Taco USA

Why people recommend it

Taco USA by Gustavo Arellano is a cultural history book that traces the fascinating evolution and popularization of Mexican food within the United States. Matt Welch discussed the book on the podcast The Megyn Kelly Show during an episode that aired on July 12, 2022, which centered on political narratives, cultural commentary, and media controversies. Amidst a discussion concerning cultural gaffes and national narratives regarding food, Matt Welch enthusiastically brought up Gustavo Arellano's work. He stated that it was a great book which he could not recommend highly enough, praising it as an essential read written by their friend. To further emphasize the significance and quality of the work, Matt Welch noted that a piece based on the book had previously been featured as a cover story in Reason magazine. The recommendation provided listeners with a deeper historical context for understanding the deep-rooted presence and cultural impact of Mexican cuisine in American society. Through this endorsement, Matt Welch successfully connected a lighthearted cultural debate to a substantial piece of journalistic research, encouraging the audience to read the book for a comprehensive and entertaining account of culinary history.