Waitress Who Introduced L.A. To Nachos Dies
The waitress credited with introducing nachos to Los Angeles has died. Carmen Rocha started working at El Cholo Mexican restaurant in 1959. She brought a special treat from Texas: tortilla wedges, shredded cheddar cheese and slices of jalapeno pepper. One cookbook writer told the Los Angeles Times, "If they were called 'Carmens,' not nachos, her name would be remembered forever."
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RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne. Let's take a moment to remember the waitress who's credited with introducing nachos to Los Angeles. Carmen Rocha started working at the restaurant, El Cholo, in 1959 and she brought with her a Texas treat - tortillas layered with melted cheese and jalapenos. A West Coast food phenomenon was born. Carmen Rocha died this week. One cookbook writer told the LA Times, if nachos were called Carmens, her name would be remembered forever. It's Morning Edition.
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