La Esquina Tacos in Soho

La Esquina in new york city actually has 3 distinct areas to eat in (a taqueria, cafe, and a hidden brasserie downstairs). This post focuses on the upstairs taqueria. I have been to this place countless times as it a few blocks away from my office in Soho and my favorite sports bar, FireFly. Filled with scensters, models and actors it seems like I always catch a movie or shoot being filmed outside its doors. They serve a wide variety of tacos, tortas, a few salads and a kick ass tortilla soup. On this food adventure I'll share my taco tastings.

I started off with the lengua (that's cow tongue for the gringo). I used to love this when I was younger, the image of my mom pulling out a big whole nasty tongue out of a boiling pot will never leave me. Here they slice it up and then fry it on a black top. Its paired with avocado, black beans and cheese. It was mighty tasty if you can get over what you are actually eating.

Next one is actually my favorite on their menu. Its grilled achiote rubbed pork (spicy), pineapple chunks, cilantro, onions and salsa verde. Its like the Hawaiian pizza reincarnated into a taco. Que Ricooo. The last one is a traditional fish taco with shredded cabbage and salsa verde. Squeeze on that lime and the flaky fish calls apart in your mouth.


Its hard to find good Mexican food in new york, so when people ask me where to get a good taco in the city I generally send them to this place. For the ambiance, but even more so because the food really is that good. Good enough to justify paying almost 4 bucks for a taco ;)

-J

Taco Thursday at 7 star Deli

I know a good taco when I see one. So when I heard the little crap hole 7 Star Deli around the block from my office in Dumbo, Brooklyn was serving tacos on Thursdays, I was VERY skeptical. I arrived in the dirty deli with smiley Asian ladies behind the cash register with low expectations. I then moved to the deli counter, atop was a sheet of paper prompted up, stating, "Special: Taco Thursdays", well then, it was official, I'm in the right place. Bring it on. In addition to that sign, there was another stating something about a new chef. Dirty delis have chefs? who knew? There were two miniature Mexican cooks in the back, promising, very promising, considering I was looking for tacos.

There were 2 types, chicken (which was pre-cut and looked nasty), and pork. I looked down and saw a whole pork shoulder roasting in its own juices. Pork Please! They toasted the tortillas, and then chopped up perfectly chunked pieces of succulent hog to order. Then topped with freshly diced cilantro and white onion. They were served with an avocado sauce (also grub) and a fresh juicy lime wedge.

These tacos were LEGIT!! So tasty, just squeezed that lime over the top of that soft pork and smother them in avocado goodness. And for two bucks each a real deal.



I think I need to talk to the owner for some kind of kick back because I have half my office hooked on these tacos. Now I have something to look forward to on Thursday besides The Office.

-J