Texas
Independence Day
Celebrated at Bistro
Le Cep on Friday, March 2, 2012
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 landing on Texas Coasts traveling the Gulf of Mexico, arrived in Texas where 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 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, and had a desire for self-government and declared 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 Friday, March 2nd, 2012 at 7:00 PM. We will feature a delicious five-course dinner showcasing Texas cultures, accompanied by selected wines from Messina Hof.
Messina Hof Winery and Resort was established in 1977 by Co-Founders Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo. Messina Hof was founded on family values, romance and traditions. Messina Hof is the leader in the establishment of the Texas wine industry and ranks as one of the fastest growing, most awarded wineries in the state. Five-time winner of the "Top Texas Wine" at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Messina Hof wines are handcrafted at the winery, located in Bryan, Texas. In 2011 Messina Hof was recognized as "Best of Herd" winery, or best Texas winery, and "Best of Class" at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition. Messina Hof Winery and Resort boast on their 100 acre property the Vintage House Restaurant, origin of Vineyard Cuisine, the Villa which was voted "Most Romantic Bed and Breakfast in the USA." and the Wine Master's Room Wine Bar, voted best wine by the glass in the Brazos Valley. In 2011, Messina Hof was named "Texas Grand Star Champion" at the Lone Star International Wine Competition. Owners, Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo are proud to be celebrating 35 years of wine making and 34 years of friendship with Joe and Connie Mannke at Bistro Le Cep. In 2012 we hope that you will join us for outstanding cuisine, Award Winning Wines on this historically significant day."
Paul Bonarrigo
