Plátano Power
Plantains pack health and flavor into a portable package. The culinary journey of the plantain is complex. It includes travels through the trade routes of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, its introduction to Europe by Alexander the Great, and its arrival on the African continent via Trans-Saharan Arab merchants. The plant made it to […]
Latin American Libations
Take a delicious journey with these sippers from south of the border. Latin America has delicious cuisine, but oftentimes folks overlook its cocktails. That is a mistake, especially here in Northern Nevada, where you can enjoy many mouthwatering beverages reminiscent of those cobblestone plazas, sidewalk cafés, and bars where one can sip and watch the […]
All Ears for Elote
A Mexican corn-on-the-cob treat with history. Have you heard the history of corn? It’s intrinsically connected to the history of Mexico. According to researchers, corn was invented — yes, conjured up and carefully harvested — by the Aztec civilization nearly 7,000 years ago, from a grain (though scientists now classify it as a fruit). While […]
Finger Lickin’
Latin American street food favorites in Reno-Tahoe. Street food culture exists all over the world because wherever there are people on the go, they’ll be eager for fast, tasty nourishment. Street food, or comida callejera, is so named because it’s rarely eaten in a traditional restaurant, or inside an establishment at all. It’s ready immediately […]
Nicaraguan Chop Suey
Latino home-cooked meals are more diverse than meets the eye. Inside a warm, yellow-toned home decorated with red lanterns, gold tassels, and a large Buddha, Marian Jimenez and her mother prepare for one of their favorite weekend rituals: cooking Nicaraguan dishes for six siblings, five grandchildren, friends, and extended family. On the menu this bright, […]
The Mexican Michelada
A beer cocktail out to conquer the world. Reno is a beer town, but can it become a michelada one? I was skeptical, but not anymore. The ice-cold beer, lime juice, salt, and tomato juice (plus other possible ingredients) cocktail often is compared to a bloody mary and hailed as a hangover cure. But drinking […]