When traveling was a way of life I often found myself in random towns in various states. If you were hoping for interesting and exciting locations the "town" part should have brought you back to reality. They were blue collar towns where most people worked at the local automotive supply plant. The towns were small. Just small enough that when you walked into the restaurant for dinner all conversation stopped and heads turned toward the door. Next came whispers about the out of towners. Didn't matter if we stepped foot into the supper club, China buffert of local Mexican joint. There was a rule that chain restaurants were out of the question as long as there was a risk to take with a local joint. China Buffet always posed too much of a risk for me. During those 5 years of travel I sought out as many local Mexican joints as possible. I got burned once or twice, but Mexican still reigns as my favorite food. And thus Cinco De Mayo holds a special place in my heart.
One friend shared in my excitement for tortilla chips, beans, salsa and sour cream. In fact, I think it's safe to say her appetite for Mexican was slightly bigger than mine! After dragging other team members to countless Mexican joints a few disgruntled individuals questioned our incredible appreciation for the menu. Without giving it a second thought she quickly explained how her parents were in the Peace Corps and traveled the world after getting married. She was a blessing to their marriage and was born while they lived in Mexico. So as it turns out she was raised for the first few years of her life in Mexico where she feasted on the local cuisine. She explained how she was a picky eater and for months only ate guacamole. In order to bring this fabricated story full circle she quickly continued on about how her parents realized that the Peace Corps was not a life for a family so they moved to Nebraska and settled there. A perfect ending to the story as she is a Husker. I giggled at the guacamole part, but she was able to keep her composure (for the most part) and sure enough the gullible audience accepted the story.... and the fact that we would continue to eat at the local Mexican joints as much as possible.
Several months later I walked past a group of staff in the office and overhead one talking about how Mindy was born in Mexico and ate only guacamole. I walked away with a smile. I still don't know what's more incredible... the fact that our audience was so gullible or the amount of Mexican food consumed during our travels. Regardless I still seek it out whenever possible.
I started my own Cinco de Mayo celebration a day early and was introduced to a new Mexican joint in the skyways yesterday - Crazy Tacos. (Thanks Jen!) I was hoping for something off the menu at El Azteca today - but as I was hanging out at the "track" in Shakopee I settled for Chipotle. I know - pretty disappointing for someone who claims nachos are her favorite item on the menu. I promise to do better next year.
Looking forward to nachos with the sisters on the patio at El Azteca this summer! I'll take a jumbo margarita on the rocks please!
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