"nachos" news and stories

Happy National Nachos Day!

by Alexa Weibel, Posted Nov 6th 2010 @ 1:15PM

Photo: JeffreyW, Flickr

Happy National Nachos Day!

The prominent American snack has been around since way before Taco Bell went South of the Border to make it mainstream -- nachos were invented in Piedras Negras, Mexico, in 1943 by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, an employee at the Victory Club restaurant. When a dozen American tourists appeared at the restaurant one night, the cook was nowhere to be found, so Nacho bolted into the kitchen to present something edible, throwing a plate of fresh tostodas and grated cheese under the broiler until melted then adding sliced jalapenos on top for garnish. The plate was initially dubbed "Nacho's Especiales" in its creator's honor, but was quickly shortened to the simple moniker of "nachos."

Although the dish's core remained unchanged -- cheese-and-chile-topped chips -- today's nachos can include nearly any ingredient in the kitchen cabinet or fridge: onions, olives, beans, chorizo, cilantro, salsa, etc. What do you like to put on your nachos? Share your concoctions in the comments!

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Filed under: Holidays, Food History

Will the Nacho Whopper Make Burger King a Dutch Master?

COMMENTS 12

by Slashfood Editor, Posted Oct 20th 2010 @ 2:00PM

Photo: YouTube

Have it whose way? Is the land of Van Gogh and marijuana acceptance craving a big fat burger slathered with jalapeños, tortilla chips, and salsa? Apparently so. Burger King has introduced its Nacho Whopper to the Netherlands, and Eater is running the video of the commercial, which features a Western gunfight and an actor who looks like a very stoned Johnny Depp. Which is not a bad thing.

Visit Eater to get this epic junk-food alert.

Filed under: Fast Food, Chain Stores / Restaurants

Happy National Nachos Day!

COMMENTS 2

by Alexa Weibel, Posted Nov 6th 2009 @ 1:15PM

Chicken nachos at TGIFridays. Photo: Scorpions and Centaurs, Flickr.

Though true queso lovers don't need a national holiday to celebrate the glorious cheese-chip pairing, we're pleased to announce once again that today is National Nachos Day.

The festive gooey treat was first served 66 years ago by ingenious maitre d' Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya in a Piedras Negras, Mexico, restaurant, located across the Rio Grande from Texas. According to legend, some Americans happened to stumble upon the eatery just as the chef had stepped out, so Nacho cleverly satiated them by piling a platter of tortilla chips high with cheese and topping them with a zesty jalapeno garnish.

And the carb-heavy dish has been improving ever since, with the additions of everything from Rotel to radishes, cilantro to crema, guacamole to Velveeta, pinto beans to pulled pork.

What are your favorite nacho variations? Spill the beans, after the jump!

Do you prefer classic nachos, with "real" melted cheese, or the Taco Bell queso variety?
Real melted cheese, no question.	222 (63.6%)
Fake cheese, please!	21 (6.0%)
I like both, depending on what I'm craving or what toppings are offered.	106 (30.4%)

Filed under: Trends, Did you know?, Food News

Homemade Chips - Tip of the Day

COMMENTS 0

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Aug 25th 2009 @ 9:00AM

Leftover pitas, tortillas and other thin, bready products can make a superb, simple and salubrious baked snack.

Filed under: Tip of the Day

Ultimate Game Day Menu: Tortilla Chips, Salsa, and Guacamole

COMMENTS 0

by Sarah J. Gim, Posted Feb 3rd 2008 @ 10:02AM

Naturally, I'm going to have nachos while watching the Super Bowl, but before the guests arrive, it's a good idea to set out what is basically "nachos light" because it doesn't have to be served hot: tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole and maybe a bean and cheese dip on which to snack all day.

I like to set out two different types of ~~shovels~~ chips: the giant restaurant-style white corn tortilla chips and the thick-cut yellow corn tortilla chips. While I have little issue with store-bought salsas our of a jar or "fresh" from the refrigerated section, there is absolutely no excuse for not making guacamole and a very naughty hot (temperature) and spicy cheese dip made with something that starts with "V," ends with "A," and rhymes with "melmeeta."