Taco Journalism

TacoJournalism presents El Taco Infographic

2013-03-06T08:23:00.000-06:00

TacoJournalism presents El Taco Infographic, just in time for SXSW! I always thought to myself, why isn't there a Taco Infographic??? We've done the map - checka, now it's time to take it to A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL!!!

So all you SXSW revelers, now you can enjoy fun facts about tacos and find your way to the closest taco trailer & taqueria on this or that side of IH-35. El Taco Infographic is now available in print and in this handy dandy digital version.

Moocho thanks to our sponsors, Pachanga Fest and Bird's Barbershop for supporting the taco cause. Big #shoutouts to Rafa Picco and Inspired P, the creative team that brought my taco trailer to life!

Look for the printed version of El Taco Infographic at your nearest taqueria and bar in East Austin. Feel free to download it, print it, request it on FB, or nomas hazlo copy and paste. For a mas grande version, click aquí!

Mil gracias to Los Sponsors:

P.S. Don't forget to check out the SXSW session: Revenge of the Taco Blogger! Tell yer friends!

Get on the Taco Bus - El Chato

2013-03-04T23:30:00.002-06:00

Many a times you've asked - "where can I can a taco truck to come to my house, party, parking lot, company site, wedding." Well wait no more Austin, Texas. The taco bus or Bustaurante as El Chato owner likes to call it is here. You can't miss this taco bus parked on East 7th Street. It's bright, it's blue and they serve a mighty fine and fancy taco, from Mole Verde y Rojo to Rajas con Queso and Cochinita Pibil. This bustaurant is definitely a new mix to the East side bringing in los sabores of interior Mexico. The Mole Rojo was smooth with that hint of chocolate, not too spicy and the carnies era muy tender, almost like abuelita used to make - almost pero not quite. The rajas taco was a simple one, with melty Oaxacan cheese and sauteed onions. Good enough for a simplon like myself.

So here it is, El Chato Taco Bus. I took a few minutes to talk to Juan Carlos Mercado, owner of El Chato to find out more about this muy interesting bustaurante.

El Chato - Since 1958 - 3.25 Stars
1617 East 7th Street
Austin, Texas 78702

2013 SXSW Taco Map

2013-02-26T11:54:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick listing of taco places in around a lot of the SXSW venues. Be warned: some of these taco places are aggresively mediocre, but are included because of their proximity to festival sites. Read the blurb before going.

*- Good
** - Amazing
*** - Spit Hot Fire!

Eastside

Cenote
Shitty service. Great tacos and coffee. Update: Apparently this is the "Spotify House" during SXSW. We're guessing this means no shitty service OR coffee.

*El Pollo Rey
Great Al Pastor & Carne Asada tacos!

*Piedras Negras
Awesome tacos. A bit of a walk/drive, but worth it.

**Porfirio's
"I've been eating at Porfiro's for over 15 years. Consistent, good quality food. I have friends from San Jose who still talk about."

***Rosita's Al Pastor
Best Al Pastor in town. Except when its not. Like anything amazing in life, it is a bit inconsistent.

***Joe's Bakery
Probably the best breakfast spot in Austin! On East 7th, pretty close to the action. The place is great. It's families and neighbors and newbies all mixed up. We'll be serving their tacos at the SXSW Taco Meet Up.

**Mi Madre's
El Mundo de Mando's favorite place. A bit far away from the main venues, but worth a breakfast trip. Get the Machacado breakfast taco.

*Tamale House East
Great 2nd location of the Austin Original. They have extended hours during Music Fest and beer & wine, craft beer, local kegs and music. Good stuff!

West Sixth

*Whole Foods
The taco bar is in the front of the store by the deli. It'll get the job done, but the real secret are the fish tacos at the seafood bar. Happy Hour from 3p-5p is where it is at!

Wahoo's

This is chain fish tacos. Seriously, don't do it unless you are really hungry.

Zocalo
They serve decent tacos but they're a bit overpriced. Also, they seem to be confused about what carnitas are.

OneTaco
This trailer is in the parking lot of Little Woodrow's. We enjoyed their straight-up bean and cheese tacos. Everything else? Not so much.

Garrido's
Garrido's is a sit down Fancy-Mex restaurant. It is generally expensive; but their brunch is surprisingly affordable. They have pretty good, fresh, homemade chips (but they charge for them). $2 Mimosa's at Brunch.

Downtown

El Sol Y La Luna
Certainly not my favorite, but some people swear by their enchiladas. Its convenient location on Red River and 6th St guarantees it will be packed.

*La Condesa
Probably the best fancy tacos downtown. Try the huitlacoche!

South Lamar-ish

***Papalote
Amazing breakfast tacos and lunch special. Eat everything!

Maria's Taco X-Press
Overrated, but 'ok' tacos.

*TacoDeli
Tacos done right. This isn't really on South Lamar, but its close enough if you don't mind some cross country hiking. We'll be serving their tacos at the SXSW Taco Meet Up.

South Congress/South First

Guero's
If you are a fan of Grindhouse, you may enjoy this place (it featured prominently in it). The tacos are mediocre, at best. This is only included in case you are either desperate or tempted by the crowds.

Torchy's
Everyone is going to tell you to go here. It's decent, but not worth the crowds. Walk down to El Primo or La Mexicana and get twice the food for the same price.

**El Primo
2101 South First. Great tacos, friendly service.

*Mellizoz Tacos
Great tacos on S. 1st - and if they are around try the lobster rolls at Dock & Roll next door.

La Mexicana
Open 24 hours. Great tacos. Go there anytime.

North

*Paco's Tacos
Near Austin Film Studios on 51st St. Great breakfast tacos and great half flour/half corn hybrid tortillas. If you are in the area. Do. Not. Miss!

*Tamale House

An Austin institution. A bit off the beaten SXSW path, but not that far.

SXSW Taco Map

View SXSW Taco Map 2013 in a larger map

View SXSW Taco Map 2013 in a larger map

SXSW Taco Dictionary

Al Carbon: Grilled over charcoal
Al Pastor: Pork with adobo seasoning. Excellent.
Beef Fajita: Grilled skirt steak
Carne Guisada: Stewed meat usually with gravy
Carnitas: Roasted Pork
Lengua: Tongue
Tripas: Intestines
Menudo: Tripe Soup
Chicharron: Fried (or not) Pork Skin

SXSW Taco Eating Hints

Everything tastes the same after 6 beers. Feel free to skimp on the quality.
If you have consumed less than 6 beers, walk the few extra blocks to eat the good stuff.
Unless otherwise stated, avoid the chicken tacos.
Despite what everyone will tell you, you totally do NOT have to eat at Torchy's. No, it won't blow your mind. Punch everyone that tells you otherwise.
Don't buy pre-made breakfast tacos at most coffee shops. Eat them fresh. Seriously. Well, unless those pre-made breakfast tacos are at SXSW Taco Meet Up, in which case it is TOTALLY OK to eat them.
Don't be afraid to explore taco trailers we didn't mention. If they have a small line in front of them, they're probably pretty good.
Even if the order taker doesn't speak English, waving your hands and pointing usually works well enough.
Order a Jarritos (a Mexican fruit flavored soft drink) or a Mexican coke with your taco. It's just natural.
A lot of trailers, and some restaurants, are cash only. Bring some just in case.

Did we miss your favorite taco spot? Tell us and we'll rectify that shit - tacojournalism@gmail.com

That Green Sauce that Austin Loves!

2013-02-24T22:27:00.002-06:00

You may know it as the green creamy sauce at El Pollo Rico or Rosita's Al Pastor, the Doña Sauce at Tacodeli and yes, even the "you beat me to the ponch" HEB's own That Green Sauce. Y'know the one you can't live with out. So as a public service to you, I give you my simple-simplon version and 4 step process to making that verdie sauce that we all love.

Step One

Get yo'self a plethora of chiles

I prefer jalapeños but you can add some poblanos si no eres un macho!

(ignore the red ones)

Step Dos

Boil 'em till it hurts. The chiles should be nice and limp (:/) before you take them out.

Step 3

Put 'em in the blender and add the ingredients which is pretty simple. Salt to taste and the secret sauce is...canola oil! No it's not avocados or sour cream or cheese. It's straight up canola oil. That's what makes the salsa creme de la creme.

Step four

Pour it in you favorite bowl and go to town on it! You can also bottle it and try to sell it to HEB. I was thinking about it but who has the time, I got tacos to eat?!?

Sazz y Pazz, there ya go!

Breakfast Taco Book coming to a Taco Stand near you!

2013-02-21T23:51:00.001-06:00

Yep, it's true. There's a Breakfast Taco Book coming! It's true cuz it was tweeted slashed instagram'd by our book publisher, The History Press. Check out the promo card and mi muy quick video while eating at Tacodeli. Yaaaameeee!

Snoop Knows Best: Wanna Know How To Roll a Taquito?!?

2013-02-13T13:27:00.000-06:00

Snoop-a-loop shows us how to roll a taquito (pr. tah-kee-toe)!!!

Coffee Shop Tacos: El Cenote

2013-02-04T23:43:00.003-06:00

So here's the thing with coffee shops and tacos. Most of the time, they just don't mix. Not because tacos don't go with a good cup of Joe but because most cafe's around town don't make 'em good. Now the smart coffee shops bring in their tacos from local places and I prefer the ones that go well with my Doña sauce. Just sayin'.

There is a new coffee shop in town, circa 2012 and it's called Cenote. It's right off East Cesar Chavez and if you get there early enough, you might miss the crowd of los hipsters. As a #newdaddychronicle, I have no problems getting there early enough to avoid tight jeans and provocative shirts with provocative messages on them. Below is the early bird with kiddos in tow shot.

Now to the tacos. Yes, they do have house-made corn tortillas, yes, their chickens are happy - the eggs are todo organics y todo, the bacon is thick cut and is flown in from the hill country or something like dat. And yes, it is goooood. I tell ya, this little cafe knows their huevos! The price is pretty good too. For $350 a pop you can score a big breakfast taco. I have sobres (extras) on mine and can make two. The salsa is sweet, citrus-ee and spicy. Y'know living in the eastside sometimes it's nice to get something a little different, mas tasty y less greasy. From the huevos to the torts and the fixin's, this place is pretty spot on. Although sometimes I tend to need a little more sabor or pimienta with these tacos but the salsa matches it up. The only thing that messes things up with Cenote is the service. The staff isn't rude but they slowly jab at you for asking for extra little things. It just doesn't sit well with me. Other than that, they pretty good!

Cenote - 3.25 Estars!
1010 East Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 524-1311

For crunchy fajitas, go here → El Nuevo Mexico Restaurant

2013-01-03T22:40:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you but I love me some crunchy fajitas! Being from Texas, I have been known to make my carnies a little well done. In my later years, like now, I have learned to enjoy the more red, less cooked variety though. An old amigo turned me on to El Nuevo Mexico Restaurant. It's in a weird strip mall where Lamar and Anderson Lane meet. It's a simple and charming place, the kind you take your abuelita to on a Sunday morning (after Mass of course). I ordered the tacos al pastor and was into the "taco cousins" mood so I also went with fajita gorditas. I had their diner coffee. It was nice. I'm guessing it was either Nescafe or Folyers.

While I was waiting for la comidita I was hit with a *tortilla alert*tortilla alert*! Yup, the place makes fresh, hand-made corn and flour torts! In Austin that is hard to find. Most restaurants hang out con Los Lazies and buy them from a factory. Just kidding, they prally don't have an abuelita working at their shop or they just can't afford it. Aneejuays, here comes the food...

As soon as the fajita gordita got to the table I knew I was in for a treat! First off, the gordita masa was fresh, de maiz and lightly fried, not deep fried or on flour masa - the more traditional way. The fajita meat was crunchy on the outside yet tender on theee inside, with some nice peppery spices to give it a kick. Well just look at the photo down there. Yep, they good!

Of course, I was muy excited about the Al Pastor, especially with the fresh corn tortilla! Once I took a bite, I was like whaaaa happen to the trompo??? Yeah, I bit disappointing. I mean it was good but it left a dry after taste in my mouth. Okay, most places in Austin don't even do their Al Pastor on the trompo but this felt like the chanchitos were left sitting all by themselves in the corner of the comal for at least a day. Oh well, it was still good but not as good as I hoped.

I didn't mention that I had some Ched - R - Peppers as Sonic likes to call them. They were real stuffed jalapeños (with seeds and all) that were also very tasty. I would definitely recommend El Nuevo Mexico and will probably try the Al Pastor again to try to redeem my experience with it. You should try it and while you're at it check out Canciones de Ayer with Mr. Louie!

El Nuevo Mexico Restaurant - 3.5 Estars
911 West Anderson Lane
Closed until tomorrow 8:00 am - 9:00 pm (per their FB page)

Domino's India: Taco Indiana Chicken

2012-10-15T09:19:00.003-05:00

Indiana is not known for tacos

I'm currently on an extended trip to India on business. Not surprisingly, I'm eating A LOT of Indian food. And I'm finding a lot of counterparts to my usual diet of Mexican and Tex-Mex. Roti is just an Indian Tortilla. Dosas are kind of like Indian Burritos. And Somosa's are kind of like Indian Empanadas. Anyways, there are some similarities between the cuisine, even if the spicing is vastly different (and the choice of meats, or lack thereof).

Now, my Indian co-workers know I love tacos, even if they don't know what a taco is (I talk about tacos a lot). So they thought I would be excited to hear that Domino's India is now serving them. If you are thinking "WTF?", yeah, I thought the same thing. But I couldn't resist.

When I got there, I discovered there are two choices of fillings: veg and chicken. I ordered both. Ten minutes later, my food arrived (in a small pizza box). I'm not sure what they gave me, but it wasn't tacos. It appeared that they took some pizza dough, put the toppings inside, put oil on it, folded it, and then baked it. There was also an oozing white cream inside, which according to Domino's website, was apparently mozzarella cheese. I would have guessed 'Ranch Salad Dressing.'

I sampled it and I wouldn't call it bad. It was bafflingly mediocre. It was greasy, hot, and confused. It was a drawing of a tree by a blind man. It was not a taco.

Domino's - 1 star - The Commish
Unit No 012B
Ground Floor, Tower B, Unitech Cyber Park, Sector 39
Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Da Real Tacos & Tequila

2012-10-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Yeah, we've been to that place but this is the real deal, straight outta East Austin and imported from Mexico just in time to celebrate Mexico's Indpendence Day - Ajuua! When we received a request to meet with the Master Distiller from Don Julio Tequila, I was like...hells yeah! I usaully don't do these "hey, food bogger, come try our food and write about us" type of invitations but this was different. It wasn't an egg roll trying to disguise itself as a taco...know what I mean?!? It was friggin' Don Julio, c'mon! So upped the invitation and recommended to pair it up with some good tacos.

We hit up Takoba, you may have heard of this place (well, especially you hipster types). It's one of the newest Mexican joints in East Austin. I like most of their tacos, their queso fundido is quite good (not for you velveeta cheesy types); it's a blend of oaxacan & monterrey jack cheesus, rajas de poblanos, chorizo and a little sumpin' they don't tell you about - goat cheese, which makes it taste lika butta in yo mouth! Most of their tacos are good too. They have a slow taste to them which reserves the carney juices. I like Takoba, it feels fresh, authentic, variety is good, from tacos to tortas, mostly hits than misses, plus they throw pretty good parties. I could stand for a less of a hipster scene and staff that thinks they're too cool for school cuz they serve hipsters. Yeah, it's kinda like that too.

So back to the tequila. Yeah, I took them up on the offer and the offer was good. We got a nice little tasting for a Tuesday afternoon. All expenses paid of course. This is my full disclosure.

In this very long Youtube video (just over 7 minutes!), I talk about tacos and Enrique De Colsa, Don Julio Tequila Master Distiller gives us his insights into the culture of tequila and some basics for you chugalugers.

As per usual, master photographer Joel Salcido took some amazing shots. Check them out in the video and slideshow.

Salud, my friends!

Takoba - 4 Stars - El Mundo de Mando
1610 East 7th Street
Austin, TX 78702

The World Famous El Mundo de Mando Fried Egg Taco

2012-06-27T00:06:00.001-05:00

What can I say, I love huevos. Those of you who know me know that I gotta have my huevos, especially around 3am after a night of muchas cervezas. Well, y'know I don't do that anymore...why...you buying? Aneejuays, una noche after many many tequilazos I created the Fried Egg Taco, I mean The World Famous El Mundo de Mando Fried Egg Taco! Yeah, that's betta. It takes a lot of skill and coordination to make this taco...less if you're sober. Well now it shall be revealed. At least I'm hoping to reveal the muy simple yet pinchi good recipe coming soon to a cookbook near you. Yes, the rumors are true. I am submitting the Fried Egg Taco recipe to the Austin Food Blogger Alliance cookbook. I just hope I make the cut. Meanwhile, El Mero Mero Photographero, Joel Salcido took some taco action shots and true to his nature, captured thee essence of thee smells of the ingredients of thee tacooooos! Mil gracias to Joel and wish us luck! Sheck it out homes...

Ay ay, mis manos, calientes! First and foremost you gotta have Mexican hands. Def: The ability to flip tortillas while cooking them on the stove...with your bare hands. You can also use this flippity floppity method to cool them off.

Pelando el chile, etcetera etcetera...

Ah-huevo we gonna cook los huevos!

Fried Egg Taco. A simple & pinchi good taco!

If you're waiting for the real recipe, (a) wait longer, (b) look at the photos or (c) see if this taco makes the cut in the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance cookbook!

Adios Amigos,

El Mundo de Mando

TACORAMA - Good for the tacos, good for da communitaay!

2012-05-02T23:50:00.000-05:00

Next time you selfishly eat tacos to satisfy your belly, you might ~~not~~ ask yourself, "Will one taco make a difference" or "How can I keep eating tacos and help someone in need?" Well, now's your chance to let your conscious be your guide while looking good in front of your friends while eating tacos while helping da communitaay! We're big fans of all things tacos and we're so glad the fine folks at LatinoMetro are hosting a weeklong taco fiesta called TACORAMA. I know many of you will be partying it up Drinko de Mayo style but why not step it up and get your TACORAMA on! Do it.

via LatinoMetro.com

TACORAMA will take place May 5-12, 2012 to raise awareness of hunger in the Latino community while celebrating Latino heritage, culture, music, art and…tacos! Proceeds will benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. Latinometro , the new Austin-focused website, has teamed up with community partners and media sponsors to present the city-wide festival, which will be an annual event.

Saturday, May 5, 12-3 PM: TACORAMA celebrates Cinco de Mayo with free food, refreshments, music and activities for children from 12-3 PM at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Please bring non-perishable food items to be collected by the Capital Area Food Bank. Performances by A.J. Castillo at 1 pm and TRAMPIA at 2 pm.

Tuesday, May 8, 6-8 PM: Town Hall Meeting for community leaders and concerned citizens to address hunger at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.

The Forum will cover topics such as food insecurity among Latino elderly, SNAP outreach, nutrition and wellness, childhood obesity and other issues. The audience will then participate in a question and answer session with panelists and speakers, including:

Linda Irizarry Crockett, Emma S. Barrientos MACC

Kathy Green, Sr. Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, Capital Area Food Bank

Juan Sanchez, Founder and CEO, Southwest Key

Victor Azios, Executive Director, El Buen Samaritano

Jeremy Everett, Director, Texas Hunger Initiative

Karen Patyk, Program Manager, Hunger Impact Area, AARP Foundation

Wednesday, May 9, 7-8 PM: Book reading by Gustavo Arellano, author of Taco USA, at BookPeople.

Thursday, May 10, 6-8 PM: Special film screening by Cine las Americas and cocktail reception with tacos by Austin chefs and silent auction at the Mexic-Arte Museum.

Saturday, May 12: Latinometro readers’ choice tacos to be announced at the Pachanga Music Festival at Fiesta Gardens.

For processed cheese, go to Dos Hermanos

2012-04-11T10:46:00.000-05:00

It was not my taco night. Saturday evening is a good time to eat tacos on East 6th Street. You have plenty of choices - Pueblo Viejo, Selene Tacos, Veracruz Taco House and unfortunately for all of us, we also have Dos Hermanos. These taco joints are all located in the food trailer parks in the hottest side of town, according to los hipsters - East Austin. La familia cruised down to get some good grub - gotta feed Preggers McGee y'know. Naturally, I was drawn to the newest taco trailer on the strip - Dos Hermanos. It was right up my alley, grungy, nice taco pics on the menu and family owned.

As I was looking at the menu, I was drawn to the creamy green salsa that was on the photo menu display. Yes, that Austin green salsa. I was like "yes let me have that!" Turns out they didn't have it and the photos didn't necessarily represent the food they served either. Que Trip'ao! That's "what a trip!" for you non Spanglish speakers and soon to be inducted into catchy phrase categories such as WTF, Duh and No Doy!

I ordered probably the dryest carnitas and beef fajita tacos I've ever had from a teenager that later went to a make-out session in the alley where we parked. Actually, the carnitas were okay, not great just okay. They did have a nice crispy texture. They were both topped with lots of pre-grated processed cheese, kinda like the one you get at a convenience store that reads "Fiesta Cheese." The fajita was so dry, not even the process cheese helped smooth things over. While the tacos weren't bland, the mix of spices just didn't help either. It was as if the spices were cooked separately and were just added to the carne in the re-heating process. All that and they are charging dollas a pop! No bueno.

So what was I supposed to do? Go to the taco trailer next to it of course! I'm sorry but Dos Hermanos had me craving for some real good tacos - Veracruz Taco House. VTH also runs Veracruz All Natural and these sisters make some fresh tacos. That's their thing - All Natural with fresh ingredients and avocado on every friggin' taco. I kinda didn't read that on the menu and if you know me, y'know that I'm allergic to avocados. It's the curse I have to live with as a Taco Journalist. So no fresh tacos for me. :( DAMN YOU FRESH INGREDIEEEENTS!

I actually did take a bite and had to counteract the avocado poison with salsa shots and it worked. I'm still alive!

Dos Hermanos - 1 Star
East 6th Street Food Trailer Park
East 6th and Waller

Behind the Tacos: El Pollo Rey

2012-02-16T23:52:00.000-06:00

It only took me a month and a half to post this one. See we're getting better! Here's the next installment of Behind the Tacos series. Love the tacos, love the people!

Behind the Tacos: El Pollo Rey
Photography by Joel Salcido

And my review of El Pollo Rey....

Pollo estilo Charcoal

Los Tacos: Al Pastor y Carne Asada

Los Sabores

El Pollo Rey - 4 Stars - El Mundo de Mando

1725 E. Riverside Dr, Austin, TX

512-924-6672

www.elpollorey.com

Viva La Revolución

2012-01-26T11:47:00.003-06:00

Tacos are nationwide. They are global. People all over the place can get a taco, even if they don't enjoy the kind of access to the best quality tacos that we Texans do.

The breakfast taco, however, is different. It's deeply ingrained into the culture and cuisine of Texas, but is largely unknown further north. This situation is baffling to many of us, and dire for miserable, hungover ex-pats who must go through life without the balm of the BT. I know that in the short time I lived and worked in NYC, it was a lack I felt daily.

Happily, it looks like there may be change afoot.

http://nymag.com/restaurants/reviews/underground/gueros-brooklyn-whirlybird-2012-1/

Let's all hold hand and look forward to a day when no man, no matter how yankefied his locale, must be without access to a breakfast taco.

p.s. - The photo above was taken at my favorite breakfast taco destination in the world, Fina's Coffee Shop in Brownsville, Tx. Full review coming soon.

-Cornbiter Deluxe

Behind the Tacos: Pueblo Viejo

2012-01-04T10:57:00.000-06:00

It's 2012. Have you eaten a taco yet? Well, here's some ganas for you! Introducing...bam ba ram bamm....

Behind the Tacos series

In the series and by series I mean more than 2 episodes, okay mibbe 3, we will explore the stories and people who make the tacos we all love to eat. Yup, that's about it.

In this segment, we interview Margarita Mendez, owner of Pueblo Viejo Taco Trailer in East Austin. Margarita gives us low down on her tacos and a reason to live!

Special thanks to the great photography by El Mero Mero Joel Salcido. Joel hails from the West Texas town of El Chuco and really knows how to capture the feeling of the tacos and the taqueros. You can check out his work here.

Pueblo Viejo - 4 Estrellas - El Mundo de Mando
1006 East 6th Street
In the food trailer park on 6th and San Marcos

Haz click aqui (abajo) to play the video....

Tacos for a Cause: Joe's Bakery

2011-11-14T22:11:00.001-06:00

We're helping and you should too! Joe's Bakery is having a fundraiser and we want to invite you - the taco fans - to join us. We're meeting up at Joe's on Friday to eat some good tacos and help out East Austin families too. RSVP on Facebook and check out their snazzy flyer. For once in your life, stop hanging out con Los Lazies and eat some tacos with us!

Eat a taco. Photo a taco. Type a taco!

2011-10-27T13:05:00.000-05:00

We are trying out this new tumblr thing and would love for y'all to submit mini-taco reviews. Eat a taco. Photo a taco. Type a taco! Try it out here: http://tacojournalism.tumblr.com/submit

Help Aqui! Austin Bakes for Bastrop

2011-09-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

While we're not "baking" tacos, we think this is a great cause to support. So stop hanging out con Los Lazies and show your support for Austin Bakes for Bastrop!

Taco Service Announcement: ACL Tacos

2011-09-16T11:54:00.001-05:00

Dear ACL revelers.

This is not a test. This is a Taco Service Announcement brought to you by TacoJournalism.com: tacos.never.die.

For those of you NOT interested in buying $6 tacos at the festival, we wanted to provide you with a plethora of options for tacos in Austin.

Here's the "in the city" TacoJournalism tops list...

El Primo Taco Trailer

El Taquito
Papalote Taco House

Porfirio's Tacos

Taqueria Star

Taqueria Chapala

Joe's Bakery and Mexican Food
Takoba
El Naranjo
Selene Taqueria - mibbe open till 2am
Tacodeli
Cisco's Restaurant and Bakery
La Mexicana Bakery - open 24 hours!

And the rest

Warning: Eat at your own risk - some of these were chose because of their convenient location!

Wahoo's Fish Taco

Juanita's Tacos

El Alma

Zocalo Cafe

La Casa Del Fuego
Garrido's
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
Bomb Tacos at Lustre Pearl
El Sol y La Luna
Izzo's Tacos

Now go eat tacos. Google it or view the Taco Map!

View Taco Journalism in a larger map

You gotta Songify your Tacos & thanks for the good times Google Places

2011-07-28T08:35:00.004-05:00

We ate, we drank and we ate some more...tacos! And now we songified the taco eating we did with Google Places. Enjoy!

Tacos + Bus + Drinks = Loco-times! TacoJournalism & Google Places Contest

2011-07-12T23:09:00.021-05:00

My Dearest Austin. It's time for another taco adventure! What What!?! Don't worry, we won't make you ride your bikes or walk in 100 degree heat from one taco stand to the next and make you eat tacos aguados. This time we'll be big pimpin' with your favorite location-based thingamajigy - Google Places.

Bus + Tacos + Drinks = Loco-times! So who's in? Well, it is a contest and you have to follow the rules - read below. The Taco Mafia will be out in full force so bring on your favorite reviews and start using Google Places yo!!!

Enjoy the Ultimate Taco Tour Austin Adventure with Google Places!

What’s better than discovering great new taco joints? How about discovering them while on a free Austin taco tour with Google and Taco Journalism!

Taco Journalism is teaming up with Google Places, the new personalized local recommendation engine powered by the reviews of users and their friends! Google wants to give you the opportunity to win the ultimate Austin taco tour experience, just for doing what you already do anyways--sharing your opinions on the best tacos in Texas.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to Google.com/Places and select “Start Rating” (You’ll need to create a Google account if you haven’t already)

2. Send your profile link to PlacesTacoTour@gmail.com from 8am on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 to 5pm on Tuesday, July 19th, 2011.

3. Rate and review as many Texas taco joints as you like--each review you write will be judged as a new entry, based on its usefulness, specificity, and creativity.

4. We’ll go through all reviews you write during the contest period and judge them (see ruleshere for more information), and the entrants with the top 20 highest scores will be invited to attend an all expenses paid taco tour with Google on Saturday, July 23rd!

Prize:

20 lucky entrants will win a spot on the taco tour bus! The bus will feature adult beverages and other fun surprises, and it will depart from downtown Austin to take entrants to a few of the highest-rated taco spots on Google Places. At each spot, Google will provide a sample plate of that location’s best grub, and you leave stuffed and satisfied, with a few new friends and favoritetaco places to rave about.

So what are you waiting for? Get reviewing today!

Additional Rules:

-21 and up only. Sorry, kiddos.

-Google will not provide transportation to or from the pick-up/drop-off location.

-Additional contest rules here: https://sites.google.com/site/contestrulesbbqad/.

Taco N' Madre: Better Than Curra's!

2011-07-11T22:48:00.003-05:00

I realize the title of this post isn't high praise, but the close proximity of Taco N' Madre to Curra's invites comparisons. So, let me be clear: Taco N' Madre is decent, Curra's is not.

Located in the parking lot of a Valero gas station (right next door to Curra's), Taco N' Madre is unassuming. The simple white and yellow trailer didn't even have a sign with its name ( I had to ask for it); but it does have an extensive menu, written all over the side (using what looked like whiteboard markers).

I ordered two tacos on flour tortillas and some fresh Lemonade. Unfortunately, only their large burrito-sized tortillas are homemade, so I had to settle for the 'small' ones. Even though they were store-bought, they did their best with them, letting them kiss the griddle just the right amount of time.

Although the tortilla was cooked "just right", the barbacoa was not; it really needed to be slow cooked for a while longer so that the fat melts on your tongue, as good barbacoa should. Even worse, my barbacoa didn't include cilantro or onions. When the meat can't stand on its own, toppings and condiments are a must! The salsas, a red and a green, were standard fare, but a bit tepid. Neither of them had much heat, unfortunately, and were forgettable.

In contrast to the barbacoa, the breakfast taco was great. They delivered a full tortilla stuffed to the brim with thick bacon chunks, large cubes of potatoes and egg. They were also prepared right, with all of the ingrediants cooked together.

If you find yourself at Curra's, do yourself a favor. Park your car, and walk next door to the trailer ... not the Greek place. Although that might be OK. You'll have to find out for yourself. I don't work for gyrojournalism.com, you know.

Taco N' Madre - 3 Stars - The Commish

628 E. Oltorf St

Austin, TX 78748

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:00pm. Saturday & Sunday 8am-2pm

Taco Art Installation at Mexic-Arte (Friday)

2011-06-15T22:34:00.007-05:00

So I just heard about a cool taco art installation happening this Friday at Mexic-Arte. Sounds cool, plus they'll be serving up some fancy tacos too! Stop by if ya can. I'll be there with la familia in tow.

Taco Art Performance Piece

Young Latino Artists 16: Thought

Cloud. The piece is by Jorge Galvan, a Houston-based sculptor, and he’ll be serving tacos as part of the piece.

Thought Cloud Public Reception

Mexic-Arte

Friday, June 17

7:00-10:00pm

RSVP at PR@Mexic-ArtMuseum.org

UP-grade!

2011-06-02T16:16:00.000-05:00

This post is an update on our original rave review of Taqueria Jaliscienses, aka "Funny Shape Taqueria".

As stated in the original review, this is a favorite restaurant of mine. The big news is that in the last year, they've started serving homemade flour tortillas. I've waxed on at tacojournalism.com about the superiority of freshly made flour tortillas as often as I've lamented the ubiquity of store bought in this town.

I loved the Funny Shape Taqueria dearly when they used store bought tortillas. They took care with the preparation of them, and in a town that puts little thought into it, they were still ahead. Now that they're making their own, they have become a place that must be on everyone's list of the best mexican restaurants in town. As far as Jalisco Style goes, I think this upgrade makes them the clear favorite.

The photo show the newly upgraded tortilla in it's natural habitat: hanging out with the Tuesday lunch special. "Flat Chicken Tuesday" is an excellent time to try this place. It is really, really hard to get a better plate of food for $5.50.

Taqueria Los Jaliscienses - upgraded to 5 stars

Cornbiter Deluxe