StreetMeat: Tacofino!

On a gray and pathetic day I trudged out of my way through the pouring rain to the Tacofino Blue truck on Burrard and Dunsmuir. Other than having to listen to the high-pitched whine of skanky-dressed tower hoes in front of me, the wait in line was tolerable. I picked up two fish tacos, which are battered and deep-fried ling cod topped with cabbage, fresh salsa, and chipotle mayo. After finding cover at a conveniently abandoned bus stop, I sat by all by myself in the cold and blissfully enjoyed my tacos. Nothing could ruin that moment. Not rain, not hoes, not the soul-sucking depression of winter. Nothing. 

                            Great fish, great textures, and the mayo is the kicker. Kills it. 

Ps. Hoes gotta eat too. 

Streetmeat: Cartel Tacos!

I am beyond stoked to finally be able to partake in some quality streetmeat from the mobile food vendor program. Located on the corner of Georgia and Burrard, the Korean tacos from Cartel are everything I could have hoped for. The two options, beef and pork (I had one of each), are marinated in whatever combination of  spices and sauces that is delicious. If you don't already know about it, the smell of the sizzling meat will draw you close. The soft 2-ply corn tacos are topped with either the beef or pork, then the onions and kimchi, for a combination of tastes that is close-your-eyes awesome. My only complaint is that there isn't anywhere to sit and enjoy your fare, unlike a hot-dog, a taco is a little harder to shove down your gullet while walking down the street.

Being a frequenter of La Taqueria 3+ times a week, Cartel is a worthy contender for Top Taco. 

Hi, My Name Is Gillian, And I'm Addicted To La Taqueria.

Call me a slut, but at the intersection of  Hastings and Hamilton is an establishment that I have no shame in admitting I frequent several times a week. This little hole-in-the-wall is the Pinche Taco Shop, La Taqueria, undoubtedly one of my favorite places in the city. I arrange my week based on when I can get my next fix, and spend the rest of my time dreaming about it.

One step up from a taco stand, it's the real deal.  Using authentic recipes, authentic ingredients, and authentic staff ; it makes you feel guilty for being white. Don't worry, every second of awkwardness while ordering (in my case, shamefully trying to pronounce the menu items with what I'm guessing is my terrible French accent), is worth it because the result is sinfully delicious. The service is quick and helpful and they adorably call me "Juliana" when they bring out the goods. I don't even know how many times I've forgotten to take pictures because as soon as I get that plate within reach my hands start to move and my mouth just can't say no.  
  

You can get four veggie tacos for $7.00 or four meat ones for $9.50. I usually get the same three veggie tacos: the Raja Con Crema (roasted peppers with creamed corn and cheese), the Frijoles Charros Con Queso (re-fried beans and cheese), the Picadillo (sauteed ground tofu in a secret recipe), and trade up my #4 option, usually vying for the Al Pastor (pork marinated in pineapple) or the special (lamb, chorizo, chicken in peanut sauce, etc.). The kicker is the double layer of homemade corn soft taco tortillas, this enables you to mush half of the guts into the second taco shell, optimizing the time spent eating. 

 

With about 15 seats of the stool/counter kind, the venue is cozy, colorful and decorated with the requisite Lady Guadalupe paraphernalia. If it's too busy and/or sunny outside, I recommend getting your tacos to go and eating them on the grass in Victory Square Park next door. With it's reputation, I know that if I can't convince you to check out La Taqueria, then someone else will.