What are you Having for Dinner Tonight?

[Shado]

Crispy tacos. Beef, frijoles & pico de gallo.

[Niggly]

We had chicken wings.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such big ones. The chickens must have been the size of ostriches

[Butch]

Crispy tacos. Beef, frijoles & pico de gallo.

I don't know what frijoles and pico de gallo are, I need some assistance.

[Shado]

Butch wrote:

I don't know what frijoles and pico de gallo are, I need some assistance.

Those are Spanish/Mexican words that describe beans that have been refried and mashed (frijoles) and fresh salsa* that consists of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, chilis and lime juice (pico de gallo).

* salsa is a popular condiment often served with Mexican or Tex Mex cuisine. It can be either cooked or fresh, the fresh version is called 'pico de gallo', 'salsa picada' or 'salsa fresca'.

Think of 'frijoles' as twice cooked and 'pico de gallo' as never been cooked. Just toss those terms out during the next visit to your favorite Mexican/Tex Mex establishment and the proprietors will be impressed and know for sure that you are a well traveled gringo.

[Butch]

Thank you.

I don't get out much and there isn't a Mexican near me but nonetheless my culinary knowledge is improved.

[Shado]

Been busy all day so just snackin' for dinner. Had some Tex Mex fixin's left over from yesterday so made some beef and frijole quesadillas. Lemon meringue pie for dessert.

[Butch]

Oh yes, my Mum and Nanna used to feed us lemon meringue quite alot in the '70s.

Ooh, hold on, what are quesadillas? I'll need some help with that.

[Shado]

A corn or flour tortilla* filled with cheese and a savory mixture of meat and vegetables folded and fried on a dry griddle. Queso means "cheese" in Spanish. Not sure what "dilla" means. Pronounced "kaysah deeya". Mexicans pronounce their "Qs" and double "Ls" like "Ks" and "Ys". I don't know why.

*tortilla = unleavened flatbread made of corn or wheat flour. Pronounced "tor tea ya". Has nothing to do with tea.

[Butch]

Fantastic, thanks, I just need to find a Mexican restaurant now.

[Shado]

Yes, expand your culinary sphere. Mexican food is unique, it's not Spanish and it's not Central or South American, it's just Mexican, or if in the States, often Tex Mex. A good way to sample Mexican food is to order one of the combination plates.