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Dear Zagat Guide,
I have a bone to pick with you. Last night, as I do many nights, I sat down to choose a dinner restaurant. I
was in the mood for Mexican, so I perused your ethnic foods section. To my shock, I discovered that
Taco Bell was not listed. No problem. I figured it was simply an oversight; some editor had clearly
mistakenly removed the page with the Taco Bell listing. I figured it was my civic duty to make you aware
of the situation. So I called the 800 number on the back of the book. To my shock, Tammy, your not-sohelpful
customer service representative, informed me that Taco Bell was not included because it is not
“real” Mexican food! Well, I beg to differ.
Taco Bell is clearly real Mexican food. I mean, have you looked at the menu? Every item is in Spanish.
Tacos, burritos, quesadillas . . . there isn’t an English word to be found. Having a menu in a language the
typical American doesn’t understand is the very definition of an authentic ethnic restaurant. Taco Bell
surely qualifies. Furthermore, even their mascot is Mexican! Taco Bell’s Spanish-speaking Chihuahua
should be proof enough. For goodness sake, the “Yo quiero Taco Bell” puppy is even named after a
Mexican state! What more do you want?
If you still aren’t convinced, compare the Taco Bell menu to the offerings of any given “authentic”
Mexican restaurant. Notice any similarities? Tacos? Check. Burritos? Check. It seems to me that there
are more similarities than differences. Even where there are culinary differences, Taco Bell still steps up
to the plate. Sure, they don’t serve sopapillas, but they have those crunch cinnamon twists, right? They
are practically the same thing. Sure, Taco Bell might serve Pepsi instead of Horchata, but does that make
my friendly drive-thru restaurant any less Mexican? I think not!
Do you now see that you have unfairly excluded a bona fide culinary treasure? Every year, millions visit
Mexico via their taste buds with a Taco Bell taco, and I believe they deserve to have their voices heard.
Be reasonable. To my mind, Taco Bell is as authentic Mexican as you can get. Please add them to your
world famous dining directory. Millions of Americans will thank you.
Sincerely,
Ms. Rehceat
PS. Would you also consider adding Dominoes Pizza under your Italian dining section?
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