OUTSIDE YOUR EPI-CURIOUS COMFORT ZONE
Originally Published the Week of April 14, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications
A few columns ago, I mentioned that a great place to get a bit of “real Mexico” is to visit the local church. Get a bit of history. Culture. Community. Maybe even some healthy spiritualism thrown in.
But, I forgot maybe the best place to get a real slice of Mexican life.
Maybe it’s even more basic and more fundamental than going to church.
I mean, admittedly, not everyone goes to church. Plus, at church, we’re always seeing folks pretty much at their best. Dressed up. Respectful. Attentive.
For most of us, going to church is not an everyday activity.
But, there is one place that pretty much everyone goes to eventually. That includes, families, couples, kids…everyone!
Get away from the tourist zone and go visit a local grocery store.
I’m not talking about one of the numerous chain convenience stores on every corner that sell every manner of two things…beer and junk food.
I’m not talking about the new Walmart or Costco or Sam’s Club that seem to be popping up everywhere there’s a hefty gringo population or tourist destination.
I’m talking about a regular grocery store.
You’ll find one in pretty much any neighborhood.
It could be an eye opener.
Sure, you’ll find a lot of products similar to the U.S., with growing demand for many of the same brands. But, you’ll notice the prices are cheaper than the U.S.
For one, very often the quality isn’t quite the same as the U.S. even though the packaging might look the same. You do get what you pay for.
You’ll find lots of canned goods. Tons of salsas. Many you’ve never heard of but worth a try!
In produce, you’ll find some unusual thing like nopales (cactus paddles…the broad succulent leaves of the cactus plant). You’ll see all kinds of chiles if you like to make your own salsa and you’ll notice that veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, etc. are vibrant colors.
That’s because they’re allowed to ripen in the warm Mexican sun not coated with wax to make them shiny. And they taste so much better too1
Definitely you’ll see a lot of junk food. It’s a paradise of munchie food!
If it’s sugar or salt or something fried that you’re looking for, there is no shortage of soda, candies (some very interesting and unusual types you might want to give a taste) plus bags of bags of a zillion types of chips or other fried things.
There are aisle and aisles of sugar and salt. It’s unfortunately why diabetes is so rampant in Mexico.
In the meat section, there are cuts you won’t recognize, other than to knowing it’s beef or pork. However, Mexico cuts many of their meats differently than in the U.S. Mexico has different names for their cuts.
Also, the cuts tend to be much much thinner (affordable) than in the U.S. Unless, it’s a market frequented by gringos, you’ll never find a thick steak or a fat porkchop. No ribeye, New York , T-bone or pork tenderloins!
You will find lots of different chorizo (pork sausages) and cold cuts in the deli section.
You will rarely have actual sliced ham for some reason. Like the kind you put in sandwiches . It will be “ham flavored” but made from turkey (“jamon de pavo.”) and that includes packaged hot dogs. You will however, find bacon, but in my experience, it’s incredibly salty unless you purchase an American brand.
The dairy section has lots of yoghurt, but tends to be highly sugared creamy syrup and you’ll have to look hard to find real butter. Mostly it will be some type of margarine.
You will, however, find loads of different and delicious Mexican cheeses. It’s one of the true treasures if you get a chance to sample all the different cheeses including manchengo, queso Corazon, queso fresco and dozens more.
Another great thing you ‘ll find in the larger grocery stores is a bakery. Fresh cakes, breads, pastries are laid out and customers pick up a big flat pan and tongs and go up and down the shelves picking our their selections. There will also be a section with fresh warm tortillas as well.
However, the magic for me, is in the hot deli section!
The larger markets have hot dishes behind glass where you can buy incredible food to take home. Carne asada…chicken mole…chicharrones in salsa verde…pork ribs…street corn slathered in lime and cotija cheese just to name a few of my favorites.
Bring some of that home along with a cold Mexican Coke , some fresh warm tortillas and you’re good to go!
Give it a try next time. They may not necessarily be the healthiest or what you’re used to, but it’s all pretty delicious and you’re only ducking in for a sample! It can’t be any worse than ordering a pizza near your hotel or walking over to Burger King
Instead of the fancy tourist restaurant step away next time. Ask your taxi driver where he does his grocery shopping and it’ll open up a whole new culinary world for you!
That’s my story!
Jonathan
Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004. Along with his wife and fishing buddy, Jilly, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico http://www.tailhunter.com.
They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com
Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!
Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International
Website:
www.tailhunter-international.com
Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico
U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942
Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.
Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/
Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g
“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”
That's My Story 
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