They came to Los Angeles bringing with them all the friendliness, enthusiasm and purpose that Texans are famous for.  They were from San Antonio and  in Los Angeles to brief the media on  exciting events  taking place this year for the  City's Tricentennial anniversary.  That's right three hundred years. 
They also brought with them some outstanding chefs including Chef John  Brand  of the famous Emma Hotel which enjoys a good deal of longevity as well.
Then there was Chef Justin Ward of the Culinary Institute of America San Antonio campus.  For starters there were cocktails including a locally popular  Margarita.  What caught our eye was a Spanish wine, Senor De Lesmos 2014 Rioja.  This proved the perfect accompaniment to the appetizers and tasties that began flowing from the kitchen..
One of the themes for the event, which was held at  Crafted Kitchen iin the Arts district, was a large number of Spanish paintings dating as far back as 1500 that will be on exhibition at the San Antonio Art Museum.  The Spanish influence still shows in San Antonio which first flew Spain's flag.  Also on show were many products now produced in San Antonio and surrounding region.
But let us get back to those culinary goodies now being passed around.  These included Picos camperos, olives and pintxos, raisin bread, spiced quince jam and serrano ham, Spanish flautas, morcilla and garbonzo.  Then there was a unique fish and chips with salt cod croquettes, crisps of anchovy and potato followed by grilled Octopus and citrus olive salad.
To go with this culinary artistry there was the entertainment of a Spanish dressed duo, he the guitarist and she singing traditional Spanish songs from Las Coroneles group.  We decided it just couldn't get better than this, well maybe by traveling to San Antonio and experience some of the Tri centennial events  first hand.
Chefs Brand and Ward were not finished.  Out of the kitchen came vegan Jicama tacos--pineapple, chamoy, chayote slaw and japone butter featuring Twang-a-Rita Paloma love, a local product.  Followed by smoke roasted pork, charred red cabbage, apples, onions, marcona almonds and raisins.
And yes there was dessert as well,  Perrunillas  (Spanish cookies) and Spanish cheeses.  Also Arroz con leche frita (fried sweet rice, and Mexican chocolate sauce).
Some of the Spanish paintings were shown on screen and besides the quality of the artist, interesting themes that reflected the era when they were produced.  We were told that many to be shown in San Antonio were going to be on exhibit away from Spain for the first time.
There was also time for us to reminisce on our press trip to San Antonio, now seemingly eons ago, as well as explorations in Spain.
If it was the aim of the Texans to entice us to write about and maybe visit San Antonio they succeeded very well.  And don't get us started on the culinary delights to be found.