Archive for Mexican
Taqueria Tres Amigos – Half Moon Bay, California
Posted by: | Comments
What I probably liked best about Taqueria Tres Amigos is that there is an unlimited nacho/salsa bar. This taqueria is not “authentic” Mexican food but it does a good job with the flavors.
 |
| Fresh Tortilla Chips |
 |
| Salsa Bar |
The Torta Mexicana is like a Pan con Bistec (Cuban Steak Sandwich) but tastier.The bread was buttery and way crispy. It was loaded with chili peppers which I had to remove (since I can’t handle spicy).
 |
| Torta Mexicana |
The super burrito was delicious. The meat tasted fresh and the rice and beans were spot on. The burrito was big enough for two people. The only downside was too much guacamole.
 |
| dormant Burrito |
 |
| Burrito looking at its best |
The soup was spicy and a bit bitter. It was OK but then again I’m not a big fan of tortilla soup.
They serve imported Mexican beer (and also the regular Mexican imports) which was a big plus. I drank a Modelo to complete the whole Mexican experience.
Taqueria Tres Amigos
270 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay, CA
650-726-6080
Los Compadres – San Francisco, California
Posted by: | Comments
I was stuck at the hotel room (bored and hungry), so I went on a stroll to find some food. I used a cell phone app to find a sub shop and proceeded to walk there. By the time I made it, they were closing. On my way back to the hotel I saw Los Compadres. The menu was simple and straight forward (like most authentic Mexican taquerias & restaurants). I ordered the Super Burrito with carne asada and a Mexican Coke.
 |
| Mexican Coke & Super Burrito |
 |
| Super Burrito, closeup |
If you’re wondering what’s so different about a Mexican Coke, it’s an imported Coca Cola in a glass bottle from Mexico with sugar instead of corn syrup (it has a much more appealing flavor). While the burrito had all the right ingredients (carne asada, beans, guac, cheese, peppers), it was just passable. The ingredients were waiting in heaters and were then put together when I placed my order. I was hoping for something that tasted better but unfortunately, this time I was out of luck.
Los Compadres
116 Grand Ave, San Francisco, CA
650-583-5772
Jacalito Taqueria Mexicana – Miami, Florida
Posted by: | Comments
Jacalito Taqueria Mexicana is owned by the same folks as Mi Rinconcito Mexicano (a big time favorite of mine). Since this is a Taqueria (Taco Shop), the menu focuses on Tacos, Enchiladas, Quesadillas & Burritos. The decor might need to be worked on a little bit because I don’t understand why there’s an inflatable plane hanging above one of the tables. Once seated you’ll be served some of their fresh tortilla chips and homemade salsa.
 |
| Fresh Tortilla Chip w/Salsa |
This salsa is not for the weak as you can see the pepper flakes in the picture. The Nachos appetizer is topped with cheese, Mexican crema (sour cream), fresh refried beans and pico de gallo (the good stuff). They’re piled up in mountain form but don’t despair, all the toppings minus the pico de gallo are layered throughout.
 |
| mountain of Nachos |
Tacos are 3 for $5 so I had the Chorizo, Chicken and Cochinita Pibil tacos.
 |
| trio of Tacos |
Of the 3, my least favorite was the Chorizo but that’s not to say that it’s bad. The Cochinita Pibil which is slow roasted pork was my favorite. There are also desserts on the menu which I didn’t get to and breakfast is served as well (they open at 9am). Jacalito is going to be added to my regular rotation, as a matter of fact I’m going there again for lunch tomorrow.
Jacalito Taqueria Mexicana
3622 West Flagler Street, Miami, Florida
305-443-1336
Tortilleria Mexicana – Oakland Park, Florida
Posted by: | Comments
If you read the Lucarella’s post, you’ll know that Marcela and I were lost in Oakland Park searching for Jack’s Old Fashion when we came across Tortilleria Mexicana. Marcela had eaten here years before during her past life working in real estate. She had a bought me a Coke in a glass bottle imported from Mexico which is why I remembered the place when she mentioned it. When you walk in, to your left is the mexican market,
straight ahead is their deli/meat counter and to the right is the restaurant area (split between a counter where you can order and sit at stools or the actual sit down area). If you look closely at the kitchen area in the picture below you can see the machine they use to make their homemade tortillas.
The restaurant area was recently expanded as per Marcela‘s memory, there was very limited seating before. There was also a rotisserie type of a thing-a-ma-jig spinning what I believe was pork.
As I took the picture above and the close up of the menu above the bar stools I was apparently annoying a mexican dude sitting some 10 feet from me.
I wanted to get a close up pic of the tortilla maker but by then the guy was contemplating his options. I outweigh the guy easily, by twice his weight so I think he thought better of telling me something. Since I know someone may ask, I was not using flash. I decide I didn’t want to disturb him anymore plus I may outweigh him but I’ve seen Apocalypto and I know what his people are capable of. No thank you. Marcela says to try the Enchiladas and Tacos but everything on the menu is good and authentic. She ordered some stuff to go and I was able to not only score a few Coke bottles but a Carlos V chocolate bar.
It’s a milk chocolate candy bar made by Nestle, tiny but good. Check out Tortilleria Mexicana if you’re in the area or looking for authentic Mexican food, the menu’s below:
Tortilleria Mexicana
4115 N. Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park, FL
954-563-2503
Hours: 7 Days a Week 6AM-10PM
Mi Rinconcito Mexicano – Little Havana, Florida
Posted by: | Comments
I was hesitant to go to Mi Rinconcito Mexicano when my wife Marcela first told me about it. From her description, I envisioned it being like the bars you find in a Robert Rodriguez western. After actually stepping foot into this place I can tell you it’s more like a Mexican Morro Castle. Since I got over my original objections, I’ve been here more times than I can count.
Tortilla Chips w/Salsa
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be served some Tortillas Chips with Salsa (hopefully because sometimes the waitresses forget you’re there). These are not those cheap things you get at places like Chili’s. These chips are thick, freshly made and most importantly served with a spicy homemade Salsa. Non spicy Salsa is also available.
Queso Fundido w/Chorizo
Warm Tortillas
My go to appetizers are the Nachitos and the Queso Fundido. The Nachitos are the same previously mentioned Tortilla Chips with Refried Beans, Chorizo and Queso Fundido. The Queso Fundido (melted Cheese topped with Chorizo & Ground Beef) is served with warm tortillas. To say the Queso Fundido tastes phenomenal is an understatement.
Chilaquiles w/Scrambled Eggs
Marcela is a big fan of their Chilaquiles. What exactly is a Chilaquile? Well, I’ll give a shot at explaining what they are. They’re tortilla chips which have been cooked with either Salsa Verde or Roja (green means go, red means run) which leaves them moist. They are topped with Crema (Mexican Sour Cream), served with a side of Refried Beans and a side of Eggs (Marcela prefers them scrambled). You can also add Beef or Chicken to the equation if you so desire.
First timers might find it easier to order one of their combination platters so they can try everything. I prefer Combination #2 which has two Gorditas, two Tacos, two Sopes and a Quesadilla Chilanga (Beef, Pork and Cheese Quesadilla). And sometimes I order Combination #3 (three Tostadas, three Tacos, Three Enchiladas and three Sopes.) but that’s mostly because I love their Enchiladas. OR……maybe if you’re not as hungry, you can go for Combo #1.
Combination 1
Another reason Mi Rinconcito Mexicano is special is because you can find La Migaja Bakery at the back of it. La Migaja sells authentic Mexican Baked Goods and Desserts. The Pie de Elote (Corn Pie) is probably your best best here. It goes perfect with a cup of coffee. And on Mexican Holidays like the Day of the Dead you can find Pan de Muerto for sale.
Oh yeah, and since I referenced Robert Rodriguez earlier and before anyone asks, Cochinita Pibil is only available once a week as a special, make sure you inquire with your server.
By the way, if you like this place, check out Jacalito also.
Mi Rinconcito Mexicano
1961 SW 8th St Miami, Fl 33135
305-644-4015
La Mission en Cozumel, Mexico
Posted by: | Comments
Postcard
While on vacation in Cozumel, my sister suggested we eat at La Mission. Home of some ridiculously hot, hot sauce that she loves. This would definitely not be the reason for me to try a place out. I like hot sauce and all but on vacation, I like to relax not work on getting a hemorrhoid.
La Mission's Hot Sauce
It’s located right outside the touristy area of Cozumel which meant we had just increased our chances of being in store for a good meal. We started with Queso Fundido which is as mix of melted Cheeses served in a mini cast iron skillet. Fresh corn tortillas are also part of the deal to eat up the cheese. The Nachos with Fresh Tortilla Chips topped with bean and melted cheese also hit the spot.
Queso Fundido
We had some mariachis come by and offer to sing some tunes for us, which of course we agreed to. I’m sure they saw “SUCKER” written all over our faces. Plus we were the only ones who tipped, damn those other cheap bastards on vacation.
Platter of Goodies
As for the actual dinner, I got some sort of combo platter that included a Tamale, Rice, a Quesadilla, an Enchilada, a Stuffed Pepper, a couple of fried Plantains, a couple of Tostadas and some very delicious and moist beef in the center of the plate. Now that was some phenomenal stuff. There really is nothing like the authentic stuff. As for the hot sauce, my sister devoured it. I took a whiff of it and decided it was better left untouched.
La Mission
Avenida 30 between Calles 2 and 4, Cozumel, Mexico
872-63-40
Menu
