Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

Being alone or feeling family pressures at Christmas time or Thanksgiving is no one’s idea of a good time. But some holidays, like Cinco De Mayo, are much more forgiving.   Though this year a swine flu epidemic and other not so natural disasters kept many of us from participating  in the Cinco De Mayo festivities, here are some modern Mexican ideas and tips that will help you feel a bit more mejicano all year round.

Beyond the Rice and Beans

It used to be that a good Mexican meal consisted of a platter of nacho chips covered in beef and mushy refried beans, topped with gooey Monterey Jack cheese.   But that is no longer the only option.  Modern Mexican cuisine is turning American taste buds onto healthier authentic ingredients that are just as fun, bold and exciting. Homemade salsas, fresh with tomatillos, corn or mango are offering a nice change from the traditional.   And jicama, also known as the Mexican potato, has become a skinnier dipper for guacamole than corn chips.  If you are not an at-home gourmet, there are also hundreds of new products being introduced each year. Rick Bayless, Chef and Founder of Fontera Foods, keeps adding to his line with soups and salsas. His latest to hit the shelves are pizzas topped with ingredients like cilantro, poblano or chipotle chicken. If you’re into dining out, check into one of Chef Richard Sandoval’s restaurants and a menu that’s complete with grilled fruit, roasted vegetables, and organic cheeses and meats. The same approach is being used by other top restaurant groups such as Rosa Mexicano, Dos Caminos and Cantina Laredo.

No More Slimy Brown Worm

Modern varieties of tequila are crawler-free and more sophisticated than those frat-boy days, when drinking the stuff required a salt rub and lime chaser.  It can be Kosher as in the case of Agave 99, or hand-crafted the way the Tanteo Spirits Company does it.  As a result, many bars and restaurants are now offering agave flights, similar to traditional wine samplings, which allow tasters to contrast and compare while getting familiar with the spirit being tasted. A good way to introduce yourself to tequila is to find a bar that specializes in it, a bartender who understands the differences between the various types, or attend a tequila tasting.

Spiciest on the The Salsa Scene

Ticket sales for Les Miserables may be escalating as a result of Susan Boyle’s heart wrenching rendition of the play’s hit song, I Dreamed a Dream, but so to is Salsa Dancing. It’s too soon to tell if Melissa Rycroft, the scorned bachelor contestant turned America’s Sweetheart, and her hot performance on Dancing with the Stars had something to do with it but we’re willing to bet it did. More people are realizing what a sexy and social activity Salsa Dancing can be, and trust us when we tell you it’s not just couples prepping for their weddings. So check out a salsa social, studio or nightclub in your area…
So there you go.

Some simple ways to SPICE up your life from our Southern compadres.   Eat, Drink and be Merry!

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