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“Chimichangas aren’t Mexican food” says NYC chef from Mexico (VIDEO)

“Chimichangas aren’t Mexican food” says NYC chef from Mexico (VIDEO)

Oct 22, 20181 min read

https://www.facebook.com/NowThisFood/videos/1554040354696391/

Food media company NowThis Food posted a video on Monday, October 15 titled Everything You Know About Mexican Food Is A Lie.

The opinion video features Saul Montiel, executive chef of New York City restaurant Cantina Rooftop. A Mexico native, Montiel born in Atotonilco el Grande, he was raised in his mother and grandmother’s restaurant-kitchen LaUnica.

While Montiel celebrates Mexican dishes such as huaraches, he also insists that dishes such as chimichangas, nachos, and refried beans aren’t Mexican food — he labels them all as Tex-Mex.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

For more information, visit Everything You Know About Mexican Food Is A Lie.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

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SPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵

@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner
📍 @incasperuviancuisine 
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM
Penca Special Dinner
📍 @pencarestaurante 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM
Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover
📍 Flying V @loewsventana 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM
Whole Hog BBQ Dinner
📍 @bashfulbanditbbq 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM
Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
📍 @bocatucson 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
📍 @bacio.italianoaz 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
Cielos Special Dinner
📍 @cielostucson 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM 
Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 
📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM
Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner
📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial 

Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieeventsSPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵 @Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner 📍 @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner 📍 @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover 📍 Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner 📍 @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner 📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner 📍 @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 📍 @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner 📍 @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner 📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead! Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️ #SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents
Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during August!

Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️ 

🍷@Addiewankenobi- Breakfast Board @sonoranhouse_samhughes, @revel_tucson, Bone Marrow @sawmillrun, Aguachile, hamachi, and tuna at Flying V @loewsventana 

🥯@Deathfreefoodie- Bagel @coffeetimestucson, Mochi @okashi_ice_cream_confections 

🥙@Shanereiser- Fries @shishkebabhouse, Elote Nachos with Birria @redbird_scratchkitchen, Hacienda Summer Salad The Grill @haciendadelsolaz

🦪@Jackie_tran_- Oysters @tortillaschiwas, Steak @sunshine_wine_tucson, Vodka pasta @noodiestucson, Lobster Roll @thekingfishertucson 

More on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodHere’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during August! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️ 🍷@Addiewankenobi- Breakfast Board @sonoranhouse_samhughes, @revel_tucson, Bone Marrow @sawmillrun, Aguachile, hamachi, and tuna at Flying V @loewsventana 🥯@Deathfreefoodie- Bagel @coffeetimestucson, Mochi @okashi_ice_cream_confections 🥙@Shanereiser- Fries @shishkebabhouse, Elote Nachos with Birria @redbird_scratchkitchen, Hacienda Summer Salad The Grill @haciendadelsolaz 🦪@Jackie_tran_- Oysters @tortillaschiwas, Steak @sunshine_wine_tucson, Vodka pasta @noodiestucson, Lobster Roll @thekingfishertucson More on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood
@Kenneth.foy has landed at @Tanqueverderanch as the historic east-side dude ranch’s new executive chef. 

Foy opened Dante’s Fire in 2011 and built it into one of midtown Tucson’s recognized independent restaurants. He won Iron Chef Tucson in 2022 and 2023 and earned multiple honors at the SAACA World Margarita Championship.

Now, Foy will oversee culinary programming at Tanque Verde Ranch, including private chef dinners, holiday buffets, special events, and menus highlighting Sonoran Desert ingredients.

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Kenneth.foy has landed at @Tanqueverderanch as the historic east-side dude ranch’s new executive chef. Foy opened Dante’s Fire in 2011 and built it into one of midtown Tucson’s recognized independent restaurants. He won Iron Chef Tucson in 2022 and 2023 and earned multiple honors at the SAACA World Margarita Championship. Now, Foy will oversee culinary programming at Tanque Verde Ranch, including private chef dinners, holiday buffets, special events, and menus highlighting Sonoran Desert ingredients. Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
GIVEAWAY!🌮🍹🎟️🌶️

We’re giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the 18th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge at @hiltonelcon! 

Next Sunday, 40+ Southern Arizona restaurants, chefs and beverage creators will compete for your votes in three categories:
• Best salsa
• Best taco
• Best tequila cocktail

Plus, enjoy live mariachi, folklorico, art, wrestling and more!

💃 Sunday, September 6 | 6–8:30 PM | 21+ 
 
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Like this post
2. Follow @artstateaz, @hiltonelcon, and @tucsonfoodie 
3. Tag a friend! (Unlimited entries) 

Buying tickets? Use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off! Link in @artstateaz’s bio 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsGIVEAWAY!🌮🍹🎟️🌶️ We’re giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the 18th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge at @hiltonelcon! Next Sunday, 40+ Southern Arizona restaurants, chefs and beverage creators will compete for your votes in three categories: • Best salsa • Best taco • Best tequila cocktail Plus, enjoy live mariachi, folklorico, art, wrestling and more! 💃 Sunday, September 6 | 6–8:30 PM | 21+ ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: 1. Like this post 2. Follow @artstateaz, @hiltonelcon, and @tucsonfoodie 3. Tag a friend! (Unlimited entries) Buying tickets? Use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off! Link in @artstateaz’s bio #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents