How do I love thee, La Mexicana? Let me count the ways. I’m really excited because I’m starting rehearsal for Hamlet with Falcon Theater, but also because we’re rehearsing at the theater, which is two doors down from my favorite Mexican restaurant in town, La Mexicana. It’s my gold standard. Nada? Their tacos taste like La Mexicana’s, but their guacamole just doesn’t hold up. Oh, and it’s about 1/4 the price. See? I’m a purist.
I can’t remember the first time I went to La Mexicana. It had to be during a show at Falcon, but I swear I’ve never been the same since. I crave their green salsa and barbacoa tacos. Oh, and their spicy guacamole. And the fact that the guys who work there flirt with me incorrigably. That’s just a bonus.
Anyway, their food is pretty darn authentic, and didn’t change when they were purchased by a different family. The tortillas are corn, and for the tacos, fried until a little crispy around the edges (but still soft). The burritos are as big as your head, and filled with your choice of meat and other toppings. The tacos are cheeseless, covered in a mound of chopped onion, some cilantro, garnished with lime and filled with your choice of meats.
Oh, sure, you can have carne asada or something else typical (my favorite is the barbacoa), but it’s the only place I know of in town where you can get goat (birria) or tripe (tripa) tacos, too. I haven’t been brave enough to order them yet. When I do, you can be sure I’ll post about it. The barbacoa is rich and a little spicy, incredibly tender and very flavorful. Two tacos is more than enough– yet they have chips and guacamole (very chunky, with big chunks of jalapeno and tomatoes and all sorts of good stuff) and amazing green salsa (which I’ve tried to duplicate and will discuss in a later post). It’s easy to overeat at La Mexicana. Two tacos, a medium guacamole (for sharing!) and a soda runs about $12, which isn’t bad– two can easily eat for under $25, with tip.
While you’re there, slip into the back where there’s a good-sized Mexican grocery store, where you can buy just about any of your Mexican and other Hispanic groceries. Terry’s favorite are the Bimbo donuts. I try not to take offense.
(Thanks to stevec77 on Flickr for this photo)
