November 6 is National Nachos Day, and we can't think of a food more deserving of its own holiday. Cheesy, melty, crunchy goodness that you're allowed to eat with your hands? Just call us nacho-holics.
But how much do you REALLY know about everyone's favorite finger food? In honor of this very important and not at all made up holiday, we've put together 9 things you want (and need) to know about this Tex-Mex snack. And the best way to reward yourself for this new knowledge? You know what we're thinking...
1
They were invented by a guy named Nacho.
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Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, the chef at the Victory Club restaurant in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, is credited with the first nacho creation. Dude was a genius. (via giphy.com)
2
The first nachos were created over 70 years ago.
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1943 was the year that Nacho (the man) created the first Nachos (the food). Things have only been uphill since then. (via blog.dennys.com)
3
Though invented in Mexico, they were initially popular among Americans.
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The first batch was made for the wives of American soldiers stationed in Mexico. Since the Victory Club was already closed when the women arrived, Nacho whipped up a snack from what was left in the kitchen -- cut tortillas and cheese. (via WiffleGif.com)
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4
Sportscaster Howard Cosell is largely responsible for their ballpark popularity.
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During a Monday Night Football game, Cosell mentioned "Ball Park Nachos," which at the time only came out of Arlington Stadium. He spread the word about this new snack to his nationwide audience, and they've since become a staple in sports arenas. (via giphy.com)
5
There are two types of nachos: Traditional and modern.
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Traditional nachos are only topped with cheese and jalapeños, while modern nachos add guacamole, salsa, sour cream and lettuce. (via gifsoup.com)
6
Nacho cheese has been used to transport drugs.
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Well, unsuccessfully. In 2011, smugglers attempted to hide 7 pounds of methamphetamine in nacho cheese and jalapeño containers. (via giphy.com)
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7
El Cholo Mexican Restaurant helped spread the nacho word in the 1950s.
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Carmen Rocha, a waitress at El Cholo in Los Angeles, popularized the snack. She was known for making nachos for her favorite customers, even though they weren't listed on the menu. (via WiffleGif.com)
8
The first appearance of the English word "nachos" was in 1949.
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Reportedly in A Taste Of Texas. (via giphy.com)
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