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The succinct and easy-to-laugh taco correspondent, podcaster, book publisher and producer Mando Rayo from Austin likes to say that “Tacos taste better when you know their story”.
What’s up: Asher caught up with him and his self-proclaimed pal and bodyguard Samuel Franco at Southwest Austin’s Cruzteca. The humble mall is run by Tony Galindo, who named the place after his grandfather, local restaurateur Cruz Galindo.
Tony Galindo is a third-generation “Old School East Austin taco-slinger” – as Franco describes it – and Asher is still licking her lips from the memory of Tony’s juicy slowrider taco – braised beef and caramelized onions topped with Cotija cheese and coriander.
The very tasty slowrider taco at Cruzteca. Photo: Asher Price / Axios
Here is our condensed interview with the astute Rayo:
How do you see your job as a taco journalist?
“I see tacos as a Trojan horse that attracts people to understand people and communities – and to correct misinformation about taco.”
What misinformation do you mean?
“Someone may be afraid of a caravan that is not owned by whites, or they might think it’s dirty or unhealthy, which is a kind of racism.”
How do you correct that?
“We’re bringing people in with tacos, exposing them to different stories, families, recipes, women entrepreneurs and the taco economy.”
Why do you think these stories are not told enough?
“Anyone can prepare Mexican food. To speak about it with authority, you have to be part of the culture. As a taco journalist, I don’t see myself speaking for others, I want them to tell their truth. I see the media talking to a white cook. “
Is Austin’s booming growth good or bad for the taco scene?
“Overall, that’s a good thing. Austin’s growth has made it more immigration-friendly. Who’s building these big buildings, these condos? That’s got all these taco shops and trailers feeding the city. But it’s also the biggest threat: The Rents are increasing. ” , and taquerias will be pushed further out. “
Where can you catch it: Listen to the “Tacos of Texas” podcast on KUT / KUTX.
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