A FAMOUS GUY INVESTED IN GALVESTON
Drop In For A Taco
Written by Marsha Wilson Rappaport
 
.K. folks – I’m tired of being subtle. Carlos Mencia, the famous comedian of HBO’s “The Mind of Mencia” has invested his hard earned money and the money of others in “Carlos Mencia’s Maggie Rita’s Mexican Grill and Bar” on the Strand. Located where “Fuddys’ big burgers used to hang out on Strand and 23rd Street, it’s easy to find.
There is parking right behind it in both a lot and a garage and often on the street. The food is good. AND the Margaritas are fantastic. They use the “good tequila” and they actually fill up the shot glass. In fact, you’re going to love them so much, while you sit on their third floor deck overlooking the bay that you’re going to need friends – lots of friends. Because one of your friends is going to have to be a geek who will serve as the designated driver. Or one of your friends will have to be sober enough to call a cab. (Special thanks to Tropical Taxi for my night out!)
 And why will you do this? You will do this because of the great food review that will follow. But mostly, you will do this because we need this kind of investment in Galveston. We have to invest in ourselves – if we want high profile folks to come here and invest in our city. And you’re going to do it because I just love comedy and I’m hunting for someone to bring this funny guy back for a Comedy Show.
So... now that you have your orders…. Fajitas with a Great View! This is the kind of eatery you can bring your friends and family to if you want to impress them. Trust me - Uncle Bubba and Aunt Louise really will stand on the third floor deck of this Strand eatery look over the Bay and out onto the Strand and go: WOW! I live here and I was impressed.
I sat there, with a live band playing in Saengerfest Park, watching the tourists go by and I really came to appreciate what a really great tourist spot this is. The view combined with all of the salt water fresh air ultimately caught up with me and I did have to eat.
 Santiago Moreno is the co-owner of Maggie Rita’s, his wife Olga and son James serve as Managers. They are so confident this new venture will succeed that they moved here from Austin a few months ago.
“We love Galveston”, said Olga.
I went a couple of times and I tried both the Tacos and Fajitas at Maggie Rita’s. First let me clarify that there are so many good Mexican Restaurants in Texas that it’s really hard to nitpick through their dishes. I have a few benchmarks however. I have to have thin, crispy, warm chips: Maggie Rita’s scores
I like “real guacamole, with big hulking chunks of avocado: Maggie Rita’s scores again.
I must have thin, warm, corn tortilla shells and ground beef – not minced bits in my tacos:  Maggie Rita’s scores an A. But it’s with their Fajitas that they scored an A+. The beef AND the chicken are charred for real – with those tasty little crispy edge and delicately caramelized surfaces. Moreover, their interiors were succulent and juicy – as in dripping juices. Could it get any better?
Yes it could – the flour tortillas were thin, moist and warm. We’re talking “Top of the Class.” Of course Maggie Rita’s is a “modern” eatery. Those of you who love trendy will stand in line for their Fish Tacos. The rest of us will line up for Enchiladas or a Burger.
I need to mention that although the Margarita’s are spectacular – there is a full bar at Maggie Rita’s. Moreover, you can get all kinds of “flavored” Margaritas. I got one laced with Curacao just to be different on my last visit.
 So the question looms large. What did Carlos Mercia say when I interviewed him? Alas, I will not be invited to write for the Rolling Stone because of this, I must report that my cigar smoking buddy TJ at the “you know what” sucked Mencia’s brain dry. There is almost nothing I can tell you that didn’t come out on the front page. That left me to ask him – a comedian -only serious questions. And I can tell you that was tough.
Carlos Mencia is so funny that he almost breathes funny. I was attempting to be a “real writer” and was laughing so hard I was literally crying. I did wonder why he choose us and he revealed that he was a motorcycle guy:
“I came here for the Lone Star Rally – twice.” he said. (Take note you good folks at the Galveston Park Board) I also asked him about his comedy. He railed about folks being “politically correct” and admits he goes the distance to “offend everybody.”
However, he noted that things have gone “too far”. That politics have polarized to a point that “comedians” have become the “news guys”. He mentioned John Stewart, The Colbert Report and the monologues on late night television. “It’s sad – isn’t it.”, he said. Then he jumped up and asked me if I had tried the Margaritas!
Funny guy – great restaurant. Don’t let summer leave without it!
Carlos Mencia’s Maggie Rita’s Mexican Grill and Bar is located at 23rd between Strand and Harborside, 111 23rd Street, Galveston, TX 77550, Phone: (409)765-7482 hours are 11 – 9:30 pm., Sun – Thursday and 11 a.m. – until on weekends. http://www.galveston.com/maggieritas/
 Food Sin of the Month: Broiled fish is wonderful, low cal and really good for you. That’s why sometimes only fried fish will do! I was having that craving one day and the force was with me
. My old friend “ Bennos’ on the Seawall” was frying up a mess of catfish and it was all you could eat for $9.99. The recipe is basic Texas: crispy, fried catfish, with a crunchy crust outside and a juicy, firm inside. Hush Puppies, a cob of fresh corn, French fries and lots of tartar sauce. For a moment I thought I might feel guilty- Ted Hanley of the Jesse Tree walked in. Luckily it was for a carry out of: Fried Catfish!
Marsha Wilson Rappaport is a local author and free lance writer who knows that the 61st Street pier is open, she knows where her rod and tackle are and she’s headed that way…here fishy- fishy – fishy.
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