The first history of tacos developed in the United States, now revised and expanded, this book is the definitive survey that American taco lovers must have for their own taco explorations.
“Everything a food history book should be: illuminating, well-written, crusading, and inspiring a taco run afterwards. You’ll gain five pounds reading it, but don’t worry—most of that will go to your brain.”—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times
“[Ralat] gives an in-depth look at each taco’s history and showcases other aspects of taco culture that has solidified it as a go-to dish on dinner tables throughout the nation.”—Smithsonian Magazine
“A fascinating look at America’s many regional tacos. . . . From California’s locavore tacos to Korean ‘K-Mex’ tacos to Jewish ‘deli-Mex’ to Southern-drawl ‘Sur-Mex’ tacos to American-Indian-inspired fry bread tacos to chef-driven ‘moderno’ tacos, Ralat lays out a captivating landscape.”—Houston Chronicle
“You’ll learn an enormous and entertaining amount about [tacos] in . . . American Tacos. . . . The book literally covers the map of American tacos, from Texas and the South to New York, Chicago, Kansas City and California.”—Forbes
“An impressively reported new book . . . a fast-paced cultural survey and travel guide . . . American Tacos is an exceptional book.”—Taste
Introduction. Your Taco Country Guide
Chapter 1. Breakfast Tacos: From dawn until whenever
Chapter 2. Golden and Crunchy: Crispy tacos, taquitos and flautas, fry bread tacos, tacos dorados, and San Antonio–style puffy tacos
Chapter 3. Barbacoa and Barbecue Tacos: Out from the pit
Chapter 4. K-Mex: Korean tacos go on a roll
Chapter 5. Sur-Mex: Tortillas with a drawl
Chapter 6. Jewish and Kosher Tacos, or Deli-Mex: Glatt, good eating, and pastrami tacos
Chapter 7. Alta California Tacos: Chicano locavore
Chapter 8. El Taco Moderno: Contemporary, “chef-driven,” and nuevo immigrant tacos
Chapter 9. Pandemic Tacos: From COVID, Birria, and Beyond
Appendix. A Brief History of the Taco Holder
Acknowledgments
Notes
Further Reading
Index
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Weight:454.00