Cinco de Mayo!

Mexican food has saved my life more than once.  OK, that might be little dramatic, but it feels that way.  When I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, 30 years ago, it was almost impossible to go out for dinner and be confident the food was gluten free.  The first few times I ventured out to do battle with a restaurant menu, I chose Mexican.  The fresh salsas, rich guacamole, corn tortillas and wonderful roasted meats were a Godsend.  Mexican restaurants became a  place to feel normal when I joined my friends and colleagues for dinners out . This Guacamole recipe is an ode to all those fabulous restaurants.

The second time Mexican food came to the rescue is when I moved to St. Paul for graduate school (circa 1985).  Growing up in New York, I was used to an endless variety of delicious, inexpensive and readily accessible food choices.  Let’s just say, the Twin Cities in the late 80’s was a whole new experience.  My first inkling that I might be in trouble came when I excitedly picked up the Reader’s Favorite Food issue of MSP Magazine only to find that Taco Bell had won best ethnic cuisine and Perkins had edged out Denny’s for best breakfast.  Yikes!

And so, in a new city without much of a social life, I set out to see what I could find. Early In my travels, I happened onto the West Side of St. Paul.  I found my way to El Burrito Mercado and fell in love. It remains my go-to Mexican market, restaurant and take-home deli to this day. I encourage you to visit if you haven’t – you’ll be so happy you did.

Over the next couple of years, I explored many Twin Cities neighborhoods and discovered wonderful cuisines from Thai to Lebanese to Indian, but I must say Mexican will always have a special place in my heart.

I wish you and yours a wonderful Cinco de Mayo and hope you celebrate at home and/or your favorite Mexican restaurant.