Did salsa change gringos or did gringos change salsa?
A recent article in the New York Times suggested, "As more foreigners, especially Americans, visit or move to Mexico City, some taco shops have lowered the heat in their sauces. Not everyone is happy.” That makes me think about how foreign consumption of Tequila and Mezcal have also influenced the flavors — and the recipes — of those other landmarks of Mexican cultural heritage. And it makes me think about how salsa, Tequila, and Mezcal have changed daily life in the USA. It’s a cross-cultural episode of Agave Road Trip!
Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Chef Gustavo Romero of Oro by Nixta.
Episode Notes
When in Minneapolis, go check out Chef’s amazing restaurant, Oro, as well as his amazing tortilleria, Nixta!
This episode was recorded at Off Premise in Chicago — get your spirits (and wine and beer) there!
Go eat breakfast at Istmo in Chicago, too!
That Times article: “Can Foreigners Handle the Heat? Mexico City Debates Milder Salsas,” New York Times, July 6, 2024