Taco Tuesday is upon us and what better way then interviewing taco journalists Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece about their newest TV show United Tacos of America?! The new series kicks off tonight on El Ray Network. Any and every living human being who loves tacos as much as I do, should tune in. Don’t forget your tacos and beverage while your at it, because you’ll most certainly be hungry after watching Rayo and Neece venture to find the greatest tacos in the United States.
We recently caught up with the duo to find out what ignited their enthusiasm for tacos and what’s in store for audiences watching the series.
AFM: Out of all the Mexican dishes, Why tacos?
MANDO: “I always say I was born with a tortilla in my hand. That said before Jarod and I got together to do taco journalism I was always the goto taco guy, a home cook and I was always dabbling in the kitchen with tortillas. I grew up with this dish and growing up in Texas you have it in the culture here whether you had it in your family traditions or adopted it.”
AFM: What are you hoping to achieve as audiences watch your show?
JAROD: “Our goal was always to connect the people who love making tacos with those who love eating tacos. We don’t want to just scratch the surface of what people see and taste we wanted to go deeper. We want to know where did this taco come from, who is the person who created it and what’s the history behind the taco? This is also an opportunity for these people to tell their story, Mando and I are taco journalist and we don’t say we know everything but we try to guide the story and get the people behind the prefect instagram photo tell their own taco tale.”
MANDO: “Tacos are culture, they represent the culture of the people who make them with every bite you take from your favorite taco joint. It creates a deeper meaning for the tacos and the generations it took to develop that recipe. You find out how many years these tacos stories go and what struggles had to happen to get where they are now for many people to enjoy.”
AFM: What do you look for when selecting the perfect tacos to highlight on the show?
JAROD: “A great story, good tasting taco(obviously) what the locals say we should try, places that have history behind it because a taco taste better when you know where it comes from.”
AFM: Okay real talk – what were your favorite tacos?
JAROD: “Valentina’s “The Real Deal Holyfield’’ was definitely our favorite taco and favorite topping was at Johnny Walkers BBQ the habanero salsa was so delicioso.”
AFM: What’s one of the biggest highlights from your experience?
MANDO: “It was important to tell the history of every establishment we visited, giving them some recognition because some places don’t have huge budgets and all they want to do is make people smile with their damn delicious tacos.”
AFM: You’ve enjoyed tacos from all over the United States on this journey. Which taco joints are you planning to try on your next in Austin and how is
MANDO: “They are a lot on our list. We are in Austin but Texas in general has some spots we have been hearing about and wanting to try. We have been here for 20 years plus and we are all about keeping Austin weird as much as we’re all about the tacos!”
AFM: What can the audience look forward to in season 2?
JAROD: “We want the audience to look forward to the next 7 episodes on season one first then we can start cooking up some more for season two! So keep watching on El Rey!”
United Tacos of America will debut on Tuesday October 15th at 10pm. Each 30-minute episode in the 8 episode series airs only on El Rey Network.
We probably won't see a white Christmas in Austin, but don't let that ruin your…
The LINE Austin has unveiled their latest concept, Cantero, a bar that takes mixology to…
The demand for sugar free hard candy is on the rise, especially among those managing…
Thanksgiving in Austin is a time for festive feasting, and there’s no shortage of delightful…
Pursuit Farms has become a beacon for discerning palates seeking the finest Wagyu beef available…
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…