The 14th Annual Two Saints and a Taco Tasting was a Houston culinary showcase, featuring 10 taco restaurants serving up authentic creations in support of student scholarships at University of St. Thomas — and raising more than $100,000 in the process. From beloved mom-and-pop taquerias to some of Houston’s most recognized restaurant groups, each competitor aimed to claim the coveted “Best Taco” title. Held at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, even the host brewery joined the competition with a spicy fried chorizo and potato taco.
Three awards were presented at this year’s tasting. The President’s Choice Award, selected by new UST President Dr. Sinda Vanderpool, went to Fajita Pete’s beef verde taco, a marinated inside skirt steak with roasted poblanos, sweet onions, chimichurri, and avocado crema — a fresh, vibrant twist on a Fajita Pete’s classic.
“I took my judging very seriously,” said Vanderpool as she presented the award.
Representing the Basilian Fathers who founded UST, The Reverend Eduardo Rivera, CSB, presented the Padre’s Choice Award to La Cocina de TJ for their tacos de carnitas served on homemade blue corn tortillas.
Finally, the People’s Choice Award, voted on by the more than 400 guests in attendance, went to La Viva for their “La Pina Fuego” taco of slow-roasted pork infused with citrus flavors, topped with queso fresco and grilled pineapple pico, wrapped in corn tortillas.
This widely popular event began as a grassroots idea of the University of St. Thomas Alumni Association Board of Directors. During the years, it has grown into an unofficial reunion for the UST community and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. This year’s event was co-chaired by a double-pair of siblings and dedicated UST alumni: Dani Herrera ’97; Meredith McCrary ’03, MLA ’24; Dan Garcia ’01, MBA ’09; and Joe Garcia ’03.
“Two Saints has become more than an event – it’s a tradition that alumni look forward to each year,” said Dan Garcia. “The combination of meaningful connection, spirited atmosphere and celebration of UST pride makes it a highlight of the calendar. It embodies the best of who we are as a community and reminds us of the lasting impact of our shared UST experience.”
Herrera emphasized the real and personal impact of the funds raised.
“We read every application and sit down with the students ourselves,” she said. Last year, we gave more than $80,000 to some incredible continuing students — people balancing work, family and school while carrying UST’s mission into everything they do. We were delighted to reach our goal of $100,000 this year, but the real impact is personal. The interviews are full of laughter, emotion and stories that remind us why this work matters so much.”
At the end of the evening, the event’s beloved motto once again proved true: Beer + tacos = scholarships.
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