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Houston restaurants share fond memories of serving Barbara Bush

Credit: Provided by Alex Padilla
A photo of former First Lady Barbara Bush and Ninfa's Executive Chef Alex Padilla on March 6, 2018.

At Ninfa's on Navigation, executive chef Alex Padilla still remembers the last time the former First Lady walked in. To him, she was just "Mrs. Barbara."

"When I said 'May I take a picture with you, she said 'yes,'" said Padilla. "You can see in the picture her biggest smile. That's Mrs. Barbara's signature."

The Bush family had dined here for decades, but Mrs. Bush's final photo there was snapped on March 6, 2018.

"She ordered the cheese enchiladas," said Padilla. "I went to say hi, and she said 'Go make the best enchiladas, surprise me, I love this place.'"

Padilla had no idea it would be the last time he'd cook up a meal for Mrs. Bush.

"It was a great honor now that she passed away," said Padilla. "This is like a treasure for me now that I can talk to my children about when they grow up."

Across town at Christie's, they're honoring their longtime friend too.

"They'd like to sit in this area," said owner Maria Christie.

Christie's Seafood and Steaks was a favorite date night spot for the President and Mrs. Bush. Oysters and martinis were always a must.

"She was extremely funny and down to earth," said Christie.

And at their neighborhood favorite Island Grill, just up the road from the Bush home, memories hang on the walls.

"We'll miss her," said owner Maria Haddad. "A first class lady, you're bringing me to tears."

It's clear Houston loved its First Lady, and she loved Houston right back.

"We lost a great person," said Padilla. "We have a shinning star now in heaven watching over us."

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