Sunday, July 29

Anthony Bourdain Hearts Tacos

I am a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, and his show on the Travel Channel, 'No Reservations,' is by far some of the best television out there. One of the most memorable episodes of the second season is his trip to the Mexico/U.S. Border. My favorite scene has to be when he joins the locals and eats tacos and tortas on the streets of Piedras Negras (clip below).



The third season of the series starts tomorrow on the Travel Channel and Tony will be in Austin on October 20th speaking at the Paramount Theater. Be sure to check out the show on the Travel Channel and don't miss him at the Paramount this fall.

Friday, July 27

Homer would love Chico's Tacos!



It's 3 in the morning, ur buzzy, hungry and have visions of "glow in the dark" green salsa with your Chico's Tacos, born and made in El Paso, Texas aka El Chuco, circa 1953. You have to get at least a double order with extra cheese, no doubt. To most people from the El Paso area, Chicos Tacos is a staple just like the donut is to Homer...mmm donuts, mmmm...Chico's. These tacos are not your run of the mill tacos, in fact some might call them mini flautas. The taco's are rolled & filled with some type of mystery meat and of course the special "runny" sauce, tomato that is. Its a good mix of tomato and chile and deliciousness. The best way to eat them is to add the green chile that accompanies the tacos, about two to three little cup-fulls. Try to scoop them up with your plastic fork before they become soggy, once the oh so good sogginess hits, you kinda have to launch at them with your mouth wide open right before they slip off your flimsy fork. The green chile, the mystery meat, the rolled corn tortillas, the cheese...the flavor flaves just explode in your mouth! Que rico y lleno de SABOR! Chico's Tacos can also be enjoyed during the day, at family picnics (listening to cumbias and low-rider oldies) and only in El Paso!


Chico's Tacos (disclaimer: may not be suitable for vegetarians)
El Paso, TX
Cinco (5) Estrellas, yo!





This has been an excerpt from Sopapilla Wishes & Enchilada Dreams

Wednesday, July 18

Tacos in the News

Look, Listen, and Smell
Insight on Mexico City's Varied Cuisine.

Only in LaLa Land
Glam tacos hit the scene.

Is it Real or Tex-Mex?
Restaurant owners unite to distinguish the authentic mexican food.

No Mas Tacos?
New Orleans Parish wants Taco Trucks out of their Gumbo.

Thursday, July 5

Taqueria El Rinconsito

Taqueria El Rinconsito

We first heard about Taqueria El Rinconsito over at the Chowhound Austin board. MPH, an honorary journalist, raved about the handmade flour and corn tortillas and the delicious taco filling, so we ventured out on the 4th of July to celebrate our Taco independence.

Cornbiter, Andrea, baby T, and I rolled up to the Taqueria located near the NE corner of Airport & Manor. There was a very nice woman working and she informed us that the only fillings they had available were Beef & Chicken fajita, Carnitas & Bistek con papas so we decided to try them all. We were somewhat disappointed that they were out of Al Pastor, and the popular Carne Molida, but we will definitely be back to try out these two filling.

Taco Trifecta

Cornbiter rolled with a taco trifecta of Carnitas, Bistek & Beef Fajita on Flour tortillas. I went for a Bistek on Corn and the Beef Fajita on Flour. Both the corn and flour tortillas were hand rolled and had a marvelous consistency. A single corn tortilla held in the Bistek nicely, but the beef itself was a little underdone and chewy with a severe lack of spice. I didn't find any papas in my taco, but the salsa did help out the situation
slightly. Speaking of salsa, they offer both a red and green salsa (nice!) and both were rather mild but full of flavor. The beef fajita was the standout of this trip. I choose to roll with the red salsa on top of the beautifully charred and flaky beef. It was a little dry, but the salsa made up for the beef's lack of juiciness.

I was a little unimpressed after hearing a few people give this stand rave reviews, but I'll blame it on the holiday and will gladly return for another go at this one. But for now, go check it out for yourself and let us know what you think.

Taqueria El Rinconsito - 3.25 stars - jarod
Manor Business Park
3128 Manor Rd
512.476.0015

Bistek con Papas & Beef Fajita Tacos