El Ultimo Taco... "So Good They're Worth Fighting For!"

"You will not be sharing your tacos!" 

Pastor Tacos - Photo Credit Ultimo FB

Today's Restaurant Profile is about El Ultimo Taco Taqueria! Ultimo Taco as it's more commonly known started as your classic taco shack on the access road just north of Price. It was one of those places that was easy to pass but has slowly evolved into a more established local hot spot. I must have driven past the place a couple hundred times before I knew it existed. I kept hearing you have got to try Ultimo Taco but I had no idea where it was. Until late one night I was leaving a local establishment after last call and my friends suggested we go there. 

Photo Credit - Ultimo FB Page

This first experience was delightful. Something about those tasty little tacos after a night of hanging out and having a few drinks is truly satisfying. In fact they are so good late night that friends have been known to break into drunken brawls over the last taco. There are even a couple of videos that went viral of people throwing down. You never now what you may see at Ultimo Taco... one night "Moose" a local rapper did a freestyle performance that has gotten over 24,000 views! To me this is a touch of ambiance that you just can't get anywhere! As the chairs fly over your head you think... there is no place like home and grab your next taco as you rejoice in the night's entertainment. All kidding aside these fantastic little creations are sold from 11AM to 3AM so if you are not down with the late night crowd, they are just as delicious at lunch or dinner as they are late night! 

Local Rapper "Moose" Doing a Late Night Freestyle @Ultimo! 

Over the last few years the owner has been working in a style we are all too familiar with down here... slowly. He has completely redone the facade, built an awesome deck, revamped the bathrooms and it seems is always painting or altering something. But underneath the fancy new facade, huge patio and granite counters in the bathroom lie the bones of that original taco shack. 

The Deck! 

One thing the owner has not done is sacrifice quality or service. Whether you like Taco's Al Pastor (my fav), Bistec, Molleja or Barbaco, you won't be disappointed! Each plate comes with optional grilled onions, avocados and cheese! They also have awesome Charro Beans and don't forget to top it off with a Mexican Coke! OMG... I am getting hungry and they don't open for about 6 hours! 

Last year my family came in town from Lubbock and I took them to eat there... they absolutely loved it! They said this is authentic Mexican Food! I say it's Authentic Brownsville! So y'all... when you are craving tacos or just some damn good food. Or if you have family, friends or clients in town go to El Ultimo Taco so you can enjoy some fantastic food, unique ambiance and Be part of it. 

El Ultimo Taco Taqueria

Author Craig Grove

Sponsored By

Grove Realty Team

Don Breeden - One man's art a community's pride!

"His love of Brownsville and nature shows in every piece."

Photo Credit - Don's FB

Today's People Profile is about Mr. Don Breeden. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Breeden for about 6 years but I have admired his work since before having met him. Most people in Brownsville have heard the Breeden name in one capacity or another. The Breeden family goes back generations as Don's grandfather was respected Doctor in Brownsville. There are still people around in town that he helped deliver into the world. His father, Dan Breeden was a gifted educator who taught for many years and was a liked Principal at Hannah High School. They are a well known and respected family who have contributed to our community in a multitude of ways. His father was honored a few years back when they dedicated Breeden Elementary to him to recognize his decades of service to BISD.

Beyond his family's well known and established presence in our community Mr. Breeden has carved his own mark with years of hard work and dedication to our cultural assets.  Mr. Breeden was educated in art at the University of Houston and developed an amazing skill for free hand art work. You may not realize it but you have seen his work for decades.  Mr. Breeden has produced the Charro Days Fiesta poster every year for 17 years. This has become quite the tradition. There are even people who wait anxiously  every year for the unveiling so they can add to their collection of hand-signed posters. Each poster is original and unique paying homage to our shared cultural heritage and importance of Charro Days.

Photo Credit - Brownsville Herald

Beyond that Mr. Breeden has an advertising firm here in town known as Breeden, McCumber Group. Their firm has had their hand in print, TV, Radio and online advertising here for many years. They not only buy and place ads for local and national companies but they also produce many of the ads you have seen and would recognize.  He also consults with the City of Brownsville as well as other municipalities on branding and public relations needs.

All this of this is a great deal for one man to accomplish but perhaps his most notable accomplishment is the body of original art he has produced. If you have been to just about any car dealership, business office or city office in our town there is a good chance you have seen some of his original art work. His work is easily identifiable by it's amazing qualities that are beyond my layman's ability to describe but basically you know it when you see it. He has immortalized many of Brownsville's most historic and lesser known architectural treasures. He has even rendered paintings of buildings that no longer exist which were lost to the march of "progress."

In addition to his architectural drawings and paintings, Don is more well known as a Nature and Wildlife Artist. You can easily spot one of his Red Fish, Trout and hunting pictures from a mile away. Don grew up in Southmost when it was all wild country. The other day we had a chance to chat briefly and he told me how he was blessed to grow up in a place and time when his days were filled with hunting, fishing and swimming in the resacas. He said he would walk barefoot in the resaca and grab fresh water mussels by feel and leave his house for the day with his 22 and his dog and hunt all day on his own.

He definitely painted an ideal picture for me of his childhood growing up in South Brownsville. Those memories have shaped his nature and wildlife work. These pieces resound with people who appreciate the outdoors and nature the way he does. His collection is vast and growing each day as he makes time to try a new technique or explore a new subject.

Perhaps the reason his work has touched so many people is his desire to share his love of our community and nature and let all of us Be part of it. 

Author Craig Grove

Sponsored By 

Grove Realty Team

Want Something Fun to do this weekend? Check out Park(ing) Day Downtown Friday and Saturday!

"A new definition of finding a place to PARK!"

WHO: 

City of Brownsville 
Main Street Brownsville
buildingcommunityWORKSHOP 

WHAT: 

Main Street Brownsville and buildingcommunityWORKSHOP [bc] have partnered to announce PARK(ing) Day, a global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public places, to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2016, in Brownsville’s Main Street District.

Main Street Brownsville and [bc] solicited participation from local designers and various Downtown Brownsville businesses and organizations to take part in PARK(ing) Day by transforming metered parking spaces in front of their establishments. 

Participating entities include: the City of Brownsville, [bc], Brownsville Artists and Musicians (BAM), Brownsville Historical Association – Stillman House, Community Development Corporation of Brownsville – YouthBuild Brownsville, The Kraken Lounge, Terra’s Bar & Grill, and The WorkPub. 

Following PARK(ing) Day, Main Street Brownsville, [bc], and BAM will host a PARK(ing) Day Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring live music, an artisan market and craft fair, and food truck vendors, including: Park Coffee, The Whoo Dee Who, The Dawg Bar, and DEZ BBQ. 

PARK(ing) Day began in 2005 when Rebar, a San Francisco art and design studio, converted a single metered parking space into a temporary public park in downtown San Francisco. Since 2005, PARK(ing) Day has evolved into a global movement, with organizations and individuals creating new forms of temporary public space in urban contexts around the world. 

Visit http://parkingday.org/ to learn more. 


WHEN: 

Friday, September 16, 2016
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – PARK(ing) Day
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – PARK(ing) Day Celebration

WHERE: 

PARK(ing) Day: Locations 

City of Brownsville
1001 E. Elizabeth Street (in front of KRESS Building) 

bcWORKSHOP
1106 E. Adams Street 

Brownsville Artists & Musicians (BAM)
1101 E. Adams Street (in front of Half Moon)

BHA – Stillman House
1325 E. Washington Street 

CDCB – YouthBuild Brownsville
815 Arthur Street 

The Kraken Lounge
1123 E. Adams Street

Terra’s Bar & Grill
915 East Elizabeth Street

The WorkPub
847 E. Elizabeth Street 

PARK(ing) Day: Celebration 
Market Square (near El Tapiz Building) 
1150 E. Adams Street 


# # #

Sponsored By:

Grove RealtyTeam

Nick and Lisa Mitchell-Bennett - One Couple Many Missions

"Bringing the Good Life to Brownsville"

Nick & Lisa Mitchell-Bennett

Today's BL People Profile is about Nick and Lisa Mitchell-Bennett. As their hyphenated name implies you can't simply profile one of these amazing people without mentioning the other. I first met Nick & Lisa in 2007, I had recently completed my first home renovation project off Honey Dale.  You could often find me outside cultivating my front yard. Well, one of those days I met Nick and Lisa and their children on their nightly walk through the neighborhood. They stopped to complement me on restoring the home, little did I know that would be the beginning of a decade of interacting and getting to know this amazing couple.

Nick & Lisa on the Bay - Credit Nick's FB

There are many amazing individuals in Brownsville but there are few couples in Brownsville's present or history that have both dedicated their life to the betterment of our community more than this pair. Nick is the CEO of Community Development Corporation of Brownsville which has a mission of increasing homeownership in Brownsville and the RGV. Lisa is a Senior Research Associate of Campus-based Outreach and Research at UT Health School of Public Health. As you can see both of them have made career choices that dedicate their lives to the public good. Nick focuses on improving home-ownership and the financial health of our community and Lisa focus on the physical and emotional well being of our citizens.

Nick & Julian Castro US Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development in front of a CDCB Home - Credit CDCB

Nick and Lisa's history in Brownsville's public sector goes back many years to their young adult-hood. Nick and Lisa came to Brownsville over 20 years ago on a church mission. I'm sure with the intent to get back to the California surf and sun after putting in a few years of good work in an impoverished region. But when they got here their work was too big, their passion too deep and their drive too strong for them to pack up and leave this place. They made it their mission in life to make Brownsville a better place. Few would argue that not only have they done this in ways that no one could imagine, but they continue to do so every day and no doubt will continue until the day it is no longer possible for them to physically do so. When that day comes their work will continue through the lives they have changed and people they have touched.

Photo Credit - Annette Xuchitl Landry

I have personally worked with Nick on several projects and have gotten to know his business and personal side fairly well. How can I put this... Nick Mitchell-Bennett is an enigma. He appears to me as a hybrid between a die-hard West Coast Liberal and a West Texas Rancher. I know these two can't be more different but their in lies the uniqueness of Nick. On any given day you will find him in the field sweating and spitting nails with his workers or in Austin fighting for more funds to build affordable sustainable housing for the disenfranchised. He has the spirit of an entrepreneur and a strong social conscience. These traits have combined to develop hundreds of homes, create countless jobs and provide financial stability to hundreds of families.

CDCB Home Design Example - Photo Credit CDCB

Nick's passion for economic fairness doesn't stop with building and filling homes. Nick recently partnered with other organizations to create the Community Loan Center. This is a program focused on providing an alternative to predatory payday lenders. Having been closely involved with the funding of the homes he develops Nick became keenly aware of the damage these payday lenders can do to the people he works so hard to help. This catalyzed his desire to take action and a couple years ago the company started making loans. I haven't spoken to him about the progress they have experienced but I have no doubt Nick will use his extensive knowledge, drive and determination to make sure the program is successful and beneficial to the people for whom it was founded.

Photo Credit - Annette Xuchitl Landry

I could talk a great deal more about Nick's accomplishments but I only have so long that I can keep the reader's attention and I must give Lisa some ink in this post. Nick's better half is an amazing individual in her own right. Lisa's goal in life is to improve health and fitness in our community. Professionally she works for the UT Health System to research health concerns in our area and then develop programs that work to improve these conditions. Lisa's community involvement covers many areas from the Brownsville Farmer's Market to Cyclobia to educational out reach. Put simply her life is dedicated to making our lives better and she takes it very seriously. She even writes an Op-Ed for the "Brownsville Herald" on Healthy Living.

Photo Credit - Ranch Viejo Paddle School

There is so much more to this couple then I could touch on in this blog post but these posts are not intended to be a detailed reporting of their lives but instead an introduction to them in a light hearted social sense. Nick and Lisa came down here idealist and remain so... where so many people set out to change the world and give up defeated they wake every morning and make it reality. The impact of these two California kids is deep and lasting and will be felt here for generations from people who won't even know what they did for them.

Nick & Lisa's Children - Photo Credit Nick's FB

Beyond being outstanding community members they are also avid Christians attending church regularly and have three beautiful children whom they are raising to be strong, intelligent and independent individuals. Their son Caelan recently went to Scotland to attend a University on International Business and is already off to an amazing start in life that will no doubt echo the example set by his parents. Nick and Lisa came to Brownsville from a blessed position in life and instead of doing their bit here and moving on they stayed to create a healthy and economically stable community for our citizens. Although Rome wasn't built in a day they are working every day to make sure everyone has a fair chance to Be part of it. 

Author Craig Grove

Sponsored By

Grove Realty Team 

Flying Pig Grill & Cantina - Awesome Burgers and The Most Texas Beers in South Texas!

"The Best Hidden Best Known Secret in Brownsville I mean Olmito"

Today's BL Restaurant Profile is about the Flying Pig Grill & Cantina in Olmito... which is sort of Brownsville. "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name." For many people, "The Pig" really is that place and so much more. The Pig is a friendly familiar place that feels like your other home in world overrun with corporate chains lacking in personality, local identity and character.

The Flying Pig was founded by Owner Hector Burnias in a building owned by his family for three generations. His grandfather had a convenience store there many years ago that at one point was the last bus stop to go into Brownsville from the area. Upon returning home from living in Las Vegas, Hector wanted to open a place here that reflected what he had learned and seen while working away from home.

Hector Burnias Owner

The concept of The Pig has evolved over time. Hector has always had bad fantastic burgers but the pivotal point was when he decided to add premium cocktails and a vast assortment of beers to his menu. Hector had been visiting major markets such as Austin, Houston, just to name a few, and seen that premium cocktails and vast beer selections were becoming very popular and working to draw in customers. He applied this strategy and took it to the next level in his tiny nondescript structure on the access road in Olmito. Additionally, they have live music with popular covers every other Friday and its a great place to watch a game. When you have a place in a location like his you can take two approaches, be a regular place or create a destination that people will go out of their way to visit.

Largest Selection of Texas Bears
South of San Antonio

Premium Cocktail

Aside from having a vast menu of high quality foods, premium cocktails and the largest selection of Texas Beers south of San Antonio, Hector has made The Pig something special. He has created a location that makes everyone feel welcome. You can just as easily see some regular guys at the bar drinking $2 drafts as you can see an executive enjoying a premium exotic cocktail and munching on a delicious Kobe, Lamb, Bison. Ostrich or Elk Burger!

Class Burger and Sweet Potato Waffle Fries! 

It's a place where you will always feel you are among friends, where a smile and conversation is as welcome as the arrival of your meal. On Wednesdays they have $0.55 wings and they are the big wings, not those tiny ones. They also have flat screen TVs and play all the most popular games and no matter how hot it is outside you can expect a cold beer, a hot meal and a friendly place. The only thing that remans is for you to Be part of it. 

Author Craig Grove

Sponsored By
Grove Realty Team

Osca Rico - Latin R&B Talent on the rise!

The Man Behind the Music!

Today's People Profile is about my friend and former customer Osca Rico. Oscar is a very talented Latin R&B Style musician who primarily performs in McAllen but has also produced some pretty awesome videos! I have known Osca and his lovely wife Natalie for about 4 years. Actually I met Natalie several years before that when we were both in the medical business. Anyhow, I came to know them the same way I have met so many wonderful people in this community... on the Internet. I had posted a picture of one of the properties I had listed for Trey Mendez whom I profiled recently. Trey periodically buys and renovates homes in historic West Brownsville. Natalie and Osca were looking for something unique with character but that was move-in ready. They came across my listing on Facebook and fell in love. Natalie began asking questions and before you know it she had scheduled a showing. Before long they were calling that amazing house their home and still live there today. 

After moving in we became casual friends and as luck would have it I ended up moving in a few doors down. They knew I was newly single and I guess unwilling or unable to cook so one day they brought me over the most fantastic meal. I can still taste it if I close my eyes. It was a home cooked dish of shish kabobs with all kinds of fresh veggies and amazing spices and sides. To me it's truly amazing how God brings different people into your life at different times. Little touches of kindness can change so much and that truly elevated my opinion of them as a couple and friends. 

Photo Credit - Osca's FB 

Through Social Media I have watched Osca work on his craft and develop into an amazing artist. In the past few years he has transformed both physically and performance wise. His physical transformation is nothing short of astounding. I ran into him at the HEB on central a little over two years ago and he said he was getting ready for a big video shoot on the beach. At the time he was about 40 pounds over weight. I remember ribbing him that he had put on some weight for a beach shoot. I guess it was all their awesome cooking and they had just had a baby. Eating those extra scraps can definitely pack on the pounds. Anyhow, he looked me straight in the eye and said something like... you won't believe the change you are going to see. I started working out and I am going to be completely different. Well, he was not kidding. He has become extremely buff and is quite an inspiration.

If you watch this video you will catch a few glimpses of the inside and outside of the restored historic home they purchased through me. You can also see what he looked like before his fitness transformation. 

Currently Osca is continue to perform in the upper valley and hone his craft. I am sure he has more original songs and videos in process and I have no doubt he will continue to delight crowds and have a positive impact on the music scene in the valley and beyond for years to come. I am just glad he follows his dream and through his music allows us all to Be part of it. 

Author Craig Grove

https://www.facebook.com/CraigGroveRealtor

Sponsored by

Grove Realty Team

Ernie's Hamburger Stand a Southmost Tradition That Just Gets Better With Time!

La traducción española de Google Traducir Abajo

"Prepare for a food coma!" 

Ernie's Hamburger Stand 30th & Stanolind in Southmost

Today's Restaurant Profile is on Ernie's Burger Stand in Southmost. I was told I had to try out Ernie's about 5 years ago when I was first doing my restaurant profiles on the Brownsville Living Facebook page. I had heard they had great burgers and had been in Southmost forever. So I went to check them out. Of all the profiles I did that was the one that got the most likes and shares. It seemed to really hold fond memories for many people who grew up in Southmost. So as I am restarting the BL Restaurant Profiles in the Blog format I thought it a must that I return to one of my most popular review spots!

Upon arrival at the favorite local spot we were greeted by Debbie Lee the Granddaughter of Ernesto Rodriguez who started it as a Raspa Stand in 1973! Within minutes we were conversing with three generations of the Rodriguez family. Ms. Maria Luisa Rodriguez Debbie's Grandmother came to the window and shared some history with us. She told us about Ryan Wolf's visit and how nervous she was on TV and that Ryan was very kind and gave them a glowing review. Debbie's Father Ernesto Rodriguez Jr. said they started selling Raspas and slowly expanded to their current menu which includes a variety of burgers, fried fish, shrimp and more! All very tasty and served fresh and hot! They are also known for their tasty soft serve ice cream which are served with a variety of toppings!

Ernest Rodriguez, Jr & Maria Luisa Rodriguez

From what I understand this is a favorite spot for locals, people returning home after moving away and of course a favorite of PUB staff, law enforcement and other area workers. The building itself is right at the entrance to a residential neighborhood and from the looks of it is attached to their home. It only has a covered patio and a small picnic table. After ordering our burgers my friends and I thoroughly enjoy them. They also served us some soft served ice cream topped with hot fudge, strawberries, pineapple, peanuts and whipped cream! I have been in a food coma for the past few hours!

Bacon Jalapeno Cheeseburger w/Curly Fries!

Chili Cheese Fries! 

Cheese Burger Combo with Onion Rings

 Several people picked up to go orders while we sat and ate. Mr. Rodriguez has literally watched generations of Southmost residents come to his window and I am sure they will be there for many more years with such a loyal customer base and quality food and service. So if you are looking for a new burger stand or something different or you have been but not in a while... stop by and tell them Brownsville Living sent you so you can Be part of it. 

La traducción española de Google Traducir Abajo

"Prepárese para un coma comida!"

Hamburguesa de Ernie soporte 30a y Stanolind en Southmost

de hoy del Restaurante está en puesto de hamburguesas de Ernie en Southmost. Me dijeron que tenía que probar hace de Ernie unos 5 años cuando estaba haciendo mi primer restaurante perfiles en la página de Facebook de estar Brownsville. Yo había oído que tenían hamburguesas y habían estado en Southmost siempre. Así que fui a comprobar a cabo. De todos los perfiles que hice que fue la que consiguió la mayoría de los gustos y acciones. Se parecía tener muy buenos recuerdos para muchas personas que crecieron en Southmost. Así como estoy reiniciando el restaurante Perfiles BL en el formato blog pensé que un deber que vuelvo a uno de mis lugares más populares de revisión!

A su llegada al lugar favorito local fuimos recibidos por Debbie Lee la nieta de Ernesto Rodríguez, que comenzó como un soporte Raspa en 1973! En cuestión de minutos estuvimos conversando con tres generaciones de la familia Rodríguez. La abuela la señora María Luisa Rodríguez de Debbie llegó a la ventana y se comparte un poco de historia con nosotros. Ella nos dijo sobre la visita de Ryan Wolf y lo nerviosa que estaba en la televisión y que Ryan era muy amable y les dio una crítica entusiasta. de Debbie P. Ernesto Rodríguez Jr. dijo que empezaron Raspas venden y se expandieron lentamente a su menú actual, que incluye una variedad de hamburguesas, pescado frito, camarón y más! Todo muy sabroso y sirve fresco y caliente! También son conocidos por su sabroso helado suave servir a la que se sirve con una variedad de ingredientes!

Por lo que entiendo que este es un lugar favorito para los locales, la gente de volver a casa después de alejarse y por supuesto uno de los favoritos del personal PUB, la policía y otros trabajadores del área. El edificio en sí está justo a la entrada de un barrio residencial y desde el aspecto de que se adjunta a su casa. Sólo tiene un patio cubierto y una pequeña mesa de picnic. Después de ordenar nuestras hamburguesas mis amigos y yo a fondo disfrutar de ellos. También sirven algunos helado suave servido cubierto con chocolate caliente, fresas, piña, maní y crema batida! He estado en coma alimentos para las últimas horas!

 Varias personas recogieron para ir órdenes mientras nos sentamos y comimos. Rodríguez ha visto literalmente generaciones de residentes de Southmost vienen a su ventana y estoy seguro de que estará allí durante muchos más años con una tal base de clientes leales y comida de calidad y servicio. Así que si usted está buscando un nuevo puesto de hamburguesas o algo diferente o que haya sido y no en mucho tiempo ... pasar por aquí y les dice estar Brownsville te envió para que pueda ser parte de ella.

Author Craig Grove

Sponsored By: 

Grove Realty Team