FUN FACT: Sugar beets were the reason many of Michigan’s first Mexican residents moved to the state.
Hey, it’s JB!
I’m back from a month in Mexico!
I took Spanish classes, biked to see the widest tree in the Americas, spent the solstice at the ancient pyramids where the fifth sun was created, made new friends, swam at one of the most dangerous beaches in the world, worked on some news stories, and ate a lot of delicious food.
As Detroiters, the good news is we don’t necessarily have to go to Mexico to experience its rich food culture. Wayne County has the most Mexican restaurants in Michigan (219), around 15 Mexican grocery stores (according to a Google search), and approximately 50,000 Hispanic residents, who are majority Mexican. The food scene is growing daily and receiving recognition – two out of five winners for Eater Detroit’s 2024 Awards were Mexican eateries: Vecino and Alba. Former Eater Detroit editor Serena Maria Daniels, who now serves as editor for Eater’s Midwest region, wrote: “One theme that objectively cannot be overlooked this year is the rise of Latine cuisine represented in Detroit restaurants.”
Even though there is so much Mexican food locally in Detroit I did encounter a few things new to me like tlacoyos (stuffed corn dough pockets with toppings), helado de queso (cheese ice cream), chapulines (grasshoppers) and tejate (a drink made of corn and cacao).
In Mexico, I explored both its vibrant food scene and important environmental issues—too much to write in one newsletter. Key topics included the heated battle over genetically modified corn, which reached a critical moment in December, Mexico City’s growing water crisis, and Oaxaca City’s reliance on trucked-in water. I also learned about the dangers journalists face in a country that remains the deadliest in the Americas for reporters.
After a month of living in Mexico, it has a big spot in my heart. But Detroit is still No. 1. Glad to be back and at the table with you all.
If you’re looking for good Mexican food in Detroit, check out this list.
Dig In,
JB
- Two Detroit dishes made the New York Times best of 2024 list: Mike’s Famous Ham Place ham sandwich and Leila’s Lebanese Sundae.
- Alex Hill is hosting a coffee shops and places data forum on Jan. 17, featuring Sepia Coffee Project Owner Martell Mason, BridgeDetroit Reporter Jena Brooker, and Hill, who maps coffee shop changes in Detroit annually.
- Detroit’s Fisheye Farms owner Andy Chae was reappointed to the Michigan Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development.
- The basement and first floor of Checker Bar caught fire Tuesday, causing significant damage.
The weekly schedule of pop-ups, food events and more:
- Leña is hiring a server’s assistant/food runner.
- Evelyn’s Midtown Kitchen is hiring an instructor.
