Cómo valorar Cocina mexicana

No, Menu a la Marguerite is not available in multiple languages, but I thought it would be appropriate to title this post in the language of its origin.

"Xtapa is WAY better than Las Margaritas". This comment made me chuckle (because I think they are essentially one in the same). It also got me to thinking that Mexican cuisine has various different classifications, which prompted me to write this entry.

(P.S. I hope I don't offend anyone with this post.)

I have classified Mexican cuisine in the following three categories:
1. Fresh Mex: Cactus, Matador, Fred's, ANY Taco Truck in SoCal only.

2. Gut Bomb: Las Margaritas, Xtapa, Tres Hermanos, Azteca. etc.

3. Urban Street Mex: Taco Hell, Taco Time, 711, Gas stations mini-marts.

Why and how do these restaurants end up in their respective zones you ask? Simple, I base this off of my unofficial observations and bodily responses following a dining at these establishments.

Fresh Mex

Fresh Mex is typically more on the gourmet side with a southwestern flair. You most likely will not see a side of triple-refried pinto beans, Spanish rice and dirty shredded lettuce atop your monster burrito. More like black bean salsa, fresh cilantro and a side of plantains. You'll usually see classics like chili rellenos and quesadillas with like roasted squash or something exotic. These types of places are great for Mexican seafood and Mole.

The chips will also help you determine your zone. Homemade tortilla chips usually frequent a Fresh Mex place versus the bagged tortilla. (One almost ALWAYS has to add salt regardless of which zone you are eating in). As for the dippin', I have to say that I have never met a salsa I didn't like; maybe once in a blue moon. They are good in all zones and the hotter the better.

Taco Trucks = AMAZING! Stipulation: you MUST be South of LA to get anything decent. Take my advice. You CAN go wrong with a Taco Truck if you don't evaluate your geographical area responsibly. And don't get fish tacos at a taco truck; just my opinion.

Gut Bomb

Let me just clarify that the term "Gut Bomb" does not mean avoid at all costs. In fact, Gut Bomb Mexican joints are fantastic when you are looking for some greasy, fast, cheap and scrumptious Mexican food, complete with a Mariachi band and sombreros for all! And if you're looking for a good "purge".

The service is always friendly and super fast, and they are always willing to split checks. Your chips and salsa are bottomless, and sometimes guacamole is complementary (who wants to pay $6 bucks for smashed avocados mixed with salsa?). Your typical plate should look like this:

Nothing goes better with Gut Bomb Mexican then a Margarita on the rocks with salt. You won't have a hangover because the food will soak it all up. Drink up muchachos!

Urban Street Mex

I personally do not frequent ANY fast food joints, let alone an excuse for "Mexican" fast food i.e. Taco Bell and/or Taco Time. Last time I checked Mexicans don't eat mexi-fries i.e. tator tots with their meals. I also find it bizarre that they combine a hard shell taco with a soft shell. There are two versions for a reason - freedom of choice people!

I also strongly believe that soft serve cheese is meant for soft pretzels, NOT tortilla chips (unless of course it's Tostitos with lime chips and Salsa con Queso watching a football game).

The only plus to these joints is that a taco is like 50 cents and you can get all the packets of yummy hot sauce you want and in three temperatures! Stock up folks!

There you have it!