Ep 8. Tex Mex

In season 3, episode 8 of Most Expensivest, two worlds collide as we venture into the world of “Tex Mex” cuisine. Host 2 Chainz takes us on a culinary journey as we explore the origins of Tex Mex food and its evolution over time, while also uncovering some of the most extravagant, high-end dishes in the industry.

Beginning in Austin, Texas, we meet with award-winning chef Paul Qui, who provides us with the inside scoop on what makes Tex Mex cuisine so unique. Qui takes us on a tour of his restaurant, Kuneho, where we see firsthand the intricate techniques involved in creating his beloved dishes. From his take on the classic elote, to his infamous roasted bone marrow tacos, Qui’s innovative spin on Tex Mex has earned him widespread recognition in the culinary world.

Next, we travel to San Antonio to get a taste of the iconic “puffy taco” at Ray’s Drive Inn. Dubbed as the birthplace of the puffy taco, Ray’s Drive Inn has been serving up this signature dish to locals and visitors alike for over six decades. 2 Chainz gets a behind-the-scenes look at the process behind creating the perfect puffy taco shell, and even tries his hand at making one himself.

Moving on to Houston, we meet with Chef Hugo Ortega, who has reinvented traditional Tex Mex dishes into luxurious and elevated creations. Ortega’s restaurant, Xochi, offers diners sophisticated takes on classic Tex Mex dishes such as enchiladas and tamales, utilizing high-end ingredients and unique preparation methods.

Finally, we end our journey in Dallas, where Chef Stephan Pyles takes us to his restaurant, Flora Street Cafe, to showcase his upscale take on Tex Mex. Pyles has created a menu filled with extravagant and costly ingredients, such as exotic cactus fruit and escabeche, which he blends seamlessly with traditional Tex Mex flavors. Throughout our visit, Pyles dazzles us with his culinary expertise, crafting dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious.

Along the way, 2 Chainz gives us insight into some of the most lavish and high-end Tex Mex dishes out there, including a $1,000 taco filled with Kobe beef and Almas Beluga caviar, topped with edible gold flakes. We also see the making of a $100 Margarita, garnished with a diamond-encrusted stirrer, and a $25,000 taco made with rare black truffles and edible gold leaf.

Throughout this episode of Most Expensivest, we see the true scope of Tex Mex cuisine and how it has become a cultural staple not only in Texas, but across the United States. Whether it’s a classic puffy taco or a high-end dish, these Tex Mex creations have captivated the taste buds of people from all walks of life and continue to evolve with each passing year.