Guelaguetza

I have been anticipating my visit to Guelaguetza like an accused man anticipates the hangman’s noose. Gueleguetza, after all, serves up Oaxacan specialties: brilliant moles, barbacoa, and that international delicacy, grasshoppers. For John the Baptist, he doused his locusts with honey. Aristotle, in describing the best time to munch on an insect, wrote: “the larva of the cicada on attaining full size in the ground becomes a nymph; then it tastes best, before the husk is broken. At first the males are better to eat, but after copulation the females, which are then full of white eggs." (You can go vomit if you’d like. I’ll be here when you get back). So, you might say, if it’s good enough for Aristotle and John the Baptist, it’s good enough for me. Yes, but these were enlightened individuals, turning the world upside down, as it were, with wisdom and philosophy. I’m a pampered English teacher from Glendora writing a goofy blog. I remember when I was five years old I tried to eat an ant. I put it on my tongue to savor it before I swallowed it. Bad idea. Its bitter taste still resonates with me after all these years. I understand that insects are rich sources of iron, copper, zinc, thiamin. But so is New York steak. When I finally arrived at this restaurant the server sat me down with a plate of chips and mole. God bless him, the stuff is awesome. If you haven’t had the mole, either here or La Casita Mexicana, you really should. What—oh yes, I need to order the grasshoppers. Of course, let me look at the menu first. Oh my, they got caldo de res and chilaquiles, and boy they look good! In fact, better than ever. I sometimes look around to see what others order before venturing forth on my own. I see huevos rancheros, caldo de res, more moles! I’m stalling you say, where are my winged friends? Let me build up to that. I order the chorizo con huevos, black beans and white rice. Excellent! “Oh, server do you have grass--Whoop, look at the time! And I’m so full, and I have to be in San Gabriel at 2pm, and…” I know, excuses, excuses…Next time…