NIOSA Favorites

Today I made my visit to NIOSA for pictures for the website. During that visit I always try to sample some of the many foods of NIOSA and discover new ones along with my favorites. There are so many different types of foods on the grounds there is no way you can sample them all in one year. Over the years I have enjoyed so many different tastes developed by the folks at the Conservation Society.

This year I decided to lock onto what a co-worker described as the best value at NIOSA. He suggested I try the banana split found in the Main Street area just off Clown Alley. Apparently the folks at that booth have put together a culinary delight for a great value. Sure enough he was right. For just 4 tickets you get a generous helping of ice cream, bananas, nuts and chocolate syrup.

Of course I had to try my standard favorites. I wandered over to the Haymarket area and lined up like everyone else for Maria's Tortillas. In the past I wondered why people would stand in line for so long to taste a corn tortilla with butter, cheese and salsa. Then I tried one and was hooked. The care the ladies on the platform put into forming and cooking these tortillas makes them that much more tasty. It's like you are back in old San Antonio enjoying these delights from the street.

Another favorite is anticuchos found in the back of the Mexican Market. Four marinated pieces of meat skewered and cooked draws crowds into the small area fighting the smoke from the many pits used to cook the treats. What makes the meat taste so good is the special sauce they are marinated in. It has a slightly tangy taste that really brings out the flavor of the meat.

A new treat I found that I will have to sample next year are the kabobs in Froggy Bottoms. As I wandered out of the area tonight I saw a line that snaked along the wall out of the area all the way into the Mexican Market. I had to find out why people would wait so long for these and the group I asked told me you have to try one to understand. So it looks like I'll be working my way to enjoy those next year.

NIOSA is always fun despite the crowds. Where else could you find all those foods in one place?