Dr. de Weldon’s bronze memorial on November 10, 1954 — the 179th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corp.
Felix W de WeldonThe working model of the memorial was stored at Dr. de Weldon’s summer home and studio in Newport, Rhode island. In October 1981, Dr. de Weldon gave this full-sized working model to Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas. Dr. de Weldon felt that the climate at this South Texas location was ideal for the preservation of the molding-plaster figures.

The fact that Corporal Harlon H. Block, the Marine placing the flagpole into the ground, was a native of the nearby town of Weslaco also influenced Dr. de Weldon’s decision about where his sculpture should permanently reside. Block was killed at Iwo Jima just six days after the flag raising. His gravesite is located behind the monument.
Iwo Jima Monument MMAThe massive sculpture, dedicated April 16, 1982, is situated on the Marine Military Academy Parade Ground. When my wife and I drove to Harlingen to visit the Iwo Jima Monument and turned onto Iwo Jima Boulevard, our first sight of the monument caught us completely off guard. Our jaws dropped at the inspiring sight of this moment in time captured by a war photographer and sculpted by a Navy veteran.
Uncommon ValorDr. de Weldon hoped that his gift would serve as an inspiration to the young cadets at Harlingen’s Marine Military Academy. There is no doubt that it has done just that. But his gift also serves as an inspiration to the many visitors who travel to Harlingen from all over the country to see this magnificent memorial to a time when uncommon valor was a common virtue.
Iwo Jima Monument at MMAIf your travels take you anywhere near South Texas, make it a point to drive whatever extra miles you need to in order to visit the Iwo Jima Memorial and Museum at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. Those of us who enjoy the blessings of living in the United States of America certainly owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women of the greatest generation for their courage and sacrifices. I am thankful for Joe Rosenthal and Dr. Felix W. de Weldon for their gift to the American people.

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Discover Pan Dulce

Pan Dulce is the bread of my youth. This Mexican sweet bread was always available in our home when I was growing up. Today, a trip to my childhood home in South Texas means a visit to the panaderia (the Spanish word for bakery) to buy pan dulce. Just looking at the trays of pan dulce in the panaderia can stir up the most wonderful childhood memories.
Pan DulceThe history of pan dulce dates back to the 16th century when the Spanish introduced wheat in Mexico. Initially, the indigenous people did not care for the bland taste of wheat. In fact, the first panaderias in Mexico were not popular at all. However, all of that changed when panaderos (bakers) adopted many of the baking techniques they learned from the French.

Soon, the panaderos added new ingredients such as corn flour, chocolate, vanilla, native fruits and vegetables, and raw sugar cane to their culinary creations — giving their breads distinctive flavors. The panaderos also created breads with playful designs and gave them names associated with their appearance.

Today, pan dulce is a tradition that is deeply ingrained in Hispanic culture. Pan dulce is enjoyed in the morning over a cup of hot coffee or cocoa or as a merienda (mid-afternoon snack). These sweet breads are enjoyed on ordinary days and holidays by people around the world. That’s because panaderias have made their way from Mexico to countries all over the planet.

When it comes to pan dulce, I have my favorites but confess that I have never been disappointed with anything I have sampled at a panaderia. If you have never visited a panaderia, I encourage you to do so. Discover pan dulce. Live adventurously. Spend a few bucks. Sample a lot. I promise that you will not be disappointed.

The photos below are of a few of my favorite Mexican sweet breads.

Conchas from the Spanish word for seashells.

Conchas, the Spanish word for seashells.


Huaraches from the Spanish word for sandals.

Huaraches, the Spanish word for sandals.


Marranitos, the Spanish word for piglets.

Marranitos, the Spanish word for piglets.


Orejas, the Spanish word for ears. Also called Elephant Ears.

Orejas, the Spanish word for ears. This pan dulce is also called Elephant Ears.


Empanada, the Spanish version of a fruit-filled turnover.

Empanada, the Spanish version of a fruit-filled turnover.

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The Tortilla Burger

I think it is safe to say that there are not many eateries in the Lone Star State that make a tortilla burger. I first learned about this burger without buns on a recent episode of The Texas Bucket List. This “everything you should do, see, and experience in Texas” television show is one of my favorites. When I watched the feature on the tortilla burger I immediately added this culinary adventure to my personal Texas bucket list.
The Frosty DinerThe tortilla burger featured on The Texas Bucket List is served at The Frosty, a 50’s-themed diner located in Woodsboro. The small town of Woodsboro is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 77 and Farm Road 2441 in Refugio County. Originally named Church, the name of the town was changed to Woodsboro sometime around 1907 after a fellow named Captain Tobias D. Wood, a real estate developer, sold a large ranch property.

The Frosty is located at 809 Wood Avenue, the same spot it has occupied for years. Over time, previous owners expanded the place to include a small dining area and a drive-thru window. You can also place your order at the convenient walk-up window. This cool little diner is very likely the birthplace of the tortilla burger, a creative solution born on a day when the kitchen ran out of hamburger buns. The rest is history.
The Frosty ComboAfter weeks of waiting, my wife and I decided to swing by Woodsboro on our way from Katy to Corpus Christi. The first thing we noticed when we pulled in to the parking lot at The Frosty was the sign outside the building advertising The Frosty Combo — a tortilla burger, fries, and a medium drink for less than seven bucks. This is exactly why we were in Woodsboro.
The Frosty InsideOnce inside we were more than pleasantly surprised. To say that The Frosty is a clean diner would be an understatement. The place was immaculate. And the bathrooms, by the way, were every bit as clean as Buc-ee’s! But, I digress. Back to the reason we took this detour on our Spring Break road-trip — to eat a tortilla burger. We both ordered The Frosty Combo.
The Frosty Daniel LinaresDaniel Linares, the current and ninth owner of The Frosty, was in front of the stove. Since taking ownership, he has expanded the menu but keeps alive the tortilla burger tradition. I told Daniel that we had come all the way from Katy to try the tortilla burger for ourselves. He promised us a good dining experience — and he delivered on his promise.
The Frosty Tortilla BurgerThe thought of eating a burger that replaces buns with tortillas sounds counterintuitive. I mean, who slathers mustard on a lightly fried corn tortilla? But, counter-intuitiveness aside, the tortilla burger has endured at The Frosty because it actually works. The tortillas do nothing to rob the burger of its integrity but, in fact, contribute their own distinct flavor to enhance the entire burger experience.
IMG_8237As for the first bite — surprisingly delicious. Who would have thought that a burger as crazy as this would be this good. The crispy, pepper-speckled fries were also tasty. Add a glass of tea with crunchy ice and this turned out to be a great meal. Cheryl and I are really glad that we stopped by The Frosty and hope to do so again.
The Frosty CarIf you find yourself anywhere near Woodsboro, live adventurously. You owe it yourself to stop by The Frosty to try their tortilla-clad burger. As for me, this hybrid burger has definitely earned a place on my personal list of delicious burgers in the Lone Star State. The tasty tortilla burger — only in Texas!