I was recently assigned a job by Walmart to go review a show by the Guatemalan musical artist, Ricardo Arjona.  The show inspired me to run home and to make the classic Guatemalan dish, tostadas de guacamole.  More on that later;  back to the Ricardo Arjona show.  It wasn’t just any show, it was a show specifically for his true-blue fans.  The only way to get into the event was if you were in his fan club, or if were lucky enough, by winning tickets on a local radio program.

What I realized about Mr. Arjona’s fan-base is that they are wildly-insane-crazy about him.  The first thing I saw as I got to the venue, The Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles, was the massive line of people that wrapped around the block so they could secure a good seat.  Then as I walked by the line, everybody was singing at the tops of their lungs, song after song by their aforementioned favorite singer.  Some fans even made signs to hold up once they got inside.  There was a lot of love everywhere.  It was a really sweet sight to see.

Once the show got underway, the fans roared in a frenzy as their hero hit the stage to sing the first song.  As fast on their feet and loud as they were, they quickly settled down so they could hear the music.

His setlist ran the gamut from his biggest hits to the newest songs.  The music itself was played in a stripped down, skeletal version, un-plugged if you will.  There was one acoustic guitar, a percussionist and Ricardo (sometimes on guitar or piano.)  It was a very simple set-up compared to the massive production for an artist of his stature.  It was very intimate.

 His voice sounded in top form and the band’s chops were equally good.  The banter to his fans between songs was genuine and charming.  He seemed delighted to be performing for the people that appreciate his music the most.

Ricardo is celebrating the release of his recently released CD titled, Viaje.  The rumor on the street is that he’s about to embark on a grand world tour.  You could buy the CD at Walmart!
Like I said earlier, I was feeling moved by the show and realized that I didn’t have any Guatemalan dishes on my blog so I decided to make tostadas de guacamol.  Check out the simple recipe below:
Ingredients for tostada de gaucamol:

• ready made tostadas
• refried black beans
• tomato (sliced)
• onion (sliced)
• avocado (sliced)
• cotija cheese (crumbled)
• fresh oregano (chopped)
• lime

Directions:

1. Start with a tostada, and smear 2 tablespoons into the center.
2. Layer a few slices of tomato, onion, and avocado.
3. Crumble cheese, and sprinkle some oregano on top.
4. Squeeze lime on top.
5. Enjoy!