2022: Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
Scrapbooking a Memorable Lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s
During a weekend excursion to Dallas/Fort Worth in December 2022, my friend and I stopped for lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, a Fort Worth institution since 1935. This restaurant is legendary for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, sprawling garden patio, and lively atmosphere. If you’ve ever been, you know the first challenge is getting in—the line is often long, wrapping around the entrance, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Once inside, we were instantly immersed in an ambiance that feels like a tranquil Mexican villa. The restaurant’s lush greenery, fountains, and string lights make dining here a special experience. The menu is simple yet perfected, with classics like enchiladas, tamales, and fajitas served in generous portions. One unique feature of our visit was an on-site photographer who captured a picture of us while we were enjoying our meal. Of course, we couldn’t resist buying it at the end! You can see this keepsake on the right-hand page of my scrapbook layout.
The Scrapbook Layout
The color scheme for this spread was inspired by the calavera (sugar skull) graphic on the left-hand page. I designed the layout using Cricut Design Space and cut out the pieces with my Cricut Maker. The calavera was an intricate design, taking about an hour to cut and piece together, but I think the final result was well worth the effort. To add depth, I intentionally overlapped the calavera on top of the photos, integrating the design into the layout rather than keeping it separate.
On the right-hand page, I used a layered color matting technique behind the title block to create contrast and make it pop. If you’re interested in learning how I did this, I’ve included a YouTube tutorial link at the bottom of this blog.
The borders were another key element. I used a border punch to create a lace-like effect reminiscent of papel picado, the traditional Mexican party banners often seen at celebrations. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that not all cardstock works well with punches—I broke mine while attempting to punch through a thick yellow cardstock. To complete the design, I used a wavy paper cutter for the yellow border, giving it an organic, festive look.
Final Thoughts
This scrapbook spread captures more than just a meal—it preserves the experience of dining at one of Fort Worth’s most beloved restaurants. Whether you’re a scrapbooker, a foodie, or a fan of Tex-Mex, a visit to Joe T. Garcia’s is a must when in the area. If you’ve been there before, what was your favorite dish? Let me know in the comments!
Categories: 2022, Restaurants
MASCrapping 