Happy Tummies at Stella Taco (for under $10!)

Loving a good happy hour, I've been wanting to indulge in Stella Taco's offering.  I always enjoy their tacos (and especially when they're just $2!) however, I've never actually been inside and eaten there. My experience has always been with take out that Dan brings home after the workday.

Atmosphere:
Located just a few blocks from where we live, you can find Stella Taco on the corner of 30th Avenue and Alberta Street.  It marks a pivotal spot in this quintessential NE Portland arts district in that I think it's where the good food starts. 

The interior couldn't be more inviting - it's well lit, boasts high ceilings, a cheery modern design and an overall casual, laid back vibe.  Since we're now always dining with our little one, I must mention that Stella is super family friendly and throughout the course of our visit, I noticed several families with young kids.  There's plenty of room between tables so you won't feel crowded and they even have a fun little activity corner for the kiddies.

Food:
To no one's surprise, we came for the happy hour tacos which only go for $2 a pop between 3-6 p.m. Note that not all tacos are $2, just the street tacos, but rest assured that there's plenty of variety to go around.

Tortilla Soup - Feeling the chill from the outdoors, I was ready to cozy up to some nice, warm soup.  It seemed to be the special of the day so I thought it would be made fresh and I was right.  Loving the chunkiness of the soup, it was packed with lots of hearty ingredients such as shredded chicken, black beans, greens and crispy tortilla chips on top.  There was also lots of cheese on top, which gave it that extra dose of comfort and Mexican flavor.

Tacos - While you can only choose the soft street tacos as part of the happy hour deal, there are 8 varieties to choose from.  Whether you're a meat eater or a vegetarian, there's plenty of excellent options for you.  I was half tempted by the veggie offerings but in the end went for the meatier pork Colombiano and the shredded brisket.  Out of these, the former was my favorite, as the meat was most tender, dressed with some homemade chile sauce and topped with crispy tortillas.  The brisket was good too but a bit on the salty side.  If I had to do it all over again, I think I would go for the carnitas instead.

Service and Cost:
Ordering at the counter and then hanging up our number on their handy-dandy ceiling hooks, the service at Stella was pretty, well...stellar.  We didn't feel like we waited long for anything and loved the attentive folks who cleaned our plates and at the same time made us feel welcome and relaxed to stay a while.

Costs are amazing for the amount of food you get.  It must be said that the tacos are incredibly filling and stuffed to the very top of the tortillas.  The soup was on the generous side as well, and depending on how hungry you are, I think you can walk out quite full for under $10/person.

3 Mmmms

Stella Taco - 2940 NE Alberta Street, Portland OR 97211
971.407.3705
stellatacopdx.com

Down Home Mexican (with a Surprise!) at Santeria

This past Friday, my lovely co-workers and I headed to the well known Santeria Mexican restaurant in SW Portland.  I say well known, as this place is notorious for sharing a restroom with Mary's Club, one of the most notable strip clubs in town.  But before you turn your nose, reconsider both establishments (yes both), as one serves delicious down-home Mexican food and the other delivers a somewhat comical and memorable entertainment experience.

Atmosphere:
As soon as you walk into Santeria, you know it's a dive but these types of establishments can also be symbols of greatness.  Sure there was absolutely no AC on the 100+ degree day we went in and no seating except at the bar, but the fact that it was so crowded was a great sign.

Everything about the decor and atmosphere is simple and no frills, but this again brings your attention to the menu and the fact that this place is always full also speaks volumes. 

Food:
Even though I wasn't too hungry, I couldn't not try something and was immediately impressed with their taco selection (including the competitive prices).  Also noticing their extensive non-alcoholic drinks such as homemade horchata, I was sold.

Al Pastor Taco - One of my favorite taco flavors, I was excited to try Santeria's version of the Al Pastor.  Happy to see that it was packed with big pieces of marinated pork and pineapple, it produced a hearty and satisfying bite.  It has to be said that the homemade tortillas  withstood the generous filling of this taco.  Overall, the taco more than surpassed expectations, and I'd be interested to try their other varieties as well.

Horchata - I'm a sucker for a good horchata and can sometimes be disappointed by the pre-packaged stuff they serve at restaurants around town.  However this is far from the way they do it at Santeria, as it's quite evident that the horchata is homemade.  I love the sprinkling of cinnamon spice on top, which adds a little something special to it.  And yet another great selling point of this drink is that it's on free refills.  Score!

Service and Cost:
I can't say that I was overly impressed with the service since it was quite slow and for a very simple meal should've been expedited quickly.  However, all was forgotten when we got those delicious tacos and burritos - so overall, the quality and taste of the food surpasses the shoddy service.

Costs are cheap (as they should be) and therefore welcome for really great Mexican food.  My taco and horchata set me back a mere $5.50 or $6.50 with a tip.

3 Mmmms

Santeria - 703 SW Ankeny Street, Portland OR 97205
503.956.7624
thesanteria.com

Taco Pedaler - New Brick and Mortar on the Mexican Food Scene

Usually it's Fooditka who "suggests" a place for us to check out and potentially review for the blog.  However this time, it was my idea to check out Taco Pedaler's happy hour.  I first noticed their new brick and mortar spot a few weeks back and wanted to stop in, as I love a good taco every now and again (and again and again and again).  

Atmosphere:

Taco Pedaler started their existence as a mobile food business based on N. Mississippi, selling tacos and other simple Mexican dishes from signature cargo-tricycles all over Portland.  A permanent home somewhere was the logical next step, and they set up shop on N.E. Broadway between 22nd and 23rd.  They did a great job with the space, and the building itself is a vibrant and eye-catching addition to the immediate neighborhood.  The colorful outside is adorned with one of their unmistakable bikes above the front door, and an artist's rendering of one on the side.  The interior is also really nice, with a lot of finely finished wood and authentic looking details.  It feels a lot like a no-frills Mexican cantina that some skilled artisan spent a lot of time getting perfect.  There are several tables inside and more outside for when the weather is nice, although the outside tables are a tight squeeze.  

Food:

The menu is pretty straightforward; in addition to tacos they offer chips and salsa/guacamole, as well as items called "Dillas."  They are kind of like empanadas, made out of a taco shell folded over and stuffed and then deep fried and grilled.  We got some of each, plus I ordered a michelada.  They have a full bar, so...yay.

Salsa, Guac and Chips - This was a solid opener.  Hard to really go wrong with salsa and guacamole, but they definitely do a fine job.  I actually preferred the guac to the salsa, which is interesting because usually I'm the other way around; it was just the right texture for me.

Dilla - It looked as good as it sounds.  Golden brown, crunchy and oozing all of its molten goodness out of the middle once bitten into.  Unfortunately, I didn't ask for a taste quickly enough.  By the time I thought to try a bite, Fooditka had already devoured it.  Next time I go, I'll have to get my own.  

Tacos - The bread and butter of any meat and potatoes taco shop should be its tacos. Too many cliched food metaphors? Maybe, but you get the point.  This is certainly true in Taco Pedaler's case.  Their tacos are strong, with delightfully authentic soft corn tortillas and a generous amount of filling in every one.  I ordered one each of the beef, the pork and the chicken.  I'd have to say I preferred the first two over the last.  In my honest opinion, I thought the chicken was a tad dry, although still made for an excellent taco after I garnished it up with some of their awesome house hot sauce.  The beef and the pork were outstanding though and covered with some sprigs of cilantro and lime juice, the overall effect was delicious.  I'm for sure going back sometime soon.

Service and Cost:

This is another of those order and pay before you sit and bus your own table kind of places, so the actual service was minimal.  Everyone there was very friendly though, and my michelada was a good one.  We went during happy hour, which is 3-6 p.m. so our total bill was very reasonable.  Dinner for both of us was less than $20.00.

3 Mmmms

Taco Pedaler - 2225 N.E. Broadway Portland, OR 97232

503.866.3333

tacopedalerpdx.com

Cruzroom Happy Hour by Guest Contributor, Dan

As I'm sure you're aware by now, Fooditka and I have moved to Portland, Oregon. And while we are still brand new to the area, some things have made themselves immediately apparent. For example, Portlandians love micro-brewed beer, coffee, and brunch. They (we) love free range everything, Pinot Gris, and authentic Mexican food. Also bicycles, gluten-free options, and composting. Then there's gardening, dogs, fireplaces, bbq, chicken and waffles, fancy ice cream, beards, ironic t-shirts, and The Walking Dead, to name but a few. And in addition to all this, perhaps above all, Portlandians LOVE Happy Hour.

Seriously though, who doesn't love Happy Hour?  Fortunately for us, we moved to an area that is overflowing with options of places to eat and drink to our hearts content, and even though we just got here, we aren't wasting any time in that department. Sure we have no furniture in two of our bedrooms, and most of our clothes are still in boxes, but there will be plenty of time to get to that after we are full and drunk.  Priorities people.

One of our first stops on the perpetual Happy Hour tour of Portland was a place called Cruzroom.

Atmosphere:
Conveniently located about a half mile from our house we spotted it just walking around the neighborhood.  It looked warm and inviting and also pretty busy, which is obviously a good sign, so we popped in and sat at the bar.  

Immediately we were greeted by a friendly, attentive staff, and were informed about their happy hour specials.  $2.50 tacos a-la-carte, $5.00 house infused liquor drinks, and $3.00 pints. $2.00 pints of Reinier, which is like the PNW's version of PBR.  Well all that sounded good to us so we dove in.

Food:
The tacos are not just your standard classic Mexican style tacos, but a wide variety of creative, non-traditional options with some international flair.  There are Asian style tacos, Jamaican style tacos, American style tacos, and even a British option.  Also, there are several vegetarian options to go along with all the pork, chicken and beef.  To start, we each got one taco and a drink.

Bob's Your Uncle - Fooditka ordered this one, the aforementioned British style taco. Essentially a small serving of fish 'n chips on a corn tortilla, it was delicious. The white fish was perfectly fried and flaky atop some french fries with some slaw and malt vinegar thrown in, it was an interesting mix of flavors when combined with the soft corn tortilla around it.

The Mac - This was my first choice - a combination of fried pickles, bacon, and slaw. Also, a cheddar cheese "crisp" rounded out the flavors with the same soft corn tortilla shell. The crisp was melted cheddar, pleasantly burned on the bottom and then pulled from the pan in one piece and laid between the corn tortilla and fried pickles. I never claimed it to be healthy, just delicious. 

We also ordered two more tacos, one was The Foghorn Leghorn, a fried chicken based taco, and the other a classic shredded beef number, more traditional Mexican tasting than any of the others.  These were not as good or memorable as either Bob's Your Uncle or The Mac.

Drinks - Of course, no happy hour is truly happy without alcohol, so on to the beverage portion of the review.  Fooditka ordered a glass of the house Pinot Gris (which was not part of the happy hour) and I got their house infused blackberry bourbon on the rocks with a splash of soda.  Both were delicious, and the bourbon was especially interesting. It was fruitier than I had anticipated and actually quite refreshing.  Plus, it came with a little plastic Brontosaurus floating amongst the ice cubes.  Then I ordered one of the $2.00 pints of Reinier, which I said earlier is similar to Pabst Blue Ribbon, but it is slightly better in my opinion.  The price was right anyway, that's for sure.

Service and Cost:
So to sum it up: nice confines, friendly service, unique and tasty food, some interesting adult beverages, and a totally reasonable price tag made for a very happy hour indeed.  

3 Mmmms

Cruzroom - 2338 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211
503-208-3483
cruzroom.com

Chela & Garnacha Knocks it Out of the Park

On Thursday, after Dan and I spent an awesome evening at the Museum of Moving Image seeing the brand new Chuck Jones, What's Up Doc? exhibit we also headed to the new Chela & Garnacha Mexican joint for some eats.  The exhibit was a lot of fun and the overall evening a big success, but it left us feeling hungry, so we stopped in for some impromptu eats.

Atmosphere:
Known for being the restaurant location of the popular Mexico Blvd food truck, Chela & Garnacha is situated on 36th Avenue and 34th St right next to Arepas Cafe.  In truth, we were actually headed to the latter but spotted Chela quicker and it drew us in.  The colors and the cheery decor is in itself attractive, as it consists of rustic touches such as a reclaimed wooden wall, little cupboards with greenery inside and the bright green tables you can see bits of above. Menus are printed on recycled paper and the place has an overall eco-friendly vibe that goes well with the simple, rustic yet authentic food from their kitchen.

Food:
Although the menu is limited, it makes your decision an easy one.  The few items to choose from include tacos, quesadillas, flautas and various appetizers.  Dan zeroed in on the tacos immediately while I went with the more inventive route and got the intrincadas.

Intrincadas - Even though I was unfamiliar with these, I was drawn to the ingredients, which included crispy massa patties with guacamole, chipotle sauce, crema and shredded chicken.  They reminded me of the huaraches from La Condesa I had in Austin back in the winter.  Not only were these hearty and a little bit indulgent because they were fried, the ingredients on top, including the shredded white meat chicken felt light and fresh.  Since the portion is quite big, it's great to share with your dining compadre.

Tacos -Dan went with the Al Pastor and the fish tacos, which are his favorites in any taqueria.  We compared them with the tacos we had just the night before from the Tacos Jalisco truck and while the Al Pastor was super flavorful -the pork tender and a little smoky - the fish tacos weren't as tasty as from the food truck.  I personally wished there was more fish vs. some of the fixins such as the slaw. 

Service and Cost:
The service at Chela & Garnacha couldn't be better.  Our waitress was friendly and struck up a genuine conversation with us.  She quickly informed us about the BYOB factor, which we loved and even offered us some limes for the Coronas we brought in.
Costs are reasonable, especially due to the BYOB option and set us back about $24 total, including tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

Chela & Garnacha - 33-09 36th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
917.832.6876
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
chela-garnacha.com

Astoria Taco Greatness at Tacos Jalisco

On my way home from an awesome Queens Salon networking event hosted by Mackenzi, I was in the mood for something hearty that would satisfy my dinner craving.  Immediately thinking to visit the King of Falafel, I was sadly discouraged after seeing the long line.

Saved by a friendly taco truck called Tacos Jalisco, an awesomely serendipitous experience followed.  

About Tacos Jalisco:
On most days, this cheery red taco truck is located on the corner of 31st Street and Broadway.  Headed up by a two person team, it's great to see that food is made to order, exemplifying also that they use fresh, quality ingredients.  I was pleasantly surprised that you can order from them on Seamless and that unlike at other food trucks, you can also pay with your credit card.

Tacos - Aside from all the taco options, there were tons of other enticing things on the menu such as enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, tortas, cemitas and various platters.  However, I still chose to go with the truck's namesake specialty and got two tacos, including the pescado with fried tilapia and the carbon with beef.  Both were awesome and very different, the fish taco enveloped in two soft corn tortillas, while the carbon was served on a white flour tortilla.

In terms of flavor, both of these delivered but in very different ways.  The carbon was more hearty, evoking a comfort food quality while the fish tacos were light, fresh and also packed generously with lots of fish.  They smelled absolutely delicious on my ride home, making it hard to resist devouring them then and there on the subway.

Service and Cost
Loving the simplicity and transparency of the service, I was once again impressed.  As mentioned, everything is cooked on the spot, which helps to instill confidence in the food.

Prices are competitive at just $2.50-$3 per taco, and for quite a generous portion too.  I was full after polishing two off.

3 Mmmms

Tacos Jalisco - 31st Street and Broadway, Astoria.
347.744.0774
N/Q Train to Broadway

El Maguey y La Tuna - Mexican Comfort Food Passed Down by Generations

Everyone has a few key food buzzwords that get them going when eating out at restaurants (blue cheese, bacon, chocolate, avocado, and so forth), and for me, one of those buzzwords is "Mexican."  All the delicious things that go with that word get my tastebuds tingling for something spicy, cheesy, hearty and comforting.  That's why I was super excited to visit a small, charming Mexican restaurant called El Maguey y La Tuna, with a few other blogger comrades.

Atmosphere:
Situated on East Houston Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side neighborhood, El Maguey y La Tuna sits in the company of other great eats, so needless to say there's a lot to choose from.  I like that Maguey stands apart from the rest though, as it's positioned further East than the tight cluster of other restaurants that decorates this neighborhood.

While the interior is simple and no frills, it feels comfortable and authentic, sporting white subway tile walls and tables, authentic Mexican folk art and a smallish custom made bar.  It was fun to come here with a large group, but think that the intimate space is better suited for couples or smaller parties.  We observed a few folks dining here who seemed like regulars, which is always a good sign.

Food:
Receiving a generous sampling of shared plates that represented a little bit of everything on the menu, my comrades and I enjoyed the communal nature of this meal.  Everything was tasty and interesting, with the following standing apart as my favorites:

Flautas - These fried little beauties came stuffed with a hearty chicken filling that was juxtaposed by fresh flavors of avocado crema and a zesty pico de gallo.  Despite it being a fried dish, it felt light and airy and something I'd like to bite into again.

Mole Poblano - I adore a good mole poblano, mainly due to its rich color and the use of chocolate, which is ever so subtle.  Maguey's was executed perfectly, as it boasted a sweet, smooth flavor that hugged the white meat chicken that was tender and juicy inside.  Little white flecks of sesame seeds provided a touch of crunch.

Mole de 5 Chile - Never having tried this rendition of mole, I was pleasantly surprised by the pop in flavor from the dried chiles and spices used to construct the sauce.  Despite its fiery look, the taste wasn't overly spicy but certainly held its own next to the mild chicken.  A side of rice or a soft corn tortilla did the job of drinking up that delicious sauce and transporting it into our pining tummies.

Jalapeno Margarita - Always welcoming a spicy margarita in my mouth, this one came on the rocks and used fresh juices and sliced jalapenos, giving it a nice kick.  While it's not for the faint of heart, the flavor isn't over the top.

Ponche - Because this drink isn't technically on the menu makes it that much more special.  Maria, Maguey's chef gave us a touch of history behind it, shedding light on the fact that it's mainly served during holiday time.  Consisting of warm, cooked fruits such as apples, pears, oranges, prunes and even a few tropical fruits we've never heard of, it's Mexico's version of mulled wine - with some tequila in place of wine, of course.

Service and Cost:
We loved the personal way in which everything is handled at El Maguey y La Tuna, from the interior decor to the down home comforting dishes.  As mentioned, we got to chat with Maria Luisa, Maguey's chef who not only knew all the ins and outs of the family recipes, but felt closely connected with customers, giving them what they truly want.

Costs are wallet friendly, allowing you to eat like a king in the big city:

Appetizers - $3.95 -$12.95
Tacos - $6.95 - $8.95
Seafood - $12.95 - $15.95
House Specialties - $13.95 - $16.95
Desserts - $4.95

3 Mmmms

El Maguey y La Tuna - 321 East Houston Street, New York NY 10002
212.473.3919
F Train to 2nd Avenue
www.magueyylatuna.com

Taco and Nacho Fun at the LIC Flea

Last weekend, Dan and I made it out to the LIC Flea again, which was fun, especially since he's never been. I was happy to see some of the awesome food vendors from last time, but was sad that Little Wrinkles wasn't there, as we really needed to replenish their bodacious raisins (really...the best raisins I've ever had).

We did however, try out the Oaxaca food stand, which actually comes from the popular taco shop with a few locations in the city and Brooklyn.  After indulging in tacos, Dan still wasn't completely satiated, so we went back to Bill's Balls for a meatball nacho platter.  Mmmm...

Korean Taco - I always get excited when I see even hints of Korean flavors in a dish, as I generally love this flavor profile.  Made up of bulgogi marinated steak, and topped with kimchi and a crunchy apple mango slaw, it provided a burst of flavor.  The slightly spicy sauce that tied it all together was delicious too and added a little smokiness.  My only negative about this taco was that it was so full that it was a little hard to eat.

Carnitas Taco - Dan got the classic carnitas taco with braised pork, pickled onion, cilantro and cotija cheese.  The pork was tender and juicy, but not so much so that it created a drippy taco - it made for a most delicious bite, and was also filling, given the generous amount of meat inside.

Meatball Nachos - We couldn't resist this innovative spin on nachos from Bill's Balls, with a Philly Cheesesteak flavor profile.  The meatballs were cut into bite sized pieces and embellished with grilled onions and a generous dose of beer cheese sauce.  What can I say, it was a perfect take on street food and was so shareable. And at just $3 a portion, it was also a great deal!

If you haven't yet tried these food vendors at the LIC Flea, they come highly recommended and they'll be there through this month.

LIC Flea - 5-25 46th Avenue, LIC
www.licflea.com  

Mexico Blvd Truck Looks Suweeet!

I was on my way to the new MP Taverna last week, getting ready for a fabulous press dinner when I ran into this Mexico Blvd truck right outside of the Ditmars Blvd stop.  It looked so inviting and like a legit food truck that I walked by and looked at what it had to offer.  The menu was simple yet intriguing and the prices are fantastic - especially for the tacos.  I like that their meat is sustainable and they carry most gluten free products, which is nice for friends with food allergies.  Take a look at their menu and do check them out next time you seem them in the nabe.

Guacamole - made fresh daily and paired with chips
Chico (small)...$3.25
Grande (big)...$4.50

Tacos
Adobo - Pork loin marinated for 24 hours in their great grandmother's adobo...$3
Pastor - Pork tenderloin marinated in 3 chiles sauce, served with cilantro, onion & a pineapple slice...$3
Bistec - Top round steak in a drunken sauce, served with cilantro and onion...$3
Tinga - Shredded chicken in a tomato and chipotle sauce...$3

Tortas (Mexico City sandwiches)
Adobo...$8
Pastor...$8
Bistec...$8
Tinga...$8

Find this truck here.

Lunchin' with Korilla BBQ at the IMS Summit

I was at the IMS summit last week for work, which was a tad underwhelming, so I didn't have high hopes when it came for lunchtime.  However, I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised when I found out that Korilla BBQ was in my future that day.  That's right...everyone at the conference had the opportunity to get the Korean BBQ specialty of their dreams from this fabulous truck.  I instantly fell in love.

The Concept:
Started by Edward "3D" Song, a Columbia graduate who just couldn't face the corporate world, the Korilla BBQ truck was born.  Wanting to spread the amazingness of Korean BBQ cuisine with others, and to also break the perception that this cuisine is only for carnivores, "3D" started his first truck with three other cohorts.

Since then, they're all over the NYC map (and even Jersey), as well as doing private events such as the one from last week.  I really loved the idea behind this, as it added a level of coolness to the event.  It was fun watching the guys behind the truck's window, having a good time and serving up some amazing, piping hot Korean yums.  All I can say is that it was a great intro, and I'll certainly be back for more.

Food:
Lucky for us, we got to choose whatever we wanted on their menu, so I went for the Chosun bowl.  First you pick a protein such as the ribeye (bulgogi), pulled pork, chicken thighs, or tofu; then you go for the rice (they even have bacon, kimchi fried rice!), and then additional fixins such as kimchi, slaw, cucumber, etc.

I got the bulgogi, as I typically love this tender, marinated beef that's oh so flavorful.  Korilla's was even better than others I've had - it was incredibly easy to break down, no knife required.  Pairing this with the bacon, kimchi fried rice and a topping of mild tomato salsa, crunchy slaw and cucumber, was a hearty, smoky combination.  The smokiness came from the Korean BBQ sauce they put on top, that was slightly sweet, and a little tangy.  The differing textures were just fabulous and the whole thing made for a colorful and a very exciting lunch.  While I could imagine eating these ingredients in burrito form, I much rather enjoyed seeing it all shine in front of me inside a bowl.  Who'd want all that beauty to be hidden inside a flour wrap?!

Service and Cost:
Amazed at how quickly each order got expedited, the line moved quickly and it was fun watching the guys serving everyone.  It's clear that they enjoy what they do, each with a big smile on their face, cracking some jokes along the way too.

Prices range between $7-$8/serving, depending on whether you get a taco set, a burrito or the bowl I just mentioned.

3 Mmmms

Korilla BBQ - truck locations

Spur-of-the-Moment Lunch at Nixtamal

I love having the excuse, any chance I get, to visit Tortilleria Nixtamal, and it's been quite a while.  Getting that itch for their delectable tacos and tamales, Dan and I decided to make a pit stop for lunch, after visiting friends, Grant and Katie in their new casa.  Unfortunately, the drive over was quite hellish, but as always, it was so worth it, making us forget about all those pestering traffic escapades.  Here's what we had:

Tamales:
We can never come here without including a hefty tamale to our order.  This time around, we tried two varieties including the chicken mole and the chicken with red salsa.  Both were flavorful and delicious, and we loved putting both the red and green (really spicy) salsa sauce on top for added flavor.  While I liked mine, I thought they could've gone heavier on the mole sauce, which seemed a little bit like an afterthought.  The chicken tamale however had larger pieces of meat inside and was definitely more generously doused in red salsa sauce, which was just delicious.  Dan gave me a bite of his and I secretly wished I ordered it.  Next time!

Tacos:
Since we both got tamales, which were very filling, we thought that ordering two additional tacos would be enough.  And it was.  The Al Pastor, with rotisserie pork, sweet chunks of pineapple, chopped onions and cilantro were nomtastic, as my friend Meg would say.  The pork had a nice smokey-sweet flavor, which totally hit the spot and felt like the perfect bite of slow cooked meat.  Although it didn't need much else, we were totally obsessed with the red salsa sauce, which we put on top anyway.

Additionally to this, I also got the barbacoa taco, with seasoned lamb, prepared by being steamed in maguey (agave) leaves, which just like the Al Pastor, made it ultra tender.  This was definitely a lot spicier in flavor, as it was topped with green jalapeno peppers, which gave it that extra kick.  While it definitely gave your tastebuds a jolt, it wasn't too spicy and went perfectly with the deep, rich flavored meat.  If you're a lamb lover, you're going to love this non-traditional, sophisticated taco.

Service and Cost:
As always, the service was fantastic and the perfect amount of attentive.  Since all dishes take just a short time to prepare, we were in and out of there in about a half an hour, but could've stayed as long as we wanted.  They had the football and basketball games on, which is an added bonus for all you staunch sports fans.

Costs remain inexpensive and for the above mentioned lunch, including a beer and two lbs of tortillas to go, we paid about $33 with tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

Tortilleria Nixtamal - 104-05 47th Avenue, Corona NY 11368
 718.699.2434
7 Train to 103rd Street

www.tortillerianixtamal.com

Homemade Fish Tacos a la Fooditka

One of my favorite light foods in the summertime are tacos, especially fish tacos, which are fabulous when fried but even better when grilled or baked.  I decided to make them last night for dinner, inserting some really neat ethnic ingredients such as Queso Poroso, a Central American hard cheese as well as El Salvadorian-style thick tortillas.  Instead putting a crunchy slaw on top, I chose to make a refreshing mango salad, which I've made before when preparing salmon.  The dish came out great and because the tortillas were more substantial that the thin Mexican variety, the portions tasted more filling.

Grilled Fish Tacos a la Fooditka

Ingredients (serves 2)
Large piece of fish (I used cod but you can also use tuna or any light fish of your liking)
1/4 cup of Queso Poroso or Queso Fresco
4 thick tortillas (I used El Salvadorian corn tortillas, but you can also use the traditional Mexican variety)
1 mango, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 lemon
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped 
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Directions:
Grill the fish on a lightly oiled grill or grill pan for about 4 minutes on each side or until the fish separates nicely from the grill.  Season the fish on the grill or grill pan with salt and pepper.  In the meantime, lightly cook the tortillas in a non-stick pan until they get lightly browned.

Mix the mango with the chopped cilantro, a small glug of olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper.  

Arrange the fish in small-medium pieces on top of the lightly warmed tortilla and then top with cheese and mango salad.  If you need some extra juice, you can use more lemon or some good ol' hot sauce.  Enjoy with rice and beans or just on its own like we did.

Lunching with Ancient Mayas

I mentioned to you last week, that Dan and I recently took a vacation to Mexico.  Well...it was much needed and also very fabulous!  Our home for the week was the beautiful Playa del Carmen, which is located just 45 minutes South of Cancun, and in that way it was so convenient.  In just under 4 hours, we were sitting on a sunny beach, sipping on deliciously chilled cocktails and munching on some of the best Mexican grub we've ever had.

But aside from all the beach going and lounging, we also experienced Mexico's rich culture, through a day trip to Chichen Itza, the famous Maya archaeological site that's considered one of the wonders of the world.  On our trip, which was about 3 hours away from Playa , we learned about ancient Maya customs, their heritage, language and about the spiritual significance of Chichen Itza.  The whole thing was truly amazing and something we've only seen up to this point in movies (Apocalypto anyone?).  We had a helpful guide who recited interesting tid-bits about each ruin besides the famous Temple of Kukulcan, and it was truly amazing to visualize the civilization that thrived here nearly twelve hundred years ago.

After we explored the site and soaked in all that history, we were pretty hungry and headed to lunch at Mayaland Hotel, also on the Chicken Itza property.  While we indulged in a buffet lunch, which usually doesn't spell quality, the food was quite tasty and I took special notice of the freshly made tacos.  They were spectacular, and the best part about them, was that they were made before our eyes.  I absolutely loved the connection between the artisan and her craft.  The Maya woman making these was truly skilled, making perfectly round, airy tortillas, which she produced with finesse and a smile.  Here's how they tasted:

Barbacoa Tacos - The tacos here were unlike any tacos I've ever had, and the secret was definitely in the tortilla.  It was the second that I sunk my teeth into the tender, corn shell, I immediately sang my praises to the Mayas.  "How amaaazing are these tortillas?!" I said to Dan.  He totally agreed and the fact they were doubled up, allowing to properly hold the juicy shredded pork was just perfect.  They had a slightly charred taste and were still warm, reminding me of just how fresh they were.  Aside from the pork, the taco was very simply embellished with raw or pickled onions and the hot sauce of your choice.  I loved that our servers warned us about the super spicy sauce (and Dan of course went for it), but I chose the milder tomatillo salsa, which I didn't regret.  These were truly tacos to remember.

Service:
Our Chichen Itza tour and lunch experience, further imprinted on us the friendliness and generosity of the Maya people.  Warm and hospitable, they were always there to make sure we were enjoying everything, and even performed a traditional dance that perked people up from their delicious food coma.

3 Mmmms

Mayaland Hotel - Chichen Itza 97751, Mexico
www.mayaland.com  

MexiQ Charms Us Again

After watching a healthy dose of football last weekend, Dan and I paid a visit to MexiQ, the Mexican-BBQ fusion joint on 30th Avenue.  Having been there once before, and really enjoying the food, I wanted to introduce it to Dan, who I knew would love it.  Assumption confirmed...we got ourselves a convert. 

Here are some of the yummies we tried that night:

Crispy Pork Guacamole - Wanting to try this the first time around and not having the opportunity, I couldn't miss this chance.  Dan was only too happy to go along with the plan because let's face it, not many can say no to crispy pork.  What I envisioned and what we actually got was not far off - crispy golden bites of pork that were deliciously crunchy on the outside but nice and tender on the inside.  I wasn't sure how it would stand up to the guac, but the two complemented each other beautifully and were quite the duo.  The pork went fast, as you can imagine and we managed to polish off all the guac by the end of our meal too.

Tacos - Dan and I got two orders of tacos, which we split, as there were two per order.  Our choices included the baja fish grouper tacos as well as the bbq brisket tacos.  Both looked absolutely gorgeous on the plate, enveloped in a double layer of soft flour tortillas and each paired with a unique salsa.  I loved this little touch that really showed attention to detail - the fish tacos being paired with grilled pineapple salsa while the brisket tacos accompanied by a spicy creamy corn salsa. 

Although both tacos were really yummy, I preferred the fish tacos, which were light, flaky and were coated in a slightly sweet batter.  The pineapple salsa was the cherry on this Mexican sunday, adding a sweet and slightly spicy element too.

Beer - With over 48 craft beers on tap, it was hard to make a singular decision.  However, the minute I saw they had Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, I wanted nothing else.  I loved the spicy, sweet undertone with each sip.  The beer was hearty and robust and the perfect way to celebrate fall.

Service and Cost:

No complaints about the service, as we were paid attention to from start to finish.  I didn't feel that the service was absolutely polished and some of our waitstaff was a little awkward, but there were no major hiccups to report.

Costs are moderate to inexpensive and the dinner set us back about $45 total including tax and tip.  It was a good, casual way to spend a Sunday evening, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

3 Mmmms

MexiQ Kitchen & Draught - 37-11 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103 718.626.0333

N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

www.mexiqny.com

Being a VIP at Mexicue Rules!

Since I've had my eye on the Mexicue Truck last year and also since trying it, I've been following it quite closely, happy to find out they now have 2 brick-and-mortar locations.  Looks like business has been good.

The second one of these restaurants opened up just last week, and since I get Mexicue's e-newsletter, I was all over it.  Recruiting work friends, Wanda, Courtney and Kelly to come along for the adventure, we took a long walk over to the new locale, only to find out we were its first customers.  As in, first customers ever! It was really exciting, and not only were we graced with delectable Mexican bbq, the cost was au gratis.  Yep...free!  It was a gesture we really appreciated, and yet another reason to rave about this place.  4 words - we will be back!

Atmosphere:
Located in a most unusual spot on the Lower East Side/Chinatown border, the new Mexicue is tucked away on Forsyth Street between Broome and Grand.  True that you have to pass through a grimy, bustling area to get there, but once you do, the experience is 100% worth it.  

Set in a roomy locale on the bottom of a brick three-story building, Mexicue is brand spankin' new and it shows.  As soon as we stepped in, we smelled the newness that emanated from the dark wooden furniture and a couple of simple embellishments such as the birch candles.  

I liked that there was ample seating for both small and larger parties and the overall vibe was casual, simple and non-pretentious - just like the food.

Food:
Since we were the very first people that walked in the door, Mexicue's menu was still a little limited, as a lot of the slow-cooked bbq items such as the brisket were still being prepared.  Despite the slight disappointment, they had pretty much all their tacos available and we were happy to dig in.  Mexicue graciously treated us to a generous helping of three types of tacos - short rib, chicken and veggie.

Tacos - Being that we were all pretty hungry, our excitement upon seeing these tacos was huge.  As mentioned, we received three varieties, out of which two were meat based and the other veggie.  I tried all three, and as my friend Wanda noticed, I liked each new taco progressively more.  First trying the short rib, I was impressed by its rich, smoky flavor which was juxtaposed with sharp pickled onions, lettuce and cotija cheese.  

Then I tried the chicken tacos and yet again, I was in love.  This time a bit more.  The soft, shredded chicken meat was perfectly seasoned (as Wanda confirmed too) and it was topped with a to-die-for creamy bbq sauce that added a touch of elegance and decadence.

However, as you can probably guess, the veggie taco was my ultimate favorite.  Consisting of sweet-as-candy beans, mixed with smoky bbq flavors, it was also seasoned with slightly spicy, crunchy habanero slaw and thin strips of tortilla chips on top.  Each bite was a pleasure and the end result was wonderfully filling. 

Guacamole, Chips & Salsa - Starting our meal with these Mexican starter musts, we enjoyed them a lot, mainly the guac, which was nice and creamy, with a bit of a kick too.  I loved that about Mexicue overall, as they stay true to their name and core concept of elevating their flavor quotient and incorporating into it spicy, smoky bbq flavors.

Service and Cost:
Needless to say, the service was wonderful, no doubt attributed to us being their first VIPs. Even though this was a special circumstance, the people that ran Mexicue seemed genuinely nice and I think would've acted that way even if the restaurant was busy.  They forgot to give us napkins and plates at one point, no doubt letting first-day jitters get the best of them, but none of that irritated us.  We totally understood that a new place sometimes takes a little time to iron out its kinks.

Although we didn't pay for our meal, I looked at the prices and they range anywhere from $3-$4 for a taco, $3.50 for sliders, $2 - $5 for sides and $7.50 for salads.  

Mexicue - 106 Forsyth Street, New York NY 10002
646.559.4100
N/R/Q/6 Train to Canal Street
www.mexicue.com