January 26th, 2006
Is Gourmet Mexican Food an Oxymoron?
Thank you for not being too offended by the title?
It's 1:42pm and my stomch is rumbling because I'm waiting to have lunch with Bunches who is on his way back from office hours. For whatever reason, I'm really craving Mexican food; visions of chimichangas and burritos and nachos and flautas are dancing in my head. Of course, I acknowledge few or none of these things are actually authentic, and that even if they are, the forms in which I know them are probably pure American invention. But that leads me to wonder what citizens of Mexico eat when they're on lunch break or just sitting with the family during weeknight dinner. Furthermore, what constitutes a special meal out? Mexicans or anyone in know, if you're listening, please help this silly gringa.
Mexican food in mainstream culture seems to have been relegated to casual dining usually done in the company of groups of boisterous friends who look forward to the margaritas as much as they do the enchiladas. No one I know has ever suggested a Mexican restaurant when we're looking to celebrate an engagement, birthday, or promotion but you can be sure everyone is willing to recommend a great little Italian place.
Bridey, you hapless bobo, that is because you have no Latino/Latina friends and choose instead to surround yourself with WIDs (Wasps in Denial), petite Asians, and gleefully neurotic Jews.
True. And I'm asking to be enlightened. I can think of plenty of Mexican restaurants to review that serve what some might describe as "fake Mexican" (Taco Bell)or "cheap Mexican" (Boca Grande) or "good Mexican" (Picante Grill), but I know of no places that serve "upscale Mexican." I can't believe such a place doesn't exist in Boston and I want to know what an fine fajita tastes like.
Suggestions and mild jokes about my ignorance greatly appreciated.
January 26th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Two separate issues here: authentic Mexican food and refined Mexican food. Not that there’s no such thing as authentic, refined Mexican food; it’s just that what Americans think of as refined dining might not correspond to what Mexicans think of fine dining. In any case, you really should check out Ole in Inman Sq. Cambridge, and Tu Y Yo in Powderhouse Sq. Somerville if you want excellent meals rooted in traditional dishes. I’d particularly recommend the pescado Veracruzano at Ole, or the huitlachoche crepes at Tu Y Yo.
January 26th, 2006 at 6:50 pm
I like Mexican food. Is that what you’re asking?
January 29th, 2006 at 2:35 am
El Sarape in Weymouth is good, check out La Paloma in Quincy too.
January 31st, 2006 at 6:44 pm
I ‘unno about all that. I think most of that food’s as authentic Mexican as it gets, with the preperation making up the difference between “Mexican” and “Quickie American”.
There’s a little place down here (in CT) that’s about as Mexican as you can get (as the principals, chef, etc. are Mexican) and they do pretty much the same fare as described, just prepared, ah, properly. Lots of grainy rice and beans on the side.
I imagine Mexicans go out for Sushi when they feel like getting something upscale
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