Posted on 05/22/2024 10:19:52 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Though this ruling can feel deeply unserious, it has major consequences for one small business.
What, exactly, defines a sandwich? It's a question people have been arguing over since the dawn of time. But, at least according to one Indiana judge, tacos fall into whatever that definition may be.
In May, Allen County Superior Court Judge Craig Bobay ruled that "tacos and burritos are Mexican-style sandwiches." Though this ruling can feel deeply unserious, it has major consequences for one small business that was hoping to open a restaurant in the city of Fort Wayne.
As the Associated Press reported, the legal battle was brought to the courts by Martin Quintana, nearly three years ago after he attempted to open a second location for his restaurant The Famous Taco. However, his plans were thwarted due to the fact that he agreed to a written commitment with the local neighborhood association that limited the space to a restaurant that is "a sandwich bar-style restaurant whose primary business is to sell 'made-to-order' or 'subway-style' sandwiches," the AP reported. And Quintana's taco spot, to the association, didn't fit the bill. He asked for the agreement to be amended to include his made-to-order tacos, burritos, and "Mexican-style food items," which they denied. So, in 2022, Quintana sued the Fort Wayne Plan Commission, and the court finally ruled in his favor last week.
Crispy Pork Belly Tacos with Pico de Gallo Interestingly, Judge Bobay added that the plan commission was in the right to deny an amendment, but the request was never needed in the first place, as tacos are sandwiches anyway, the Journal Gazette reported.
"The Court agrees with Quintana that tacos and burritos are Mexican-style sandwiches, and the original Written Commitment does not restrict potential restaurants to only American cuisine-style sandwiches," the ruling read.
"I'm glad this thing is over. We are happy. When you have a decision like this the only thing you can be is happy. We're excited," Quintana told the AP about the ruling.
The Best Wines to Pair with Fish Tacos The original agreement, the Gazette added, already permitted restaurants that served "made-to-order Greek gyros, Indian naan wraps, or Vietnamese banh mi" if they complied with the other conditions in the agreement, so we can safely assume those were considered sandwiches, too.
So, what else is a sandwich? Well, even we wouldn't dare to draw a boundary. After all, Padma Lakshmi and the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg both said hot dogs are sandwiches, and who would argue with them? So, really, a sandwich is as limitless as your imagination.
Butter lettuce ideally ...
If Tomato is a fruit, then is catsup a “Smoothie”?
If they are made of masa flour, they are quite high tech vis a vis wheat bread. The ancient Mexican nixmatalization process adds a great deal of extra nutrition, especially B vitamins.
Its odd that it hasnt been taken up to a greater extent outside of its region of origin.
Lord knows we are all so very, very grateful there are all these hardworking men and women crafting all these regulations to Keep Us Safe. Can you imagine the atrocities that would occur without stupid convoluted, byzantine regulations written by people who’ve never had a real job?
If a taco is a sandwich an enchilada must be an egg roll
Filled with rice and Korean spicy pork belly?
Don’t leave off the empanada or the apple turnover, the Irish “empanada” etc... egg rolls, lumpia... I wonder if those diet burgers wrapped in lettuce count? Would grape leaves count as well?
Why not?
No, the chimmychanga is the egg roll.
I had to look it up......
Nixtamalization: This ancient technique dates back to around 1500 BCE and was widely practiced by Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya and the Aztec. Here’s how it works:
Corn Kernels: The process begins with dried corn kernels. These kernels are a staple food in many cultures, but they lack certain essential nutrients.
Alkaline Treatment: Corn kernels are cooked with an alkaline substance, which can be either lime (calcium hydroxide) or wood ash. This treatment softens the kernels and makes them more pliable.
Transformation: Nixtamalization has several transformative effects on the corn:
Texture: The alkaline treatment loosens the hulls, making it easier to remove them. This results in a softer texture.
Flavor: The process imparts a distinct flavor to the corn, enhancing its taste.
Nutritional Profile: Most importantly, nixtamalization releases niacin, a crucial B vitamin. Without this process, corn would not be as nutritious.
Tortillas and More: The primary culinary application of nixtamalized corn is in making tortillas. These flatbreads are a dietary staple in Mexico and beyond. Tortillas made from nixtamalized corn are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients.
Cultural Significance: Nixtamalization is deeply intertwined with Mexican culture. Tortillas are not just food; they represent tradition, history, and community. The art of nixtamalization reminds us of the value of time-honored techniques and the importance of preserving cultural heritage12.
So, the next time you enjoy a taco or a quesadilla, remember that you’re savoring the legacy of nixtamalization—a process that sustained ancient civilizations and continues to shape culinary experiences today! 🌽🌮1.
If you’d like to explore more about this topic, I recommend checking out the resources linked above. 😊
You win best post of the day!
And the bao.
How about sushi rolls?
“I concur. Sandwiches involve bread. There is no bread in tacos, burritos or enchiladas. Peanut butter or any other filling between two crackers does not a sandwich make either.”
Flour is used in everything you just mentioned, I used to see this quote when I was a military stewburner “every country has its own hot sauce and every country has its own pancake.”
“...take occasional trips to TJ. My dad told me that tacos were like Mexican hotdogs”
I’ve been rolling my hot dogs in flour tortillas since the early 90’s. Mayo, cheese, mustard... roll ‘em... it’s mighty fine. Heck, I don’t even buy hot dog buns anymore and haven’t for a long time.
“Why it matters” — the only reason it matters is it is a perfect example of bloated, gargantuan government suffocating us every day under the weight of millions of regulations covering the smallest minutia of life.
Flour tortilla - Flour, baking powder, salt, water, and fat (either oil or lard).
Bread - Flour, yeast and sugar, salt, water, and fat (either oil or butter).
So the difference is in the leavening - baking powder vs yeast and sugar.
I’m reminded of the Ted Kenned/Christopher Dodd/Waitress sandwich.
“..agreed to a written commitment with the local neighborhood association...”
So, some petty, power-mad HOA Second Lieutenant In Charge Of Being Annoying got his micro-peepee stepped on and decided He Has The Author-itay!!, eh?
Hahahahahaha...now that post made me grin!
Does this guy sell peanut butter and jelly tacos?
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