Mexican Food, CA vs. MN

Minnesota is a wonderful place, though I do miss authentic Mexican food. Taco Bell Mexican is not at all Mexican, with the possible exception of some of the sauces. Even in our small town, population 1,129, we had an authentic Mexican restaurant. Small, family place with a small menu and amazing flavors.

Americanized Mexican food is widely available in California, much like Minnesota. Authentic Mexican food is quite different. Authentic Mexican uses shredded meats for tacos, not hamburger. Authentic enchiladas are amazing works of art, really labor intensive. Handmade Tamales are really flavorful. The only ground meat I can recall was for chorizo, a meat that has no middle ground, it’s loved or hated, much like spam.

Little known fact, the salt on the rim of margaritas was originally meant to keep the flies off. It was us Gringos that started incorporating it into the drink.

Eat out often! All restaurants seem to be shorthanded, tip the wait staff appropriately.