Did you ever have to make up your mind?

Jeff Goldstein submitted...

"Dear Nacho Expert,

Two vendors are offering nachos at this year's taste of Chicago. Which one is better?

Thanks."

This is not a bad question at all. First off, I want to say that there should be more nacho vendors. With all of the food there, no one should have to go far to get some nachos, and after seeing the vendors, there are many that could offer nachos. Unless that is a hypothetical situation, in which case I'm a little upset that you got me so worked up. Anyway, this seems like a simple question, but there is not such a simple answer. The right answer is, getting both is the best option. Every nacho dish has its own unique ins and outs. There are different aspects that can bring you closer to nacho bliss. If you want to get as close to true happiness as you can, then you must have both kinds. If you have to choose one, then is sucks to be you. That being said, it's pretty damn hard to have a nacho dish that doesn't offer something. If you truely have to decide on one, assess your criteria: crispiness, toppings, quantity, expected aftermath, etc. Expected aftermath is pretty important at a place like The Taste. You're outdoors with only some portapotties. It all depends on the other aspects and what you're willing to risk. This may seem like a somewhat vague answer to your question, but analysis needs to be done. I still say go with both. Nachos are very much like sexual partners: two is almost always better than one.

Layer Suggestion...

Jessica Submitted...
Hi Nacho Expert.
I recently stumbled upon your site. I agree - Nachos Rule!
You need to be introduced to layered nachos. This is when you lay out one layer of chips, then cover with freshly shredded cheddar (preferrable vermont cabot extra charp cheddar), then add another layer of chips, then top with more cheese. Of course, you could add more than just cheese within the layers. Layering alleviates a common problem I have encountered in restaurants - a pile of cheese and toppings over a pile of chips, leaving one with many dry chips in the center of the nacho plate. This is very, very bad. Also, nachos must be broiled in the oven at low heat to melt the cheese and retain the crispiness of the chip....
That's enough nacho theory for one day. Just wanted to say that I love the idea for a website dedicated to nachos. Nachos rule.
Have you seen the beavis and butthead T-shirts that say nachos rule on the front and have a picture of beavis and butthead chomping on nachos on the back?

..with liberty and nachos for all.

Jessica
(from San Francisco, CA.... originally from the heartland, Iowa)

Response:
First off, thank you for the email. It gets lonely being the nacho expert. To answer the one question in there, yes, I've seen the Beavis and Butthead shirt. Beavis and Butthead are awesome. How can someone not be awesome who thinks that nachos rule?! The only other thing I can say is...great nacho suggestion...I think I'm in love...