Mixed Greens & Piñata Apple Salad W/Cotija for 1 The first time I tasted a Piñata apple, it was a crisp December afternoon at a holiday market. The bright red and yellow skin practically glowed under the twinkling lights, and the vendor’s description of its “tropical twist” was too intriguing to resist. Taking that first … Read more
Spinach and Mushroom Tamale Filling: A Culinary Delight I remember the first time I tried a truly exceptional spinach tamale. It was at a small, unassuming restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The earthy aroma of corn husks mingled with the savory scent of mushrooms and spices. Biting into the tamale, I was greeted by … Read more
Sweet Potato and Chorizo Tacos: A Culinary Fiesta There’s a small taqueria just off the main square in Oaxaca that I still dream about. It wasn’t fancy – just a few plastic tables and a sizzling flat-top grill. But the flavors… oh, the flavors! One afternoon, I stumbled in seeking refuge from the blazing sun, … Read more
Tacos Dorados De Frijoles: Golden Bean Tacos The sizzle of oil, the comforting aroma of warm tortillas, and the anticipation of that first crispy bite – these are the sensory memories that flood back whenever I think of Tacos Dorados de Frijoles. Growing up, my abuela would make these for us on those magical summer … Read more
Sweet Potato and Chorizo Tacos: A Fiesta of Flavor I can still picture myself, a wide-eyed culinary student, nervously approaching a bustling taco stand in Oaxaca. The air was thick with the intoxicating aroma of sizzling chorizo and toasted corn. It was there, amidst the lively chatter and vibrant colors, that I tasted my first … Read more
The Houstonian’s Southwest Caesar Salad: A Culinary Fiesta I remember the first time I tried this salad. I was at a conference in Houston, and the hotel restaurant was buzzing. I usually steer clear of Caesar salads, finding them a bit predictable. But something about the name – “Southwest Caesar” – piqued my interest. One … Read more
El Torito Southwestern Caesar Salad: A Culinary Classic The first time I tasted El Torito’s Southwestern Caesar Salad, I was immediately transported. It wasn’t just the satisfying crunch of the fried tortilla strips or the creamy, tangy dressing. It was the vibrant combination of flavors – the smoky roasted peppers, the nutty pepitas, the salty … Read more
Esquites: A Fiesta in Every Bite Some of my fondest childhood memories are tied to the vibrant street food scene of my abuela’s hometown in Mexico. The air, thick with the aroma of sizzling meats and sweet pastries, always led me to the corn vendors. But not just any corn – elotes, slathered in creamy … Read more
Elote Appetizer from The Elote Cafe: A Culinary Fiesta I’ll never forget the first time I tasted authentic elote. It was at a little street fair in Mexico City, the air thick with the scent of grilling corn and spices. The vendor, with a smile as warm as the sun, handed me an ear slathered … Read more
Elote: Mexican Street Corn Perfection The sizzle of corn on a charcoal grill, the intoxicating aroma of chili and lime, the joyful chatter of vendors calling “¡Elotes!” – these are the sounds and smells that instantly transport me back to my time exploring the vibrant street food scene in Oaxaca. I remember one particular evening, … Read more