Monday, September 12, 2011

Daddy, where do tacos come from?

Well Son, I'm glad you asked...


According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, "taco" is basically just the Spanish word for "sandwich" but it is so much more than that!

"A taco (play /ˈtɑːk/) is a traditional Mexican dish composed of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a filling. A taco can be made with a variety of fillings, including beef, chicken, seafood, vegetables and cheese, allowing for great versatility and variety. A taco is generally eaten without utensils and is often accompanied by garnishes such as salsa, avocado or guacamole, cilantro, tomatoes, onions and lettuce."

The taco predates the arrival of Europeans in Mexico. There is anthropological evidence that the indigenous people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico traditionally ate tacos filled with small fish. Writing at the time of the Spanish conquistadors, Bernal Díaz del Castillo documented the first taco feast enjoyed by Europeans, a meal which Hernán Cortés arranged for his captains in Coyoacán.[3][4] It is not clear why the Spanish used their word, "taco", to describe this indigenous food.

"oooooooh, I see.  Thanks Dad!"

"No problem, Son."