Posted on 10/10/2007 10:25:36 AM PDT by AngelesCrestHighway
It sounds like a fast-food grudge match: Taco Bell is taking on the homeland of its namesake by reopening for the first time in 15 years in Mexico. Defenders of Mexican culture see the chain's re-entry as a crowning insult to a society already overrun by U.S. chains from Starbucks and Subway to KFC. "It's like bringing ice to the Arctic," complained pop-culture historian Carlos Monsiváis. The company's branding strategy — "Taco Bell is something else" — is an attempt to distance itself from any comparison to Mexico's beloved taquerias, which sell traditional corn tortillas stuffed with an endless variety of fillings, from spicy beef to corn fungus and cow eyes. Taco Bell, a unit of Louisville, Ky.,-based Yum Brands, made its name promoting its menu to Americans as something straight out of Mexico. But it's a very different dynamic south of the border. Here, the company projects a more "American" fast-food image by adding French fries — some topped with cheese, cream, ground meat and tomatoes — to the menu at its first store, which opened in late September in the northern city of Monterrey.
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
I had the advantage of my full blooded Mexican aunt when I was young.
After eating some of her cooking I KNEW Taco Smell didn't serve real food, Mexican or other.
The Mexicans may not like Taco Bell but they sure are fasinated with the Taco Bell Chiawawa. Everywhere I go now they have one of those dogs.
Someone once said crispy tacos should only be eaten when you are naked and alone!
I believe that Snopes has stated that that was just a urban legend.
L
Korean, Thai, that side of the Pacific rim really knows how to evacuate sinuses.
Just damn! Isn't multiculturalisim grand? I have lived a deprived life and never knew it. I want my cow eyes, and I want them NOW!
However, when I eat at Del Taco, I always ask for Soft Tacos. (unless I forget) (I don’t eat at Taco Bell.)
Within a mile I've got a Thai, Viet Namese, a French/Viet Namese fusion (fabulous...wonderful...) and a Korean joint. That's in addition to the Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and two Japanese places.
We can literally eat around the world every day of the week if we wish.
I'll never forget the first time I walked into a Korean place. I just pointed to a picture of something on the menu because the waitress didn't speak a word of English and I speak no Korean.
Before I knew it I had about 10 condiments in front of me before the main dish arrived. I must have looked pretty helpless because a gentleman at the next table instructed me how to eat each delectable little side dish.
He spoke enough English to get me through the first of many Korean meals. Now it's one of my favorites.
I mentioned the French/Viet Namese place above. Now that's a truly amazing fusion of cuisines. I'm not a huge fan of French cooking, but this place is just amazing. If you ever run across one do give it a try.
Best,
L
I would gladly trade 70% of the Mexican restaurants in Eureka for all the Taco Bells in Mexico. There are a magnate for illegals seeking less then minimum wage.
BTW... I was and am watching the Food channel when you called :)
Sounds like a fun neighborhood to be in, I’ve got to do a little more driving to get any serious variety, but it’s out there.
In the last decades, we have had many Chinese immigrants who have introduced more correct Chinese food, and American tastes have changed.
You're not supposed to eat that. No wonder you got sick.
Sorry, no can pic. But it's a discontinued item as authentic (and good!) as the Bellbeefer.
I went on vacation with my brother and started craving Mexican food.
The 1st time I suggested Mexican, he said, “I’m not in the mood”.
2nd time, he said, “I”m just not hungry.”
3rd time I wanted Mexican cuisine, he barfed up yet another lame excuse but I’d heard enough. I said, to hell with you, we are getting Mexican. I dragged him to a wonderful restaurant in Bakersfield, California, where my brother gorged on a big combo plate — Burito, enchilada, relleno, chimichanga. He said the food was delicious and wolfed it down.
I asked him why he kept dragging his feet about having Mexican food if he loved it so much.
He said, “I didn’t know this was Mexican. I thought you meant Taco Bell.”
I said, “TACO BELL IS NOT MEXICAN FOOD!”
I can’t say what an “Enchirito” is but it sounds like a hybrid of Mexican and Chinese! Sort of like an “Enchirada”.
So, is Panda Express in China or Olive Garden in Italy? Just curious. It just sounds like a dumb idea.
True. However, I would rather eat at Taco Bell than what passes for Mexican food in Connecticut. (At least 20 years ago.)
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