True. I’ve been to Mexican restaurants in different parts of this country and the owners are from Mexico, but “authentic” is whatever region they came from. I noticed food in Monterrey was a lot different than Juarez.
As for here, I love our texmex, but I also love the Arizona Mexican food. You have posted pictures of some plates at a restaurant and I wanted to hop in the car and join you. California has a variety, it seems the higher end catered more to Californians, but I found a few that made food I liked. And then there’s the taco trucks, I do like tongue burritos and street tacos. A good place for street tacos and other dishes is on Fremont Street in LV.
I s/h been a food critic, 😜
I find that no matter where I am I just like Mexican food period.
However, some more than others.
I remember back in the early 70’s when my folks lived in Dublin, CA, they took us to a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant that you had to go thru a Chinese grocery store to get to.
IIRC it was in Hayward, it was always packed and the food was very good.
The serving area was a long narrow room with 2 rows of picnic like tables.
The waiters were real characters and enjoyed joshing the customers in a fun way.
Does this ring a bell for you?
My favorite is the New Mexico Mexican food like they have in El Paso and um.. New Mexico. Maybe because I grew up with it and I’m always comparing. California Mexican food is different, some great like the small roadside restaurants in San Diego. And even Bakersfield.
Tennessee Mexican food is pitiful! At least the ones I’ve tried so far.