Every year, the country of Mexico (and those of Mexican descent living in other countries) celebrate Mexican’s date of independence, which occurred on September 16, 1810. Contrary to popular belief, May 5th (“Cinco de Mayo”) was not the day that Mexican won its independence from Spain, although this was the date of an important battle several decades later. Now is a good time to brush up on the history of Mexican independence and reflect on what it means for the culture today.

A Rocky Past

For more than 300 years, Spain ruled with an iron fist over Mexico. Over time, tensions grew, as many people living in Mexico felt as though they were being oppressed and that they didn’t have enough rights. Around the time of the French and American revolutions, those living in the middle class of Mexico got inspired by other countries’ fights for independence, and the unrest become increasingly difficult to ignore. Specifically, many living in Mexico wanted to break free from Spanish rule, establish their own government, and avoid feeling as though their lives were being dictated by the Catholic church and unfair rulers. And so began the fight for independence.

Fighting for Freedom

Most would agree that the fight for freedom officially began in 1808, when Mexico set up its first government (while still feigning loyalty to Spain). However, it wasn’t until around 1809 and 1810 when the actual battles began to erupt. So, what is the significance of September 16? Well, it was on this date that a Catholic priest actually led his people in rebellion against Spain in the city of Dolores, proclaiming cries of “¡Viva México!” for all to hear. This same group of rebels ended up marching all the way to Mexico City after ordering for the arrest of the entire town’s Spanish population.

And even though this day did not mark the official date of independence from Spain (that didn’t come until much later, after many more years of fighting and violence), Mexican Independence Day is rightfully celebrated on this date due to its undeniable significance in the fight for freedom.

Celebrating Independence

In Mexico, September 16 is a day of celebration. Every year on this date, Mexico City comes alive with parties, festivals, decorations, and the enjoyment of lots of traditional Mexican food. Of course, you don’t have to visit Mexico City (or even Mexico) to celebrate this monumental day in the country’s history. You can easily throw your own celebration, whether it be at home or at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

Specifically, consider whipping up some traditional Mexican food, drinks, and desserts. Decorate with the colors of the Mexican flag (red, white, and green), and spend some time with family and friends as you remember the brave people who fought for independence and stood up for their beliefs. What better way to celebrate independence than to honor the rich culture and history of these people?

Now that you’ve enjoyed a nice little refresher course on the history of Mexico and its independence from Spain, all that’s left to do is figure out how you’re going to celebrate the big day this year. Consider stopping by Macayo’s for some delicious Mexican food and all your favorite drinks!

Here at Macayo’s, we’ve been proudly serving up our tried-and-true family recipes for 70 years, but we recently decided to add a few new dishes to our menu to spice things up a little. Specifically, there are five new menu items that we can’t wait to tell you about! Made with only the freshest of ingredients, these are some of the best Mexican recipes we’ve ever come up with. Of course, we don’t want you to just take our word for it; we invite you to stop by and give any (or all!) of these new menu items a try for yourself.

Shrimp and Chorizo Taquitos

Most people wouldn’t thnk to combine the spicy flavor of Mexican chorizo with the more subtle flavor and crunch of fresh shrimp, but we did! If you love taquitos, you’ll love this new twist on a traditional recipe. The crispiness of the taquito goes amazingly with the flavors of chorizo and shrimp, along with other fresh ingredients.

Tinga Chicken Tacos

Never heard of tinga chicken? It’s a very popular dish that originated in Mexico but has made is way across the border in a big way. Essentially, tinga chicken refers to cooked, shredded chicken in a tomato and chili chipotle sauce. For this dish, we whip up a batch of delicious, smoky, and spicy tinga chicken. But we don’t stop there; we finish it off in a tortilla and serve it up to you in taco form for a taste that’s out of this world.

Pollo Blanco Burro

Our Mexican pollo blanco burro is stuffed with cooked, shredded chicken, black beans, rice, baja sauce, and jack cheese. We pile all that onto a 13-inch tortilla, roll it up burrito style, and get it all nice, cooked, and crispy in the oven before cutting in half at a 45-degree angle and serving it up with a side of cabbage pico and tomatillo salsa. The combination of flavors in this dish is absolutely incredible and words don’t do it justice; you really need to try it for yourself!

Green Chile Pork Stew

Looking to try something a little heartier? If so, then the delicious flavors of pork and green chile will appeal to you in this dish, which incorporates the best cuts of pork butt, some amazing braising spices, tomatillo salsa, and fresh-grown poblano peppers for a spicy, smoky flavor. The next time you’re looking for a Mexican dinner recipe that’s simple yet incredibly flavorful, be sure to keep our new green chile pork stew in mind.

Mint Chocolate Chimis

Save some room for dessert with these chimi recipe that incorporates the flavors of mint and chocolate for a delicious combination. If you love mint-chocolate chip ice cream, trust us, you’re going to love this dish. We’ll prove to you that chimichangas aren’t just meant to be a main dish.

These are just a few of our new menu items that we’d love for you to come out and try. Stop by any Macayo’s location today to order one for yourself!

The history of Macayo’s dates back all the way to 1946, when Woody and Victoria Johnson decided to open their first restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona. They knew they wanted to strive to provide their patrons with quality, fresh ingredients served up in a friendly environment. Fast forward 70 years later and that small dream started by Woody and Victoria has grown into the famous Macayo’s restaurant chain, with fifteen locations in operation across Arizona and Nevada.

70 Years of Handcrafted Food

Ever since the opening of the first location in Phoenix, fresh ingredients and signature recipes have been a priority; today, that remains true as Macayo’s proudly celebrates 70 years of family recipes and Mexican traditions passed on from one generation to the next. You can taste the legacy of Woody and Victoria in every ingredient within every dish served up at Macayo’s.

Still Family Owned and Operated

Macayo’s is also proud that after 70 years, they remain family-owned and operated. Specifically, today’s Macayo’s restaurants are owned by Woody and Victoria Johnson’s daughter, Sharisse, along with their two sons, Gary and Stephen. With a focus on giving back to the community and carrying on traditions year in and year out (such as the popular Macayo’s Salsa Challenge), this restaurant remains at the hearts of many across Arizona and in the Las Vegas area. Perhaps that’s because each member of this family-owned and operated business goes out of their way to ensure that each guest feels like they’re a member of the family themselves when they dine at Macayo’s. Hospitality and great food: that’s what they’re all about—and it certainly shows.

The Creation of the Chimichanga

Arguably, Macayo’s also holds the honor of creating the very first chimichanga—although other area restaurants claim the same invention. Either way, it is believed that Woody Johnson himself first invented the chimichanga when playing around in the kitchen back in 1946. Today, there’s no doubt that the chimichanga has become an extremely popular Mexican food dish, despite the fact that the dish itself is not authentically Mexican.

Still, that hasn’t stopped many Arizona residents from creating a petition to make the chimichanga the state food of Arizona.

Come Enjoy Our New Menu

Macayo’s has recently debuted a new menu as part of their 70th anniversary celebration; this menu contains a wonderful mix of some of their traditional family favorites, along with some new twists. All are welcome to stop by any of the 15 Macayo’s locations to try out some of the new menu items themselves (or stick with their favorite traditional staples) along with helping the Johnson family celebrate their 70ths year of operation.

When it comes to fresh, quality Mexican ingredients, Macayo’s is the place to be. Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch, a filling dinner, a delicious margarita, or anything in between—there’s truly something for everybody at Macayo’s. And each time you step into one of their restaurants, you can rest assured you’ll be treated with the kindness and hospitality that you’d expect from your own family.

Tequila is a main ingredient in many traditional Mexican drinks, such as the popular margarita. And while there’s no denying this primary use of tequila, you might be surprised to read about some of the alternative uses that have been found and proven for tequila. From medical uses to use as an energy source, there’s more to tequila than meets the eye (or taste buds)!

1. As a Cold Remedy

The next time you feel a cold coming on, you might also see it as an excuse to enjoy some tequila. Sounds crazy, we know, but back in the day, doctors actually recommend patients with colds to drink a half ounce of agave tequila mixed with equal parts agave nectar and lime juice. If nothing else, this concoction will at least make having a cold more enjoyable.

2. For Weight Loss

It’s really no secret in the field of science that the agave plant has long been considered as an excellent source for helping to dissolve body fats and even lower cholesterol. Unfortunately, the weight loss benefits of tequila are slightly lost when the agave is made into alcohol or combined into a mixed drink.

3. As an Energy Source

Agave hasn’t just been found to be a possible source of weight loss, but a potential alternative energy source as well! In fact, studies have been conducted over the past few years that have found agave mau function as a sustainable biofuel source. Can you imagine pulling up to the pump and fueling your vehicle with a similar liquid you’d enjoy in some of your favorite cocktails?

4. For Diabetes Prevention

In addition to a possible fuel source and weight loss supplement, studies have also found that the agave plant can help to stimulate certain hormones in the body that are known to increase insulin production in the body. In this sense, tequila could actually help to prevent and reduce the likelihood of a person developing diabetes in life.

5. For Helping You Sleep

The next time you’re having trouble sleeping, consider treating yourself to one (just one!) shot of your favorite tequila. Not only can a small amount of tequila before bed help you fall asleep, but it can also help you stay asleep longer, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and well rested. Of course, too much tequila can have negative effects on your liver, so we only recommend using this sleeping aid every so often.

And finally, there is of course the use that we all know and love tequila for: its use in many traditional Mexican drinks. And speaking of Mexican drinks, we’re proud to announce that we’ve recently unveiled a new drink menu here at Macayo’s, and we’d love to have you here to try it out for yourself! You can even grab a tequila-drink of your own, such as our fun Prickly Pear Margarita or our unique twist on the Moscow Mule…the Macayo Mule!

Generally, Mexican celebrations are known for their bright colors and delicious foods. So if you’re planning on throwing a fiesta gathering this summer, you’ll want to not only serve up some delicious Mexican-style food, but you’ll want to make sure that your tablescape matches the theme as well. Transform your existing dining room or patio table into something your guests will be talking about for weeks to come with these fun tablescape and table setting ideas.

Incorporate Vibrant Floral Arrangements

Summer is the perfect time to pick up some beautiful, bright flowers and display them at your dinner table. Specifically, pick up floral bouquets that are vibrant in color, ranging from shades of red and orange to yellows and purples, which will give you table a festive look. To make things even more interesting, consider putting the flowers not in traditional vases, but in empty jars of salsa, Mexican soda, or canned beans.

Try a DIY Sombrero Serving Dish

Another fun idea for your summer fiesta tablescape that you can do on yor own without a whole lot of time or effort is that of creating a serving tray using a sombrero, which you can get from your local party store for cheap. We recommend the wicker sombreros, which are inexpensive, durable, and often come in festive colors. You can line the rim of the sombrero with colorful napkins, and then fill the area with tortilla chips. On the side, serve your favorite homemade salsa or dip to go with it!

Use Various Colored Napkins and Place Mats

When it comes time to set the tables, make things fun by using not just plain-colored napkins and placemats, but ones that vary in color and preferably match or complement the colors of your floral arrangements. You can use throw-away napkins and placemats here or, if you have reusable ones, feel free to bust those out as well. It all depends on what suits your overall theme and budget.

Set Tables in a Way That Encourages Sharing

Finally, be mindful of how you set your tables; traditionally, family-style seating is found in authentic Mexican food restaurants, and this style of seating allows everybody to easily converse and share food as desired. If you only have round tables to work with, that’s fine, but ideally you will want to have long, rectangular tables where shareable foods such as chips, salsas, and other appetizers are never more than an arm’s reach away. Also, when setting up your floral arrangements at the table, make sure they’re not too tall to the point that people sitting across from each other are unable to see each other’s faces and hold a conversation!

As you can see, there are so many fun ways to set up your fiesta tablescape in a way that’s festive and unique while incorporating some DIY touches in the process. And while we’re on the subject of Mexican food and fiestas, we’d like to announce that Macayo’s has a brand new drink menu that we’d love to have you stop by and try out for yourself!

In simple terms, chorizo refers to a spicy pork sausage that’s sealed in a casing made of animal intestines. There are many different types of chorizo, but perhaps two of the most popular are Spanish and Mexican chorizo. For the purposes of this post, we’ll focus on Mexican chorizo, its primary characteristics, and the various types of dishes in which it’s often used.

The History of Mexican Chorizo

It’s believed that chorizo as a whole has been around since Roman times, but Mexican chorizo was adopted a little later on, when it was adopted by Mexico from Spain. Today, it is very popular throughout Mexico and even some areas across the United States.

Characteristics of Mexican Chorizo

So, what makes Mexican chorizo different from other types of chorizo? For starters, it typically contains a liberally seasoned fatty sausage that’s ground or minced finely, rather than chopped, before put into the casing. It should be noted, however, that Mexican chorizo can be made from a number of different meats, including venison, chicken, and even turkey. Furthermore, the seasonings used in a Mexican chorizo are often more robust and spicy. This is typically what gives Mexican chorizo a dark or bright red color in appearance, as opposed to a more subdued brown color in Spanish and other types of chorizo. In some parts of Mexico, it is even possible to find “green chorizo,” which has a green color due to the heavy use of cilantro in its making.

Another major difference between Mexican and Spanish chorizo is that the Mexican version typically comes uncooked and raw, whereas Spanish chorizo is typically sold ready-to-eat.

Dishes Using Mexican Chorizo

There are all kinds of dishes that incorporate Mexican chorizo, ranging from Mexican breakfast foods to appetizers, dinners, side dishes, and everything in between. For starters, you can easily make chorizo tacos by simply removing the meat from the casing and crumbling/browning it in a skillet over medium heat. However, it is also quite common to use chorizo in Mexican soups, as the meat can add a wonderful amount of flavor and spice to a soup base without the need to chop up lots of additional ingredients or add many spices.

For those looking for Mexican breakfast dishes that incorporate chorizo, there is always the very popular egg dish known as Eggs a la Paloma. This dish incorporates eggs scrambled with tomato sauce; chorizo is added for spice and heartiness. The entire dish is topped off with a melted pile of cheese on top for a delicious and unique taste.

The possibilities for utilizing Mexican chorizo are pretty much endless, but the above ideas are just a few popular uses for this delicious and flavorful meat option that is absolutely unique to Mexico.

As you can see, chorizo has a pretty rich history not just in Mexico, but across the globe as well. If you haven’t ever tried Mexican or Spanish chorizo for yourself, you owe it to yourself to give it a try the next time you see it at the grocery store.