Sometimes they’re hot and spicy. Sometimes they’re cheesy. Sometimes they make a mess everywhere. But one thing is certain: they’re delicious, and a favorite in many parts of the world!
Yes, we’re talking about nachos. What food deserves its own holiday more than nachos? From the kitchens of Texas to the Rose Bowl Stadium, nachos have more than earned their fame.
And their own day, which is, of course, National Nachos Day. Get ready to celebrate!
The story goes that the origin of Nachos can be traced back to Piedras Negras, Mexico, just across the border from the state of Texas in the USA. In fact, the situation was sort of a fluke, which is how a lot of delicious things get discovered.
One day in 1943, when the wives of some American soldiers stationed nearby came into his restaurant, the man running the place, whose name was Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, had to make them something to eat. The problem was that it was late in the evening, and already a few minutes past closing time, so there wasn’t much left in the kitchen! Since Ignacio really didn’t have enough ingredients left over to make any real, full dish, he put together a conglomeration of what he did have: a few tortillas, some shredded cheese, and some pickled jalapeno peppers.
Getting creative, “Nacho” cut up the tortillas into pieces, sprinkled what else he had over them, and baked them for a few minutes to melt the cheese before serving them. The women greatly enjoyed this little snack, and when they asked Ignacio what it was called, he answered “Nacho’s Especiales”.
Word of this hot new snack traveled fast from the army wives and back through Texas and the Southwestern parts of North America! Ignacio Anaya, himself, went on to work at the Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras, which still uses the original recipe to this day.
The man even opened his own restaurant later on, called “Nacho’s Restaurant”, which was in Piedras Negras as well. Not only that, but Anaya’s original Nachos recipe was printed in the 1954 St. Anne’s Cookbook. This was a fairly important discovery–even if it was a bit of an accident.
A few years later, a modified version of the original dish, with cheese sauce and prepared tortilla chips was marketed in 1976 by businessman Frank Liberto during various sporting events taking place in Arlington, Texas. This version became known as “ballpark nachos”.
Nachos can be baked or not. Simple or loaded. Served hot or cold. Piled with beans and peppers and meat. But, no matter how they are served and eaten, Nachos are certainly worthy of celebration and adoration on this day!
For an authentic way to enjoy National Nachos Day, head on down to the place where it all started–the restaurants in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Of course, Ignacio Anaya probably won’t be there anymore, but his memory is. Head over to the Moderno Restaurant where Anaya used to work, or enjoy them at just about any restaurant in the town.
Those who are dedicated to the cause might even want to time it so that they can join in on the International Nachos Festival that takes place in this town. They even have a contest for the Biggest Nacho in the World, which was at one point registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Locally, the best place to get and celebrate Nachos is Javier’s Mexican Grill, in downtown Chipley, Florida.
