It’s Friday night. You’re out to celebrate the end of a long work week and enjoy the start of the weekend. Where do you go? We recommend a delicious local Mexican restaurant in your area. It is almost guaranteed that the food will be authentic and amazing, the environment will be fun and exciting, and you will not regret it. Still can’t decide? Here are some fun facts about Mexican food to think about and help you make your decision.
First, did you know that Mexican food is the most popular style of international cuisine in the United States? In fact, one out of every ten restaurants in this country sells Mexican food. It has exploded in popularity and prevalence. As of 2011, there were 38,000 Mexican restaurants spread out across the American landscape. That number has certainly grown in the last several years, giving consumers from coast to coast plenty of options to choose from to get authentic Mexican food. This particular cuisine has 42% share of ethnic food sales in the United States, making it the most popular ethnic food segment in the country. Clearly, it is a great choice for dining out!
However, Mexican restaurants are not the only place to get great Mexican food. Many people are choosing to experiment with recipes for Mexican food at home, with wonderful results. Research has shown that about 71% of households in America use Mexican food and ingredients for their home cooked meals. It is a wonderful choice for a yummy meal the whole family can enjoy, and a delicious meal to share with friends and neighbors!
Mexican food also offers people the opportunity to broaden their culinary horizons. In a recent survey, it was found that three quarters of consumers seek to experience new flavors in ethnic cuisines. Additionally, two thirds desire bolder flavors and unfamiliar foods. Mexican food has a rich variety of options for this, in everything from food such as chile relleno or tamales, to desserts like flan or tres leches cakes. Even the beverages, such as the sweet horchata, are amazing!
The history of Mexican food is as rich as its flavor. In fact, historians believe that Mexican cuisine as we know it today was derived from the types of food prepared by the Mayan Indians as far back as 2,000 years ago. Also, the concept of a tortilla being used a wrap can be clearly linked back to the Aztecs culinary practices. And what dish served in Mexican restaurants uses a tortilla as a wrap? Your favorite enchilada, of course. The word enchilada literally means “in chile.” You’re celebrating a wealth of history just by ordering an enchilada for dinner.
One last fun fact for you: guess which is the most popular condiment in the United States? Surprising to some, it isn’t mayonnaise, or even ketchup. It’s salsa. Also, tortillas have been outselling hot dog buns for the last seven years. So forget about hamburgers and hot dogs, or whatever else you had in mind, and get yourself to a Mexican restaurant for dinner this Friday night — or even tonight! And get ready to wow your friends and family with these fun facts as you eat your delicious meal. Enjoy!