Mexican food is greatly misunderstood in this country. When people in America think of Mexican food, they envision flour tortillas, cheese dip, bland salsa, chimichangas and margaritas that come from a machine. This vision is not only comprised of food that mostly did not originate in Mexico, but it is also a pitiful representation of the diverse food options and culinary regions of Mexico. Here in Charlottesville, though, you have opportunities to experience authentic Mexican cuisine, a relaxed taqueria or familiar Americanized-Mexican food.
The original source of these food styles is our neighbor to the South, which is divided into six cultural distinct regions that have all been influenced by indigenous and colonial cultures, the spice trade, and the regional flora and fauna of Mexico's coastal, desert and tropic climates.
Americans' familiarity with Mexican food stems from three distinct American-Mexican fusions: Tex-Mex, New-Mex and Cali-Mex. These fusions developed in and near Mexican-American border states as their history played out and as many persons moved back and forth (as did the border). During these times, people sought to represent their native cuisines while incorporating new local ingredients. Additional fusion has occurred as in recent times as people have attempted to create Mexican-style food that is dumbed down to be more agreeable to the general public's palate. Tex-Mex created heavy cheese sauces, nachos and flour tortillas. New-Mex overemphasizes the use of chilies and hot peppers and Cali-Mex tends to use too much lettuce, tomato and avocado.
Sometimes I want authentic Mexican food. Sometimes I'm hung over and I want cheese dip and greasy refried beans. I am a true believer that most types of cuisine have their own time and place, and thus I am going to present my three favorite Mexican establishments in Charlottesville. Each of them has its own unique time and place, but they are all equally delicious.
When you are looking for fast, quick, Americanized-Mexican food, my preferred establishment in all of Charlottesville is El Puerto, a restaurant with a fun atmosphere located at 2045 Barracks Road. The wait staff is entertaining if you know Spanish and they love to joke around with you. Even so, they all speak good English, and they love repeat customers. As another bonus, the Texas margaritas come with an extra shot of tequila served on the side.
El Puerto's menu is extensive and it certainly includes Americanized options, but the restaurant offers some very good authentic dishes as well. For starters, I always go with the Queso Fundito, a melted cheese dip that includes an ample amount of chorizo sausage (the Mexican kind, not the dried Spanish type). As an insider's tip, I always ask for an order of the hotter salsa, which goes well with the dish. For an entrée, my go-to is the Burrito Verde. It is a medium-sized burrito filled with carnitas (slow cooked pork, Mexican style) topped with a green tomatillo sauce and served with rice and refried beans. This is by no means something I enjoy on an everyday basis, but it certainly coats the stomach on rough mornings.
To enjoy your meal in a traditional atmosphere, you can visit a local taqueria. The culture of the taquería is something unbeknownst to most of America, outside of certain parts of south Texas. Taquerías are very common in most of Mexico and generally consist of an outdoor bar where patrons can walk up, order tacos and modest dishes, relax and talk with others over lunch. The only taquería I know of in Charlottesville is the El Paso Grocery Store, located at the intersection of East Market Street and Meade Avenue. At first glance, it looks like a convenience store featuring Mexican products. If you venture to the back of the store and walk through a doorway, however, you will enter into a kitchen serving some of the best tacos and burritos you will every eat. You can order burritos with beef, chicken, lamb or tongue (this is common in Mexican cooking, and it is some of the most tender meat you will ever eat). The tacos come in the same meats, and you can add chorizo. The salsas also are made fresh, and the cook can really crank up the heat.
For the ultimate authentic Mexican food experience in Charlottesville, I have to recommend Aqui es Mexíco. Located at 221 Carlton Road, Aqui es Mexíco is a gastronomical treat. I have eaten the restaurant's tacos, burritos and pupusas (actually a Salvadoranian dish but still very good), and most recently I tried the Carne Adobada and Tostados de Camarones. The Carne Adobada -- slices of pork in a traditional red adobo sauce that was spicy, yet very flavorful -- came with homemade refried beans and rice. The Tostados de Camarones dish featured shrimp served on top of hard tortillas with lettuce and a spicy mayonnaise. Also, the restaurant's chips are always homemade, as are their salsas.
Mexican food originates from a truly diverse culinary country, created by the different influences of peoples, climates and regional products. In Charlottesville, good Mexican food options do exist, no matter what you're looking for. I'm sure everyone has heard of or seen the multitude of Guadalajara restaurants around town, but try to move out of your comfort zone just a tad. Practice a little of that Spanish you have taken and try a few new ingredients. I can assure you that your stomach will thank you.
Happy eating.
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