Esa Morena- ¡Que deliciosa!

Our process for making beans is a two day situation. The soaking, seasoning and finally, the savoring is a test of one's patience. When we are lacking that patience, we serve up La Morena beans. Having both Spanish and Mexican roots in our home has ethnic foods on the weekly menu. Shopping for culinary items to match that menu while living in a foreign country can sometimes be difficult at best. Make your own or find a suitable alternative are the options. Today, we chose the latter. La Morena is authentically seasoned with chili, comino and garlic. The texture and taste are perfect for breakfast tacos, salads or on the side. This can saved me two days and allowed me to fully enjoy my weekend. Muchas gracias, la morena.

Pepe's Mexican Grill On The Go

We were going to post a photo of our food but it was way too good. Pepe's Mexican Grill was the lunch date choice of the day. They specialize in burritos or wraps all made with your option of fresh salads, salsas and dressings.

I'm on the go so I'll sum it up: Great staff, fast service and a fuss-free environment make for a great fresh food option to satiate that midday hunger. 

This is their version of a churro below. A very traditional Mexican dessert. Freshly made and heavenly sprinkled with a cinnamon/sugar blend.

Serious Salsa

It was a pretty normal Taco Tuesday in our house. Tons of food, fun and friends. We go big but keep it simple by basically serving up dozens of tacos. Tonight we inhaled about three dozen in total which is not uncommon during our weekly celebration but still impressive.

To top it all off, pun intended, was this salsa. Taco Tuesday took a turn for the better when this dish seriously sidled it's way in and then immediately took over.

Deliciously blended and easy on the eyes, it became the perfect accompaniment to our beef tacos, chicken fajitas and nachos. The salsa's corn popped with the onion which accented the tomato to blend with the beans. They all came together with kitchen chemistry to create a refreshingly Mexican side dish.

A small portion was uneaten and guess which lucky hosts got to keep the leftovers?

Scenes From Cinco de Mayo

Your Midday Margarita

Let your eyes sip and enjoy.

#eatdrinkandbemerry

Margaritas & More at Mexicano's

Last month the world celebrated National Margarita Day as they do each year on February 22.  I had a belated celebration but the libations, and more, were just as delicious. Blood orange, mango and pineapple were a few of our top choices plus a sneaky Sangria Tinte featuring pomegranate and Merlot that we had to try while out at Mexicano's. Boasting authentic cuisine the likes of which New Zealand's South Island has not seen in reportedly a while, Mexicano's has broken a stale mold of less than substantial Mexican food in the city. This ethnic eatery is the latest restaurant on trendy Victoria Street to bring the foodies out in droves for a very different culinary experience. Think Dia de Los muertos as the theme with calaveras and beautiful, vibrant Mexican decor attributing to the cultural ambience. Modern lighting and full tables have established Mexicano's as a top spot in the city. As native Texans cilantro, chile, and comino were a part of our normal diet. Must admit, we were dubious about our first Mexican dining experience in New Zealand but indulged in real guacamole, fresh salsa and what we would consider pretty fancy tacos. Shown below, we played it safe by ordering the chicken and beef choices that were both cooked to perfection and seasoned as such, too.The food was really very good and I was pleasantly surprised to see the New Zealand quality standard of food carried throughout each dish. I've booked in for next week though I'm currently scouring the menu for exactly what we will be sampling. Maybe the pulled pork or perhaps ceviche? All are sure to be table pleasers. Click here for more info and enjoy the gallery below.

Grand Canyon Squire Inn Delivers 4 Star Fare

While staying at the Grand Canyon Squire Inn in Arizona, we dined on some of the most authentic Mexican food that one can sink their teeth into. 

The Coronado Room at this 4.5 Star hotel offers an exquisite fine dining experience for the entire family at prices that are not out of this world. There is an extensive wine list to accompanying regional fare from highly seasoned chefs. They are using some of the freshest available ingredients to create sumptuous and hearty platos that were delicious. Featuring all natural roasted chicken tacos, whole slow-cooked pinto beans and a savory advocado salad, our lunches were the perfect meal before heading out to explore the amazing canyon for hours upon hours. It seems so simple to have a taco plate but when it is done in gourmet style, it is like palette perfection.

I love how fresh has found its way back into the kitchen. I not only felt full after this meal but I felt nourished. Eating smart while traveling is once again possible and I love it.

Dining tip: Take the family to luxury eateries during the day for lunch whenever possible. The selected menu choices are simple & affordable. They are usually less crowded and the staff will be more accommodating when they don’t have multiple tables to tend to.

Eat Drink & Be Merry!