Houston’s Mexican food tells the story of the city itself: migration and displacement, racism and resilience, shifting tastes, entrepreneurial ingenuity, and generations of Mexican and Mexican American Houstonians adapting old traditions and creating new ones. 

In this edition of Rienzi's annual Cultural Conversation, Houston food writer Katharine Shilcutt and associate curator Misty Flores explore the evolution of Mexican food in the Bayou City, from the tamale vendors of the late 19th century and the rise of early Mexican restaurants to trailblazers like Felix Tijerina, Molina’s, “Mama Ninfa” Laurenzo, and the emergence of Tex-Mex as a cuisine in its own right. The conversation traces the migrations that continually reshaped what “Mexican food” means in Houston while examining the chefs and restaurants that continue to expand that definition.

Tickets

• $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+)
• Free for MFAH members

• About Rienzi
• Contact [email protected] with questions.