American Tacos: A History and Guide

This culinary travelogue is “a deeply researched guide to north-of-the-border taco culture and history” (Los Angeles Times). Tacos may have been created south of the border, but Americans have made this Mexican food their own, with each style reflective of a time and a place. American Tacos explores them all, taking us on a detailed and delicious journey through the evolution of this dish. In search of every taco variety from California to Texas and beyond, José Ralat traveled from coast to coast and border to border, visiting thirty-eight cities across the country. He examines the pervasive crunchy taco and the new Alta California tacos from chefs Wes Avila, Christine Rivera, and Carlos Salgado. He tastes famous Tex-Mex tacos like the puffy taco and breakfast taco, then tracks down the fry bread taco and the kosher taco. And he searches for the regional hybrid tacos of the American South and the modern, chef-driven tacos of restaurants everywhere. Throughout, he tells the story of how each style of taco came to be, creating a rich look at the diverse taco landscape north of the border. Featuring interviews with taqueros and details on taco paraphernalia and the trappings of taco culture, American Tacos is a book no taco fan will want to take a bite without. “[American Tacos] offers plenty of recommendations on where to get great tacos…But it offers much more than that.” ?Chicago Tribune “A fast-paced cultural survey and travel guide . . . An exceptional book.” ?TASTE “Fabulous.” ?San Francisco Chronicle