Posole goes mainstream

Posole (also spelled pozole) is a traditional Mexican soup from the pacific coast region of Jalisco in west-central Mexico. True authentic offerings are made with pig’s head and cheap scraps — the ears are thought by many to be a fight-worthy delicacy. The broth is judiciously laced with carefully prepared chilies, fresh garlic and oregano, which lends an earthy, slightly bitter, aromatic depth.

Finding a bowl of posole here in Atlanta is no easy task, authentic or not. Even the abundance of authentic taquerias we’re blessed with choose to leave it off the standard everyday menu. Though some do occasionally slip it in as a weekend special.

Weirdly, this soulful Mexican soup can be found on the everyday menus at four American-friendly neighborhood restaurants — from edgy Cabbagetown to suburban Alpharetta. Don’t expect a pig’s head to emerge from the murky broth at these places, nor need you be prepared to fight over the ears. The places mentioned below wisely substitute tenderloin or shoulder meat so not to scare off the more polished — or, squeamish — American clientele that makes up the bulk of their business. Read more