What is Mexican Food?

Today is Cinco de Mayo, a very American holiday.  Americans love Mexican food, thats a fact.  But are they really eating Mexican food?  The shot answer is no, not really!! I've made a list of not so Mexican food, Americans think is authentic.

1. Taco Salad.  You will never see a Mexican eating a taco salad. This invention is strictly American as apple pie.  The notion of putting a "salad" in a deep fried flour tortilla and calling it "Mexican" is down right ridiculous!  Americans Love it though for some reason, probably one of the most popular items on our menu.
2. Ground Beef.  Again, while my time in Mexico, I've never ever seen a local eating ground beef.  I think the reason for it being so popular in the states is for the simple fact that its cheap and easy to cook, no effort what so ever.  The spices added to it couldn't be more non-Mexican!!
3. Crispy Tacos. If your looking to get real Mexican tacos, your gonna have a bad time!!  Try either Taco's al Carbon, Street tacos, or traditional tacos.  
4. Sour Cream.  Yeah some Mexican Food does go well with sour cream, but don't fucking smother your whole plate with it.  Did you want some Mexican Food with your sour cream?!
5. Ketchup. Under no circumstance should you ever put ketchup on Mexican food, its gross and almost disrespectful! I saw a costumer drench their food in it once, I quickly followed by throwing up in my mouth. 
6. Nachos! Yes they are delicious and even more delicious after a night of drinking. But again these are not Mexican. In fact tortilla chips aren't very Mexican at all. Usually you see a full tortilla in a chip form in Mexico instead of the more familiar triangle slice shape.
7. Chimichanga. A deep fried burrito basically, I didn't know of these creations until probably high school. Its very popular at the restaurant, probably one of our most popular dishes.
8. Enchiladas. Ok, so there are enchiladas that are quit Mexican, but most of what you've tasted is a very Americanized version of the real one.  Most of you have tasted the tortilla rolled in ground beef (check #2) cover in enchilada sauce topped with melted cheese, well, hate to break it you but that's not an enchilada. A real enchilada is a corn tortilla dipped in a enchilada sauce, a more spicy version of its counter part, then lightly fried, stuffed with, either potatoes, chicken or beans, then rolled up.  

Well there you go!!  Next time you order one of these items, remember its not really Mexican!!! ha

-luz