Hot Dish Review

Despite the fact that Cinco de Mayo is not a real holiday, it is one of my favorites. We all know it’s merely an excuse for Americans to celebrate what many think is Mexican Independence Day with all the traditional fare, especially tequila!

May 5th actually commemorates the unlikely victory of the Mexican Army over French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. So why not celebrate it on the 6th? That’s what we did….me, ST, MC, and B, just a few days before her birthday!

I used to make chicken taquitos for Cinco, but these days I make quesadillas with chicken, green chilis, black beans, and queso blanco, or my fancy caramelized onions, goat cheese and spinach version. And of course, what celebration would be complete without my kickass guacamole? You have surely tried it by now….shame on you if you haven’t. Uncle Julio’s has great chips that I get to go.

I purchased a bottle of Patron Silver (although I really wanted Herradura), so ST and I dosed ourselves prior to our arrival at the restaurant. A six pack of Corona Lite, limes, and pre-mixed lazy-ass margaritas that are actually quite good rounded out my pre-dinner drinking (I was sorta indecisive). El Taco makes a great margarita, the house is only $5.95….tangy and salty. I had one upon arrival.

When I don’t host a Cinco celebration at home I can be found on a patio at some Mexican restaurant in town. This year we went to El Taco.

Their chips are thin and light, served with very good white cheese dip, passable guacamole (people, please put cilantro, jalapenos, and tomato in your guac!), and an interesting selection of salsas on their salsa bar.

I usually like their red chili steak tacos and the chorizo tacos, both served in soft flour tortillas, but they weren’t as good as I remembered on this visit. Although I prefer soft corn tortillas, I’ve practically given up on finding authentic flavorful ones like in Mexico….guess I’ll have to wait ’til July to enjoy the real thing!

My man tried the pork carnitas tostadas. They photographed much better than the tacos (see above). All was good on their patio, although I wish that damn fan would malfunction!

Happy whatever de Mayo! And happy birthday B!