Five cheap, cheerful, and, yes, Mexican reds.

Five cheap, cheerful, and, yes, Mexican reds.

I’m not sure where the expression cheap and cheerful comes from. Though I’m sure I didn’t originate it. I’m also not sure who first used the expression cheap and cheerful in regards to wine. But I’m sure I like their description. When you drink as much wine as I do on...
Uncomplicating mezcal. And discovering El Dorado.

Uncomplicating mezcal. And discovering El Dorado.

Drinking mezcal in Mexico used to be so easy. You’d buy yourself a one week package to a bikini-laden beach that included airfare, hotel, all you could eat, and, most importantly, all you could drink. Then, you just followed the daily regime: Drinks with umbrellas in...
In pursuit of the tastiest tomatillos.

In pursuit of the tastiest tomatillos.

Call them the Rodney Dangerfield of Mexican fruit. Apart from their frequent appearance in salsas verdes, I rarely see tomatillos being used in Mexico. And, outside of Mexico, I rarely see them at all. I think that’s a shame. For if you want a little sour in any dish,...
Twice upon a time in Mexico.

Twice upon a time in Mexico.

“El, you really must try this because it’s puerco pibil. It’s a slow-roasted pork, nothing fancy. It just happens to be my favorite, and I order it with a tequila and lime in every dive I go to in this country. And honestly, that is the best it’s...
Motown and Chamorro. A tale of two mo’s.

Motown and Chamorro. A tale of two mo’s.

“Motown was about music for all people – black and white, blue and green, cops and robbers. I was reluctant to have our music alienate anyone.”  Berry Gordy Jr. Motown and I have been friends for almost sixty years now. I remember when we first met. There were a...