Alfredo Corchado has covered U.S.-Mexico issues for The News since 1993. Read more. “Marfa is still open and we’re glad to have folks here,” said Emily Williams, the General Manager at the Hotel Saint George. April 19, 2020 27% of businesses … You'll enjoy wonderful cuts of meat like New York strip, filet mignon, porterhouse and rib eye. … At some point,” he said, our image “kinda got a little bit away from us.”. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, they’ve had to rethink things a bit, but you can still find limited in-person dining and to-go options. Then, of course, there are those mysterious lights. Southern California casinos usually offer dozens of options for Christmas Day dining. Last Spring, native son Daniel O. Hernandez, a state legislative assistant for Texas Democratic Sen. Jose Rodriguez, penned an open letter to the Houston Chronicle titled, “Stay Home, Marfa’s Closed.”, Hernandez took issue with the Chronicle’s “Where to go ‘glamping’ across Texas?” Especially offensive to him and other locals was the opening line: “Self quarantine? People are fleeing big cities for rural areas in an attempt to outrun COVID-19. If you’re still looking for those last-minute holiday gifts, it’s really hard to go wrong with gift cards. Across Marfa, I think everyone just appreciates all of our guests remembering that it’s people’s home, too. Appropriate COVID-19 precautions are in place and we ask that everyone respectfully abide by rules businesses have set in place. But the healthier we stay. The biggest is the Chinati Foundation’s annual weekend event where all of artist Donald Judd’s installations open for “self-guided viewing and the museum presents special exhibitions, talks, and performances, all free to the public,” according to its official website. In addition to his radio show, Johnson is a longtime resident and organizer of events, including the Agave Festival Marfa and Desert Encrypts, both of them canceled. Read more. Note: Please keep in mind that businesses may be limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of Marfa’s favorite sons, Tim Johnson and Primo Carrasco, lamented the news during their weekly Dos Horas regional norteño music program this week on Marfa Public Radio. In this March 7, 2019 photo, a welcome to Marfa sign is posted off of U.S. 90. A good friend of mine, Houston conceptual artist Gary Griffin, adores the long road trip to Marfa. Open (must have COVID-19 preparedness plan) Potential for increased capacity Restaurants and Bars: Delivery and Take Out Only Delivery and Take Out Only Outdoor dining Capacity: 6 ft of distance must be maintained, not to exceed 50 customers Reservations: Required. Let’s just hope that people keep their cool and no fights break out this time. She says these ginger-spiked shortbreads come together quickly and are scrumptious. Big Bend National Park is to the southeast, and to the north lies the McDonald Observatory which, until the pandemic, would host star gazing parties. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Marfa, a remote but trendy high desert town along the Texas border, is seeing a rising number of COVID-19 cases in another example the coronavirus … Read more. Alex Groves writes about casinos for the entertainment team at the Southern California News Group. Restaurants across Southern California were asked to switch to takeout and delivery only models due to a recent surge in cases that resulted in limited ICU capacity at area hospitals. They also reminded listeners not to forget to take COVID-19 precautions. The list of Marfa restaurants is diverse in this hip foodie destination. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many restaurants to close in 2020. View local restaurants that are open. Contact Us. Note: Please keep in mind that businesses may be limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cathy Thomas is right there with you. Tourism and livelihoods go hand in hand. Others show signs of life. The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific in Newport Beach will remain closed until January 2021 after some of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. For now, the streets are mostly empty. Outdoor Ranger Information Kiosks - open Daily. A craft beer enthusiast, Alex likes to bring back an IPA as a souvenir from every new place he travels. Signs in some parts of Marfa discourage tourism to the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. He started his first full-time gig later that year as a breaking news reporter for The Press-Enterprise but has also written stories on arts programs at local high schools, dining and events. Adults who tested positive for Covid-19 were about twice as likely to have eaten at a restaurant in the two weeks before becoming ill than those … ... Open Wednesday – Sunday from 9am – 2pm Takeout, online ordering, and limited seating. Read more. The two festivals are a fusion of Marfa’s locals and newcomers, a mixture of folklore and fine arts. Tourism at the region’s national park and Marfa, a city known for its artist community, is thought to be one reason for the area’s spike in Covid-19 cases. Stellina. Renowned chefs serve up tasty plates at the many places to eat in Marfa, Texas. Best Dining in Marfa, Texas: See 2,379 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 30 Marfa restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. So far, Marfa, which lies in Presidio County, has recorded no COVID-19 deaths within the county, although at least three people have died in the closest hospitals — some three hours away in El Paso and Midland-Odessa. In between are striking, quirky communities, from Presidio on the border to Ojinaga, Alpine, Marathon and Fort Davis, all under skies that take the breath and worries away. Subscribe here. “How do we keep true to who we are, without living up to the image which we find in The New York Times, which we’ve always felt was like a little bit, always, somewhat inaccurate. In his free time, Alex enjoys hiking and traveling. Anne Valdespino speaks with Evan Inada, charcuterie/partnerships director for Columbus Craft Meats, about how to make a meaty charcuterie chalet. No problem: Texas has its share of upscale, high-end hotels and opulent, sprawling ranches.”. We urge everyone to call ahead of time to determine availability. But this small, mostly Mexican American town turned-arts hub, couldn’t escape the impact of the pandemic which has devastated entire economies and lives worldwide. We recognize that places where people gather, need to be clean, welcoming, and safe. He’s author of Midnight in Mexico and Homelands. And during the holidays, many restaurants throw in some bonuses for purchasing them, John Plessel explains. In total, according to the city of Marfa’s visitor center director, Minerva Lopez, before the pandemic, 19 restaurants were open. A holiday gift: Watch this Orpheus Chamber Singers Christmas concert online for free, ‘To Be Determined’ at the Dallas Museum of Art explores hope and resilience in these troubled times, Dallas arts leaders applaud $15 billion boost included in virus relief deal, Remembering the musicians we lost in 2020, Down to 17 ICU beds, Dallas County posts record 2,512 coronavirus cases and — yet again — 30 deaths, YouTuber MrBeast brings delivery-only burger chain to Dallas area, and business has been ‘crazy’, Cowboys’ game Sunday vs. Eagles becomes more interesting with NFL schedule change, North Texas man returns from Wuhan, China after being stuck in epicenter of global pandemic in January, Fort Worth pastor who urged ‘faith over fear’ in the pandemic mourns parents who died of COVID complications. In light of the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Marfa, a face mask ordinance has been adopted. If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. 133 reviews. We are monitoring the current situation of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and taking preventive actions. “So we’re not saying, ‘Stay away from here. She isn’t doing complicated cookies this year and is instead embracing easy-to-make, no-fuss recipes. Nestled on a high plateau in the northern Chihuahuan desert, Marfa is surrounded by gems that lure tourists from everywhere. Anne Valdespino has more. But Richmond chef Mike Lindsey found 2020 to be a good time to leave the kitchens he ran for EAT Restaurant … Pork chop fans: It may be time to expand your repertoire. […] Or, contact our editors by emailing [email protected]. The economic consequences have been especially devastating. All rights reserved. “This will be a sad time here in Marfita,” Carrasco said in Spanish, adding that this year, “There will be no music. Still, amid the turbulent times, Johnson sees a silver-lining: A moment to debate, if not reclaim Marfa’s identity — an identity that at times seems to stray toward the hipster, glamorous, overly high-priced way. He’s also owner of Marfa Book Co. and Gallery, where business is down by about 85 percent, he said. He says the carnitas from Red O in Newport Beach is very good, but there’s a catch on how you can get it. Credit: Sarah Vasquez for The Texas Tribune MARFA – For much of its history, this town in West Texas has been known as much for its wide-open skies as its big heart. Sure, gingerbread houses are OK, but they don’t pair well with vino the way that meats and cheeses do. A graduate of UTEP, he's also reported from Washington and Cuba. The Eat Index: OC is a weekly newsletter that lands in your inbox on Wednesdays. Her wall of fame includes pictures of celebrities, from Matthew McConaughey to Mark Ruffalo. Marfa, a remote but trendy high desert town along the Texas border, is seeing a rising number of COVID-19 cases in another example the coronavirus … Marfa is not just, just to get away. ... “Great food during COVID.” ... “Only open restaurant during … It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions that have resulted from it have been very hard on the restaurant industry. Only 13 more days to go — at least, they hope that's all. Labor Day weekend is particularly meaningful here. The #WeCantClose movement believes dining establishments without citations should be able to remain open. We want you to feel confident when visiting National Harbor. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. Stop by and meet a ranger, plan your visit, ask questions, get your park passport stamp, pick up a junior ranger book, and learn more about YOUR park. Best Dining in Alpine, Texas: See 3,595 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 39 Alpine restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. This year, the famous lights may still shine somewhere off on the majestic horizon but COVID-19 has forced the town to cancel the annual Marfa Lights Festival held over the Labor Day weekend, which usually features food trucks, live music and plenty of dancing. Sat & Sun - 6:30 a.m. Restaurants are nearly two weeks in on the latest COVID-19 restrictions. NAME OPEN CLOSE; TERMINAL 1, PRE-SECURITY Fresh & Natural Catering Truck (by Door #1) Mon through Fri - 6:30 a.m. Mon through Fri - 3:00 p.m. The event marks the unofficial end of summer, and ushers in autumn and a host of events. It announced the decision in a note to customers on Facebook. We won’t have anything, but we wish you nothing but the best this Labor Day… Wash your manitas (hands), keep your distance and wear a face mask.”, Johnson added: “We all look forward to a time when we can all be together and celebrate Marfa lights.”. • Begins June 22 at 12:01 a.m. All on-site dining, indoor and outdoor, must close. Marfa, a remote but trendy high desert town along the Texas border, is seeing a rising number of COVID … Hernandez reminds visitors that essential workers are mostly local Mexican Americans or Mexicans from nearby Ojinaga. El Cosmico “But at the end of the day, it is still Latinos who are the ones that are the cooks and the servers and the dishwashers and the hotel clerks and the housekeepers who are keeping the town going. But there is some bright news on the cuisine scene, as new restaurants find a way to open. For locals the Marfa Lights Festival also is a homecoming weekend of sorts, beckoning former residents spend time with their families. “That’s not who we are, nor what we want to do. In Marfa, Texas, that has divided the community. Walking that fine line has been difficult. Carnitas, anyone? Alex graduated in 2015 with his bachelor's degree from Cal State Fullerton, where he majored in print journalism and minored in radio-tv-film. Panther Junction: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. The Eat Index: OC: More Orange County restaurants staying open during COVID shutdown Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to … As the United States and Canada wrestle with the COVID-19 pandemic, some states and provinces have reopened restaurant dining rooms. THE CITY OF MARFA VISITOR CENTER WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Recently, Gillespie County bars and the wineries of Texas Wine Country have been allowed to reopen up to 50 percent capacity. They, along with communities of color, represent the most vulnerable population that’s succumbing to the virus in Texas and beyond. Hernandez suggested visitors can support Marfa is by going online and buying gift certificates, or merchandise, or just being extra careful about not spreading the virus. “It’s easy for others to talk about opulence and affluence when they’re hundreds of miles away from here, but you know what, my dad and brother work in hospital quality. Are restaurants and bars open? Read more. This year’s event, set for Oct. 10-11, will be virtual. The health and safety of our guests, shoppers, residents, and employees is very important to us. They flock to the historic Presidio County Courthouse with its pink stucco and luscious green lawn. This state-by-state guide offers a status check on whether restaurants are allowed to be open for dining in, or … Copyright © 2021 The Dallas Morning News. Critic Brad A. Johnson says the sausage at Kra Z Kai’s, a Laotian barbecue inside the new Rodeo 39 food hall in Stanton, is extraordinary. A new movement has been formed to keep COVID compliant restaurants open during pandemic. Toll-free: 866-IowaABD (469-2223) Local: 515-281-7400 Click here to file a complaint We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. It’s been that way for generations. Support Local Businesses. Read more. Most shops, attractions and restaurants as well as hotels, vacation rentals and B&Bs are open in Fredericksburg under the restrictions and guidelines found in The Governor's Report to Open Texas.. Wineries, bars, breweries and distilleries (that do not serve food) must close. Want to minimize your baking time this holiday season? MARFA – For much of its history, this town in West Texas has been known as much for its wide-open skies as its big heart. Presidio County has reported about 80 coronavirus cases since March, said David Beebe, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1. Beignet orders come in multiples of three, six or a dozen. Many local businesses remain open to the public. The restaurant, at 5325 Dyer St., had been open for 60 years and was initially opened by Chanoux's parents George and Mary Malooly. But the visitors that are the source of local livelihoods also threaten a spike in COVID-19 cases. Let’s Bake! Marfa, a town of about 1,800 people, takes its many celebrations to heart. That might be the easiest route if you don't mind flying during COVID-19.