Laredo’s Jamboozie Festival and Menudo Bowl
Since having moved to Laredo five months ago, not a lot has happened in this city… until now. Throughout January and February, Laredo celebrates the shit out of George Washington’s Birthday. Despite having lived in the States for two years prior (Cincinnati, Ohio to be exact) I didn’t realize that this event was something to be celebrated — and certainly not enough to merit two months devoted to its cause. To be honest I don’t completely understand the significance of George Washington’s Birthday in relation to a fake Mardi Gras (Jamboozie) or a Mexican Tripe Soup contest (Menudo Bowl), however that apparently is irrelevant. Jamboozie was fun and we were able to try eating Tripas after having cooked them the previous week. The fact that I puked my guts out (that’s the least of it, but I’m trying to keep it clean) the next day may have been related to the street food or maybe not… Menudo Bowl was my preferred event — it was my first time eating Menudo and I was a bit leary of tripe after having attempted cooking it not too long ago. The first bowl we tried I genuinely enjoyed although several bowls later I had to admit that tripe is simply not for me. No matter how well it is cooked, there is a particular aroma and earthy flavour that I just can’t fully get on board with. David is a tougher cookie though and tried more of the competitor’s Menudo than me; hurray for him.
- Shuttle - "Rotten Guts" feat. Cadence Weapon
I love the giant inflatable bee. Bud light is evidently holding it down. Does it ever get cold there?
Welcome to Laredo!?? What are you doing here…lol…most people are trying to leave! hahaha. I honestly have to say having had grown up here in Laredo, I myself never really got this yearly celebration? Why here in Laredo when this part of the country was Mexico in G.Washington’s time?? I have no idea. I do like the carnival that is coming here soon, so do my girls…but it gets to crowded to even try to enjoy it. As for the tripa..your braver than I am. I have seen my dad prepare it, long ago. I hope you washed the tripa out before you cooked it and as far as I remember your supposed to fry it, I can imagine why..lol. Menudo if the person knows how to cook menudo will smell good. If not, it STINKS and it will have that taste to it when you eat it. Not everyone is good at making menudo. What I really like, though, is TAMALES! I hope you have tried that. I only recently came back to Laredo after my husband “divorced” the Army! I miss his mistress…she was good to us, took us around the world…Im waiting for us to go back as soon as he finishes with his BA. For now…Im stuck here. Oh well…make the best of it, right?
Priscilla
i remember menudo the band being a little to greasy as well
If you go to the wbca website theres a link about the history as to why we celebrate this. I read it a whole 5 times and i still dont understand the fucking thing. Whoever wrote it must have been on crack or something. I debated writing them an email asking for clarification, but i was afraid that the person that would respond would be the author of the passage. Its a door best left unopened.
I spent a good amount of time in Canada. And let me just say food wise, I’m glad I’m back home. Although bison wasn’t to shabby.
BTW, This is my first time to your site. Welcome to Texas. I live in Laredo, but I grew up slightly outside of it. I’de like to let you both know that I thoroughly enjoyed you site and have started to follow you on twitter. If I can be of any help with anything, feel free to shoot me an email. ajsalin@gmail.com
Can you guys rock any harder than this? As a border baby (Mexican) now living on the East Coast, what a surprise to see two Canadians venturing into the Tex-Mex unknown. It looks like you guys have pretty much covered it all. Although, I am not sure if I saw an Asado video in your library or if you’ve tried good Mexican bread/pastries… there are also big sandwiches called Tortas (yes, I know that’s a cake in European culture, but this is Tex-Mex… it doesn’t have to make sense)
Watching your videos does makes me miss home
Good luck with your stay in Laredo!
Thanks! Haha, we moved to Laredo for work. We both like it here though, it’s very different from any other place we’ve lived before. Even the groceries that you can buy here are different, it’s a nice change. You are right about, Tamales, we’ve made them a few times already and they are amazing!
When I was looking up info on the Menudo bowl I found this tidbit from last year: “…another planned addition, the Menudo lip sync contest, may be canceled. The event, intended to reward groups that could successfully mimic the popular Puerto Rican boy band, doesn’t appear to have garnered much community interest…”
haha
Haha there are some good places to eat in Canada but you definitely would want to stay away from Mexican food at all costs when you are up there! Thanks for welcome!