A New Holiday Tradition: Margaritas and Enchiladas

Feliz Navidad!

We have introduced a new holiday tradition into our family: a visit to Sadie's, my favorite Mexican restaurant. What does Mexican food have to do with Christmas, you may wonder. Well, nothing. But any excuse to eat the best Mexican food I've ever had and consume a pitcher or two of El Presidente Margaritas is a good excuse. In this case, that excuse is Christmas.

We were supposed to convene this gathering last Sunday; however after Delta canceled my flight from Minneapolis to Albuquerque, delaying my arrival by about six hours, it had to be postponed to Thursday evening. It was well worth the wait.

We actually had the inaugural Sadie's family gathering more than a year ago during a mid-year visit of mine. That time there were more than 20 of us. It was a pull-out-all-the-stops party that left more than a couple of bodies on the beach. Last night's event was subdued by the standards established at the first Sadie's gathering. It was fun nonetheless.

I have been a fan of Sadie's since my first visit 15 years ago. Then it was located inside a bowling alley. Today it and a second branch have their own stand-alone facilities. Because the Mexican restaurants I've been to in South Florida and South Carolina serve food that is only loosely related to Mexican fare, I can't come up with an accurate example with which to compare Sadie's. It is "real" Mexican food. It is hot and perfectly flavored.

The margaritas, well, they have put many a good man (and woman) on his ass. Who needs eggnog? Enough said.

So, it is my hope that getting the family together at Sadie's will be an ongoing holiday tradition. In itself, it is reason enough to make the cross-country haul.

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