During the summer months, LEAP students are a far-flung bunch, with students across the state of Texas–and beyond. But, when possible, we get together for education, conversation, and, of course, food!
At the right restaurant, food can also be a learning opportunity, and that was certainly the case when we visited Cochinita & Co, led by Chef Victoria Elizondo. Indeed, we were fortunate to visit when Chef Elizondo was there, and she graciously spent a generous amount of time with us.
Chef Elizondo specializes in Mexican “comfort food,” but it’s a misleading appellation. The food is made with quality ingredients, technical skill, and a commitment to tradition, with more presentation than would be expected at a typical comfort food restaurant.
Perhaps that is why she has twice been nominated by the James Beard Foundation as the top Chef in Texas–a huge honor. It was, she told us, a surprise. Ten years ago, she was working as a pop-up chef, and then a food-truck chef. So, even when she had a storefront and had published her book, “Taco-Tastic”…
…she was not prepared for the texts coming in telling her she had been nominated. It wasn’t, she noted, on her radar.
The quality of her food, however, makes it clear why she was on the James Beard Foundation’s radar. Knowing her reputation and responding positively to the restaurant’s excellent service, we tried a broad variety of food. We began with the Guacamole and Chips (savory, with a little kick, and “addictive”)…
…and the Elote. The latter had less of the cream often used in restaurants, but it had more flavor, and it was a table favorite.
Among the eight of us, we had five different entrees: Shrimp Tacos (very good, a chef’s recommendation)…
…Black Bean Tamales (“the most tender masa I’ve had,” noted Mikaela)…
…Cochinita Pibil (Michelle and Mike’s vote for best entree on the table)…
…Chicken Adobo Bowl, the El Arcoiris bowl, and the Pineapple Shrimp Bowl.
For dessert, we had a cookie (large!) and Tres Leches, the latter being another immensely rewarding standout.
It was a pleasure to sample Chef Elizondo’s concoctions, which combined the traditional and the creative. It was an even greater pleasure to meet and speak with her, to hear about her story, and to see–and taste–the love and passion she puts into each dish.
Over the years, the World Affairs Council (WAC) has exposed LEAP students (and many other students) to new cultures, concepts, and speakers, greatly enriching our education. Last week, WAC did it again, offering an intriguing look at the culture of the Philippines in another of their “Culinary Passport” series featuring moderator Saege Anzueto; Dr. Riza Mauricio, a Professor at UTHealth Houston; Cybil Pallugna-Saenz, President of the Filipino American National Historical Society; Nathaniel Uy, President of the Filipino Graduate Student Association at Rice University; and artist Nixxio Castrillo.
The event was held at Houston’s Gerry’s Grill, a restaurant that originated in the Philippines, then migrated to California, before reaching its apex in Houston. With approximately 40 guests for this event alone, the restaurant provided a wonderful menu that included Lumpiang Shanghai (Filipino eggrolls), Chicken Skewers, (probably) Bistek Pinoy, Pancit Bami, and Chop Suey. The food was wonderful; the restaurant did a great job curating the food choices. Although everyone expressed satisfaction with all the meals, there was probably a consensus that the Bistek Pinoy was especially good, both tender and flavorful.
The speakers offered perspectives that were as diverse as the food. Professor Mauricio, not surprisingly, stressed the importance of Filipinos in health care, noting the large numbers and impressive contributions that Filipinos have made in nursing, particularly at the Texas Medical Center.
She noted with pride that May 13 of this year was named “Filipino Nurses Day,” while also noting with some regret that it took so long for these contributions to be recognized.
Pallugna-Saenz discussed the contributions the Filipino American National Historical Society has made in archiving Filipino contributions, while also expressing a desire to grow the organization.
Nixxio Castrillo made note of his approach to art, highlighting some of the materials he uses (copper, brass, stainless steel) which require a detailed, nuanced approach–much like that of fine jewelry–to achieve the desired effect.
And Nathaniel Uy spoke specifically to the young professionals in the audience, encouraging them to build a foundation for their future careers, take risks, and to treat the world “as [their] oyster. He knows of which he speaks.
When he left the Philippines to attend Rice, he scheduled a visit with the Filipino consulate. He wanted help adapting to a new country, but he also, as he put it, “just wanted the Consul to know who I was.”
As we have come to expect at WAC events, the evening was informative, interesting, and not least, tasty. We enjoyed meeting the distinguished speakers, other guests, and, of course, seeing our friends at the World Affairs Council.
It’s always fun at a World Affairs Council event, especially when food is involved, and tonight was no different.
Now, with my professional excursions at the Capitol finally coming to a close, I tried to make the most of my time in the state’s capital. It wouldn’t be a good LEAP experience if I hadn’t tried to make the most of my time.
With it being Juneteenth, it only made sense to begin with the state capitol’s Texas African American History Memorial by Ed Dwight. It is not only a beautiful statue, but a thought provoking one.
A Tour of University of Texas Campus
There’s no denying that UT’s campus is beautiful. But I don’t think I fully appreciated just how stunning it is until this visit. I knew they had a strong art presence, but I didn’t realize just how much until I found out there are five different suggested paths for an art walk. The variety alone is sort of insane.
I cherry-picked some of the pieces that I wanted to ensure I saw before I left, being that I couldn’t decide on a path.
Indeed, the theme for this part of the day was indecision.
I started at the Littlefield Fountain, which I learned will be part of a larger beautification effort to emulate the National Mall in D.C. One detail I especially loved: the statue of Athena was commissioned by a former UT Regent and sculpted by Pompeo Coppini—the same artist who designed Sam Houston’s grave in Huntsville. And no, I’m still not done talking about Huntsville.
What I liked most about this was that closer to the Main Building Tower, there is a statue of George Washington staring directly across to the Texas Capitol. Talk about a well-intentioned plan!
As I kept walking, I saw pieces by Mark di Suvero, Charles Umlauf (more on him later), and Willard Boepple, all of which added to the sense that this campus is part gallery, part institution.
I made my way over to the UT Law School. While I couldn’t go inside, I stumbled upon something unexpected: a statue of the school’s longest-serving dean—sculpted by none other than David Adickes! It was a comforting, serendipitous moment.
The law school path is no joke, and with so much uncertainty, taking the LSAT can feel like this unsurmountable force that tests your capabilities as an intellectual. I am trying to let that feeling pass, and focus on what matters, which is my commitment to serving and learning in everything I do. It might be a grueling path, but I imagine it’s a meaningful one. And while the statue couldn’t talk, I took it as a gentle nudge to keep pushing forward.
Taquero Mucho Austin
I do have a weird affinity for the color pink—but even I wasn’t prepared for Taquero Mucho. This place is very pink. It came highly recommended by a former LEAP ambassador, and after seeing it in Texas Highways, I had to give it a try.
I started with a flight of salsas (all good), paired with a slightly-magenta Jamaica, and went with a taco wrapped in a pink tortilla and a side of elote.
I thought it was pretty good, and definitely really pink.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
This was, without question, one of the highlights of the trip. I hadn’t really heard of Charles Umlauf before spotting one of his pieces near UT Law, but after that, I was curious. The garden itself is tucked away in a quiet, green pocket of the city, and it just works so well with his style—there’s something peaceful about seeing his sculptures in a setting that doesn’t compete for your attention.
What I noticed almost immediately was how many of his figures seem to be looking upward—heads tilted, eyes cast toward the sky.
I’d seen that same pose earlier in The Family near the Business School and The Torch Bearers on campus (which also had smaller versions here in the garden). I couldn’t tell exactly what it meant, but there was clearly some intention behind it. It felt reflective, maybe even spiritual, though it wasn’t heavy-handed.
Some of my favorites were The Kiss, Prometheus, and The Poetess—each had its own tone, but they all fit into the broader theme of searching or reaching toward something. I found out later that Umlauf taught at UT for decades and leaned into themes like faith, human connection, and morality, so maybe that upward gaze wasn’t accidental after all.
Toward the end of my visit, I saw one statue that broke the pattern. Instead of looking up, this figure was looking down—almost like she was weighed down by something. She wasn’t in the center of the garden but off to the side near the parking lot, which made the whole thing feel even more intentional. It stood out, so I checked the placard—and of course, it was Eve with Apple.
I couldn’t help but feel giddy about that.. I’m not claiming to have “decoded” anything profound, but it was one of those moments that made the visit so pleasant to me.
There’s something satisfying about taking things in slowly and letting your mind wander a bit. I didn’t expect to enjoy the Umlauf Garden as much as I did, but it turned out to be exactly the kind of quiet, thoughtful stop I didn’t know I needed.
We stamped our passports once again—this time for Brazil—at the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston’s Global Young Professionals “Culinary Passport” series. Held at Tourão Brazilian Churrascaria, this experience gave us the chance to explore Brazilian food and learn more about the country’s growing role in clean energy.
For about half of our group, it was the first time at a Brazilian steakhouse. We were joined by Dr. Elise Herrmann and Dr. Jamile Forcelini, both professors at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Hermann recently completed our Citizenship Prep course (and just this week, earned her citizenship!), and it was great to have her with us for an evening that touched on both international culture and policy.
During dinner, we heard from two speakers involved in the energy sector: Fernando C. Hernandez, who founded the Society for Low Carbon Technologies…
…and Taís Soares, who works in business development at Vallourec.
Their focus, through moderation by Eli Quezeda, was on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)—a process that removes carbon dioxide from the air or from industrial sources and stores it underground to keep it from entering the atmosphere.
One of the main ideas they touched on was being part of “Track 1.5”: a policy and technology goal aimed at keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C, which is seen as a critical threshold to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
To hit that goal, they emphasized the need for both policy and private-sector innovation to move fast, which is where projects like Brazil’s carbon storage law come in.
Their innovative carbon capture methodology is actually quite interesting: emissions are captured from factories or plants, compressed, and then injected into rock formations deep underground where they can stay for centuries. It’s not a silver bullet, but paired with other strategies, it can make a real difference. The speakers explained that these technologies are already being used and expanded in places like Brazil, which is becoming a global leader in this space.
Although some of the science went over our heads, it was a good reminder that global issues depend on people from many backgrounds and countries working together–while also having the chance to interact and enjoy great food.
As always, we’re grateful to the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston for putting together events that are both fun and informative. And we’re glad to keep expanding our knowledge (and our palates) one country at a time.
Throughout the evening, there were multiple conversations taking place, some filled with friendly laughter, while others centered on the cases scheduled for the following day. Some exchanged thoughts on the legal questions involved, as some of the cases have some interesting aspects that could have greater implications on the legal field.
Clerk of the Court Sherry Williamson shared stories from her early career, including her time serving as clerk of the Eleventh Court of Appeals in Eastland, Texas. While reflecting on her time there, she mentioned “Ol’ Rip,” the legendary horned toad that Eastland is known for. According to local lore, Ol’ Rip survived a thirty-one-year hibernation, only to later pass away from pneumonia. The toad is now on display at the Eastland Courthouse!
Ol Rip in a custom-made coffin at the Courthouse
While speaking with SHSU LEAP students, Chief Justice Johnson shared his journey into law. He spoke about his early career as a practicing attorney and the transition into becoming a judge. He first served as Justice of the Peace in McLennan County, then as Judge of the 54th District Court for fourteen years, before being elected to the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals in 2020. During the conversation, he emphasized the importance of gaining trial experience for those who aspire to serve on the bench.
Judge David Moorman also spoke highly of the opportunity for students to observe the appellate court in action, calling it a unique and valuable educational experience.
The event served as both a warm welcome to the visiting court and a reminder of the strength and collegiality within the local legal community. The justices will hear three cases at SHSU tomorrow, including two driving while intoxicated cases and one involving injury to a child. The Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics continues to be grateful that the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals visits Sam Houston State University each year. The event offers a multitude of valuable learning experiences. You can read more about the event here.
In today’s competitive job market, the difference between landing a job and missing an opportunity often lies in how well one presents themselves in both formal and social settings. Recognizing this, the Career Success Center at Sam Houston State University hosts an annual Etiquette Dinner every spring, designed to equip students with essential dining and professional etiquette skills.
Career Success Director Benji Cantu Introduces Ms. Gottsman
This highly anticipated event is led by Diane Gottsman, an internationally recognized etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. With more than two decades of experience, Gottsman is widely respected for her practical, modern approach to etiquette.
Her philosophy is clear: etiquette isn’t about rigid rules but rather about fostering confidence, showing respect, and making positive impressions.
To set the tone for the evening, Ms. Gottsman encouraged engagement from the start, inviting students to ask questions throughout the event. This approach created a welcoming environment—which evidently paid off, as several thoughtful questions came from attendees.
One of the first things we covered was understanding the layout of a formal place setting. Ms. Gottsman introduced the “B and D” hand signal, a simple mnemonic to help guests remember the correct placement of their bread plate (left) and drink (right).
This was followed by a presentation of proper utensil layout, illustrating the rule of “outside-in”: always use the outermost utensils first, moving inward as each course is served.
As we prepared for the meal, Ms. Gottsman emphasized napkin etiquette, explaining that the napkin should be placed on the lap with the fold facing toward your waist. If stepping away from the table, the napkin should be placed on the chair, not the table.
She also advised against placing purses on chairs or using purse hooks at formal events.
Posture was another key point—encouraging everyone to sit upright by imagining a ball behind their back as a way to maintain poise without seeming stiff.
We also learned to “prepare” our iced tea, where Ms. Gottsman explained to stir quietly, avoid clinking the glass, and place the spoon behind the glass once finished.
She also touched on the circumstance where if you are given a drink with the lemon on the side, you should place it in the glass or behind it—but do not drink it with it on the rim.
The first course was gazpacho soup…
…during which we learned to spoon the soup away from the body to avoid spills and to sip quietly from the side of the spoon—no slurping.
Ms. Gottsman shared a helpful distinction between smooth and chunky soups: while smooth soups should be sipped directly from the side of the spoon with minimal movement, chunkier soups may require small, discreet cutting motions with the spoon to break down larger pieces—always maintaining grace and control.
Throughout the evening, students posed thoughtful questions. LEAP Ambassadors Christina Biello and Olivia Discon were among those who contributed. Christina asked about the proper way of wiping your face with a napkin, prompting a detailed explanation from Ms. Gottsman on napkin positioning and handling. Olivia inquired about how to eat a sandwich or burger properly—whether deconstructing was acceptable. Ms. Gottsman emphasized the importance of ordering wisely in formal settings, reinforcing that certain dishes—like salads or spaghetti—are best avoided.
She also mentioned what to ask for and what not to ask for while dining. Unless there are fries on the table, ketchup should not be requested; and ranch dressing should never be ordered. Requests for ranch and ketchup, Ms. Gottsman noted, send a message to the chef and the table that the requester is accustomed to cheap, low-quality food.
Another thoughtful question involved excusing oneself from the table. Ms. Gottsman advised simply saying, “Excuse me” without offering unnecessary details and always pushing in your chair and placing the napkin on your seat, not back on the table, during the temporary departure.
The main course featured chicken, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. During this course, Ms. Gottsman introduced the “resting” and “finished” utensil positions—important non-verbal cues for servers. When pausing between bites, utensils should form an inverted “V” on the plate, with the fork tines face up and the knife stays on the right.
When finished, both utensils should be placed parallel across the plate, with the fork tines up and the knife blade inward. These signals help maintain a seamless dining experience and show respect for the meal and staff. Also adding in the differences between American and European dining styles, encouraging students to become familiar with the European method for a more polished approach.
The evening concluded with a delicious red velvet dessert cake and coffee.
In formal dining settings, coffee is typically served after the main course, often accompanied by dessert. When passing cream or any condiment, always pass it to the left (counterclockwise) of the person sitting next to you.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Gottsman spoke of the importance of first impressions—how a teethy smile, confident presence, and genuine attentiveness can leave a lasting impact.
Many attendees, including myself, left the event feeling not only more confident in formal dining settings but also more aware of how small, thoughtful gestures reflect professionalism and poise.
This advice encapsulated the essence of the evening: that etiquette is not about perfection but about presenting oneself with confidence and respect in every interaction, and we can toast to that!
Many thanks to the Career Success Center and Ms. Gottsman for a wonderful program.
A long-lasting tradition in Huntsville, Texas is a music series, Sundown at Sam’s, which is hosted by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library. This event was started by Economics Professor Darren Grant and Birdsall to introduce local artists to the loving Huntsville community.
Derrick Birdsall Opens with Introductory Remarks
This year’s event showcases three different themed performances: Blues Night with Lowery Bridges and Mighty Orq; Americana/Country Night with Katy Bell and John Toland, also featuring Joey McGee; and Gospel Night with Dave McMahon and Praise on Purpose.
On the Americana/Country night this week (April 10), the audience was full of SHSU students, Huntsville locals, and some Pre-Law Society members, such as Olivia Discon, Christina Biello, Michelle Moya, Nataly Elizondo, Neehal Ahmed, and Jose Carreno (Hunter Hogan also showed up, but he sat with his other, lesser friends).
First to perform was Katey Bell and John Toland. Katey Bell is an East Texas Singer/Songwriter who has been writing songs since she was a little girl. John Toland is a singer and musician associated with the John Toland Trio which is a funk and soul collective of like-minded artists. Their voices and guitar playing brought smiles to all those in the audience as their music filled the air.
John Toland and Katey Bell
My favorite song was Tornado Watch by Katey Bell. Katey sounds so emotional when she is singing this song and it highlights her voice range and beautiful guitar playing, and it also references Walker County!
Last to play was Joey McGee, who plays a harmonious combination of country, rock, and soul music.
Joey McGee
His guitar and harmonica playing were very impressive. He is a very bubbly and funny person, which was shown when he would tell jokes in between songs while changing harmonicas.
To go along with the amazing music, you could buy pupusas, quesadillas, and sodas from Delmy’s Food Stand and beverages from Sam’s Table. It was so nice to see the community gathered at such a historical and significant place in Huntsville.
If you want to experience this event, Sundown at Sam’s will have one more date during this semester on May 1, themed “Gospel Night,” and it promises to be another heavenly experience with angelic voices!
Michele Miller has spent over five decades documenting the world through her lens. Since beginning her photography career in the 1970s, she has captured scenes from across the globe, producing images that reflect both her technical skill and her keen eye for everyday beauty.
Her most recent exhibit, Canvasing the World, opened at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center with more than 50 guests in attendance. The event, coordinated by Wynne Home staff members Angela Robinson, Andrea Howard, and Lauren Payne, welcomed community members for an evening of art and conversation.
A highlight of the exhibit was a display of Postcards Magazine issues, a local family-owned publication founded in 2009 by Karen and Wes Altom. Their son, Marshall Altom, has since joined the business, and the publication continues to be a staple in the Huntsville community. Miller has made a lasting contribution to the magazine, with 12 of her photographs featured on its covers.
During her speech, Miller reflected on her time as a photographer, explaining how her photos often resemble paintings due to being printed on canvases. Though she once aspired to be a painter, she felt she could achieve the same artistic affect through other means, so she turned to photography as a way to express that vision.
She then shared some of the stories behind her most memorable works.
One such piece is her photograph of Kylemore Castle, located in the Connemara region of County Galway, Ireland. Originally built as an estate, the castle has served as a home for an order of nuns for the past 100 years.
Miller also recounted capturing an image of a rare lotus flower from West Lake in Hangzhou, China, noting how difficult it is to find such a bloom and explaining the specific conditions required for lotus flowers to thrive. To further immerse the audience in her experience, she even brought lotus seeds to show the attendees.
Olivia McCaughan, with Her Favorite Photo from the Exhibit
Another captivating story came from her Canadian polar bear photographs. Miller described a rare opportunity to step out of a vehicle and photograph the bears. While others in her group carried large firearms for protection, she remained focused on capturing the polar bears as they played with one another in the snow.
Other notable images in the exhibit included the northern lights over Ireland, a hawk from the Galápagos Islands, the Oldest Wrought Iron Bridge in Birr Castle, Ireland, and a close-up of the Texas State Capitol Dome.
LEAP Ambassador Michelle Moya with Her Favorite Photo from the Exhibit
Miller’s photography encourages viewers to pause and observe the world with intention. Her images, taken from years of travel and observation, reveal the quiet beauty found in distant landscapes and everyday scenes.
Nataly Elizondo with Her Favorite Photo from the Exhibit
Canvasing the World will remain on display at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center through June, giving the community the opportunity to visit the exhibit if one did not have a chance to attend the opening.
LEAP Students with Photographer Michele Miller
Carbonero Rotisserie
Since 2009, Carbonero Rotisserie has introduced Huntsville diners to the tastes of Salvadoran and Latin American cooking. Situated on 11th Street, the restaurant draws not only local residents but also travelers passing through, offering a flavorful experience that highlights authentic dishes from across Latin America.
The menu at Carbonero’s is extensive, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the richness of Latin cuisine. Among the most popular items are pupusas, ropa vieja, and crema de camarón. With so many options available, it may be difficult to choose, but diners are unlikely to leave disappointed.
One standout option is Combo Plate #4, which includes one quarter of rotisserie chicken, a pupusa, and sweet plantains. A variety of pupusa fillings is available, allowing diners to choose what best suits their taste. Options include pork (traditional), chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian selections such as jalapeños, mushrooms, loroco, cheese, and beans.
Another noteworthy offering is the chaufa rice. This dish features a fusion of flavors with scrambled eggs, cilantro, green onions, and soy sauce. Guests can choose between chicken, vegetarian, or a combination of chicken, beef, and shrimp. The dish is served with a house salad, making it a well-balanced meal.
For seafood lovers, the Mariscada is a highlight. This rich seafood stew includes shrimp, mussels, clams, crab, and tilapia in a creamy broth infused with fresh herbs and spices. Its bold and satisfying flavors make it a favorite among returning customers.
Those seeking something familiar yet flavorful may gravitate toward the tacos al carbon. Offered with chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp, the tacos are served on corn tortillas and topped with sautéed onions, fresh avocado slices, and pico de gallo. Beans and rice accompany the dish, rounding out a satisfying and hearty meal.
Carbonero Rotisserie stands out in Huntsville for its commitment to authentic Salvadoran and Latin American cuisine. With a menu full of rich, flavorful dishes and a welcoming setting, it offers a memorable dining experience that keeps people coming back. Whether you are exploring Latin cuisine for the first time or looking for a familiar favorite, Carbonero’s is worth a visit.
3 Spoons Yogurt
Next door to Carbonero Rotisserie is 3 Spoons Yogurt, a frozen yogurt shop known for satisfying the sweet cravings of Huntsville residents. It is a popular stop for a dessert or snack, whether after dinner, lunch, or in the middle of the day.
With a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Among the customer favorites are cake batter; cake batter mixed with New York cheesecake; and strawberry and banana…
Whether you are finishing a meal at Carbonero Rotisserie or simply looking for a refreshing treat, 3 Spoons Yogurt offers a satisfying way to enjoy what Huntsville has to offer. With its multitude of flavors and casual (colorful) setting, it is a sweet stop worth making in Huntsville.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 