Wednesday, February 18, 2009

In Praise of Nina Hendee

Oh, my goodness!

We had the most awesome field trip with our Homeschool Group. We went to The Taste of Texas Restaurant.

If you are not local, you probably have not heard of the Taste of Texas. It is an independent, one-of-a-kind restaurant owned by Nina and Edd Hindee. They are Texas to the bone and a sweet as the pecan pie on their menu.

Nina lead our tour. She is absolutely darling from the word go. She blames her 4th grade teacher on her love of Texas history. Said teacher made the kids write a two-page report EVERY WEEK on a book about Texas history. She missed all the skinny books at the library one week and ended up reading about Gail Borden: one of the most fascinating men in Texas history or anywhere else. And the inventor of condensed milk, among other things. He got her hook, line, and sinker from then on out.

Let me tell you about this woman though. Nina talked extemporaneously to a room full of 100 rapt homeschoolers for an hour about the history of Texas. Her depth of knowledge is incredible. My daughter commented that the restaurant felt like a big home. And it did, albeit one that is filled with the Texas history memorablilia and artifacts that Nina collects.

The Hindee's commitment to education is legendary. Not only do they sponsor these field trips, but they also pay cash money to their student employees who bring them their report cards. They give a number of college scholarships each year as well.

It was an awesome and generous field trip. I can't say enough good things about these people. If you are ever in Houston and want a really nice night out and an awesome steak, get your hiney over to the Taste of Texas and thank your lucky stars that you are in Texas.

6 comments:

Megan@SortaCrunchy said...

How FUN! Must check this out the next we are headed south. Thanks for sharing!

WendyDarling said...

Sounds wonderful. I am going to have to go here next time we are in Houston. :-)

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Sounds like a great trip! I checked out the restaurant website. I think I may have to take a long ride down to Texas to pay you a visit and go to the restaurant! Steak...hmmmm!

Missy said...

Hey email me with your real email. Just wanted to pass something on to you.

Missy said...

PS Did you actually go to Taste of Texas and not EAT? How??

Chelsea S said...

Nina is an honorary member of my sorority and comes and speaks to us at some meetings. She is phenomenal and inspirational!!! I am in love with her!!! She radiates happiness and a genuinely joyful spirit. The food at TOT is amazing too!!!! :D

So glad others love her just as much as I do!! :D