Taco Bell, Taco Time, Mucho burrito; just some of the restaurants people often think of when they hear “Mexican food.” What a disturbing number of people don’t realize is that these are not examples of true Mexican food. This is Tex-Mex; the traditional Mexican way of cooking shoved into a blender and mixed on high with American ingredients. I do suppose you could call it fusion, but then again, it could also be called a mess.
The oblivion most people display towards authentic Mexican cuisine is saddening, a whole array of flavours and dishes, a completely unique set of tastes, are unknown to a vast many. Luckily, an authentic Mexican taste can be discovered along Calgary’s Fairmont Drive, at Tu Tierra, a family-run Mexican restaurant which cooks using the authentic flavours and recipes traditional to Mexico. The restaurant is authentic down to it’s very decoration; the walls are a festive and cheerfully bright orange, and traditional Mexican artwork adorns the walls. The room’s lively appearance, combined with the added light from the wall-length mirror spanning one wall made the atmosphere of the restaurant close to perfect, as it would have been, had the loud Mexican music playing throughout the room been quieter.
Our server was friendly and attentive, along with being prompt from start to finish. Once ordered food came quite quickly, freshly prepared and hot. The prices are excellent, especially considering the portion size and quality. This trip we went for
lunch, which I would highly recommend, as dinner portions are enormous, where lunch portions make a large, satisfying meal, although completely finish-able, if you anticipated a large lunch. I was completely full for several hours after.
Normally I order the Enchiladas Verdes, a choice of chicken or beef in a soft, wrap-like shell, smothered in green enchilada sauce, and served with beans and rice. This is my classic Mexican dish, one I would recommend for those new to Mexican cuisine, as it is mild, and while the flavour is distinctly Mexican, it is not super uncommon in taste or a huge leap from the world of Tex-Mex. Today however I experimented, and tried the Enchiladas Entomatadas, which are made with a tomato based sauce, rather then a chilli based one. I am glad to say I did. The flavour was magnificent, my fears of an overwhelming tomato-sauce taste were dashed with the first bite. I loved the avocado which came on top, the richness of it complimented the dish fantastically, and as a spice fanatic I found the jalapenos which also topped the dish a biting delight. It is safe to say I have found a new favourite Mexican dish.
I hope that anyone and everyone who dives into the world of ethnic cuisine will agree that authentic Mexican beats Tex-Mex any day, and even if you try it out, yet deciding you prefer “Taco Tuesday” any day, at least you now know the difference, and went out and tried something new. You never know what you like until you try it.