Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Do you really know why we celebrate this day? Most Americans do not. Here’s why: because it gives Americans just one more day to get their drink on. Or so it appears that way.

Actually it’s a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. But, I bet if you interview people on the street and ask them why we celebrate this day they’ll probably look and you and exclaim, “So we can drink margaritas!” Or, they will say it the Mexican version of Fourth of July. But, Cinco de Mayo is not, as most people think, Mexican Independence Day. In fact, it’s a regional holiday celebrated primarily in the state of Puebla to commemorate the Mexican victory led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on, you guessed it, May 5, 1862.

But it gives us an excuse to indulge on Mexican cuisine and beverages, so arrrrrrrriiiiiiibbbbbaaaa!

Here’s one of my favorite Mexican beverages: the michelada, which is essentially lime beer. Micheladas are refreshing, light and don’t fill you up like sweet/salty margaritas. Nor do they leave you with a nasty tequila hangover the next morning.

Michelada

1. Salt the rim of a tall glass and fill it with ice
2. Squeeze in the juice of half to a whole large lime (I prefer mine very limey so I add a lot)
3. Pour in your beer of choice, preferably Mexican…it is Cinco de Mayo afterall!

Enjoy and be safe!

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I thought I’d share a bit about our recent trip to the lovely town of El Fuerte, Mexico. All of my previous trips to Mexico have been to lounge on a beach, sip margaritas and frolic in the surf. But this trip, although fun, was a volunteer mission with LIGA International. The first Friday of each month, about 15 privately owned aircrafts fly supplies and medical professional volunteers to remote LIGA clinics. My father, a pilot, has been actively involved with LIGA for some time and had two extra seats in his plane for Barnaby (as a translator) and I (willing candy striper). Also flying with us was Peter, a surgeon, who has been volunteering with LIGA for the last 15 years. There’s some serious good karma for ya.

We flew into El Fuerte’s little strip of an airport. Soon our plane was approached by a swarm of four and half foot soldiers carrying four foot guns. The drug trade is big in the state of Sinaloa, so they were there to search our bags. I thought it was so cool – naive me – to be surrounded by armed men (they knew we were LIGA), and I wanted to get these guys on film to share on my blog! I excitedly looked at Barnaby.

“You think I can take a picture?!”
“Ehhh, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Looking at me like I was off my rocker.
“Darn!”

Notes to self:

1) not a good idea to take photos of men carrying guns larger than self
2) ” ” while standing next to small aircraft in remote area known for large drug drops
3) ” ” ” and potentially carrying large bricks of some illicit substance
4) just not a good idea to take photos of men with guns. Period.

I know this is supposed to be a blog about food. I’m working up to that.

Of course, our aircraft and bags are cleared and, with wide grins from the big gun wielding men (see, I knew they wouldn’t shoot us), we are sent off in a taxi to the charming town of El Fuerte.

LIGA works with three clinics in and around El Fuerte, each specializing in various medical treatments. I had visions of being a modern-day Florence Nightingale, there to administer to the sick and wounded, healing with my tender touch and kind heart. But, alas, because I am not fluent in Spanish, nor do I have any medical training beyond the application of band-aids and NeoSporin, I stayed with my father and three other pilots to build wheelchairs (from FreeWheelchairMission.org). It was still quite rewarding!

After the chairs were finished there was, unfortunately, nothing left for us to build, so off we went to a lunch of octopus ceviche and
micheladas!

In addition to the fabulous ceviche, a typical meal is one of fresh Bass caught from either the nearby lake or river. I had it both nights: first grilled (a la plancha) then with garlic (mojo de ajo). Served with refried beans, hand-made corn tortillas, fresh limes and a selection of salsas. Mmmmm! I apologize for not taking pictures of these beautiful dishes, but I was so mesmerized that I dug in immediately.

Next trip, I promise!
I’d love to know what you think. Click the Comments link below and share your thoughts.

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It’s Friday, you get out of work a wee bit early and your inner Irish is wanting to get her drink on. Or at least one drink to take the edge off. As Jimmy Buffet sings it, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” I’m not a huge hard alcohol drinker, I mainly go for wine, but I do have a few favorite cocktails.

There’s nothing better than a really good Bloody Mary. Unless it’s their specialty most places fall far short in creating a palatable one. Salty’s in Seattle makes a very good one. I also love Bloody Caesar’s, which is basically a Bloody Mary, but with celery salt and Clamato juice. Drink’s Mix has a plethora of delicious sounding Bloody Mary recipes.

My cousin, Owen, makes an mmm, mmm good Ramos Gin Fizz on Christmas day and I threaten to make them throughout the year, but alas, I never do. Even though the ingredients sound weird, shiver me timbers they’re good!

2 ounces gin
3 drops orange flower water
1 egg white
1 teaspoon bar sugar
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
2 ounces cream
Soda water

Shake all ingredients except the soda water vigorously for a couple of minutes or more — the longer the better as it will get nice and frothy. Strain into a tall thin glass, or an old-fashioned glass, top with some soda water and stir.

I also love the popular Mexican beer drink, Michelada. I know, it’s not a cocktail, but I’m on my way to Mexico so I’m looking forward to enjoying one of these. There are a couple of variations of this drink, one with tomato juice, but my favorite is simply this: freshly squeezed lime juice, salt and a good Mexican cerveza. Here’s how I make it: salt the rim of a tall glass, fill it with ice, squeeze in the juice of about one lime (more if you like it really limey as I do), pour in your beer and top off with another little pinch of salt. Muy delicioso!

For a great read on all things alcoholic go to The Art of Drink. They also give a comprehensive list of other drink blogs.

I’d love to know what you think. Click the Comments link below and share your thoughts.

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