Joe Kenney - The man from the City of Brotherly Love.

"Entrepreneur, artist, chef, welder, father, friend, community leader" 

Joe and Noraliza Kenney

There are few people like Joe Kenney on this planet and there are none like him in Brownsville, TX.  Joe is truly a renaissance man. He is a talented and creative business owner, chef, welder, artist, joke teller, mentor, father, supporter of live music and friend.  These are just a few of the words that describe Joe but he is so much more than that. His passions, tenacity, consistency and generosity are equally as important as his interest and activities. In a recent "Brownsville Herald" Article, Joe said about this father, "He was a great man. He taught us reciprocal behavior. You get back in life what you give." I have no doubt he lives by this code. 

I feel honored to be one of the many people that calls him a friend. I was lucky enough to meet him in 2010 shortly after I started Brownsville Living. Once he heard about the network and it's purpose he reached out to me and offered his assistance. From that day forward Joe Kenney and his beloved establishment Cobbleheads have been an integral part of Brownsville Living.

Joe is originally from Philadelphia. He ended up here like many of us guys from other places... he met a woman (Noraliza) that was from here and followed her back. His wife loves to tell the story of how they ended up here. Joe was welder by trade and at that time in Philly there was plenty of work for a guy like him. He was even positioned to be a leader in the local union which is kind of a big deal to be in that position in your early 20s. But fate (Noraliza) had different plans. When he married a Latina from the Valley, he underestimated a few things about her. She told him it's too cold here and my family is too far away. I am going back to Brownsville... you can come if you want. Well, as you can see Joe followed.

Joe and NoraLiza

When Joe arrived in Brownsville from Philly at fist his skills brought him work at the Port of Brownsville and the expansion of Brownsville Medical Center. But as we all know that work can be very unstable and Joe had a growing family to support so he began considering other options. He had a knack for cooking and decided to go for it and open a restaurant. At that time he opened Checkers Cafe in downtown Brownsville with the help of his father-in-law. According to legend, this was the founding location of Sombrero Festival and Joe was one of the founding members.

Due to the peso devaluation, Checkers Cafe closed and the building he had been permitted to use was sold. During the following years Joe worked at several local establishments and honed his skills of operating a restaurant bar. Just over 20 years ago he opened Cobbleheads that we all know and love. Over the years he has greatly improved and expanded the location. But perhaps one of Joe's biggest contributions is his undying support of live music. There is simply no other person or establishment in this town that has supported live music as long and consistently as Joe. Many musicians owe Joe a great deal. And many well known artists have played there from Tito Puente and Los Lonely Boys to local favorites Del Castillo and The Brew.

Joe is also a huge supporter of our community. He travels annually to Brownsville Day at the capitol and puts out an incredible spread for the politicians in Austin. Brownsville is his home, he is proud of it and he wants others to know what a jewel we have here. He also supports most local events. Frequently he is the guy who swoops in when another caterer has dropped the ball. He will get a last minute call desperately pleading to come save the day... and he does. He as an amazing ability to supervise and operate multiple events and happenings at once with incredible skill.

Joe & Family with Governor Perry at Cobbleheads

There is so much more that I can say about Mr. Kenney but I think you get the idea. I am honored to know Joe and his amazing family and staff at Cobbleheads. Put quite simply Joe and people like him are exactly the reason Brownsville Living exists. Yes, there is a place for chain businesses. But they don't put money back in our community they take it out. They don't care about their staff the way Joe does. There it's about performance, with Joe it's about family and community. He has had people working for him for almost 20 years. What chain can say that? So when you go out and spend your money... remember for every local business there is a person and a family like Joe behind the scenes. They may not be as visible or as involved as Joe but they are all hard workers who are doing their best to provide something different and special for you so the least we could do is is be part of it. 

Writer Craig Grove & Sons

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Mota's Tacos.... where.... Mota's Tacos!

Traducción española está abajo

"Mota's Tacos where you have it their way!" 

There are only a few cherished hole in the wall joints in Brownsville. One such place is Mota's Taco's next to Porter High School. This is one of those places that if you claim you're from Brownsville you have to have eaten Mota's Tacos at least once. If you have not eaten here at least once you need to put that on your local bucket list and get it done, You don't want to be called out some day! Don't get me wrong it's not for everyone but everyone needs to experience this place at least once. 

There is something very neighborly about Mota's Tacos. I suppose people there are not in a big hurry so you don't get the same feeling you may get when you are at a traditional dine-in establishment.  Unfortunately, they removed the tables so you can no longer sit outside and enjoy your tacos... I can only assume this is because they don't have public restrooms. I believe the health code requires public restrooms if you have seating. So it's mostly grab and go but there is a good chance you will see people standing around eating or doing as we did. We just threw down the tailgate and dug in. It was kind of like a mini tailgate party at the taco stand. 

A mess of tacos! 

The tacos are extremely greasy and tasty. They don't have a variety.... your order is basically the number of tacos and whether or not you would like lettuce and tomatoes. They are very small tacos but extremely filling and heavy in a good way. Not that I would eat them every day but hey if you are gonna eat Mc Donald's having these treats once in a while can't hurt. At least it has fresh ingredients. 

Half of Grove Realty Team, Craig, Favio and Tony

Even if you have never been there, there is something nostalgic about going there. Standing outside eating taco's from the bed of the truck in warm weather reminds you of a time before corporate chains dominated the market. If you have never lived anywhere else or traveled around this country a moment like this could be easily overlooked. But for someone who has lived in other places the simplicity and down home feeling of this place carries a different nuance. If you are observant you notice the subtle differences that this place has here in Brownsville that it just wouldn't have anywhere else. With that said, there are many places like this and many moments waiting to be experienced you just have to make an effort to be part of it.  

En Español 

"Tacos de Mota donde tienes su camino!"

Hay sólo unos cuantos agujero querido en las juntas de la pared en Brownsville. Uno de esos lugares es Mota's Taco's al lado de Porter High School. Este es uno de esos lugares que si te dicen que eres de Brownsville tienes que haber comido Mota's Tacos al menos una vez. Si usted no ha comido aquí por lo menos una vez que usted necesita poner eso en su lista local del cubo y conseguirla hecho, usted no desea ser llamado hacia fuera algún día! No me malinterpretes, no es para todo el mundo, pero todo el mundo necesita para experimentar este lugar al menos una vez.

Hay algo muy cercano a los tacos de Mota. Supongo que la gente no hay en una gran prisa, así que no tienes la misma sensación que puedes conseguir cuando estás en un tradicional cene en el establecimiento. Por desgracia, nos quitaron las mesas, así que ya no puede sentarse fuera y disfrutar de sus tacos ... sólo puedo asumir esto es porque no tienen baños públicos. Creo que el código de salud requiere baños públicos si tienes asientos. Así que es más que agarrar y ir, pero hay una buena probabilidad de ver a la gente de pie alrededor de comer o hacer lo que hicimos. Acabamos de arrojar el portón trasero y cavado pulg. Era como una mini partido de puerta trasera en el puesto de taco.

Los tacos son extremadamente grasienta y sabrosa. No tienen una variedad ... su orden es básicamente el número de tacos y si o no te gustaría lechuga y tomates. Son muy pequeños tacos pero extremadamente abundante y pesado en una buena manera. No es que me gustaría comer todos los días, pero bueno, si vas a comer Mc Donald tener estas delicias de vez en cuando no puede lastimar. Por lo menos tiene ingredientes frescos.

Incluso si nunca has estado allí, hay algo nostálgico por ir allí. De pie fuera comiendo taco de la cama del camión en clima cálido le recuerda de un tiempo antes de cadenas corporativas dominaron el mercado. Si nunca has vivido en ningún otro lugar o viajado por este país un momento como este podría ser fácilmente más parecía. Pero para alguien que ha vivido en otros lugares la sencillez y la sensación de casa de este lugar lleva un matiz diferente. Si eres observador te das cuenta de las sutiles diferencias que este lugar tiene aquí en Brownsville que simplemente no tendría en ningún otro lugar. Dicho esto, hay muchos lugares como este y muchos momentos esperando a ser experimentado sólo tienes que hacer un esfuerzo para ser parte de ella.

Writer: Craig Grove

Sponsored By

www.GroveRealtyTeam.com

Need a break from family Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

"Mynt Bar is Open Christmas Eve, Cobbleheads is open on Christmas Day and The Flying Pig is having a Christmas Day potluck at 7 so even if you're alone, you don't have to be!"

Let's be honest folks... we all love our family, really we do. But sometimes we need a little break. Thanks to our friends at our fine local establishments we can get that short break and most likely catch up with friends from far flung places! Just remember, if you go out designate a driver if you are gonna relieve stress with a few drinks. 

Mynt Bar & Grill Christmas Eve Party! 

The first place on the naughty list is Mynt Bar & Grill. They have a great night club atmosphere and friendly staff. They always play a good wide range of music pleasing to most crowds. If you need to get out of the house tonight this event is definitely worth checking out. Just be sure to get home before too late so Santa doesn't find you out and about! 

Here is their Facebook page for more info:

https://www.facebook.com/myntbarandgrill

Cobbleheads Christmas Reunion

Cobbleheads is widely known as the reunion headquarters on Christmas Day for people who have moved away and come back for the holiday. Live music starts on the deck at 4 and good times will go late into the evening so be sure to put this on your list of things to do on Christmas Day. You will not be disappointed and you will see many friends. 

Cobbleheads Fan Page for more info:

https://www.facebook.com/Cobbleheads

The Flying Pig Christmas Potluck

The Flying Pig is a special little hole in the wall joint in Olmito. They have the widest beer selection in Texas or darn close... no joke. On Christmas Day they have started a new "Potluck Dinner" tradition. On any given day you will find the owner Hector there and I am sure Christmas Day will be no exception.  The Pig is a very interment atmosphere where you kind of feel like family even if you don't know anyone so I can only imagine that being even more the case during the pot luck. I think if I was celebrating alone this year I would be sure to end up here at some point. The event starts at 7 and remember to bring a little something to eat. 

Flying Pig Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/flyingpigotx


Whatever you do this Christmas be sure to spend some time with family and friends or go make no ones if you feel alone. The important thing to remember is to be safe and be part of it.

"The Selfie Awards" by Brownsville Living

"Hollywood look out Brownsville is the new home of Glam!" 

Every year since we started Brownsville Living in 2010 we have had an annual event to celebrate the people and businesses that make Brownsville a special place. To keep it fun, this year we are taking it to the next level! Hollywood no longer has the awards game locked down... today we announce The Selfies! Yes, they may have the Oscars, Grammy's and Golden Globes but they are behind the times. The new media world is about social media and the people who make it so fun! It's time we honor those folks! 

The details of the event are still evolving. It will be held at Cobbleheads as is tradition! We are tentatively looking at holding it the evening of Friday, February 10 pending approval from Joe. The event will feature fun finger foods, drink specials, red carpet entrance, door prizes, live music and a quick awards ceremony. 

Tentative Awards:

- Most Selfies 

- Most Politically Opinionated

- Animal Crusader

- Environmental Activist

- Drama Queen 

- Most Active Business Online

We will be opening up nominations very soon so be thinking of that person who is always posting in one of these categories. We will also be seeking a premier sponsor and door prizes sponsors so let me know if you are interested in supporting the event, Call Craig at 956-832-4458. 

More information to come.  And remember, this is all in good fun. We just want people to be part of it! 

Writer: Craig Grove

Blog Sponsor

1848 BBQ a Taste of the Hill Country in Brownsville!

"Move over Franklin's here comes 1848 BBQ!"

Since I set foot in Brownsville I have been on a quest to find, support and promote unique local establishments. Back in 2009 there was a great BBQ place in Los Fresnos called Wild Blue! It was one such place. I was very heart broken when they closed a few years back. Many of us had asked the owner to move to Brownsville but he was hesitant to do so... well he apparently got over that issue because he has now opened his 1848 BBQ on Palm Blvd!

I kept hearing about this 1848 BBQ place but I didn't know Mr. Avila was the Chef so I figured I would get around to it when I could. When I learned he was the Pit Master... It was my  next suggestion every time the inquiry arose. Until finally today we went. I am happy to say he is up to his old tricks and they have even improved.

Abraham Avila Jr. - Pit Master/Chef

The food was fantastic! I  had the Pulled Pork and Beans. The meat was tender and and savory and the beans, well they were awesome... I was about to drink the rest of it and thought it might be a bit over the top! LOL. Christine had the Sliced Brisket which was savory and moist. The folks next to me sampled multiple sides and all raved about them. Bottom line is you need to go and try it for yourself.

Brisket Sandwich

This place which is still under construction had a unique Hill Country vibe! I can't wait until the building is complete. It's another one of those spots that makes you feel like you aren't in Brownsville. But here's the thing... this is the new Brownsville. What we are seeing is the true Brownsville finally emerging. This is what I saw since I moved here. The potential of this city is just now breaking the surface. The work of many people from city leadership to entrepreneurs has resulted in an emerging atmosphere that is unique yet reminds of you successful places you visit around Texas.

Future Enclosed Dining Area

Today we set there in a communal dining area and shared tables with our fellow Brownsvillians. Gone was that feeling that you don't talk to your neighbors. Everyone was happy and talking across the patio and the tables. There was a feeling of community while breaking bread in a unique and hip space. I set and absorbed it and realized how much this town has changed for the better as happy people pedaled by the patio on the new bike trail. To me this was a feeling of complete satisfaction.

Our New Friends Giving Thumbs Up

To the detractors of our town... yes we know it's not complete. All towns are work in progress. But with amazing places like 1848 BBQ, Spanky's, Park Coffee, Linear Trail and all the other great places established and emerging Brownsville is on the cusp of something amazing. It's a fragile renaissance in a brutal critical environment but yet it continues. With each place that doesn't make it... one or two more pop up and do make it. If we want to have the place we envision, we must not just wish for it, we must support it, promote it, speak it, love it and most importantly be part of it. 

1948 BBQ on FB
https://www.facebook.com/1848BBQ

Craig Grove - Writer

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Cevi Chelas - Fantastic Ceviche and the Best Michelada I have ever had!

"Ceviches y Cervezas" 

Fish, Shrimp and Combo Ceviche on Lettuce Wrap

Today's Restaurant profile is about Cevi Chelas. Cevi Chelas is a locally owned restaurant located in the same strip center as the South Winds bar near the intersection of Price and 77. The Physical address is 943 N. Expressway 77 Suite 13. As you might have guessed by their name the specialize in Ceviche and Micheladas.  And they do a darn good job of it. They have a nice variety of options of ceviche including fish, shrimp, combo and others.

We went the other day for an afternoon snack. This place is perfect for that. To me it's ideal for a warm day when you have little to do and need something between lunch and dinner. The day we went football was playing on the flat screens (not that I care) and the atmosphere was friendly. The staff is very hospitable and the owner is typically there. It is owned by Eloy Rodriguez. He was friendly and professional. When I was there he helped prepare my Michelada which was FANTASTIC!

Awesome Michelada!

I have had many Micheladas since discovering this local favorite. Brownsville is probably one of the best places to get them... you can even get them at convenience stores here. Anyhow, I felt a craving so I had one. Well, the experience was nothing short of transcendental. If my stomach had the capacity I could have just had that for lunch x 3. But it was such a large portion and combined with my Ceviche I was quite full at the end of my meal. I fully plan to go back and just have a couple of Micheladas very soon. When I went back to talk to the owner I saw the station where they make them and I can tell you first hand they have all fresh ingredients everything is made right then and there.

Shrimp Cocktail

As for the Ceviche I had three different types wrapped in lettuce... yes this is bit off track for me what with the strange leafy green substance. But I decided to take one for the team so to speak. Well although it was initially a bit hard for me to realize I was eating lettuce and not tortillas, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. It was fresh, tasty and affordable. Christine ordered the Shrimp Cocktail which was huge (hate to see what the large looks like) and very tasty. Overall our experience was very good. We highly recommend it if you are a fan of either Ceviche or Micheladas this is the place to go. The important thing is that you support great local places like this and Be part of it.


Sponsored by
GroveRealtyTeam.com

Author Craig Grove

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