Tackling the prickly subject of nopales.

Tackling the prickly subject of nopales.

It was one of the first big words I learned. Other people called it glue. But that’s not what it said on the bottle. On the bottle it said mucilage. So that’s what I called it. I remember smart-assing my mother. Even giving it the French pronunciation so...
Tamales. So good they come gift-wrapped.

Tamales. So good they come gift-wrapped.

It’s a coin toss. As to whether tacos or tamales are Mexico’s favorite comfort food. Except at this time of year when Candelaria is approaching. At this time of year, tamales are the clear favorites. I’ve always been confused about exactly what...
El Arbol. Because sometimes the best food in life is free.

El Arbol. Because sometimes the best food in life is free.

It’s been a tradition in Mexican restaurants since the first day I walked into one. It was back in 1974. In Toronto. It was called The Peasant’s Larder. It was where the Carlton streetcar bent around and down Parliament Street. In the days when Cabbagetown...

Valentina. Some like it not so hot.

When Don Day was thirteen, Don Day wanted to be just like Dad and, every Saturday morning, Don Day’s Dad went to the market. I thought the most difficult portion of this ritual would be rising at 6:00 am but I was to discover something else that took an even...
Oso Azul. Perking up the reputation of Mexican coffee.

Oso Azul. Perking up the reputation of Mexican coffee.

A head-scratcher. That’s what I would have called it when I was a kid. Before I’d learned words like conundrum and enigma. I’m talking about coffee and Mexico. Here’s a country that experts believe produces some of the world’s best...
La Alborada. My museum of Mexican memorabilia.

La Alborada. My museum of Mexican memorabilia.

I couldn’t believe it came out of Don Day’s Wife’s mouth. It wasn’t like I hadn’t heard the word before. Just not in such a personal way. Or quite in that context. I thought I knew what the word meant. I thought it had something to do...