Comeeda

Author: Brandon Varnado

  • Taco Spot Review: Casa Latina Bakery Berkeley, CA

    Taco Spot Review: Casa Latina Bakery Berkeley, CA

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    Located on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, Casa Latina Bakery is a popular spot in the neighborhood. After driving by it so many times – en

    route from Oakland to Berkeley – it was time to finally check out this sometimes bustling taqueria.

    In the main dining hall, paintings of Frida Kahlo line the walls. The dining area has several tables along the wall and there are two larger tables in the middle of the dining room.  There is also a small platform/stage in the back of the room. It was not immediately clear if they ever have live music. (I hope they do).

    Casa Latina offers a variety of taco options. Their Tacos de Plaza are served with two small tortillas and with a choice of salsas: mild salsa fresca, medium green tomatillo salsa, and a spicy chile de Arbol salsa. Choices for taco fillings include Pollo Asado (grilled chicken), Carnitas (pork), Carne Asada (steak), Chorizo (Mexican pork sausage), Al Pastor (pork marinated in adobo seasoning), and Barbacoa (slow-cooked shredded beef).  In addition to Tacos de Plaza, Casa Latina has options such as Tacos Dorados, Taquitos de Papa (rolled potato tacos), a veggie taco (includes black beans, mushrooms and spinach), shrimp, grilled fish, and beer battered fish tacos.

    Outside of the tacos, Casa Latina offers expected taqueria options such as burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and pupusas. Being a bakery, there are also a number of baked goods available. As you walk into the restaurant, you’ll see display cases full of delicious looking baked goods. I am not well versed in Mexican pastries so on this visit I passed.

    casa latina display case

    One of the things I really liked when ordering was the cashier asking which level of heat I wanted for my tacos. Naturally, I requested the spicier salsa. I normally assume ‘spicy’ at a restaurant means they added a jalapeno to the salsa. The spicy salsa at Casa Latina was not the typical spicy. It was right kind of heat: just enough to feel your taste buds light up, but not enough to clear your sinuses.

    Asada X Chorizo X Barbacoa

    For this visit, I got 3 tacos: 1 Asada, 1 Chorizo, and 1 Barbacoa. These tacos were outstanding. On first look, I thought the steak was a little overdone but I think it was just the charring from the grill. The steak was tender and well-flavored. The Chorizo was pure spicy goodness. Paired with the spicy salsa it was heat heaven for a spice hound like myself. The barbacoa was a little disappointing. While the flavor was nice, I got mostly fat on my plate.

    All in all, I really liked Casa Latina’s well-prepared, bright, vibrant food. It’s an awesome place to host a group or to meet a friend. The restaurant is busy but not too loud. There was great artwork on the walls, as well as some good people watching out of the windows that look onto San Pablo Ave. While some of their offerings are pricier than other taquerias in the area ($6.50 for a fish taco), Casa Latina executes their dishes with authenticity and skill.  If you’re in the neighborhood and looking for a more refined taco experience you should check out Casa Latina.

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  • Book Review: TACOS: 75 Authentic and Inspired Recipes

    Book Review: TACOS: 75 Authentic and Inspired Recipes

    In my neverending quest to eat all the tacos, I am perpetually on the lookout for recipes to try at home. Enter TACOS: 75 Authentic and Inspired Recipes by Mark Miller. I was familiar with another cookbook of his The Great Salsa Book . I enjoyed the salsas that I’ve made from that cookbook and I thought, this fellow may be onto something.

    The book begins by chronicling how the author was introduced to the taco. Growing up in the New England area, Miller describes eating tacos during his summers in Guadalajara.

    “…this food was alive, colorful, aromatic, tasty, crunchy, juicy, and flavorful-as if I had crossed a new frontier of food experience. “ Miller describes.

    He goes on to detail his experiences with “fast food” and street food in the U.S. and the contrast from Mexico.

    “Tacos are much a part of daily social life in Mexcio as the Catholic Church” Miller writes.

    It is this awakening that has leads Miller to write not only this book on tacos but the “the great salsa book” and “…great chile book” respectively.  Miller’s inquisitive approach as well as his in-depth understanding of flavors has yielded some great recipes.  There are both traditional taco recipes as well as some non-traditional takes on the taco.

    His 16 ingredient tacos al pastor recipe calls for many classic Mexican ingredients. These ingredients play off of each other to give you a complexity of flavors that is as authentic as it can get, without having your own tompo. His carnitas recipes is almost the exact inverse with some simple seasoning that highlight the crispy pork flavor.

    Some of his nontraditional recipes include Thai shrimp tacos. These Thai inspired tacos have both a creamy consistency and some distinct heat that Thai chilies bring to any recipe.

    Taco fillings are broken down into six categories. Vegetables: Chicken and Fowl: Seafood: Pork: Beef Lamb, and Game: Breakfast. There are also chapters on salsas, sides, drinks and tortillas. Miller gives the readers and cooks a lot of options when deciding on which to cook.  His knowledge and culinary IQ shine throughout this cookbook. All of the recipes seem congruent and consistent to the authors sensibilities. I can image serving several recipes from this book for a gathering or an epic taco marathon.

    Overall I like the recipes that I experimented with in this cookbook and I can’t wait to try some more.

    You can buy a copy of TACOS: 75 Authentic and Inspired Recipes

     

  • Taco Spot Review: Cowbell Taqueria Union City

    Taco Spot Review: Cowbell Taqueria Union City

    Cowbell Taqueria is located in a strip mall off of Industrial Parkway and Whipple Rd in Union City. This clean, modern taqueria’s fresh ingredients and flavorful fillings delight customers. First impressions, when I walked in,  I noticed how clean it is. I chose to take this as a good sign. In the restaurant, there were about 12 tables with bench seating.

    Behind the counter, there are 3 large flat screen TVs that display the menu. To be honest, it is not the most extensive menu I’ve seen, but all the standards are there: Tacos, Burritos, Enchiladas etc. At the end of the counter was a salsa bar with tortilla chips and a variety of salsas. (For this visit I tried their habanero salsa.)

    I ordered 5 tacos for this trip. Chicken x Chorizo x Carnitas x Pastor x Steak. The standouts in this lineup were the steak and the chorizo. I really liked all the tacos here. They came out piping hot off the grill. All of the ingredients were fresh and flavorful. And me being a pepper heard adding the habanero salsa took it to another level of deliciousness.

    I liked everything that I had on my visit here. Offering classic taco options Cowbell Taqueria is a gem in this tucked away location. If you are in the area this is absolutely worth a try. You won’t regret it.

  • Taco Spot Review: The Burrito Truck Emeryville Califronia

    Taco Spot Review: The Burrito Truck Emeryville Califronia

    The Burrito Truck Emeryville Logo

    The bright red/orange caught the corner of my eye while driving down San Pablo Avenue in Emeryville. As I walked up, I realized that the name and the truck looked super familiar. It took a moment and I realized that it used to be stationed at a gas station on San Pablo Avenue in North Oakland. The Burrito Truck had been recommended to me, but like food trucks do sometimes, it had mysteriously disappeared from its previous location.

    The Burito Truck – Emeryville
    The Burrito Truck Emeryville Menu

    Although the name is The Burrito Truck, as you could guess, I was there for the tacos. On this trip, I got 5 tacos in total: one asada, one chorizo, one chicken, one suadero, and one carnitas. Of the 5, I felt that the chicken and suadero were the best. The chicken was nice and juicy with a subtle sear, while the suadero was super tender and flavorful. I was not as impressed with the chorizo taco. I was expecting a little more heat. With that said, all of the tacos were well prepared and fresh off the griddle. They come served with jalapenos, radish, pickled carrots, and a lime wedge. The food did seem to come out at a pretty smooth pace.

    I arrived there just before the lunch rush. There are several warehouses and office buildings within walking distance, so by the time I left there was a steady stream of customers. There are a few small colorful stools near the truck for people to sit outside and enjoy their food. Otherwise, there is no seating.

    The Burrito Truck Emeryville

    Overall this is a really solid truck. The fillings were super flavorful. The truck is parked right along the Emeryville greenway so you could ride your bike over if you’re in the neighborhood. The truck also accepts debit/credit, which is nice. This seems like a great spot to get your taco (or burrito) fix if you work in the area.

    It looks like The Burrito Truck is primarily a Monday – Friday taco spot. They are parked across from 1255 67th Ave from 10 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday.

  • Food Grails – South L.A.’s African American Taco Movement

    Food Grails – South L.A.’s African American Taco Movement

    I came across this video after checking out one of my favorite youtube shows Hot Ones.  Food Grails hosted by Miss Info, puts the spotlight on some underground trends in the food world. I was especially interested in this episode for obvious reasons.

    “In episode 1, Miss Info meets a group of young, charismatic African-American entrepreneurs from Watts, South L.A, and Compton who are shaking up the taco scene, finding new meaning in L.A.’s iconic street food. Find out how upstarts like All Flavor No Grease and Taco Mell are making a name for themselves, and why rapper Casey Veggies says, “The food game turned into the rap game.”

    This is a super interesting trend in L.A.’s food culture. All across the country, people celebrate the weekly tradition of Taco Tuesday. It only seems natural as tacos are not only a part of Mexican culture, they have become a part of American culture as well.

     

     

  • Meetup with Comeeda

    Meetup with Comeeda

    We are super excited to announce our Meetup group. “Lets Taco bout It Bay Area”  We are looking for taco enthusiasts and those who are simply taco curious to explore the bay area’s many taco trucks, taquerias and pop-ups. If you are interested in checking out the group follow the link below.

  • Book Review: Tacopedia

    Book Review: Tacopedia

    Tacopedia by Deborah Holtz and Juan Carlos Mena explores the many elements that make up everyone’s favorite food, TACOS! This book unravels the taco’s many incarnations and origins. Tacopedia is the best possible name for this book: sprinkled with facts, anecdotes and illustrations, Tacopedia is a super interesting read. There is no overarching narrative, which makes it great for reading small chunks over time. Much like Encyclopedia Britannica, there is no way to digest all the information that makes up this book. It is an awesome work that dives deep into taco culture and is simply fabulous for taco-philes like myself.

    Photo By: Kitzia Sámano

    The book is broken down into 3 parts: 1) Whetting Your Appetite, 2) It’s Taco Time, and 3) Meet the family. Part 1 focuses on the origins of the taco. Filled with awesome images and descriptions, this section gives readers a great introduction to the taco. This section describes multiple strands of corn among other ingredients that are used to create to tortillas. There are also illustrations of animals and the cuts of meats that are used for different types of tacos.

    Photo by: Kitzia Sámano

    Part 2 – It’s Taco Time – is the real meat of the book. (get it :p) This section breaks down all the aspects that make up the many types of tacos. Holtz and Mena describe the preparation of each taco. For example, there is a description of al pastor tacos. They go into detail about origins including where the upright grill as well as the inclusion of pineapple. The book also lists their favorite spots in Mexico to taste al pastor tacos.

    Part 3 – Meet the Family – focuses on dishes that are variations on tacos. These dishes include enchiladas, quesadillas, and tlayudas. They describe some regional origins as well as regional specialties.

    Photo by: Kitzia Sámano

    It’s amazing how much one dish can encapsulate a culture. While it seems like an ambitious project to take on, it all works in Tacopedia. There is history, there are recipes, and there are restaurant recommendations in the book. I think this is a great resource for people looking to learn more about tacos and Mexican cuisine.

    Photo by: Kitzia Sámano
  • 24 Awesome Taco Profiles To Follow On Instagram

    24 Awesome Taco Profiles To Follow On Instagram

    It’s National Taco Day!!!! As a certified tacophile, I thought this would be a good opportunity to put the spotlight on some of the people spreading taco love all year. I have chosen some of my favorite profiles that keep tacos front and center. I hope you find some new taco pages to enjoy. You can check out Comeeda’s instagram page HERE

     #1 @tacosandjokes

    Meme page sharing all kinds of taco-focused pics and comedy.

    #2 @pizzavstacos

    In my opinion there is no debate here. TACOS > Pizza everyday, ALL DAY. In any case, this is still a fun page that shares some pizza and taco love.

    #3 @drinkinbrostacos

    Very active profile with hilarious taco-centric memes and some great pics of tacos. Follow if you’d like to support taco awareness.

    #4 @tomeatingtacos

    This page is about a guy named Tom who really likes tacos. He is making his way around SoCal one taco at a time. Each post is made up of 3 parts: 1. where he is, 2. rating of the tacos eaten, and 3. how long it took to eat.

    #5 @tacosinla

    Los Angeles is a great place for taco hunting. This taco connoisseur uses their page to share the journey.

    #6 @dailytacochallenge

    A taco a day keeps the hunger away. Eating a taco every day since Feb ’17.

    #7 @trailsandtacos

    What’s better than tacos after a nice hike?  Tacos before a hike, and tacos during a hike.

    #8 @sb_tacos_

    Instatacos from the Santa Barbara area.

    #9 @taquitosmx

    Mexico-based taocgram account showcasing authentic Mexican tacos.

     #10 @tacosoftexas

    Taco journalists eating their way through the Texas taco scene. Authors of Austin Breakfast Tacos. Get it HERE

    #11 @tacosnbikinis

    Miami sisters showcasing bikinis, tacos, and the South Beach lifestyle.

    #12 @tacoshapedheart

    I like to believe we all have taco shaped hearts. Mine is carnitas btw.

    #13 @tacosinsf

    Traveling through San Francisco and eating all the tacos.

    #14 @letstacoboutit_chi

    Documenting the tacos of Chicago (and suburbs).

     #15 @letstacoboutitpgh

    Tacogram featuring tacos from Pittsburgh, PA.

    #16 @talkinthetacos

    San Antonio tacos never looked so good.

    !

    #17 @tacotuesdaytourcle

     Didn’t realize Cleveland tacos were a thing. I must investigate further. Weekly taco tours of Cleveland, OH.

     

    #18 @girlstalktacos

    As a bit of a taco stalker myself, I can appreciate this page.

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    #19 @tacoboutitnyc

    NYC is an underrated taco town. This page will show you why.

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    #20 @tacodong

    Tacos tacos tacos everyday. Tacocentric page showcasing everyone’s favorite food.

    #21 @taco.gang

    Bang Bang Taco Gang. Spreading taco love across the internet.

    #22 @taconationofficial

    Creators of Taconation.com out of San Antonio, TX.

    #23 @tacogear

    If you need some taco inspired fashion, this should be your first stop.

     #24  @tacosallthetime

    This page likes tacos all the time, tacos all the time, tacos all the time.

     

     

     

  • Elvia’s Sazon Serves Up Tacos With A Side Of Love

    Elvia’s Sazon Serves Up Tacos With A Side Of Love

    Elvia’s Sazon serves up Tacos with a side of love

     

    As I am a writer for a taco focused blog, you would probably guess that I have seen my fair share of tacos. I’ve seen tacos overloaded with fillings, dripping with cheese. Then there are the tacos with unique fillings like mac and cheese or turkey and gravy. One day, while perusing Instagram, I came upon a plate of tacos with a beautiful purple back drop. Nothing unusual, but a picture that immediately made me think: “I want to eat that.” I checked out the profile and it was from a place I was not familiar with – Elvia’s Sazon in Richmond, California. Being from the Richmond area, I thought I knew all the spots to go. Oh, was I wrong.

    @elviassazon on IG

    And just like that, I was on another taco adventure…

     

    This past Sunday I took a trip out to the Richmond Flea Market to find the taquero responsible for those tacos. (Note: The Richmond Flea Market runs from 7am -4pm Saturdays and Sundays – and you will find a couple hundred vendors selling pretty much anything you can think of.) Nestled in the middle of the market is where I find Elvia’s Sazon under a red-roofed canopy next to tables draped with purple tablecloths.

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    On this trip I got two steak tacos and two chicken tacos. Both of them were outstanding!  The tacos came with the expected accouterments: green onions, cilantro, and salsa. The salsa roja accentuated the flavors of the filling while balancing the textures of the taco. The addition of grilled onions on the side (which more taqueros need to do), definitely took everything up a notch. It added a sweet element to the taco that I really, really liked.

    Other items on the menu include enchiladas and tacos dorados. I also sampled their aguas frescas and I was absolutely blown away. To describe the horchata in a word: addictive. The pineapple aguas frescas was unbelievable.

    While ordering, it took no time to understand that this is a family affair. I had the opportunity to speak Elvia during my visit and she explained how her business came to be.

     

    “They (her family) are the reason I still cook” Elvia explains.

     

    Elvia came out of retirement to revive her business at the urging of her children. She agreed to restart her business under one condition: that they would help too. That is exactly what’s happening: three generations working hard to bring everything together. Elvia, her daughters, son-in law, and grandchildren are all pitching in to do their part.

     

    During our conversation I asked if I could take a picture of her – she agreed, as long as I took a picture of the whole family.

     

    At the time of this article the revival of Elvia’s Sazon, is less than 2 months in. And with a a few good tacos and a lot of love they I predict the are do really well. They are located at the Richmond Flea Market 716 W Gerrude Ave, Richmond California 94801 on Sundays 9:30am-4pm. I am not a demanding person, but I strongly suggest you check out this East Bay gem.

     

     

     

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  • Taco Spot Review: El Mezcal Taqueria, San Lorenzo

    Taco Spot Review: El Mezcal Taqueria, San Lorenzo

    On this taco trip I got a chance to visit El Mezcal Taqueria in San Lorenzo, California.

    I first noticed this taco spot while driving down Hesperian Blvd on my way to Kennedy Park. Driving by, the first thing that stood out to me was the sign outside for their 99 cent Taco Tuesday promotion. I immediately checked my calendar and realized that it was not Tuesday 🙁 but that little voice in my head reminded me “Tacos are for everyday.” So, with that, I decided to make a stop. Walking up to the building, it looks like an old school Taco Bell.  Then I noticed the active drive through window and it made me think about chalupas, gorditas, and Doritos locos tacos.

    When you walk in, you see a huge kitchen behind the counter. As far as seating, there is both indoor and outdoor seating available: a couple of booths and tables inside, and four or five tables with umbrellas on the patio. It definitely feels like a nice place to sit out and enjoy the tacos on your lunch break or in the early evening hours.

    The menu at El Mezcal includes classic taqueria options: tacos, quesadillas, tortas, etc.  Choices of meat for tacos include: Asada, Pastor, Pollo, Carnitas, Chile Verde, Lengua, Cabeza, Chorizo, and Cammarones. Regular tacos are $2.10 and super tacos are $4.25. Chips and salsa are free with your order.  You also have the option to add two red salsas, one green salsa, and some pickled jalapenos and carrots.

    I got 4 tacos: Asada, Carnitas, Chorizo, and Pollo. First off, the tacos are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. There’s the almost golden color of the tortillas, the the nice browning on the all the all the meats, plus the green cilantro, red salsa, and white onion almost looks like a Mexican flag on your plate. Not only were the tacos well plated and well presented, they taste good. The chicken has a lot of nice flavors – it was obviously marinated for several hours before getting on the grill; the chorizo had hints of spice that you can take up or down with your choice of salsa; the carnitas was nice and crispy like I like it, while keeping the distinct pork flavor; and the asada was solid as well.

    This is definitely a place to check out if you’re ever in the area. Quality food, good presentation, and good construction of a taco. With the indoor and outdoor seating, this place could easily handle a group of friends.

    This review has been for the Hesperian Location. El Mezcal also has 2 other locations listed below.

    El Mezcal Taqueria Hesperian    18502 Blvd  Hesperian Blvd San Lorenzo, CA 94580

    El Mezcal Taqueria Lewelling   5 E Lewelling Blvd  San Lorenzo, CA 94580

    El Mezcal Taqueria Harder    194 Harder Rd, Hayward, CA 94544