Salsa 'n spice, who could ask for anything more?

I love people’s excitement when they come to Yuma and realize they are in Mexican food heaven.

It’s true of course. Some of my favorite Mexican meals ever (outside Mexico itself) have been served up in Yuma.

And that’s saying something, considering I moved here from another culinary hot spot – New Mexico. That’s where the state question really is “Red or green?” Chile is taken that seriously there, so much so that the Legislature half-jokingly declared it illegal to switch chile with chili.

When I moved to Arizona, I couldn’t believe the difference. The watery salsa just made food wet. And where was the spice? (Something I still actually miss). And where were the free sopapillas and honey with every meal?

It took me a while to get used to the Mexican food in Arizona, but I’m definitely sold today – even if I still think enchiladas are better stacked than rolled.