National Nachos Day

The story goes that the origin of Nachos can be traced back to Piedras Negras, Mexico, just across the border from the state of Texas in the USA. In fact, the situation was sort of a fluke, which is how a lot of delicious things get discovered.

One day in 1943, when the wives of some American soldiers stationed nearby came into his restaurant, the man running the place, whose name was Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, had to make them something to eat. The problem was that it was late in the evening, and already a few minutes past closing time, so there wasn’t much left in the kitchen! Since Ignacio really didn’t have enough ingredients left over to make any real, full dish, he put together a conglomeration of what he did have: a few tortillas, some shredded cheese, and some pickled jalapeno peppers.

Getting creative, “Nacho” cut up the tortillas into pieces, sprinkled what else he had over them, and baked them for a few minutes to melt the cheese before serving them. The women greatly enjoyed this little snack, and when they asked Ignacio what it was called, he answered “Nacho’s Especiales”.

Word of this hot new snack traveled fast from the army wives and back through Texas and the Southwestern parts of North America! Ignacio Anaya, himself, went on to work at the Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras, which still uses the original recipe to this day.

The man even opened his own restaurant later on, called “Nacho’s Restaurant”, which was in Piedras Negras as well. Not only that, but Anaya’s original Nachos recipe was printed in the 1954 St. Anne’s Cookbook. This was a fairly important discovery–even if it was a bit of an accident.

A few years later, a modified version of the original dish, with cheese sauce and prepared tortilla chips was marketed in 1976 by businessman Frank Liberto during various sporting events taking place in Arlington, Texas. This version became known as “ballpark nachos”.

Nachos can be baked or not. Simple or loaded. Served hot or cold. Piled with beans and peppers and meat. But, no matter how they are served and eaten, Nachos are certainly worthy of celebration and adoration on this day!