Chimichanga origin

[Barnhart]

More on chimichanga.   The origins appear to be disputed.  The "urban
legend" of its origin is found in the following:

Food historians differ on where the term " chimichanga"  originated and
whether it loosely translates as "toasted monkey." But there's no
mistaking that this deep-fried tortilla stuffed with beef, potatoes,
chilies and other seasonings has become a staple of Southwestern
cuisine. They're a specialty at El Charro Cafe.... Jerry Shriver, “The
50 Great Plates of America,” USA TODAY (Nexis), May 26, 2000, p. 6D

For continuous operation by one family, El Charro sets a record. Monica
Flin, daughter of a Mexican woman and a French stone mason, was 40 when
she opened El Charro in 1922 in a lava rock home constructed in the
1880s by her father. The menu reflected her dual heritage: Enchiladas,
tacos and a savory French rack of lamb.  Flin, who died at age 96 after
marrying and divorcing the same man seven times, claimed to have
invented the cheese crisp and the chimichanga, a deep-fried burro. When
her health declined in the 1970s, family members Carlotta and Ray
Flores took over El Charro, now run by their daughter, Candace, Flin's
great-great-great niece.  Barbara Yost, “From Fare To Excellent; The
Evolution Of Valley Dining; How Restaurants Got From Tacos And Steaks
To Ahi And Arugula,” Arizona Republic (Nexis), May 7, 2000, p F1


Regards,
David K. Barnhart, Editor
The Barnhart Dictionary Companion [quarterly]
barnhart at highlands.com
www.highlands.com/Lexik

"Necessity obliges us to neologize."
Thomas Jefferson-August 16, 1813