angry start

I just got back from mexico and the tacos here suck! In fact all of the food kind of does. I have been meaning to write about food for a while and so now i am ready. our standards on food ensure that we will have a safe and mediocre experience every time, no more, no less. the food that is alright here is overpriced at best, and in a more expensive meal, more of the money goes for the surroundings than the food. even on the low end in this town, the cheaper mexican food is most often better than the more expensive, so what is justifying the higer price? something is wrong with the way we eat and it can be viewed from any number of angles which are to be reviewed here.

Since i have to start somewhere, let's start with mexican food. here is a list of the better taquerias and tiendas, and what is recomended at each place. rarely does one single location prepare it all well in portland for lack of labor on hand and multiple isolated grill stations. the ratings apply to portland only and is not to be compared to mexico or even california.

Yesenyas on 68th and powel serves up some decent chicken milanesa and pollo azado. the tortas or tacos are good as the bread and tortillas are produced on hand. check out the tienda side while you are there.

El Pato Feliz on 92nd just off of foster has some of the better al pastor and chorizo in town, more traditional than most. the carnitas and azada tacos are pretty good also, and if the beef caldo is on special then chek it out. the salsa bar is always enjoyable.

La Pasadita on 82nd serves up some good azada, carnitas, and some passable al pastor. the sope is one of my favorite in this town and the guarache isnt bad either. the salsa was nice and spicy the last couple times i have been, though it has fluctuated in the past; always delicous though. this spot has beer which is nice.

4 caminos on fourth plain in vancuver has become one of my favorite spots around. the azada is well executed, tender and marinated, going well in a regular azada taco, tijuana taco, or al carbon taco. this is the only al carbon taco i know of around here, it is quite delicous actually. also dont miss the al pastor, it varies a bit from day to day but when it is good it is quite good. the salsa is good and picante, though the tomatillos could be rendered further to cut the acidity. beer here.

Update: This place has changed cooks and the food has suffered greatly. The al carbon no longer much more than a tomato mess, the pastor and chorizo commonly overcooked.
autentica is a newer trendy upscale type of spot. the marinade on thier al pastor is in the right direction though the texture is still not there. the carnitas are a little heavy on the lime but are quite good. the puerco frito tostada is to be tried aswell. i was pleasently suprised by this place, though it is overpriced.

Lindo michoacan on 34th and division has a pretty mean sope and some good azada. the al pastor is not of the traditional variety but is tasty none the less.

Tienda de leon on 164th has my favorite carnitas around. they also have countless other roasts which i have not had the chance to try yet. the first place that i have seen salsa macha in this town aswell, it is made in a blender rather than by morder and pestal which is understandable for production, but the flavor is right on. check out the tienda and bulk deals on food while you are there.

Cha Cha Cha on hawthorne shocked the hell out of me last week. i was drunk on mezcal and stumbled in after seeing the rotisserie outside. i began to talk to the main dude in spanish and told him that i had just got back from the df, i asked him where he was from and he said df. the challenge was on. i ordered two al pastor tacos and he called his pinche from the kitchen who went straight to the spit and made my tacos to order and to my surprise they were very passable, even the texture was close which is the number one problem here with this style. i cant even believe that i am giving a compliment to this place as i have always found every element of it and its kind to be laughable. it is a burrito bar for white people who hate salsa and love sour cream! i will have to try it again to be sure.

Ochoas in Hillsboro is a journey worth while. the house special is always fun and varies each time, a glorious plate of multiple entrées.

Mi Tierra is the tienda right next to ochas. On sunday they serve up a great taco spread outside, a front runner for tacos al pastor and others.

Mi pueblo just off of 82nd on king road has pretty good spanish rice (which is uncommon) and fresh tortillas made to the order. the menu has changed a few times and the available taco selection is not always great. i might recomend an asada plate or another cut with tortillas on the side. the interior is nicely painted which creates a lovely atmosphere. full bar.

In no way is this a complete listing of places around, but these are the spots that i tend to freequent (exept for cha cha cha). i will comment on many more locations soon though most reviews are not positive ones.