Beauty, Charm & Style

Living in Austin, I am a regular patron at many a taco stand, taquerias and even the occasional modern Tex-Mex fusion restaurant. Tex-Mex is a way of life in Austin.

Recently, I went out to dinner with my roommate, Kendall.  Dining at the wonderful Austin Tex-Mex treasure, Maudie’s, we found ourselves on the topic of proper taco consumption. Is it possible to eat a taco and still be a lady?

Well yes. But it does take practice, patience and attention to detail.

For a soft-shelled taco, please remember to not over stuff the tortilla. This is a fatal error. If you feel there is too much filling, simply use your fork and set the excess filling to the side of your plate.

With the tortilla folded over into a semi-circle shape, manipulate the top edges down so that they rest on the top of the taco. Take the taco in one hand and support it between your thumb and index finger. Your middle and ring finger rest on top, and your pinky finger supports the end underneath, which serves to keep that otherwise dripping extremity closed.

Hold at a downward angle over the plate, so that any leakage falls there, not on you.  Now you can enjoy with finesse and panache!

Worst-case scenario: The bottom of the tortilla splits and dumps the taco’s contents into your lap. I suggest laughing it off and maybe even toasting your margaritas to the delicious Mexican cuisine!