Vandals

Oofas.  


Por que es asi la gente.  Que hico ese sign?

Pizza in Laredo circa 1980

    It seems that all the good times in Laredo have passed us by. Judging from an old phone book, circa 1980, that I came upon, I guess all the cool pizza places in Laredo no longer exist. Locally owned, mom-pop places have given way to stale and predictable pizza from national chains such as Pizza Hut, Dominos, Cici's and others of their ilk.

However, this was not always the case. Back in 1980, Laredenses could choose from a variety of different pizzerias, both local and national chains. Unfortunately, I have no idea how any of these tasted or whether they were around for a long time. At least the ads in the phonebook look pretty neat and enticing. Take a look at some of the pizza choices we had 30 years ago.

Rustic Cedar atmosphere? How quaint..

1) Pizzazz Pizza actually looks pretty fun. Wine, beer, "rustic cedar atmosphere". Heck it even rhymes! How awesome and how so 1980. This place seems to have been located on Clark St, somewhere in the Heights area of town. Anyone out there remember this place? I sure as heck don't. It's a shame though. It seems like it was a fun place. They even had "Chicago style pizza". Now that kicks Pizzazz..

2) Another pizza choice we had in 1980 was a place called Shakey's. By the looks of it, this was a pizza chain that had games, movies as well as the "world's greatest pizza". Pretty bold statement, I know. I've never heard of this place either, for it seems to have been long gone by 1989 (that's as far back as I remember). Watch a video of a TV commercial here.

3) Sal's Pizza of course is a local landmark that according to a buddy of mine, had some pretty neat bands play live there back in the day. Is Sal's still open? Not sure if it is, but I think I'll call the number on the phonebook Ad (727-4600), just to see who answers. I feel like having a pizza anyway. I hope they deliver...

La Pinguina Tremenda

Pino Burger

     Some of the best burritos I've ever eaten were some fajita burritos that I would get over at Pino Burger in Nvo. Laredo back in the mid 90s'. They were so good, my buddies and I would venture all the way out there specifically to enjoy them good tacos. Unfortunately, when the violence and mayhem hit the Nuevo Laredo streets, I was forced to stop going out to one of my favorite eateries. So imagine how happy I was to hear that Pino Burger, (like many others, El Popo, El Padrino, Carboncitos) had made the jump over the charco from our sister city.

Drink Laredo review

  
 Although I loved their burritos and tacos, I had to admit that their burgers were delicious as well. I have yet to eat at their Laredo, TX branch, located on Del Mar Ave, but it is definitely on my list of things to do. Especially because the good folks over at DrinkLaredo seemed to have given the restaurant their much coveted seal of approval. I hope to go Pino Burger sometime this week, if nothing else than to relive the 90s in my taste buds.

Lemurs

 
Since I cancelled DirectTV last week,  I will no longer be able to watch my beloved Texas Rangers on television. Because of that, I am looking forward to the start of the Lemurs baseball season in order to entertain myself during the long summer nights.  According to their website, the season begins in 1 month and 3 weeks from today. I have my glove ready to go for the opening day. Can we just play ball now?

Depeche Mode

 With my 4 year anniversary quickly approaching, I was seeking a good band to play at my Sunday night carne asada celebration. That is when I saw this clip on Youtube of a father and his two kids playing one of my favorite Depeche Mode songs. I'm not sure where they are from but I sure wish I could hire them.

Quikie

I love Quickies!