It seems like an exaggeration to say that this class is one of the best things that has ever happened to me but, truly, it was. Not only did I learn so much about Mexican food and what exactly “food literacy” is, but I learned a lot about myself as well.
I come from a very small, very white town in New Jersey. Everyone and I mean everyone is an Italian Catholic and those that aren’t pretend to be. I have always loved Mexican food my whole life, but I was incredibly ignorant to the dense culture and complex history that is behind some of my favorite dishes. Not to mention, I went into this class categorizing “Chipotle” as Mexican — if there’s one thing I learned this semester, it is that it is not.
In assignment 1, I finally was able to expose myself to real, authentic Mexican cuisine. Going to Taqueria Coatzingo with Sarah for lunch is one of my favorite college memories ever because, not only did we get to enjoy some amazing food, but I broke out of my shell a bit. Coming from that very small, very white town, I was always (sadly) slightly hesitant to visit restaurants with mostly-immigrant customers — I thought I’d stick out like a sore thumb and wouldn’t be wanted. Of course, I was incredibly wrong and the servers at Taqueria Coatzingo were almost as delightful as the food.
In assignment 2, I got to look into a drink that, for the most part, I’ve always hated: margaritas! College kids love tequila so it has been quite a normalcy (though a reluctant one, on my part) in my life for the past four years. It was very interesting to learn more about the history of both tequila and the beloved margarita.
In assignment 3, my favorite assignment of all, being able to explore the feminism that comes along with Mexican cooking was something I seriously cherished. My feminism has always been a bit backwards compared to others’ and I’ve always held onto this idea that “women in the kitchen” might not be such a bad thing if those women want to be in the kitchen. Female driven, food based get-togethers like las tamaladas are something I would be very interested in studying in the future. I still believe that feminism can be found in the kitchen and I refuse to believe otherwise.
Lastly, in assignment 4, it was incredibly interesting and eye-opening to talk to my mom about our Italian heritage. Macaroni and gravy and her other Italian specialities are meals that I have honestly taken for granted my whole life — and knowing now that she grew up on those meals the same way that I did makes them feel a whole lot more special.
Going into a class called “Taco Literacy,” I did not think I would take away such meaningful life lessons, learning how to have a deeper appreciation for who I am and where I come from — but I have. And now I can’t stop eating Mexican food.
We Stan Tacos 