Nacho’s Nachos: The Story Behind the World’s Favorite Snack

PreS-Gr 4–Ignacio Anaya (1895–1975) was a skilled home cook and a professional chef, but it was his invention of one of the world’s favorite snacks that made him a household name. Born in northern Mexico, Anaya was given the nickname “Nacho.” At the age of 23, he found work in a restaurant. When restaurateur Rodolfo de los Santos planned to open a new eatery, the Victory Club, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, he recruited Nacho. It was there in 1940 that Nacho came up with the idea for his signature dish. Once his crunchy, cheesy, spicy creation took off, actors and presidents flocked to Victory Club. The simple but engaging text is well suited to this appealing story and makes this biography a perfect read-aloud for classrooms. Illustrations convey movement and familiarity while depicting a time period that might be unfamiliar to younger readers. Back matter includes a thorough list of sources cited, an afterword, and—best of all—a recipe for the original Nacho’s Special.