Exámenes de Inglés Calgary
Inglés es el idioma hablado en la vida diaria de Calgary, usado para negocios, educación, servicios gubernamentales, etc. Aprender inglés o mejorar tus habilidades para comunicarte, te ayudarán a encontrar un mejor trabajo, hacer negocios y aumentar tus posibilidades de tener éxito. Aquí te muestro los Exámenes de Inglés Calgary.
Si eres inmigrante tu prioridad es trabajar y hacer algo de dinero para pagar la renta, luz, agua y todos los servicios que implica estar en un nuevo país. Sin embargo, siempre puedes encontrar la manera de aprender o mejorar tu inglés. Estudiando de manera formal o informal, tiempo completo o medio tiempo, en persona o en línea, o incluso estudiando por tu cuenta, pero lo importante es que siempre encontrarás un lugar para aprender.
Muchos lugares en Calgary ofrecen programas de inglés, algunos son gratuitos para inmigrantes, otros cursos de un nivel intermedio a avanzados tienen costo. A continuación te menciono algunas posibilidades para que tomes la que más convenga a tus posibilidades.
En Calgary los tipos de escuelas o instituciones que ofrecen programas de inglés son:
- Colegios y Universidades.
- Agencias de Servicios para Inmigrantes.
- Organizaciones Civiles y Religiosas.
- Negocios y Tutores Privados.
Los Gobiernos de Canadá y de la Provincia de Alberta ofrecen programas gratuitos para aprender inglés. Las clases de inglés son impartidas a través de diferentes escuelas y organizaciones establecidas en la Ciudad de Calgary.
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
Lo primero que tienes que hacer es saber cual es tu nivel actual de inglés. En Canadá existe “The Canadian Language Benchmarks” (CLB), el cual es un examen estandarizado para adultos, mide tu nivel de conocimiento del idioma y te dará una referencia de tu dominio de inglés para vivir, trabajar o estudiar.
El CLB contiene 12 niveles de referencia y se interpreta como a continuación se explica:
- Una persona en nivel CLB 1 no tiene conocimientos de inglés o sus conocimientos son muy limitados.
- Una persona con nivel CLB 4 tiene conocimientos para la vida diaria.
- Una persona con un nivel entre CLB 5 y CLB 8 tiene conocimientos para trabajar en Canadá.
- Una persona con un nivel entre CLB 6 y CLB 9 tiene conocimientos para estudiar en Canadá.
- Una persona con un nivel CLB 12 puede hablar inglés fluidamente.
El examen de evaluación CLB es gratuito para los ciudadanos y residentes permanentes de Canadá, el cual se puede realizarse en línea o en un centro de evaluación.
Para realizar el examen en línea visita:
Para realizar el examen en un centro de evaluación acude:
Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC)
#1401, 910 7th Ave SW, T2P 3N8 Calgary, AB
Los servicios de exámenes de inglés son gratuitos para inmigrantes con residencia permanente o ciudadanía canadiense. Después de completar el examen de inglés, ISC te remite al programa llamado LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) o al programa ESL (Inglés como Segundo Lengua). Los programas LINC son gratuitos, los programas ESL generalmente tienen un costo.
En general, los exámenes disponibles en “Immigrant Language and Vocational Assessment – Referral Centre” (ILVARC) son los siguientes:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT)
- Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA 6-10)
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Placement Test (CLB-LPT)
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment for Literacy Learners (CLBA-LL)
Algunas organizaciones requieren otros tipos de evaluaciones del idioma inglés, sin embargo, estas no son subsidiadas por el Gobierno.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
Para conocer todos los servicios proporcionados por el Gobierno de Alberta visita el siguiente sitio:
Improve your English
Conoce las Escuelas, Institutos y Organizaciones que ofrecen programas y exámenes de inglés Calgary.
Mexican Restaurant
A Global Guide to Your Mexican Restaurant Adventure
What to Expect, What to Eat, and Find a Mexican Restaurant Near You
The vibrant, flavourful, and deeply satisfying world of Mexican cuisine has conquered hearts and palates across the globe. From bustling metropolises to quaint towns, the cheerful sign of a Mexican restaurant is often a beacon for those seeking a culinary adventure. But what exactly can you expect when you step inside? While each establishment has its unique charm, a delightful thread of common experiences, iconic dishes, and festive spirit runs through Mexican restaurants worldwide. This guide will take you on a journey, preparing you for the delicious encounters that await, no matter where you are.
Mexican cuisine is more than just food; it’s a celebration of history, culture, and community. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, its roots run deep, blending indigenous Mesoamerican traditions with European (mainly Spanish) influences over centuries. This rich heritage translates into a diverse and exciting array of dishes that you’ll find presented with warmth and pride.
Mexico Food
A Vibrant Culinary Journey Through History, Flavor, and Culture
Mexican food, a globally adored cuisine, is far more than just tacos and guacamole. It’s a rich tapestry woven from ancient traditions, diverse regional specialties, and a profound cultural significance that has earned it a place as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This vibrant culinary landscape offers an explosion of flavors, colors, and textures, inviting food lovers on an unforgettable journey from its pre-Hispanic roots to its modern, innovative expressions.
The Historical Roots of Mexico Food
A Legacy of Flavors
The story of Mexico food begins thousands of years ago with the indigenous civilizations of Mesoamerica, including the Maya and the Aztecs. These cultures cultivated foundational ingredients that remain central to Mexican cuisine today. Corn (maize) was, and still is, the cornerstone, revered not just as food but as a vital part of their cosmology. They developed nixtamalization, a process of soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution, which unlocks its nutritional potential and allows it to be ground into masa – the dough used for tortillas, tamales, and countless other dishes.
Alongside corn, staples like beans, chili peppers, squash, avocados, tomatoes, and cacao formed the bedrock of the pre-Hispanic diet. Proteins came from domesticated turkeys, game, fish, and even insects, offering a diverse and sustainable food system.
The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Mexican cuisine. This encounter, often referred to as the “Columbian Exchange,” introduced a wave of new ingredients from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Pigs, cattle, chickens, sheep, and goats brought new sources of protein, while dairy products like cheese, along with rice, wheat, sugar, olive oil, onions, garlic, and a host of herbs and spices, were integrated into the existing culinary framework. This fusion of indigenous ingredients and Old World culinary traditions laid the groundwork for the complex and multifaceted cuisine we know today as Mexico food.
Interested Links:
Key Ingredients in Mexican Cooking
The Essential Palette
Understanding Mexico food requires an appreciation for its core ingredients, each contributing a unique layer of flavor and tradition:
Corn (Maíz): The undisputed king, used in countless forms – fresh as elotes (corn on the cob), ground into masa for tortillas, tamales, sopes, and gorditas, or dried and used in soups like pozole.
Chili Peppers (Chiles): From the mild poblano to the fiery habanero, chili peppers are the soul of Mexican cuisine, providing not just heat but also a complex spectrum of flavors – smoky, fruity, earthy, and bright. Dried chilies like ancho, guajillo, and pasilla are crucial for moles and sauces.
Beans (Frijoles): A vital source of protein, beans are a constant companion to corn, appearing as a side dish, a filling, or a base for soups. Black beans, pinto beans, and bayo beans are among the most common.
Tomatoes and Tomatillos: Bringing acidity and sweetness, fresh and cooked tomatoes are used extensively in salsas and stews. Tomatillos, with their tart, citrusy flavor, are the base for many green salsas (salsa verde).
Avocados (Aguacates): Prized for their creamy texture and rich flavor, avocados are most famously mashed into guacamole but also sliced into salads, tacos, and tortas.
Herbs and Spices: Cilantro, oregano (specifically Mexican oregano), cumin, epazote (a pungent herb often used with beans), and cinnamon (particularly in desserts and some savory dishes) are key aromatics.
Cacao: Historically used by the Aztecs and Maya for ceremonial drinks, cacao is still used in traditional beverages and is a crucial ingredient in complex moles.
Agave: This versatile plant provides sweeteners like agave nectar and is the base for iconic Mexican spirits like tequila and mezcal.
Regional Variations in Mexico Food
A Nation of Flavors
Mexico’s vast and diverse geography, coupled with its rich history, has given rise to distinct regional cuisines, each with its own specialties and local ingredients:
Oaxaca: Often called “The Land of Seven Moles,” Oaxaca is renowned for its complex and deeply flavored mole sauces, often containing dozens of ingredients. Oaxacan cheese (quesillo), tlayudas (large, thin, crispy tortillas topped with beans, meat, and cheese), and chapulines (toasted grasshoppers) are other regional highlights.
Yucatán Peninsula: Yucatecan cuisine showcases Mayan and Caribbean influences. Key ingredients include achiote (annatto seed, giving a reddish hue and earthy flavor), citrus (especially sour oranges), and habanero peppers. Signature dishes include cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, traditionally cooked in a pit), sopa de lima (lime soup), and poc chuc (grilled pork marinated in citrus).
Puebla: Another state famous for its moles, particularly mole poblano, a rich, dark sauce often considered Mexico’s national dish. Chiles en nogada, a patriotic dish featuring poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo and topped with a creamy walnut sauce (nogada) and pomegranate seeds, representing the colors of the Mexican flag, also hails from Puebla.
Jalisco: The birthplace of tequila and mariachi, Jalisco is also known for hearty dishes like birria (a spicy stew, traditionally made with goat or lamb, now often beef), pozole (a hominy-based soup), and tortas ahogadas (sandwiches “drowned” in a spicy tomato sauce).
Baja California: With its extensive coastline, Baja is celebrated for its fresh seafood, particularly fish tacos, which originated in this region. The influence of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines can also be felt.
Northern Mexico (Norteño): Characterized by its ranching culture, Northern Mexican cuisine features a greater emphasis on beef, with dishes like carne asada (grilled marinated beef) and machaca (dried, shredded beef). Flour tortillas are more common here than corn tortillas.
Central Mexico (including Mexico City): A melting pot of regional influences, Mexico City offers an incredible array of street food (antojitos) like tacos al pastor (spit-roasted pork), quesadillas, pambazos, and tlacoyos, alongside more refined restaurant fare.
The Cultural Significance of Mexico Food
More Than Sustenance
In Mexico, food is deeply intertwined with family, community, religion, and celebration. Meals are often communal affairs, bringing people together. Many traditional dishes are labor-intensive, prepared with care and passed down through generations, embodying a rich culinary heritage.
Festivals and holidays are invariably marked by specific foods. The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) features pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and altars laden with the favorite foods and drinks of departed loved ones. Christmas brings tamales, ponche (a warm fruit punch), and bacalao (salt cod). National holidays and local fiestas each have their own culinary traditions, reinforcing cultural identity and a sense of belonging.
The Global Journey of Mexico Food
Evolution and Modern Trends
Mexican cuisine has transcended borders, becoming one of the most popular and influential food cultures worldwide. Its initial global spread often focused on simplified, Tex-Mex versions of dishes like tacos, burritos, and nachos. However, there’s a growing global appreciation for authentic, regional Mexican food.
Contemporary Mexican cuisine is dynamic and evolving. Chefs both in Mexico and abroad are reinterpreting traditional dishes, incorporating modern techniques, and emphasizing high-quality, local, and seasonal ingredients. There’s a renewed interest in pre-Hispanic ingredients and ancestral cooking methods, alongside innovative fusions that respectfully blend Mexican flavors with other culinary traditions. Farm-to-table practices and sustainability are also becoming increasingly important.
Experiencing Authentic Mexico Food
To truly experience the depth and breadth of Mexico food, a culinary journey through Mexico itself is unparalleled. Visiting local markets, trying street food from trusted vendors, and dining in traditional fondas (small, family-run eateries) offer a taste of the country’s authentic flavors. Cooking classes can also provide hands-on experience with traditional techniques and ingredients.
Internationally, the availability of authentic Mexican restaurants is growing, moving beyond stereotypes and offering genuine regional specialties. Look for establishments that prioritize fresh ingredients, make their tortillas in-house, and showcase the diversity of Mexican culinary traditions.
From the ancient fields of maize to the bustling street food stalls and sophisticated international restaurants, Mexico food offers a delicious and captivating exploration of history, culture, and flavor. It’s a cuisine that continues to innovate while honoring its profound roots, ensuring its enduring appeal for generations to come. So, dive in Mexico Food, explore the diverse regions, savor the complex moles, delight in the fresh salsas, and discover the true heart of Mexico food – a culinary treasure that nourishes both body and soul.
Mexican Restaurant Vibes
A Feast for the Senses
Before you even glance at the menu, the atmosphere of a Mexican restaurant often begins to tell a story. Expect a vibrant and lively environment:
Colourful Decor: Bright hues are a hallmark. Think walls adorned with vivid murals depicting scenes of Mexican life, folkloric art, colourful serapes (blankets), sombreros, papel picado (intricate paper banners), and perhaps talavera pottery. The furniture is often rustic and inviting.
Lively Music: The sounds of Mexico are essential. You might hear the uplifting melodies of mariachi bands (live or recorded), contemporary Latin pop, or traditional folk music. The rhythm is usually upbeat, contributing to a festive and convivial mood.
Warm Hospitality: Mexican culture places a high value on hospitality. Expect to be greeted with a friendly smile and attentive service. The atmosphere is generally family-friendly and welcoming to groups looking to share a meal and good times.
Festive Spirit: There’s often an underlying sense of fiesta. Even on a regular weekday, the ambiance encourages relaxation, conversation, and enjoyment.
Mexican Restaurant: La Fiesta
Common Appetizers (Aperturas or Antojitos)
Your culinary journey will likely begin with some tempting starters, often perfect for sharing:
Chips and Salsa: This is the quintessential Mexican restaurant welcome. Crispy, often house-made corn tortilla chips (totopos) are typically served with salsa. You’ll usually find a classic red salsa (salsa roja), made from tomatoes, onions, chilies, and cilantro. Many restaurants also offer salsa verde (green salsa, made with tomatillos) or a fresh, chunky pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice). Don’t be surprised if these are complimentary and refilled.
Guacamole: This beloved dip is a global favourite for a reason. Freshly mashed ripe avocados are blended with lime juice, chopped onions, cilantro, and sometimes tomatoes and jalapeños. It’s served with tortilla chips and is a must-try for its creamy texture and fresh flavour.
Queso Dip or Queso Fundido: For cheese lovers, these are irresistible. Queso dip is a smooth, melted cheese concoction, often with a hint of chili, perfect for dipping chips. Queso Fundido is a more robust dish of melted cheese, often a blend like Chihuahua or Oaxaca cheese, served bubbling hot in a skillet. It’s commonly topped with chorizo (spicy Mexican sausage), sautéed mushrooms, or poblano peppers and eaten with tortillas.
Nachos: A universally popular appetizer, nachos typically feature a bed of tortilla chips generously topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, beans, and often ground beef, shredded chicken, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. They are a perfect sharing platter.
Elote/Esquites: While more common as street food, you might find Elote (grilled or boiled corn on the cob, slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime) or Esquites (corn kernels served in a cup with the same toppings) on the menu, offering an authentic taste of Mexico.
The Main Event in a Mexican Restaurant
Iconic Dishes You’ll Encounter
The heart of the Mexican menu lies in its diverse and flavourful main courses:
Tacos: Perhaps the most famous Mexican export, tacos are wonderfully versatile. They consist of a filling served in a folded or rolled tortilla, usually corn but sometimes flour. Common fillings you’ll encounter include:
Carne Asada: Grilled, marinated steak, often chopped.
Al Pastor: Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo), similar to shawarma, often served with a slice of pineapple.
Carnitas: “Little meats,” typically pork that is slow-cooked until tender and then crisped up.
Barbacoa: Traditionally, lamb or beef slow-cooked in an underground oven, but in restaurants, it’s usually slow-braised beef with rich, savoury flavours.
Pescado (Fish) or Camarones (Shrimp): Grilled or battered and fried, especially popular in coastal regions or restaurants with a broader seafood offering.
Vegetarian: Options with beans, cheese, sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or nopales (cactus paddles) are increasingly common. Tacos are typically garnished with cilantro, chopped onions, a squeeze of lime, and various salsas.
Burritos: These are larger flour tortillas wrapped around a generous filling. Common ingredients include rice (often Mexican red rice), beans (refried or whole), a choice of meat (similar to taco fillings), cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Mission-style burritos, originating in San Francisco, are particularly large and all-encompassing.
Enchiladas: A comforting classic, enchiladas feature corn tortillas lightly fried, dipped in a chili sauce, rolled around a filling (cheese, chicken, beef, or beans), and then baked, usually topped with more sauce and cheese. Common sauces include salsa roja (red chili sauce), salsa verde (green tomatillo sauce), or rich, complex Mole sauce.
Quesadillas: Simple yet satisfying, quesadillas are made by filling a tortilla (usually flour) with cheese and sometimes other ingredients like shredded chicken, beef, mushrooms, or peppers. It’s then folded and grilled or griddled until the cheese is melted and gooey. Served with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
Fajitas: A theatrical and popular choice, fajitas arrive at your table sizzling on a hot cast-iron skillet. They consist of strips of grilled meat (chicken, beef, or shrimp) and/or vegetables (typically bell peppers and onions). Served with warm tortillas (corn or flour) and a platter of accompaniments like pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese for you to build your own.
Mole: Pronounced “MOH-lay,” this is one of Mexico’s most iconic and complex sauces. There are many regional varieties, but Mole Poblano (from Puebla) is perhaps the best known, featuring dozens of ingredients including various chilies, nuts, seeds, spices, and a touch of chocolate, resulting in a rich, dark, and subtly sweet and savoury sauce. It’s commonly served over chicken or turkey.
Tamales: A traditional dish with ancient roots, tamales are made from masa (corn dough) filled with seasoned meats, cheeses, or chilies, wrapped in corn husks (or sometimes banana leaves in coastal regions) and then steamed. Unwrapping a tamal is part of the delightful experience.
Soups (Sopas): Hearty soups are also a feature. Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup) is a flavourful chicken and tomato broth, garnished with crispy fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and pasilla chili. Pozole is a traditional hominy-based stew, often with pork or chicken, and garnished with lettuce, radish, onion, lime, and chili.
Sweet Mexican Restaurant
Endings: Popular Desserts (Postres)
Save room for a sweet treat to round off your meal:
Churros: These are long, star-shaped strips of fried dough, often dusted with cinnamon sugar and served warm. They are typically accompanied by a dipping sauce like chocolate or cajeta (caramel).
Flan: A classic creamy custard dessert with a soft caramel topping. Its smooth texture and rich flavour make it a popular choice worldwide.
Tres Leches Cake (“Three Milks” Cake): A light sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream), resulting in a wonderfully moist and sweet dessert, often topped with whipped cream and fruit.
What to drink in a Mexican Restaurant
To Quench Your Thirst: Drinks (Bebidas)
Mexican restaurants usually offer a range of beverages to complement the food:
Margaritas: The iconic tequila-based cocktail, typically made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau), served in a salt-rimmed glass, either on the rocks or frozen. Many flavour variations exist.
Tequila and Mezcal: Expect a selection of these famous Mexican spirits, meant for sipping or as a base for cocktails. Knowledgeable staff might guide you through different types (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo).
Mexican Beers (Cervezas): Popular brands like Corona, Modelo (Especial and Negra), Pacifico, Dos Equis, Sol, and Tecate are commonly available. Often served with a lime wedge.
Aguas Frescas (“Fresh Waters”): These are refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks made from fruits, grains, seeds, or flowers blended with water and sugar. Popular choices include Horchata (a creamy rice milk drink, often with cinnamon), Jamaica (hibiscus tea, tart and refreshing), and Tamarindo (sweet and tangy tamarind).
Jarritos and Mexican Coke: Jarritos are popular fruit-flavoured sodas from Mexico (e.g., mandarin, lime, guava). Mexican Coke, made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, is often sought after for its distinct taste.
Understanding Variations: Authenticity, Tex-Mex, and Regionality
It’s important to note that “Mexican food” found globally can vary:
Tex-Mex: Particularly prevalent in the United States (especially Texas) and some international locations, Tex-Mex is a regional American cuisine that adapts Mexican food to American palates. Common characteristics include the heavy use of yellow cheese (like cheddar), cumin, chili powder, ground beef, crispy hard-shell tacos, and wheat flour tortillas. While delicious in its own right, it’s distinct from traditional interior Mexican cuisine.
Authenticity and Regionality: True Mexican cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region boasting its own specialties and distinct flavour profiles (e.g., Oaxacan cuisine is famous for its moles and tlayudas; Yucatecan cuisine features achiote, citrus, and habanero). Some restaurants may specialize in a particular regional cuisine, while others offer a broader “national” menu. The level of authenticity can also vary significantly depending on the availability of traditional ingredients and the chef’s background.
Tips for Enjoying Your Mexican Restaurant Experience
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your server about dishes, ingredients, or spice levels if you’re unsure. They are usually happy to explain.
Share and Sample: Mexican food is great for sharing. Order a few different dishes to sample a wider range of flavours.
Embrace the Spice (or Not): Mexican food can be spicy, but not all dishes are. Salsas are often where the heat lies, and you can usually request milder options.
Go Beyond the Familiar: While tacos and burritos are fantastic, be adventurous and try regional specialties or a complex mole if available.
Enjoy the Atmosphere: Relax, soak in the vibrant ambiance, and enjoy the convivial spirit.
A visit to a Mexican restaurant is more than just a meal; it’s an immersion into a culture renowned for its warmth, colour, and incredible flavours. Whether you’re seeking the comfort of familiar favourites or the thrill of new tastes, the global family of Mexican restaurants offers a fiesta for your senses. ¡Buen provecho!
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