Little did most locals realize that North Texas was being invaded Labor Day weekend. Sure, they’re used to the usual take-over by Longhorns and Sooners in October and Cotton Bowl fans over New Year’s that result in overcrowded restaurants. But on Friday, September 2, the natives found out all too late that University of Southern California and University of Alabama boosters had overwhelmed their favorite venues for the Saturday game at AT&T Stadium.
Why, Al Biernat’s was going to handle over 600 on that night and, much to the chagrin of some regulars, there just wasn’t room. A few blocks away, the legendary Tex-Mex Mia’s Friday night crowd also found themselves being turned away at the parking lot for a closed party. Shocker! But USC lovers Vicki and Bob Chapman had booked the place for a gathering of Trojans, who were met at the patio by Elaine Agather’s favorite mariachi band.
Just inside the door, Garden Gate’s Junior Villanueva had created a ginormous arrangement of Trojan red-and-yellow roses with a USC helmet placed strategically in the center.
And, a very special treat for the locals and out-of-towners like Lauren Chapman, Daniel Pike, Jennifer and Curtis Good, Natalie Shaw and Elyse and Zach Smith was the presence of Dallas’ First Mama of Tex-Mex, Ana ”Mama” Enriquez, all decked out in black gown and jeweled necklace. Everyone wanted to have their photos taken with Mama and her daughter Mia Enriquez.
Little did Mama know that the party was also providing a donation to the American Heart Association in her honor.