Yesterday I attended a cousin's surprise wedding anniversary party. I wondered what was so special about 38. My wife gave me at least three answers. The most likely is that it's a reason to party. Folks down here don't need a lot of coaxing for a family celebration. Secondly, it was to be a surprise for the couple, Luis and Maria Elana. I guess it's easier to surprise them on their 38th than it would be for the 25th or 50th. The third and most fatalistic; "you never know". That can mean anything, I guess.
Silly me. Forgot the camera. So words are going have to suffice today. The location was a private palabra. I think that's what it's called. It's a big room with a grass roof. There were around 150 relatives. I'm finally getting to recognize about half of them!
First come the drinks and snacks. This was a low budget thing so it was pretty easy to recall. Food is chicharones and salsa. Someone told me the chicharones are deep fried right here in town but most of the raw material, pig skin, is imported from north of the border! That's where the supply and best price is. The drinks are either tequila or rum, Coca Cola or grapefruit soda.
The buffet, served around 4pm, was sparse but tasty. Refried beans with a bit of white cheese crumbled on to. The beans was white pintos (that's different) and very finely pureed. Rice with veggies. A delicious molé; dark with cinnamon and a lot of other flavor hint. Unfortunately, I had no idea what to put it on! The only meat with a shredded pork and it was served with in its own tomato-based sauce -- mild. The 5th and last Sterno pan had some thin green things blended with a little scrambed eggs and a bit of white sauce. I've been here long enough to know two things; they aren't French cut green beans and I don't even try them. They are chilies and darn near everyone in the room but me likes them. I tried exactly 1 piece, 1/4-inch long. It was hot and I tracked it's progress across my tongue, down my throat, and into my stomach. I wonder how long it'll take before I get at least somewhat accustomed to the picante!
The Gringo Whine: I miss the variety of textures and colors. Everything served is basically a well chopped or blended paste. I want chunks and slabs of things mixed with the sauces and pastes. And colors? Not everything should be various shades beige or red. OK, chilies and avocatos are green. I stand corrected. Plus this was a last-minute, low budget buffet for 150. It was good.
I forgot to mention the tortillas. I am amazed at how good real corn tortillas taste here. In Arizona they are gritty and blah. Down here they are just as smooth as flour tortillas and have lots more flavor. At the party they are served in foil packs of around 10-15 to stay warm. In addition to tasting good, they provide the idea way to sop & mop all those sauces and pastes. It helps that there are hundreds of places and people making them fresh every day. I think the freshness has a lot to do with their yumminess.
I must remember the camera next time the family gathers. My mother-in-law, Guadalupe, will be 85 December 12th. It's also her saint's feast day. Sounds like a party to me!
