Fresh off announcing his U.S. Senate run on September 9, State Rep. James Talarico shared a strong opinion when he ran into Erika Harrison, the blogger who runs the Black Girls Who Brunch Instagram account. The rising star, who represents Texas’s 50th House District in North Austin and Pflugerville, didn’t hesitate when Harrison asked, “What are you looking forward to in this campaign in Texas?” Talarico said that he’s excited about visiting every corner of the state and earning the trust of Texans in their communities. Standard political candidate fodder.

Then, when Harrison brought up that she can’t wait for him to explore Houston and its brunch options, Talerico said the city has the “best food in the state.”

Everyone knows Texas cities have their rivalries, and it doesn’t look like he’s keen on shying away from one of the things Texans love to argue about the most: food. Will he wade into the other hot and contentious food opinions of our time? Does Austin or San Antonio have the best tacos? While we’re on the subject of tacos — corn or flour tortillas? Best barbecue? Is Whataburger still good? Only time will tell.

After Public Outcry, Picos Will Remain Open Through 2025

The Houston institution known for creating and popularizing the shaker margarita isn’t closing just yet. Earlier this year, Arnaldo Richards announced that his restaurant Picos would cease operations at the end of September, but thanks to an outpouring of support from the community, its doors will remain open through the end of the year. “Your heartfelt messages, visits, and encouragement have inspired us to keep our doors open a little longer,” Richards said through a press release. This will allow the staff at the Westheimer staple, which first opened in 1984, to stay employed through the holidays and give fans more time for one last 12 Days of Mole.

Tacos A Go Go Adds Full Bar With Two New Locations

Twenty years after opening in Midtown, Tacos A Go Go is set to expand with two new locations this winter. Its Heights restaurant will move into the former Lola building on Yale Street, while a new Memorial/Tanglewood outpost takes the former Killen’s STQ space. For the first time at a Tacos A Go Go location, a full cocktail and drinks menu will be available and it’s getting developed by Bobby Heugel of Anvil and Better Luck Tomorrow fame.