About Nachos Day

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Nacho Day celebrates nachos, a beloved snack enjoyed worldwide, originated in Piedras Negras, Mexico's small border town, in 1943. The creation of nachos is credited to Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, a maître d' at the Victory Club restaurant in Piedras Negras.

The story goes that one day, a group of military wives from Eagle Pass, Texas, crossed the border to shop in Piedras Negras. They stopped at the Victory Club for a bite, but the chef was nowhere to be found. Not wanting to turn away hungry customers, Anaya quickly improvised a dish with what he had available in the kitchen. He cut corn tortillas into triangles, fried them, topped them with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños, and heated the dish until the cheese melted.

When asked the dish's name, Anaya reportedly said, "Nacho's especiales," using the common practice of adding 's' to form a possessive. The snack was an instant hit.

The dish's name was shortened to simply "nachos." Its original recipe consisted of fried corn tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, and jalapeño peppers. However, nachos have evolved over the years. Toppings now often include ground beef, chicken, beans, guacamole, sour cream, and various other ingredients, making them a versatile dish that can be a snack, appetizer, or even a full meal.

Nachos crossed into the United States and gained popularity, particularly in Texas and other southwestern states. At a Texas Rangers baseball game, the dish's popularity soared in 1976 when Frank Liberto introduced a modified version of nachos, using melted cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese. This version of nachos became a staple at sporting events and movie theaters across the United States.

Today, nachos are enjoyed worldwide for their simplicity, versatility, and, most importantly, their deliciousness. From their humble beginnings in a small Mexican town to their status as an international culinary sensation, nachos have secured their place in the pantheon of beloved comfort foods.