Our small community has become multicultural and quite diverse in the last ten years, thanks to those who have lovingly shared their ethnic foods with us. And thanks also goes out to my son who will be 18 in a few weeks. Because of his big appetite, our family has enjoyed restaurants that we may not have been "brave" to try otherwise! Although my husband is not fond of Mexican cuisine, he will indulge the rest of us and treat us out at our favorite authentic Mexican restaurant, El Nopal.
Just a few weeks ago when school had let out for the summer, our son and I went clothes shopping. (This 18-year old who loves to eat also tends to grow...) I looked at my watch and realized it was almost noon, and knew this big kid was getting hungry. As if he read my mind, he said, "You know what really sounds good? Mexican food...You want to go to El Nopal?" With dad not there to object, I agreed. You never seen a kid smile so big so fast...Our mother-son outting turned out to be quite a fun afternoon. As we ate our free chips and salsa before our entrees arrived, we laughed (quite loudly) as we talked about band camp, his senior year at high school, what colleges he likes best so far...and even exchanged a few "that's what she said" jokes. We laughed and we ate...and ate, and...ate. By the time we were finished, neither of us wanted to drive home, for fear we'd fall asleep at the wheel...A genuine Mexican fiesta followed by a food-induced siesta!
I've thought about that afternoon quite often, realizing that our fun could have been at any restaurant, but the ethnic atmosphere, the hospitality, and the authentic food helped make it even more special. We shared our love of Mexican food together, but more importantly, we shared time together. Moms and dads: you need to share more time with your children, for soon, they will be in high school, driving, thinking about college and growing out of their clothes. Soon comes all too soon...
Thanks, El Nopal, for allowing us to enjoy an authentic afternoon.
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