| Nationally syndicated columnist and bestselling author of Ask a Mexican! Gustavo Arellano presents an entertaining, tasty trip through the history and culture of Mexican food in this country, uncovering great stories and charting the cuisines tremendous popularity in el Norte. In the tradition of Bill Bufords Heat and Calvin Trillins The Tummy Trilogy, Arellanos fascinating narrative combines history, cultural criticism, personal anecdotes, and Jesus on a tortilla. When salsa overtook ketchup as this countrys favorite condiment in the 1990s, Americas century-long love affair with Mexican food reached yet another milestone. In seemingly every decade since the 1880s, America has tried new food trends from south of the borderchili, tamales, tacos, enchiladas, tequila, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and so many moreloved them, and demanded the next great thing. As a result, Mexican food dominates American palates to the tune of billions of dollars in sales per year, from canned refried beans to frozen margaritas and ballpark nachos. Its a little-known history, one thats crept up on this country like your Mexican neighborsand left us better for it. Now, Taco USA addresses the all-important questions: What exactly constitutes Mexican food in the United States? How did it get here? Whats authentic and whats Taco Bell, and does it matter? Whats so cosmic about a burrito? And why do Americans love Mexican food so darn much? Tacos, alas, sold separately. |
