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Chef Xose Velasco (left) and co-chef Alejandro Macias (right), outside the Discada taco truck
What do farming machinery and tacos have in common? If you ask the chefs at Discada, they’ll tell you it’s the modified plow disc from a tractor, a cooking method traditional to northern Mexico.
With one of the shortest menus you’ve ever seen, this Austin taco truck brings a cherished childhood recipe to life, using a preparation technique that’s one of a kind.
Armando Vazquez and Maria Rios Vega, owners of Granny’s Tacos
With all of the quality taco options within reach, we’re straight up spoiled here in Austin. It takes a lot to impress me now; you might say I’ve become a bit jaded. And after finding Granny’s Tacos, I wonder if I’ll ever be impressed by another taco again. It’s tough living in this city.
Reyna Vasquez inside her Austin food truck, Veracruz All Natural
If we call Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue the king of Austin’s barbecue world, then can we all agree Reyna Vasquez of Veracruz All Natural is the queen of Austin’s taco world? Her name means queen, after all.
Veracruz All Natural has grown to four locations and an half-hour waiting line at the original trailer, and its migas taco is on Food Network’s list of the five best breakfast tacos in the country. The first trailer nearly a decade ago, which makes it easy to think the fame, devoted following, and lines have always been there.
In reality, Vasquez’ path to the top has been as challenging as it could possibly be for an undocumented immigrant with no money to spare, striving to bring the food of her native town of Veracruz, Mexico, to the saturated Austin market. [Read more…]
Rosita’s Al Pastor food trailer on East Riverside
In an episode of the hit TV show “Master of None,” Dev (Aziz Ansari) finds himself craving tacos. He proceeds to spend hours researching where to go for tacos that are worthy of his time, money, and taste buds. Taco-related paralysis by analysis is a true hardship for those of us in Austin, a city with practically unlimited taco options.
I propose a solution: the next time you get stuck in a “where can I get the perfect taco” predicament, put your trust in a food trailer that has been satisfying Austinites’ taco cravings for over 30 years: Rosita’s Al Pastor. [Read more…]
I’m at the point in life when I become slightly ashamed to admit out loud the number of tacos I consume weekly. If I share one more picture of tacos al pastor on my Instagram, I’m afraid people won’t understand.
Having said that, I’m not about to slow down. Especially since I’ve discovered that Tyson’s Tacos, a small neighborhood joint on Airport Boulevard, offers tacos created by its customers. I even have a shot at getting my own taco creation on the menu if I visit often enough. [Read more…]
“The Tacos of Texas” authors Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece (Credit: University of Texas Press)
Credit: University of Texas Press
Just released by University of Texas Press, “The Tacos of Texas” is the latest book from the duo behind Taco Journalism, Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece. Pour yourself an horchata and get comfortable because you’ll feel like you’re on the patio chatting with friends as you flip through this conversational, colorful book.
“The Tacos of Texas” is the result of the best road trip ever. Armed with [Read more…]
Torchy’s Tacos flagship location on South Congress (Credit: John Cabuena)
Guest article by Jonatan Contreras
I’m new to Austin, and I was (quite unreasonably) excited to find out it has a pretty big Mexican food scene. Let me back up.
I’m from El Paso, Texas, land of the border culture. In El Paso, every time a new Mexican restaurant pops up, we tend to wonder “Another one?” Needless to say, I know my way around a taco. Which, ironically, was the reason I was excited to try out Austin staple Torchy’s Tacos. Word in town was, a flagship location had just opened on South Congress Avenue, where Fran’s Hamburgers used to be.
Torchy’s Tacos, you did not disappoint. [Read more…]
One of the best seats in the house is Taco Flats’ bar
Taco Flats is remembered as a place where hippies, bankers, and just about anybody would gather to enjoy a beer, their famous hobo plate and maybe catch some live music. Sadly, the North Lamar establishment closed in the early 80’s.
That is, until fall 2014, when a local entrepreneur decided to present his own version of Taco Flats to our city. Today, the taco joint and bar is the latest addition to Burnet Rd. What resulted from my recent visit was a pleasant taco experience in one of my favorite parts of town. For a good taco and drink in a friendly environment, Taco Flats is a great bet. [Read more…]
Whit Taco (top) with the Shrimp taco (bottom) at Pecos Tacos
At the Austinot, we embrace the taco culture of our city. The moist texture of the tortilla, the freshness of cilantro, the spice of housemade salsa…is your mouth watering yet? [Read more…]