Fontano Tacos

Right so a good strong Swiss/Italian last name like Fontano and fine Mexican cuisine don't exactly go together. Makes me think for a moment about Grandma Vi's favorite Mexican restaurant there towards the end, some of you know the one, owned by the Greek guy. Honestly, that one really kind of stunk and I have some serious questions about Grandma's taste buds the last few years. Greek Mexican food just doesn't work.

Well what gives? How can I make a case for Fontano Tacos? Simple really, come have some. They speak for themselves and oh how they speak to me. Softly, gently, lovingly calling my name. Yes they whisper sweet nothings in my ear. There was a time when we would have tacos for dinner every Sunday. I love that tradition. I have fond memories like the time we were staying at Aunt Junes cabin in Incline Village and Jay and one other brother (who I am not recalling at the moment, with my luck it will be Mike and the middle child controversy will have been stirred a bit) quietly pounded an entire pan. I cannot fail to mention the 90 year old Tabasco that we found in the pantry - it's got to be good when you get that kind of age on Tabasco.

As a missionary there was not corn tortillas in South Africa so I learned how to make my own flour tortillas and there were a few times when I made tacos for the District or Zone I was serving in. It was like a little bit of heaven. Naturally the flour tortillas were a bit different but it was close and it was delicious. I can still remember being in the middle of an Indian community in Port Elizabeth called Malabar with a Muslim Mosque across the street and a Hindu Temple down the road. There were about 8 of us that day hanging out at our place making Fontano Tacos. Just for a little historical fun, this would have been during a four month period directly surrounding the time that Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa. I recall also that the first meal that I wanted when I returned home was tacos and so it was. Fantastic.

I decided yesterday that we needed to have tacos today. The folks are out of town so I knew that Amy was likely on her own and I invited Dave to come over if Dani had to work. That was the case so they both came. Amy's friend Garrison also joined for the meal and I had invited my brother in law David and his wife Valerie and their kids to come over. So the house was clean and I was a little behind on my cooking schedule but Dave showed up and then Amy followed and they both pitched in and we got them done. That is perhaps one of the keys to Fontano Tacos - the team prep. It is always a good time.

Well, David and Valerie didn't make it. I thought they were coming but they also have a big drive ahead of them on their way to Kansas City. The kids were looking forward to seeing them as was I. Perhaps next time. David ran in the Ironman Triathlon in St. George yesterday. Pretty awesome.

So we had some taco's. Not quite 72 of them but we put a significant dent on the package that comes with 72 tortillas. It was a good showing. I have a solid pan left over so we will be enjoying tacos a few times this week. I am perfectly okay with that. Amy brought a jello salad which was delightful and that was the meal. Dani came after she got off work and Andy went right for the hair. His favorite thing. Yep, it was a fine, fine meal.

So I know I should pay tribute in here to mom for being such a wonderful mother. That she is. In fact she was mentioned by the speaker in our Sacrament Meeting today as Jay provided a little info to him. Patience, 6 boys that liked to fight, weekly letters as missionaries. Treasured letters that you knew were coming. Thank you mom. I should continue here with a discussion about mom teaching me how to pray, especially when it really mattered like when, I don't know, a unicorn got flushed down the toilet or something. As I make that comment I do so realizing any readers are going to think I am crazy. Yes. Actually it is a complete reference to a talk Dave heard in his ward today and was really just added as a little joke for Dave. Thanks Dave.

Again, much to be grateful for when it comes to mother. Certainly you have provided a living example of service and of love for the Lord. You have demonstrated great faith in the midst of tremendous trials. You have persevered. You have loved. You have dedicated your life to the raising of your children unto the Lord. I believe that you have done a pretty good job of that and take a moment on behalf of each of your children to say thank you and we love you.

I must take just another moment here to thank you for perhaps one of the greatest of all gifts edible, even Fontano Tacos. Mmmmm, delicious. Thanks mom.