Just had my second, and last, visit to El Cuervo. This makes me sad because I love tacos and I want so badly to love El Cuervo, but they really just dont have what it takes.
My first time was at The Gathering at McHenry row. I waited 20min for duck tacos that were bland and dry. "It's late," I thought. I was convinced that if I had I hit the truck earlier in the evening, they wouldve blown me away. So, when I walked through Artscape, I hit El Cuervo first.
I waited in line for 10 min to order. Which doesnt sound long, until I mention there were only 3 people in front of me. The two women (mother & daughter maybe) who take the orders were having constant chats with each other about orders. Who's taking the orders here!? Why is each order taking twice as long!? None the less, I waited. I finally made it to the window and ordered: 2 shrimp tacos. No substitutions. No special requests. Straight off their menu shrimp tacos, as advertised.
I waited. And waited some more. I watched people ask where their food was. I watched the staff not give a shit about how unhappy people were. I waited a little more. At 25min, I watched not 1, not 2, but 4 people who ordered HUGE orders after my 2 measly shrimp tacos, get their orders before me. Still, I was patient. At 33min, I got my shrimp tacos.
Bland isnt even a strong enough word. BBQ shrimp and pork belly...sounds divine, right? Tasted like nothing. NO-THING. Tortillas were gummy. Shrimp was overcooked (not a surprise after waiting a half an hour). I'm still not sure if the pork was actually pork belly or shredded mushrooms. But, the best part was the corn. Rock hard, break your teeth, say goodbye to your crowns, did you dig these kernels out of a bag of bird food, corn. Nothing that hard should ever be placed in a meal for diners of the nan-aviary variety.
I'm convinced the only way this truck stays in business is from first timers at these truck gatherings. Do everyone involved a favor and pick another truck; save yourself the disappointment, and help put this truck out of its misery. read more