Mirando City – On a sleepy South Texas road in the middle of oil country and some hallowed hunting grounds, you’ll come across a restaurant that’s been sitting on the side of FM 649 since the 1950s. Despite this being a desolate destination, Lala’s Cafe sure does get packed with people.
Noemi Jackson grew up in Mirando City, a town of about 300 folks. Now to understand Noemi, you have to realize that she is a small-town Texas woman and she don’t take no guff from nobody. You see, Noemi doesn’t like to make things too complicated, and the menu reflects that. In fact there isn’t a menu, just two different plates to choose from.
The large combination comes with two tacos, two enchiladas and a chalupa. The small comes with one of each. When a place has their menu this limited, you know it’s gotta be good, because they’ve perfected everything!
The reason this place is so popular is because it hasn’t changed in decades. It’s how Noemi’s Grandmother Eduarda (Lala) Banda made it back in 1953. Everything is still made fresh, and there isn’t a microwave in sight. The attention to detail even goes down to the flour, as Noemi orders the same brand that grandma used to buy back in the day.
Grandma Lala and Noemi’s Aunt kept Lala’s a destination for over 60 years, and now that long lineage rests on the shoulders of Noemi and her daughter in law Paulina. When you’ve worked with family for as long as they have, every last piece of information gets passed down, making sure you always know what you’re getting when you stop by.
We joined the ladies in the kitchen to see what makes their food so sought after and apparently, this is a popular place to catch up with customers. Noemi gets things started by taking her masa and making some incredible fresh tortillas. The enchiladas are simple, freshly grated longhorn cheddar wrapped up in a warm tortilla. The tacos are tortillas cooked up a little longer with ground beef, lettuce, and tomatoes. And finally, the chalupas are the longest fried tortillas topped with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
The finished plate is absolutely beautiful, and there’s really nothing better than a fresh-made tortilla. The crispness of the taco and the freshness of the ingredients make for an incredibly satisfying bite. The enchiladas are stuffed with that delicious cheese, and the chalupa has a crunch that works great with the delicious beans loaded on top.
So if you’re searching for a true Texas spot that’s rooted in tradition, or just a place where you don’t have to make too many decisions, then Lala’s Cafe has got to be your next stop on The Texas Bucket List.