“I want not only to make you desire Mexican food, but also to understand it, to appreciate it further.” (Arellano 265)
Arellano certainly achieved this goal in ‘Taco USA’. He brought to light so many topics about the history of Mexican food I never truly considered. He writes, ‘every Mexican foodstuff has a story…’ and often times I forget this part and not just with Mexican food. Even as an Italian, I don’t yet feel like I truly understand the history behind the food of my culture. I love pasta and pizza, but too frequently I am consumed more by the taste rather than the story. I don’t feel like I’m a part of it. This book has inspired me to be more passionate about the emotion surrounding Italian food.
I appreciate what Arellano tries to do with ‘Taco USA’. His message isn’t solely to make the reader gravitate more towards eating Mexican food. It’s not about preaching or lecturing about how good the food of his heritage is. It’s more so designed to be an informative piece. It explores the past of Mexican food and how it has been changed over time to accommodate our American appetite. It also demonstrates how it’s been altered and taken advantage of merely for the sake of business and money-making.
Arellano, Gustavo. Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America, Scribner. Kindle Edition.
Taco Literacy 