Restaurant stays open for those braving storm

At midday Wednesday, Hurricane Dolly had reached Category 2 strength - with winds around 100 mph - and loomed 32 miles away from Brownsville. But you wouldn't know that from the lunch lines at Taco Palenque.

The Mexican restaurant on Boca Chica Boulevard was up and running, serving city workers and anyone willing to brave the weather.

"We just wanted to help the city," restaurant manager Antonia Costales said in Spanish. "We have been here for many years, and we know there are people who need food during times like these."

Costales said restaurant staff was preparing food that would be donated to city employees working ling shifts during the storm.

Meanwhile, customers continued to stream in despite the gusting winds and worsening weather conditions. Police officials warned residents to stay inside, but Rogelio Hernandez, a painter who has lived in the city for 10 years, said he wasn't scared. He was hungry.

Jared Rorie, a gameroom assistant, also stopped by to grab some lunch. He moved to Brownsville last month and hadn't stocked up on food supplies before the hurricane.

The restaurant was also serving employees from various city agencies, such as the Gladys Porter Zoo, the police department and even the U.S. Postal Service.

"We'd close up (the post office) if (workers) wanted to, but workers want to stay," said Benjamin Rodriguez, a letter carrier supervisor. "This is the only place open."

Other customers, like Raul Ramirez and Adelaida Trevino, were buying food to make their own donations.

"We just came from Globo supermarket," Trevino said. "We are also going to buy food from here to take to the shelters."

lulloa@brownsvilleherald.com