Texas Independence Day
Celebrated at Bistro Le Cep on Monday, March 3rd, 2008
On March 2nd, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico and became the
Republic of Texas

Texas is not only the largest of the 48 contiguous United States, but it is also the home of people of many races and cultures. From a few prehistoric hunters and several Indian tribes the immigrants to Texas have changed the face of history. Spanish and Mexicans arriving from the West and Southwest, Anglo Americans emigrating from the Northeast, and new Europeans sailing the Gulf of Mexico and landing on Texas Coasts. In Texas, there was plenty of land to settle. The influence and diversity of the immigrants is very visible in our daily way of life, in language, music, food, and opportunities. Some churches still conduct their services in Czech, German, Swedish, or Spanish because the family language of many people remains an outward sign of their pride in their heritage.

Our 463 years of recorded history had humble beginnings. In 1541, Francisco Vázques de Coronado, in search of gold and silver, was the first European to travel the great plains of Texas. He claimed the area for Spain, but hostile Indians made new settlements undesirable. The explorations by the seafarers, Robert Cavelier and Sieur de La Salle, and a Colony at Matagorda Bay were the claims of France in east Texas. In 1714, Juchereau de Saint Denis established a fur trade, which started a political struggle for power between Spain and France resulting in the departure of France. By 1730, the Spanish Crown had send more than 30 expeditions into Texas, and established a military post and several missions in San Antonio.

In 1821, Mexico became independent from Spain and Stephen F. Austin secured a land grant of 200,000 acres from the Mexican government to establish several settlements for Anglo-Americans on the Gulf Coast. Unrest in Mexico resulted in a coupe by Lopez de Santa Anna in 1835, and he became the new President. Many of the Texas settlers had long-standing grievances with Mexico that led to a desire for self-government and declaring Texas a Republic. Forty-four delegates of the Convention of 1836 traveled on March 1st to the small Village of Washington on the Brazos, and on March 2nd wasted no time in declaring its independence from Mexico. The constitution was drafted during the invasion of a mighty Mexican army on Texas soil. The siege of the Alamo lasted from February 23 to March 6 with a final assault and the defeat of its 187 defenders. On April 21, Sam Houston and his militia led a surprise attack on the Mexican troops at San Jacinto, capturing Santa Anna and securing victory and freedom for Texas. In honor of our brave forefathers, we at the Bistro Le Cep would like to invite you to attend our Texas Independence Day Dinner to celebrate this special event. Please join us on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 at 7:00 PM. We will feature a delicious five-course dinner showcasing Texas cultures, accompanied by selected wines from Messina Hof, plus musical entertainment.

Messina Hof Winery and Resort, www.messinahof.com, established in 1977, is founded on family values, romance and traditions. From its initial production and humble beginnings in 1983, Messina Hof has led the establishment of the Texas Wine Industry and is the fastest growing, most awarded winery in the state. More than 50 types of wine are produced at Messina Hof Winery, located in Bryan, Texas. Sharing the Estate with the winery are the Vintage House Restaurant and the Villa, voted “most romantic hideaway in the USA.” Messina Hof boasts 3 Texas Wine awards from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s International Wine Competition, and is recognized for the first time in the 2006 Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, which says,”Messina Hof can stand shoulder to shoulder with many West Coast wines in terms of quality. “Owners, Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo are proud to be celebrating 31 years of wine making and 30 years of friendship with Joe Mannke at Bistro Le Cep in 2008. We hope that you will join us for outstanding cuisine and Award Winning Wines on this historically significant day.” Paul Bonarrigo