My 11th grade economics teacher, Mrs. Wickman, told us one day why we liked eating lunch at Leal's multiple times every week.
She said it was because it was a local restaurant where we could see the owner, Cesar, every time we went in the door. My snarky, inner-monologue response was "Ummm, no. I like it because I can get taco meat, potatoes, cheese and guacamole on a burrito and free chips and salsa to boot for less than $5." This was the glorious era known as the mid-1990s, but even then eating lunch for less than $5 was a rarity.
I wasn't a total punk kid, so I actually made an effort to understand what she was saying. I still think it's kind of a stretch, but there are definitely some people around town I enjoy seeing when going for lunch.
My buddy Luke Nunnally from Wacoboard reminded me of this today when I informed him I was on the way to Jasper's. He said to be on the lookout for Bones.
Indeed, Bones had the good word. He filled me in that he's been working at Jasper's since "Moby Dick was a minnow" and that "Once you're a Baylor Bear, you're always a Baylor Bear." It should be noted that the fact that I was wearing a Texas Tech hat didn't deter him. I was, after all, eating with some Baylor Bears.
There are a few places in town where you're sure to see a friendly face with a heart-warming smile. Some of my favorites include Reuben at Schmaltz's, Kyung at Kitok's and Jesus at Crucero.
This would make an excellent video, now that I think of it. But you've got to help me. Who are some of your favorites?
