Week 5- Progress and Current Event

This week, I have been very successful I continued my research with the countries of Guatemala, and Costa Rica. I found out that in Guatemala, the foods are heavily influenced by the Mayan culture. Their main ingredients are corn, rice, beans, and tortillas. The foods in Costa Rica also have the same staple ingredients as Guatemala, such as black beans and rice. Their main, and standard dish is called the comida tipica. A difference in the Costa Rica cuisine though, is that they focus on healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables as part of main ingredients. Also, this week I have heard back from my spanish contacts! I have talked to Ana Marin, Estela Gomes, and Beatriz Cenci. They have all helped a lot with my research and projects by telling me about the food where they live or have lived in the past.  My current event this week is about how Mexico City just made the largest enchilada, and they celebrated it at the second Enchilada Gastronomy Festival. The new enchilada was measured to be 85 meters long! They wanted this to boost the economy and promote family life. This relates to my topic because I like hearing about how the other countries incorporate food into their many traditions and festivals.

My current event also provided a video: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11063786/Mexico-City-makes-biggest-enchilada.html

And here are some of the websites that I learned about Guatemala and Costa Rica foods!

http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/guatemalaguide/p/Guatemala_Food.htm

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/guatemala/274604

http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-information/costa-rica-food.html