Mexican Restaurant - TOTYS at 4712 Airline, (as AUTHENTIC as it comes)

Those of you who know me know that I take Mexican food very seriously. I'm the guy who will respond when someone says "Where can I get authentic Mexican food not that Tex-Mex". I've been traveling in and exploring Mexico since I was 9. For the past several decades, I've gone there several times each year to vacation or to visit family. 

I had helped research and recipe test for The Tex-Mex Cookbook and The Chili Cookbook, written by Robb Walsh. 

TOTYS Mexican Restaurant is tucked away, hidden actually, in the back of a non-descript shopping center at 4712 Airline. Near I-45. Across from a most excellent Fiesta grocery store.

It is about as authentic as it gets.

Carmen is from Hidalgo. In addition to her truly remarkable culinary skills, she was a lawyer in a past incarnation. But these days, her love of food and cooking have taken center stage and TOTYS is where you can find an amazing selection of regional cuisine, executed perfectly. 

Always start with the guacamole. It's perfect. Then, find out if there are any specials for the day and also have a look at the menu.

She has a real molino, and she grinds slaked corn on premises, for nixtamal (for tortillas, tamales, chocolate, etc.). That is rare. It is also pretty awesome, imho. 

Do not procrastinate. Go here as soon as is possible. Order anything on the menu and I can assure you that you will be well pleased. 

(This wonderful restaurant. With cuisine from a region of Mexico that is a little under the radar.
Flavorful. Just perfect food.
I’d eat here at least once a week if I could.
A little off the beaten path but so worth visiting it.
Beautiful restaurant decorated with Puebla talavera.
Excellent bar and cocktails.
It is just a perfect restaurant. With the nicest people)

Bread - Alvand Bakery Makes Fresh Hot Bread

Tire tread bread, Afghan bread, Persian flat bread. Different types or styles or names for the various flat breads of Iran and Afghanistan, some of which really do look like they have tire tracks on them. A soft dough that is stretched out and fast baked. Similar to naan. Similar to pita. But richer in flavor than pita which can be very dry. Some are baked on a layer of stones and produce their own distinct pattern from the stones.

Update 2025:  "It is a wonderful little bakery, focused on the flat breads of Afghanistan and Iran imho. What is interesting about these is how high the hydration is, how wet the dough is when it goes into the oven. Resulting in the soft, pliable, yet chewy texture. In some parts of the world, one sees the wet dough laid out on top of small stones, resulting in indentations that are specific to that bread. I once heard that Iranian soldiers, as part of their ration, one member would carry a box of stones, for baking bread in the field. When I worked as an engineer, several of my Iranian co-workers picked up clean, perfect stones at an aquarium supply, for use in baking the breads at home.

I've also attached photos of stocked shelves. You should definitely pick up some yogurt here, either plain, or, with the wild garlic.

And there is a freezer with house made ice cream to buy.

The pack of two breads is currently 6 dollars (August, 2025)"

Sangak Bread in Iran

Iranian Bread Documentary

Sharjah Bread in Afghanistan

The wonderful Alvand Bakery is on Eldridge between Briarforest and Westheimer. At one time, it was called Afghanistan Bakery. It closed for a while. Now re-opened. And I swear, when the bread comes hot out of the oven and is used to scoop up the homemade yogurt that I consider to be the best in Houston, and adding a little honey...what a fantastic breakfast!

Here is the exterior of the Alvand:

Boudin, Sausage and Things Louisiana in Houston

 Exploring Cullen Street and Scott Street, south of45 South brings you to discover some great meat markets, with steam tables for lunches, and sausage and boudin for purchase.

Pyburn's

Farmer's Fresh

Gilmore Hamburgers