There's Big News For Taco Lovers In Texas

Taco enthusiasts, e.g., anyone in possession of working taste buds, had better sit down for the following news, because it might be one of the greatest moments of 2017 so far. A food journalist and Texas state representative have teamed up to change the official Texas state dish to tacos. No, it's not the setup for a heartwarming sitcom, even if it sounds like an episode of Parks and Recreation — this is a thing that's really happening.

The Texas state dish has been chili since 1977, but self-proclaimed taco journalist Mando Rayo is out to change that. According to Eater, Rayo created a Change.org petition in February to make tacos the official food of the Lone Star state, citing their importance in local culture. "Tacos were here before Texas was Texas! ... In Texas, you can find tacos almost anywhere, not just at Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurants but food trucks, trailers, gas stations, Asian food places, barbecue joints and even All-American restaurants," reads the petition.

As of March 19, it received a little over 1,000 signatures, and although that's short of it's numerical goal, the petition might achieve its larger purpose. On March 10, state representative Gina Hinojosa introduced a bill in the Texas State Legislature proposing to switch from chili to the far superior option of tacos.

"While the exact origins of the taco are uncertain, this staple of Mexican cuisine is thought to have been around at least as long as the Lone Star State, and it has been wholeheartedly adopted as a mainstay of Texas dining," reads HCR 110. It also includes a less-than-subtle proclamation of superiority., adding, "One thing Texans can agree on is that, despite the availability of tacos in the other 49 states, the tastiest tacos can be found in the great State of Texas."

Obviously, the bill has to pass before the dish could replace chili, but Texans love their tacos. Earlier this month, mere days before the introduction of HCR 110, lawmaker Stephanie Klick introduced a bill proposing to name breakfast tacos the official state dish, arguing that Texans have perfected the tortilla-wrapped delicacy.

Either way, one thing is clear. After all this talk, tacos are definitely on the menu for dinner tonight.