New Year, New Start:
Mex Tex food for all
The one thing most DAFT recipients will tell you they miss in the Netherlands is Mexican food. Sure, there are Mexican restaurants, but it’s never quite like home. But what if you could pick up or have delivered Texas-style Mexican food and barbeque dishes? Thanks to Daniel and Jolissa Acosta and their new food business - Alma’s - the dream will soon be a reality.
The couple came from Arlington Texas on the DAFT in November and Alma’s is Daniel’s DAFT business. While Jolissa is learning Dutch and spending time with their baby, she’s helping Daniel with the launch. She will eventually go back to her career in IT, where she has spent 15 years in progressively more responsible positions within financial services.
Almas will offer Mexican plates such as enchiladas, pozole, caldo de res and pollo, Chile colorado, tamales, fajitas and Picadillo with sides including rice, fideo, and beans. At the same time Alma’s will offer smoked pulled pork, smoked chicken, brisket, pork ribs with sides including potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw slaw, and mac ‘n cheese. They will likely offer three or four pick up locations per week, starting with Amsterdam, Hilversum, and Den Haag. Cost will range from €16 and €25 a plate. They will post menu options on their socials and send out notices to subscribers on Sundays for the menu that week. Clients will be able to purchase the plates on the website.
Why did you decide to come to the Netherlands? What were your other options?
We had a few options in mind, Mexico, Spain, Panama, Portugal and of course Netherlands. After finding out they had a great education system, the safest and happiest place for children, and that 90% of Dutch people speak English it was a no brainer. The current political climate and rising violence not only in schools but everywhere made us start looking into it seriously. We did not want our daughter growing up in a place like the US.
What has been harder than expected and what has been easier than expected?
The cold weather was a big challenge coming from Texas. Especially since we have to walk or use public transportation as much as possible. We're used to driving everywhere in Texas.
The language barrier has been a lot easier to overcome and allowed us to connect with the Dutch people. Most speak some English and with our limited Dutch/Google translate it is easy to communicate.
What is the most interesting thing you have learned about (about yourself or anything you want to discuss)?
How easily we got accustomed to using public transportation. We thought we'd be more resistant towards it. Also how easily we learned to live without a lot of conveniences and just stuff we were used to.
What one piece of advice do you wish you had been given?
Prepare better for the weather and stock up on favorite spices.
What’s the biggest difference you notice between your life here and your life in the US?
We like to be outside and walking more often. We work harder but it doesn't seem that way. Life moves slower here and it eases our minds.
What is the best thing about your life in the Netherlands?
The feeling of safety, we don't have to check if it was a car backfiring or a gun shot, it was just fireworks going off nearby. Also, access to fresh food at terrific prices.
Any advice for making new friends and/or maintaining old ones?
Don't be afraid to reach out to new friends or old. It can feel lonely, especially with the time difference so make time for each other. Plan FaceTime or VR dates with friends and family.
Beyond the generic food, family, and friends, what do you miss most from the US?
Our bidet. We can't set up a bidet here.
Find Alma's online
TikTok @almasmextex
Instagram @almasmextex
Facebook Alma's Mex Tex
Website: https://www.almasmextex.nl