Comeeda

Tag: tacos

  • A Brief History of Tacos Al Pastor

    A Brief History of Tacos Al Pastor

    This simple but complex dish has captured the hearts of people all over the world. Some people call even it the pinnacle of Mexican cuisine. It is the most famous dish from Mexico City: Tacos Al Pastor, truly the perfect blend of sweet and spicy goodness.

    Al Pastor Tacos

    Tacos Al Pastor is really the result from a clash of cultures. Using the vertical spit is very reminiscent of the shwarma or the Turkish kebab.  Mexicans adopted this form of spit roasting from Arab and Lebanese immigrants that came over in the 19th and 20th centuries.

    The earliest photo of the vertical spit is dated 1855.

    Al Pastor, which literally translates to “shepard style.” get’s its name from its original filling of lamb.  Over time locals replaced the lamb with the more common pork and the pita was replaced with the omnipresent tortilla. There are still places where you can find more middle eastern style pastor. Made with lamb on pita bread topped with onion and cilantro these “Oriental” or “Arab” tacos”(tacos arabes) were introduced in 1930s and 1940s and are still popular in Puebla and Mexico City.

    Ultimately, there are a few main components that make up a successful Al Pastor taco: the trompo “vertical spit”, the salsa, and the pineapple. Traditionally, al pastor is made with  spices, achote, chiles, and  is marinated for hours. Then the pork is layered on a vertical spit. The leaner cuts of meat and the fattier cuts are alternated to keep the meat tender during the cooking process.

    As far as salsa goes, the correct amount of heat is key. There have been plenty of Al Pastor tacos ruined by a bland salsa. The salsa, in combination with onions and cilantro, play up the spicy and savory notes in the pork.

    The pineapple is what takes Al Pastor tacos to the next level. The sweetness cuts through the salsa and pork to give it a fresh element that balances the entire taco.The play of savory, spicy sweet all there in a taco, the perfect vehicle to deliver flavor.

    (Note: Don’t overlook the power of a good tortilla: a well-made, fresh tortilla will keep its pliable and soft texture to hold in all the ingredients.)

     

    Some Of Our Favorite Al Pastor Tacos

    Cassave Restaurant

    5412 San Pablo Ave

    Emeryville, CA 94608

    (510) 601-1653

    http://www.cassaverestaurant.com/

     

    Cassave is not technically in Oakland but this taqueria serves a really nice pastor taco with some great flavors

    Tacos El Gordo

    4201 International Blvd

    Oakland Ca 94601

    Tacos El Gordo roasted on a traditional trompo. Tacos El Gordo is an institution serving delicious tacos to one and all.

     

    El Novillo

    1001 Fruitvale Blvd (Guadalajara Restaruant Parking Lot)

    Oakland,Ca 94602

    Popular truck in the fruitvale neighborhood. Slinging delcious pastor all day.

     

    Tacos Y Chelas

    Pop up in and around Oakland. Check them out on instagram @tacosychelasoak to find out where they will be.

  • Tacos on a Tuesday with Tacos El Precioso

    Tacos on a Tuesday with Tacos El Precioso

    Tacos El Precioso @ Eli’s Mile High Club

     

    I recently caught up with Devin Gonzalez – owner of Tacos El Precioso – at his regular Tuesday pop up at Eli’s Mile High Club, a bar / music venue on Martin Luther King Blvd in Oakland, CA. I know what you’re thinking…tacos on a Tuesday?! What can I say? I like to live on the edge. 😛

    “How did all of this start?”

    Having worked in restaurants, people close to him encouraged him to start his own thing.

    “…they would tell me you can really do this, your food is good!”

     

    And so, after some more urging, Devin decided to give it a go. Tacos El Precioso has been up and running for about a year. Gonzalez is working hard to fill out his schedule with pop ups at local bars, business, and private events. He has pop ups around Oakland throughout the month, including pop ups @ Temescal Brewing Company and a Vegan Pozole Pop Up @ Hasta Muerta Coffee.

    The name Taco El Precioso comes from a nickname that his grandmother gave to him as her first grandchild. (Precioso meaning precious.)

    “It’s tacos, you can’t take it too seriously, so why not?” Devin explains.

    Vegan Pozole – Tacos El Precioso

    It’s with that approach Gonzalez handles his business and his food: nothing too pretentious, just good food. But sometimes Gonzalez needs a little assist with the pop up and on this Tuesday, his friend Shelly helps whip up food while Andrea handles the orders.

     

    “We’re all friends!” they tell me, and that comes shining through when you talk with them, as well as the way they work together.

     

    But now, let’s talk food. On the menu the evening of my visit were carne asada, cauliflower pastor, chicken tinga, shrimp ceviche tostada, vegan pozole, and Mexican ice cream sandwiches. I did not indulge in the ice cream sandwiches this time around (sad, I know  )

    Asada X Cauliflover Pastor X Chicken Tinga – Tacos El Precioso

    I’ll start by saying these tacos were gorgeous. The colors, the smells: it was a thing of beauty. Everything I ate was high quality and super flavorful. If I had to choose, the standouts for me were the chicken tinga taco and the shrimp ceviche tostada. The chicken tinga almost melted in your mouth, with a rich, hearty flavor in the chicken and a hint of sweetness on the back end.

    Shrimp Ceviche – Tacos El Precioso

    The ceviche was super light and gave a nice burst of freshness to accompany my beer. The softness of the shrimp combined with the crunch of the tostada made for the perfect bite. Oh, and then there was the cauliflower pastor. You don’t say? Its good – trust me.

     

    Devin Gonzalez (center) gets an assist from friends Shelly (left) and Andrea (right)

     

    Had a great time during my visit. Next time I’ll have to try the ice cream sandwhiches.Overall I find that the crew that makes up Tacos El Precioso is just a good group of people making really good food – and having some fun while doing it.

    You can catch Taco El Precioso at their weekly pop up @ Eli’s Mile High Club.

    To schedule Tacos El Precioso for your next event, go to tacosperciso.com 

    Be sure to follow them on INSTAGRAM: @tacoselprecioso.

  • What are Birria Tacos?

    What are Birria Tacos?

    Birria is a spicy stew originally made with goat meat. However today, it can be made with beef, veal, pork or chicken. Birria comes from the Mexican state of Jalisco. The city of Cocula, Jalisco is considered the birthplace of the dish.

    Restaurants or street carts that serve birria are known as birrierias and exist throughout Mexico, but especially in Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara.

    Defintion: “birriero” (birria maker)

    Birria is often served at celebrations such as weddings quinceaneras, baptisms and other holidays like Christmas and Easter. It also has a reputation as a hangover remedy so it normally eaten in the mornings and early afternoon.

    Preparation techniques vary, but the dish is often served with corn tortillas, onion, and lime. Traditionally, the meat is marinated in adobo spices. Neighboring Mexican states have their own variations of the dish: ex. (the birria estilo Zacatecas of Zacatecas and the birria de Colima of Colima)

     Birria Recipes From Around The Web

    The Spruce — Mexican Tacos de Birria Recipe

    The Latin Kitchen — Traditional Birria

    Half baked Harvest — Birria Puffy Tacos

  • 21 Awesome Taco Inspired Gift Ideas

    21 Awesome Taco Inspired Gift Ideas

    It’s that time of year again when we all rack our brains to find the perfect gift to get for friends, family, and even coworkers. It’s time consuming and often stressful to find a good gift. For this post, I’d thought I would let you in on a little secret. No matter who you are shopping for, TACOS are the answer.

     

    Here is our list of 21 Awesome Taco Inspired Gift Ideas.

     

    1. Socksmith Crew Socks

    I know what you’re thinking. Socks? Yes, Socks!! We all put our tacos on 1 foot at a time right? 😉 These taco themed socks will add some personality to anyone’s wardrobe.

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    2. Taco Takeover Board Game

    Ready, set, TACO! Take an order ticket, grab a taco shell and be the first to STUFF IT with all the correct toppings!

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    3. I’m Sorry This Mug Isn’t A Taco

     P.S. I’m sorry this post is not a taco. But I love this mug.

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    4. Sloth Eating Tacos  Wall Art

    Tacos, Margaritas, and a sloth in a sombrero. This colorful art piece has it all and is sure to please.

       

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    5. Tacosaurus Taco Holder

    Raahhhrgh!!! Grab one or more of these for the tacosaurus in your life.

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    6. Taco Cufflinks

    Let everyone know you mean business with these handmade taco cufflinks.

      

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    7. #Tacolife Adult Coloring Book

    When you need to fill time between eating tacos, relieve some stress with this taco themed adult coloring book.

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    8. The Taco Cleanse

    The Taco Cleanse is not only for those looking to detox for weight loss, it includes over 75 vegan friendly taco recipes.

        

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    9. Taco Bout Awesome Baby Outfit

    Let’s take a moment to taco bout which baby needs this outfit.

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    10. Merry Tacos

    The perfect shirt to gift or to wear for holiday parties and gatherings.

      

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    11. Tacos Tacos Tacos Tacos

    This retro styled is basically lists the top 4 things I think about daily.

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    12. Tracy The Taco Badge Holder

    This retractable badge holder is a great gift for a coworker or anyone that wears a name tag or badge for work. (i.e. nurses, teachers)

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    13. Happy Taco Push Squeaky Dog Toy

    Let’s be honest dogs like tacos too.

      

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    14. Breddos Tacos: The Cookbook: Epic Edible Plates

    “Enter the world of breddos Tacos and discover the ultimate in edible plates with this inspired, innovative taco cookbook”


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    15. Taco Truck Lunch Tote

    Bring your taco truck to work or send your little one to school with this fun luch tote.

     

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    16. Taco Shaped Accent Pillow

    Sometimes I just want to snuggle up next to a taco. Don’t you?


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    17. Dragons Love Tacos

    In case you didn’t know already, Dragons LOVE tacos..

     

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    18. Taco Print Gift Wrap

    If you want to all in on tacos. Wrap one of the taco themed items on list in this taco themed gift wrap.

     

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    19. Guerrilla Tacos: Recipes From The Streets Of LA

    “Avila’s approach stands out in a crowded field because it’s unique; the 50 base recipes in this book are grounded in authenticity but never tied down to tradition.”


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    20. Metal Taco Holder

    For the home taquero. Help them elevate their presentation with these metal taco holders.

      

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    21. Cord Taco

    Tacos can even keep you organized. Keep a handle on charger cords, headphones, and other items with a cord taco.

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  • 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.

  • 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.

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    #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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  • Woman Stops at Every Taco Spot on 10K Route

    Woman Stops at Every Taco Spot on 10K Route

    Writer Anna Orso originally wanted to compete in the Philly 10k. Her plan was to obtain a bib last minute if someone dropped out. That didn’t happen. However, That’s when a stroke of pure genius hit her.

    “I mapped out the official course and found a whole bunch of taco joints that were either directly on the route, or just a block or two off of it. Wednesday morning, I put on my stretchiest pants and my loosest tank top and started my own version of the Philly 10K — one in which I vowed to walk the entire 6.2 miles and stop to eat a taco at every single Mexican spot I came across along the way.”

    Orso observed the time honored tradition of eating tacos rather than exercising. It is documented common knowledge that the next best thing to running a 10k is eating tacos. In fact, the next best thing to almost anything is to eat tacos. Altogether she ate 14 tacos in about 5 hours. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

    You can read about her entire journey by clicking below

    Click here [via Billy Penn]

     

     

  • Corners Café – 8711 MacArthur Blvd Oakland California 94605

    Corners Café – 8711 MacArthur Blvd Oakland California 94605

    The space inside Corners Café is bright and welcoming. Walking in, you definitely get the vibe that this is a community café. Employees from Youth Uprising next door, as well students were there enjoying the atmosphere. Out the windows you could see kids working on their tricks at the skate park and kids playing tag in the grass in front of the building.

     

    Corners Café shares a building with Youth Uprising

     

    There are a lot of things to like about Corners Café. They source local and sustainable ingredients. Aside from tacos, the menu includes breakfast and lunch options such as burgers, salads, etc. Nestled in the corner are nice couches where customers can sit and relax. There are a few tables for seating that would be awesome to order a coffee and relax with a book.

    But, let’s make no mistake; I was there for there for the Tacos. ((((HEAD’S UP at the time of this writing, tacos are only available as a special on Tuesdays.)))) As a part of their Taco Tuesdays, there are 4 options: Steak, Chicken, Veggie, and Shrimp.  On this visit, I went with 2 steak and 2 chicken.  Both the chicken and the steak are served on warmed – almost crispy – white corn tortillas that have melted cheese. They are then topped with a mild red salsa, red onion, and cilantro.  

    The tacos lean more to the milder side when it comes to heat. The steak is well cooked with a real melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The chicken was moist with some deep, rich flavors that are highlighted by the mix of cilantro, onion, and salsa. Overall, the tacos were great. They are a great value for $1.25 each.

    2 Steak, 2 Chicken Tacos

     

    Corners Café is a branch of Youth Uprising’s social enterprises.  Youth Uprising is an NGO whose mission is “to transform East Oakland into a healthy and economically robust community by developing the leadership of youth and young adults and improving the systems that impact them.”

     

    You can find out more about their programs by visiting http://www.youthuprising.org/

     

     

  • San Jose Taco Festival of Innovation 2017

    San Jose Taco Festival of Innovation 2017

    Moveable feasts put on their 6th annual taco festival of innovation. The festival featured over 20 food trucks all serving everyone’s favorite food, TACOS!! There were Indian tacos, Korean tacos, ice cream tacos and a dozen versions including standard Mexican fare. The festival was held at  History Park in San Jose. The ticket cost for presale was $10 general admission or $35 for and unlimited craft beer tasting pass.

    As is the key to most things in life, to have the most enjoyable experience you need to get there early. So, that is exactly what I did. Early in the festival, the lines were pretty short. I sampled one taco from this truck and another from this truck and had a pretty good time bouncing around. I enjoyed some Lucha Libre wrestling, sampled some hot sauce things were pretty great. In all honesty, there were some AWESOME tacos to be eaten at this event.

    Overall I was really impressed with this event. The location was amazing. There was plenty of spots to sit in the grass to sit as well plenty of tables and paint buckets to rest and enjoy taco goodness. Lucha Libre wrestling performances were terrific for families to enjoy, and for those in a dancing mood. there was a stage with live music.  But I digress, let taco bout the tacos.

    A couple of the standouts included a lobster taco from the We Sushi truck. The tortilla was crisped making it more of a tostada. The crunch of the tostada and the softness of the lobster made this a homerun.  Other standouts were the chipotle honey taco from the game day truck, the Conchita pibil taco from /taco Moz. However, the taco that drew the longest line throughout the day was the fried cheese taco. Fried cheese taco? YES! Fried cheese tacos.  And I have to say they did not disappoint. The tacos were served on a flour tortilla a fired layer of cheese encased your choice of filling (Asada, chicken, carnitas) and topped with avocado cilantro and crema.

     

    It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood. I personally could wander around and eat tacos all day everyday. The were some awesome local vendors. Shoutout Hella Hot Hot Sauce. (i have regained feeling in my tounge) The people hosting as well as the event goers were super friendly and fun to talk with. What else would you expect? All I’m saying is, Tacos make people happy. Can’t wait to check out this festival again next year.