The Old Dutch Masters and a Mexican Restaurant

A little lagniappe from my quote journal. Doesn't this paint a wonderful picture?

The old Dutch masters would have loved to perpetuate the interior of a Mexican restaurant, its patrons showing the cosmopolitan nature of the population of the State. A long, low-roofed room, with bare floor, an uncovered pine table, and hard bench, on which sit three noted politicians taking an evening lunch. ... Each has a steaming platter of chile con carne before him, and a plate of tamales in their hot moist wrappings of shuck. Behind them stands the Mexican host, tall, dark, dignified, and grave, yet watchful. ... Over them flicker the dim rays cast by an oil lamp, deepening the shadows, throwing half-lights into the obscurity of the corners. A tiny hairless Mexican dog sits motionless on the doorstep, while the sign—written in both English and Spanish—swings creakingly above his head. ... Only in the cities of Texas can be found that peculiar fusion of American civilization with Mexican life. ...

Lee C. Harby, "Texan Types and Contrast,"
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, July 1890

via Robb Walsh, Texas Eats