On a list with so many things to do before I leave colorado, at least half the list consists of food related activities. Here is the wrap up in the past week on adventures on my dinner plate
- Beef tongue tacos from El taco de mexico were delicious as usual, though the corn tortilla's started to fall apart as I stuffed my face.
-$2 street tacos (on Tuesdays) from El Camino in the highlands were great particularly the carnitas and the al pastor tacos with chunks of sweet pineapple and diced onions. Do not sit at the end of the bar near the door, it is awkwardly shaped and the arm pit/black hole of the restaurant where we could barely get a server's attention without the help of other patrons.
-The bison burger from Rackhouse pub was juicy but a bit too gamey in flavor and needed some salt. A LA times food critic who stopped through denver last year praised the beer baked mac and cheese which can be ordered as a side with any sandwich, even the triple grilled cheese sandwich. If you get tired of the brewery tours around town, rackhouse pub also moonlights as a distillery for Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey and offers free tours during the week.
-The green chicken chile from Mod market had a nice mild heat with hearty chunks of white meat chicken and roasted green chiles in a soothing broth.
-The tempura fried half avocado from Leaf restaurant in boulder. Stuffed with mango salsa with an orange blossom sauce and a black rice cake, this place satisfies the vegetarian, vegan and raw palates of hippies across boulder. It was interesting but will never replace my first love, watercourse
Sad times
According to Westword, one of my favorite restaurants Squeaky Bean is closing its doors June 12th due to leasing issues and will reemerge as a different restaurant concept in about a month. Go now but if you need to be convinced check out my reviews here or if you need a second opinon, i guess yelp would do. They have a new spring menu which is not updated on the website.
Need something to do tonight?
The Justice League of Food trucks is having their season kick off party from 5-10pm tonight. Check out their facebook page for details!
Showing posts with label el tacos de mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label el tacos de mexico. Show all posts
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
top 10 fast casual
With our lives becoming increasingly hectic, we (including myself) hardly have to time to sit and enjoy a full on meal. I define fast casual as made to order meals that can be enjoyed in less than 20 minutes, 30 if you are a snail.
This list is in no particular order.
1. Bombay Bowl- A southeast asian style chipotle with recognizable sauces such as Korma, Tikka and Saag served with choice of meats (or tofu), basmati rice, chutneys and veggies. Get the warm chewy naan bread for an extra $1. The kid size will satisfy an average appetite, too bad there is currently only one location in South Denver off of Arapahoe.
2. Garbanzos- A mediterranean style chipotle with the crunchy falafel ball to chomp on while you instruct the "food designer" ( i believe that is what they call em these days) to build your wrap or bowl filled with classics such as hummus, tabbouleh, babaganoush and your choice of meats and sauces. Served with a warm white or wheat pita.
3. Pho 79 or 95 on Federal
People debate as to which is better, i think they are both excellent. Softball or basketball sized bowls of steaming beef broth flavored with asians spices with choice cuts of meat including rare beef, brisket, tendon and vietnamese meatballs (note: this is not like an italian meatball, but more like a chinese fish ball...if you know what that is like....). Served with a pile of additions such as thai basil, jalapenos, limes and raw beansprouts, these places are amazing on a frigid day. P.S if you don't eat red meat, this probably isn't the place for you, i don't think the chicken version is quite the same, but thats just me.
4. Santiagos
Before I moved to Colorado, I had no idea as to what breakfast burritos or green chile were. But after enjoying many of them during professional development sessions at school, I am so glad I do. For $2 you can enjoy this handheld gem of a soft flour tortilla filled with shredded potatoes, eggs, and green chili and the daily meat (ham, sausage or chorizo (my fav)). The are many locations in the denver area but I've been going to the one on 25th and Federal and it has yet to disappoint me.
5. Parsley
My former roommate described the odd combination of tuna, miso, sesame seeds and sriracha in this sandwich located off of speer and 11th which certainly peaked my interest the first time around. Now I am loyal patron of this sandwich shop, mind you this place is not cheap especially their organic apple and carrot juice which runs at least $4 for 16oz.
6. Masterpiece deli
A top 10 best new restaurant from a couple years back, this place continues to churn out great sandwiches, salads and soups. Still a bit pricey but absolutely worth it. Don't miss the fried egg sandwiches with the roasted wild mushrooms or the popular smoked turkey sandwich with brie, pears, arugula and cranberry honey on toasted wheat bread.
7. El Taco de Mexico
Not the most asthetically pleasing restaurant, but this yellow shack in the santa fe art district makes authentic tacos. My favorite is the beef tongue with cilantro and raw onions on 3 corn tortillas.
8. Dim Sum at Star Kitchen
Yes there are waiters, but don't be fooled by this place. The dim sum (chinese brunch tapas) sit in bamboo containers ready to be enjoyed by hungry patrons. Come before 10:30 to avoid a long wait and you can be happy and full on your way out in less than 30. Promise.
9. Thai food cart
This unique food cart owned is operated by a tiny asian lady who works in an elevated glass/metal kitchen stirfrying authentic lunch orders for the business crowd. Yummy pad thai on the go!
10. Still in the hunt for delicious southern style bbq.....if you have suggestions, i would love to hear them
This list is in no particular order.
1. Bombay Bowl- A southeast asian style chipotle with recognizable sauces such as Korma, Tikka and Saag served with choice of meats (or tofu), basmati rice, chutneys and veggies. Get the warm chewy naan bread for an extra $1. The kid size will satisfy an average appetite, too bad there is currently only one location in South Denver off of Arapahoe.
2. Garbanzos- A mediterranean style chipotle with the crunchy falafel ball to chomp on while you instruct the "food designer" ( i believe that is what they call em these days) to build your wrap or bowl filled with classics such as hummus, tabbouleh, babaganoush and your choice of meats and sauces. Served with a warm white or wheat pita.
3. Pho 79 or 95 on Federal
People debate as to which is better, i think they are both excellent. Softball or basketball sized bowls of steaming beef broth flavored with asians spices with choice cuts of meat including rare beef, brisket, tendon and vietnamese meatballs (note: this is not like an italian meatball, but more like a chinese fish ball...if you know what that is like....). Served with a pile of additions such as thai basil, jalapenos, limes and raw beansprouts, these places are amazing on a frigid day. P.S if you don't eat red meat, this probably isn't the place for you, i don't think the chicken version is quite the same, but thats just me.
4. Santiagos
Before I moved to Colorado, I had no idea as to what breakfast burritos or green chile were. But after enjoying many of them during professional development sessions at school, I am so glad I do. For $2 you can enjoy this handheld gem of a soft flour tortilla filled with shredded potatoes, eggs, and green chili and the daily meat (ham, sausage or chorizo (my fav)). The are many locations in the denver area but I've been going to the one on 25th and Federal and it has yet to disappoint me.
5. Parsley
My former roommate described the odd combination of tuna, miso, sesame seeds and sriracha in this sandwich located off of speer and 11th which certainly peaked my interest the first time around. Now I am loyal patron of this sandwich shop, mind you this place is not cheap especially their organic apple and carrot juice which runs at least $4 for 16oz.
6. Masterpiece deli
A top 10 best new restaurant from a couple years back, this place continues to churn out great sandwiches, salads and soups. Still a bit pricey but absolutely worth it. Don't miss the fried egg sandwiches with the roasted wild mushrooms or the popular smoked turkey sandwich with brie, pears, arugula and cranberry honey on toasted wheat bread.
7. El Taco de Mexico
Not the most asthetically pleasing restaurant, but this yellow shack in the santa fe art district makes authentic tacos. My favorite is the beef tongue with cilantro and raw onions on 3 corn tortillas.
8. Dim Sum at Star Kitchen
Yes there are waiters, but don't be fooled by this place. The dim sum (chinese brunch tapas) sit in bamboo containers ready to be enjoyed by hungry patrons. Come before 10:30 to avoid a long wait and you can be happy and full on your way out in less than 30. Promise.
9. Thai food cart
This unique food cart owned is operated by a tiny asian lady who works in an elevated glass/metal kitchen stirfrying authentic lunch orders for the business crowd. Yummy pad thai on the go!
10. Still in the hunt for delicious southern style bbq.....if you have suggestions, i would love to hear them
Thursday, September 17, 2009
El Tacos de Mexico
When my former roommate jess craved for some "sketchy" mexican, i suggested el tacos de mexico for our wednesday night meal. I had been reading up on this place and was quite excited despite the reviews about the "rude" ladies who work behind the counter. Located on sante fe drive between 7th and 8th, el tacos is housed in a bright yellow bungalow with plenty of outdoor seating perfect for a spring/summer night. The restaurant inside is simple with several booths and a long counter where patrons can oversee their food being made to order. Contrary to the reviews online, the ladies of el taco were very pleasant, working hard to churn out mexican specialties. Jess ordered a chile relleno burrito with rice and beans smothered with green chile. It was literally the size of my forearm. I decided on the taco plate with minced beef tongue sprinkled with chopped onions and housemade salsa with just the right amount of heat. I think my sister would enjoy the beef tongue. Along side the 3 corn tacos was a flavorful side of rice and beans. Overall we were both very happy with our selections and would recommend this place to the those who wish to taste some of the real stuff.
small tip: it's chilly in there so bring a jacket :)
Plate score: 9
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