Gather ye friends and gather ye enemies because if there is one thing we can all rally around, it is tacos. That's right, October 4th is National Taco Day in the States.
National Taco Day seems a little redundant. Even the concept of Taco Tuesday™ (Yes, it is an actual trademarked phrase!) makes me laugh... And shrug.
No one limits their taco consumption to one day of the week.
Tacos are perfect for every day and every meal.
The History of National Taco Day
You won't be surprised who's behind this special day. It's a Texan! And a congressman! Henry B. Gonzalez submitted a resolution on April 30, 1968.
The resolution is a pretty entertaining read. At one point he states "Now a taco can be made in many ways, but it must be made from a tortilla, be it corn or flour, be it big or little. A taco is the highest form of a tortilla."
I want to ask him how he feels about quesadillas. Where do they rank on the list of uses for tortillas?
Reading on, it says that National Taco Day is May 3rd. As part of National Taco Week (🤤). Who moved Taco Day to October?
This "official" site has little information other than some social media links and a suspicious claim that "last year" Americans ate 4.5 billion tacos. How do they even measure that and what "last year" are they referencing? The site was registered in 2012. We can guess 2011 or we can just call it made up.
They also claim it is National Crunchy Taco Day. Because, different? 🤷🏻♀️
Digging into Google Trends gives a smidgen more insight.
See that big bump in 2016? I smell marketing!! I haven't figured out who is behind it yet, but I know a few sleuths who might be able to figure it out:
Actually, they'd probably be a little distracted...
Maybe we need someone a little more focused on solving the crime riddle.
via GIPHY
My other question is: Why didn't they combine National Taco Day with National Margarita Day, but instead it shares the date with National Vodka Day?
If you're curious how these national days come about, you should listen to this Marketplace podcast. Hint: Most of it is marketing.
How to Eat Healthy on Taco Day
According to a 2013 study from Universidad de las Américas Puebla in Mexico. Tacos al Pastor are healthier than most granola bars.
They're only measuring fat vs protein vs. carbs, which shows some wins for Al Pastor. However, my guess is we're missing some important details about healthy fats and fiber and other things.
If you're looking for suggestions on eating healthier tacos, these are the usual options:
- Replace cheese with a healthy fat like avocado!
- Use nonfat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream!
- Use lettuce instead of a tortilla!
- Ask for a skinny margarita! Or a Tito's and Soda! Or GASP don't have a drink?
My favorite is: moderation. There will be tacos tomorrow and the day after and the day after. No need to gorge, m'kay?
Recipes to Make for National Taco Day
Ooh, here we go!!
Disclaimer: I don't have a taco recipe on Eat at Kate's. I have a lot of ideas, but haven't yet published any recipes.
Thankfully, the internet never disappoints! Actually, it does, but not when it come to taco recipes. (I doubt most of these are authentic, if we can define that, and I know there are a lot of well-written pieces about the history, importance, and deliciousness of tacos. I'll save that for next year when I have more time to dig. This year, it's about having a little fun.)
Lovely link list of taco recipes:
You can trust Kenji Lopez-Alt to go deep on how to make the most delicious Tacos al Pastor.
Remember when I said tacos are good at any meal? Here are some Migas Breakfast Tacos from Genevieve Ko.
Vegetarians! Make something other than "bean" tacos, like these Vegetarian Tacos made with Brussels Sprouts. (Come on! Live on the edge!)
But, if you're a bean freak like I am (it's a thing), then head straight to this recipe for Spicy Black Bean & Corn Tacos.
A group would very much appreciate this Shredded Beef Taco Bar.
Eleanor Shellstrop would love these Perfect Shrimp Tacos.
Lastly, my love and appreciation for Flamin' Hot Cheetos is never-ending. So of course I'm including this recipe.
Where to Eat
Your local taqueria!
Here are some round ups of deals from Delish and MSN.
Or Uncle Julio's (I have an irrational love for this spot.)
And you know Taco Bell is all over this.
Snowflake Alert
Please, please, please... Go out and enjoy tacos today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your lives. There is no need to dress up, wear sombreros, or speak in fake accents.
Tacos in America are one of those great mixed-up things we can all love in many forms.
The Hon. Henry B. Gonzalez of Texas reminds us of this in the introduction to his resolution:
"Mr. Speaker, the mark of our country is diversity. We are a people derived from many lands, and a people of many languages. Our every city is filled with distinctive customs and architectures and foods which trace back to every continent. Taken all together, our vast diversity forms into a single culture that is peculiarly American."
Enjoy the delicious bounty and maybe tip a bit extra to your servers today.
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