Tacos Over Texas returns to Houston April 7

The spirit of Mama Ninfa Laurenzo looms large over this city. Which is why the Laurenzo family decided to honor their mother with a celebration focusing on a food she knew well: tacos.

Last year's inaugural Tacos Over Texas, a fundraiser for the Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund, raised more than $100,000 to financially assist students in economic need to reach their educational goals.

This year's event, to be held April 7, hopes to top that amount with an event featuring a chef competition and unlimited taco samples from some of the city's top chefs.

The second annual Tacos Over Texas taco-palooza will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, 2704 Navigation.

Guests can sample tacos from participating chefs who will include Chris Shepherd from One Fifth Mediterranean, Ronnie Killen from Killen's TMX, Greg Gatlin of Gatlin's BBQ, Ryan Lachaine from Riel, chef Jamie Zelko of Zelko Concepts, and chefs David and Michael Cordua. Other participating restaurants: Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, La Calle Tacos, Poitin, Laurenzo's Restaurant, Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen, Café Annie, Tout Suite, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Grace's on Kirby, Mia's Table, Christian's Tailgate, and Elliot's Table. The chefs are challenged to create a taco inspired by Mama Ninfa.

Tickets are $40 for general admission including two drink tickets; VIP tickets at $200 include early admission at noon. See tacosovertexas.info.