If you ask, the spice place will sell you some in bulk - the more you buy, the less per ounce. Got a pound of cumin last time we went, for a very good deal. This time got small packs of stuff I haven't used before to give them a try.
The Hot Pepper
geeme
Pepperjack91
Getting spices in bulk is the way to go
frydad4
hope you picked up some Tellicherries. 
texas blues
So what was the Mex bar food? Any queso? Ain't no mo' true Mexican joints at least here in N. Texas. Ever thang is Tex Mex. But not all are good.
geeme
Ha! < to FD
They didn't even give us chips & salsa. I had 3 steak tacos: flour tortillas with chopped steak. On the side, a tiny splooge of sour cream and another of pico de gallo, some shred cheddar. Not enough for a single taco, let alone 3. Also small servings of rather dry refried pintos and a touch of rice. If there was queso, I didn't see any.
They didn't even give us chips & salsa. I had 3 steak tacos: flour tortillas with chopped steak. On the side, a tiny splooge of sour cream and another of pico de gallo, some shred cheddar. Not enough for a single taco, let alone 3. Also small servings of rather dry refried pintos and a touch of rice. If there was queso, I didn't see any.
geeme
Just made up for it, though, with some uber spicy sauteed chicken, so good!
Pepperjack91
Dry beans = No bueno
texas blues
G come on home to Texas girl. We got joints here that the queso, chips, and salsa are so good that its the meal!
OhioHeat
CAJohns is very pricey in N.Market but my daughter and I like to get lunch @ N.M. when I visit. bought their scotch bonnet based one, really wasn't impressed. She wants her & I to open a place in there.
geeme
I'm a fan of CAJohn's purees and some of the BBQ sauce. Bourbon St. Fiery is da bomb!
illWill
cheddar = no bueno. I mean, great cheese, but in mexican food... wtf