I remember exactly where I was, and my reaction the first time I ever ate Mexican food. The year was 1954 and my family had just moved to Southern California from Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin we ate what all normal, mid-western, German-American families ate. But right away, in California, our menu began to change. We were visiting my dad’s cousin and his family. This meal was to welcome us to California. They were very excited about serving us what they called native food. They instructed us in how to eat it.
First we piled our plates with lettuce and other salad fixings. Then they had us put shredded cheese on top of that. That was new but, we’re from the cheese-state so – okay. And then — this was the biggie –they had us put hot meat on top of all of that nice crisp salad.
We were shocked! We all tried to put on a nice face. In those days, good manners required one to eat whatever was served and smile about it. But, I was sure, if I got it into my mouth, I would immediately vomit. Before I could take my first bite I happened to look at my mother. I could tell from the look in her eyes that she was thinking the same thing. So I did what any normal 14-year old would do: I ate it and declared it the best thing I’d ever eaten. And actually, it was!
They called that dish – you guessed it – taco salad. That first meal lead to tacos, enchilada, burritos, tostadas, fajitas and so forth. As I began to make friends in our new state, I had a chance to eat the real deal at the homes of friends whose parents came from Mexico and brought their best recipes with them. I learned the difference between authentic Mexican dishes and Mexican-American dishes.
As an adult I learned to make my own dishes but I really love finding new Mexican restaurants as wherever we travel. I swear I can pick out a good one by the look of the outside and the smell inside.
My method is not fool-proof. I’ve found some losers among the many winners. My family loves to joke about one particular place in Denver that must have had something illegal going on in the back. Too many fancy women going in and out with various men. Our kids were all middle school/high school age at the time and, of course, they were fascinated. But honestly, the food was really, really good.
So, whenever it’s my birthday or it’s my turn to pick food, eveyone knows what I want. Wherever my kids are, they all scout out the best, most authentic Mexican food. My daughter, Candice, had a special place in mind recently for my birthday. It’s por que no? (which means why not?) on SE Hawthorne in Portland, Oregon.
See what I mean? I can tell from the outside of the building – this place will be good. Someone opened the door and I could smell the inside – yes, very good.
And then we got our food. Ay , cor-um-ba! The corn tortillas for the tacos were home made, super-thin without falling apart, and very fresh. As chips (with salsa and quacamole) those same tortillas were crisp and fresh and not greasy. Absolutely perfect. My favorite taco was the pork with their own special smoky tasting salsa, chopped cilntro, chopped onions and cojita cheese.
This Mexican food was superb. Since my first experience in 1954 it just seems to get better and better. Telling you about it has worked up my appetite. I’m off to find some chips and salsa. Have I made you hungry?
Great story and yes you have made me very hungry! I love Mexican and Mexican/AMerican food. It is so yummy.
We (but we meaning my husband and I) had a similar story, moving from Wisconsin to Arizona!
I could live on Mexican and Italian food! I grew up in Houston, so Tex Mex food was a staple at our house.
I remember one time as newlyweds, we invited some friends over for a taco dinner. They had never had Mexican food, so as they were assembling their tacos the girl asked us to pass the carrots. Carrots?! She meant the grated cheese
I could eat Mexican food twice a day, every day, so this post really spoke to me!!
I read that a taco truck just opened up in my town, and I’m going to have to check it out…we don’t get much street food in Birmingham!
Oh gosh. The best part of living in northern Arizona was the family owned Mexican restaurants (in the early 1970s). Central PA does not have real Mexican food, so it’s what I make (and try finding great ingredients) or the occasional trip to the big city.
I’m really enjoying your Weekend Cooking posts! I love Mexican food too – for some reason I think it tastes better in a restaurant than it does at home. Sadly, the rest of my family doesn’t share my love of it though.
I want to dive into this!! I haven’t had authentic Mexican food in a long time!
Oh, yum! Great food, and a great story.
I am a great lover of Mexican food. Fajitas are a big deal in our house. I have Tabasco sauce on everything too.
Great story! I love Mexican food too and am hoping the new restaurant opening in town will be good. We have to drive an hour to enjoy good Mexican food.
I’ve just eaten, but you’ve made me hungry again – I love Mexican food!!
http://lyndasbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/weekend-cooking.html
yes, you have made me very hungry! happy now??
Oh my gosh! I am in the car and halfway up the freeway already. (I wish.) Really, I am bookmarking this post, because we definitely hope to be in Portland sometime this winter.
Joyfully retired,
You have won an award on my blog.
http://readwithtea.blogspot.com
Please come by and pick it up. Let me know you have gotten it. Enjoy!
I’m trying to decide what I want to do for lunch and now all I can think of is Mexican food. Yummy post.
I am so lucky to live in So. Cal because Mexican food is plentiful and often very, very good. I just love it. There is a Mexican joint by my work that makes the best Carnitas and it’s good as a tostada, a burrito, you name it. YUM!
Oh I am so with you Margot. I luv luv luv Mexican food. I could eat it every day and not complain. Tacos are a nice and easy Sunday treat we do every now and then to reward ourselves for a productive weekend.
I actualy remember that mexican Dive in Denver. lol It was good food.
But My boss, who is Mexican, made me homemade “real” Tamales. OH MY GOODNESS! I love them and nothing tastes the same. Thank goodness it is getting close to Christmas. I will be getting some from her. She only has time to make them once a year and I already put a request in for some for me.