Another Special Day

 National Avocado Day

July 31 is the day to celebrate avocados! Not that I don't eat them year-round.

California Avocado: photo by Cliff Hutson

Growing up, I first knew the fruit as an "alligator pear".  Our next door neighbor had a tree and that was what she called them. That name is no longer in fashion, but the popularity of the avocado has increased by leaps and bounds since then.

Guacamole: photo by Cliff Hutson

There are many ways to partake of this food.  Avocado Toast has, without saying, become ubiquitous in many circles.  Guacamole is another, and it actually has its own day, as well.

Tuna & Avocado Sandwich: photo by Cliff Hutson

Avocados make just about anything better, so I add them to sandwiches and salads. 

Fancy Salad: photo by Cliff Hutson

But, I have never tried them in a smoothie nor as a dessert.  You?

National Tequila Day

 There Stands the Glass

Cafe 1919 Margarita: photo by Cliff Hutson

National Tequila Day is an annual celebration that takes place on July 24, dedicated to paying homage to the beloved Mexican spirit known as tequila.

Tequila Mockingbird: photo by Cliff Hutson

I have drank tequila for over fifty years. He estado borracho en Nuevo México, así como en East Hollywood y en muchos lugares intermedios. And, if push comes to shove, I would probably say that the Margarita is my favorite cocktail. 

Margarita: photo by Cliff Hutson

Of course, it can be enjoyed straight as well. So, some might be asking, "just what is this versatile libration?"

Tequila

Silver Tequila: photo by Cliff Hutson

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Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, and it only comes from Mexico. To be called Tequila, by law, it must come from one of five Mexican states: Jalisco (where you find the town of Tequila), Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán or Tamaulipas. It comes in different styles, categorized according to how long the spirit was aged. 

Hornitos Reposado: photo by Cliff Hutson

I tend to stick to two styles. Blanco (white) or plata (silver) which are unaged and bottled or stored immediately after distillation, or aged less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels. And, Reposado aged a minimum of two months, but less than a year in oak barrels of any size.

Tequila Sauza: photo by Cliff Hutson

However, I will sometimes step up to Añejo which is aged a minimum of one year, but less than three years in small oak barrels.

Brand Loyalty

Espolòn Tequila: photo by Cliff Hutson

When it comes to brand loyalty I really have none.  While he is loved by many, Jose Cuervo was never a friend of mine. The past few years I have tended to buy Hornitos, not so much that I think that it is really great but, that it tastes good, has a reasonable price point, and is readily available at Trader Joe's.   A couple of months ago I started picking up Espolón. I like it, but am not wild about it.  But, tonight I have been sipping  El Exotico for the first time and enjoyed it. This is a really good Reposado. Is this the best Reposado I’ve ever had? No, but it’s damn good and the price can't be beat.

Tequila Exotico Reposado: photo by Cliff Hutson

(Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.)

This Day in History

A personal reflection in photos:

2005

2006

2009

2010

2015

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Reading Log: June 2023

 The books I finished reading in the month of July 2023

June 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Soccer for Dummies," Tom Dunmore and Scott Murray


"Chasing Giants: In Search of the World's Largest Freshwater Fish," Zeb Hogan and Stefan Lovgren 


“Clean: The New Science of Skin," James Hamblin 


Four Day Weekend

 Taking the Day Off

Long May It Wave: photo by Cliff Hutson

Dicking around all day is much more fun than trying to be serious - so I am just going to refer you to "The Meaning of July Forth . . .". 

On July 4, 1776, all Americans definitely had not been created equal. And today they still haven’t been. This has been underscored now as we watch a gang of reactionaries claw back rights we (and other minorities) have won over many decades of struggle.