I arrived at the Charlotte airport around 5:00 p.m. yesterday evening in spite of the fact that they’d had some sort of bomb scare earlier in the day which is so weird because the last time I flew I was delayed at Dallas Love Field due to a bomb scare. If it happens again I may develop a complex and be forced to never leave my house again.
Once I arrived at the hotel I met up with Sophie and Annie and we headed out in search of mediocre Mexican food because that is what we do when we’re together. It’s a sickness really. It’s like my head tells me no, but my heart just can’t believe that there are parts of the world missing out on delicious chips and guacamole. I have no doubt that if I ever find myself in some exotic locale like say Spearfish, South Dakota that I will immediately ask the concierge at the Motel 6 where I can find the best Mexican food, head to El Grande Burrito on his recommendation and then walk away totally surprised that it was a less than satisfactory culinary experience.
Annie had her Garmin GPS system at the ready so she immediately pulled up the names of several Mexican restaurants located in the vicinity. Unfortunately, Garmin doesn’t realize that we’re in the midst of some tough economic times and that many of these restaurants are no longer in business.
After driving through some questionable parts of town, we still hadn’t located any of the Mexican eateries that Garmin had promised when all of a sudden I spied the words “Mexican Restaurant” on the side of a building as we drove past at 60 miles per hour. We decided we’d make a u-turn and check it out because obviously it must be okay since it’s managed to stay in business while the other forty-six restaurants we’d tried couldn’t survive the competition of the Taco Bell.
We pulled into the parking lot and got a closer look at the signage.
I don’t know that the Hispanic version of Chuck E. Cheese instilled a lot of confidence in the whole dining experience. There’s something about a rat in chaps, wearing a sombrero, that makes me know without a doubt that I’m not in Texas anymore, Dorothy.
But we decided to live on the edge and went in to experience Andele! for ourselves. As we got out of the car, I immediately felt better when I saw a car parked next to us that had several Hispanic bumper stickers. If the people in that car were eating at Andele! then it must be okay.
And it was. It was okay. In fact, it may have been the best mediocre Mexican food I’ve had in all my vast experience dining at restaurants that call queso “cheese dip”.
So we finished our dinner, bid Adios! to Andele! and then headed back to our hotel. Or at least we attempted to head back to our hotel but Garmin decided that we needed to take a scenic route through all of Charlotte and we drove for about twenty-five minutes on a straight path to what appeared to be nowhere until we finally stumbled back into some semblance of civilization that seemed to be near the hotel.
We saw a Walgreens and decided it would be a genius idea to stop and load up on some candy to get us through our planned viewing of “Real Housewives of Atlanta”. As we pulled into the parking lot I was stunned to see the exact same car that had been at Andele! with all the bumper stickers. In fact, I took a picture of it because that is what I do.
You will notice that the bumper stickers translate to various things such as “I’ve decided to follow Jesus” and “My confidence is in Jesus Christ”. None of them translate to “Follow me to enjoy delicious Mexican food”. But still, what are the odds we’d see that same car after driving all around Charlotte for a sweet forever?
Of course what are the odds that there would be a bomb scare at two different airports the last two times I’ve gotten on an airplane?
And while we’re kind of on the subject of language translation, I have a message to the person who found my blog the other day by googling “A Mexican man called me ‘feo’ what does it mean?” I hate to be the bearer of bad news, my friend, but it wasn’t a compliment.
Adios, amigos.
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Had I known you wanted Mexican food that badly I would have stopped at my favorite restaurant, El Cheapo, on the way from the airport. Y’all are very brave souls to wonder around Charlotte at night. So good to meet you!
In about an hour I will board a flight from Dallas to North Carolina to become a resident of the state. I have been so sad about the Mexican food I will be leaving behind. In NC they keep assuring me, “We have Mexican food!” which is their way of saying, “There’s an On the Border across the street from the office!”
Well, I have lived in PA for 11 years and I can’t get over the fact that the Mexican food here is TERRIBLE! Yet, I still drag my hubby our=t to eat it… it hopes that it will be different.. and it never is…. You can’t give up hope!
Welcome to NC, Melanie!
Going to Deeper Still today … glad y’all are able to squeeze it in tonight.
I wonder how many calories are in all those baskets of chips and cheese dip we eat every Friday night at the Mexican restaurant by our house????
I lived in Austin, Texas 4 years ago. I now live in North Carolina… It cracks me up every time my husband and I go to a Mexican restaurant here and my hubby orders “queso”.. and the hispanic waiter always says “SHeesh dip?” Aren’t they suppose to know it’s queso? Oh how I miss great Mexican food!
Our move from Houston to SC is complete. It was a good thing (husband’s job, closer to family, etc.) EXCEPT for the fact that we no longer have decent Mexican food everywhere we turn. We tried Eric’s San Jose the first week we were here – AWFUL!! I think the closest we’ll get is Moe’s. We miss Lupe’s huge sandbox and fajitas something awful!!!
Melanie – you are SO funny – but that last paragraph just made me laugh so hard. If I was drinking a coke I would have spit it out. Thanks for making me laugh EVERY morning. Have fun in Charlotte – tell Sophie I said hi!
Well, I think this will be too far of a sidetrip from Charlotte, but I have to tell you there is a large Mexican immigrant population north of Winston-Salem (we’re Florida natives but lived there for one year), and I had some deeeeelicious Mexican food there, none of it involving Velveeta. Granted, I’m not from Texas, but it is far superior to what we have in Florida. In fact, we ate Mexican at least once weekly while there–we were mightily missing Cuban food, but the Mole Chicken and Tacos al pastor were good subsitutes.
I am so sad that we have nothing good to offer you in the Mexican food department. Everytime I read about where you and Amanda eat in Texas, I get so hungry and jealous.
We do have a mean fried chicken, which would make Sophie happy, oh and the bacon, lots and lots of bacon.
I just want to say that I used to live near Charlotte and I have never even seen this mexican restuarant….=)
I’m headed to Charlotte today, too. FOr the Deeper Still event.
Maybe you are staying in my hotel and I could meet you all! That woul be awesome!
And then you could invite me to TX for real mexican food – because having only lived in GA and NC — I’ve clearly never had any.
Never had real Mexican food here in N Ireland either – I don’t know that Old El Paso Fajitas seasoning counts, does it?
Enjoy meeting up with everyone, SO wish I was there.
When we lived in Illinois, our friends ate at this joint called Carlos O’Kelley’s. The food was okay, but I think the Irish name tainted the food before I even got started.
Oh, we are so the same….I too was watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta, while loaded up with candy. Good times.
I feel your pain. One of the top five reasons I am sooooo excited to be going home to CA in September? REAL Mexican food. The stuff that passes here in MS, does just that – pass!
i promise we do have good mexican here..so sorry you did not find the best we have…monterrey’s and el valle are 2 of the better choices…i am so not into on the border…yuk
This is a prime example of title is everything!!! Made me look at this and it didn’t disappoint. You always have me laughing, haha!!
Hey Mel,
I havelived in a town in Georgia that has a very high Hispanic population and WE have mediocre mexican food. Now, I only know that because my friends who were actually raised on authentic mexican food have fixed me the real deal.
I hope today is GREAT for you! Can’t wait to hear the details. I am jealous that you are in NC…that’s my home state!
Paige
I just couldn’t get into the Real Housewives last night. I watched most of Gone With the Wind on the old movie channel. Maybe that’s why – but Sherree just totally turns me off. A party all about her where people kiss her feet and throw flowers???? lol Obviously I didn’t watch it all because I never saw the party, only the bit with the party planner.
Anyway I don’t know about Spearfish, SD but Fargo, ND has a great place if you are ever there. I’ve been eating there since I went to college. It’s called Mexican Village and there are two of them now. Yum!! No velveeta in sight.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Marie
ha, I love the queso/cheese dip comment. Since I used to live in Alabama, I completely relate to “cheese dip” reference. It is white cheese that does not cost $5+ a bowl that is super delicious with your chips and salsa. However, I have quickly learned since living in Texas that “cheese dip” conjures up funny looks from the waiters who then reply with “queso?” However, the queso here is generally not the white cheese greatness I am accustomed to, but it is the expensive, yellow cheese cousin instead. Regardless of the confusion, nothing has stopped me from craving Mexican food multiple times a week so I think I will live with simply the option of queso.
It is true. My husband, who grew up in Rock Hill, SC a short 25 miles south of Charlotte never ate a taco until he moved to CA. Hard to believe that it’s possible.
Marty
There’s just nothing better than some authentic Mexican food…now I’m hungry! I could make a meal out of some fresh chips and salsa!
I have been to NC several times because my oldest two sons are stationed there. In fact. I landed in the Charlotte airport to change planes on my way home to Texas just a few weeks ago. We didn’t even try to eat Mexican food while we were visiting NC unless you count the nacho appetizers at B-Dubs.
My boys have informed me that what passes for Mexican food there is only good when you haven’t been home to Texas in a year and you have a desperate craving. When they come home to visit we basically eat Mexican food and brisket the whole time (apparently what NC calls BBQ is not brisket).
Okay…YOU are funny! That whole post cracked me up! My husband and I just got back from our anniv trip in Alaska and the first thing we talked about doing was not rushing home to our 5 kids we hadn’t seen in 8 days but getting some good Mexican food since we had not had any! He attempted a fish taco in AK but so not it!
I was born in San Antonio, raised in Houston and have now settled in Dallas after a 12 yr stay in East Tx. San Antonio still has the best…although in my Grandma’s prime she cooked some mean Mexican food. My big test are the torts! Are the tortillas thin and shiny looking out of a package or are they the thick, real deal??
Have fun on your trip and hurry back to TX where Mexican food is the food of choice!
Guadalajara’s is the best (and only)Mexican restaurant in Spearfish, SD. I live in Rapid City, SD which is about a hour away from Spearfish. Guadalajara’s is probably the best Meican food we have in the Black Hills and maybe all of SD. It may still be mediocre to the chips and quacamole in Texas though! So now if you are ever in Spearfish, SD you will know where to go for Mexican food and you can ask the concierge something else, like where to buy a sweater since it was 49 dgrees here this morning.
muy bien! so weird about that car! hope the conference is a huge success and that you are a blessing to those in attendance, which i’m sure you will be.
blessings!
I do not think I could have enjoyed this post anymore. Well unless I could have been there to enjoy the Mexican food along with you. I’ll tell you what, there are few things I enjoy more than Mexican food in any variety, mediocre or not.
Ps – that’s more than a little about the car . . . seriously
My Mom frequents an “authentic” Mexican place in Charlotte on Independence Hwy (aka Hwy 74) on the N.E. side of town (if your speeding by hunting…!)
Hahaa. Nice. I now appreciate your authentic Tex-Mexicana heritage more than ever
I think Sophie’s description of the sign was a rat with a TIRE. You were both in agreement on the rotten food, however. As a service to your bloggy friends, because I likes me some time on the River Walk in San Antonio, can you suggest some really GOOD Mexican food in your area? Or start a bloggy carnival on GOOD Mexican food (My hand is UP for suggestions in Austin…) and you may come up with recommendations for all 50 states when you travel. Just saying.
Honestly, how do all of these non-Texans survive without our fabulous Mexican food?? I can’t go 2 days without chips and queso… and The Shred, of course. LOL
I live in Charlotte and we do have one good “Mexican” place. It’s really tex-mex, but they have the BEST quac and queso. Seriously I could eat bowls and bowls. They make the quac table side and the queso has chorizo in it. Delish! It’s called Cantina 1511, please check it out, I would hate for Charlotte, NC to get a bad rep for not having any good Mexican food!
Out of curiousity, since y’all are together, do you and Sophie discuss what parts of the story you are going to share–in other words, do you divy it up? I want the know the behind the scenes sch-tuff.
Also, I have another question–I saw two places where folks wrote “quacamole.” Is quacamole different than guacamole? I’d hate to think I was missing out on any Mexican fare with avacados…
My best friend’s daughter works at Black Fin in Charlotte, and my son’s college roommate lives there. If you need any advice I’ll email them for you.
So Melanie, I have been reading your blog for a couple months now and I thoroughly enjoy it. But I have not commented yet because I have had nothing worthy to add.
Today, I do. I actually LIVE in Spearfish,SD and must agree with Stephanie from Rapid City that Guadie’s (as my friend affectionately calls it) is THE best Mexican food I’ve ever eaten. Even better than my Mexican aunt who runs a Mexican catering business in Switzerland. (One of three in the town she lives in.)
Anyway, if you would like to come visit Stephanie (whom I have never met before, but seems to have excellent taste) and I, we would be more than happy to introduce you the the glory that is Guadalajara’s.
And Happy Friday to all!
The next time you are near an “Abuelo’s”, stop in. Some of the best Mexican food ever. They even have fried eggs on their enchiladas. I just call it heart attack on a plate, but YUM-O!
Oh, i apologize for the great state of NC. Please do know that Charlotte has MUCH nicer areas than the airport area. i have no idea where that resuataurant could possibly be, but I am alittle concerned for your safety! I totally recommend Cantina 1511 too! To die for!
Funny story, but on to much more important things. I FINALLY found triple berry crunch. It is incredible! A million thanks for mentioning it on your blog!
I’ve not read all the comments so my input might be redundant. I’ll forge ahead anyway and possibly help some sad, misdirected soul. My husband and I, both lifelong but well-traveled Texans, have come to the conclusion that one should not seek out Mexican food in a state that does not actually border Mexico. We have always been disappointed in the queso/enchilada/tortilla/etc. offerings in non-bordering states…even at those places locals deem “the best!”.
It is a good tip. Keep it in mind for future travels.
Although I do wish we’d had the time and bravery to sample the cuisine at “El Rio Tex Mex” we saw in Krakow, Poland! I’d guess some of the Tex or the Mex was lost in translation…but I’ll never know for sure.
It’s true that about twenty years ago finding good Mexican food in N.C. was rare. I grew up in Brevard, NC and we used to drive to Greenville, SC (an hour and a half drive) to eat at Monterrey Mexican. My dad LOVES Mexican food. It was always a special treat when he would take us to eat Mexican. Now, even in the smallest towns in N.C. have at least one or two. Brevard now has four!
If you want authentic here in Charlotte try La Unica restaurants. They are not in the most desirable parts of town, but they are authentic and very good. The one in Indian Trail, NC (just to the East of Charlotte) is the best.
Ummm. yeah. I’m back to say that I do know that I am in Greensboro for the Deeper Still Conference and NOT in Charlotte…..I can only blame it on the fact that I am losing my mind due to the four little people who are always talking to me when I try and leave comments on peoples blogs. =)
melanie, babe, i just looked up the restaurant and you are in concord which is a city outside of charlotte…it is a small mill town with lots of personality…i hope you are enjoying your stay
maybe they were thinking you weere the “bomb”. And I mean that in the nicest of ways.
I have to admit I judge Chinese food restaurants by the number of Chinese people who are eating there. If it’s good enough for them…
Welcome to Charlotte, Melanie! Sorry about the rat in a sombrero . . . but Concord can be like a whole different country!
My FAVORITE Mexican food on the planet is at a place in Charlotte on East Blvd, called Cantina 1511. http://www.cantina1511restaurant.com/Home/They make the best table-side guac and fresh marguaritas. Maybe you’ll have a chance to check it out while you’re in town, and Charlotte can salvage a teeny bit of its restaurant pride on the Big Mama blog!
Have fun!
and perhaps you may see that car in a parking lot again … they could be on their way to Deeper Still. Wouldn’t that be a hoot!
Just returned from a fab Alaskan cruise. We flew all night from Anchorage to Houston. Got in at 6:15 am, was sitting in a Tex-Mex restaurant by noon!!!!
born and raised in tx for my first 27 yrs. and now i’ve lived in charlotte for 26 years. you have to live here about 10 yrs before any of the mexican food restaurants taste good to you! NOTHING beats good ole tex-mex! next time you eat at your favorite place, please eat some extra for me! also, you can burn the calories too while you are at it! i now have the metabolism of a dead slug!
Your mexican food is my starbucks latte….lucky for me, charlotte has starbucks aplenty.
I looked for you…but never got a chance to catch up with you. Hope you had a super weekend!
Hi!
I was in the Q&A and was the one who had paralysis of posting. I put a post on my site tonight, but it was more like a tweet. Thanks for all you help!!!!!!
Thank you so much for making me laugh out loud and spit tiny ice chips all over my keyboard – I needed that. Ironically, I know someone who lives in Spearfish, SD; so if you are headed to the area, let me know and we’ll search for the Comida Mexicana Mediocra (I haven’t had Spanish in forever and 16 years, so there you go).
BTW – I LOVE my Boden pink/brown rain trench. It is adorable. Thanks for the Fashion Friday that insipired it.
Never ever eat Mexican food in South Dakota or Minnesota. This is good advice from your Oklahoma friend, where we know what good Mexican food tastes like!
FEO means ugly. I do not think it is spelled correctly but that is what it means. Not very nice!
I love all the Mexican Food resturants we have here in the DFW Metroplex.
I grew up 5 minutes from that restaurant. I have never eaten there, and I can’t say I’ve been tempted. I think that building has been about everything. Mini-gym for children, bar, and now a mexican restaurant with a rat on the sign. Oddly, I was excited to see you reference something so close to home.
Maybe I should consider trying out the lovely mediocre mexican food they serve.
Heather Teague is right (previous comment). Cantina is delicious. Not so mediocre!
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