Towners, New York: Rosemary's Texas Taco (Closed)

I worked here as a food prep and server a couple of times in late '80s and early '90s. I had to draw smiley faces on match heads and glue one rhinestone on each matchbox. Rosemary was smart and kind. Giant mohawk, gold eye tooth, fake eyelashes, make-up eye paint to look like purple flames. Everything she had was spray-painted with swirls. Very artistic. When she got mad she'd raise her hands above her head and chase us around. A baboon lived in the school bus; we had to throw bananas in there. A parrot was trained to say F you but we had to deny it. The health department made her get rid of the live spray-painted chickens that were running around outside. The Tex-Mex food was like fast food but homemade and yummy -- but the food was beside the point. I miss this place!

A restaurant in a small home that is goth meets Ripley's Believe It or Not. The dining area is loaded with very very strange curios. I wasn't sure if I should be afraid or excited. On top of it all the food is very good.

For the past 30 years I've been going to the Texas Taco. You will have the best beef and bean burritos ever. The chili is incredible and delicious. Tacos are crispy and tasty.

The place is a museum of old artifacts from the 40's - 60's. And don't forget to visit the bathroom before you leave. An unbelievable experience that you will come back to over and over again. Don't be scared when the lady of the house comes out with purple hair. She will take your order. Then you can explore. All I can say is have fun. And maybe we'll run into each other.

I remember the Muffler Man at the Texas Taco and I DEFINITELY remember Rosemary. She (he) cooked up the best food in all of New York State! We used to drive an hour and a half just to eat at Texas Taco. She used to give out boxes of wooden Texas Taco matches with little faces drawn on all of the match heads!

Responding to Zardoz's comments of 8/28/1999: There is nothing Rocky Horror about Rosemary's makeup. It is thick, yes, but she certainly does not deserve that stereotype.

Moreover, Rosemary did not just fall by the wayside. Rosemary chose this spot in which to make her art, and her tacos. She was a professional dancer, actually, and her art has been shown in numerous prestigous museums and venues.

There is nothing "accidental" about Rosemary Jamison. To state or imply otherwise is a gross error (And you don't create what Rosemary has on an 'acid trip'). Zardoz should look a little deeper to truly absorb the roadside experience.