Exploring Ethnic Foods
Mexican
Mexican food is deemed as an entire experience. Each dish has a story to tell, so it’s more than just a meal. Mexican food is rooted in Mesoamerican cuisine. Spanish and French conquistadors also made heavy contributions to this cuisine. The influences of the Mayans, Aztecs, South America and West African can also be found in Mexican cuisine. However, Spain is the most heavily represented. Corn, beans, chili peppers and tortilla wraps are a few of the staple ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. “Learning about Mexican food history elevates the experience of eating their food” (Mexican Food: A Short History of Its Origins).
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Corn has been a staple of Mexican cuisine dating back to ancient civilizations such as Aztec and Mayan. Mexico first started to domestically grow the crop 9,000 years ago and its use has evolved with the culture. Typically made with white corn, elote is loved for its portability and easy preparation.
Our Recreation
Los Gonzalez
Los Gonzales Mexican Food a is locally owned and founded Mexican restaurant, serving Lincoln since 2006. They serve authentic Mexican food, such as tacos de birria (shredded beef), which they emphasize on their website. They also serve tortas, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and traditional wings.
Lobo's City Mex Supermarket
Lobo’s City Mex Supermarket is a Mexican grocery store located on 27th Street. The shelves are packed with chips, spices, fruits, vegetables (both fresh and dried) and all the other items one might need to make a proper Mexican dish. They keep both English and Spanish language goods in stock, with items from both recognizable American brand names and foreign manufacturers.
Towards the back of the store, workers slice, grind and wrap fresh cuts of meat for a line of customers. Across the aisle, a glass case full of freshly baked cookies, cakes and pastries is on display for shoppers. As you checkout with one of the Spanish-speaking cashiers, tomato-flavored candies and painted wooden children’s toys are available near the exit. Lobo’s is a small portrait of Mexican culture within Lincoln.
