The globalization of Mexican food and drinks in the United States is extremely evident. Dishes such as chili, chips and salsa, nachos and burritos can be easily found almost anywhere in the U.S and has definately affected American cuisine. Over the years, however, Latin American food in the U.S. has adapted to fit the American culture. This style of food is called "Tex-Mex" or "Cal-Mex". Most American Mexican restaurants cook using this Mexican-American style.
There are many differences between traditional Mexican food and Tex-Mex food. First, Mexican food is not traditionally spicy, however, many Tex-Mex dishes are cooked using chile peppers to make them extra hot. Also, Mexican food in American restaurants are cooked using rediculous amounts of cheese. Using cheese with traditional Mexican foods is very rare. In addition, Tex-Mex food uses lots of sauces to complement the food, when traditional Mexican food does not. Finally, the portions of food in American restaurants are immense compared to the portions in Mexico.
Traditional Mexican drinks are also very popular in American culture. Corona, a Mexican beer is one of the top selling beers in the United States. Also, the Margarita, a cocktail using tequila, is a popular summer drink north of the border. These drinks are very popular on Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday also celebrated in the United States.
Mexican food seems to not only be popular in the United States, its globalization is evident in other parts of the world as well. William Gephardt, a German immigrant to the United States owned a tavern in San Antonio where he would serve German beer. Gephardt employed numerous Mexican workers in his tavern and they introduced him to chile, a traditional Mexican meat dish. Over time, Gephardt realized the Mexican chile complemented his German beer well and he began serving the two together. Today, twenty years later, Gephardt mass produces chile for sale to tourists visiting San Antonio. He still sells the chile out of his German tavern.
Mexican cuisine is become a staple to American society today. For example, Football is a popular American tradition, and chips and salsa, nachos and chile are some of the most popular foods to eat during a football game. So next time you go to Taco Bell, be thankful for the Mexican traditons.
There are many differences between traditional Mexican food and Tex-Mex food. First, Mexican food is not traditionally spicy, however, many Tex-Mex dishes are cooked using chile peppers to make them extra hot. Also, Mexican food in American restaurants are cooked using rediculous amounts of cheese. Using cheese with traditional Mexican foods is very rare. In addition, Tex-Mex food uses lots of sauces to complement the food, when traditional Mexican food does not. Finally, the portions of food in American restaurants are immense compared to the portions in Mexico.
Traditional Mexican drinks are also very popular in American culture. Corona, a Mexican beer is one of the top selling beers in the United States. Also, the Margarita, a cocktail using tequila, is a popular summer drink north of the border. These drinks are very popular on Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday also celebrated in the United States.
Mexican food seems to not only be popular in the United States, its globalization is evident in other parts of the world as well. William Gephardt, a German immigrant to the United States owned a tavern in San Antonio where he would serve German beer. Gephardt employed numerous Mexican workers in his tavern and they introduced him to chile, a traditional Mexican meat dish. Over time, Gephardt realized the Mexican chile complemented his German beer well and he began serving the two together. Today, twenty years later, Gephardt mass produces chile for sale to tourists visiting San Antonio. He still sells the chile out of his German tavern.
Mexican cuisine is become a staple to American society today. For example, Football is a popular American tradition, and chips and salsa, nachos and chile are some of the most popular foods to eat during a football game. So next time you go to Taco Bell, be thankful for the Mexican traditons.
Instructions for an awesome Cinco De Mayo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcwW6wQGyVQ
Works Cited:
"Kitchen Wisdom: Food Traditions and Globalization." NPR : National Public Radio . 29 Sep. 2008 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4136885.
"Mexican Food, America Eats, from Life in the USA: The Complete Guidefor Immigrants and Americans." Life in the USA: The Complete Guide for Immigrants and Americans. 29 Sep. 2008 http://www.lifeintheusa.com/food/mexican.htm.
Shiavone, Louise. "Some food from Mexico to face testing." CNN.com . 29 Sep. 2008
Images:
Image 1: Corona, a popular Mexican beer
Image 2: The Taco Bell Chihuahua
1 comment:
This is an awesome blog, guys. It is so well put together and has very interesting and important information about Latin America becoming globalized. Great job!
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